Post by Crynolyn on Mar 30, 2006 6:11:14 GMT -7
The Unofficial Ragnarok Preparation Guide
It's been 13 years since this was first written. But it's still a fantastic resource for both new and old attendants to Ragnarok. Please feel free to share; especially with newer people.
So you want to go to Ragnarok, do you? Have you spent too many nights in Suburbia listening to your friends spin tales of fantastic battles and outrageous revels? Before you slap on those elf ears and run off to Evil-Mart, read this and learn the dos and don’ts of a successful Ragnarok experience, as provided by your brothers and sisters in arms.
“The Unofficial Ragnarok Preparation Guide” was compiled from the questions, hints, suggestions, inspiration, websites, and assistance of Talys, Fuaru, Boligoboom, Ender, Princess Morganna, Zagref, Puck, Kyrax, Mithris, Tynan, Megs, T, Erroe and Dagorhir Battlegames, Editing by Bahli. Proofreading by Carmen Torregrosa, Charyl Rocco, Photos, new info, and some more editing by Crynn O'lynn.
Table of Contents;
1. The Basics.
~What’s going on?
2. Traveling & Legal Stuff.
~How to get there and keep things kosher
3. Legal Stuff.
~Waivers
4. Places To Go, Things To Do.
~Sightseeing at Ragnarok
5. People To Look For.
~A Who’s Who of staff and crew
6. Etiquette & Behavior.
~How to make friends, influence people, and not get kicked out
7. Camp Life.
~Living the life…outdoors
8. Other Stuff:
~Caring for ink, metal, and bare feet
9. Tips.
~Sound bites from around the LARP universe
10. Credits & Disclaimer.
~Be cool and contribute
___________________________________________
1. The Basics:
~Always check DagorhirRagnarok.com for the most current information.~
When? Usually in Late June, check the website for this year's dates.
Where? Cooper's Lake, Pennsylvania www.cooperslake.com/clchome/index.php
Who's hosting? Ragnarok is being hosted by the Ragnarok Business council; several realms and units are each taking on part of the job to make this enormous task easier on everyone.
How much? See DagorhirRagnarok.com for this year's pricing.
Pre-registration? Pre-registration is done exclusively through; DagorhirRagnarok.com. If you can pre-register, do so, as soon as possible, as choice of campsites is awarded to the group with the most registrations. Make sure that you check with your realm leader on the proper name and spelling of your chapter/unit. All pre-registrations must be received by the deadline, which varies by year. If you are camping with a group other than your own, please consult that group’s leader before you pre-register to verify your arrangement.
T-Shirts! The ultimate souvenir of your Ragnarok experience besides the fantastic memories and new friends is the Ragnarok t-shirt. T-shirts can be pre-ordered now via Facebook, or a limited number on site (buy them soon after you arrive.) Join the Facebook Ragnarok event for updates about pre-orders.
Do I have to camp on-site? No, but why pay your admission for the week plus a 7-night hotel stay? You’re at a campground; do some camping! If you must have a hotel, check sites such as Travelocity for the cheapest rates. This may be the best bet for fighters traveling with small children, or a place for the parents of younger fighters to get away from it all. RV’s are allowed, but the campground charges extra fees for the privilege, and there’s no guarantee of a hookup for water or electricity. Your best bet for information on RV’s is to contact Cooper's Lake directly. But seriously… do the medieval thing. Sleep in a tent like the rest of us mortals.
Website? DagorhirRagnarok.com.
2. Traveling
Ragnarok's Address? Search Google maps for Cooper's Lake, Pennsylvania.
Caravans? More people, more cars, more space for all those bodies and equipment. Why not grab some friends and arrange your own? All it takes is a little pre-planning. Having a copy of the map and a cell phone in every vehicle makes things a lot easier in case you get separated, have car trouble, or need to make a pit stop. If you have a really long drive, I highly recommend books on CD/MP3. They keep your mind going over the long hours. They're especially helpful overnight in headphones, so the rest of the passengers can sleep. Also good to bring earplugs, and something to cover your eyes so that you can sleep while someone else is driving.
