Decimator Hybrid - Fin Boss Reinforcement System
Decimator Hybrid LARP Weapon System
Connecting the Fin Boss
The fin was based on a mix of spiked bosses (The centre piece of a shield) and axe heads.
It was designed to simulate hacking and slashing into opponents via shield bashing and also having a variety of opponent weapon trapping options. This meant it had to be hard wearing and more importantly firmly connected and bonded to the shield.
Unlike the outer fins which were part of the shield plate layers the fin is connected. The main problem with LARP axes is of just glued on and skinned over to hold to the shaft so they have a tendency to rip away with pulled. Given that it was intended to be a weapon trap that would mean lots of pulling so very strong connections needed.
The system has two spines, one for each blade running the length of both shield and blades, these were connected with cross rods. Instead of running these cross rods through the fin, the fin was slotted through the shield so it could be bolted in place by rods underneath the spines seriously increasing the hold.
Decorative Styling
After the fin was added and bolted in place, then all the layers contact glued together to form the blank, the shape was refined adding the ‘Sharp Edges’ to finish the main form.
Detailing was then added to the shield surface and fin with multiple layers of 5mm foam.
Holes were added to insert costume jewellery gems later.
The body was then painted in latex mixed with acrylic paint. With over 10 layers this skin is not just decorative, it forms a strong skin to seal in the Decimator body. This skin holds everything in and creates a surface that deflects other prop weapons and protects from impacts with a stretchy flexible shell.
Full Design Process Report
Please click on the image for the full detailed design process development report for this project. The bottons cover the various elements that went into the design of the hybrid, the design decisions and project development
This was far more complex than any of the LARP weapons done before and many of the other projects here.
