What about combat? What kind of weapons can I use?

Combat in Live Roleplay radically differs from the way combat is portrayed in tabletop games. Instead of melee being a skilled action, in which rolling a handful of dice determines success, it is much more akin to theatrical stage combat where each player physically acts out every slash, thrust and parry of the combat. Therefore, a simple set of guidelines should be kept in mind at all times...

Pulled Blows: Each weapons strike must be aimed and delivered without force and at no time should upper body strength be used in a strike. This is not intended to restrict roleplaying of blows and strikes merely to ensure safety. At no time is it acceptable to strike or aim weapons at or into the faces or genitals of an opponent. No thrusting with weapons, most LARP weapons are not suitable for thrusting anyway, however even with weapons specifically designed for the task its an action best steered clear of.

Appearance: All melee weapons should appear to be being used during combat, as would the real weapon. The reaction to any blow is crucial to Live Roleplay combat, without reaction the enactment becomes pointless making combat look farcical.

Retaliation: Players and crew must never retaliate if an opponent breaches any of the rules of combat. Instead inform a Referee who will take any appropriate action.

Equipment: Any LARP safe melee weapon is acceptable that covers a period or setting that Shards does i.e. from prehistoric clubs, dark ages axes, medieval broadswords, oriental samurai swords to 19th C rapiers and cutlass with all things in between. Examples here at http://www.lrpstore.com/LARP--LRP-Weapons/c-1-4/

The same goes for missile weapons, which should be LARP safe, low poundage bows and crossbows with suitable LARP safe bolts and arrows, core-less throwing daggers and axes etc. http://www.lrpstore.com/Bows--Crossbows--Arrows-&-Bolts/c-1-5/

When it comes to Firearms they should be cap firing pistols, blank firers are NOT acceptable nor is shouting "Bang!" and they should represent black powder/flintlock pistols, rifles, blunderbuss; examples here http://www.lrpstore.com/Flintlock-Pistols/c-1-54/

Any armour and shields in use should also be LARP safe, by that we mean no metal shields and any metal armour should have any sharp edges covered to prevent accidental injury. If you are unsure, always show a ref and they will advise you, if in doubt they may suggest a weapon or piece of kit is just kept on you for show and not used in combat.