Bow / Arrows - LARP Safe

some people do it like this:

people.howstuffworks.com/larp.htm

Thanks for all the replies.

I guess I had multiple reasons for the questions I posted. First was the look of the bow for authentic reasons, Second, being caught off guard by an approaching melee attack when using a bow & arrows, then using the bow to deflect / shield yourself from said attack & possibly hitting back even if just to push back allowing you to draw sword / knife etc.

I’m thinking the best way is to paint a bow with wood colours and try not to get out flanked, or snuck up on! LOL.

Thanks again for the feedback.

The way I’ve seen arrow mechanics done in the past was just to have the bow, and a plain white balloon with some rice in it and a ribbon streamer, the actions of firing a bow are made and then the ball gets thrown. Not quite the answer you’re looking for though I bet.

My personal preference is actually for this sort of representation. First, theres much less of a safety issue. Second, its a lot easier to throw a ball than it is to shoot a bow - less ooc knowledge required. Third, you dont loose a relevant amount of distance, and get if anything higher accuracy. Fourth, its cheaper. In the midst of a chaotic fight, this system is much more feasible, in my opinion.

Quest and Knightshade have both used the spell-packet arrow system before. I think Jamie Boyle suggested it to us in Hamilton, who I think had seen it elsewhere (theres credit in the Quest guide for that idea I think).

It is a safe arrow mechanic, it is also very affordable. Accuracy is pretty good. At least no worse than the average in combat shot. But the arrows just don’t do it for immersional purposes. And they don’t sit in a quiver very well. Oh and the bow is really only for show, so technically you could make a melee weapon out of it and keep it safe too.

But they look pants. :stuck_out_tongue:

of course theres no reason that bow have to exist in the world. if you want to have projectile weapons, you can make larpsafe slings (like a sling, but with a larpsafe rock), thrown rocks (as before, without the sling), or larpsafe throwing knives, spears or discs. But with a world of spells, where people can throw lightening (oh wait, thats often a spell packet. not too dissimilar to a larpsafe rock), why would people develop sophisticated projectile devices?

Because if you are casting a spell and I shoot you in the nuts with a cross bow bolt you are probably going to be distracted and stop chanting.

On a related note - I am looking at getting some arrows made for Teonn which people may be able to view at the event. We are looking at getting them made to be euro standard larp safe for a small cost. Will let you know more sooner to the event.

Really?

Sure, you can fire a foam “stone” (in fact, the odd rubber / foam thing I’m playing with ATM would be perfect - its squishy and bigger than an eye-socket). But the force is goign to depend on the user. Plus, there’s the whirling strings of death aspect.

I suppose there are whirly slings (which a think is what you’re talking about), there are also linear slings/slingshots, which could also be suitable.

Really?
I think this has to be in individual thing. I can’t through a pillow and guarantee to hit someone an arms length away, but I can shoot an arrow and it a person across a field.
I LOVE LOVE LOVE the fact that we are able to use actual arrows and bow.
It means I can actually play an archer with out being the worst one in the universe by default.
I get MUCH high accuracy and greater distance with a bow and arrow than throwing something.

Also, as Adam said we are getting some professional level larp safe arrow heads made soon.
Once this is done I’m going to be looking at setting up a regular practice. would anyone be interested? I can teach basic archery so perhaps it will be easier to hit people then :slight_smile:

I’d be keen on some larp safe arrows and some teaching. It’s been too long since I fired a bow and arrow. Can anyone suggest a retail store that sells basic bows that I could use for LARPing?

You could try advanced archery in Auckland. They have youth bows, and I’ve used these in NAAMA, and at various other camps and things to great success.

advancedarchery.co.nz/shop/p … cts_id=200

I like these personally.
nzap.co.nz/traditional_repro … ro_longbow

They shoot well, can be got to be under the poundage limit and look great for medieval or fantasy characters.

The ones Blaize posted are ok for children, but most people will find they won’t be able to shoot terribly well on a 20 pound as it is far too easy to over draw.

You can also find them on TradeMe if you look around.

What about larpsafe crossbows? I understand anything commercial is unsuitable as they will be too powerful and have a live prod (which according to stuff I’ve read from the UK is a no-no). Has anyone tried making one, or found a suitable toy which can substitute?

In the UK there is a company called Arrow Kaster but they don’t have a website.

Arrow Kaster - the best place to go for LRP-safe bows, crossbows, arrows and quarrels. Sadly Arrow Kaster don’t have a website, but you can contact them to request a catalogue or to order at: Arrow Kaster, PO Box 1945, Cannock, Staffs WS11 2TT. Tel: (01543) 466713.

I have brought plenty of arrows from them in the past and they’ve been great, not cheap though unfortunately. I imagine the shipping to NZ would be expensive too, a lot of people make their own arrows to their design, which itself I believe is a development of Mike Stringers original design (link attached).

http://homepage.ntlworld.com/here-be-dragons/pages/arrows.htm

Here’s a link to a picture of one of the Arrow Kaster crossbows and bolts.

http://forums.rule7.co.uk/Topic96806-49-1.aspx#bm97462

Speaking of TradeMe, here’s a 25lb bow quite cheap:
trademe.co.nz/Sports/Hunting … 233041.htm

Or an even weaker (8 - 12 lb) kiddy bow:
trademe.co.nz/Sports/Hunting … 235666.htm

And another (18lbs @ 24"):
trademe.co.nz/Sports/Hunting … 698870.htm

And another (20lbs):
trademe.co.nz/Sports/Hunting … 704760.htm

An interesting project for someone who wants a larpsafe crossbow:

trademe.co.nz/Sports/Hunting … 782640.htm

Stick a fake prod on it and a bungy cord, and it would look cool. The problem would be measuring it to make sure it has an acceptably low poundage.