Chapter 5: Viscentia Rules of Engagement

Weapon and Armor Rules

The Viscentia combat system is designed to provide an immersive and historically accurate experience while maintaining the highest standards of safety. Head shots are legal in all combat categories to emulate Historical European Martial Arts (HEMA) tactics, enhancing realism. However, extreme caution must be used when targeting the head and neck, and no excessive force should be applied. Due to the inclusion of head shots, head, neck, and eye protection are mandatory. If proper protection is not available, the event must revert to light-touch combat mechanics with minimal physical contact. Viscentia encourages participants to learn historical fighting techniques in a safe and structured environment.

For scoring and hit point information, please see chapter 4 – https://viscentia.com/chapter-4-scoring-mechanics/

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Section 1: Boffer LARP Weapons (Full-Contact)

Boffer LARP Weapons are foam-padded, lightweight weapons designed for safe, full-contact combat. These weapons are ideal for new players and hosts, offering an accessible and immersive entry point into combat activities.

1.1 Weapon Construction Guidelines:

• Core Material: Cores must be made of PVC, kitespar, fiberglass, carbon fiber, or graphite.
• Weapon Length:
  • Weapons 16″ (40.6 cm) to 41″ (104 cm): Minimum core width of 1/2″ (1.3 cm).
  • Weapons 42″ (106 cm) to 72″ (183 cm): Minimum core width of 3/4″ (1.9 cm).
  • Weapons over 72″ (183 cm): PVC cores are prohibited; materials like fiberglass or carbon fiber should be used.
• Tip Safety: Weapons must have a 2–3 inch foam tip with no core extending to the tip.
• Thrusting Weapons: Require a 2-inch open-cell foam thrusting tip.
• Handle Length: Should be no longer than 2 ½ hand lengths.
• Prohibited Weapons: NERF brand foam weapons are prohibited due to their weak cores, which compromise durability and safety in full-contact combat.

1.2 Shield Guidelines:

• Foam Shields Only: Shields used in boffer combat must be made entirely of foam. Metal or wooden shields are prohibited as real shields tend to break foam weapon cores during combat, reducing both safety and the lifespan of the weapons.

1.3 Minimum Safety Gear:

• Head, Neck, and Eye Protection: Required for all participants due to the legality of head shots. We strongly recommend HEMA fencing masks for enhanced protection during practices and tournaments across all weapon types.
• Recommended Protection: Knee, joint, neck, and groin protection are strongly recommended.

1.4 Combat Mechanics:

• Damage: Boffer weapons deal one (1) point of damage per strike.
• Striking Force: Minimal force should be used to avoid injury, particularly in the head and neck areas.
• Prohibited Actions: Shield bashing and grabbing of weapons, shields, or armor are forbidden.

1.5 No Mixing of Weapon Types:

• Weapon Exclusivity: At any event, only one type of weapon system should be used—either everyone uses boffer weapons, everyone uses theatrical foam weapons, or everyone uses blunted steel weapons. Mixing weapon types in a single event is prohibited to maintain safety standards.
• Arena Exhibitions: However, a host may introduce a limited arena-type exhibition for players using real steel or theatrical weapons if not all combatants have the required gear for full-combat scenarios. These exhibitions allow a controlled environment for advanced combat.

1.6 Safety Inspections:

• All boffer weapons and foam shields must pass a safety inspection conducted by event staff or Elders before combat.

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Section 2: Theatrical Foam Weapons

Theatrical Foam Weapons replicate historical weapon designs and are used for immersive, historically accurate combat. These weapons offer greater realism compared to boffer weapons, making them suitable for experienced players seeking a more detailed combat experience.

2.1 Weapon Construction Guidelines:

• Foam Padding: Weapons must have at least 1 inch of foam on all striking surfaces.
• Safety Check: All theatrical foam weapons must pass a safety inspection before being used in combat.

2.2 Shield Guidelines:

• Foam Shields Only: Shields in theatrical combat must also be made entirely of foam. Metal or wooden shields are prohibited to prevent damage to foam weapon cores during combat, which could compromise the safety and longevity of the weapons.

2.3 Minimum Safety Gear:

• Head, Neck, and Eye Protection: Required for all participants due to the legality of head shots. HEMA fencing masks are strongly recommended for enhanced protection during practices and tournaments.
• Recommended Protection: Knee, joint, neck, and groin protection is strongly recommended.

