Bang Bang

[willtruncheon]

Sandy and I have been designing a Larp recently, and we're both taking very different approaches to it. As we're working on a modern-day/near future premise, the standard boffer combat rules we know and love need a little updating... for GUNS

Comments

[willtruncheon]

Maybe a couple of these babies?

[ghostowl]

What is that? There's no link!

I just emailed my dad about the feasibility of their manufacture.

[willtruncheon]

From the NEXUS larp prop department. They use them as "scanners", and they have a mechanic that I really like: there's an ability that allows you to use these to scan for specific creatures. You hold the scanner up and say "scanning for (subject)", and everyone within earshot who is applicable to the description must say "detected, detected, detected". Imagine walking along a darkened path in the woods at night in an area known to be dangerous... you pull out your trusty scanner and say "scanning for zombies", and are answered by a veritable chorus of responses scattered in the darkness around you...

[tirianmal]

The proper response at that point is "Run, Forest!!"

[willtruncheon]

"Sir, is this gonna be a stand-up fight, or another bug hunt?"

[warriorbard63]

"Bug Hunt"

I'd be interested in finding out what you learn on insurance for an airsoft larp. That, and the fact nobody wanted to have to wear eye protection all the time were big factors in the Zombie game going nerf. I still wanna do the airsoft game, though. Keep me in the loop.

[willtruncheon]

There's a company called NSERA that offers insurance coverage for paintball & airsoft events. They have a pretty good rep within the community, but what it will actually cost I can't say until I know more about the venue and number of participants. I know that Legends paid about $800 per year for 7-8 games involving upwards of 70 people per event. Airsoft coverage rates are only a little higher than this (maybe because there's more mainstream acceptance, and data on likely injuries resulting?). Premiums will vary depending also on venue conditions and safety rules. I'm figuring something like $250 or less per event with anal-retentive coverage and a fat waiver for everyone to sign.

Eye protection issues are a pain in the ass, I agree. We hope to get around this by having multiple no-fire zones indoors. Ultimately, I think it's worth it for the realism and action that airsoft offers. I also think that when people are presented with eye protection options beyond the simple science-lab-style dork goggles, it might make the idea more bearable.

Or maybe I'll just post a video of my MP7 destroying a cardboard box at close range, full auto. That might make goggles seem more appealing.

[warriorbard63]

I like the video idea. For ATF, we had shooting glasses all around, which looked okay. The issue we had the most was cast wearing them with latex. It's a bitch to wear any kind of protective glasses with a latex mask. We cut, trimmed and had special masks made, but always had issues with fogging and slippage in combat. For that game, we allowed paintball guns firing the Actionsoft foam balls from Adventurers' Outlet. But hey, I still wanna shoot people, so I'll be following your progress with interest. Hope you can still make the Zombie game this summer.

[willtruncheon]

There are quite a few eye protection options that are open to us. Slippage problems can be averted by wearing elastic straps (or simply better-fitting goggles), and fogging can be worked with by using mesh goggles/faceplates or a product called Fogtech, which comes in disposable wipes and works like all hell. As far as incorporating eye protection into monster masks, well... I won't give you any secrets here, but I don't think it's going to be a serious issue. ;)

Oh hells yes I am coming zombie-hunting... wouldn't miss it.