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{{CaptionedImage|file=Deadly Bow.jpg||align=left|width=300}}
 
==Overview==
==Overview==
Bows and crossbows are one of the more dangerous weapons in LRP, if they are used inappropriately. If you are planning to play an archer at Empire then you must make sure that you follow all these safety rules. Failure to do so will result in you being excluded from the battlefield. This page referrs to arrows, but all relevant information applies to crossbows and bolts as well.
Bows and crossbows are one of the more dangerous weapons in LRP, if they are used inappropriately. If you are planning to play an archer at Empire then you must make sure that you follow all these safety rules. Where this page refers to bows or arrows, all the relevant information also applies to crossbows and bolts as well.
 
The most important consideration in LRP archery is to shoot safely. That means understanding how to weight your shots so they don't hit too hard, how to check your arrows so you don't fire anything that is damaged, how to string your bow correctly. It also means always prioritising safety over your character's success. These are all important parts of LRP archery that you need to be familiar with before you use a bow at Empire, even if you have used a bow in real life before. It will take you a little time to get the hang of it, but you can talk to some experienced LRP archers, they will show you the key skills and then you can practice. You'll grasp the key concepts soon enough.
 
Nothing in this world is guaranteed. Bows and arrows are potentially dangerous and must be treated with the utmost seriousness and care. Once you let that arrow fly it's out of your hands, and no matter how good you are at archery. Check your arrows before every shot!
 
 
==Shooting Safely==
<div style="float: right; clear: right;">{{CaptionedImage|file=Deadly Bow.jpg||width=300}}</div>
* '''You must personally ensure your weapon and ammunition have all been checked by the weapon checking team at each event before you use it'''
* '''The draw of a bow must be less than 30 lbs at 28” draw. Crossbows are also limited to 30lbs draw weight'''
* '''You must perform an essential check of every arrow or bolt each time before you nock it'''
* '''You must not aim at the head, you must aim at the chest or below when shooting at your target'''
* '''You must reduce the draw of your bow when firing at targets closer than 10m away, you may not fire a crossbow at targets under 3m'''
* '''You must aim at the stomach or below when firing into a crowded melee or when aiming a bow at targets closer than 3m'''
* '''You must be able to see the area you are aiming for if you are arcing your shot'''
* '''You must not shoot through narrow openings or gaps, such as between branches, fences, or through hedges'''
* '''You must never attack with a bow or crossbow or use it to parry'''
* '''You must have both hands free when using a bow or crossbow'''
* '''You must be in full control of your weapon and aware of your aim while moving around with bow drawn'''
* '''Participants under 18 years of age cannot use a crossbow'''
 
Every bow, crossbow, arrow and quarrel must be checked by a member of our [[Weapon_checking|weapon check team]] before it is used ''at each event you attend''. If you plan to use a bow or crossbow at the event you must attend weapon check in person so they can [[#Bow_Competency|assess your competency]]. There are strict limits on the poundage of any bow or crossbow used at Empire events - as well as the construction and condition of the bow. Please read the [[Weapon_checking#Bows_and_Crossbows|weapon checking]] guidelines to ensure that your bow or crossbow and your ammunition will be legal to use at our events.
 
You must [[#Essential Check|perform an essential check on any arrow or bolt]] ''immediately before you nock it, even if you have checked it earlier.'' You must perform a full check on any arrow or bolt before you bring it onto a battle or skirmish and each time before you recover it.
{{CaptionedImage|file=Archery.jpg|title=Bows (and crossbows) are lethal weapons in the hands of a skilled user.|caption=Arenal of the Summer Crows|align=right|width=300}}
When you use a bow or crossbow, you must not aim at the head. You may not fire a crossbow at any target less than 3m away from you. If you have a bow you must not draw the bow to normal extension when when firing at a target that is 10m or closer to you, you must reduce the draw proportionately. You must aim at the stomach or below when firing into a crowded melee or when aiming a bow at targets closer than 3m.  


