Ninja Assassin @ Stygian

August 4th, 2008 at 07:40pm Ryan Darragh

So, here’s a funny thing. I didn’t know the theme of the upcoming Style Throwdown when I picked up these designs and decided to make them my next feature. Am I picking up on a psychic wavelength? Is it something in the water? I don’t want to spoil anything or steal thunder from Express and Lawless, so let’s just say I’m thematically consistent and consider this a companion piece, shall we?

“Su’an Assassin” (L$200 L$400) by Madlax Stygian is a fairly elaborate fantasy/roleplay ensemble that comes complete with scripted weapons.  The set includes black leggings with prim side pouches and rolled cuffs, prim obi and prim Geta shoes (close-up).  The leggings come in two styles: the longer style shown here and a shorter “capri” style, presumably for women.  The legging cuffs and shoes are detailed with flexi string ties, and the prim side pockets can be worn with or without the pictured “shard” knives.  Also included is a sword, the Su’an blade.  The weapons are scripted for combat], complete with “draw” animations, sound effects and animated stances (blade, knives).  Notecards are included with info on the weapons scripting.  I’m not into combat RP and didn’t try the weapons out in that setting, but the animations and sound effects are very cool indeed.

Most prim clothing pieces are included in small and large sizes, for ease in fitting avatars of varying size.  All the components are quite nicely detailed, especially for black, which has a tendency to blur into shadow.  The prim side pouches and obi in particular are beautifully finished with gloss and fade shading that gives them the appearance of well kept fabric (silk seems likely) and leather.  Sword and knives have bright metal accents, and decorative flexi knotted ribbons add dynamic lines to the overall silhouette.

The Jingasa hat (available separately for L$100) is not included with the Su’an Assassin outfit, but to me it seems an essential add-on.  Although these designs are intended to be taken seriously, it’s impossible for me to look at myself wearing this beautiful hat and not to be reminded of John Carpenter’s epic “Big Trouble in Little China.”  (Don’t make fun!  It’s a classic in its own right and makes for a great double feature alongside “Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon.”  Try it!)  The hat’s elaborate construction includes tapestry-like artwork, swaying tassels and long, flowing flexi ribbons.  Its ribs are scripted for color change via HUD.  You can choose from five different colors: Black, White, Green, Red and Blue.  The Green, Red and Blue coloring is quite subtle and delicate.

If concealment of your identity is desirable, you may also want to consider the Dark Mask (L$100).  (And yes, I know about the name bubble floating above my head, so do not mock me.  Just remember: if I’m wearing a mask, you can’t tell who I am.)  This mysterious mask covers the lower half of the face but leaves the eyes visible, the better to intimidate your enemies.  String ties keep it securely attached when in combat.

Madlax recently announced an open-ended store-wide 25-75% off sale, and the sale prices I paid are noted here.  If the price is higher when you visit the shop, the sale must be over.  So don’t mess around–shop now!

Note: the sale was apparently over by the time I published this post or very soon thereafter; my apologies.  All prices here have been updated.

Available at Stygian (Stygian 126, 52, 22).

Disclosure: Seen in World: Yes | Review Copy: No | Friends List: No

Notes: On Ryan: "ML020" skin by Yukimaru Koba (Z#road Men's Shop). "Lucio" hair by Din Raymaker (Uncleweb Studios). Dragon haka tattoo by Negko Devinna (Negko Design).

Entry Filed under: Accessories, Fantasy, Outfits, Pants, Period, Roleplay, Shoes, Stygian