What to Bring to an SCA Event

Advice for those who have not done this before

Version 1.1

Part the First (the serious part):

While the point of SCA events is to "have fun" and "escape the mundane world", we sometimes get so caught up in the good vibes we forget about very real problems. When attending any SCA Event - or for that matter any event that takes you off campus for a considerable length of time, SCA or not - *PLEASE* bring the following Common Sense items:

Your student ID and/or a driver's licence. Besides being useful for carding doors, these little pieces of plastic are good for an amazing number of uses, from student discounts (your MIT ID), to the legitimate operation of motor vehicles in dire emergency (the drivers licence), to pacifying Angry and/or Suspicious important people (police officers, university staff, etc.), to identifying your unconscious body (heaven forfend!).
Your house keys. There's nothing like standing on the front steps of Random or New House, in garb, at 3am, waiting for the night watch to wander by front desk and hear the phone ringing. Or you could try calling a roommate. :}
Any legal medications you need. If you are an asthmatic, bring the damn inhaler. If you are diabetic, bring your insulin. If you are allergic to bee stings, bring your sting kit. Even if you just have been taking over-the-counter antihistamines for a head cold, bring your own - the medical staff on site cannot dispense medication (no, not even aspirin!). Even if you're convinced "I haven't had an attack in years", bring your medication just in case. (e.g. The Saga of Caterina's Four Day Long Asthma Attack)
- If you need one, a med-alert bracelet! This is the exact circumstance for which they were designed: being with people who have no idea of your medical history, for a long time, away from home, doing new things, breathing new air, and eating new foods.
Emergency money: including
- either at least 60 cents in small change, or (better yet) a calling card. $0.60 is the cost to call across the area code line, here abouts.
- at local events, at least enough cash to get a cab home. It is almost unheard of that this is necessary - in almost every circumstance you can find someone to give you a lift (one of the SCA's conceits is that we take care of our own). But being able to get a cab (say if the car you're riding in breaks down on the way home, and someone needs to go for help) may make an otherwise nightmarish situation merely frightening and inconvenient. Credit cards can sometimes stand in, but are not so flexible as cash; they are, on the other hand, better for longer trips. (e.g. Saga of the Known World Music & Dance Collegium, or All Automotive Repair Places In Pennsylvania Are Closed On Sundays)
Physical comforts, such as a pair of emergency dry socks, a coat, a change of clothing, an umbrella - whatever you think you would miss most if you found it suddenly necessary. I bring my ace banadges for when my wrists poop out on me, and I bring gloves because my hands chill easily making it hard for me to play music. People who know they'll be grumpy if not fed should bring emergency munchies (in case the feast emerges later than your hunger). If you know of certain items that will make the difference for you between being somewhat miserable/uncomfortable and having a grand time, bring them! (e.g. Ode to Jehanneton's Wool Rag Socks)
- WOMEN: blood is *so* hard to wash out of garb; accomodate yourself appropriately before leaving for the event.
A sense of humor, and an appetite for adventure. Things Go Wrong, Bad Things Happen, Fortuna Imperatrix Mundi Est. MIT students are renown for grace under pressure; SCAdians aspire to chivalry in the face of adversity. Remember, the worse the situations you survive, the better the No Sh*t stories you'll have to tell. (e.g. The Saga of Warrior Bus Lines)

Part the Second (the less serious part):

Here is a checklist for Things to Bring to Events. It's a suggestion: something may not apply to some Events. Camping events have their own checklists. You might want to print this out and stick it on the back of your door, or where ever you'll see it the morning of the event - I know *I* don't think too clearly at the ungodly early hours at which these things tend to start.

Remember, while you may not be bringing an item yourself, be sure to make sure it's getting there if you'll want it.

Survival kit: ID, keys, medications, emergency money, comforts
Garb, including: the garments, the belt, shoes, beltpouch, lacings, hat, jewelry, pins, and anything else you'll want to wear.
Feast Gear, including: bowl, plate, cup, knife, spoon, and plastic bag to put it in when dirty. Also possibly: napkin, tablecloth, candles, candleholder/chimney, matches, fork, serving plates, etc.
Mundane Clothing
Outerwear: cloak, coat, jacket, etc.
Tools of the trade: if you're planning on doing something specific, bring the necessary equipment (e.g. If you don't bring your instruments, you can't play in the band; if you don't bring your armor, you can't fight on the lists)
Diversions - you may be called upon to make your own fun: games or handitasks.
Emergency repair equipment: needle & thread, ducttape, safety pins - whatever is most likely to repair what is most likely to be broken.
Whatever you need to get there and back: train tickets, car keys, subway tokens, The Directions To The Site (even if you're not driving), etc.
Money, if you plan to shop while you are there.

Submitted by Tibicen, Oct 11 AS XXX