Props are physical items you use to play the game. Some of these props act as physical representations of in-play items and effects. For example, a boffer sword out of play represents a real sword in play, and a packet may represent a mage's spell as it flies through the air. Other props exist out of play to communicate information about your character. For example, white headbands are used to signal that you are out of play and character sheets are used to verify what your character is able to do. The props you are likely to encounter are listed below.

Character Sheets

Your character sheet serves two main purposes. First, it validates that you are allowed to play. Second, it serves as a record of what character you're playing and what actions that character is capable of performing. This is a handy reference for you, as well as a valuable aid for staff members in settling game disputes. Note that, if you are in play, you must carry a valid character sheet at all times. This applies to players as well as monsters. Failure to do so may result in disciplinary action.

Treasure Tags

Treasure tags are small slips of paper that represent an in-play item. Like a miniature character sheet, treasure tags give details about what the item is and what actions it can be used to perform. Treasure tags in your character's inventory are printed on or stapled to your character sheet when you check in. Others are acquired in play as individual tags.

Boffer Weapons

Boffer weapons are weapon replicas constructed out of padded foam. A well-constructed boffer weapon can accurately simulate the appearance of a real weapon without the risk of injury to participants. They come in all shapes and sizes from swords and axes to daggers and polearms. Boffer weapons must be inspected by a prop marshal yearly before they can be allowed in play. This generally occurs at check-in.

If you're interested in constructing your own, a common starter weapon consists of 1/2-inch PVC pipe covered in 3/4-inch pipe foam, capped with 2 inches of high density open cell foam, and wrapped lengthwise in duct tape, as shown in the following diagram. These videos can help guide you through the process.

The length of boffer weapons affects how they are used in play. Your character also needs the appropriate ability in order to wield a boffer weapon. Finally, please note that flails and other wrapping weapons are not allowed due to tripping risks.


Many special actions in the game can be performed at range. The mechanic to determine whether the action successfully hits its target is to throw a packet. Packets are small squares of cloth packed with bird seed and tied off with a rubber band. Like boffer weapons, they help minimize the risk of injury to participants. Packets are generally donated to the game and made available to all participants.

Headbands & Armbands

Headbands and armbands of different colors are out-of-play signals used to indicate something about a participant.

  • White headbands indicate that a participant is currently out of play.
  • Orange headbands indicate that a participant is a non-combatant. Non-combatants are in play but are not allowed to engage in boffer fighting for medical reasons. Non-combatants are required to avoid areas of active combat and may not flee from pursuers. Combatants may subdue them by closing to within reach and tapping them with a weapon, but this is the only way they are allowed to attack.
  • Red armbands indicate a player who has opted into competitive play. They may attack and be attacked by other competitive players.

Monster Tabards

Player characters wear a wide variety of different costumes. Monsters, on the other hand, wear special tabards to distinguish themselves from player characters. Monsters are frequently dangerous and/or hostile, so it's important to be on the lookout for participants wearing monster tabards in play.


Often, the tavern and individual cabins will be decorated with lights, drapes, wall hangings, and the like. These props are technically in play but only exist for the purposes of backdrop. As such, they do not require treasure tags and cannot be used to perform in-play actions.