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PAX Australia 2013 - Cosplay thread
AaronC
Enforcer - LieutenantPortland OregonRegistered User regular
Enforcer - LieutenantPortland OregonRegistered User regular
Did I miss a cosplay thread somewhere else?
Oh well, here is one for you to post all your ideas, pictures and questions.
PAX ATTENDEE COSTUME WEAPON POLICY
The official policy is as follows:
A COSTUME WEAPON IS *NOT* PERMITTED AT PAX IF:
- It fires or can fire any sort of projectile. {Nerf guns are only allowed if they have been deactivated and can not fire)
- It is airsoft, even if deactivated
- It looks like a real firearm at "second glance." (Yes, even if it's a kid's toy.)
- It's sharp or pointy enough to cut or pierce someone with moderate pressure. This includes all real swords, daggers and knives. It also includes ceramic blades, needles, syringes and anything that can pierce such as a Little Sister syringe made of wood.
- Bats are allowed as long as you don't go around hitting people with em. "Bats are ok. Don't be a dick with them."
Please note that, Little Sister syringes that are made of wood are not allowed because you can accidentally poke someone, especially in the Expo hall. If the syringe part is made of rubber instead it would be totally acceptable.
Foam props are perfectly acceptable and are very popular. These are a good choice since they can't hurt, can be made to look very good, and are totally accepted by the convention center and TSA.
PEACE BONDING AT CON FOR COSTUME WEAPONS
NOTE: This peace bonding information is from PAX Australia 2013.
The method of checking will be be determined closer to the show date. It will be staffed by enforcers from 1 hour prior to the show to the close of Expo Hall. All attendees who have costume weapons will be directed there. The Security Management Team will also be checking the exterior line and the expo line before the doors open to alleviate any delay for people who show up before the show opens.
Anyone who has a costume weapon needs to be verified. NO EXCEPTIONS!
Attendees whose weapons are allowed will have to show that they have been checked and Ok'd. If an attendee's weapon is approved they will receive BOTH a zip tie (color TBA) placed on the weapon and a sticker on the back of their badge with a short description of the item and the name of the Enforcer who checked it. Any Enforcer can verify to if the weapon has been checked and that you have a sticker and zip tie on it. Please note that zip ties will be placed on the prop in an area of your choice. It must remain secure but it can be in an area that can be covered for photos.
If you bring something in that's not allowed or not approved you will be politely required to leave, stow the offending item in your vehicle/hotel room/etc, and then return. If you have any doubt as to whether your prop weapon falls under these restrictions - it probably does. Err on the side of caution!
Oh well, here is one for you to post all your ideas, pictures and questions.
PAX ATTENDEE COSTUME WEAPON POLICY
The official policy is as follows:
A COSTUME WEAPON IS *NOT* PERMITTED AT PAX IF:
- It fires or can fire any sort of projectile. {Nerf guns are only allowed if they have been deactivated and can not fire)
- It is airsoft, even if deactivated
- It looks like a real firearm at "second glance." (Yes, even if it's a kid's toy.)
- It's sharp or pointy enough to cut or pierce someone with moderate pressure. This includes all real swords, daggers and knives. It also includes ceramic blades, needles, syringes and anything that can pierce such as a Little Sister syringe made of wood.
- Bats are allowed as long as you don't go around hitting people with em. "Bats are ok. Don't be a dick with them."
Please note that, Little Sister syringes that are made of wood are not allowed because you can accidentally poke someone, especially in the Expo hall. If the syringe part is made of rubber instead it would be totally acceptable.
Foam props are perfectly acceptable and are very popular. These are a good choice since they can't hurt, can be made to look very good, and are totally accepted by the convention center and TSA.
PEACE BONDING AT CON FOR COSTUME WEAPONS
NOTE: This peace bonding information is from PAX Australia 2013.
The method of checking will be be determined closer to the show date. It will be staffed by enforcers from 1 hour prior to the show to the close of Expo Hall. All attendees who have costume weapons will be directed there. The Security Management Team will also be checking the exterior line and the expo line before the doors open to alleviate any delay for people who show up before the show opens.
