Emperor Palamecia (Halp!)

[WoundedWarsong]

**INCOMING LONG THREAD**

Hi. I just wanted to ask some (alot) of questions before I attempt my first Cosplay: Emperor Mateus Palamecia. Forgive me if this is in a wrong forum section i'm a newbie!

References:

http://images.wikia.com/finalfantasy/image...idia-Mateus.jpg

http://i236.photobucket.com/albums/ff154/phantom23/Dissidia/snap032vl1bmp.png

http://ui06.gamefaqs.com/1157/gfs_87369_2_22.jpg

http://psp.ign.com/dor/objects/904962/diss...?page=mediaFull

OK so first to start off, I'm not really sure what to use for what parts of his dressup so I'm just gonna conjecture. But for future reference its a joint project, my cousin is helping to sow if need be and were looking into all the FAQ's on this site for prop making, armor, fiberglass, materials- all that jazz.

1. The boots: I plan on making these from scratch since theyre a little different. But perhaps I could use a base and then just make a boot cover?

2. Pants: They seem to be tights with some sort of skeletal design incorporated into them. Perhaps make the fabric from scratch or put the design on TOP of them?

3. Body: Seems to be armor... But it seems to look like a body suit. Probably will end up making armor instead. Suggestions?

4. Belt: Fairly simple, it doesnt seem to be an actual belt but could be made with fabrics easily.

5. Bat ears/shoulders: I was thinking of wonderflex since of the odd shape and color pattern, as well as the spikes. Suggestions?

6. Wig (Might post in the wig forum) I was thinking of going with the Amanda or Ivy in 613, and buying some extensions just in case. Some of it is purple tipped so I thought I would try some sharpie dye? Also the styling doesnt seem to be TOO hard.

7. Horns: I'm kind of unsure how to construct these, I think I might of read somewhere how to but how exactley would I be able to latch them onto my head.. is it possible?

8. Sceptor: (might post this in the prop forum) I was thinking of making the yellow section a wood base and the top a plastic/fiberglass or perhaps wonderflex?

9: Armor pieces: I'm sure making armor isnt too bad when you get the hang of it, its just the Emperor has it placed very oddly. On his lower legs, ankles, a codpiece that connects to nowhere + monster faces that i'm not really sure how to construct... Suggestions? O_o

I know its not orthodox for a first cosplay to be so intricate and difficult but we really wanna dive head first into this, as well as see some insightful feedback if its worth pursueing. TBH I really want the experience of creating THAT cosplay you know?

Thanks in advance! (Sorry for making you read *_*)

[Leash]

I'd love to see this costume pulled off!

I have a few tips, but this is only based on my experience.

1. I'd go with your original idea. There are quite a lot of white female high heals that would match that build. For the armor pieces, I'd use that soft craft foam sheets that comes in lots of colors. Its easy to cut and they will flex with ease.

2. I'd buy tights and then buy fabric that matches the other part of the pants. Cut out the shapes and use an iron adhesive. Then after that use paints to touch up and define the details more.

3. There are a lot of sites that sell cheap plastic body plates that you could easily modify.

4. You've got the right idea.

5. I've never used wonderflex but I would agree that that would be the best way to go.

6. Punky XL could possibly work too.

7. http://www.cosplaymanual.com/index.php?option=com_mtree&task=viewimage&img_id=271&Itemid=8

8. Wood is also an option if you don't mind carving.

9. People really underestimate Model Magic clay (kids craft foam). The trick is to keep it as moist as possible during the duration of sculpting your form. Then, this is the most important step, you have to let it sit and dry for at least one month! It says its dry and ready for paint after 24 hours, but the longer you let it sit, the harder it becomes and it still retains its light feeling. I've used this for armor before and they look great. You can also add acrylic paint to the clay and blend it before you make your sculpture to get different colors other than white (the color Model Magic clay is a bit more expensive anyways).

Here's a helpful site for more tips:

http://www.cosplaymanual.com/

[Isadora]

I am also curious to see the costume. I made a version of Amano Hilda and could gave some advice for the horns if needed: I you do not want to use a foamcoare I would suggest to make a wire construction on which you could use paper mache or model clay. I would connect both of them and put some extension over the middle for stability (hard to explain). You may send me a pm if you need detailed advice.

[Lirin]

Emperor of Palamecia, your first cosplay? Wow, you're brave...

For the wig, I'll use two: Punky s, and Amanda in 613A, then dyed in powder yellow and violet.
I worked with 2 Amanda's and one Punky XL for my Shion of Aires cosplay and they worked amazingly well.

[WoundedWarsong]

Thanks for the advice! Now I can enter with some confidence.

@ Isadora, I will definitley send you a PM in the future for the horns!