At Shadow Accord, there is a lot of combat. To take part in the fray, it is important to be ready for a fight.

Styles

Weapons styles, like garb and deco, are allowed within the time period up to 1499. The acceptable geographical boundaries are, to the east, the Caspian Sea; on the west, the Atlantic Ocean; and to the south, the Sahara Desert. Anything beyond these areas is considered outside the scope and setting of Shadow Accord.

Measurements and Specs

Below are the measurements and specifics of weapons allowed at game. For the full safety write up, please click here.

Melee Weapons

We have two types of melee weapons for our game: latex and boffers. The maximum length for any weapon is 72 inches.

Latex

Latex weapons such as swords, daggers, hammers, etc. are made to look like what they represent. These weapons are considered in-game at all times. If they do not have a tag, they are "dull" and cannot be used.

Boffers

Boffers are weapons that are typically handmade. They are typically constructed of pool noodles, golf clubs, black tights, and duct tape. These represent "natural weapons" that are part of your body, like fists, claws, and tentacles. For information on what is acceptable for boffers, check the Boffer Specs page. These weapons are not considered in-game unless they are in someone's hand. They do not require a tag.

Ranged Weapons

Ranged weapons are divided into three groups: Bows/Crossbows, throwing weapons, and packets.

Bows and Crossbows

Bows and crossbows may have a maximum limit of 35-pound pull. Their arrows must be store-bought and LARP-safe. These weapons are considered in-game at all times. If they do not have a tag, they are "broken" and cannot be used.

Throwing Weapons

Throwing weapons are usually all foam or latex and can represent multiple weapons, such as stones, small knives, or even loaves of bread. All throwing weapons must be coreless. These weapons are considered in-game at all times. They do not require a tag.

Packets

Thrown packets represent spells and ranged attacks. They must be made from a square of fabric and a few tablespoons of millet seed (bird seed with sunflower seeds is not suggested and may not pass safety check). These weapons are not considered in-game until they are thrown. They do not require a tag.

Shields

A shield shall be no wider than 30 inches and no longer than 36 inches.

Tutorials

For tutorials listing how to make boffers and packets, please click here.

Where to Find Weapons

There are many places that our community members find weapons. Here is a brief list that we hope helps:

• Commissions: We are lucky to have many talented crafters in our community. If you are looking for a particular weapon or simply want to support our members, please consider putting a notice on the Official Shadow Accord Facebook Group to see if anyone is available. Including examples of the pieces you want are always helpful.
• Online Shops: Many, many online shops exist that are devoted to equipping LARPers, re-enactors, and medieval hobbyists. From SCA members to professional LARP businesses to pages on Etsy, there are countless options for you to explore.
• Garb Swaps: Every so often, a member of the community will organize a garb-swap meet. In these meets, old garb and weapons from old characters is brought and swapped between people. It can be a great way to upcycle old pieces and create something new and relatively low cost.
• Fabric and Craft Stores: If you are feeling crafty and can set aside time, you can always create your own pieces. This can be done simply enough with gathering materials of the proper type, designing patterns of the desired pieces, and devoting some hours to their construction.

Please note that Shadow Accord does not promote any of the options, nor are we sponsored or supported by them. These are meant to be vague suggestions, not requirements. Your purchases and purchasing experiences will vary. Be smart when procuring your weapons.