

Born in the far north of Scotland, Cowden’s military father and nurse mother moved to Inverness with him and his three siblings when he was five. His athleticism elevated him to the position of Captain of the 1998 Scotland National under-20 Rugby Union Team. Following a long family tradition of military service, Cowden joined the 3rd UK Mechanised Division of the British Army at age 18. His drive and physique suit the divisions’s historical nickname of “Iron Sides.” Cowden’s first assignment was in the Armoured Division where he studied engineering and specialized in upgrading the infantry combat vehicles. From there, he developed various breaching tactics. After five years of active duty, he was recruited into the SAS, where he holds multiple records in speed and strength. An expert in mechanical, ballistic, explosive and thermal breaching strategies, Cowden was recruited into Rainbow in 2015. He is the operator to choose for quick and relatively silent destruction.
In early 2023, after being placed on the specialized squad Redhammer, Cowden took part in a joint operation between Redhammer and Ghosteyes to recover stolen Nighthaven weaponry from an unknown group. However, this was quickly discovered to be a trap set by former Rainbow operative Deimos, who sought to eliminate all members of Rainbow. A bomb was detonated within the compound, injuring Cowden and his teammates, leaving him with two broken ribs, a fractured wrist and some shrapnel stuck in his left leg, but quickly recovered from his injuries.



Device: Tactical Breaching Hammer “The Caber”
Operator: Specialist Seamus “Sledge” Cowden
Evaluation Lead: Specialist Seamus “Sledge” Cowden
“I’m told you wanted to have a looksee at my Brucie. Why? No offense, Mira, but I don’t need someone mucking about with my Caber, trying to make it look sexier. When Mike’s uncle built it for me (sorry… Specialist bloody Mike “Thatcher” bloody Baker), he damn well made me forge the thing over and over again until we got it right. It’s a solid piece, no forge weld to introduce weak points. It’s made with a differential heat treatment to better transmit the shock of blows along the core and the shaft is covered in fiberglass molded to my handspan for better grip. It’s a solid 4140 steel, built for shock and stress, balanced to prevent it from being too top heavy. I don’t need laser sights put on the damn thing, and I can promise you that if any of your techies come near Brucie, as the saying goes, “it will kill.”
– Specialist Seamus “Bloody Sledge” Cowden

High-quality wool tartan ribbon from a mill in Scotland.

DIY replica of Sledge's "Caber" breaching hammer.

High-quality wool tartan swatch from a mill in Scotland
Planning a cosplay can be an expensive endeavour, depending on the complexity of the character’s design and the availability of pre-made costume parts and accessories, as well as with how accurate you want it to be. However, with careful planning and budgeting, it’s possible to create a stunning cosplay while keeping costs under control. Before starting your cosplay project, it’s a good idea to set aside a budget for materials, tools, and any pre-made costume parts that you may need. Additionally, it’s recommended to write a list of everything you’ll need and gather references for your character, such as high-quality images, videos, or illustrations from different angles. Various cosplay guides exist for some of the Siege characters, but some of them are available as HD renders on ArtStation.com
Cosplaying in public can be a thrilling experience, but it’s crucial to consider the safety implications of your costume, particularly if it includes replica weapons. These can easily be mistaken for real weapons, which can lead to dangerous and potentially fatal misunderstandings. Therefore, it’s important to follow local laws and any guidelines set out by the convention regarding weapons, such as covering the tips guns with orange safety tips. Additionally, if you’re planning to attend an event in a public area, it’s essential to consider the perceptions of those who may not be familiar with cosplay culture. It’s essential to act responsibly and to represent the community positively.
When attending events or conventions, it’s always a good idea to change into your costume at the venue, rather than traveling in it. This way, you can ensure your costume is neat and tidy, and you won’t have to worry about damaging it during transport. It’s also important to stay hydrated, especially if you’re wearing a heavy or cumbersome costume. Bringing bottled water with you (if the venue allows it) is a smart way to stay hydrated and comfortable throughout the day.
It’s important to remember that cosplay is not consent. Just because you’re dressed up as a character doesn’t mean you have to put up with any unwanted attention. If someone asks for a hug or a photo and you’re not comfortable with it, it’s perfectly acceptable to say no. Likewise, if you see someone being harassed or made to feel uncomfortable, speak up and help them. We should all strive to make cosplay a welcoming and enjoyable experience for everyone.