Make an Amtgard Sword
Learn the principles behind padded melee equipment and build a beginner-friendly foam sword.
RinCon 2026 • Tucson, Arizona
You don't describe the adventure.
You do it.
Amtgard combines safe padded-weapon combat, fantasy classes, magic, crafting, quests, competition, creativity, and community.
Find us: toward the back near the north-side exit.
No previous fighting experience required.
1Hold a sword
2Learn a guard
3Land a clean hit
4Fight a duel
5Choose your path
At RinCon
Build it. Fight with it. Learn what comes next.
Stop by for demonstrations and beginner help, and watch RinCon's official schedule for our submitted workshops and activities.
Make an Amtgard Throwie
Build a soft thrown weapon and learn how thrown equipment fits into the game.
Try Amtgard Combat
Get a fast safety lesson, learn the wound system, throw a few controlled shots, and try a short duel.
Meet the Community
Ask about classes, garb, crafting, tournaments, quests, local play, and the Academy of Mercenary Arts.
Amtgard Combat in 60 Seconds
The rules are simple enough to begin now.
Amtgard's combat system rewards control, movement, accuracy, defense, and honor. These are the core rules a newcomer needs first.
TorsoValid hit = death.
Arm or LegValid hit = that limb is wounded.
Two Limb WoundsAny valid combination = death.
Head & NeckNot legal targets. Never intentionally strike them.
Choose Your Class
What kind of adventurer are you?
Battlegames layer classes, levels, magic, armor, bows, abilities, and battlefield roles over the core combat system.
Archer
Ranged specialist built around bows and specialty arrows.
Assassin
Mobile skirmisher built around disruption, cunning, and pressure.
Barbarian
Aggressive front-line combatant made to charge into danger.
Bard
Uses songs, enchantments, and magic to shape the battle.
Druid
Flexible spellcaster with offense, protection, and battlefield control.
Healer
Supports allies with healing, restoration, protection, and magic.
Monk
Mobile fighter with unusual defenses and battlefield tools.
Scout
Versatile skirmisher with mobility, weapons, and adaptable tools.
Warrior
Weapon-and-armor specialist built for durable front-line fighting.
Wizard
Deep spell list for offense, defense, and control.
Reserved paths
Paladin and Anti-Paladin become available after reaching 6th level in at least one class.
Beyond Combat
You do not have to be a fighter to belong here.
Make
Weapons, shields, armor, leatherwork, garb, heraldry, props, and useful things for the game.
Create
Painting, sculpture, writing, cooking, music, performance, costuming, and Arts & Sciences.
Become
Create a persona, join quests, play monsters, wear fantastic garb, and help make stories real.
Lead
Design games, run events, teach, organize, mentor, serve your chapter, and build community.
Belong
Fighters, makers, musicians, teachers, storytellers, reeves, leaders, and friends all build Amtgard together.
The Amtgard Arsenal
Fantasy equipment you can actually take onto the field.
Padded Melee Weapons
Swords, axes, maces, spears, polearms, and other legal padded weapons.
Shields
From quick maneuverable shields to larger defensive tools that transform range and positioning.
Thrown Weapons
Soft equipment designed to be thrown during play. Ask us about the throwie workshop.
Bows & Padded Arrows
Archery is part of Amtgard and uses specialized equipment built to the game's construction rules.
Spellballs
Color-coded padded projectiles help represent certain magical effects in class games.
Armor
Constructed armor can provide real mechanical protection when it meets the rules requirements.
At the booth: look first, then ask to handle or try equipment so our staff can keep demonstrations safe.
Academy of Mercenary Arts
Developing Fighters.
Building Warlords.
A structured local training program for the skills behind Amtgard—built around deliberate practice rather than mindless repetition.
Sword FightingDefenseFootworkRangeTarget SelectionTacticsClass PlayLeadership
Your First Day
RinCon was the tutorial.
If you enjoyed the booth, the next step is wonderfully simple.
- Find Obsidian Gate.We play in Tucson. Check the group before traveling for current meeting details.
- Wear something comfortable.You do not need medieval garb for your first visit. Bring water and clothes you can move in.
- Say: “Hi, I'm new.”We'll connect you with the people who can help you get started.
- Complete the required waiver.A membership form/waiver is required before taking the field; minors require the appropriate parent or legal guardian involvement.
- Borrow equipment.You do not need to own a sword before you come out. Ask about loaner gear.
- Learn. Fight. Return.Start with the basics, try a ditch or battlegame when ready, then keep coming back.
WednesdayFighters Practice7:00–9:00 PM
SundayAmtgard at Obsidian Gate12:00–4:00 PM
Come play with us after RinCon
The convention ends.
The adventure doesn't.
Scan the code, join Obsidian Gate, and come see what happens when the small booth duel becomes an entire battlefield.