Frequently Asked Questions
If you have any questions not covered below, please feel free to ask via the contact page or email.
Q. What is a LARP? What is a spell packet?
A. Well, haven't you stumbled onto an interesting part of the internet? Welcome! A LARP is a Live Action Role Playing game. In general, a group of people get together to pretend that they are characters in a story and physically act out what they wish their characters to do. There are a number of different LARPing styles and genres, but players are expected to work within an established rules system to accomplish their own personal goals. A spell packet is a tool used in many LARPs to represent magic. LARPs often incorporate some form of safe physical combat, and since we can't actually cast spells, LARPers throw spell packets to represent that magic. Some LARPs also use spell packets to represent firing arrows from a bow, throwing vials of liquid, or other projectiles.
Q. How long have you been LARPing?
A. I've been LARPing (as a Player Character and occasional staff member) since January of 1997.
Q. What LARP do you play?
A. I only had the pleasure of playing SOLAR, the Southern Organization of Live Action Reenactments (which branched off of NERO in 1993), but I have a number of friends who have played and staffed various other LARPs all around the country. I know that there is animosity between some LARPing communities, but I don't share it. I loved playing SOLAR, but when revelations came out about the owner of the game in December 2019, I and the reset of the player base stepped away, allowing the game to die shortly before COVID hit. Once it was safe to resume larping in 2021, I started playing Awakening LARP, and as of 2023 I'm helping to drive the story line by serving on Plot and working with a committee working to refine the game's rules system.
Q. Do you play a spell caster?
A. As a PC and NPC, I've played all of the standard medieval fantasy LARP classes (fighter/warrior, scholar/mage, rogue/thief, and templar/paladin). My primary character started out as a fighter, but slowly morphed as I picked up magic and rogue-skills over the years (starting around 2000). In May of 2010, I converted him to a scholar/mage, and I've been enjoying playing him as a caster ever since.
Q. My LARP requires that I use specific colored spell packets for certain types of magic, alchemy/poisons, and packet bows. Or maybe I just want my packets to match the colors of my group. Can you accommodate this?
A. Absolutely. Simply order one of the Specific Color packages and use the radial drop-down menu to select which color(s) you want. You may select up to two colors to have half of your packets made with each color. Please email me at if you need a different color ratio.
Q. What if I order an "any color" package? I don't want spell packets with clowns, teddy bears, ponies, sports team logos, cartoon characters, or something equally lame or anachronistic on them.
A. As you can see from many of the pictures on this site, I don't purchase childish, cartoon-themed, or otherwise anachronistic fabric for generic spell packets. I know that would detract from the In Play atmosphere of your game, so I only purchase fabric that I would be willing to have in my hands when I'm at a LARPing event.
Q. Can I request that my packets have skulls, ghosts, flames, lightning bolts, or similar specialized patterns on them.
A. Not at this time. Unfortunately, the quilting fabric with specialized patterns like these are rarely discounted enough that I can afford to buy them to make packets. If I come across a specialty fabric at an affordable price, I will buy it and make "special" packets, which I will post as limited quantity items on my Etsy Store.
Q. Well, you've got some cool looking packets pictured here on your site. Can I order a "specific color" package and request that my packets be made with the fabric in those pictures?
A. I recommend that you start by looking at my Etsy Store, as many of the packets featured on the Photos page are from current Etsy sales. If you don't see them there, please contact me before placing your order. While it is possible that I still have some of that fabric, it's far more likely that I'm out of it. When I find a great pattern, I buy the entire bolt. But cranking out an average of 7,800 packets a year means that I go through that fabric fast. That being said, if I still have enough of that fabric in stock, I'll be happy to fill your order as requested.
Q. Speaking of your Photos page...what's up with all of the Legos? Why do you feature so many Lego sets in your photos?
A. When I started my Facebook page, I knew that I needed to share pictures to promote spell packet sales, and I decided that I'd use Legos. I loved playing with Legos when I was a kid; they remind me of the creativity, fun, and innocence of childhood. Since LARPing is a safe way for us to continue to have creative fun as adults, it only seemed natural to incorporate them. As an added bonus, everyone knows how big Legos are, so pictures of packets right next to a Lego brick or minifigure allows for appropriate size comparison.
Q. Does the birdseed you use contain sunflower seeds? The LARP I play doesn't allow packets with sunflower seeds in them.
A. The birdseed mix that I generally use contains a few sunflower seeds (approximately 10% by volume). However, I do my best to blunt the pointy end or remove the shell entirely of most sunflower seeds, as I know that they can poke through the fabric of the spell packet. That being said, you may order packets without any sunflower seeds for a slight surcharge through the "I play a different LARP" section of the storefront.
