Resources

Table of Contents
  1. FAQ
    1. Can I use a bow in Forest of Doors?
    2. Why are Thrown Weapons the only weapon that requires a character to purchase the accompanying skill?
    3. What items that I bring into game must have a tag?
    4. What foods are allowed in play?
    5. What "perks" are afforded to new players?
    6. When are we considered in character?
    7. What items must be represented by a prop (phys-rep)?
    8. I sent in my background… when do I get the 5 character points?
    9. I sent in my background but haven’t heard back.  Is this normal?
    10. Every player can buy 5 character points for their character with 15 Brownie Points.  When can I do this?
    11. I submitted a character but didn’t receive my character’s setting packet.  How do I get it?
    12. I sent in my feedback but haven’t heard back.  Is this normal?
    13. Can I sell things at the game (for real money)?
    14. I have a costume/prop/character concept in mind but it isn’t historically accurate.  Is it still allowed in game?
    15. How does my character come into game?
    16. I have submitted a character and created a forum account but I don’t have access to the world-specific forums.  How do I get access to the forum for my character’s home world?
    17. What starting equipment will my character have?
    18. I wish to respend my character points.  How do I do this?
    19. When is the next event?
    20. Do you allow latex weapons?
    21. Forest of Doors is a “lightest touch” system.  How do I make players in heavy armor feel my blows?
    22. How do I submit my downtimes?
    23. When is final date that downtimes are accepted after an event?
    24. My character has a weapon skill.  Does it apply to all weapons of that type?
    25. What happens if I am not Strong and I carry a heavy weapon or large shield? 
    26. Do I still spend Prowess on combat abilities (such as a Power Strike) that do not successfully hit?
    27. Do I always have to call my defenses against every attack?
    28. Are characters who are Critical also unconscious?
    29. What is Gatespeak and how does it work?
    30. What are Brownie Points and what are they good for?
    31. I don’t have the armor phys-rep I plan on using, but I don’t want to have to hunt down better armor in game.  Can I begin the game with an item tag for higher level armor than I am currently wearing?
    32. Resilience is a character’s Armor, Protection, and Vitality added together.  Which are lost first when a character is damaged?
    33. Is a character’s Resilience based on location?
    34. What is the significance of red weapons?
    35. Do the Advanced Weapon Styles require that you use the weapon configuration for that style?
    36. How do I make spell packets?
    37. If I take a wound to the arm in excess of my Resilience, do I take a torso wound?
    38. Do combat taglines need to be called before the player attacks a target?
    39. Do sources of enhanced healing stack?
    40. Can I perform more than one Ritual at a time?
    41. I’ve spent a Charge I obtained from a Ritual.  How do I get that Charge back?
    42. How long do spells last?
    43. How do I get items off of monsters?
    44. Does restoring a target’s Vitality heal their wounds?
    45. Do I really have to perform a ritual or can I just spend the appropriate amount of time for the ritual and gain a Charge?
  2. Boffer Weapon Construction Guide
    1. Basic Sword Construction
    2. Boffer Arrow Construction 
  3. LARP Essentials
    1. For All Events
    2. For Two and Three Day Events

FAQ

We have had many questions come up repeatedly on the forums and in character feedback forms, so this FAQ is an attempt to address them.  Note that these questions are in no particular order.  Expect this section of the site to be updated on a regular basis.  If you don’t see an answer to a particular question you have, by all means direct it to our forums or to one of the staff’s email. 

Can I use a bow in Forest of Doors?

Yes.  All bows must have a 30 pound pull or less, with all crossbows limited to a 25 pound pull or less.  Like nearly all weapons in Forest of Doors, your character can use a bow without purchasing the Bow skill.  However, archery is unique in that players must be certified by the Forest of Doors staff or archery marshal.  This is usually a fairly quick process that involves a discussion of the proper and safe use of boffer LARP archery, as well as a short skills test to assure the competence of the archer. 

Why are Thrown Weapons the only weapon that requires a character to purchase the accompanying skill?

We began the game with no limitations on thrown weapons and found that field battles became two lines lobbing weapons at one another.  To protect the feel of combat and the balance of the game itself, characters wishing to use Thrown Weapons must purchase the Thrown skill. 

