Dystopia Rising LARP Network uses four different forms of ranged weapon representation.  Below you will find details on basic guidelines for making a ranged weapon prop.  These instructions are not the most masterful, but they are a simple way for new players to produce inexpensive starting weapons.  There are other resources on the web that can help you create a better looking prop, as well as professionally made latex weapons available through online retailers. 

THROWN WEAPONS

Thrown weapons are cut from open cell foam in the desired shape of the throw weapon.  Blue Mat Foam, glued together in two layers, may also be used to provide a thrown weapon that travels farther.

Thrown weapons take some experimenting to produce shapes that will actually fly (we find that ax and tomahawk type shapes work the best).  When cutting these thrown weapons be careful not to leave any pointed protrusions that could cause eye injury.  All portions of a thrown weapon must be rounded such that protrusions could not enter into the ocular cavity.  Rounded shapes such as thicker stones, throwing axes, and even some forms of disk are far superior than throwing knives or weapons with pointed protrusions.   

Always use the general guideline of 'If I were to strike someone accidentally in the face, would this cause an eye injury' when shaping and designing thrown weapons.

FIREARMS

Certain toy manufacturers produce foam projectile toys that can be used in place of packets for firearms. These toys offer a degree of style to game that does add to the overall feeling of the Dystopia Rising experience. There are certain things that need to be taken into account if you are using a firearms toy. 

Any contact safe firearm toys must fire completely soft projectiles.  Dart modifications are not allowed.

All contact safe firearm toys must be single action.  Each pull of a trigger must shoot a single dart.

All contact safe firearm toys must be safety checked at entrance.

Firearm toys should be repainted to look setting appropriate, however, the tips of these guns must remain bright orange for safety reasons. 

All foam darts must NERF brand and be clearly labeled with your player number. 

JAVELINS

Javelins are core-less throwing weapons used to represent larger thrown projectiles.  The are designed to be safe to throw, but, not considered easily expendable like packets.

Javelins are constructed by taking a single length of pipe insulation no smaller than 12 inches in length and no larger than 46 inches in length.  This length of pipe insulation is opened using the provided slit, and rolled to create a 'filled' foam shaft.

Three bands of duct tape are used to hold the shaft in place (being sure as to not tighten the tape to cause the foam to dip or dimple inward).  

A cube head of open cell foam is affixed to the head of the javelin using two cross pieces of duct tape.  The head must not be crushed or condensed inward, nor should additional layers be added to 'strengthen' the tip.

The head of the javelin, affixed with crossing silver tape, is layered in such a way that the silver duct tape will affix to the shaft of the javelin under the brown tape that will be applied to the shaft of the javelin.

Two overlapping bands of brown duct tape should be used above the silver tape where the tape from the head of the javelin crosses over onto the shaft of the javelin. 

Running length wise down the shaft of the javelin single length of dark brown tape are applied to simulate wood along the shaft of the javelin.     

PACKETS

Packets are home made bean bags used to represent bullets, prayers, or psionic effects. They are designed to not only be safe to throw, but also safe for the environment. Our packets use a six inch square of natural fabric filled with a spoonful of birdseed (parakeet seed works best, but other seeds are acceptable, as long as you pick out the large and pointy seeds). The packet is then closed by tying twine around its midsection… leaving the seed on one side of the knot and a plume of fabric on the other.

The finished packet should be about 1 1/2” around, and flexible. Excessively large or small packets (packets that will fit in the eye socket), will be flagged by Safety Marshals, and should be disposed of, or refilled to a proper volume.

Packets are thrown safely, and should never be ‘wound up’ to throw. Packet throws follow the same rule as our melee combat, and that is to never reach back beyond ninety degrees.  Different packets have different meaning, and you should make your packets accordingly.

Bright Red Packet - Bullets

Natural White Packets - Psionics and Prayer Effects

Natural Blue Packets - Arrows

Bright Green Packets - Poisons and Radiation