Weaponry Rules
To be a successful assassin you will need an arsenal of weapons at his disposal. Below are a list of common weapons you may require and their associated abilities and limitations when playing the game.
It is important that you familiarise yourself with the rule regarding your weapon of choice before you make an assassination attempt. You don't want to be caught out by a random limitation such as not being able to fire water weapons indoors.
All weapons must be clearly labelled unless otherwise stated. This means using either a sticker or writing directly on them.
If you have your own idea for a weapon that isn't listed, then brilliant! The Umpire likes to see new and inventive weaponry and often awards larger quantities of Kudos for it. Just submit your idea using the blueprints form and the Umpire will tell you if it is acceptable or not, or if it has any limitations.
Please ensure that anything not listed here has been approved by the Umpire. If you use a weapon and it is not approved then you risk the kill being disqualified, possible punishment or a smaller amount of Kudos for the kill. This rule is to prevent dangerous or overpowered weapons from spoiling the game.
Direct Attacks : -
Guns, Pistols and other projectile weapons
Rubber band guns, Nerf weapons, pea-shooters and catapults all
count as guns and are projectile weapons. Other similar weapons may also
be allowed, but you must contact the Umpire for approval before using them.
A direct hit is required; projectiles rebounding off walls, ect. do not count.
BB guns and pellet guns are not allowed.
Cap guns, or other toy guns which produce a noise without actually firing anything may be used to kill people from less than 1 metre with a clear shot. In the case of cap guns, the cap must go off for the shot to count. See point-blank shots for more details.
If you are found to be using a realistic-looking gun you will be removed from the game; no matter how safe it is. Realistic guns are against the law and can cause panic amongst civilians.
A direct hit is required; projectiles rebounding off walls, ect. do not count.
BB guns and pellet guns are not allowed.
Cap guns, or other toy guns which produce a noise without actually firing anything may be used to kill people from less than 1 metre with a clear shot. In the case of cap guns, the cap must go off for the shot to count. See point-blank shots for more details.
If you are found to be using a realistic-looking gun you will be removed from the game; no matter how safe it is. Realistic guns are against the law and can cause panic amongst civilians.
Point-blank shots ('BANG!' Kills)
This rule applies for two sets of weapons. Anything clearly labelled "Gun" such as a banana, or a toy gun can be used as a bang kill by shouting "Bang!" when the gun is pointed at the target.
In addition any projectile weapons can also be used as a bang kill if firing at a short distance risks causing harm to the other player, or damage to their properly.
If your projectile weapon is out of ammunition, is jammed or is otherwise unusable at the time it is fired it can not count as a bang kill.When using a water pistol, water counts as ammo. In addition if other rules such as not firing a water pistol inside are in effect then the gun is rendered "unusable".
To use a bang kill you must be within 1m of the target.
Water weapons
Water pistols, water bombs and water *anything else* counts as a water weapon.
Water weapons cannot be used indoors. This even includes using them as a bang kill. This includes firing into, and out of buildings.
If a target is not aware that they have been hit they should be informed of the fact. It is pointless going out to assassinate someone when they don't even notice. Doing this also means that there are less disputes.
Hits only counts if it is larger than a 5p in the case of smaller water weapons, and a 50p piece in the case of all larger weapons. If there is a dispute that you are struggling to resolve then you can submit a photo of the hit to the Umpire.
Water weapons cannot be used indoors. This even includes using them as a bang kill. This includes firing into, and out of buildings.
If a target is not aware that they have been hit they should be informed of the fact. It is pointless going out to assassinate someone when they don't even notice. Doing this also means that there are less disputes.
Hits only counts if it is larger than a 5p in the case of smaller water weapons, and a 50p piece in the case of all larger weapons. If there is a dispute that you are struggling to resolve then you can submit a photo of the hit to the Umpire.
Knives, swords, rubber chickens and other melee weapons
Knives made of foam, rubber, plastic or cardboard may be used as knives.
Do not use anything sharp, or that might cause harm to others. Throwing knives are not allowed; however cardboard and small plastic shuriken are. These must be clearly labelled 'SHURIKEN' and be vaguely shuriken shape.
Arbitrary objects may not be turned into weapons simply by writing "KNIFE" on them; this can only be done to vaguely knife-shaped objects.