To be a safe archer, you need to be a competent archer. Knowing one end of a bow and arrow from the other, and being able to generally hit what you're aiming at is competent. If you have never shot a bow before, then take some lessons from someone who knows what they're talking about with respect to archery before you start shooting at people with LRP arrows. Shooting a bow is not as easy as shooting a gun. It will take you a little time to get the hang of it, but if you're keen enough, you'll grasp the concept soon enough...Have patience, and have fun.
If you are arcing an arrow then you must be able to see the area you are aiming for. There is a higher risk of an overdrawn shot against a close target if you're not able to be fully aware of your surroundings when a person closer than the target moves into the line of fire. For this reason, you must not shoot through narrow openings such as small gaps between branches, fences or through hedges. Extra care must be taken when shooting near combat lines, or past/over or through shield lines. You must have enough space to shoot safely


Nothing in this world is guaranteed. Bows and arrows are killing tools and must be treated with the utmost seriousness and care. Once you let that arrow fly it's out of your hands, and no matter how good you are at archery, fate will play its part one way or another. Check your arrows before every shot!
You must have both hands on your weapon and not be holding anything else when shooting your bow or crossbow. You must be in control of your weapon and aware of your aim at all times when your bow is drawn or your crossbow loaded, especially when moving around. You may engage in melee while holding your bow, crossbow or arrows in your off-hand, but you must make sure you keep them close to your body and away from other participants. You must not parry with a missile weapon.


==Poundage==
All participants are welcome to recover arrows and pass them to an archer but do not pass arrows to marshals or referees, unless asked to do so. You can put them to one side where they will be at less risk of being trod on, or hand them directly to another participant. You must not throw arrows or bolts at anyone.
* '''See the weapon checking guidelines'''
There are strict limits on the poundage of any bow or crossbow used at Empire events - as well as the construction and condition of the bow. Please read the [[weapon checking#Missile_weapons|weapon checking]] guidelines for bows to ensure that your bow will be legal to use at our events.


==Weapon Check==
==Essential Check==
You '''must''' take your bow to the [[weapon checking]] team and have it checked before you use it. When you take a bow to weapon check they will ask you to string the bow and then fire it at a nearby target. The aim is to ensure that you know how to string a bow safely and how to pull your shot when firing on nearby players. If the weapon check team are not satisfied that you are able to use a bow safely then you will receive a quick demonstration lesson in how to use a LRP bow safely.
* '''You must check the essentials for every arrow or bolt before you nock it'''
{{CaptionedImage|file=IDV.jpg|height=200|align=right|caption=From ''IDV tear-drop arrow''}}
* '''Feel the foam on face of the arrow to check it is free from debris and the foam not waterlogged'''
* '''Feel the soft foam to check it is still firmly attached to the arrow head and that the head is securely attacked to the shaft'''
* '''Visually check the arrow shaft is intact and the flights and nock are still present'''


==Bow Safety==
You must check the essentials for every arrow or bolt each time you use them. You must perform this essential check by carrying out all the steps listed above immediately before you nock the arrow, even if you have already checked it earlier.
*'''Ensure that your bow is correctly and securely strung'''
*'''Take the distance to your target into account before firing. DO NOT full draw a long bow at a target 10m or less away.'''
*'''You must not aim a bow or crossbow at the head.'''
*'''Do not parry or strike with your bow! It is NOT a melee weapon'''


An incorrectly strung bow is a danger to you and other players as well as demonstrating a lack of experience with a bow. You must know how to string a bow correctly.


Modern LRP bows and crossbows are capable of firing a LRP arrow much further than most of the older equipment in use by the hobby a decade ago, even though their poundage at full draw has not changed. It is not safe to fire an arrow at high speed at a close target. If you have a bow you must reduce you draw when firing at nearby targets. You '''must''' not draw the bow to normal extension when when firing at a target that is 10m or closer to you, you must reduce the draw proportionately.
==Full Check==
{{CaptionedImage|file=Archers.jpg|width=600|align=right|caption=Arrows must be checked every time they are used}}
{{CaptionedImage|file=Checking.jpeg|title=It is big and clever to shoot safely.|caption=Flexing the shaft to ensure it is not cracked or split|align=right|width=300}}
Crossbows fire much slower than a bow with equivalent poundage. As you cannot reduce the pull for a crossbow you must not fire it at a target closer than 3m.
* '''You must conduct a full check of every arrow or bolt before you bring it onto a battle or skirmish'''
* '''You must immediately conduct a full check of any arrow that you recover it'''
* '''Feel the foam on face of the arrow to check it is free from debris and the foam not waterlogged'''
* '''Feel the soft foam to check it is still firmly attached to the arrow head and that the head is securely attacked to the shaft'''
* '''Flex the shaft to ensure it is not cracked or split'''
* '''Feel each flight to check none are missing or loose'''
* '''Examine the nock to ensure it is not loose or split'''


