Back to Basics:
What new players should know, and old ones should remember....
By Kelly Bonci (Dame Twenaria) and Angela Earle Gray (Dame Phoenix of Folkestone)
Originally published in The View from Valehaven, 2nd Edition, Volume 1, Issue 1, June/July 2004.
Part II:
Once I was asked why I pack so
much stuff.
“Kelly, how many cloaks do you really need? Do you know how to
pack?"
In my first year of the Game, I would pack and pack and pack. I never really
remembered to pack the right things, either. I'd always forget something, and
pack something REALLY useless (like some people I used to know). Now, of
course, I still forget things, but my basic equipment needs are met. So here it
is...
My Ideas on What You SHOULD Pack for
an Overnight Event
(And my way of proving
that l do, indeed know how to pack)
Of course, everyone has things
they can't live without. Maybe its medication, a pillow, or your teddy bear (I
won't tell). Either way, please make sure you edit this for your own needs.
First and foremost, let's go
over basic human needs:
·
Sleeping bag: I can't believe how many people
show up to an event without a sleeping bag or blankets. As someone who gets
cold easy, it boggles my mind. This is New England, folks, and its chilly at night,
no matter what time of year it is.
·
Tent: plan on some sort of shelter. Whether it's
your own luxurious 17 room tent/mansion, or the back of your buddy's car,
please plan ahead. Because sometimes. the Tavern is not some place you want to
sleep in.
·
Food: Yeah, food. Sure there will likely be
munchies, but what about real food? What if you don't have cash to run out, or
there is no food nearby? Or, heaven forbid, you just don't have time to go off-site
cause you are having way to much fun? Pack a few granola bars, apples, or pop
tarts. And Gatorade. Always make sure you are staying hydrated.
·
Bug spray: If it's not snowing, you'll want it.
And you'll be so popular with those who forgot it, too!
·
Sunscreen: You can burn on even cloudy days.
·
Toiletries: Yeah, I sound like your mom. But
bringing soap and deodorant is a nice thing, especially for those healers out
there who have to get up close and personal. I know quite a few realmsies who wouldn't
go without a toothbrush, or a travel-size mouthwash. If you wear contacts,
bring solution, a case and your glasses, in case you cannot wear your contacts
for some reason.
·
Clothes: Again, maybe I'm being mom-ish (mom-ly?),
but a spare change of clothes (garb and
real-world) is a beautiful thing when your clothes are soaked through with rain
or sweat. Spare changes of socks are also great. And don't forget the undies!!
( I couldn't resist). A spare set of shoes never hurts, either.
Now we can get to the
fun stuff The playing stuff!
·
Garb: I know it sounds silly, but people won't
know who you are if you are not in your character's garb. (Want to know what to
do for great basic garb? Read next issue's article!) Knee pads DO count as garb!
·
Weapons: Whatever you think you may need, and
are willing to carry around, pack it. Its considered good etiquette to bring
ALL magic items to events, but is not a rule.
·
Currency: Because you never know what there is
to buy, or who is around to bribe
·
NPC Blacks: Is there a chance you might NPC? Why
not plan for it? Every so often, an EH needs the extra hand. Be prepared for
it, and have fun.
·
Other: What makes your character their own
person? Is it a necklace, a set of antennae? Armor, or a shield? Special
make-up? Ears? Maybe it's something not everyone sees, but helps the
role-playing shtick. Most people have a little something special for their character.
There are always going to be
events when you forget something. "No one remembers everything all the
time. A lot of players keep the plastic bins with their Realms equipment
already packed. This is a great idea, just remember to repack whatever you
wash. (Yes, garb is supposed to be washed sometimes.) And on those days when
you DO forget something, ask around. The majority of the community of this game
is willing to help out. Many of us keep extra things to help out others.
So yes, I do know how to pack. I
pack four cloaks cause one might get wet, or if someone else gets cold. And if
nothing else, its more cushion to sleep on.