Latex LARP (Live Action Role Play) swords and knives (or other LARP weapons, including LARP bows or crossbows) may not be used.
In the interests of safety, with all melee weapons, you should be careful to avoid attacks of a stabbing nature and should never aim for the face.
Attack Animals
Stuffed animals may be used as attack animals if they are labelled "ATTACK ANIMAL". These can work just like knives, and kill instantly upon any contact from their victim. They can also count as a kill if the target touches them accidentally e.g. if you leave it on the sofa. Attack animals cannot be thrown at a target.
Ideally all attack animals should be presented to the Umpire via email first. He likes to see what embarrassing fluffy animals Players keep in their rooms. Be creative with ways to use them, but if you wish to try something unconventional, then check with the Umpire beforehand.
Do not use anything sharp, or that might cause harm to others. Throwing knives are not allowed; however cardboard and small plastic shuriken are. These must be clearly labelled 'SHURIKEN' and be vaguely shuriken shape.
Arbitrary objects may not be turned into weapons simply by writing "KNIFE" on them; this can only be done to vaguely knife-shaped objects.
Latex LARP (Live Action Role Play) swords and knives (or other LARP weapons, including LARP bows or crossbows) may not be used.
In the interests of safety, with all melee weapons, you should be careful to avoid attacks of a stabbing nature and should never aim for the face.
Attack Animals
Stuffed animals may be used as attack animals if they are labelled "ATTACK ANIMAL". These can work just like knives, and kill instantly upon any contact from their victim. They can also count as a kill if the target touches them accidentally e.g. if you leave it on the sofa. Attack animals cannot be thrown at a target.
Ideally all attack animals should be presented to the Umpire via email first. He likes to see what embarrassing fluffy animals Players keep in their rooms. Be creative with ways to use them, but if you wish to try something unconventional, then check with the Umpire beforehand.
Grenades
Any small spherical object around the size of a tennis ball can be used as a grenade. They will kill if they strike any part of the head or
body, or any wall or object within 2 meter of the head or torso. All grenades must be labelled "Grenade".
Grenades have a blast radius of 2m, any bystanders in that range are also killed and must be included in your report.
Water weapons such as water bombs only kill when the player is splashed by the water. They are therefore not limited by the 2m rule.
Use common sense with all weapons. Throwing hard objects like rocks can cause injuries and messy objects such as eggs can cause damage to clothing.
Grenades have a blast radius of 2m, any bystanders in that range are also killed and must be included in your report.
Water weapons such as water bombs only kill when the player is splashed by the water. They are therefore not limited by the 2m rule.
Use common sense with all weapons. Throwing hard objects like rocks can cause injuries and messy objects such as eggs can cause damage to clothing.
Drop kills
A large box, sizeable lump of card or polystyrene may be
labelled 'safe', 'fridge', 'anvil' or anything similar, and then dropped on a player. It can kill if the player is hit.
The box must be dropped more than 1m.
A beach ball or balloon at least the size of a football may be labelled as a boulder and then rolled or dropped as a weapon (not kicked, however - that would break your leg!) - any impact with significant speed may kill.
Rebounds do not count but should still be mentioned in your reports.
The box must be dropped more than 1m.
A beach ball or balloon at least the size of a football may be labelled as a boulder and then rolled or dropped as a weapon (not kicked, however - that would break your leg!) - any impact with significant speed may kill.
Rebounds do not count but should still be mentioned in your reports.
Personification attacks
By
dressing up in an inventive costume such as death or a lion (full body
costumes), the assassin can assume the traits of that persona.
E.g. a wild lion can rip a victim to shreds;
or player dressed as Death could be able to kill a player with the "touch of death".
Players must contact the umpire before making a personification attack to ensure that the costume meets the Umpires high expectations. This should be done using the blueprints form.
The Umpire needs to discuss what the traits of the costume will be before hand. If you walk into a room full of people in a Medusa outfit, you might think that looking at your target counts as a single kill; the Umpire might however consider anyone who looks at you as a kill and therefore heavily penalise you for turning a hand full of innocent civilians to stone.
