Boffers are weapons that basically look like a covered pool noodle on a stick. These represent weapons that would be part of the character's body, like fists, claws, or tentacles. These are also sometimes referred to as "natural weapons" in the rulebook.
Fist: 12 in. striking surface
Claws: 20-24 in. striking surface
Tentacles: 26-30 in. striking surface
Maximum length for all weapons: 72 inches
- Core
- Padding
- Exterior
- Cover
- Duct Tape
Acceptable Core Materials
- Composite materials
- Kite spar, graphite, carbon fiber, fiberglass, etc.
- Graphite and carbon fiber are common materials used in the shaft of a golf club driver. Many of these can be acquired at secondhand stores for as little as 5 dollars each, and they remain a favorite core of a boffer weapons among crafters.
Unacceptable Core Materials
- Organic materials
- No wood, bamboo, rattan, etc. These all can mold and attract mildew.
- PVC
- Lightweight PVC is too flexible for our standards, and regular PVC is rigid enough, but is too heavy for our standards.
- Closed cell foam for padding
- Camp Pads: found at most stores that carry sporting goods
- L-200 Foam: found online, for example at foammart.com
- EVA Foam: such as “anti-stress floor pads” / “exercise mats,” found at Harbor Freight and online
- Latex
- For shaped/ “bladed” weapons (some players shape their claws or tentacles)
- All latex weapons must be sealed with silicone protectant to protect players that are allergic to latex.
- Pool noodles
- Aethertube, found here
- Duratube, found here
- Cloth (Black in color)
- Pantyhose (Black in color)
- Cut the core down to desired length (desired handle length + striking lengths for boffer type = total)
- Wrap and cover the core tip with duct tape to cover any rough edge.
- Cut the exterior (usually a pool noodle) down to the proper length for the desired boffer.
- Bevel one end of the noodle outward so the center is taller.
- Place the noodle over the core and see how much space is left between the core and noodle foam.
- Add the padding to the core using clear tape, enough that the noodle does not rattle. Tape the padding foam down very hard and tight. This will make it so that your boffer does not deteriorate due to the core. The more construction you do to the striking area of the weapon (end of the weapon) the higher likelihood that it will come apart and/or be counter productive.
- Use black duct tape to secure the beveled end to the handle. Make sure that tip of the core is about an inch inside of the blade (about the length of your fingertip to the first knuckle).
- Start a couple inches above your beveled edge and wrap once using duct tape (this will be your base anchor).
- Wrap another piece around your handle (this will create another anchor).
- Use lengths of duct tape to tightly wrap from your base anchor to your handle anchor. This wrapped part should be very tight and hard.
- To create a tip and striking surface, use the uncut end of your noodle to trace a circle on the camp pad foam.
- Cut the circle out.
- Stuff little bits of scrap foam into the hole between the tip of the core and the end of the weapon body.
- Use a length of clear tape to cover the hole that is filled with scrap.
- Use two lengths of clear tape to secure the circle of camp pad foam to the top of your weapon. The lengths should criss-cross over the top of the circular piece.
- Cut three pieces of clear tape (6 to 8 inches, or enough to secure once around your noodle body).
- Wrap the first piece of clear tape starting at the top of the weapon (starting halfway up the camp pad circle).
- Wrap the second piece about a quarter of an inch below the first.
- Repeat the third piece about a quarter of an inch below the second. Be sure not to wrap your tape too tight. You don’t want to cause bumps.
- Tape body.
- Using clear tape start at your handle and tape from your handle to your tip, go over your camp pad tip, then tip to handle all in one length.
- Repeat again going criss cross over your first length. If desired, lightly heat your tape so that it curls around your edges and adhere more. This step is not necessary but does make working with it easier. Heating options include holding it in front of an open oven on low heat, over a stovetop on low heat, and heat guns or similar tools. Note that pulling tape off of the foam surface can damage the foam which will cause rapid deterioration.
Packets are at least 7-inch squares of fabric filled with 1.5-2 tablespoons of millet seed and secured with a rubber band. They are used to represent some ranged attacks and powers.
- Scissors
- Ruler, tape measure, or square template
- Small bowl (optional)
Fabric
- Natural fabric is best, such as cotton or muslin.
- Avoid neon/day glow colors and fabric with modern print or any other game-breaking characteristics.
Rubber Bands
- Smaller ones will save you time while binding the packets.
Millet Seed
- Avoid any seed mixes that has anything in it larger than the millet pellets. Sunflower seeds and other sharp pieces or points are not allowed to be used in the filling, as they can be a safety hazard.
- Cut squares of fabric. The squares can range from 5 in. x 5 in. to 7 in. by 7 in.
- Once you have a substantial number of squares, put one square over a small bowl, pressing it into the bowl. (You may also create a bowl with one of your hands that you can press this square into.)
- Put 2 to 3 tablespoons of millet into the fabric, using the "bowl" as structure.
- Collect the ends of the fabric, twisting it while pinching the birdseed into a firm but not solid (still slightly malleable) ball.
- Use the rubber band to secure the birdseed, creating a bulb.
- Test to make sure the packet is not too flimsy and soft or too hard.