What items that I bring into game must have a tag?

You can bring whatever props you wish to game as long as they are not real weapons or other items banned from state parks.  However, for the item to have in-game value, it must have a tag.  Tagged items can be purchased in-game or crafted during production periods.  For instance, if a player wishes to bring a small dream-catcher to game, for trading purposes, the player could get a tag for a “Rustic Work of Art” (which costs 1 Twist to make but sells for whatever the buyer is willing to pay) during character creation. Alternately, they could create the item themselves using the Craft skill.  Regardless of its origin, this item can be sold for in game money, used as part of a Ritual, or simply as a prop with in-game value behind it. 

What foods are allowed in play?

You can bring whatever food you want to the game and justify its presence as long as it fits the setting to some small degree.  If you wish to make steak, feel free to explain it by having hunted down a bull that wandered from another world into the Forest of Doors.  If you want to bring a mixed salad with vinaigrette, feel free to claim that you purchased the ingredients from a passing merchant or foraged the ingredients yourself.  The comfort of our players is very important to us and being able to eat as you want is a big part of that.  However, if you wish to go the extra mile and eat “forest fare,” you are perfectly welcome to do that as well.  Some characters may impose dietary restrictions based on their setting on themselves (vegetarian fairies, junk food from the Goblin City, traditional fare from the Empire, etc.).   

What "perks" are afforded to new players?

All first time players receive a discount of $15 off their first event.  Thus, a one day event would be free, a two day event would be $15, and a three day event would be $30 for a first timer.  Furthermore, all new players receive a “newbie module” designed to introduce characters to the Forest of Doors.  This plot-directed module sets the tone, gets players in character, and helps to teach the rules.  New players also do not have to put in any time playing “Non-Player Characters” (aka Monstering) during their first event.  Finally, first time players are allowed to respend their character at any time before their second game or even create an entirely new character with the experience they earned from their first game. 

When are we considered in character?

During an event, play begins when announced.  After that, everyone is considered in play at all times unless players wear a white headband or use the required out-of-play gesture (hand or weapon on head).  We consider being in play at all times vitally important for the feel of the game and thus every single statement made when you are not signaling that you are out of character is considered in play.  Players that consistently break character will be asked to be more conscious of their in and out of game states.  Frequent abusers will have their experience reduced for the event.  That said, players may use the bathroom out of play, as attacking folks in such a circumstance just isn’t very nice. 

What items must be represented by a prop (phys-rep)?

Alchemical items aside from liquids and tablets, Lumencrafted items, Weapons, Armor, Traps, Healer’s Kits, Tinker’s Tools, and miscellaneous tagged items such as jewelry, tools, and other crafted items must be represented by props.  There are a few tagged items that do not require props, however. For instance, tagged commodities such as lumber, iron, and gold are assumed to represent large quantities of these things. They do not need physical representation because they are assumed to be off screen, but those who want to bring props to represent them can do so, as long as they are reasonable and safe.  As with anything that might be questionable, running it by the staff will save you a lot of headache.   

I sent in my background… when do I get the 5 character points?

You get these points at the end of your next event, added to whatever character points you would ordinarily get for that event.  

I sent in my background but haven’t heard back.  Is this normal?

Yes.  We generally only contact players if their backgrounds need something changed or clarified.  If you wish to know more about the status of your background, feel free to email Chas at chas_st@yahoo.com and he will let you know where your background stands. 

Every player can buy 5 character points for their character with 15 Brownie Points.  When can I do this?

You can do this at any time.  You can do it during character creation or wait to do it later.  You could, if you wanted to, spend for it a year from now. You can even spend for it incrementally if you wish. 

I submitted a character but didn’t receive my character’s setting packet.  How do I get it?

Email chas_st@yahoo.com and Charlie will send it promptly. 

I sent in my feedback but haven’t heard back.  Is this normal?

We get a lot of feedback and we do not usually respond to them individually.  The only exception is when people ask us direct questions, though we prefer that players use this resource for actual feedback and instead direct questions to the forums or email. 

Can I sell things at the game (for real money)?