Packing List? Kyrax's Packing List can be found here: www.dagorhir.com/ragnarok/packinglist.html. It's one of the most complete you'll find anywhere. My own hint: Check, check, and double-check your stuff before you leave! Halfway there is a bad time to realize that you forgot your medication, contacts, sleeping bag, or (goddess forbid!) your waiver or ID, especially when “halfway there” is two states from home. Don't forget your cell phone charger.
*Alternate Camping List by Sorcia*
What's near the campground? Slippery Rock and Butler; both of which have a good range of restaurants and convenience stores. Google maps is your friend; use it to search for restaurants, grocery stores, breweries, etc
Pennsylvania has some different liquor/beer laws. en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Alcohol_laws_of_Pennsylvania
I personally recommend Bill's Beer Barn in Butler for the best selection of beer. Try to say that 5 times fast!
3. Legal Stuff
How old do I have to be to fight? You must be 16 to fight on the field at Ragnarok. If you are younger but still attending, bring your (legal) weapons anyway; chances are, there are more than enough willing fighters to spar with on the sidelines, and it’s likely that there are others your age nearby. Ask around. Don't forget to drink water before, during, and after fighting.
Do I need a waiver? Everyone needs a waiver; it's just a matter of who signs it. 18 & up can sign their own waiver, but you must have photo identification (driver's license, state or military ID). You'll be filling it out at check-in. You’ll also need ID to verify your identity if you pre-registered.
*Attendees who are under 18 MUST have their parent present for the entire time to be allowed on site!!! Also need to be able to prove that with a birth certificate, etc.* NO EXCEPTIONS*
This is the site owner's rule, Ragnarok Staff can not change this. 17 year olds have been turned away in the weeks before their 18th birthday, so don't show up thinking you will get away with it. If you are under 18 DO NOT come to Ragnarok without your parents. Do not have them drop you off either, your parents must be camping with you at all times during your stay at Ragnarok.
*No Dogs or pets at Coopers Lake whatsoever* site owner's rules.
Good Old Spring Valley, where we held Ragnarok in the past.
I'm 18/33/50/etc. Who's responsible for me? You are. Stuff happens, so if you need help, there’s usually someone around who will assist, but you need to be mature and sensible enough to try to stay out of trouble. That includes not overindulging in alcohol, and not indulging at all if you are underage. On that note, keep an eye on your fellow fighters. If someone appears ill or injured, ask if they’re all right. Try to steer a friend who’s partied a little too hard back to camp for some water and sleep. Taking care of each other makes Ragnarok a little more safe and fun for everybody. Don't forget to drink water before, during, and after fighting and parties. Please remind your friends to drink water as well.
What if I get hurt? There are volunteer medics at Ragnarok who can help you for minor injuries, but they need your help, too. Wearing a medical alert bracelet for a life-threatening illnesses or allergies, bringing your insurance card in case you need to go to the hospital, and keeping any medication (original packaging please!) on you or readily available can go a long way. If you have emergency medicine, such as insulin, an epi-pen for bee stings or an inhaler, make sure that it’s been refilled before you go. Likewise, if you have an illness or need special medicine, let your realm leader or friends know what it is and where it’s at, so they are able to help you or tell the medic about it if you can’t. All camps are to have their own basic first-aid kit.
The guard shack is now the default 'non-emergency' find a person place, or the Cooper's barn, and then the medic tent for any medical emergencies.
4. Places to Go, Things to Do.
Troll: The Troll Booth, is the tents up top where you check in. This is also where you go if the Porta-Castle's out of TP, if there's been a non-battle injury, you’re signing up for a tourney or for Troll duty, if you've lost your tag or other item, or if you want to know if your friend/unit/realm has checked in yet. Troll is usually extremely busy on Sunday and Monday, so if you’ve checked in, clear out as soon as you can to give the Troll staff room to work.
Battles: Both daytime and night battles will take place. Most of these occur on the main battlefield. Watch for "edge of the world" boundaries and always, always, listen to and respect the heralds. There is usually a brochure handed out at the beginning of the week that explains the individual rules of specific scenarios, as well as the day and time they take place.
