Vanguard Gim Sword

She stood as still as a statue, the ancient weapon held in a double-handed grip to increase her control.
"Ichi! Nii! San! Shi!".
She moved with mechanical precision through the first four movements of the kata.
"Go! Roku! Shichi!! Hachi!"
The sensei's voice rang out against the wooden walls of the dojo, and her feet moved as silently as a shadow as she did the last four movements.
"Better. You are learning. Again."
Moving trance-like, she resumed the kata, going through the movements at her sensei's pace. Soon, she would be ready for battle, taking her role as Kensei.

Epic Armoury's Gim Sword is part of the Vanguard line, and it takes its design cues from the Chinese Jian and other Asian weapons, with a grip designed for one- and two-handed usage. The crossguard is smaller than most comparable European swords, allowing for a greater range of movement when using the blade. The hilt is made from polyurethane and has a high degree of detailing, as it is sculpted to resemble the scales of a dragon or snake, with gold detailing. The hilt guarantees a great grip for the wielder. The blade is made from closed-cell polyurethane foam and coloured to look as lifelike as possible. Unlike most LARP weapons, the Vanguard line requires virtually no maintenance beyond checking for wear and tear in the form of cuts or breaks.

Donning your kimono and Jin Baori every morning is as much a ritual as a tea ceremony. Carefully inspected and folded the night before, it is of the utmost importance that a samurai of your stature maintain a pristine uniform. To look sloppy implies that your discipline is lacking--and by that logic, your swordsmanship must be, too.

Instead of risking such dishonor to your reputation, you take the care that is necessary. There will not be a thread out of place.

DETAILS

The Epic Armoury Jin Baori is a traditional open overcoat to be worn over a high-ranking samurai’s armour. Reaching from the shoulders to the mid-thigh and edged with broad golden bands along the collar and hem, this handsome garment adds detail and interest to an Asian-inspired costume. Fit shoulder armour outside the Jin-Baori by threading straps through the four eyelets located on the back and front. Each eyelet is clearly marked by golden edging, adding strength and aesthetic appeal.

On the back, the Jin-Baori has two slits allowing maximum mobility. These slits also allow a sword to hang comfortably from a belt beneath the coat. The garment is made of durable, but comfortable cotton with gold coloured cotton edging. Fully compatible with Epic Armoury's other Asian styles, the Jin-Baori is for the warrior looking to display his status and skill on the field of glory.

HISTORY

• Historically made for armoured samurai to wear
• Considered a type of haori, which is a kimono-like jacket that adds formality to an outfit
• Traditionally a male garment until the Meiji period

The underdark is your domain. In the pitch blackness, the smell of damp earth all around, you wait with your raiding party. When night falls on the lands above, you will emerge.

The sun-lovers have come to fear you and the silence in which you strike. With your Bone Blade, you are able to maneuver in the shadows until your target is exactly where you want them. You are formidable. You are the assassin.

DETAILS

Epic Armoury's Bone Blade is a dark-themed, one-handed chopping sword. The 66 cm curved single-edged blade is sculpted to look like sharp bone-white plates riveted onto a brazen core, giving it a deathly appearance. With a horned crossguard and bone pommel protecting the 15 cm split-leather wrapped handle, this dark weapon is a malevolent addition to any villain’s armoury.

Made from durable closed cell foam around a solid fibreglass core and finished with a strong latex coating, you can feel confident that your LARP weapon will provide the safety and appeal you want when crafting your battlefield kit.

INSPIRATION

• Design is inspired by dark elves, which were first mentioned in Norse mythology as the Dökkálfar or Svartálfar written in the Prose Edda in the 13th century
• J.R.R. Tolkien mentions dark elves, the “Moriquendi” in The Silmarillion
• Have also been referred to as “Drow” in the Dungeons & Dragons universe, made famous by R.A. Salvatore’s The Dark Elf Trilogy

Wheher it is an epic sword of flame, or a Blade of Bacon, the Hellfire is a weapon that will strike fear and jealousy into the hearts of your enemies.