Yes, with some stipulations.  The staff must be informed prior to any event at which you wish to sell.  The materials you are selling must be in some way related to the game (costume, weapons, props, etc).  Selling or displaying wares is prohibited while the game is actually going on, so it is restricted to the time before and after the game itself.  Obviously, characters are free to sell whatever in-game items they have during the event—for in-game money—especially considering how important mercantile matters are in game. 

I have a costume/prop/character concept in mind but it isn’t historically accurate.  Is it still allowed in game?

Forest of Doors is –not- historical reenactment.  We have fairies and goblins and magic and whatnot.  While we sprinkle historical details in game for flavor, this is not a game about historical accuracy.  Players should not feel compelled to adhere to any semblance of accuracy to anything except the settings as written.  The Desert of Brass is not actually supposed to be medieval Arabia nor is the Empire of Perfect Unity actually Confucian China.  Obviously, a pocket watch isn’t appropriate for characters from the Realm of Castles, but, by the same token, players of characters from the Realm of Castle are free to design their own heraldic coats of arms without the constraints of actual historical heraldry.  Characters from the Rock of Storms can use full plate armor even if the Vikings (who were an inspiration for the Rock of Storms) did not in fact use it.  We do ask that players still remain however within the bounds of the setting and of course not to deliberately flaunt our rejection of historicism.  If it is lame, we reserve the right to reject it. 

How does my character come into game?

Usually, characters enter the game at the moment they come through a gate… in whatever state they entered the Forest of Doors according to their back story.  Events held at places other than state parks (like Dragon Con, etc.) might require a different way to introduce your character if it is your first event.  If you have a specific way you would like your character to be introduced, you can contact a director to arrange something appropriate. 

I have submitted a character and created a forum account but I don’t have access to the world-specific forums.  How do I get access to the forum for my character’s home world?

In the “Forest of Doors” section of our forums there is a sticky thread entitled “Realm-Only Forums.”  Make a quick post there requesting access and it will be granted.  These forums, however, are only accessible to those who have actually been to an event, which simulates a character’s access to the people of the Forest of Doors.  

What starting equipment will my character have?

Every character begins with 20 Twists worth of items, which are “sold” at the cost to create the item.  These funds can be taken as weapons, armor, gems, alchemical items, or any tagged item whose cost is listed on the site.  You can find a list of items your character could purchase under the Craft and Tinkering Production rules.  Any money left over is given to players as a tag representing currency from their home world.  This money can be exchanged in game for Twists (the proper currency of the Forest of Doors). 

I wish to respend my character points.  How do I do this?

Firstly, you have to be able to do so according to the rules.  Players are free to completely change their character (to the point of coming from a different world with entirely different back story) after their first event.  Players are also able to respend character points on skills whose rules are drastically changed.  Players can also redo a spell choice if that spell’s system is changed dramatically.  To respend any part of your character, simply fill out the “Character Submission” form under the “Players” section of the website.  Players will be explicitly informed if either of the previous cases apply to them.  Note what you wish to have changed and that you are using your ability to respend.  The changes should be reflected on your character sheet during the next game. 

When is the next event?

Our website has a section called Events which details the events we currently have scheduled. 

Do you allow latex weapons?

We do not give blanket acceptance to any class of weapons or any manufacturer, and we inspect every weapon every game.  Latex weapons are often problematic for a number of reasons, though, and are most often rejected for not having a two inch thrusting tip, for being too hard, or for allowing the core to become exposed easily when striking an opponent.  To be completely clear, we reserve the right to reject those we deem unsafe or aesthetically unfit.  Weapons that hurt when hitting someone will fail, regardless of construction method.  Our website details how to cheaply construct boffer-safe weapons.   

Forest of Doors is a “lightest touch” system.  How do I make players in heavy armor feel my blows?

The “lightest touch” moniker for Forest of Doors refers to the lightest touch your target can actually feel.  You are allowed to hit players in thick armor harder in order to allow them to feel the hit, and adjudicating the force necessary for an opponent to feel a hit is a real skill that players will quickly develop.  Some opponents, such as those with exposed skin, should be hit very lightly.  However, players in heavy or solid armor need a larger amount of force to feel the blow.  Feel free to apply more force if you feel you can safely and painlessly hit such players.  If the player says you are hitting too hard, immediately scale back the force of your blows.  As always, be conscious of the person at the other end of your weapon; if they say you are hitting too hard, you probably are. 

