Difference between revisions of "Boffer Specifications and Creation"

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(Added brawl length and natural weapon color and marking requirements.)
(→‎Construction:)
 
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== Weapon Checks ==
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== Cloth, Latex, or Duct Tape? ==
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* '''All weapons must be checked each game prior to use.'''
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Most weapons at Shadow Accord are latex weapons. These look nice and good looking weapons help with immersion just like good costumes and props.
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* Weapons will be checked during the check-in process by Safety, a Head of Staff, Executive Officer, or the Deco Weapon Specialist.
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Cloth covered boffers are primarily used for natural weapons like claws, tentacles, or fists.  A basic description of how to build cloth covered boffers is available below.
 
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Duct Tape weapons are not allowed. The Duct tape adds weight and stiffness to a weapon that may cause stinging to anyone hit with one.  Also, they generally do not look all that good and can detract from immersion.
 
  
 
== Weapon Specifications ==
 
== Weapon Specifications ==
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=== Boffer Weapons ===
 
=== Boffer Weapons ===
 
==== Length: ====
 
==== Length: ====
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* Maximum length for all weapons: 72 inches
 
* Maximum length for all weapons: 72 inches
  
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==== Cores: ====
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=== Ranged Weapons ===
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* Fiberglass, kite spar, graphite or carbon cores are to be used in all weapon construction.
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* Bow: Max limit 35 lb pull.
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* PVC is not an acceptable core material and is no longer allowed at game for PC weapons or weapons donated to Shadow Accord.
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* Arrows: Store bought LARP-safe arrows only (No homemade arrows will be considered).
 +
* Safety has the final say whether the bow/crossbow is suited for game.
  
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==== Exterior: ====
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== Store bought (manufactured)  Latex weapons ==
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* Latex or cloth covers for the outer layer of all weapons.
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These weapons are acceptable so long as they pass the safety check.
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* Latex weapons must have be sealed with silicon sealant (some players are allergic to latex).
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== Cloth, Latex, or Duct Tape? ==
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* Brawl: Must be black.
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Most weapons at Shadow Accord are latex weapons. These look nice. Good looking weapons help with immersion, just like good costumes and props.
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* Claws: Must be black with a white/silver claw mark.
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* Tentacles: Must be black with a white/silver tentacle mark.
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Cloth covered boffers are primarily used for natural weapons like claws, tentacles, or fists.  A basic description of how to build cloth covered boffers is available below.
  
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==== Construction: ====
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As with all weapons presented at game, a weapon needs to pass both safety AND aesthetics. Duct tape is an acceptable material provided it can pass both.
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* Foam must be glued and secured to the entire length of the core.
 
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* Tip must be padded to prevent the core from stabbing through.
 
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* Pommels are required for weapons donated to Shadow Accord.
 
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* Duct tape is not to be used for any part of weapon construction.
 
  
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=== Ranged Weapons ===
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== Construction materials ==
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* Max limit 35 lbs with store bought LARP-safe arrows.  
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=== Cores: ===
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* No homemade arrows will be considered.
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==== Acceptable core materials: ====
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* Safety has the final say as to if the bow/crossbow is suited for game.
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*'''Composite materials''' - Kite Spar/Graphite/Carbon fiber/Fiberglass core(graphite/carbon fiber are common materials used in the shaft of a golf club driver. these can be acquire at second  hand stores for as little as 5 dollars each and remain acceptable for use as the core of a boffer weapon).
  
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=== Weapon Checks ===
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==== Un-acceptable core materials: ====
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* '''All''' weapons must be checked each game prior to use.
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*'''Organic materials''' - this includes, Wood, Bamboo, Rattan, ect. that can mold and mildew.
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* Weapons will be checked during the check in process by Safety, a Head of Staff, Executive Officer or the Deco Weapon Specialist.
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*'''PVC''' - On the whole lightweight PVC is too flexible for our standards, while PVC that is rigid enough, is too heavy for our standards.
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Additional information on weapons can be found in the [[rules]].
 
  
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== Making a Boffer ==
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==== Closed cell foam: ====
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The following is basic walkthrough on creating a simple boffer:
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* Camp pad - found at most stores that carry sporting goods
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* L-200 foam  - (example [http://foammart.com/index.php?nsc=minicell&pcat=closed-cell Foam Mart online])
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* EVA Foam - (example “Anti-stress floor pads” / “exercise mats”  [http://www.harborfreight.com/4-piece-anti-fatigue-foam-mat-set-94635.html?utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=4112b&utm_source=1002 Harbor Freight online])
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* Ensolite - (example “Pipe insulation” [http://foammart.com/index.php?nsc=ensolite&pcat=closed-cell#categories Foam Mart online])
  
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<ol>
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==== Exterior: ====
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<li> Get a core. Fiberglass, kite spar, graphite or carbon are all acceptable.
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* Latex - for shaped / “bladed” weapons.
 +
** Latex weapons must be sealed with silicone protectant (some players are allergic to latex).
 +
* Cloth (Black in color) - Brawl boffers, claws boffers, & tentacle boffers.
 +
** Claws and tentacles must be black in color with the appropriate white/silver mark.
 +
** Claws and tentacles can be made of latex; they must still be black in color and carry the correct symbol.
 +
** Claw and Tentacle symbol [https://drive.google.com/drive/#folders/0Bwm-WYMok2F0X0VwWjZlS29RQm8 examples].
  
