or "Ambition Knows No Bounds"

Well since I am at this moment finishing one megalomaniac project, is seems appropriate to finally tell a story of the other one - Jazzy's Rogue Trader.
Jazzy herself covered basic facts in "Gothic and Amazing" cosplay issue, but I am gonna cover more technical issues, go over the props and idea of what makes Rogue Trader more of the rogue and much, much less of the trader.
So first things, story about how Rogue Trader came into being is told in previous blog post:
Rogue Trader, or How To Make a Costume in Two Weeks
And guns are covered in other:
Rogue Trader's Guns

So, first things first let's tackle a problem by it's head or in this case hat. We have already made some decorations previously, but I needed some feather holder so I have made one.
Only problem was that I have found only one good looking feather...



That was it for a hat.
Next was a vest, where I replaced old webbing with leather one, added decorations, attachment points, epaulettes and skulls. Because 40k/grimdark/whatever



Mask required only a minimal decoration, so we added some weights to hold it - small bullet and a fake pearl:


Next came boots that gof some wing-like decorations

and also front "protection" parts:


There are more things that I wanted to do, mainly to decorate the heel and platform but time was running out... Next time.

Next came a belt, simple plastic snap-fit military-style belt with aquilla covering buckle, and leather belt loops to hang equipment on.


Garters were also made of leather (and were in fact first thing I have ever made of leather), decorated with warhammer 40k parts and two bullets holder (for her derringer).



No Rogue Trader is ever without good drink so small bottle with a holder was added.


Necklace was done in a style of Texas tie (remember that "Redneck rogue trader" joke? ), and used old doorknob and a length of the copper chain for a base. Decorations were both scourged from a flee market and made:




13 (fake) jewels as that was important number for her Rogue Trader's house and for a whole RPG adventure that gave us her character...


Compass thing was kinda iconic for a whole rogue trader style, so I made one:


And finally, small ring, made of the bent brass, brass washer, some brass sheet and fake jewelry:


Now, to add to her arsenal of weapons (that her character carried in RPG also), i have made basic grenade - small soft drink can, covered in plasticard, with some junk added did the job:


But something was missing... Remember that "Brutal but pretty, pretty but brutal" note? Nothing more brutal than a knuckleduster-dagger combination.
Inspiration - US WW1 M1918 trench knife:

So, after few experiments I got to this. Made of plastic, scabbard covered with bookbinder's faux leather and velvet imitation inside, decorated by parts of military insignia, jewelry, brass sheet and GW parts:




Jazzy, of course made all parts look even better...



We had only one opportunity to make a photo session, and it was a bit hurried up - special thanks go to Okkido Cosplay who was also there and gave us an "enemy" for a Jazzy's Rogue Trader in the form of her fantastic Mileena from a Mortal Combat...



Rest of pictures:
http://bubbaworkshop.althemy.com/viewphotos?albumid=1183

What can I tell about costume? It was fun, specially due the fact work was spread over about 3 months, so there was no real hurry (except a bit in the end...) and I could work at tempo that suited me. There are things that still need minor fixing, but as a whole idea costume is finished. As much as any costume can be finished...

And remember:
“The endless dark of the universe is yours, if you but reach out to take it. Yield nothing—the void respects only strength.”
SERREN TRAVIUS, ROGUE TRADER