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Weapons Checking
All Lorien Trust weapons checkers have the right to check any weapon,
armour, or other item of character kit at any time during a Lorien Trust
event. All items passed by weapons check, either on entry to or during
an event, will be marked as passed. Any item found by them to be unusable
must be taken to a trader for repair, handed in to security or returned
to the owner's car or transport (items left with security may be collected
after time out at the end of the event). While we trust our customers
not to use items identified as unusable, we do not assume that all such
items are never used again. Customers found to be using such items after
they have been asked to remove them from use will be escorted from the
site. Repeated offences will lead to the offenders being banned from all
Lorien Trust events for a period of no less than one year. These penalties
also apply to any player who is found to be using a weapon that has not
been checked, or is not marked and to any player found attempting to smuggle
weapons into an event without being checked. All Lorien Trust weapons
checkers carry cards with their photograph and job title printed on them.
If you are unsure whether an individual is qualified to check your weapons,
armour or kit, please ask to see their card. Some general guidelines for
weapon usability are listed below.
General Guidelines
Any weapon will fail if it has any sharp or rough edges (including glass
gems, bones, skulls and other such decoration); if it is either too flexible
or too rigid; if any part of the weapon is made of inappropriate material;
if the density of the foam used to construct the weapon is either too
low to provide adequate padding or too high; if the foam on any part of
the weapon has become compacted (including by repairs made with tape);
if the foam on area of the weapon has split or is coming away from the
core or if the core is visible or poking through the tip, pommel or side
of the weapon. Weapons not considered compatible with the usability standards
or aesthetics of the events (for example rapiers, firearms, inflatables
and toy rubber or plastic knives) will not pass weapons check as they
are not classified as larp weapons.
Melee Weapons, Pole Weapons and Flails.
In addition to the general rules above, a melee weapon will fail if any
area of the weapon is unpadded except for the hilt or main grip and if
its weight or size mean that the weapon would strike too hard or with
too much momentum. A pole weapon will fail if it has any unpadded grips.
A flail will fail unless the head of the flail is joined to the haft by
two half links and one whole link only. Chains for flails must made of
soft plastic, thick elastic cord or similar materials.
Claws and Natural Weapons.
All claws, hands, wings, tails etc. must be checked on an individual basis.
Natural weapons will fail if they are constructed with a core. Claws must
be constructed of foam or similar soft materials. All claws must fasten
to the wearer's open hand. Claws made to be strapped over a clenched fist
will not pass weapons check.
Metal Armour, Helmets and Shields.
Any piece of armour or helmet will fail if it has any sharp burrs or edges,
any hard or sharp protrusions, any open, twisted or broken links and if
the it is constructed from unsuitable materials (such as ring pulls and
tin lids). A shield will fail if the method by which the shield is strapped
to the user's arm could cause injury and if any wing nuts or similar fastenings
have been use in the shield's construction. The Lorien Trust recommends
that the front surface of all shields be padded.
Thrown Weapons.
Thrown weapons will fail if the weapon contains any rigid core or weighting
(such as marbles, coins or washers) and if the weapon is of a size or
weight that could cause injury to the person hit. No weapon designed for
throwing may have any protrusion smaller than an eye socket. Large items
such as barrels and chests built for throwing must be hollow.
Projectile Weapons, Arrows and Bolts.
Bows must have a draw weight of less than thirty pounds when drawn to
28". Crossbows must have a draw weight of less than thirty pounds
at the string draw length. Cosmetic changes to a bow or crossbow may alter
the draw weight of the weapon. All bows and crossbows must be rechecked
after any cosmetic changes and after a limb or string has been replaced.
Projectile weapons will fail if the string is frayed, too thin or loose
in the nock, the bow or crossbow is cracked, damaged or worn and if the
bow or crossbow has any sharp or protruding decoration. In addition, crossbows
will fail if the catch is worn so that the bow may fire accidentally and
if the bolt retaining mechanism is worn, damaged or missing or could cause
damage to the bolt or string.
Projectiles (arrows and bolts) will fail if the metal head
has not been removed from the shaft, if the area of padding at the point
of impact is smaller than an eye socket (fifty millimetres) and if there
is insufficient furniture foam padding at the point of impact. Projectiles
will also fail if the arrow or bolt head is not securely bonded to the
shaft or is damaged, if the impact face is dirty or has become hard or
damaged, if the shaft is constructed of inappropriate material or is flaking,
cracked or damaged, if the head has latex within one quarter of an inch,
or gaffa tape within one inch of the impact face, if the flights are unsuitable
or damaged and if the nock is missing, damaged, insecurely attached or
incorrectly aligned. Projectiles must have protection at the top of the
shaft, to prevent the shaft from penetrating the padding (a disc of leather
or a two pence piece is suitable for this).
Siege weapons.
All siege weapons must be assessed and checked on an individual basis
but must comply with the general guidelines stated above.
Non Combat Props.
Non combat props are pieces of kit or costume that add atmosphere and
realism to the game, but are not intended for use in combat. Some examples
include banners, walking sticks and boxes or barrels that are used to
store money, water and the like. These items do not have to adhere to
the strict guidelines governing weapons, but must conform to the Lorien
Trust's basic usability standards. They must not be used in any form of
combat as a weapon for attack or defence. All non-combat props must carry
a valid Lorien Trust card stating that they are not for use in combat.
If you are uncertain whether an item should be used in combat, please
ask a Lorien Trust weapons checker for advice.
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