LARP Ranged Weapons

• Ranged Weapons do 1 hp damage & ignore armor. They do not affect Large Monsters.
• Your shots must directly target a specific, visible person. You may not arc your shots in order to target a more distant target or a person behind cover. Never fire blindly into a crowd.
• Don’t aim at the head, neck, or groin. If your target is closer than 20’, only draw halfway. Closer than 10’, don’t fire.
• You can pick up and fire other people’s arrows, but always inspect them first.
• Bows and crossbows can’t block weapons, and Melee Weapons can’t block your ammunition. Arrows cannot be used as melee weapons.

All archery ammunition must be purchased from a professional manufacturer. 

Here's a list we recommend. If you’re unsure about ranged weapons and ammo, here's what makes equipment legal to use at DrachenFest:

• They must look medieval. No guns.
• Bow max draw strength is 30 lbs. Its max draw length is 28 inches.
• A Crossbow's max power stroke is 420 inch-pounds. Power Stroke = inches between the resting and cocked positions of the string, multiplied by the crossbow’s draw weight.
• For both bows and crossbows, the only arrows / bolts allowed are IDV-brand, with teardrop shaped, closed-cell foam heads. 
• The head can’t move in relation to the shaft Ie. No twisting, wobbling, or rattling. Modular/screw-on heads must be permanently affixed to the shaft.
• Arrows and Bolts must have at least two full vanes/fletchings.
• Arrows must have a nock, and a “draw stop” (tape is fine) placed a maximum of 28 inches away from it on the shaft.
• Arrow shafts must not be made of metal or bamboo.

The Safety Inspection: Step by Step Process

You’re in battle, and an enemy’s arrow lands next to you. Can you pick it up and use it? If you fire an arrow from the ground without inspecting it, a Referee will issue a warning or strike.

How to check an arrow:

• Visually inspect the arrow as a whole. Any obvious defects?
• Feel the arrowhead. Does the foam compress and spring back appropriately? Are there any cracks or tears? Is it waterlogged?
• Wiggle the arrowhead. Is it firmly attached? Does it wiggle or twist independent of the shaft? Are there screw threads visible at the base?
• Feel the shaft. Is it in one solid piece? Are there any cracks? Is it straight or is it bent/curved? Is a draw stop visible?
• Observe the vanes/fletching. Are there at least two? Are they in good condition? Are there cracks, tears, or chunks missing? Are they loose?
• Observe the nock. Does the arrow have one? Is it cracked or broken? Is it loose?

• During a fight: Players should not use any arrow that they have not personally inspected.
• If you find an unsafe arrow that isn't yours: Give unsafe arrows to an on-duty Ref and let them know what's wrong with it. If an arrow’s owner is identifiable, the Camp Ref will return it upon request and advise that it be removed from play. Unidentified damaged arrows will be held at the nearest Ref Stand until the end of the event, and will then be disposed of.
• After a fight: Players should collect any arrows they find and move them to the side of the battlefield (often in a large pile). Players should identify their own arrows and inspect them for safety and usability. Err on the side of caution, as arrows can become damaged during any fight. Players should remove unsafe arrows from their kit. Damaged arrows must be thrown away, or taken back to one's camp/car where they are unlikely to be mistaken for viable ammunition.