ML-002 [Protocol 2: Uphold the Mission]

Building More Than a Cosplay

When I first decided to build a Pulse Blade Pilot from Titanfall 2, I figured I'd be able to find everything I needed online.

I was wrong.

Some parts existed. Some were scattered across old Reddit threads. Others were hidden behind expired links, buried in Discord servers, or only available through word of mouth. There wasn't a single place that walked someone from "I want to build this" to "I'm wearing it."

That became frustrating.

Then it became the reason for this project.

The goal of 13RIDGE isn't simply to document my cosplay. It's to make sure the next person has an easier time than I did.

If I spend ten hours figuring something out, maybe someone else won't have to.

If I discover a better file, a better vendor, or a better way to build a part, I'll share it.

If I make a mistake, I'll document that too.

Because that's just as valuable.

Starting with the Pulse Blade Pilot

This project begins with one of my favorite designs in gaming, the Pulse Blade Pilot.

Over the coming months, I'll be documenting every part of the build from the ground up.

That includes:

• Every 3D printed component and where to find it.

• Which files are accurate, and which ones need improvement.

• The soft goods, including clothing, pouches, straps, and webbing.

• Weapon props and how they're assembled and finished.

• Electronics, weathering, painting, and finishing techniques.

• Lessons learned along the way.

Nothing will be skipped.

If something takes me three attempts to get right, you'll probably see all three.

Not Everyone Wants to Build

One thing I realized early on is that there are two types of cosplay enthusiasts.

Some people love spending hundreds of hours sanding, printing, painting, and sewing.

Others simply want to wear an incredible costume.

Both are valid.

That's why another goal of this project is to build a growing list of trusted creators and vendors within the cosplay community.

Whenever possible, I'll recommend talented makers who sell finished helmets, armor, props, soft goods, accessories, or commission work. If building isn't your thing, I still want this site to help you put together an amazing cosplay by connecting you with people who have already mastered their craft.

The cosplay community is full of incredibly skilled artists, and they deserve recognition for what they create.

Learning Together

I'm not claiming to be the world's best prop maker.

Far from it.

I'm learning new techniques with every project.

Sometimes I'll find the perfect solution.

Sometimes I'll discover a better one after I've already printed the part.

That's part of the process.

Hopefully, by documenting the successes and the failures, this site becomes more than a portfolio. Maybe it becomes a resource.

If it helps one person finish their first cosplay, avoid a costly mistake, or discover a talented builder they never would have found otherwise, then 13RIDGE will be doing exactly what I hoped it would.

Because great communities aren't built by keeping knowledge to ourselves.

They're built by sharing it.

See you in the workshop.

Protocol Complete.

Cross Every Divide.