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<li> Using clear tape (packing tape) attach some small foam strips to the core of the weapon. This is to prevent the core from rattling inside the fun noodle.  
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==== Construction: ====
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<li> Cut the appropriate length of fun noodle for the weapons length (about two inches longer than the core of the weapon).
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* Foam must be secured to the core and immobile, either with glue or tape.
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<li> Taper one end of the fun noodle. This will help in attaching the noodle to the core.
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* Tape may be used during construction of the core to cover the tip to prevent it from puncturing foam.
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<li> Slide core into fun noodle. The strips of foam attached to the core should make it a snug fit. For the “best” fit, have the end, or tip, of the core no closer than approximately 2 inches below the end of the fun noodle.
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* Tip must be padded to prevent the core from stabbing through.
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<li> Using clear or duct tape affix the fun noodle, at the bottom of the noodle, to the core (where you had tapered it earlier. Be sure to make this a solid attachment by tugging on the noodle away from the core. If done properly the noodle will not budge very much (keep in mind, it is foam, and if you pull too much it will come apart).
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* Latex weapons are recommended to include additional tip security, such as vinyl tubing between the hard core and the foam at the tip.
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<li> At the top of the weapon, stuff remaining foam in the 2 inch deep hole. This is to prevent the tip of the weapons core from poking through and potentially stabbing someone. Another good method, along with stuffing the tip, is to cover the top of the weapon with some flat foam. The tip of the weapon should be reasonably flat, bigger than an eye socket. Use clear tape to affix the flat foam cover to the end of the fun noodle.
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* Pommels are required for weapons donated to Shadow Accord.
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<li> Cover the weapon with a strip of clear packing tape. This will extend the life of the weapon.
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* The outer layer of all non-latex boffers must have a cloth covering.
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<li> Cover the weapon in a cloth tube. Make sure this will not fly off the weapon easily. These can be made very simply
 
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by any seamstress of tailors. Also, using layers of panty hose works fine as well.
 
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</ol>
 
  
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'''Additional construction notes:'''
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== Other Notes ==
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* Any member of Staff can remove an item from game if it is determined to be unsafe or very distracting to the immersion of the game. (A rule that has always been apart of Shadow Accord, though rarely used).
 +
* Additional information on weapons can be found in the [[rules]].
  
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*Feel free to add a pommel to your boffer weapon. Use the same techniques for the “blade” of your weapon on the end of your handle, except in much shorter lengths. This may prevent any injury if someone is accidentally hit with the back end of your weapon.
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[[Category: Shadow Accord Organization]]
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*A “courtesy padding” is allowed at Shadow Accord, but by no means is necessary. These paddings are open-cell foam on the tips. These will be counted as total length of the weapon.
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[[Category: Safety Team]]

Latest revision as of 21:36, 10 August 2016

Weapon Checks[edit]

  • All weapons must be checked each game prior to use.
  • Weapons will be checked during the check-in process by Safety, a Head of Staff, Executive Officer, or the Deco Weapon Specialist.

Weapon Specifications[edit]

Boffer Weapons[edit]

Length:[edit]

  • Fist: 12 in. striking surface
  • Claws: 20-24 in. striking surface
  • Tentacles: 26-30 in. striking surface
  • Maximum length for all weapons: 72 inches

Ranged Weapons[edit]

  • Bow: Max limit 35 lb pull.
  • Arrows: Store bought LARP-safe arrows only (No homemade arrows will be considered).
  • Safety has the final say whether the bow/crossbow is suited for game.

Store bought (manufactured) Latex weapons[edit]

These weapons are acceptable so long as they pass the safety check.

Cloth, Latex, or Duct Tape?[edit]

Most weapons at Shadow Accord are latex weapons. These look nice. Good looking weapons help with immersion, just like good costumes and props.

Cloth covered boffers are primarily used for natural weapons like claws, tentacles, or fists. A basic description of how to build cloth covered boffers is available below.

As with all weapons presented at game, a weapon needs to pass both safety AND aesthetics. Duct tape is an acceptable material provided it can pass both.

Construction materials[edit]

Cores:[edit]

Acceptable core materials:[edit]

  • Composite materials - Kite Spar/Graphite/Carbon fiber/Fiberglass core(graphite/carbon fiber are common materials used in the shaft of a golf club driver. these can be acquire at second hand stores for as little as 5 dollars each and remain acceptable for use as the core of a boffer weapon).

Un-acceptable core materials:[edit]

  • Organic materials - this includes, Wood, Bamboo, Rattan, ect. that can mold and mildew.
  • PVC - On the whole lightweight PVC is too flexible for our standards, while PVC that is rigid enough, is too heavy for our standards.

Closed cell foam:[edit]

Exterior:[edit]

  • Latex - for shaped / “bladed” weapons.
    • Latex weapons must be sealed with silicone protectant (some players are allergic to latex).
  • Cloth (Black in color) - Brawl boffers, claws boffers, & tentacle boffers.
    • Claws and tentacles must be black in color with the appropriate white/silver mark.
    • Claws and tentacles can be made of latex; they must still be black in color and carry the correct symbol.
    • Claw and Tentacle symbol examples.

Construction:[edit]

  • Foam must be secured to the core and immobile, either with glue or tape.
  • Tape may be used during construction of the core to cover the tip to prevent it from puncturing foam.
  • Tip must be padded to prevent the core from stabbing through.
  • Latex weapons are recommended to include additional tip security, such as vinyl tubing between the hard core and the foam at the tip.
  • Pommels are required for weapons donated to Shadow Accord.
  • The outer layer of all non-latex boffers must have a cloth covering.

Other Notes[edit]

  • Any member of Staff can remove an item from game if it is determined to be unsafe or very distracting to the immersion of the game. (A rule that has always been apart of Shadow Accord, though rarely used).
  • Additional information on weapons can be found in the rules.
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