How do I submit my downtimes?

There is a Post-Event form on our website used for all feedback, downtime actions, and character point expenditures.  Remember that when filling out your downtimes you can double (or triple) up on one action for greater effect, or you can make three completely separate actions.  Certain things are the province of specific skills, however. Learning something requires Scholarship, making friends or asking around town for information requires Diplomacy, and exploring the Forest of Doors requires Survival.  The more specific your downtime, the more likely you are to achieve your goal. 

When is final date that downtimes are accepted after an event?

We only accept downtime actions submitted two weeks after the event, and only if your character was actually present at the game or purchased a set of downtime actions with Brownie Points.  Often, we schedule events one month after each other and we need time to adjudicate and write up downtime responses. 

My character has a weapon skill.  Does it apply to all weapons of that type?

Yes.  The Sword Skill allows characters to use its abilities with any sword just as the Close Weapons skill allows you to use your combat abilities with all close weapons.  Note that heavy weapons and shields still require the Strong trait, even if you have the appropriate skill for such. 

What happens if I am not Strong and I carry a heavy weapon or large shield? 

When a character that is not Strong holds a heavy weapon or wields a large shield, the weapon or shield is treated as the character’s arm for the purposes of wounds.  Any attack that hits the weapon or shield counts as if it struck the character’s arm, and it will immediately disarm them.  Furthermore, characters without Strong obviously cannot make attacks or use combat abilities with such weapons and shields.   

Do I still spend Prowess on combat abilities (such as a Power Strike) that do not successfully hit?

Yes.  If you call the tagline, you spend the Prowess for it whether successful or not.  This also extends to Feats as well.  In Forest of Doors, if a resource is spent to do something it stays spent whether it was successful or not.

Do I always have to call my defenses against every attack?

Yes.  In Forest of Doors, all defenses must be willingly called within 3 seconds of an attack.  For instance, if you are hit with Poison and fail to call a defense within 3 seconds, your character is Poisoned, even if you have a Poison Resist.  If you take damage on your Resilience you should still acknowledge the hit in some fashion such as saying “got it.” Alternately—and this is really preferred—you can roleplay the hit as long as it clear to your opponent that you are taking it.  You could pretend to be knocked back slightly or cry out in pain as your opponent harms you. 

Are characters who are Critical also unconscious?

Yes.  A character who is Critical is always unconscious, barring certain abilities.  Once a character is stable (no longer Critical) they are conscious. 

What is Gatespeak and how does it work?

All characters, upon entering the Forest of Doors, find their speech transformed into Gatespeak.  It is difficult to speak (but not write) in foreign languages in the Forest of Doors as the curious nature of the place asserts itself.  Furthermore, all characters in the Forest of Doors are literate in Gatespeak and can read it as well as write it; all text props are assumed to be in Gatespeak unless they are noted otherwise.   

What are Brownie Points and what are they good for?

Brownie Points are our way of encouraging a sense of community in the game.  People who help the game get benefits for doing so.  The amount of Brownie given is dictated by the amount of help we receive.  Often, we will ask players for specific things (monstering, tags, props, logistics, etc) and award Brownie for it.  Brownie Points can be spent on extra character points, discounts on events, and extra downtime actions.  Please see the “OOC Policies” section under the “Rules” section of the website. 

I don’t have the armor phys-rep I plan on using, but I don’t want to have to hunt down better armor in game.  Can I begin the game with an item tag for higher level armor than I am currently wearing?

You may not begin the game with a higher point tag, but if you upgrade your armor out of game (and we approve its new rating), you can exchange your old tag for a new one during check in, paying the cost difference in Twists.  We understand the difficulty in crafting armor phys-reps, so we allow this exception to the “buy all items at character creation or in game” rule. 

Resilience is a character’s Armor, Protection, and Vitality added together.  Which are lost first when a character is damaged?

Resilience is lost in alphabetical order:  Armor, Protection, and then Vitality.  This is only important when figuring when/if armor needs to be maintained, protections need to be reset, or you need to rest.  There are no powers that bypass a specific kind of resilience that do not bypass them all, so you will not have to calculate these on the spot.

