Home Gaming Your Empire needs you – South Africa gets its own 501st outpost

Your Empire needs you – South Africa gets its own 501st outpost

2 min read
26

trooper

REBEL SCUM! Sith lords may have all that dark side power, but even the rule of two isn’t enough to enforce the iron grip of the Empire. What the Sith needed, was an army that could spread their law across the galaxy, taking names and kicking ass across the cosmos. But sometimes, being bad can be good. Just ask the 501st Legion, an international army of Star Wars fans and cosplayers who now have an outpost right here in South Africa.

Star Wasr 501 ZA (2)

Never heard of the 501st? Here’s the official synopsis from Wikipedia on these fab guys and gals:

The 501st Legion (nicknamed Vader’s Fist) is an international fan-based organization dedicated to the construction and wearing of screen-accurate replicas of Imperial Stormtrooper armor, Sith Lords, Clone Troopers, bounty hunters, and other villains from the Star Wars universe. The 501st Legion, sometimes called by its nickname “Vader’s Fist,” is made up entirely of volunteers.

Our own outpost has been started by Tyrone Dadswell, who spent a year getting the project off the ground. Currently the only member, the local 501st will have more members soon, once current new recruits have their costumes up to international standard. But don’t let this put you off. The 501st is open to anyone, and Tyrone has plans to grow the membership, help outfit local talent and overcome that pesky exchange rate issue.

Star Wasr 501 ZA (1)

What makes the 501st more than just your standard cosplay group however, is that this is an organisation that spends time at charitable events, promoting Star Wars and being a new hope to those who need it. Expect our local chapter to also get involved, and spread some empirical joy along the way.

If you’re interested in joining, give Tyrone a shout at tyrone@501st.co.za for more information, and check out the Facebook page as well. The 501st is the premier cosplay group in Star Wars fandom, and seeing it locally is going to be a treat, especially with a brand new Star Wars trilogy on the way.

Now if you’ll excuse me, I need to start some work on a Republic Commando outfit so that I can join Vader’s Fist.

Last Updated: July 29, 2014

26 Comments

  1. Republic Commando? That’s what yousa thinks Dar Ryn Binkshuys.

    Reply

  2. Alien Emperor Trevor

    July 29, 2014 at 19:17

    Republic Commando? That’s what yousa thinks Dar Ryn Binkshuys.

    Reply

  3. Matewis Jubilai

    July 29, 2014 at 19:24

    Lol : “…empirical joy…”

    Reply

  4. Matewis Jubilai

    July 29, 2014 at 19:24

    Lol : “…empirical joy…”

    Reply

  5. Hammersteyn

    July 29, 2014 at 19:38

    Only apply if you can find the droids they are looking for.

    Reply

  6. Hammersteyn

    July 29, 2014 at 19:38

    Only apply if you can find the droids they are looking for.

    Reply

  7. Marc O Polo

    July 29, 2014 at 19:39

    as much as i love star wars, have the imperial starfleet logo on my bike, helmet and wallet, i’m not a big fan of playing dress up

    Reply

    • The D

      July 29, 2014 at 19:51

      C’mon, it’ll be fun. There’s more than just Stormtroopers y’know. Well, lots of different Stormtroopers, but still. You could always slap on a jetpack and join up as Mandalorian merc!

      Or you could be like me, spend an hour in the bath and be Darth Sidious!

      Reply

      • Marc O Polo

        July 29, 2014 at 19:53

        i would love to have a shadow stormtrooper uniform but i don’t have the time to make that, not to mention i would probably fuck it up,

        Reply

  8. Marc O Polo

    July 29, 2014 at 19:39

    as much as i love star wars, have the imperial starfleet logo on my bike, helmet and wallet, i’m not a big fan of playing dress up

    Reply

    • The D

      July 29, 2014 at 19:51

      C’mon, it’ll be fun. There’s more than just Stormtroopers y’know. Well, lots of different Stormtroopers, but still. You could always slap on a jetpack and join up as Mandalorian merc!

      Or you could be like me, spend an hour in the bath and be Darth Sidious!

      Reply

      • Marc O Polo

        July 29, 2014 at 19:53

        i would love to have a shadow stormtrooper uniform but i don’t have the time to make that, not to mention i would probably fuck it up,

        Reply

  9. cookiemonster

    July 29, 2014 at 20:01

    Are the girls gonna dress in that particular gold costume?

    Reply

  10. cookiemonster

    July 29, 2014 at 20:01

    Are the girls gonna dress in that particular gold costume?

    Reply

  11. Martin du preez (D4RKL1NGza)

    July 29, 2014 at 20:33

    My friend need to sign up with her Darth Talon cosplay!

    Reply

    • Hammersteyn

      July 29, 2014 at 21:00

      LOL Nyan cat photobomb

      Reply

      • Martin du preez (D4RKL1NGza)

        July 29, 2014 at 21:21

        IS THAT ALL YOU SEE? LOOK AT THE STAR WARS BABE

        Reply

        • Hammersteyn

          July 30, 2014 at 07:35

          I did and I approve hence the upvote, but it’s for her not you 😛

          Reply

  12. Martin du preez (D4RKL1NGza)

    July 29, 2014 at 20:33

    My friend need to sign up with her Darth Talon cosplay!

    Reply

    • Hammersteyn

      July 29, 2014 at 21:00

      LOL Nyan cat photobomb

      Reply

      • Martin du preez (D4RKL1NGza)

        July 29, 2014 at 21:21

        IS THAT ALL YOU SEE? LOOK AT THE STAR WARS BABE

        Reply

        • Hammersteyn

          July 30, 2014 at 07:35

          I did and I approve hence the upvote, but it’s for her not you 😛

          Reply

  13. Admiral Chief Dovahkiin

    July 29, 2014 at 21:27

    CLONE CAPTAIN REX COSPLAY ENGAGE!!!

    Reply

  14. Admiral Chief Dovahkiin

    July 29, 2014 at 21:27

    CLONE CAPTAIN REX COSPLAY ENGAGE!!!

    Reply

  15. Sith JJ

    July 30, 2014 at 07:59

    I’m perfect for this, I keep bumping my head against things already.

    Reply

  16. Sith JJ

    July 30, 2014 at 07:59

    I’m perfect for this, I keep bumping my head against things already.

    Reply

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Check Also

If You Could Create a Game About South Africa…

There is no question that we live in a beautiful country, but it’s also one that can be ex…