LARP Weapons

Combat in the Renewal campaign uses special foam and latex melee weapons and low-power bows and crossbows, collectively known as LARP weapons. These weapons must be constructed to strict guidelines, which are regularly reviewed and updated to reflect changes in the industry. Guidelines are available on request from Curious Pastimes, either in person at the Game Organisation Desk or by email at info@curiouspastimes.co.uk.

Suitable weapons are available to buy from traders on site at every Curious Pastimes event. They are also widely available online, although players are advised to visit one of Curious Pastimes’ social media spaces to be directed to known and trusted vendors.

LARP weapons degrade with use and over time, eventually becoming unsafe. To maximise their lifespan, weapons should be cleaned and protected after every event and stored flat in a cool, dry place.

Special Weapons

Specific safety rules apply to the following weapons:

• Bows and Crossbows: Every bow or crossbow must be tested for draw weight and issued a poundage card, which must be affixed to the weapon at all times.
• Flails and Exotic Weapons: Any flail or other non-standard LARP weapon must be examined and approved by the head weapons checker before it may be used at any Curious Pastimes event – even if identical to another weapon that has previously been approved.
• Stab-Safe Weapons: Any stab-safe spear or polearm must be weapons checked and issued with a white ribbon by a referee, which must be affixed near the head at all times.
• Thrown Weapons: Special rules apply to the construction of thrown weapons; weapons suitable for melee combat are never suitable for throwing, and vice versa.

Forbidden Weapons

The following weapons are not permitted:

• Cold Climate Weapons: Weapons made for the Northern European market are typically made of lower-density foam, for outdoor use in a colder climate. These weapons are unsafe for use in the warmer British summer.
• Comedy Weapons: Even if constructed to the required standards, unrealistic weapons such as rubber chickens, fish or wedges of cheese should never be used in combat. This restriction doesn’t apply to unlikely but plausible weapons such as LARP-safe frying pans or broken bottles.
• Guns and Black Powder Weapons: Black powder doesn’t – and will not ever – exist in the world of the Renewal campaign.
• Stab-Safe Swords: Regardless of construction, no swords – nor any weapon not properly weapons checked and tagged with a ribbon – may be used for thrusting attacks.

Weapons Checking

Every weapon must be examined by an authorised weapons checker every event before it may be used in combat, and again immediately before every skirmish or battle. Staff members will coordinate a general check of all weapons in every camp at the relevant times. Weapons cannot be approved outside events, based on a photograph or description, but must be checked in person.

If a weapon is found unsafe, it will be returned to its wielder with a red tag affixed to it, with an explanation of why it has failed. The weapon must then be put safely out of reach (ideally out of the play area entirely) and may not be used in combat until it has been corrected and re-checked. Any decision may be appealed to a weapons checking lead; ultimately, the head weapons checker has final authority over all matters of weapon safety.

Note: Weapons may become damaged, or degrade to the point of becoming unsafe, during the course of the event. It is the wielder’s responsibility to get their weapon re-checked if unsure, or simply take it out of play immediately, even if it has previously been passed at the same event.

Bow Safety

Anybody wishing to use a bow or crossbow of any description must possess a Bow Safety Licence, which they must carry on their person and present on demand. Licences are awarded after a bow safety test, which takes the form of a short training session and a demonstration of safe bow use. Sessions take place at every Curious Pastimes event; players may enquire at the Game Organisation Desk for times and locations. Licences last for a maximum of three years.

Any member of staff can assign an archer one or two strikes for unsafe bow use, which they will record on the back of their licence and report to the bow safety team. An archer with two strikes may no longer use a bow or crossbow of any description until they have attended a new bow safety test. In extreme cases, an archer may be banned from using bows and crossbows altogether.

Every bow must also have a Bow Poundage Card attached to it. This lets referees know that the bow has been tested and is in line with Curious Pastimes rules.

Both Bow Safety Licences and Poundage Cards are issued at our Bow Safety Tests are held at every event. If you change your bow or your licence expires, you will need to attend one of these sessions to be issued new cards.