Q. I am allergic to latex. Do you offer packets with latex-free rubber bands?
A. Yes, but due to the increased cost in latex-free rubber bands, there will be a slight surcharge. Please select the Latex-Free option when you are ordering packets to calculate that in.
Q. I play a Florida LARP, and Florida State Parks have specific seed fill rules. Can you comply with those?
A. Yes! I found that rye grass seed, which is on the list of acceptable fills for Florida State Parks, works the best and is the most cost effective. For a slight surcharge, you can order rye-filled packets through the "I play a different LARP section of the storefront.
Q. The LARP I play uses biodegradable airsoft pellets as packet filler. Can you comply with those?
A. Not at the moment, but I'm looking into how I can accommodate those rules without sacrificing the quality of my product or charging you more than I think would be reasonable.
Q. What is a LARP? What is a spell packet?
A. Well, haven't you stumbled onto an interesting part of the internet? Welcome! A LARP is a Live Action Role Playing game. In general, a group of people get together to pretend that they are characters in a story and physically act out what they wish their characters to do. There are a number of different LARPing styles and genres, but players are expected to work within an established rules system to accomplish their own personal goals. A spell packet is a tool used in many LARPs to represent magic. LARPs often incorporate some form of safe physical combat, and since we can't actually cast spells, LARPers throw spell packets to represent that magic. Some LARPs also use spell packets to represent firing arrows from a bow, throwing vials of liquid, or other projectiles.
Q. How long have you been LARPing?
A. I've been LARPing (as a Player Character and occasional staff member) since January of 1997.
Q. What LARP do you play?
A. I only had the pleasure of playing SOLAR, the Southern Organization of Live Action Reenactments (which branched off of NERO in 1993), but I have a number of friends who have played and staffed various other LARPs all around the country. I know that there is animosity between some LARPing communities, but I don't share it. I loved playing SOLAR, but when revelations came out about the owner of the game in December 2019, I and the reset of the player base stepped away, allowing the game to die shortly before COVID hit. Once it was safe to resume larping in 2021, I started playing Awakening LARP, and as of 2023 I'm helping to drive the story line by serving on Plot and working with a committee working to refine the game's rules system.
Q. Do you play a spell caster?
A. As a PC and NPC, I've played all of the standard medieval fantasy LARP classes (fighter/warrior, scholar/mage, rogue/thief, and templar/paladin). My primary character started out as a fighter, but slowly morphed as I picked up magic and rogue-skills over the years (starting around 2000). In May of 2010, I converted him to a scholar/mage, and I've been enjoying playing him as a caster ever since.
Q. My LARP requires that I use specific colored spell packets for certain types of magic, alchemy/poisons, and packet bows. Or maybe I just want my packets to match the colors of my group. Can you accommodate this?
A. Absolutely. Simply order one of the Specific Color packages and use the radial drop-down menu to select which color(s) you want. You may select up to two colors to have half of your packets made with each color. Please email me at if you need a different color ratio.
Q. What if I order an "any color" package? I don't want spell packets with clowns, teddy bears, ponies, sports team logos, cartoon characters, or something equally lame or anachronistic on them.
A. As you can see from many of the pictures on this site, I don't purchase childish, cartoon-themed, or otherwise anachronistic fabric for generic spell packets. I know that would detract from the In Play atmosphere of your game, so I only purchase fabric that I would be willing to have in my hands when I'm at a LARPing event.
Q. Can I request that my packets have skulls, ghosts, flames, lightning bolts, or similar specialized patterns on them.
A. Not at this time. Unfortunately, the quilting fabric with specialized patterns like these are rarely discounted enough that I can afford to buy them to make packets. If I come across a specialty fabric at an affordable price, I will buy it and make "special" packets, which I will post as limited quantity items on my Etsy Store.
Q. Well, you've got some cool looking packets pictured here on your site. Can I order a "specific color" package and request that my packets be made with the fabric in those pictures?
A. I recommend that you start by looking at my Etsy Store, as many of the packets featured on the Photos page are from current Etsy sales. If you don't see them there, please contact me before placing your order. While it is possible that I still have some of that fabric, it's far more likely that I'm out of it. When I find a great pattern, I buy the entire bolt. But cranking out an average of 7,800 packets a year means that I go through that fabric fast. That being said, if I still have enough of that fabric in stock, I'll be happy to fill your order as requested.