Weapons Check: When you take your equipment to weapons check, it will be checked for safety and accordance to the rules. After inspection they will be thrown in either the "pass" or "fail" pile. It’s advisable to put an unusual fabric, bright tape, your persona name, and the group you are with, or other identifying mark on your equipment if you don't want to lose track of it. Range weapons must be checked every day, everything else (including armor) must be checked every other day. Don’t know why your favorite sword failed? Ask! Whoever checked it can tell you, and hopefully you left enough time for last-minute repairs and re-checking. That said, don’t wait till the last minute. It is also expected that each realm/unit will send one person per 5 fighters in their camp to help out at weapons check each day. Brush up on the rules before you go and take the Weapons-checking class when you get there.
Ragnarok University: For some, every experience is an opportunity to learn something new. Now everyone can feel free to add Ragnarok to that list of experience; with the advent of Ragnarok U. Most classes are free or charge a small fee to cover materials (the Eryndor sponsored weapons-making class, for example, runs less than $5), and covers a variety of topics, from blacksmithing, to dance, to fine-tuning your character’s persona and more. Check at Troll once you arrive for the sign-up sheets for each class.
Night Life: The night life at Rag is just as entertaining and fun as the daytime activities. There are usually a few scheduled revels; dagorhirragnarok.com/Schedule.aspx All are a great opportunity to dance, sing, laugh, and meet many fighters from all corners of the Dagorhir world. For those who are drinking, stay hydrated and know your limits; a hangover makes fighting the next day downright miserable.
Swimming: There is no swimming allowed in Cooper's Lake. There may or may not be a leech problem. And their insurance doesn't cover it. So just stay out of the lake please. Will get you kicked out of the event !
Merchant's Row: This is where to shop for everything from (real) swords to armor, to garb, to jewelry to a professional massage (providing Uthr is back this year!). Bring a little extra spending money if you can, or just browse and take in the creativity and talent of your fellow hooligans. Visit often; some merchants hold raffles or drawings for great prizes, and many items go on sale towards the end of the week! There is also a Barbarian's trading post in the amphitheater down the hill/behind merchants row. NO money is allowed to be exchanged there ~strictly bartering.~
War Council: Where realm leaders discuss and debate changes to the rules and how Ragnarok is running as a whole, as well as, decide on who will be helping run the show next year. Each realm gets two votes, so send your leader and second-in-command if you want a say in the future of Ragnarok.
Bardic Circle: Calling all singers, storytellers, comedians and musicians! This is your chance to step up to the spotlight and show all of Dagorhir your talents! Sometimes there are prizes for the winners. Warm up your violin and get ready to rock out medieval style!
It's been 13 years since this was first written. But it's still a fantastic resource for both new and old attendants to Ragnarok. Please feel free to share; especially with newer people.
So you want to go to Ragnarok, do you? Have you spent too many nights in Suburbia listening to your friends spin tales of fantastic battles and outrageous revels? Before you slap on those elf ears and run off to Evil-Mart, read this and learn the dos and don’ts of a successful Ragnarok experience, as provided by your brothers and sisters in arms.
“The Unofficial Ragnarok Preparation Guide” was compiled from the questions, hints, suggestions, inspiration, websites, and assistance of Talys, Fuaru, Boligoboom, Ender, Princess Morganna, Zagref, Puck, Kyrax, Mithris, Tynan, Megs, T, Erroe and Dagorhir Battlegames, Editing by Bahli. Proofreading by Carmen Torregrosa, Charyl Rocco, Photos, new info, and some more editing by Crynn O'lynn.
Table of Contents;
1. The Basics.
~What’s going on?
2. Traveling & Legal Stuff.
~How to get there and keep things kosher
3. Legal Stuff.
~Waivers
4. Places To Go, Things To Do.
~Sightseeing at Ragnarok
5. People To Look For.
~A Who’s Who of staff and crew
6. Etiquette & Behavior.
~How to make friends, influence people, and not get kicked out
7. Camp Life.
~Living the life…outdoors
8. Other Stuff:
~Caring for ink, metal, and bare feet
9. Tips.
~Sound bites from around the LARP universe
10. Credits & Disclaimer.
~Be cool and contribute
___________________________________________
1. The Basics:
~Always check DagorhirRagnarok.com for the most current information.~
When? Usually in Late June, check the website for this year's dates.