Is a character’s Resilience based on location?

No.  Resilience protects a character’s entire body at all times.  Resilience is meant to be an abstract concept that represents how hard it is to wound a character, not how protected a character is in any specific location.  Note that Resilience is not the same thing as wounds.  A character can be wounded and yet still have Resilience, in certain circumstances.  Restoring any component of Resilience (Armor, Protection, or Vitality) does not heal wounds. 

What is the significance of red weapons?

In game, red weapons are treated as natural weaponry such as claws or fangs.  They cannot be disarmed by any means, cannot be broken, and do not take damage from hits. 

Do the Advanced Weapon Styles require that you use the weapon configuration for that style?

Absolutely yes.  Advanced Styles require that the character use only the weapon (or weapon and shield) configuration listed.  This means that Scholar’s Sword style is not compatible with a shield.  Likewise, Noble Paladin only works with a War Mace and a Small Shield;  A hammer or sword is insufficient, and if the Paladin has their shield broken or lost somehow, they lose access to their Advanced Style powers, as an example.  Advanced Styles are very strict in their requirements. 

How do I make spell packets?

Place some bird seed in the middle of 4-5 inch square of cloth.  The color of the cloth relates to the type of magic the packet will be used for (see the section on Magic for more details on colors, near the end of part 1).  Draw up the corners so that all the bird seed is contained in the packet with none leaking out, and fasten the corners closed with a rubber band.  Make sure the packet isn’t so hard that it will hurt when thrown; the birdseed should still be somewhat mobile within the cloth. 

If I take a wound to the arm in excess of my Resilience, do I take a torso wound?

No.  No matter how much damage is done to an unwounded limb, it never bleeds over to the Torso from a single hit.  However, if you are hit again in a limb that is already wounded, you then take a torso wound. 

Do combat taglines need to be called before the player attacks a target?

Yes.  If you make contact before the tagline is completed, it does not count and you still spend the Prowess or Feat. 

Do sources of enhanced healing stack?

Yes, as long as they are from different sources.  This means that only one instance of Aid can help a person at a time and only one instance of a specific spell or item effect can help a character at a time.  More powerful effects do replace effects of the same source, however (usually this only relates to the Healing skill).  For instance, a character under the effect of Basic Aid and Blissful Fairy Wine heals in 30 minutes.  If another character with Improved Aid later heals the target, the injured character would heal in 15 minutes.  The normal progression of healing levels is 1 hour, 30 minutes, 15 minutes, and 5 minutes. 

Can I perform more than one Ritual at a time?

No.  Rituals can be performed back to back or in ways that easily flow into one another, but they cannot be performed concurrently. 

I’ve spent a Charge I obtained from a Ritual.  How do I get that Charge back?

First, you must have no Charges of that School of Magic at all, either by spending them or simply “Revoking” them (taking 3 seconds of concentration to divest yourself of the charge(s)).  Then, you must successfully perform one of your Rituals.  This Ritual becomes “Active” and cannot be used again until you are carrying no Charges from that School of Magic. 

How long do spells last?

Spells last as long as their description indicates.  If the spell does not indicate a duration, then the spell lasts for the entire event.  Readied Spells can be maintained indefinitely as long as the caster maintains the requirements for the spell and is not rendered unconscious (either through in game effects or actually sleeping).  Characters with Readied Spells active cannot perform Rituals or cast other spells, in general. 

How do I get items off of monsters?

You should closely approach the downed monster and say “Searching.” The monster’s player will likely give you any items the monster had.  If your character has the “Harvest Game” ability from the Survival Skill, you can also call “Harvest Game” to see if there are any valuable parts of the creature that can be salvaged.  Note that we do not send out very much “lewt” with monsters, or even most NPCs, so don’t expect the spoils of combat to be a driving economic force. 

Does restoring a target’s Vitality heal their wounds?

No.  Wounds can only be healed by effects that explicitly heal wounds.  A target whose Vitality is gone can still have their Vitality restored, but all wounds will remain until the character is healed in some fashion.   

Do I really have to perform a ritual or can I just spend the appropriate amount of time for the ritual and gain a Charge?