Q. Speaking of your Photos page...what's up with all of the Legos? Why do you feature so many Lego sets in your photos?
A. When I started my Facebook page, I knew that I needed to share pictures to promote spell packet sales, and I decided that I'd use Legos. I loved playing with Legos when I was a kid; they remind me of the creativity, fun, and innocence of childhood. Since LARPing is a safe way for us to continue to have creative fun as adults, it only seemed natural to incorporate them. As an added bonus, everyone knows how big Legos are, so pictures of packets right next to a Lego brick or minifigure allows for appropriate size comparison.
Q. Does the birdseed you use contain sunflower seeds? The LARP I play doesn't allow packets with sunflower seeds in them.
A. The birdseed mix that I generally use contains a few sunflower seeds (approximately 10% by volume). However, I do my best to blunt the pointy end or remove the shell entirely of most sunflower seeds, as I know that they can poke through the fabric of the spell packet. That being said, you may order packets without any sunflower seeds for a slight surcharge through the "I play a different LARP" section of the storefront.
Q. I am allergic to latex. Do you offer packets with latex-free rubber bands?
A. Yes, but due to the increased cost in latex-free rubber bands, there will be a slight surcharge. Please select the Latex-Free option when you are ordering packets to calculate that in.
Q. I play a Florida LARP, and Florida State Parks have specific seed fill rules. Can you comply with those?
A. Yes! I found that rye grass seed, which is on the list of acceptable fills for Florida State Parks, works the best and is the most cost effective. For a slight surcharge, you can order rye-filled packets through the "I play a different LARP section of the storefront.
Q. The LARP I play uses biodegradable airsoft pellets as packet filler. Can you comply with those?
A. Not at the moment, but I'm looking into how I can accommodate those rules without sacrificing the quality of my product or charging you more than I think would be reasonable.
Q. Your prices look a little high. Why do you charge so much?
A. While it may seem inexpensive for you to make a handful of packets every now and then, it actually costs a good bit to produce high quality spell packets such as these. In addition to the raw materials (cloth, seed, and rubber bands), the equipment used (cutting board, rotary cutter, scissors, lotion, etc) must occasionally be replaced. Additionally, my wife insists that I get paid a little for my time, since I'm not spending it with her or our daughter (on the near right being coy and on the far right enjoying her first spell packet). Also, the shipping cost is now calculated directly into the price shown in the storefront. |
Q. Wait, did you just include lotion as equipment?
A. Yes. Fabric, rubber bands, and birdseed all have chemicals on them that will dry out your skin. When combined with the friction of winding the rubber band around the spell packet, this can seriously damage your hands. Since I produce a large number of packets, I have to moisturize regularly. Otherwise, my fingers would crack and bleed, which tends to slow down the packet-making process quite a bit.
Q. All of your pictures are of "mushroom" spell packets tied together with rubber bands, but my LARP uses square spell packets that have been sewn together like a traditional bean bag. Do you make those?
A. I've experimented with "bean bag" packets, but I don't make and sell them. I've found that the "mushroom" design allows for more control of the packet in your hand and in flight. A bean bag packet will tumble in flight, which creates an unstable trajectory. In contrast, the tail of a "mushroom" packet acts like the stabilizing fins on a rocket and allows it to rotate in flight like a bullet fired from a rifle. Since my ultimate goal is to provide you with a superior product that will improve your LARPing experience, I have decided not to offer sewn bean bag packets. If your LARP doesn't generally use mushroom packets, please consult with your game's management to see if my packets would be acceptable. And of course, I am more than happy to answer any questions your game's management may have.
Q. So, is making spell packets, like, a full time job, or do you have a real job?
A. Ha! I wish it could be. Wouldn't it be great if LARPing was such a wide-spread and socially acceptable hobby that I could support myself with spell packets alone? But alas, I cannot. Up until May of 2016, I had two part-time jobs, and spell packet sales helped me fill in budget gaps. Now I have a full-time job, and what I make here helps me pay down the debt I accumulated while I was under-employed.
Q. Are your spell packets biodegradable?
A. I was initially concerned about this too when I started LARPing; I didn't like the idea of unintentionally littering and damaging the parks that we use. That being said, based on my observations, all components of my spell packets are biodegradable. Rubber bands and cotton or poly-cotton blends will decompose over the course of about a year or so, and birdseed is (of course) just seed. It's also worth noting that the deer at the state parks that I LARP at love to eat spell packets, and it hasn't hurt their population any (one park has to allow hunters to come in every few years to thin the herd).