Anyone who has a costume weapon needs to be verified. NO EXCEPTIONS!
Attendees whose weapons are allowed will have to show that they have been checked and Ok'd. If an attendee's weapon is approved they will receive BOTH a zip tie (color TBA) placed on the weapon and a sticker on the back of their badge with a short description of the item and the name of the Enforcer who checked it. Any Enforcer can verify to if the weapon has been checked and that you have a sticker and zip tie on it. Please note that zip ties will be placed on the prop in an area of your choice. It must remain secure but it can be in an area that can be covered for photos.
If you bring something in that's not allowed or not approved you will be politely required to leave, stow the offending item in your vehicle/hotel room/etc, and then return. If you have any doubt as to whether your prop weapon falls under these restrictions - it probably does. Err on the side of caution!
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Disclaimer: I Am Not A Lawyer, so you should NOT consider this legal advice - just general advice. Everything in this post is based on this Source [edit: go to this link, then click on the link for the "Quick Guide to imitation, toy and other firearm paraphernalia" as it seems a direct link doesn't work], and other articles reporting the same law. Do your own research and come to your own conclusions, but remember that in Australia the police take firearms issues VERY seriously.
In Victoria, these laws extend to imitation firearms. These are items that could be reasonably mistaken for a real firearm by a member of the general public, even if only in certain circumstances (such as low light, at a distance, or where the member of the public is unfamiliar with firearms). An item can be an imitation firearm even if a coloured plastic barrel plug is fitted, or if the imitation firearm is made from plastic that is the same colour as a real firearm.
There is an exception for toy firearms, which are those that CANNOT be mistaken for a real firearm (even in the circumstances mentioned above). These will need to meet at least one of the following conditions (list direct from source):
•Their shape and size is of a kind not associated with a working
firearm; and/or
• The barrel and/or butt is of a colour not normally associated with a
working firearm, particularly if it is bright, fluorescent, or multi
coloured; and/or
•Its composition suggests it is clearly manufactured using material of
a kind not associated with a working firearm—such as wood or
transparent/coloured plastic.
The source I've linked contains a number of examples.
[Edit]: needless to say anything capable of firing a projectile with sufficient force as to be classed as a firearm under the act would not be saved just by meeting one of those conditions. If it's a firearm, it's not a toy and you need a license to own, carry, or use one.
In essence, this is the same as the "second glance" criterion of the PAX rules, but it is worth noting that it is backed by the force of law. Imitation Firearms are considered prohibited weapons.
Remember: When in doubt, leave it at home.
Avatar is from www.xkcd.com
The biggest two are guns and knives and I can tell you now that 90% of the population make them to look like aluminum foil, foam or cardboard, and even the more 'elite' cosplayers don't particularly make them realistic. I've been involved in the co-ordination of cosplay events for a few years at a previous convention, and I've never had a problem with these and by no means am I relaxed on the weapons laws and regulations.
Chill out people and use your brain.
BF guns = no-no...
Portal guns = fine
@Dana Im surprised at you girl; for not making a cosplay thread :P; working out what to dress up as, etc etc. :P
'Would you freak out if someone jumped out of nowhere pointing at you with <insert weapon here>?'
Well there's your answer. :P
@FPFr0sty Yeah, I contemplated it, but I thought I'd just let it run it's course, someone was going to start one. I'm all planned up anyway :P
Avatar is from www.xkcd.com
http://www.enemy-agency.com
Avatar is from www.xkcd.com
For those with gun props actually, here is a helpful link for you showing the difference between 'imitation weapons' and 'toys'
www.police.vic.gov.au/retrievemedia.asp?media_id=70080
I have however seen MANY conventions which are VERY relaxed on the 'gun props' side of things. There is also a large difference in state legislation in regards to what you can and can't carry around. For example, QLD isn't as strict as Victoria. So just becuase you're allowed it in Brisbane Supanova doesn't mean you can have it at PAX in Victoria... Fair warning is fair.