The umpire also requires a photo of the assassin in full costume before the attack. This is to ensure that the costume meets the Umpires high standards; and also gives us something to laugh at. Basically it is a case of pics or it didn't happen. You can use the blueprints submission form to upload any images that you have.
Once the Umpire has agreed to your proposal then you will be able to use your personification to attack other players. You however must stick to your character throughout an individual assassination attempt. E.g. if you turn up dressed as an attack panda you can't suddenly pull out a shotgun from behind your back.
Also once the Umpire has permitted you to use your personification it will be posted on the weekly activity pages. This is so that everyone else knows the abilities and limitations of your personification.
(A person dressed as e.g. Death does count as bearing a weapon, but do be careful around Halloween! If you meet the actual incarnation of Death, feel free to run/pray/other. You are beyond the help of the Umpire.)
E.g. a wild lion can rip a victim to shreds;
or player dressed as Death could be able to kill a player with the "touch of death".
Players must contact the umpire before making a personification attack to ensure that the costume meets the Umpires high expectations. This should be done using the blueprints form.
The Umpire needs to discuss what the traits of the costume will be before hand. If you walk into a room full of people in a Medusa outfit, you might think that looking at your target counts as a single kill; the Umpire might however consider anyone who looks at you as a kill and therefore heavily penalise you for turning a hand full of innocent civilians to stone.
The umpire also requires a photo of the assassin in full costume before the attack. This is to ensure that the costume meets the Umpires high standards; and also gives us something to laugh at. Basically it is a case of pics or it didn't happen. You can use the blueprints submission form to upload any images that you have.
Once the Umpire has agreed to your proposal then you will be able to use your personification to attack other players. You however must stick to your character throughout an individual assassination attempt. E.g. if you turn up dressed as an attack panda you can't suddenly pull out a shotgun from behind your back.
Also once the Umpire has permitted you to use your personification it will be posted on the weekly activity pages. This is so that everyone else knows the abilities and limitations of your personification.
(A person dressed as e.g. Death does count as bearing a weapon, but do be careful around Halloween! If you meet the actual incarnation of Death, feel free to run/pray/other. You are beyond the help of the Umpire.)
Indirect Weapons : -
Poison
Poison can be used to poison any food that the intended
victim is about to eat. In order to poison a player you need to write
the word poison somewhere around the food e.g. under a plate or on the
lid of a container.
If a player is poisoned they will need to take an "antidote" or "antibiotics" (see kudos store for antibiotics) within 15mins or the poison will be fatal.
Poison can only be used to poison food. If you wish to use a contact poison you should read the part on anthrax below.
Poisoning is a great way to earn Kudos; however if you know your target well and you're able to subtly introduce green food colouring, or any other edible green substance to their food, extra Kudos will be awarded. Even more so if you can take a before and after picture of a visible colour change in the food.
Green poison will also reduce the amount of time that the player must take an antidote in from 15mins to only 3mins.
It is very important that you ensure that food allergies and dietary needs are taken into consideration. Only add colouring to peoples food if you know them well e.g. you live with them and know what they can eat.
(If you are vegetarian, have allergies, or you are simply worried about this then you can email the Umpire and a note will be added to any writs with your name on saying that you can not be assassinated in this way.)
If a player is poisoned they will need to take an "antidote" or "antibiotics" (see kudos store for antibiotics) within 15mins or the poison will be fatal.
Poison can only be used to poison food. If you wish to use a contact poison you should read the part on anthrax below.
Poisoning is a great way to earn Kudos; however if you know your target well and you're able to subtly introduce green food colouring, or any other edible green substance to their food, extra Kudos will be awarded. Even more so if you can take a before and after picture of a visible colour change in the food.
Green poison will also reduce the amount of time that the player must take an antidote in from 15mins to only 3mins.
It is very important that you ensure that food allergies and dietary needs are taken into consideration. Only add colouring to peoples food if you know them well e.g. you live with them and know what they can eat.
(If you are vegetarian, have allergies, or you are simply worried about this then you can email the Umpire and a note will be added to any writs with your name on saying that you can not be assassinated in this way.)
Antidotes
In order to cure yourself from poisoning you must drink at least 25ml of a blue liquid. This could be anything from blue powerade, water with
blue food colouring or a shot of blue aftershock.
