From the Ministry of Boffers, 2000

From The Crown Prints, January, XXXIV, 2000

Greetings to the young and noble populace of Caid.

Congratulations to the new reigning Magesties, Sir Edric and Battista. Their support for both the boffer program and the Youth Ministry will allow each of these areas to grwo even more this reign. The Queen has shown Her support for the youth of Caid even further by selecting several boffer warriors for Her Queen's guard. These newest members of her court are Lord Bryce and Lord Hamish from Calafia, and selected lieutenants were Lord Inar McConan, Lady Michele DeSevignay, and Lord Christopher. Her Magesty wanted to start with a small guard and will build the group up with time. So if you are interested in this honor, please keep participating and helping where you can.

===Queen's Champion:=== was a huge success with over 25 boffer warriors competing for a multitude of prizes donated by Lady Elspeth. Thanks to her, every person who competed was able to win a prize. Her Majesty also made hand-carved leather belt favors for each champion. The champions of the day are 6 and under, young Lady Rosie; 7-9, Lord Christopher, (barely edging out Bryce). and 10 and up was Lord Angus. They will all be joining Her Majesty's court and attending court as Her protector during her reign. Many thanks to all the individuals who helped run the boffer event as well - without you the boffers couldn't continue.

===Great Western War III:=== The Great Western War III was also a huge success. There were over 42 kids competing over a two-day period in both tournaments and castle melees. There was a torch-light tourney on Friday night and melees in the castle on Saturday afternoon. Those who didn't have their own equipment used the Kingdom's loaner armor so no one who wanted to participate was left out. Hand carved Viking chairs, tunics, and special boffer swords were donated as prizes for the tournament by Colin the Stout, Judit the Reo, House Dun Tyr, Calafia. Sir Halfdan, and Navar of Spoils of War. Thanks to the generosity of the merchants, over $500 in additional prizes were donated for the melees and youth activities so that every child who participated was able to choose a great prize to their liking. Never before have the youth been so graciously rewarded.

I would also like to take the time to thank the autocrats for Great Western War III. Their support both financially, and with supplies, and time allowed Baroness Aelfwin and I to run a multitude of kid's events starting on Thursday and not ending until Saturday night. The new location of the Youth Pavilion allowed easy access to both fighters and shoppers along merchant's row. A special thanks to Duke John and Miguel whose effort were greatly appreciated.

===Boffer Guild:=== Boffers has no existed in Caid for one year continuously. It was my original intention to create an activity for those under 18 which gives them the flavor of heavy weapons but in a much safer fashion. During this year boffers has grown to become an accepted and even sought after event at many tourneys and we now have several other boffer officers who help run boffer events. I feel that it is now time for me to relinquish my "tyrannical" control of the program and select a boffer guild. It will be this guild duty to determine the new directions in which boffers is to go. I am in process of selecting several youths who will become part of the boffer guild which will have th power to decide additional rules, boffer forms, and how tournaments are to be run for the future. If this is something that you are interested in you must be 12 or older, and younger than 18, except by special invitation, participate in boffer events, show an interest in the future of boffers, be an individual who sets an example of what a boffer warrior should be. Please send me an email if possible, or call me to statte your interest. The future is now in your hands.

Changes and Additions to the Rules

As of this time, there will be no shield bashing. Since most armor is borrowed and the nature of the event is such that we want to minimize the risk of injury, shield basing is banned. On the filed the only contact allowed between two boffer participants is with the boffer.

The type of PVC to use for swords stated in the rules is wrong. We use a much lighter plastic schedule. Please see boffer rules on the Caid page for exact specs or call me. I'm sorry for the mistake and any time you spent making equipment. Please remember that all boffers must have the plastic (on the inside) covered in duct or strapping tape before attaching the foam. In case of a boffer breaking this prevents the plastic shards from pushing through the foam and cutting someone. If you have any questions, pleas don't hesitate to ask, call or email. Kuma, Minister of Youth Combat