Rituals are an important part of the game and gaining Charges from Rituals without actually doing them is considered cheating.  If you don’t wish to actually do your Rituals, chances are you don’t really want to play a magic user in Forest of Doors.  If you don’t want to play a magic user in Forest of Doors, there are plenty of other character options that don’t involve performing Rituals.

 

Boffer Weapon Construction Guide

Basic Sword Construction

Step 1: Finding Materials 

First, you should find a hardware store that sells plumbing and electrical supplies.   We suggest ACE Hardware; while their selection tends to not be quite as expansive as some Do-It-Yourself superstores, they tend to carry the specialty stuff that we are looking for.  In their plumbing section you should be able to find the primary materials for making boffer weapons: PVC pipe and (hopefully) Pipe foam.    

PVC Pipe:

1/2", schedule 40, 600PSI, PVC is good for any weapon up to 46" in total length, but may be too heavy for small weapons.  Thin-walled pvc is also acceptable for anything up to this size, but you should up the diameter to 3/4" if you go over 33" in total length. For really long weapons (52"+), use 3/4" sched. 40 pipe, with dowel inserts in the haft to prevent "whippiness."    

5/8” Foam Insulation:

You can probably find foam insulation in the same general place, but make sure that the insulation is at least 5/8" thick (usually the tan stuff in 6’ lengths; they tend to keep this in tall boxes) and fits the appropriate size tubing.  1/2" thick pipe insulation is, unfortunately, far more common, but it is unacceptable for our boffer weapons and those of most other games, as well. 

Tools:

You may also want to pick up some tools for cutting the pipe, such as PVC cutters; trust us, they will make your life easier.  Also, if you don’t already have a sharp utility knife, now would be the time to get one.  Though not necessarily a tool, a nice, large cutting surface is very handy; tearing tape is usually not a good idea, and you need a clean, flat surface to cut it, oftentimes. 

Tape:   

Next you will need duct tape, and lots of it.  Black electrical tape is good for grips, though some people prefer to use leather or paracord.  You will also want to get a kind of tape called strapping tape, which is good for attaching axe and mace heads, and also for reinforcing parts which receive a lot of wear (e.g. the tip). 

Other Foam:   

One other material which you will want to find—though not sold at hardware stores—is open cell foam.  Craft stores often carry pillow foam (usually white or green), which is just right for our purposes.   Make sure that you have an especially sharp knife when working with the stuff.

 

Step 2: Putting it Together 

Now that we have all of our materials, we are ready to begin.  For this guide, we will be making a simple sword. 

First, determine the desired length of your weapon, and measure a section of PVC pipe that is three inches shorter than that; cut the section off.                  

Sand the ends of the pipe and place a couple of strips of duct tape over each end of the pipe.   This will let you put the foam over the pipe without risk of the end catching on it and ripping the foam. This will also reduce general wear.   

Measure and cut a section of the pipe foam for the main shaft of the weapon.  See our weapon construction guidelines for appropriate measurements, here (Ch. 6).  Also cut a small section of the foam (2” or so) for the pommel.   Make sure that there is enough unpadded area for the hilt.   Slide the pipe foam over both ends of the pipe, leaving a half inch of space on both ends.   Fill that gap with small pieces of open or closed cell foam, using strapping tape to keep them in place. 

Place the duct tape (of your chosen color) on the padding in lengthwise strips.   Spiral wrapping is unacceptable because it compresses the foam and uses too much tape, making a heavier weapon.  Leave enough tape hanging on the hiltward end to securely attach the foam to the pvc.  Some reinforcement may be necessary here.  Do the same with the pommel; as weapons are often stored pommel-first, be sure to reinforce with more tape.                  

Cut out a 2" inch thick piece of open cell foam and attach it to the top of the weapon as a "thrusting tip.”   Even if your weapon is not a thrusting weapon, you must still place this at the top of the weapon for safety.                  

Cover the thrusting point with a layer or two of tape (be careful not to compress the foam too much as you do this) and poke several holes in it.   This will allow the foam to bounce back into shape during use. 

Wrap the hilt section in electrical tape, athletic tape, leather, nylon cord, etc.   Duct tape can be used for grip tape if that is all you have, but it does not work too well in that regard. 