==Using your Bow==
You must carry out a more rigorous full check of every arrow or bolt before you bring it onto a battle or skirmish. You must perform this full check by carrying out all the steps listed for all your ammunition. You must also conduct a full check of any arrow that you recover, as you recover it, even if you have already checked it earlier.
*'''You must check the head, shaft and nock of any arrow or bolt you are given or recover yourself before shooting. Failure to do so may see you removed from the battle or skirmish you are on.
*'''If your bow has a high poundage, ensure that the limbs are warmed before a large fight'''


Arrows must be checked every time they are used. It is particularly important to check every arrow before you reuse as an arrow recovered from a battlefield has a high chance of being unsafe. You must choose to either check every arrow before you put it in your quiver - '''OR''' - choose to check every arrow before you nock it to fire (you must not switch between these two methods on the battlefield).
There is a useful video created by Nick Turner that shows [https://youtu.be/AcKZxfaO4ks?t=45 how to check an LRP arrow or bolt]. The "when to check" portion of the video is no longer up-to-date, but the rest of the video gives an excellent explanation of what to check and how.


The guidelines for all archers checking their arrows are below; if you are unsure then ask a ref or a member of the weapon checking team.
==Bow Competency==
* '''When you take your bow to weapon check you will be asked to demonstrate that you know how to use it safely'''
* '''The weapon check team will give you a copy of our archery safety rules which you must carry at all times whilst using your bow'''


==Checking Arrows==
When you take a bow to weapon check you will be required to string and destring your bow, and asked to demonstrate checking an arrow or bolt is safe to shoot. You may be asked to fire the weapon at a nearby target. The aim of these checks is to ensure that you know how use your bow or crossbow safely at our events. If the weapon check team are not satisfied that you are able to use the weapon safely then they will arrange for you to receive a demonstration lesson in how to use a LRP bow or crossbow safely.
*'''Check the head is secure and free from debris'''
*'''Check the shaft is not cracked or split'''
*'''Check the arrows does not have missing or loose flights'''
*'''Check if the nock is loose or split'''
{{CaptionedImage|file=Arrow2.png|width=500|align=right|caption=Acceptable Arrow Design from 2017 onwards}}
===Restrictions===
* '''Single-foam tear-drop arrows are not usable at any Profound Decisions events.'''
* '''Archery-tag screw on arrow heads are not usable at any Profound Decisions events.'''
Tear-drop arrows that use a single foam construction for the head - such as those by IDV and Mytholon - are not usable at any Profound Decisions events.  


Arrows with round heads will still be permitted, provided that they use a two-part foam construction as shown. Any arrows that have a screw on arrow head - like those used in archery-tag are not usable at Empire events.
The weapon check team will provide you with a copy of our archery safety rules which you must carry on your person at all times when using a bow or crossbow.


The arrow head must have a diameter of at least 45mm. Any smaller, eye injuries are a distinct possibility. Arrowheads must have two stage foam construction, fronted by spongy foam at least 20mm thick. The second layer should be 25mm thick. The thick rubber layer (can also be leather) must be at least 3mm thick. The cap must not be brittle and be able to withstand repeated impacts.
==Restrictions==
{{CaptionedImage|file=Archers.jpg|width=500|align=right|caption=Arrows must be checked every time they are used, immediately before you nock.}}
* '''Archery is not permitted during the hours of darkness'''
* '''Archery may be prohibited outside Anvil at other times due to adverse weather conditions'''
* '''If this happens, a referee will inform you before the skirmish or battle begins'''


The head of an LRP arrow must be soft enough for a close range shot not to damage delicate areas of the body (to account for unforeseen accidents). It must be constructed to be robust, long lasting, and eliminate all possibilities of the arrow shaft punching through the foam to the outside world.
Archery is not permitted during the hours of darkness at Empire. The official cut-off time will be published on the wiki before each event on the page for that event. You must not use a bow in Anvil after this time - nor take a bow on a quest or skirmish which starts at this time or later. The official cut-off will be the time the conjunction begins, so you may use a bow on any quest or skirmish that starts before this time even if it ends afterwards.


