Simulated Damage: how much is too much?

this is just a short question that i am interested in knowing the answer to.
When someone is creating a custom mandalorian kit, is there such a thing as too much battle damage? The reason i'm asking is because my character has a fairly involved backstory (i'm writing a series of fanfictions about him explaining each of the dents and scrapes) and there will be a fair amount of damage on the kit.

So, the question is stated, how much is too much?

I'd say less is more if that makes any sense. When I'm working on a project I always step back and make sure there isn't too much going on. I think its different for each person but you'll know when you're working on it.

I would agree with sleepalot less is more.

probably gonna have to try and pull back a little bit in that case. Already got a large grenade crater on the right chest section.... :o

If you wouldn't mind sharing your work I could give an opinion if you're okay with that and try to help. I'm sure you'd get input from other people too.

Don't go to big on physical damage but work with small scrapes and scratches. Use weathering such as dirt and normal wear to bring about a realistic look. Also do not put a three fingered scratch on your kit, it is way overdone.

Originally Posted by Mullreel

Don't go to big on physical damage but work with small scrapes and scratches. Use weathering such as dirt and normal wear to bring about a realistic look. Also do not put a three fingered scratch on your kit, it is way overdone.

Can I add, or racing stripes to the do not add list?

Ah, already done the three finger gouge on the helmet, but only. Because the story had a bit where he confronts a wampa. And does a single red stripe down the chest count as racing stripes? I have a progress thread already on here

I started out with the 'Less is more' adage...but it kind of evolved from there. I guess it's what you're happy with that counts.

Having said that I removed a lot of damage from my Jodo as it just looked silly.

Thanks like I said, I've got a rather large crater on the right chest plate, resulting from a rocket propelled plasma grenade, and I'm really happy with it so far. I know the three finger slash is a divided issue, but hopefully you understand it works in context of the character and story I'm writing. I might add a few more dings and scraps around the edges, but I'm going to reign it in I think after that. After all, I also have a prostetic arm to sculpt. Check out my thread, it has the begginings of the armour, the concept drawings and the origins story.

I agree with the guys here that less is more ... a heavily 'damaged' set of (the same suit) armour suggests the character is being hit more times that is maybe good for him! lol and not that great at his job! ......

but your idea works really well if you maybe go the route of assuming some of the armour is 'scavenged' from different suits and/or like Boba the armour is an amalgam of different pieces that are weathered and aged .... the Sand troopers and Clones from ROTS are good examples of armour reaching the end of its useful life in the field .... So rather than damage you might want to look at wear patches and degradation and ageing of materials and surfaces rather than weapon or impact damage .... nice and subtle.

like Indy's jacket if you assume they eat sleep work and play in the armour it will develop a patina of dirt and wear ... Your character backstory i guess could then encompass a longer back history gathered over a number of years or decades...

If you are going to add the slash why not add some 'blood spatter round it and a repair patch behind the damage with some 'Plasweld' lines behind it to show its an 'in combat' repair? ...

My Tupnypence worth... I'll stop now as I'm blathering on ....

Originally Posted by Kyr'am Galaar

Thanks like I said, I've got a rather large crater on the right chest plate, resulting from a rocket propelled plasma grenade, and I'm really happy with it so far. I know the three finger slash is a divided issue, but hopefully you understand it works in context of the character and story I'm writing. I might add a few more dings and scraps around the edges, but I'm going to reign it in I think after that. After all, I also have a prostetic arm to sculpt. Check out my thread, it has the begginings of the armour, the concept drawings and the origins story.

All this is really helping guys. I know in the end its mostly down to personal predernce, but having others opinions is always a good idea. It's opening out avenues I never considered before.
Many thanks

Depends on the main concept. You can still shab it up like the Armor is spit out of a Sarlacc just a couple of seconds ago. ^^

Or you just let the damage happen...

I carry my metal-'gam for nearly 3 years and only painted it once. During the whole troops some paint did always scratched of, so alot plates are nearly backt to shiney without extra weathering

The best way I've heard it described is that "you want your character to look like he's seen battle, but not like he has the worst luck in the world". At a certain point, the believability is lost and your costume will look silly. Basically, claw marks on things looks cool - but when every third mando has them it seems ridiculous and cliche. I understand that this costume is working on context of a story you're writing, but honestly, you may want to revise your story to reflect a more reasonable in-universe background.

I will admit, most of the dents and dings are probably a bit excessive, but the reasons behind them are mostly to do with the character. first off, he has a prostetic tight arm, a souvenir from a Nexu that bit it off on his first bounty. The dented chest plate is from a rocket propelled plasma grenade that hit him during a particularly ugly confrontation with a crime boss (story yet to be written) and the three claw marks on the helmet are from a wrestling match with a Wampa on Hoth where he took his revenge for the death of his squad brothers against a Quarren jedi. That's probably going to be all the major damage, and then just random scrapes and dings around the edges where normal wear and tear would scratch the paint.

I know some people out there may think im going a bit too far, and some might even not like the ideas, and i respect your choices - its a free world after all.

Thank you for your input, and more is always welcome.
Here's the link to my progress thread, and there you'll find concept art and the first two of the stories ive written. they arent very long, but you may enjoy them
http://www.thedentedhelmet.com/f34/k...t-3-ish-37924/

This reminds me of an old D&D campaign we used to run back in the day. One guy turned up with a 30 page back story, another guy had a few lines.
At the end of the day it really doesn't matter....

It's YOUR character that you have created (not to mention paid for), you're the one sweating & chafing in it & as far as the kid's in the Mall & their folks are concerned you're 'that cool Bounty Hunter'.

Go for it mate.

That should have read...

"You're the one stood there getting wet on a High Street up North someplace "

North wales ain't exactly up north! But I understand what you mean. Cheers Vod

Ahh the valleys, you're one lucky man.