Alright, at long last, here is the prototype for my model of the gunblade Lightning wields in Final Fantasy XIII. To make things easier for myself, I'm going to dub it Chimera for now.
It's rough, but it can support its own weight and is strong enough to be held as it is in the game.
It's around 3.5 feet long and as accurate as one can get with cardboard. There are approximately twenty moving pieces and many joints. It's fully articulated as the actual weapon and 'life-size'.

This is only a prototype designed so I can finalize my plans/blueprints for the ' proper' wooden model of the weapon, thus it isn't painted or made to look showy at all.

Materials:
Cardboard (Fridge box)
Cardboard (Cereal box)
Some sticky tape
Split pins

_{EDIT: Ignore the camera specs down the bottom there. My camera's time & date thing's messed up. I took these photos thismorning. >_>}



(Final Fantasy XIII and all elements associated © Square Enix; this piece of art © Natalie C. and is not to be copied, redistributed, or imitated without prior permission.)