If you are making your own arrows, then follow these guidelines. Arrows remain the most dangerous element on the battlefield, please make sure that you make them correctly and with care - or don't make them at all.
We may prohibit the use of archery outside Anvil in adverse weather conditions (such as high winds) if we believe conditions are not safe enough to allow it. If this happens, a member of the PD referee team will inform you that no bows or crossbows can be used before the skirmish or battle begins.
{{CaptionedImage|file=Archery.jpg|title=Bows (and crossbows) are lethal weapons in the hands of a skilled user.|caption=Arenal of the Summer Crows|align=right|width=250}}
{{Safety Links}}
{{Safety Links}}
==Links==
* A helpful [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AcKZxfaO4ks video] by Nick Turner that goes through the steps of checking an arrow is safe to fire.

Latest revision as of 15:21, 18 September 2023

Overview

Bows and crossbows are one of the more dangerous weapons in LRP, if they are used inappropriately. If you are planning to play an archer at Empire then you must make sure that you follow all these safety rules. Where this page refers to bows or arrows, all the relevant information also applies to crossbows and bolts as well.

The most important consideration in LRP archery is to shoot safely. That means understanding how to weight your shots so they don't hit too hard, how to check your arrows so you don't fire anything that is damaged, how to string your bow correctly. It also means always prioritising safety over your character's success. These are all important parts of LRP archery that you need to be familiar with before you use a bow at Empire, even if you have used a bow in real life before. It will take you a little time to get the hang of it, but you can talk to some experienced LRP archers, they will show you the key skills and then you can practice. You'll grasp the key concepts soon enough.

Nothing in this world is guaranteed. Bows and arrows are potentially dangerous and must be treated with the utmost seriousness and care. Once you let that arrow fly it's out of your hands, and no matter how good you are at archery. Check your arrows before every shot!


Shooting Safely

Deadly Bow.jpg
  • You must personally ensure your weapon and ammunition have all been checked by the weapon checking team at each event before you use it
  • The draw of a bow must be less than 30 lbs at 28” draw. Crossbows are also limited to 30lbs draw weight
  • You must perform an essential check of every arrow or bolt each time before you nock it
  • You must not aim at the head, you must aim at the chest or below when shooting at your target
  • You must reduce the draw of your bow when firing at targets closer than 10m away, you may not fire a crossbow at targets under 3m
  • You must aim at the stomach or below when firing into a crowded melee or when aiming a bow at targets closer than 3m
  • You must be able to see the area you are aiming for if you are arcing your shot
  • You must not shoot through narrow openings or gaps, such as between branches, fences, or through hedges
  • You must never attack with a bow or crossbow or use it to parry
  • You must have both hands free when using a bow or crossbow
  • You must be in full control of your weapon and aware of your aim while moving around with bow drawn
  • Participants under 18 years of age cannot use a crossbow

Every bow, crossbow, arrow and quarrel must be checked by a member of our weapon check team before it is used at each event you attend. If you plan to use a bow or crossbow at the event you must attend weapon check in person so they can assess your competency. There are strict limits on the poundage of any bow or crossbow used at Empire events - as well as the construction and condition of the bow. Please read the weapon checking guidelines to ensure that your bow or crossbow and your ammunition will be legal to use at our events.

You must perform an essential check on any arrow or bolt immediately before you nock it, even if you have checked it earlier. You must perform a full check on any arrow or bolt before you bring it onto a battle or skirmish and each time before you recover it.

Bows (and crossbows) are lethal weapons in the hands of a skilled user.
Arenal of the Summer Crows

When you use a bow or crossbow, you must not aim at the head. You may not fire a crossbow at any target less than 3m away from you. If you have a bow you must not draw the bow to normal extension when when firing at a target that is 10m or closer to you, you must reduce the draw proportionately. You must aim at the stomach or below when firing into a crowded melee or when aiming a bow at targets closer than 3m.

