Cosplay used to be something I saw at cons and raised an eyebrow at on the internet. Granted I've designed, built and worn costumes for many years, either for various larps or Renaissance faires. But building a costume for a original character with no hard rules to back up it's actions?

*gasp*

But I've started. The clockwork whir and fried ozone smell of the steampunk bug has bitten me pretty hard. The costume I'm not worried about... that I'm pretty sure I can at least make a passable attempt at. What I do worry about is how much story other cosplayers put into their original characters.

Am I trying to cram too much of my roleplaying roots by writing up a backstory or meshing story ideas with other cosplayers (or at least trying to)?

So if you actually took the time to read this and you are into cosplay... any suggestions for the new guy?