Q. When I go to purchase spell packets, how will I pay for them?
A. PayPal processes my online transactions.
Q. How long will it take to fill my order?
A. I try to keep enough packets on hand to fill and ship "any color" orders of 200 packets or less in one to two days (depending on when I can get to the Post Office). Specific color orders may take an extra day or two, depending upon whether or not I have the color of fabric you have requested. However, occasionally I'll get in a flood of orders (especially before my own game's larping events), so there may be additional delays. If that's the case, I will be in direct contact with you via email, and I can refund your purchase if those delays are unacceptable to you. Additionally, if you order either the Mages' Guild Package or the Game Owner Package (of 1,000 spell packets), it may take me up to two-four weeks to fill and ship your order. Please contact me if you have any questions about timing or if you have a specific deadline in mind for your order.
Q. How do you handle shipping? How long will it take for me to get my packets once you've shipped them?
A. Due to their weight, I've found the best option is to ship spell packet to you via Priority Mail Flat Rate Boxes from the U.S. Postal Service. Not only is this often cheaper than if I were to send it with standard shipping, but you'll get the added benefit of having your spell packets in an estimated 2 business days (rather than up to 2 weeks with standard shipping). PayPal stopped calculating shipping properly in 2017, so I've incorporated the shipping charge into the prices in the "I play another LARP" option in the Store page. However, if you order multiple multiple sets of packets in the same transaction (ie--100 Any Color and 50 Specific Color), and they can fit in one box, I will ship them that way and refund you the difference. Awakening LARP players can expect me to deliver their orders to them at the event.
Q. Do you ship internationally?
A. Unfortunately, I'm not currently set up for international purchases and shipping. My apologies to all of the wonderful non-US-based LARPs.
Q. What makes Bradley Packets so special?
A. A pinch of love, a dash of hope, and a little blood never hurts.
Q. No, seriously, what makes Bradley Packets so special?
A. Each spell packet is made to the highest standards. I attribute their superiority to a combination eighteen years of experience making them (averaging 7,800 packets a year) and the quality of the materials I use. For more information on the specific elements that make Bradley Packets better than "standard" spell packets, please see the Home page. Beyond that, you get into the "trade secrets" realm, and I'm not just giving those away.
Q. Are the "real" reviews really real?
A. Yes they are. If you've had a great experience with Bradley Packets, please submit your own review via the Contact page. I'm always looking to add new reviews. If you've had a less-than-stellar experience with my spell packets, I'd love to get your feedback as to how I can improve my product and my service to you.
Q. Are the "fake" reviews really fake?
A. Yes. Wait, what? What kind of question is that? Do you really think I got quotes from those people? Half of them are fictional characters! Moving on...
Q. Why are they called Bradley Packets?
A. That is the name that people in my LARPing community gave them when I first started making them, as they stood out from all of the other spell packets we used, and they knew that I had made them. When I decided to branch out and sell them to others, I asked my friends what they thought I should call them. While "Captain Bradley's Spell Jammer Funnasiums" was the most amusing suggestion, the general consensus was that I should stick with "Bradley Packets" and build the brand. For more information on the origin of the name "Bradley Packet," please read the History page.
Q. How accurate is the information on the History page?
A. In terms of the basic facts behind the story, it is 100% accurate. I spruced it up with the epic embellishments because I was bored, and I figured you would enjoy it.
Q. How long does it take you to make Bradley Packets?
A. I can crank out 50 spell packets in about 75 minutes if the fabric is pre-cut. Factoring in the time cutting the cloth, it takes me around three and a half hours for every hundred packets.
All content on this website is property of Bradley Packets, ©2011-2023.
A. Yes. Fabric, rubber bands, and birdseed all have chemicals on them that will dry out your skin. When combined with the friction of winding the rubber band around the spell packet, this can seriously damage your hands. Since I produce a large number of packets, I have to moisturize regularly. Otherwise, my fingers would crack and bleed, which tends to slow down the packet-making process quite a bit.
Q. All of your pictures are of "mushroom" spell packets tied together with rubber bands, but my LARP uses square spell packets that have been sewn together like a traditional bean bag. Do you make those?
A. I've experimented with "bean bag" packets, but I don't make and sell them. I've found that the "mushroom" design allows for more control of the packet in your hand and in flight. A bean bag packet will tumble in flight, which creates an unstable trajectory. In contrast, the tail of a "mushroom" packet acts like the stabilizing fins on a rocket and allows it to rotate in flight like a bullet fired from a rifle. Since my ultimate goal is to provide you with a superior product that will improve your LARPing experience, I have decided not to offer sewn bean bag packets. If your LARP doesn't generally use mushroom packets, please consult with your game's management to see if my packets would be acceptable. And of course, I am more than happy to answer any questions your game's management may have.
