How To Survive Your First Major Tourney

by Duchess Leah Kasmira of Natterhelm (revised and updated)



FOOD PARAPHENALIA:
Ice and ice chest --- Potholders --- Teapot or something else to heat water --- Cleaning supplies --- Aluminum foil --- Matches --- Charcoal and starter fluid --- Eating utensils --- Brazier or hibachi or Coleman stove --- Sharp knife --- Seasonings --- Food --- Cooking utensils --- Water

CAMPING ACCESSORIES AND GENERAL STUFF:
Tent --- Duct tape --- Bedroll or sleeping bag --- Sewing kit --- Foam pads, if available --- Soap and shampoo --- Blankets and pillows --- Towels --- Shovel and garden rake --- Chairs --- Broom and dust pan --- Extra throws for chairs and chests --- Lanterns --- Table, if possible --- Candles and matches --- Rugs, if possible --- Containers for candles --- Flags for guy wires --- Shade awning, if possible --- Washcloths --- Mallet for stakes --- Paper and pen --- Extra stakes --- Containers for cigarette butts --- Extra rope for guy wires --- Garbage bags --- Scissors --- Games and gaming supplies --- Sharp utility knife

ANIMALS*
Food --- Containers for food and water --- Water --- Leashes --- Flea powder

* Keep them at home, if possible, but definitely watch after them

FIRST AID SUPPLIES:
Sunscreen --- Any prescription drugs needed --- Lotion --- Sanitary supplies --- Aspirin or Tylenol --- Toilet paper --- Neosporin --- Toothbrush --- Insect repellent --- Toothpaste --- Antihistamines --- Guide to poisonous plants --- Tape and gauze --- Calamine lotion --- Band-aids --- Antacid preparation --- Simple dressing salve --- Sugar --- Scissors

CLOTHING:
Something to keep the sun off your head --- Thermal underwear or equivalent --- Lots of underwear and socks --- Heavy cloak --- Pouches --- Solid footwear --- Jewelry --- Lightweight costumes (at least 2) for day --- Cosmetics --- Heavy costumes for night --- Sewing kit --- Trousers for breaking brush

TRANSPARENT OR TRANSUCENT VEILS WILL NOT KEEP OUT UV!

CHILDREN:
Toys and diversions --- Costumes --- Diapers, bottles, milk (infants) --- Shoes --- Blankets --- Music-maker --- Books --- Games and gaming supplies --- Paper and crayons --- NO PETS!!

WEATHER:
Prepare for anything -- dust, rain, heat, cold, ice storms, wind, snow, sun, etc.

SECURITY CONSIDERATIONS:
Keep an eye on your site, and your neighbor's, in his absence, for "mundanes". Keep valuables out of sight when away, preferably locked in a container which is hard to move, or otherwise conspicuous when carried. Mark all valuables. Lend equipment only to those who are known to you or introduced to you by someone you know.

Lock your car, all fires must be contained, and don't brandish knives or swords, or you will be considered a security risk yourself. Throw axes and knives at targets ONLY, and well away from camp. Firearms are not encouraged.

Contact a Knight, marshal, or the nearest perimeter guard for security assistance -- Don't try to handle a problem yourself. Uncivilized inebriates will be removed.

Have a good time!

WHOM TO CONTACT ABOUT WHAT: