NOTE: The only way you would typically be able to get this kit, was at events as an introductory or promotional item for 30MF, or purchase it at an official Bandai store, such as Gundam Base.
This is something they handed away for free to kids as an easy pop-off-the-runner and fit together kit.
The kit does NOT contain a full Silhouette body, instead it has one very simplified 'mannequin' that has the same connection points as a Silhouette wearing a backpack and a back skirt, but the assembly is completely stripped down and the parts are hollowed out - in fact the back of the arms are visibly hollow. It has next to no articulation and the torso is completely stiff.
Why would you get this kit?
At this price, this is mainly for enthusiasts like myself, who are doing projects and actually like this sort of "rare" item, even if it's only rare relative to where I live.
It has unique parts that you don't get anywhere else, even the simplified silhouettes are "rare" (though probably not particularly valuable).
What does this kit contain?
One grey runner for one 'mannequin' silhouette
One multi-color runner for the equipment
A manual
The equipment consists of:
One transparent blue Core
Two simple armor sets of nine pieces each (not counting shoulder halves)
Two swords
One set of four gold parts to decorate one set of armor
What is the significance of the Rookie character in the 30MF universe?
This is a 'Rookie' Maximilia who dons either Liber or Rosan training armor.
Essentially a sentient mechanical being that gains abilities and powers when equipment is affixed to them, but before they have had any significant life experience.
In the official "Necrosknight" animation, three Rosan are wearing the brown armor in this kit (with grey-purple silhouettes and red cores) and apprehend a Rosan Knight 'heretic', so you could also consider them either a form of constabulary or guards.
It's also possible that Rookies, as a form of students, also perform as low level law enforcement (which is common in some countries, albeit not with long swords) or that they're a student group that performs their own vigilante justice, whether it's encouraged or not.
Aesthetics:
The Liber Rookie armor is a stereotypical fantasy armor set (think Warcraft Alliance guard armor) in a saturated toy blue color. It has a 'German head spike' (Pickelhaube point) and the mask is a two-part mouth and upper face part that looks like the front of a medieval helmet.
The Rosan Rookie armor is a more menacing/spikier but lighter looking 'scout' type armor, in a desaturated dark brown color.
The rear head armor is a horizontal band with small bladed wings/ears.
The mouth guard is a surprisingly toothy grill while the mask has a horned and fanged look.
The two swords are identical, but matched to the armor sets.
The 'mannequin' is in that Liber style grey with a "Water Core" chest crystal. It does not have color separated eyes, but the surface detail (apart from the back) is as good as a regular Silhouette, it looks great, except for the hollowed out back of the arms.
Mechanics/Compatibility:
The arms and legs are at an angle and stiffly swing forwards/backwards. The head is on a simple ball joint.
The mannequin is compatible with most, if not all 30MF armor and uses the same attachment points, albeit with fixed peg positions.
Conclusion:
While I don't like the price (it is what it is) I do like this kit to the point where I bought two of them for my 30MF project. The armor and gold parts are quite good, even if the blue is pretty overkill and doesn't really fit with the rest of the series (can always paint it).
Note that while I personally like the armor for what it is, it's two steps below what you get in a real kit, where they use multiple colors and connected parts to layer. Get this because you think it's fun, not if you want a real 30MF kit.
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