Years and years ago, when I was knee-high to skinth, I dabbled with the SCA - dual short swords or spear. Now a broken-down old man, I still want to enjoy a touch of slightly less than mortal combat without having to endure the bruising and muscle pulls and tendon tearing. And I am now old enough to have disposable income. AND technology has matured sufficiently to make lightsabers sound and look good, and demonstrate a high degree of durability? I'm in.
(Although I tend to identify more with the smugglers and the fugitives than with those with any kind of authority or mystical power.)
I have a couple friends who already had a variety of blades, and a little research suggested that US was the way for me to go. Six months ago, after receiving a generous (for me) bonus, I picked up a Mystery Box with sound - I figured I'd let the Force decide. The result is a Manticore with a Renegade emitter, 24" green blade, and basic sound.
Last month, watching the Mandalorian over a few glasses of spotchka, my wife said that *if* she were to have a lightsaber, she'd want one with a purple blade. A couple drunken hours later, the sly and secretive order was in. Along with another Mystery Box for myself. And a Raffle entry, because why not?
They arrived yesterday. Woot!
She now has an Initiate LE v5 with a 24" Bane's Heart (soon to be swapped for Violet Amethyst, as it's not *quite* purple enough).
And I snagged a Dark Apprentice LE v5 with a v3 Obsidian board and 32" Blazing Red triCree blade.
And then of course, the super lucky dip for a Raffle prize: a Dark Sentinel v5 with a 36" Blazing Red blade and basic sound.
Sweet.
So here I am. Getting the chance to play with the toys I've been waiting for since I saw Empire decades ago at the drive-in as a wee sprog. Life is good, folks. In spite of...everything else, ha ha. Now I just need to start working on my costuming. And rehab an elbow injury, so I can beat the tar out of my buddies.
Oh, and I play a lot of Star Wars X-Wing the miniatures game from FFG/AMG, if anybody is interested in the cross-over.