ReaperCon Cosplay

[JackMann]

So, we have about two months right now to prepare our cosplay options.  I thought it might be useful to have a thread where we discuss our ideas and perhaps seek suggestions.

 

Myself, I'm basically at the ground state on my costume.  I have some accessories I can put to the purpose, but no overall idea, except for the Con's Western theme.

 

Assets:

Broad-brimmed black leather hat, somewhat cowboyish.

Black safari vest, replete with pockets for storing assorted items.

Two TA-57 Soviet Field Telephones.

Assorted souvinirs from Afghanistan

Hats in various styles

Khaffiyeh and Aqal, here modeled by a tonberry, and various knives

Two feline assistants

 

 

The obvious costume would be something Lawrence-of-Arabia-like, maybe buying a dishdasha.  However, that doesn't fit in with the convention's western theme.  I do have some westernish hats, but I don't have much to make a western costume stand out.  I could perhaps try to convert the field telephones into something more steampunkish, and go from there.

 

Any thoughts?

[ShadowRaven]

I'm just raiding my closet and work gear. Western shirt? check. Jeans? check Boots? check hat? check. spurs? check and check. leather roping cuffs? also check? faux silk neckerchief? check. I think I'm good.

 

 

I would suggest leaving the guns, and the feline assistants behind. That knife in the back on your shelf might work well for something though.

[JackMann]

I should mention the guns are non-functional, even if I had black powder.  I would, of course, cap their tips with orange before bringing them into Texas.

[ladystorm]

With the show being held in a public venue, I would serious reconsider weaponry as accessories.

It would not surprise me if either the hotel or Reaper has an official policy against the carrying of them..

[ShadowRaven]

didn't think that was a problem, but unless you are driving, travel with firearms,or replicas can be a serious mound of butt pain

[Inarah]

Yeah, the problem with the tips being orange is that if they are holstered, that can't be seen.  I had a friend nearly get thrown out of a con because a non-functioning handgun looked too real to a vendor standing 15 feet away. 

 

People in Texas take their guns pretty seriously. Best to not bring them. 

 

As for the Original Question, steampunk and/or western gear should cover it. There was some of both last year. I have an 1860's style gown in my costume closet, a steampunk outfit, and am working on something new this year. 

[ub3r_n3rd]

With the show being held in a public venue, I would serious reconsider weaponry as accessories.

It would not surprise me if either the hotel or Reaper has an official policy against the carrying of them..

 

What? This is TEXAS, I thought everyone carried a gun?

[JackMann]

I am driving, but that's a good point about allowing weaponry in the con.  Probably leaves out the knives and the sword, possibly the flintlocks.  I do have a steampunk-ized nerf gun I might bring...

 

EDIT:  I'm not too worried about them looking too realistic, since they don't look remotely like modern firearms.  Nor do they have holsterss, so the tips should always be visible.  However, if there's a blanket ban on all toy or replica guns, then that'll leave them out.

Edited February 13, 2014 by JackMann

[Reaperbryan]

We have a weapons policy.

 

•  Please abide by our weapons policy: Weapons may only be brought as part of a costume, and must follow these guidelines: All weapons must be non-working and peace bonded. No functioning projectile weapons – including water pistols, silly-string guns, and ping-pong pistols. Bladed weapons must be cased or sheathed and peace-bonded at all times. No clowning around or showing off in the common areas. Any weapon used in an offensive manner will be confiscated and rule #6 enforced. We expect you to use good judgment; with your help, we can continue to allow peace-bonded weapons - thanks!
•  Especially in the harsh reality of our times, ReaperCon security staff, hotel security, and local law enforcement officials will treat anything that looks like a real gun as a real gun. We do not post bail.

Rule # 6 is referenced above, so here it is: 

6. We reserve the right to ask you to leave the convention and refuse to refund your money if you are behaving - in technical terms - like a jerk.

[JackMann]

I can work with that.  Sadly, it leaves out my most western looking knife, since it can't be effectively peacebonded (hilt is just a smooth piece of wood), but I have others that can be tied pretty securely into their sheathes, including the Afghani sword. 

[ShadowRaven]

that rules out most of my knives too. Not a major concern, they might add a touch of realism to the outfit, but are hardly important costume bits, and with that in mind it's easier to leave them at home.

[millionsofRobots]

For costume handguns (Nerf Maverick), is it the peace bond where the trigger can't be pulled (with a zip tie), or where it can't be removed from the holster?

[JackMann]

Oh, hey, maverick's the nerf gun I have as well.  So good question.

 

I'm now thinking about making some sort of air pirate costume.  There's a costume shop here in Tucson, so I might see if they have anything for me that won't break the bank.

[TGP]

For the theme: you really need boots. Leather shoes.

[Reaperbryan]

For costume handguns (Nerf Maverick), is it the peace bond where the trigger can't be pulled (with a zip tie), or where it can't be removed from the holster?

Swords are usually peace bonded by tying them to the scabbard.

 

Projectile weapons can either be holstered in, or can have their triggers tied.  Holstering is preferred in most cases, but not mandated by the policy.