New player(s) with some questions

(Maxwell Samuels)

Hello, a freind and I are considering attending your next event. I've personally only attended a single 7th kingdom game as an NPC, and this would be her first time.

Tldr is I'm a fairly experienced "maker" who can make pro quality boffer arrows, and would like the chance to present my work for approval. The following paragraph is just my research to show I'm doing my homework.

In reading your forum posts I notice that you have a policy on boffer arrows that they can't be made at home. While I agree most of the shoddy duct tape and pennies arrow design made at home don't seem safe, I am certain I could make arrows that meet or exceed the quality of calamacil boffer arrows, to a level that you would probably think they are proffesional if I didn't tell you. I am an engineering student and have access to a 3D printer as well as an entire machine shop. Making stuff for fun is my hobby.
Calamacil boffer arrows, like most pro brands seem to be wood shafted with custom plastic tips, with multiple stages of foam, namely a thin Eva tip for even compression, an open cell layer for padding, a closed/dense foam layer for protection and structure, and then some form of rear cover. All of this is glued together with rubber contact cement (I think, unfortunately we can't see the glue). We also can't see there plastic tips, but the tear down diagram clearly shows the design as a flared cap. I would 3D print this internal tip, but I could injection mold it in time, though it wouldn't change much. The circular shape of the heads is likely acheived by sandwiching and gluing the first 3 layers together and using a large hole saw. The last layer is made separately and added after the top 3 glued on.

I can easily make that arrow. It wouldn't be hard to make extra even for the game. They would meet the quality of "pro" arrows. If not by next game then the one after.

I understand the intent of the rules, but would it be possible for me to bring a set of shopmade arrows to the game, along with one that is torn down preemptively, for you to look over? I'd be willing to make changes, and if we settle on a design, I could make extra for NPC's, as the jigs will be reusable. If they still aren't good enough, I'll improve them or kabosh the project, although I'm pretty sure I could use these at another game.

Additionally, I could use what your minimum dimensions are for the impact head and internal disk are. 2-3 inches for the impact surface should prevent eye injury. The internal disk is harder to determine, but half an inch of foam seems safe.

Hello, and welcome!

Yes, go ahead and bring in a sample for us to look at. As you surmised, this policy is more about the intention of preventing the duct-tape-and-pennies style designs, which can vary wildly in safety from person to person and even arrow to arrow. A documented process and standardized, machined construction is a different beast entirely: with technology like 3D printers becoming more common for home use the line between "professional shop" and "hobbyist" is getting blurrier. I would love the chance to see arrows you make by your described process in person.

Our minimum dimensions are based entirely on the impact head, and they are "too big to fit in an eye socket". I know, not exactly the most exacting specification It wasn't something we had to measure exactly while we have the rule about shop-purchased arrows, but about 3" seems appropriate here.

Ok great!

I don't see rules regarding bows themselves. They aren't for combat, but should they be padded? Are PVC bows allowed?

Another thing. I see you have rules for merchant. I was thinking of making being a traveling trader part of my character. Is there any useful items I could print to sell in your opinion? Like, "oh people always need potion phys reps" Otherwise I'll stick to charms and necklaces. Perhaps once I better understand your rules I'll enchant my charms with some magic.

The bow itself can be of any material construction, but the draw weight must be low, around 25 lbs. Some people favor the boffer/latex styles just because they're intentionally designed to be big enough for adults to handle while still having the low draw weight that is more commonly seen in child-size bows, but it's a matter of personal preference.

I haven't bought anything at game that wasn't paper in some time, so I'll defer this question to others

Sounds good.

Another thing. I'm allergic to dogs and other pets. I'll be miserable if I'm trapped in a room with them. Shame there good Bois. Will I be ok?

I also have Celiac's, and eat kosher. I should probably just bring my own food for Saturday dinner.