Steampunk Nerf Gun Duels

What is the Steampunk Nerf Gun Duel?

The Steampunk Nerf Gun Duel is a test of honor, courage, and marksmanship in the finest Victorian tradition. Contestants face off in a single-elimination tournament, armed with steampunked Nerf pistols and the unshakeable conviction that their opponent has wronged them most grievously. Open to all ages and skill levels, the emphasis is on fun and dramatic flair.

Equipment

• Each participant will be provided with a steampunked Nerf gun and an equal number of foam darts.
• All darts must be loaded before the start of each duel.
• The referee will instruct all participants on how to load and fire their pistol before the duel begins.
• Eye protection is required for all participants at all times during the duel. No exceptions.

Tournament Format

• The contest is run as a single-elimination tournament bracket.
• Contestants are paired randomly for the first round.
• A defeated dueler is eliminated from the contest.
• Duels continue until one contestant remains and is declared the Champion.

How a Duel is Conducted

1. Airing of Grievances
   Before the duel begins, both contestants will have the opportunity to formally air their grievances against their opponent. This is to be done in an entertaining and jocular manner. For example: “You are a scoundrel and your airship offends my view of the sky! Therefore, I shall end you!” Creativity and theatrics are strongly encouraged. Foul or explicit language is strictly prohibited.
2. Taking Your Paces
   Both contestants stand back-to-back at the center of the dueling area. The referee counts five paces aloud. Contestants must take five regular walking steps forward. Large or irregular steps are not permitted. Remember, most foam blasters are not known for their range, so keep your steps measured and honorable.
3. The Duel
   On the completion of the fifth step, both contestants turn to face each other and fire their weapons.
4. First Blood
   The duel is won by first blood. Any hit on any part of the body is considered a win. If both contestants hit each other, the contestant whose dart struck first is declared the winner. The referee’s decision is final.
5. Continued Fire
   If both contestants miss on their first shots, they may ready their weapons and continue firing at their own pace until a hit is scored or all darts are exhausted.
6. No Dodging
   Dodging, running, or otherwise attempting to avoid your opponent’s dart is strictly prohibited. The duel is a matter of honor and bravery. Attempting to escape defeat by evading a projectile is considered a cowardly act unbecoming of a steampunk duelist.
7. Tiebreaker
   If both contestants exhaust all of their darts without scoring a hit, or in the unlikely event that they strike each other at precisely the same moment, the duel will be settled by a game of Rock, Paper, Scissors. The result is final and binding.

On Dramatic Defeat

It is strongly encouraged that a defeated duelist perform a suitably dramatic reaction upon being struck. The more theatrical, the better. “Avast! I have been shot! Goodbye, cruel world!” is considered an excellent starting point, but contestants are encouraged to bring their own flair.

Dart Retrieval

Both contestants are required to collect all of the darts they used from the dueling area at the conclusion of each duel. Failure to retrieve your darts will result in disqualification. Leave the field of honor as you found it.

General Rules

• Only two participants per duel.
• Eye protection must be worn at all times during the duel.
• All darts must be loaded before the duel begins.
• The referee’s decisions are final in all matters.
• Good sportsmanship, Victorian grace, and a sense of humor are required at all times.
• Sign up at the Dueling Station on festival day. Free to enter!