Hot and inclement weather

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More often than not the gods of Dagorhir will bless their events with at least a few days of torrential rains, blistering heat, and freezing nights sometimes all in the same day. Being prepared for inclement weather will keep you warm, dry, and happy. Low morale in camp can impact performance on the field and no one wants to spend their vacation grumpy and uncomfortable.

Some tips to remember when accumulating garb and camping equipment follows:

  • 1. Invest in garb made from natural fibers such as linen, hemp, wool, and cotton. Although marginally more expensive than synthetic blends, natural fibers will help to wick moisture away from your body while also allowing the garment to breath. Fabrics such as wool has water repellent properties than keep you warm even when your cloak is soaking wet.
  • 2. Nylon camping tents, jokingly called "Earth pimples", are easily the cheapest tent option, but can get hot under the sun and provide poor airflow. Consider investing in a canvas tent which has much better airflow so you stay dry, and cooler under the sun. Used reenactors tents can be found for reasonable prices online and learning to make a basic wedge style tent is easy, cost effective, and look great! Don't forget sturdy poles, heavy ropes, and long iron stakes. Also consider using a cot to insulate from the cold ground.
  • 3. Having a central meeting place in camp encourages camaraderie and espirit de corps. Frequently this will be around a fire pit or central cooking station. A suspended tarp or shelter tent nearby will ensure that your raucous and hearty feasts stay dry and your guests covered from rain and sun. A carpet or ground cloth is a great way to keep out mud and debris.
  • 4. Don't forget extra socks, shoes for showering and lounging, spare garb, a warm cloak or coat, and a hat or hood. Plastic bags make good storage for soiled clothing and plastic totes keep your belongings clean and dry. Store food in a sealable container and provide space for a water station. One person can use up to 7 gallons of water a day in hot dry climates, so make sure to prepare accordingly. Dehydration is a real risk and a trip to the medic tent is never enjoyable.
  • 5. Having all period camp gear is a work in progress for many Dagorhirrim, and just as many never go further than a modern nylon tent and essential gear. The atmosphere and magic of walking the avenues between camps at night, alight with torches and alive with the sounds of merriment make modern things seem harshly out of place. A simple cloth over your folding tables and chairs easily conceal modern textures. Many groups will hang their banners at the entrance to their camp, line up shields in a glorious display of arms, and larger groups build temporary walls, gatehouses, and taverns in the spirit of Dagorhir.
  • 6. Despite the best planned event sometimes things go sour. Be on the lookout for new players who are clearly in need of warmth, food, or shelter. Veteran players and camps frequently will trade dinner or a dry seat in exchange for dish washing or trash takeout, so look after each other. You may be opposite one another on the battlefield but we're all there to have fun and make friends. The more the merrier, the bigger and better our events will be.