Boffer Specifications and Creation

Cloth, Latex, or Duct Tape?

Most weapons at Shadow Accord are latex weapons. These look nice and 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.

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

Boffer Weapons

Length:

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

Cores:

• Fiberglass, kite spar, graphite or carbon cores are to be used in all weapon construction.
• PVC is not an acceptable core material and is no longer allowed at game for PC weapons or weapons donated to Shadow Accord.

Exterior:

• Latex or cloth covers for the outer layer of all weapons.
• Latex weapons must have be sealed with silicon sealant (some players are allergic to latex).
• Brawl: Must be black.
• Claws: Must be black with a white/silver claw mark.
• Tentacles: Must be black with a white/silver tentacle mark.

Construction:

• Foam must be glued and secured to the entire length of the core.
• Tip must be padded to prevent the core from stabbing through.
• Pommels are required for weapons donated to Shadow Accord.
• Duct tape is not to be used for any part of weapon construction.

Ranged Weapons

• Max limit 35 lbs with store bought LARP-safe arrows.
• No homemade arrows will be considered.
• Safety has the final say as to if the bow/crossbow is suited for game.

Weapon Checks

• 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.

Additional information on weapons can be found in the rules.

Making a Boffer

The following is basic walkthrough on creating a simple boffer:

1. Get a core. Fiberglass, kite spar, graphite or carbon are all acceptable.
2. 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.
3. Cut the appropriate length of fun noodle for the weapons length (about two inches longer than the core of the weapon).
4. Taper one end of the fun noodle. This will help in attaching the noodle to the core.
5. 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.
6. 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).
7. 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.
8. Cover the weapon with a strip of clear packing tape. This will extend the life of the weapon.
9. Cover the weapon in a cloth tube. Make sure this will not fly off the weapon easily. These can be made very simply by any seamstress of tailors. Also, using layers of panty hose works fine as well.

Additional construction notes:

• 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.
• 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.