Wild Western Monster Hunter

[GBrittelleJr]

I'm trying to build a weird west/steampunk style costume, where he's a monster/demon hunter. Think a combination of Van Helsing and Clint Eastwood's "The Man With No Name". So, I have a fairly fleshed out drawing for the actual suit, with a few aspects more "blurred" than others, which is why I'm turning to you folk for inspiration. Here's the breakdown:

-Dark brown double breasted civilian frock coat in either heavy cotton/canvas or leather
-Steel or brass gusset with brown leather padding with a hinge on the back and a locking clasp on the throat
-Leather bandolier with with wooden spikes
-Several pistol holsters with religious tooling in the leather, with "pure" silver bullets
-Crucifixes, garlic, holy water, etc.

I've noticed it's still leaning towards specific vampire hunting, less monster. Are there any other artifacts I could use for more general monster hunting?

Then here is where it's blurred. I want something native american, similar to the ponchos worn at that time. But obviously I can't have a coat and a poncho. So maybe some sort of vest? Also, boots with spurs, with an accurate shirt and pants. Is there anything I'm missing, or that you guys could suggest? Thanks so much!

 

[Kodiakc]

some indian style pouches with fake feather and claws (easy to pick up)

a medcine bag
a small totem
a cane or shaman stick or Shillelagh
a mallet or tomahawk (them stakes dont go in by themselves)
knife or dagger (style to suit your taste)
maybe a hat
a flask

carry some salt, needle n thread, iron nails, some cold iron, matches, mirror, tobacco, stuff like that

ya need a pocket watch I always like the chain from Van Helsing that had all the different icons on it. I wish I had one

just some quick ideas

 

[AaronLee]

Maybe instead of holy water vials/jars/containers have them red, blue, or different colors. They'd be more potion/elixir that way.

Some sort of index/codex hanging from something or in a pouch. A combination of stakes/knives/daggers.

 

[xdmray]

oddworlds Stranger's Wrath might have some possible ideas for ya. there is a pretty distinct style in that game.

 

[sebastian]

As I am working on a Harry Dresden costume while you are doing this, I am also thinking about details.

I love the idea of your outfit. Two things that would be cool deal with the spurs and monster/vamp trophies. The spur wheels could be made to look like they were pulled vamp fangs-gruesome, but that's your line of work. For the trophies, think monster scalps hanging from your belt. How about a nice fluffly blue one from the great Cookie Monster hunt.

Seriously, be careful you don't overburden yourself. I see too many outfits that are overdone.

Take care

Sebastian

 

[Geniepants]

Couple ideas off the top of my head. First, I think a good cowboy hat helps sell the wild west theme. So, to give your outfit a bit of Native American flavor, how's about a Native American looking hatband with a feather in it? Also, wearing a bolo made of turquois and maybe some Native American stlyling could add to the flavor.

As for "monster hunter" instead of "vampire hunter", maybe add a vial or pouch labeled "wolfsbane"?

Hope those ideas help, and keep us updated with your progress (photos encouraged)

 

[WookieeGunner]

To start off, there are three general killing weapons that most people know:

Wooden Stakes for Vampires
Silver Bullets for Werewolves
Cold Iron for Fae

The problem that you are running into is that most people know European myths, and then by extension they know Dracula myths best. So you are leaning toward vampires because that is the most recognizable. First thing I would do is some research on Native American myths. Pick a part of the country or an Indian Tribe. What did they hang in their windows to keep bad spirits away (like the garlic). What killed their Boogey Men?

 

[mrsmartypants]

You need a good hat with some steampunk style goggles...

 

[Peralton]

How about a necklace or hatband of vampire fangs? You could make those easily with some sculpting material that hardens and paint them.

To steam it up look at a holy water cannon or belt-fed stake shooter.

For neck protection you can probably find an SCA-style fencing gorget as inspiration or a purchase to be altered.


Take a look at some "rendezvous" event pictures. They do the fur trade era / mountain man reenactments. They usually have a mix of native american items in their gear. I can dig up some links if you need them.

 

[red]

Ever considered a nice, sharp sword or machete? I personally dig the double blades of Bloodrayne. Great for taking out the undead!

As for overburdening yourself, maybe you can try making your kit "mission specific"? As in you carry what you'd need for a typical monster. Have lots of pouches (think Boba Fett) that can contain most of your armoury within reach. Just be careful to make them look "western".

 

[Crossroads]

Add one of those Native American (bone bead) chokers, leather & beadwork medicine bag or a war club.

~Gavin

 

[toyempire]

You need a good hat with some steampunk style goggles...

And not just any welding goggles painted brass, modified with lights or magnifying lens, maybe even with Indian type emblems on the goggle lens.

 

[switchblade_slinger]

And not just any welding goggles painted brass, modified with lights or magnifying lens, maybe even with Indian type emblems on the goggle lens.

Hmm. I would even look into carving a pair of Eskimo style snow goggles. They might lend a 'wendigo hunter' aspect to it. Trapping gear, a few tatty furs would help as well.

 

[toyempire]

You also need some sort of trophy list. Football players have that with stars on their helmet. Hunters have that with notches carved in their gun. Maybe you could have a certain monster shape carved in a belt or weapon of what you killed on previous hunts.

 

[red]

You also need some sort of trophy list. Football players have that with stars on their helmet. Hunters have that with notches carved in their gun. Maybe you could have a certain monster shape carved in a belt or weapon of what you killed on previous hunts.

Or maybe parts of the monsters you killed, assuming that they don't turn to ash the moment they die!

 

[xdmray]

hey there. you've gotten alot of advice... any luck with your concept moving forward? i'm curious to see how this comes out.

 

[dkwd]

Did you get any further with this?

David

 

[Riceball]

Ever considered a nice, sharp sword or machete? I personally dig the double blades of Bloodrayne. Great for taking out the undead!

I second the sword idea, I like the idea of a nice cavalry saber personally.

 

[spcglider@aol.com]

This is an absolutely groovy idea. Something I'd suggest is a set of saddle bags to carry your larger tools in. Also, a diary or tome of monster lore or even a "successful terminations" list would be good storytelling fodder.

Just thought of more....

A sheaf of maps detailing "monster lair areas" or travel papers or the character you're portraying.

-Gordon

 

[BornKilr]

You should check out the PS2/XBox game "Darkwatch". There ae alot of screen caps and concept art images out there. Pretty cool costumes, but especially check out the weapons. I'm currently working on scratchbuilt versions of the pistol, rifle and 4 barrel shotgun. Might work them into a costume for DCon if they come out right.