Weapon check

A weapon check is the safety inspection every LARP weapon must pass before a player may use it in combat, protecting everyone on the field.

Before a game session begins — and sometimes at random points during an event — marshals or refs physically inspect each weapon brought to the field. They look at the overall construction, squeeze the striking surfaces to confirm there is enough give, check that no hard cores are exposed, and make sure tips and pommel caps are securely attached. A weapon that fails is pulled from play until it is repaired and passes a second inspection. Exactly what inspectors look for, and who is allowed to carry out checks, varies from game to game. Some systems publish a detailed list of foam thickness requirements and cover materials; others rely on the marshal's trained judgment. Always treat your game's own rulebook and pre-event safety brief as the final authority, and never argue a failed check on the field — the marshal's decision is final for that session.