Proposal – Inclusion of Flat Blade and Latex Weaponry into ...



Proposal – Inclusion of Flat Blade and Latex Weaponry into AllianceLARP

Commentary

The AllianceLARP has been in existence for over twenty years. In that time, many new strives have been made in the LARPing industry. Included was the creation and/or implementation of what are known as “Flat Blade” weapons (a core sandwiched between two or more pieces of closed cell foam and sculpted to look more like a sword) and latex weapons. Over the years, they have been refined to being weapons that are just as safe, if not more so, than the standard PVC and Pipe (P&P) style.

Embedded below is a document that has been downloaded from the DIY Guide to LRP: ().

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This is a very comprehensive guide to creating a weapon out of sheets of foam (either Flat Blade or Latex).

Does this change affect the dynamics of NERO combat? If so, how?

Latex based swords are usually crafted without thrusting tips in order to give more support to the thinner tips. Therefore those using these latex weapons would have to fight without thrusting their swords. However, there are a small number of manufacturers who will create latex thrusting weapons that contain open cell foam or softer closed cell foam thrusting tips(check with the manufacturer before purchasing). The weapons are lighter than the standard P&P but with the combat requirements of hitting different targets and not machinegunning, this has little effect. In addition, I have not seen a greatly increased speed of swings. I have watched people with latex weapons fighting those with P&P and speed was not a deciding factor.

It should be noted that all other latex weapons besides swords will function the same way as P&P weapons do.

Does this change affect play balance?

No. There is no play balance change. Insofar as a person who can afford good armor gets more armor points.

Does this change affect the overall safety of the game?

According to my research, no. Having received messages from postings on numerous boards (both in the US and the UK) as well as direct correspondences with the larger game providers in the UK, there have been no injuries or accidents reported, or frequency thereof, that have not been reported by the use of P&P. In fact, more serious injuries have been reported using P&P. The best source of comparative information comes from the NEROWest campaign in San Francisco where they used P&P for six years and then transferred over to UK latex weaponry for the next five. The only injuries reported have been non-weapon related.

The primary concern about the weapons is that they are much harder than P&P. Although they employ a more rigid foam, the weapons are much lighter than P&P. This lack of weight lightens the force that is delivered by a swung weapon. Although there can be a sting if struck hard, it is not anymore painful than a hard strike with P&P. Due to the mass of P&P, the kenetic energy produced in a swing from it has the potential to do greater damage than that of a lighter latex weapon.

Another concern is that the tips of the weapons can cause eye damage. Latex swords are not used for thrusting and, used as such, greatly diminish the chance of any thrust to the eye. Flat Blade weapons have rather rounded points and therefore the chance of eye injury is about the same as with a P&P weapon. Although the thrusting tip of a P&P is designed to not fit into an eye socket, this is only if the thrust is exactly straight on. Any other deviation of the weapon angle will result in the edge of the foam entering the socket. With the lighter version weapons, the kinetic energy is less and it is easier to recover a blow that is beginning to go awry.

These weapons are and have been in use in various games throughout the US for some time. The International Fantasy Gaming Society (IFGS) never used P&P in their 20+ years of running nation wide campaigns and relied totally on Flat Blade weapons. If there was any real danger from these weapons, I do not believe that there would be such a demand for latex weapons that shops for them have been opening up in the US over the last 5+ years. Otherwise, games wouldn’t allow them and the demand for them would be non-existent.

Does this change have an affect on roleplay and/or world continuity?

Roleplay is affected by these weapons by giving a more realistic look and feel to the game. Seeing and using weapons that look like actual weapons helps to decrease the need for suspension of disbelief. In addition, there is a greater variety of styles of weapons available, allowing individuals to tailor their character’s individuality even more so than just with costuming. A player can feel more like he’s in a fantasy setting if he is carrying a weapon that looks authentic rather than a round, P&P sword. There would be no effect to continuity.

Could this change potentially create a logistically difficult situation?

No. There would be a need to check the weapons just like you do with any game. In addition, some games have ‘approved’ vendors that people can buy from. These vendors’ items have been previously inspected to show that they will fit the needs of the game. In addition, there will be a need to instruct players on the proper use of such weapons (such as not thrusting with latex swords) but this is the same for teaching any type of LARPing combat. Instructions on building Flat Blade weaponry are currently online in various places. Latex weapons are much more difficult to build and, as such, most players will purchase theirs from a vendor who has been making the weaponry for some time.

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