Jay Hooks
Jay Hooks asked Michael Taggart:

This question contains spoilers… (view spoiler)

Michael Taggart Good question! Empty hand means that mages can't use physical real weapons in combat (Like a wand, staff, or magic sword). They can use magic, of course. Eugene and many of the other mages summon their magic in the form a weapon (like a bow, sword, etc). This is certainly permitted.
In Eugene's case specifically, his bow if made entirely of his own magic and so are his arrows. Those are okay to use in his match with Jason.

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