If you are arcing an arrow then you must be able to see the area you are aiming for. There is a higher risk of an overdrawn shot against a close target if you're not able to be fully aware of your surroundings when a person closer than the target moves into the line of fire. For this reason, you must not shoot through narrow openings such as small gaps between branches, fences or through hedges. Extra care must be taken when shooting near combat lines, or past/over or through shield lines. You must have enough space to shoot safely

You must have both hands on your weapon and not be holding anything else when shooting your bow or crossbow. You must be in control of your weapon and aware of your aim at all times when your bow is drawn or your crossbow loaded, especially when moving around. You may engage in melee while holding your bow, crossbow or arrows in your off-hand, but you must make sure you keep them close to your body and away from other participants. You must not parry with a missile weapon.

All participants are welcome to recover arrows and pass them to an archer but do not pass arrows to marshals or referees, unless asked to do so. You can put them to one side where they will be at less risk of being trod on, or hand them directly to another participant. You must not throw arrows or bolts at anyone.

Essential Check

  • You must check the essentials for every arrow or bolt before you nock it
  • Feel the foam on face of the arrow to check it is free from debris and the foam not waterlogged
  • Feel the soft foam to check it is still firmly attached to the arrow head and that the head is securely attacked to the shaft
  • Visually check the arrow shaft is intact and the flights and nock are still present

You must check the essentials for every arrow or bolt each time you use them. You must perform this essential check by carrying out all the steps listed above immediately before you nock the arrow, even if you have already checked it earlier.


Full Check

It is big and clever to shoot safely.
Flexing the shaft to ensure it is not cracked or split
  • You must conduct a full check of every arrow or bolt before you bring it onto a battle or skirmish
  • You must immediately conduct a full check of any arrow that you recover it
  • Feel the foam on face of the arrow to check it is free from debris and the foam not waterlogged
  • Feel the soft foam to check it is still firmly attached to the arrow head and that the head is securely attacked to the shaft
  • Flex the shaft to ensure it is not cracked or split
  • Feel each flight to check none are missing or loose
  • Examine the nock to ensure it is not loose or split

You must carry out a more rigorous full check of every arrow or bolt before you bring it onto a battle or skirmish. You must perform this full check by carrying out all the steps listed for all your ammunition. You must also conduct a full check of any arrow that you recover, as you recover it, even if you have already checked it earlier.

There is a useful video created by Nick Turner that shows how to check an LRP arrow or bolt. The "when to check" portion of the video is no longer up-to-date, but the rest of the video gives an excellent explanation of what to check and how.

Bow Competency

  • When you take your bow to weapon check you will be asked to demonstrate that you know how to use it safely
  • The weapon check team will give you a copy of our archery safety rules which you must carry at all times whilst using your bow

When you take a bow to weapon check you will be required to string and destring your bow, and asked to demonstrate checking an arrow or bolt is safe to shoot. You may be asked to fire the weapon at a nearby target. The aim of these checks is to ensure that you know how use your bow or crossbow safely at our events. If the weapon check team are not satisfied that you are able to use the weapon safely then they will arrange for you to receive a demonstration lesson in how to use a LRP bow or crossbow safely.

The weapon check team will provide you with a copy of our archery safety rules which you must carry on your person at all times when using a bow or crossbow.

Restrictions

Archers.jpg
Arrows must be checked every time they are used, immediately before you nock.
  • Archery is not permitted during the hours of darkness
  • Archery may be prohibited outside Anvil at other times due to adverse weather conditions
  • If this happens, a referee will inform you before the skirmish or battle begins

Archery is not permitted during the hours of darkness at Empire. The official cut-off time will be published on the wiki before each event on the page for that event. You must not use a bow in Anvil after this time - nor take a bow on a quest or skirmish which starts at this time or later. The official cut-off will be the time the conjunction begins, so you may use a bow on any quest or skirmish that starts before this time even if it ends afterwards.

We may prohibit the use of archery outside Anvil in adverse weather conditions (such as high winds) if we believe conditions are not safe enough to allow it. If this happens, a member of the PD referee team will inform you that no bows or crossbows can be used before the skirmish or battle begins.

Further Reading

Links

  • A helpful video by Nick Turner that goes through the steps of checking an arrow is safe to fire.