(The Umpire will not be held responsible if any "unique individuals" make themselves sick by sucking on ink pens, munching on paint or digesting anything else that is potentially toxic.)
(The Umpire will not be held responsible if any "unique individuals" make themselves sick by sucking on ink pens, munching on paint or digesting anything else that is potentially toxic.)
Anthrax
Anthrax can be used to "poison" physical objects such as letters. Anthrax takes the form of any powder that isn't white. e.g. glitter, coloured sand or ripped up paper. It is important that in the same way that realistic guns and knives are not allowed, realistic anthrax is also not allowed.
To use anthrax you must somehow conceal your anthrax powder along with a label saying "anthrax". e.g. you can post an envelope containing glitter and the letter could clearly contain the words "anthrax".
To be cured from anthrax a blue liquid will not work. You will need to somehow step onto the grounds of Stafford Hospital (do not walk into the actual building or cause any disturbance) *see image below*. You must achieve this within a period of 45min in order to be completely cured.
If you can't make it to the hospital then you can choose to visit a pharmacy instead. This however is risky as there will be a chance that you can not be cured. If you get to a pharmacy within 45min you will be given a 75% chance of survival.
If you have a good reason why you could not reach the hospital then The Umpire might consider putting his dice away and sparing your life. You must however contact The Umpire without delay.
The area marked in Blue on the image below represents what constitutes as hospital grounds.
Hot Potatoes
Any device that has a timer alarm, and is clearly labelled "hot potato" may be used. Examples include
egg timers, alarm clocks, and so on.
The hot potato can be placed in a pocket, bag, ect, of your target. If it triggers and emits its sound, it
immediately kills the person that it was planted on, and anyone within 2m.
The hot potato does not count if it goes off within a safe zone. If a hot potato is planted on a player in the knowledge that they are about to go to work, a lecture or any other place where the noise is disruptive it can be penalised against.
If you discover that your target is about to enter a public area as described above with a hot potato you should inform hit. This is irrelevant of whether it reveals your identity. If you are attacked in response it will not count as you were acting in the interest of your target.
The hot potato does not count if it goes off within a safe zone. If a hot potato is planted on a player in the knowledge that they are about to go to work, a lecture or any other place where the noise is disruptive it can be penalised against.
If you discover that your target is about to enter a public area as described above with a hot potato you should inform hit. This is irrelevant of whether it reveals your identity. If you are attacked in response it will not count as you were acting in the interest of your target.
Traps, bombs and parcels
Assassins may create traps for other players using a combination of any weapons described above, or any other method approved by the Umpire. These traps must not inconvenience others, including cleaners.
Realistic bombs are not allowed due to the possibility of real bomb scares resulting from their employment, or even just their presence. You are however allowed to incorporate explosives into traps such as trip-wires, provided they do not look realistic, and they have been approved by the Umpire. These explosive must not be labelled "bomb"; they may however be labelled "TNT" or "boom!".
Mines are allowed in the form of a circle of cardboard or plastic clearly labelled ‘MINE’. Mines only kill if a person touches them, and kills anyone within 1 meter of the mine. Mines can be picked up by hand which disarms them, this includes accidental contact by hand.
The Bureau trusts players to declare trap/mine/parcel hits against them even if they were not witnessed by other people.
Realistic bombs are not allowed due to the possibility of real bomb scares resulting from their employment, or even just their presence. You are however allowed to incorporate explosives into traps such as trip-wires, provided they do not look realistic, and they have been approved by the Umpire. These explosive must not be labelled "bomb"; they may however be labelled "TNT" or "boom!".
Mines are allowed in the form of a circle of cardboard or plastic clearly labelled ‘MINE’. Mines only kill if a person touches them, and kills anyone within 1 meter of the mine. Mines can be picked up by hand which disarms them, this includes accidental contact by hand.
The Bureau trusts players to declare trap/mine/parcel hits against them even if they were not witnessed by other people.
Vehicle Sabotage
Vehicles
may be sabotaged by attaching a sticker, clearly labelled ‘SABOTAGED’,
to any exterior part of a vehicle. This sticker need not be visible to
casual inspection, but must be easy to find once pointed out. The next
time the vehicle is moved by its typical method of locomotion, every
person in/on the vehicle dies. It is suggested to take a picture
of the sabotage sticker as proof in case it falls off during the
vehicles journey.
