Arkham Con Cosplay & Prop Weapon Policy

Arkham Con welcomes and celebrates costuming. Whether you are dressing as an intrepid 1920s investigator, an occult scholar, a trenchcoat-clad gumshoe, or an entity from beyond, costumes make the event a richer experience for everyone.

However, the event space (the event rooms at GameZenter) is a shared, public-facing area. Real weapons create severe safety risks, and realistic imitation firearms can cause genuine panic or prompt an armed response from local law enforcement. To keep our community safe and welcoming, all attendees must strictly abide by this policy.

Definitions

Real weapons are any functional, live, or manufactured items engineered to cause physical injury, inflict lethal force, or dispense harmful agents, regardless of whether it is unloaded, disabled, or legally permitted.

Prop weapons are inert, non-functioning replicas built or altered specifically for display, theatrical performance, or costume enhancement. These items mimic the silhouette, proportions, or construction of historical, fantasy, or utilitarian gear, but have had their offensive capability removed or were never engineered to strike or fire.

Toy and obviously fictional weapons are mass-produced playthings or fabricated costume items that bear no physical resemblance to real weapons and cannot reasonably be mistaken for functioning armaments by the general public or law enforcement from a distance.

Core Principles & Prohibitions

• Zero Real Weapons: Absolutely no real, functioning, or live weapons are permitted anywhere in convention spaces under any circumstances. This includes, but is not limited to, firearms of any kind (regardless of whether you possess a valid concealed carry permit), bladed weapons of any length (including pocketknives, folding knives, utility blades, bayonets, and ceremonial daggers), brass knuckles, saps, clubs, stun guns, and pepper spray/mace.
• No Realistic Prop Firearms: Realistic prop firearms of any kind are strictly banned from convention space. Even if permanently plugged, unloaded, or rendered inert, these items are not permitted.
• No Functional Projectiles: Any toy or prop capable of firing a projectile—solid, liquid, gas, foam, or energy—is barred from functioning. This includes water guns, paint markers, BB guns, and Nerf blasters. If brought purely as an obviously toy prop, the firing mechanism must be physically disabled, the magazine/chamber emptied, and the item inspected.
• No Pointers or Blinding Effects: Handheld lasers, blinding high-lumen tactical lights, and open flames/sparks are strictly prohibited.
• Modern Military & Tactical Realism: Costumes that closely mimic contemporary (post-1990) domestic or international military uniforms, SWAT/riot gear, or active law enforcement apparel are not permitted. Period-appropriate historical uniforms (e.g., WWI trench kit, 1920s beat cop) are acceptable.

Allowed Prop Categories & Requirements

1. Toy & Obviously Fictional Props
   • These props are blatantly obvious as toys or fictional artifacts from a distance (e.g., molded neon-colored plastic, clear fantasy proportions, raw cardboard or foam construction, or non-weapon arcane relics).
   • These must still be brought directly to the Registration Desk for review. Once verified, the Con team will mark your badge or tag the item to show it has been cleared.
   • When carried or held, these items must be handled passively and never swung, brandished, or used in staged combat in convention areas.
2. Bladed Props
   • Prop swords, trench knives, machetes, and daggers must have completely blunt edges and tips, and should be constructed from lightweight foam, wood, resin, or plastic. Metal blades of any kind are not allowed.
   • All prop blades must remain fully secured inside a sheath or scabbard and peace-bound shut by convention team members using tamper-evident ties.
   • Any prop blade that cannot be safely tied into a sheath is not permitted in convention spaces.
3. Blunt Props
   • Props such as baseball bats, crowbars, walking sticks, cricket bats, or clubs must be clearly identifiable as costume pieces and constructed of lightweight materials (foam, hollow plastic, or lightweight wood/resin). Heavy metal implements (such as real steel crowbars, iron pipes, or weighted truncheons) are prohibited.
   • Because blunt weapons typically lack sheaths, they cannot be tied shut; instead, they must be brought to the Registration Desk to verify that material, weight, and edges are safe. Approved blunt props will receive an inspection tag or a peace-marking band.
   • Blunt props must be carried passively (at your side, holstered in a frog, or slung over a shoulder) and must never be swung, brandished, or used in staged combat in convention areas.
   • Canes, walking sticks, crutches, and other mobility aids used for personal support or medical assistance are fully exempt from weight and material restrictions. Please stop by the Registration Desk so Con team members can provide an inspection tag or band, ensuring no Con team members mistakenly flag your equipment during the weekend. Con team members will never ask for medical documentation.
4. Oversized Props and Costumes
   • Large props (e.g., heavy cultist staves, ritual totems, two-handed ritual items) and large costumes (e.g., ball gown skirts, long dress trains, wings) must remain manageable in crowded rooms and hallways. If your prop frequently bumps into gaming tables, knocks over game pieces, or obstructs pedestrian traffic, the Con team will ask you to store it in your vehicle or in an off-site location.

Inspection and Peace-Bonding Process

• Mandatory Check-In: All costume props must be brought directly to the Registration Desk before entering gaming halls, vendor spaces, or event rooms.
• Con Team Verification: A designated team member will inspect the item to verify that it is entirely non-functional, blunt, lightweight, and compliant with the ban on realistic firearms. The Con team will attach a tamper-evident peace-bond (colored zip tie or band) or mark your convention credentials.
• Do Not Cut Ties: Attendees may not cut, loosen, or alter peace-bonds or inspection bands while inside convention spaces. If a bond breaks or falls off, return immediately to the Registration Desk for a replacement.
• Contests & Organized Photo Shoots: The only exception to un-sheathing a peace-bound prop or displaying an untagged piece is during official, supervised programming (such as on-stage during a costume contest or in an official photo area supervised by Con team members). Props must be re-secured or immediately re-bound by Con team members before you leave the staging area.

Compliance & Enforcement

• The Arkham Con team reserves the right to inspect any prop or costume piece at any point during the event.
• If a prop fails inspection, cannot be safely secured, or is deemed an unacceptable risk or public nuisance, it will not be allowed inside the venue. You will be directed to store it in your vehicle or in an off-site location.
• Bringing a real weapon, carrying a replica firearm, brandishing any prop in an aggressive manner, or removing a peace-bond without Con team supervision will result in immediate confiscation of the item, revocation of your convention badge without refund, and potential removal from the venue.