Live-action wargame

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A Live-action wargame (LAW) is an active participation sport in which one among numerous participants compete in martial-like combat with the use of a point system similar to fencing. Often done with live armor consisting of period-style leather, chainmail, plate, and so forth as well as period/fantasy style dress known as garb.

Many systems exist, but often follow the same pattern. Points are awarded with a correct weapon to the head or torso, and the extremities are incapacitated on first blow, and the player is out of play upon following hits. This is different from LARP style play which often follows more of a video game or D&D style of play featuring total "life points" in which any contact to specific target zones yields a hit, removing a player only when such "life points" reach a critical point which may vary from zero to a higher number.

"Weapons" are constructed of highly regulated materials, often a fiberglass, graphite, or wood rod known as a "core" and industrial/sport quality closed-cell foam padding, similar to the kind used for camping or wrestling mats.

In addition, a defining feature of LAWs is the use of live ranged weapons rather than mock representations found in popular LARP gaming. The ranged weapons often consist exclusively of recurve longbows and crossbows of lower pull strength (usually 25-40 lb.) and use foam-tipped ammunition carefully constructed for safety.

Shields are also common, constructed of sturdy plywood and are heavily padded for safety. LAWs seldom feature pure-foam or cardboard shields as they are considered too light. "Combat" often consists of twenty or more people in teams of various sizes, ranging from one on one duels to full military-style battles of a hundred or more participants. Contact is considered legal if a weapon strikes with a full force swing to simulate real live combat. Light to heavy bruising is a common occurrence, but lasting damage from weapon strikes is rare.

LAW may also include a spit