Hey AlecH,
I have played several games in the NY/PA/NJ area including the one you mentioned. I settled here with KR because I found it to be the best. We have good rules system and more importantly, great people to LARP with.
We are a boffer larp and some members have traditional plumbing supply weapons built to rule book standards and others chose to use modern latex weapons. A browse through our gallery will help you check out the "in-game" perspective and full atmosphere at KR.
www.knightrealms.com/index.php?option=com_gallery2&Itemid=202
Suggestions for latex weapons are vast. There are usually vendors that sell for reasonable prices at our events or vendors you may purchase from online such as
ironliege.com/
.
It may be possible for a weapon to be lent to you, but why not NPC your first event. Then we will provide you with costuming and weapons for any NPC role and you get familiar with the rules in the process. Once you are comfortable, you could buy or make one suitable to the PC class you decide to play.
www.knightrealms.com/index.php?option=co...view&id=49&Itemid=62
Feel free to post a few rules questions in the rules boards and I am sure that with a little help from us, you will be fine. We look forward to having you give us a chance.
Joe