Weapons & Equipment

Melee Weapons

Melee weapons are handheld weapons used to strike opponents in close combat. All melee weapons must be LARP-safe, suitable for controlled combat, and approved before use.

Weapon Categories

Melee weapons are classified by how they are wielded.

Single-Handed Weapons

• Can be safely wielded with one hand.
• Maximum length: 130 cm.

Two-Handed Weapons

• Any weapon over 130 cm must be wielded with both hands.
• Weapons shorter than 130 cm may also be used with two hands.

Weapon Rules

• No thrusting-only weapons are permitted.
• All weapons must pass inspection before use.
• Players are responsible for ensuring their weapons remain safe, well-maintained, and in good repair.

Shields

Shields are defensive equipment used to block melee weapons and some projectile weapons. Shields must be safe for contact, have padded edges, and pass inspection before use.

Bucklers

Bucklers are small round shields.

• Maximum diameter: 40 cm.

Shields

Standard shields may be round or shaped.

• Round shields may be up to 70 cm in diameter.
• Other shield shapes may be up to 60 cm wide and 90 cm long.

Shield Use

Shields can be used to block:

• Melee weapons
• Projectile weapons, including arrows, bolts, and bands from blackpowder weapons

Projectile Weapons

Projectile weapons are ranged weapons that fire approved ammunition. Projectile weapons are split into bows, blackpowder simulations, and magic bolts.

Bows

Bows are physical ranged weapons that fire approved LARP arrows.

• Maximum draw weight: 28 lbs at 28 inches (71 cm).
• Only unaltered IDV brand round-head arrows are permitted.

Bandguns

Bandguns are blackpowder-style weapon simulations that fire approved band missiles.

These may include:

• Pistols
• Band wands
• Rifles
• Crossbows
• Similar long arms

Bandguns must visually simulate historical or fantasy firearms, such as matchlock, wheellock, or flintlock-style weapons.

Ranged Weapon Rules

• Martial thrown weapons, such as throwing daggers, are not permitted.
• Only Magic Bolts may be thrown by hand.
• Any hand-thrown projectile is considered a magic spell.
• Standard Magic Bolts deal 4 HP damage.

Siege Weapons

Siege weapons fire large projectiles that function as a stronger version of an Arcane Bolt.

Damage

• A direct hit from a siege weapon inflicts 12 HP damage regardless of the location struck.
• For most players, this is fatal.
• This damage applies even if the projectile hits a:
  • Shield
  • Weapon
  • Costume

Special Cases

• Arcane Servants or Beasts struck by siege weapons take 1 HP damage.
• Magic Shields fully block siege weapon projectiles.
• A character using a Magic Shield is pushed back as if struck by an Arcane Force spell.

Safety Construction Rules

All weapons, shields, projectiles, and related equipment must meet the required safety construction standards before being used in play.

The sections below contain the detailed construction rules for each equipment type. These rules are provided for players who are building, modifying, buying, or checking equipment.

Approved Weapon Brands

Expand this section to view commonly approved weapon brands.

The following brands are generally accepted, pending safety inspection:

• Ateliers Nemesis
• Calimacil
• Epic Armoury
• FakeSteel Armoury

All weapons, including commercial weapons, must still pass inspection before use.

Melee Weapon Construction Standards

Expand this section to view melee weapon construction requirements.

All melee weapons, whether commercial or homemade, must meet the following standards.

Core Requirements

• Weapon cores must be fibreglass or carbon fibre.
• Weapon cores must be at least 10 mm thick.

Tip Requirements

• Weapon tips must use Kevlar or an equivalent protective material.

Padding Requirements

• Weapons must be covered in soft polyurethane foam suitable for combat use.
• Padding must be sufficient to prevent unsafe contact with the core.

Polearm Requirements

• The first 40 cm from the head of a polearm must be padded.
• This padding must be thick enough that the core cannot be felt under firm finger pressure.

Homemade Weapons

Homemade weapons are allowed, but must be:

• Inspected and approved before their first use.
• Re-checked before each game.

Shield Construction Standards

Expand this section to view shield construction requirements.

Shields may be made from wood or foam and may include a metal boss.

Edge Padding

• Shield edges must have at least 1 cm of progressive give.
• Shield edges must be padded sufficiently so that the core cannot be felt under firm finger pressure.

Shield Face

• No sharp edges are allowed on the face or sides of the shield.
• No unsafe protrusions are allowed on the face or sides of the shield.

Projectile Construction Standards

Expand this section to view projectile construction requirements.

Projectile weapons and ammunition must meet the following standards.

Band Missile Requirements

• Band missiles must be made from blue or green rubber exercise tubing.
• A relaxed band must be at least one-third the length between the trigger catch and front anchor.
• Band ties must be spaced no more than 4 cm apart.
• Cord must be used as joint material.

Arrow Requirements

• Only unaltered IDV brand round-head arrows are permitted.

Magic Bolt Requirements

• Magic Bolts must be constructed from a foam ball wrapped in cloth.
• The cloth must be secured with twine, string, or a similar material.

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