Q. So, is making spell packets, like, a full time job, or do you have a real job?
A. Ha! I wish it could be. Wouldn't it be great if LARPing was such a wide-spread and socially acceptable hobby that I could support myself with spell packets alone? But alas, I cannot. Up until May of 2016, I had two part-time jobs, and spell packet sales helped me fill in budget gaps. Now I have a full-time job, and what I make here helps me pay down the debt I accumulated while I was under-employed.
Q. Are your spell packets biodegradable?
A. I was initially concerned about this too when I started LARPing; I didn't like the idea of unintentionally littering and damaging the parks that we use. That being said, based on my observations, all components of my spell packets are biodegradable. Rubber bands and cotton or poly-cotton blends will decompose over the course of about a year or so, and birdseed is (of course) just seed. It's also worth noting that the deer at the state parks that I LARP at love to eat spell packets, and it hasn't hurt their population any (one park has to allow hunters to come in every few years to thin the herd).
Q. When I go to purchase spell packets, how will I pay for them?
A. PayPal processes my online transactions.
Q. How long will it take to fill my order?
A. I try to keep enough packets on hand to fill and ship "any color" orders of 200 packets or less in one to two days (depending on when I can get to the Post Office). Specific color orders may take an extra day or two, depending upon whether or not I have the color of fabric you have requested. However, occasionally I'll get in a flood of orders (especially before my own game's larping events), so there may be additional delays. If that's the case, I will be in direct contact with you via email, and I can refund your purchase if those delays are unacceptable to you. Additionally, if you order either the Mages' Guild Package or the Game Owner Package (of 1,000 spell packets), it may take me up to two-four weeks to fill and ship your order. Please contact me if you have any questions about timing or if you have a specific deadline in mind for your order.
Q. How do you handle shipping? How long will it take for me to get my packets once you've shipped them?
A. Due to their weight, I've found the best option is to ship spell packet to you via Priority Mail Flat Rate Boxes from the U.S. Postal Service. Not only is this often cheaper than if I were to send it with standard shipping, but you'll get the added benefit of having your spell packets in an estimated 2 business days (rather than up to 2 weeks with standard shipping). PayPal stopped calculating shipping properly in 2017, so I've incorporated the shipping charge into the prices in the "I play another LARP" option in the Store page. However, if you order multiple multiple sets of packets in the same transaction (ie--100 Any Color and 50 Specific Color), and they can fit in one box, I will ship them that way and refund you the difference. Awakening LARP players can expect me to deliver their orders to them at the event.
Q. Do you ship internationally?
A. Unfortunately, I'm not currently set up for international purchases and shipping. My apologies to all of the wonderful non-US-based LARPs.
Q. What makes Bradley Packets so special?
A. A pinch of love, a dash of hope, and a little blood never hurts.
Q. No, seriously, what makes Bradley Packets so special?
A. Each spell packet is made to the highest standards. I attribute their superiority to a combination eighteen years of experience making them (averaging 7,800 packets a year) and the quality of the materials I use. For more information on the specific elements that make Bradley Packets better than "standard" spell packets, please see the Home page. Beyond that, you get into the "trade secrets" realm, and I'm not just giving those away.
Q. Are the "real" reviews really real?
A. Yes they are. If you've had a great experience with Bradley Packets, please submit your own review via the Contact page. I'm always looking to add new reviews. If you've had a less-than-stellar experience with my spell packets, I'd love to get your feedback as to how I can improve my product and my service to you.
Q. Are the "fake" reviews really fake?
A. Yes. Wait, what? What kind of question is that? Do you really think I got quotes from those people? Half of them are fictional characters! Moving on...
Q. Why are they called Bradley Packets?
A. That is the name that people in my LARPing community gave them when I first started making them, as they stood out from all of the other spell packets we used, and they knew that I had made them. When I decided to branch out and sell them to others, I asked my friends what they thought I should call them. While "Captain Bradley's Spell Jammer Funnasiums" was the most amusing suggestion, the general consensus was that I should stick with "Bradley Packets" and build the brand. For more information on the origin of the name "Bradley Packet," please read the History page.
Q. How accurate is the information on the History page?
A. In terms of the basic facts behind the story, it is 100% accurate. I spruced it up with the epic embellishments because I was bored, and I figured you would enjoy it.
Q. How long does it take you to make Bradley Packets?
A. I can crank out 50 spell packets in about 75 minutes if the fabric is pre-cut. Factoring in the time cutting the cloth, it takes me around three and a half hours for every hundred packets.
All content on this website is property of Bradley Packets, ©2011-2023.