War is all that you know. For your clan, war is a permanent state of being. Just as you need meat to sustain you and leather armour to protect your leathery green skin, war keeps your thirst for chaos and violence sated.

Your clan now gathers to prepare for the war against the goblins. The creatures used to be your allies, but in the last battle they became cowardly and ran. Now there is nothing more to be done than to hunt down every one of them and serve them over your fire.

You begin by picking up Hellfire, the blade that burns alongside your rage.

DETAILS

Epic Armoury’s Hellfire is a medium length sword designed as part of the Orc Universe collection. Carefully handpainted deep gradient reds and oranges, Hellfire appears to be burning from intense magic. The 60 cm double-edged blade is notched and worn, connected to a dark metal coloured crossguard which protects the 15 cm ergonomic handle. The handle is wrapped in split-leather for a secure and comfortable grip, and ends with a crudely gemmed pommel.

Made from durable closed cell foam around a fibreglass core and finished with a strong latex coating, you can feel confident that your LARP weapon will provide the safety and appeal you want when crafting your Orc-inspired kit.

INSPIRATION

• Earliest references to orcs are found in Old English and Anglo-Saxon sources, such as in Beowulf and in 16th century Italian folktales
• The word itself stems from the Latin word Orcus, which was the name given to the Roman deity of the dead
• J.R.R. Tolkien’s 20th century The Lord of the Rings series describes orcs as brutish, aggressive beings with a taste for human flesh
• Tolkien’s writings influenced many role-playing games, and are now seen in such games as Dungeons and Dragons, Warhammer and Warcraft

As an Adventurer, you never know who you might be working for or what beast you’ll be sent to dispatch next. There’s only one thing for certain: if there’s enough money or glory to be had, you’re the right person for the job.

Admittedly, when the farmer came running into town claiming his crops had been torched, you hadn’t anticipated a trap. By the time you realized that the farmer was luring you into a bandit ambush, they already had you captured. At least your Adventure Sword is safe in your swordholder! Now, if you can just wiggle out of those ropes enough to grab the hilt…A bandit notices and takes your sword for himself.

You really need to rethink trusting farmers.

DETAILS

This bestselling Epic Armoury Adventurer Sword is a medium-sized narrow sword with a broad cross-guard and distinct pommel. The blade is 65 cm long and 5 cm wide with a central ridge and ricasso near the cross-guard. The ornate guard is broad and sturdy, protecting the 13 cm long handle, ergonomically wrapped in split-leather for a better grip. The pommel is shaped in the form of a cut diamond.

Constructed to have an elven likeness, this blade is ideal for fast parries and quick, slashing ripostes, making it the first choice for the discerning adventurer. Made from durable closed cell foam around a solid fibreglass core and finished with a strong latex coating, you can feel confident that your LARP weapon will provide the safety and appeal you want when crafting your adventuring kit.

HISTORY

• Also referred to as a “Knightly sword” or “arming sword”
• Designed so that the center of mass was closer to the hilt, improving its maneuverability
• Typically used with a shield or buckler

You strike your Leonidas sword against your shield, shouting alongside your legionaries outside the gates of Syracuse. Inside, their people are filled with terror, deafened by your army’s trumpets and noise. Arrows rain down and you and your fellow soldiers form a barrier with your shields.

There is nothing that can stop you. The design of your shield allows you to stand in close formation, advancing on their defenders and dispatching them quickly with your weapon.

DETAILS

Epic Armoury’s Sword of Leonidas is the perfect latex weapon for tackling one thousand descending nations and their armoured beasts all at once. Reminiscent of the modern bowie-knife, the Sword of Leonidas is a makhaira-type blade designed to effectively chop through your enemy. The 10 cm split-leather wrapped handle is protected by both the crossguard and pommel thanks to their hooked shape.

Made from durable closed cell foam around a fibreglass core and finished with a strong latex coating, you can feel confident that your LARP weapon will provide the safety and appeal you want when crafting your Spartan-inspired kit.

HISTORY

• Considered a makhaira-type blade, which is an ancient knife or sword with a single cutting edge
• Leaf design lent itself to both cutting and thrusting and has likely been around since the first swords created