Need suggestions from my fellow LARPer's

[mOss]

My school has tentatively ok'd my suggestion for "Boffer Battles" as a fund raising activity for my Speech and Debate class.  Before it can become a reality it must pass muster with the local school board... but I'm trying to think positively... so hopefully it will.

If it comes to pass... I'll need a system by which to run these battles.  I'm thinking melee combat only (no spell packets or anything) and probably not going to worry about any RP aspect.  Probably won't mess with armor either...

Safety is my first concern so I'll probably go by the Solar 45-90 degree hit rule and disqualify anybody who strikes overly hard.  Will also only work with Solar appropriate Boffers so I'll be supplying the weaponry for said event.

Now as far as determining the winner of a battle... (thinking one on one here) should I...  use hit locations?  Or landing two hits automatically wins...  Should I do best two out of three falls? etc.

Here is where I'm TOTALLY open to suggestions.  I'm just completely stoked that my principal backed me up on this  (funny story goes with that by the way... ok... maybe not funny more like mildly amusing)  I have A LOT kids express interest in this already and even a couple of the teachers... so who knows or dares to dream.

If I have mass conversions to Smoor... do I get tons of gob and prezzies??   

Ok... let the suggestions begin!!!!

[Andrew L.]

since youve said you dont work that far from me whatever you end up doing ill help you judge if you want I could also supply a few weapons too if needed.

I think itd be a good idea to go back to the three hit tourney from feast. Or you could give each person say 20 body and say your weapon does however much damage. first person to lose all body loses.

[David McNeal]

First things first, get the kids some head and face protection (a football helmet will do) as well as make sure they all wear cups.  The last thing you want is for someone to say "Screw the rules, I'm going full contact!" and ruin it for everyone. 

I'd then start it off by making all the kids 50 build warriors and showing them the skills chart to create and personalize their combat skills.  This will add a neat dimension to the whole combat aspect and will require that each of the kids keep their character stats on them during the competition and allow them to grow later on by giving more build.

Alternatively, you could go with the 3-hit tournament rules and let them get used to how combat works.

A hit location system could also be put into place, but will be harder to manage.  1 hit to the torso or 2 hits per limb for a kill with 1 hit to a limb making it unusable (see Amtgard combat rules).  If you use a two hander, then it's a 1 hit kill scenario.  Catch me on site when I'm not running around all crazy like and I'll help you flesh it out.

[mOss]

Probably won't do any kind of build/skills...  I can't get H.S. kids to frikken read a 10 page story... the concept of build/skills will really fry their noodles.

Tell me more about the 3 hit tourney.... I'm not familiar with it.

[Casey]

You'll see it at Festival if you make it this year, but basically it is what it says: two combatants face off with their preferred combo of weapons/shields, and the first person to three confirmed hits wins.  Normal safe hit locations (no head, boob, or groin shots), first contact on any valid location counts.  Usually requires at least three judges to stand at various angles and watch the combat to call "break" when they see a hit.  When a break is called the combatants stop fighting and go back to starting positions.  A majority of judges have to agree who got the hit before combat resumes.

It'd work with any number of hits (two, five, whatever) but three is the most popular.

[BeccaH]

We often do boffer tourneys at conventions. We get a lot of younger kids that want to play, and have had no problems and participants really enjoy it.

We give a quick safety course, going over legal targets, swings, and what to do if a hold is called.
Usually we start with a 3 or 5 touch combat, and if folks want to play more, we go over fighting rules, give folks a small amnt of body and let  folks play. Starting out with touch lets you gauge if there is someone who will do stupid stuff with boffers .

As long as you stress lightest touch and safety rules, I don't think you'll need to worry about safety gear.

[mOss]

I think festival was my first time at Smoor... when I monstered... I don't remember any of the events except a race where people threw spell packets at each other.  I'll definitely pay attention this year... because the 3 hit tourney seems the route that I'll most likely go.  I might do a demo with somebody to raise interest... We're really hurting for money next year... but it'll be in the fall regardless.  Like I said... I've had a lot of interest so far so I'm really hoping the school board doesn't axe this.  Thanks for all the suggestions.  Keep 'em coming!

[StephenZuckerman]

3-hit lets them get the idea, and then you can choose between hit-point or hit-location. My advice? Play hit-location, play up the competitive aspect... But don't be too shy about the fact that there's a full, hit-point-based game out there, too.

The kids (and parents) who want nothing to do with LARPers can just whack each other and enjoy the sporty side of it, while kids (and parents) who catch the spark, you can talk to about the actual LARPs around (nudge nudge).

[NovariusDarkshade]

This is so fraggin awesome that you got a school to ok this! if ya need further help or just an attack dummy to demonstrate on. then hit me up and if i'm close to your area(don't know where you live).I will help with the tourney. I played amtgard for many years and know there combat system inside and out. So I could be of real assisstance in a hit location scenario:) good job on getting the word out moss. We love ya brother.
trey

[Jeremiah]

i have sent you a pm with a set of rules i have used in the past and found them very effective in a competetive aspect please let me know if you need help with the demonstration.