So, Lara Croft is problematic. Where as Caitlyn's gun looks truly ridiculous.
But on other topics..
I've got these two planned and perhaps a third pending on a few things :P
Syndra (Classic Skin) and Morgana (Sinful Succulence) both from League of Legends.
Third one is pending :P
Fortunately for me Cookie trays and purple glowing balls are not cast as weapons in the state of Victoria. Phew, aren't we glad this isn't in Tasmania or I'd be done for.
My best friend was pulled over by the police as part of a random breath test. He'd absent mindedly left an old toy gun on his back seat, the metal kind that were legal when he was growing up.
He got grilled by the cops for it and had to appear at a local police station for an "Interview". As he wasn't taking it too seriously, he was a bit too relaxed and some of his commentary, whilst completely innocent, was taken the wrong way.
This resulted in him having to make a court appearance with the possibility of jail time, given that he was going to be unable to pay the rather hefty fines.
Fortunately, his dad knew a solicitor that owed him a few favours. That combined with an overwhelming show of support from his friends (myself included) and family (especially his grandmother) attesting to his strength of character (he really is a standup guy), impressed the judge suitably enough to let him off with a minor fine and a probation (that has long since expired).
So... yeah. While I doubt jail time is on the books for anyone visiting the country, they're likely to confiscate your "weapon" (no, you will NOT get it back) at best, and at worst they'll stuff you on a plane and deport you.
This ray of sunshine brought to you by... me. Keep a lookout for your friendly neighbourhood Peacekeeper.
I've worked for with law enforcement for a while. This seems a little wrong to me. Once it was established that the toy was not a working firearm, and that he was not carrying it in an attempt to establish that he had a firearm, the worst he could get would be a low dollar fine. More likely confiscation of the toy. There had to be something else that happened there. If you friend said something stupid to police like he was carrying it for protection the charge could escalate to Community Service and a high dollar fine. For jail time to be
American Visitors
I am not a Barrister or a Solicitor, this information should not be considered legal advice but should be considered general knowledge and hearsay. For a definitive answer as to what is allowable please contact your local Australian embassy or consulate in the United States here
There is a simple way to deal with this. Simply remember that under Australian law, the right to bear arms is not(rightly or wrongly) inherently a right. You must prove your suitable to own a weapon in Australia. If your replica, looks in anyway like a real firearm. Do not bring it. If you toy fires a projectile of any kind at any velocity do not bring it. Legal to carry versions of these toys can be found here in toy stores.
This is a link to relevant legislation in Victoria.
here is my 2/c on traveling to Australia
Australia is not a police state but we have a different culture in relation to this things than you do in the United States. We are far stricter on things like weapon ownership, but more relaxed on social mores; the drinking age is lower here with 18 being the legal age of consumption, our television and radio personalities curse a lot more than yours do, our society is generally multicultural and in gross examples highly integrated between cultural identities. Don't be surprised to see people of widely diverse cultural origin hanging out with each other socially.
Americans are generally liked, and out of all the countries in the world i would submit that America, Australia, and Canada are the most like each other. We have our own share of crazies, racists, and left/right/green/ fundamentalist wackjobs, but by and large if you smile and ask things politely you'll get along just fine.
Things that may help you along the way.
- We dont tip in Australia for general service but do for excellent service or outstanding meals(the general exception here is cab's round up to the nearest dollar, or pizza delivery do the same) if you feel the need to tip go at it, your servers will love it.
- If your from America your Seppo, or a Yank, we don't care which side of the Mason-Dixon line you where born
- We tend to buy beers in rounds or "shouts" This means that out of 5 people 1 person will buy 5 beers, then the next person will buy the next 5. If you get into a round or shout, it means we like you, not that we are trying to get money out of you.
- There are no such things as Drop Bears. Hoop Snakes however are terrifying real.