2.4 Combat Mechanics:

• Damage: Theatrical foam weapons deal one (1) point of damage per strike.
• Cleave Attacks: Two-handed weapons may perform cleave attacks, but both hands must remain on the weapon.
• Control and Restraint: Strikes should be controlled, especially when targeting the head and neck.

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Section 3: Blunted Steel Weapons (Advanced Combat)

Blunted Steel Weapons offer the most realistic combat experience in Viscentia. These weapons are used by advanced players and are combined with wooden rattan, hard rubber, and synthetic blades designed for HEMA contact. Due to the realism and danger associated with these weapons, full armor is required.

3.1 Weapon Construction Guidelines:

• Blunted Edges: Steel weapons must have blunted edges of at least 2 mm thickness, with rounded tips to prevent piercing injuries.
• Approved Materials: Blunted steel, wooden rattan, hard rubber, and synthetic blades for HEMA contact are permitted.
• Weapon Inspection: All blunted steel and alternative material weapons must pass a thorough safety inspection before being used in combat.

3.2 Full Armor Requirement:

• Armor Standards: Participants must wear full metal armor with a minimum thickness of 18-gauge steel. While thicker metal is recommended, all armor must meet the minimum gauge requirement.
• Padding: Players are encouraged to use thick padding for the head and body to provide additional protection.
• Armor Coverage: All armor must include:
  • Head and face protection (helmets with face guards)
  • Neck protection
  • Torso protection
  • Groin protection
  • Joint and Knee Protection: All joints and knees must be fully protected by metal armor.
  • Gloves for hand protection.
• Synthetic Armor Prohibited: Synthetic armor is not allowed at Viscentia events as it is not rated for full-contact combat and does not provide the necessary protection for participants.
• Striking Armored Surfaces Only: Blunted steel combatants may only strike armored surfaces to ensure the safety of all participants.

3.3 Head Protection:

• HEMA Fencing Masks: Strongly recommended for use in blunted steel combat, especially during practices and tournaments to provide enhanced protection for the head and face.

3.4 Marshal Oversight:

• A Marshal must approve all weapons, armor, strapping, and padding before combat begins to ensure all equipment meets the required safety standards for blunted steel combat.

3.5 Combat Mechanics:

• Damage: Blunted steel weapons and approved alternatives deal one (1) point of damage per strike.
• Cleave Attacks: Two-handed blunted steel weapons may perform cleave attacks, but strikes must be delivered with control and only at armored areas.
• No Mixing of Foam and Steel: Blunted steel weapons and foam weapons must never be mixed. Either all participants use foam, or all use blunted steel. However, limited arena-style exhibitions may be arranged for combatants who have the necessary gear to engage in real steel or theatrical foam combat, separate from the larger event if other participants lack the required equipment.

3.6 Tournaments and Arena Settings:

• In tournament settings, participants may agree to use tap-out or surrender mechanics instead of hit-point mechanics. This allows for controlled, safe combat where participants can voluntarily exit when overwhelmed or “injured” in-game.

3.7 Restrictions and Requirements:

• No Minors: Minors are strictly prohibited from participating in blunted steel combat.
• Safety Course Requirement: All blunted steel participants must pass a safety course with the Marshal of the hosting club before engaging in combat. This course covers weapon control, armor use, and safe combat techniques.
• New Club Approval: Clubs wishing to host blunted steel events must submit a real steel marshal training request with a Viscentia Head Marshal. Clubs cannot host blunted steel games, tournaments, or exhibitions until they are approved.

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Summary:

The Viscentia Rules of Engagement offer a structured, safe combat experience across three weapon types—boffer, theatrical foam, and blunted steel. With legal head shots to enhance realism, proper protective gear, especially for the head, neck, and eyes, is mandatory. HEMA fencing masks are strongly recommended for all three weapon types, especially during practices and tournaments. Foam shields are required for both boffer and theatrical combat to prevent damage to foam weapon cores. Blunted steel combat requires full 18-gauge metal armor with recommended thick padding, and synthetic armor is prohibited as it is not suitable for full-contact combat. Hosts may also introduce arena-style exhibitions for smaller groups using real steel or theatrical weapons. The system is designed to offer historical accuracy while prioritizing player safety across all combat types.