Hi all, I know I'm probably in the minority here, but I'm not trying to be controversial or start any trouble by posting this...
I plan to go for Centurion status in Feb when my new TK Stunt arrives, but the only thing I have an issue with is the boot criteria:
"Boots shall be lightly scuffed."
I want my TK to be 'factory fresh' as far as possible ( I don't mind weathering the blaster, as it's a prop and looks less like a toy if weathered), and I don't want to have to scuff up a brand new pair of TK Boots.
I know that Tantive IV troopers have scuffed boots, and that's probably where the rule came from, but the only reason they were scuffed was because they were wearing black jodphurs that had been painted white. Numerous takes would naturally scuff up the boots. Had white leather boots been available at the time, I'm sure they would've been used on all troopers and less scuffing would be shown on screen.
I just think that a trooper that is clean all over shouldn't be forced to wear scuffed boots that don't match his otherwise spotless armour.
I'm fully aware that there is a constant dichotomy between 'real' stormtroopers' and 'on screen' stormtroopers, and it's for us to decide whether we want to look like a soldier of the Empire (as if it were real) and an actor from Elstree in 1976. Although I like both disciplines, I would prefer to go with factory fresh shiny TK, as the 'Elstree '76' look with chipped HDPE lid etc., doesn't appeal to me as much, though I do applaud those troops who go the whole hog.
With that in mind, can you please tell me if I could attain Centurion status with clean boots? If so, could the requirement be amended for other troops who want to present a 'clean' look?
Something like:
"Boots can either be clean for 'parade' look, or lightly scuffed for battle-worn look."
I'm sure that within a matter of troops, the boots will naturally become scuffed, but to insist on it for Centurion status is (imho) a little too extreme.
Is this a fair request?