PLEASE NOTE: The information below was accurate for Gulf Wars XIX (2010) and is listed here for your reference with the understanding it may change at any time.  This will be updated for Gulf Wars XX (2011) as soon as the information is available.

Live Weapons Competition

Gulf Wars will again be home to some of the best live weapon competitors in the Known World, so come and test your skill against the best axe, knife and spear throwers in the land! Compete for honor, war points or just for the fun of it!

If you are just learning how to throw live weapons, then the Live Weapons Competition is a great way to learn throwing tips from some of the most skilled weapon throwers in the Known World. Classes will be on basic axe, knife and spear throwing. Check the Main Schedule for class and competition times. Practice targets will be available while the range is open.

The Rules

Each competitor will throw each weapon six times from 15 feet, 25 feet, 35 feet and 45 feet. Each successful stick within the target area will receive a score. The score received from each stick depends on the range and accuracy of the throw. Sticks from 15 feet will receive one point, sticks from 25 feet receive two points, sticks from 35 feet receive three points and sticks from 45 feet will receive four points. The Top 3 winners from each if the four competitions will compete in the Saturday Composite Competition. Prizes for the top three competitors.

In addition to normal scoring, each target will also have two bonus areas, which will double the score if the weapon sticks within the area. The first bonus area is the eye slot, a 1"x4" area located on the head of the target. The second bonus area is the heart, a 3"x3" area on the chest of the target. Each competitor will also be allowed one ranging throw from each distance, with each weapon, prior to competition throws. If the competitor wishes to waive the ranging throw he or she must tell the Marshall before the throw is made. The first throw from each distance will be regarded as a ranging throw unless the competitor wishes to waive the ranging throw. The competitor with the highest total score when the weapon range closes on Friday will be declared the winner of the Gulf Wars Live Weapon Competition! In the event of a tie score, the winner will be decided by a sudden death throw-off (no we don't kill the loser!).

Range Marshal

The Marshal's word is LAW. While Live Weapons are fun to throw, they can be very dangerous! Therefore, for everyone's safety, all of the Marshal's decisions are to be obeyed and failure to do so will result in disqualification from the Live Weapon Competition. The Marshal's rulings about scoring, safety and use of weapons are final.

Weapons

Competitions may include any of the following weapon styles or any combination there of:
Knife, Axe, 8' Spear, 5' Javelin, Hurlbat, Staff Sling, Plumbata, Throwing Clubs, Boladors or Rocks. The War Point Competition will be Knife, Axe and 8' Spear ONLY.

* Knife
Any type of knife is allowed. The Marshall may disqualify a knife if it is found to be unsafe.
* Spear
Spears must be at least 48" in length. The Marshall may disqualify a spear if it is judged to be unsafe or unreasonably destructive to the target.
* Axe
Any style of small axe, tomahawk, or hatchet may be used in competition. Double blade axes may be used, but only one of the blades will be allowed to score. The choice of which blade is up to the competitor and must be marked by the Marshall prior to competition throw for score to count. The Marshall may disqualify an axe if it is judged to be unsafe or unreasonably destructive to the target (no huge two handed axes with a short handle!!!) All competitors are encouraged to provide his or her own weapon, however, loaner weapons will be available with permission of the Marshal.

Range Safety

All live weapons are dangerous and can injure or kill a person. During the Middle Ages that was the whole point of learning to throw a weapon, but today WE DO NOT WANT ANY INJURIES FROM LIVE WEAPONS! Treat each weapon with the respect that it deserves! The Marshall's are very serious about safety and anyone, regardless of rank or title, will be disqualified from the Live Weapon Competition and asked to leave the range, for unsafe behavior.

Warranted Marshals and Marshals-in-Training are always welcome on the range to help out.