Costumes

[The emperors chosen]

Hi guys, I am planning an Inquisitor costume, and I was wondering, does anyone know the policy on prop weapons there(in this case a sword)? thanks in advance!

[Commander Sasha]

I work in a venue that has hosted several Cosplay balls, and our policy is that only foam or cardboard weapons are allowed in the venue; if I hit you over the head with it, it must buckle, not you!

Anything else will be at the discretion of the licensee, head of security and event organiser: If it is part of a stage show it will be allowed, but treated as a stage prop, and not allowed free reign round the venue unless escorted by an official security guard.

 

If you are not part of an organised show, but are still really keen on something potentially offensive (we're still talking wood here, not metal), contact the organiser beforehand to discuss it; an awesome costume will benefit their event, so they may well be keen to arrange special dispensation for you; don't expect it though, as they may already have had lots of similar requests!

 

Expect refusal of: any metal weapons, even blunt; any operational mechanisms (ballistic, unfolding wings, jump stilts); any pyrotechnic, chemical or fluid effects (damage to persons or property: your little flash paper effect meets her tissue paper wig...woomf!).

 

Call ahead, the organiser should have a policy document with their and the venue's specific guidelines.

 

Post pics here too!

 

Dan

The Clapham Grand, London

[The emperors chosen]

thanks, I am also planning on doing an autogum conversion that involves a nerf gun, (recon cs-6), but I plan on gluing the thing that hold the "bullets" so I should be fine.

[SquigBait]

As was stated, various cons have varying rules. One of the most common rules (I frequent a con that WILL allow the wearing of steel weapons), is that any weapon must be peace-bound, I.E. tied and /or secured to a scabbard so that one may not 'whip it out' or have the danger of someone else pulling it out on you. Pretty much if you are found with an exposed weapon out of its scabbard you will typically be kicked out of the con if they are nice or have you arrested if they are having a bad day.

[PirateRogue]

DragonCon in Atlanta GA has one of the more liberal policies for weapons:

"Please abide by our weapons policy: All weapons must be non-working and peace bonded. No functioning projectile weapons includes water pistols, silly-string guns, and ping-pong pistols. Bladed weapons must be cased or sheathed at all times. No clowning around or showing off in the common areas. Any weapon used in an offensive manner will be confiscated and rule #7 enforced. We expect you to use good judgment; with your help, we can continue to allow peace-bonded weapons - thanks!

 

Especially in the harsh reality of 2009 Dragon*Con security staff, hotel security, and local law enforcement officials will treat anything that looks like a real gun as a real gun. We do not post bail. "

 

As a long time member of DragonCon Security this means it. When in costume I regularly carried a fully edged sword peice bonded in a full sheath, as well as a Walther P99 handgun in a holster. The handgun had the standard orange tip, as well as a bright pink cable tie (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cable_tie) on the trigger so you could quickly tell that the trigger could not be pulled. If you are looking at NERF weapons, it means you cannot be able to fire it while at the convention. the same kind of trigger lock or even taking the spring out of it works.

The foam nerf swords would likely be fine to carry out in the open.

 

Now all that said you have to check with the specific event for their rules. I do recall reading in a forum somewhere that my walther P99 would be illegal to carry in England no matter what, so check the events rules and your local laws.

 

Send me a PM and remind me I'll try to remember to take pictures of my peace bonded weapons for an example.