At this point, you have a basic sword!                   

 

Step 3: Adding Other Bits 

Adding an axe or mace head is a slightly more complex process, which requires carving open cell foam and attaching it to the shaft. 

Draw what you want on a piece of paper first.  It is easier to correct mistakes or change your mind on paper than it is when actually cutting the foam.   When you are happy with what you have, cut it out and attach it to the open cell foam with tape or straight pins.                  

Using a sharp knife, carefully and patiently cut out along the pattern you have created.   Do not try to force the knife through the foam; a patient sawing motion which lets the edge do its job will work much better.  Be prepared to sharpen/replace your knife if it starts tearing the foam instead of cutting. 

Attach the head to the shaft with strapping tape.  Cut a shallow furrow along the edge where the head meets the shaft to get the head to sit firmly. 

Put duct tape on the head in parallel strips that overlap slightly.   As with the thrusting tip, you will need to poke many air holes in the head. 

After placing a little more tape on it to to hide the strapping tape, you are done!

 

Boffer Arrow Construction 

Materials: 

Aluminum or graphite arrow shafts, WITHOUT tips of any kind

Closed cell pipe foam, 5/8” thick by 3” length

Open cell tip foam, 2 x 2” minimum

Duct tape (of course)

A handful of nickels or pennies 

Note: Arrows are potentially the most dangerous aspect of boffer combat, and their construction and safe use will be closely monitored.  Remember that each and every arrow you bring to the game must be checked in, just like other weapons. 

Directions

Glue a coin onto the shaft of the arrow directly.  Layers of hot glue work fairly well for this, but you may have to experiment to figure out something that will hold the coin on firmly.   

Get a 3 inch (no smaller) cylinder of the closed cell foam and cut a vertical slit out of it, such that it can be wrapped around the end of the arrow, and the coin, securely.  Leave at least 1 inch of overhanging foam.  Fill this cavity with closed cell foam.  

Wrap a long strip of duct tape at the base of the closed cell foam (towards the fletching), so that it forms an anchor point which will prevent the foam from sliding back on impact.  Make sure that this anchor is nice and squarely wrapped, and that the foam cannot “ride” up on it. 

Secure the foam with duct tape.  Vertical strips will probably work best, but you might have to use horizontal strips to make things nice and snug.  Do not use so much tape, however, that the closed cell foam becomes hard.  Make sure to cover the opening with tape. 

On to the striking tip: secure the 2x2 block/cylinder of foam to the pipe foam with strips of duct tape, making sure not to compress it.  This step is nearly identical to attaching a thrusting tip, as in the above guide. Again, avoid using so much tape that the arrow tip becomes hard. 

Poke several air holes in the tip; this will allow it to spring back easily after impact. 

And you are done! 

As a final note, you will definitely want to test fire the arrow several times to see if its balance is right, and if it is constructed durably enough.

 

LARP Essentials

These are the items that are always good to bring with you to a LARP; some of them are rather obvious, while others might seem a little less intuitive until you run into a situation where they are indispensable.

For All Events

Boffer weapons (including scabbards and quivers to carry them), Bug repellant, Cash (for food), Costume, Drinks (such as bottled water or juice), First aid kit (including any personal medication), Headband (white for out of play, orange for non-combatants), In Play Tools (healing kit for the healing skill, picks and probes for tinkering, instrument for performance), Makeup (if required for character), Non-costume clothing (for before and after game), Paper and Pen/Pencil, Props (for decoration, in-game interaction, rituals, or magic requirements), Physical Representations (such as glow sticks), Rulebook, Snacks (such as trail mix, granola bars, or other prepackaged snacks), Shoes (comfortable, durable shoes are best), Spell packets (for magic users), Sunscreen, Watch, Weapon repair materials (such as tape, foam, etc)

For Two and Three Day Events

Bathrobe, Blankets, Decorative props (such as candles, standards, or art), Extra costumes, Extra socks, Extra underwear, Fan (for hot weather), Flashlight, Pillows, Sandals/Flip flops (for showers), Tent (for camp-over events only), Toilet Paper, Toiletries, and your Towel; always remember to bring a Towel.