- Anzac Biscuits are awesome, i suggest that you go to a bakery and try some. I hear you guys also have a thing with Tim Tams. You will need a grocery store for those.
- Meat Pies are also a local delicacy.
- Out TV shows are generally a week or two behind yours, so set your TIVO/DVR etc.
- We dont really eat Kangaroo and Emu, Koala however is very tasty if a little tough.
Well, some of us DO eat 'roo. Back when I was a starving uni student, it was about half the price of beef (the export market has since changed, raising prices domestically, but it's still iirc the cheapest red meat). The gamey taste took a bit of getting used to, but it works really well in any dish you'd use venison in. It's also an extremely lean meat, for those who are concerned with that kind of thing - so it makes amazing jerky. For any visitors looking to try some, you can get it from Woolworths or Coles (the two main supermarket chains in Melbourne).
</off topic>
For those cosplaying, do remember that July is the middle of winter over here. While the Showgrounds has a decent sized expo hall, it's likely that there will be some things you'll want to see outside. It will be cool (typically single digits Celsius), and possibly raining. Plan your costumes accordingly.
Avatar is from www.xkcd.com
So, be careful, best bet, don't bring toy guns.
Third cosplay I'm looking at Tinkerballa from The Guild, but that'll depend of a few things closer to the date.
** no tink is the Ranger. Which would also be cool.
http://mydisguises.com/wp-content/uploads/2009/08/the-guild-codex.jpg
I'd also like to do Psi Judge Anderson (from 200AD)
http://www.2000ad.org/functions/cover.php?Comic=graphicnovels&choice=anderson
and Zoe or Kaylee from Firefly
http://blogs-images.forbes.com/carolpinchefsky/files/2012/11/FireflyCast.jpg
Sorry you just have links here, I am not technikamally competent to embed pics.
Avatar is from www.xkcd.com
To keep the wings on.. I suggest using small dowels(5-9mm)/and some 18mm thick piece of wood and glue
Then I managed to super-hot-glue them on for the gala but again they came off when a giant bouncy ball landed square on them! Didn't burst the ball but my fault for dancing with a staff I guess :-)
Still, I may just stay out of this topic.. bad enough im building a custom case just for PAX, and probs giving it away once im done with it to a friend; the more I stay here, the more I wanna cosplay it up as well (then again, me body type aint supported by cosplay :P... 1.7m tall and just hovering 102kgs :P and to top it, im half chink half pom)
lols my Caitlyn costume is borderline exactly the same as that, +/- some details o.O
Anyways I will probably be wearing my Caitlyn costume on one of the days, as well as Windrunner (Dota2) and Pink Knight (Castle Crashers) c:
Atm for Windrunner all I have is the undersuit part (leggings, yellow singlety undertop thing and green top with darker green sleeve), so scared to attempt the bow as I want it to look perfect while being within the PAX guidelines for props
Pink Knight is an impulse decision as I needed a third and it would be very simple to make (I am looking foward to wearing a pink and white bin over my head xD)
Tiny Tina from Borderlands 2 -_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_ & _-_-_-_-_-_-_- Hel from SMITE
I'll also have a Gaige with me when I cosplay as Tina & im working on a Claptrap prop(baby suitcase).
Third cosplay will most likely be from a Fighter Game.
<a href="http://imgur.com/xEthA"><img src="http://i.imgur.com/xEthA.jpg" alt="" title="Hosted by imgur.com" /></a>
Would it be allowed at PAX? Its mdf and plastic, no metal or moving parts.
If you paint the very very front of the barrel orange, i.e the part that sticks out from the body of the weapon. You'll be fine. This is obviously not a real firearm. If you were going to display it at home you wouldn't even need that, the barrel being orange thing is only if you are going to be walking around in public.
The actual shape of the gun however I would assume looks fine as it doesn't resemble a typical gun. It looks like a costume fantasy sci-fi based gun.
In regards to the cap, i would have said you are correct, right up to when i read the new laws in Vic. Now i would advise to be safe and put the cap on the gun.