Sabotaged vehicles can be disarmed by simply removing the sticker.
It is important that the vehicle is not damage in the process of sabotage. Duct tape or glue is not to be used as it can cause damage. Large post-its are best; tape is allowed as long is it is not strong enough to leave a sticky mark once removed.
Sabotaged vehicles can be disarmed by simply removing the sticker.
It is important that the vehicle is not damage in the process of sabotage. Duct tape or glue is not to be used as it can cause damage. Large post-its are best; tape is allowed as long is it is not strong enough to leave a sticky mark once removed.
Fire
An
area may be set on fire by
surrounding it three times with unbroken red, orange, and/or yellow
string. At the moment the surrounding of an area is completed, anyone
inside the area dies immediately.
It is permitted to lure players into a fire provided that you don't enter the fire yourself. Fires are extinguished by breaking the thread.
Thread may not be concealed under objects e.g. it can't be placed under a sofa to kill anyone who sits on it.
It is permitted to lure players into a fire provided that you don't enter the fire yourself. Fires are extinguished by breaking the thread.
Thread may not be concealed under objects e.g. it can't be placed under a sofa to kill anyone who sits on it.
Sniper Kills
If you can take a good quality picture of your target, at long range (25m+), clearly showing their face, and super-impose it with an image of a cross-hair aimed at them it can then counts as a 'Sniper kill'. Email the picture along with your normal assassination report as proof.
A cautious assassin can guard themselves from sniper attacks by covering their face or wearing shades. This is a useful action to take if you see someone acting suspiciously with a camera.
Sniper kills do not count if the target is standing in a safe zone, or if the photo is taken when is safe zone.
NOTE: The Umpire will have the final say as to whether a picture is clear enough to count!
Armour : -
Body Armour
Body armour (including helmets) is not allowed unless it is under specific condition such as a personification attack.
Shields
A shield may be carried so long as it is held in one hand. I.E. you cannot just strap it to your chest or forehead! Only one shield can be wielded per assassin.
Shields may be no larger 12 inches; about the size of a dinner plate.
Shields can be used to deflect bullets or projectiles. Shields do not count as weapons. Shields can deflect grenades, however the grenade will still detinate wherever it ricoshades to.
A "large shield" can be purchased from the Kudos store which is not limited by these restrictions.
Body armour (including helmets) is not allowed unless it is under specific condition such as a personification attack.
Shields
A shield may be carried so long as it is held in one hand. I.E. you cannot just strap it to your chest or forehead! Only one shield can be wielded per assassin.
Shields may be no larger 12 inches; about the size of a dinner plate.
Shields can be used to deflect bullets or projectiles. Shields do not count as weapons. Shields can deflect grenades, however the grenade will still detinate wherever it ricoshades to.
A "large shield" can be purchased from the Kudos store which is not limited by these restrictions.
Important rules when using weapons : -
- All weapons must be safe. This means that they do not cause damage to either people or property.
- Weapons must be clearly labelled.
- All labels must be easily spotted and of a decent size.
- All weapons must be defensible. This means that if anyone tried to assassinate someone with psychic powers or a UT3 style redeemer then the kill will likely be rejected.
- All weapons must be used in such a way as to materially and tangibly do something, to indicate to the victim that he/she has been killed. e.g. stabbing someone (lightly) with a knife is felt through clothing.
- Messy weapons and water weapons should be used responsibly; they should be carefully aimed and not used to excess. Any damage caused by messy weapons (even water) can leave you heavily penalised.
- Weapons should be specific to the victim; killing bystanders is to be avoided even when the effect is harmless. Killing civilians can result in penalties.
-
Most basic weapons will kill the target instantly if
they strike any part of the head or torso. If shot is obstructed by
objects such as clothing or bags, the players should act as though the object was
not there. i.e. if the shot would have hit the torso or head, the person
is dead ect. The only possible exception to this is if it hits a weapon
being held by the defending player e.g. the player hits a bullet away with a 'sword'. In that situation it is up to the discression of The Umpire to decide if it counted as a kill.