Props are physical items you use to play the game. Some of these props act as physical representations of in-play items and effects. For example, a boffer sword out of play represents a real sword in play, and a packet may represent a mage's spell as it flies through the air. Other props exist out of play to communicate information about your character. For example, white headbands are used to signal that you are out of play and character sheets are used to verify what your character is able to do. The props you are likely to encounter are listed below.
Character Sheets
Your character sheet serves two main purposes. First, it validates that you are allowed to play. Second, it serves as a record of what character you're playing and what actions that character is capable of performing. This is a handy reference for you, as well as a valuable aid for staff members in settling game disputes. Note that, if you are in play, you must carry a valid character sheet at all times. This applies to players as well as monsters. Failure to do so may result in disciplinary action.
Treasure Tags
Treasure tags are small slips of paper that represent an in-play item. Like a miniature character sheet, treasure tags give details about what the item is and what actions it can be used to perform. Treasure tags in your character's inventory are printed on or stapled to your character sheet when you check in. Others are acquired in play as individual tags.
Boffer Weapons
Boffer weapons are weapon replicas constructed out of padded foam. A well-constructed boffer weapon can accurately simulate the appearance of a real weapon without the risk of injury to participants. They come in all shapes and sizes from swords and axes to daggers and polearms. Boffer weapons must be inspected by a prop marshal yearly before they can be allowed in play. This generally occurs at check-in.
If you're interested in constructing your own, a common starter weapon consists of 1/2-inch PVC pipe covered in 3/4-inch pipe foam, capped with 2 inches of high density open cell foam, and wrapped lengthwise in duct tape, as shown in the following diagram. These videos can help guide you through the process.
The length of boffer weapons affects how they are used in play. Your character also needs the appropriate ability in order to wield a boffer weapon. Finally, please note that flails and other wrapping weapons are not allowed due to tripping risks.
Strung Larp Bows & Boffer Arrows
Strung Larp Bows and Boffer Arrows are no permitted at the Shards of Orn. Boffer safe bows that pass the inspection of the Weapons Martial may be used in combat as long as they are not strung. Boffer arrows are never permitted.
According to NC state park regulations, "No person except authorized park employees, their agents, or contractors, or officers of the state shall carry or possess firearms, airguns, bows and arrows, sling shots, or lethal missiles of any kind within the park." This regulation extends to non-lethal missiles such as Larp Bows and Boffer Arrows.
Due to this the Shards of Orn use packets to represent projectile based attacks.
Packets
Many special actions in the game can be performed at range. The mechanic to determine whether the action successfully hits its target is to throw a packet. Packets are small squares of cloth packed with bird seed and tied off with a rubber band. Like boffer weapons, they help minimize the risk of injury to participants. Packets are generally donated to the game and made available to all participants.
Headbands & Armbands
Headbands and armbands of different colors are out-of-play signals used to indicate something about a participant.
- White Headbands indicate that a participant is currently out of play.
- Yellow Headbands or Armbands indicate that a participant should not be physically touched by another person directly for any reason other than medical assistance by an assigned medic. For effects that are usually delivered by touch, you may either touch them with your weapon within arms reach, or hold your hand out to them without actually touching them.
- Orange Headbands indicate that a participant is a non-combatant for medical reasons. For more information on Orange Headbands please see Medical & Safety Information.
- Red Armbands indicate a player who has opted into competitive play. They may attack and be attacked by other competitive players. For more information on Red Armbands please see PvP & Flagging.
Monster Tabards
Player characters wear a wide variety of different costumes. Monsters, on the other hand, wear special tabards to distinguish themselves from player characters. Monsters are frequently dangerous and/or hostile, so it's important to be on the lookout for participants wearing monster tabards in play.
Decorations
Often, the tavern and individual cabins will be decorated with lights, drapes, wall hangings, and the like. These props are technically in play but only exist for the purposes of backdrop. As such, they do not require treasure tags and cannot be used to perform in-play actions.