Where? Cooper's Lake, Pennsylvania www.cooperslake.com/clchome/index.php
Who's hosting? Ragnarok is being hosted by the Ragnarok Business council; several realms and units are each taking on part of the job to make this enormous task easier on everyone.
How much? See DagorhirRagnarok.com for this year's pricing.
Pre-registration? Pre-registration is done exclusively through; DagorhirRagnarok.com. If you can pre-register, do so, as soon as possible, as choice of campsites is awarded to the group with the most registrations. Make sure that you check with your realm leader on the proper name and spelling of your chapter/unit. All pre-registrations must be received by the deadline, which varies by year. If you are camping with a group other than your own, please consult that group’s leader before you pre-register to verify your arrangement.
T-Shirts! The ultimate souvenir of your Ragnarok experience besides the fantastic memories and new friends is the Ragnarok t-shirt. T-shirts can be pre-ordered now via Facebook, or a limited number on site (buy them soon after you arrive.) Join the Facebook Ragnarok event for updates about pre-orders.
Do I have to camp on-site? No, but why pay your admission for the week plus a 7-night hotel stay? You’re at a campground; do some camping! If you must have a hotel, check sites such as Travelocity for the cheapest rates. This may be the best bet for fighters traveling with small children, or a place for the parents of younger fighters to get away from it all. RV’s are allowed, but the campground charges extra fees for the privilege, and there’s no guarantee of a hookup for water or electricity. Your best bet for information on RV’s is to contact Cooper's Lake directly. But seriously… do the medieval thing. Sleep in a tent like the rest of us mortals.
Website? DagorhirRagnarok.com.
2. Traveling
Ragnarok's Address? Search Google maps for Cooper's Lake, Pennsylvania.
Caravans? More people, more cars, more space for all those bodies and equipment. Why not grab some friends and arrange your own? All it takes is a little pre-planning. Having a copy of the map and a cell phone in every vehicle makes things a lot easier in case you get separated, have car trouble, or need to make a pit stop. If you have a really long drive, I highly recommend books on CD/MP3. They keep your mind going over the long hours. They're especially helpful overnight in headphones, so the rest of the passengers can sleep. Also good to bring earplugs, and something to cover your eyes so that you can sleep while someone else is driving.
Packing List? Kyrax's Packing List can be found here: www.dagorhir.com/ragnarok/packinglist.html. It's one of the most complete you'll find anywhere. My own hint: Check, check, and double-check your stuff before you leave! Halfway there is a bad time to realize that you forgot your medication, contacts, sleeping bag, or (goddess forbid!) your waiver or ID, especially when “halfway there” is two states from home. Don't forget your cell phone charger.
*Alternate Camping List by Sorcia*
What's near the campground? Slippery Rock and Butler; both of which have a good range of restaurants and convenience stores. Google maps is your friend; use it to search for restaurants, grocery stores, breweries, etc
Pennsylvania has some different liquor/beer laws. en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Alcohol_laws_of_Pennsylvania
I personally recommend Bill's Beer Barn in Butler for the best selection of beer. Try to say that 5 times fast!
3. Legal Stuff
How old do I have to be to fight? You must be 16 to fight on the field at Ragnarok. If you are younger but still attending, bring your (legal) weapons anyway; chances are, there are more than enough willing fighters to spar with on the sidelines, and it’s likely that there are others your age nearby. Ask around. Don't forget to drink water before, during, and after fighting.
Do I need a waiver? Everyone needs a waiver; it's just a matter of who signs it. 18 & up can sign their own waiver, but you must have photo identification (driver's license, state or military ID). You'll be filling it out at check-in. You’ll also need ID to verify your identity if you pre-registered.
*Attendees who are under 18 MUST have their parent present for the entire time to be allowed on site!!! Also need to be able to prove that with a birth certificate, etc.* NO EXCEPTIONS*
This is the site owner's rule, Ragnarok Staff can not change this. 17 year olds have been turned away in the weeks before their 18th birthday, so don't show up thinking you will get away with it. If you are under 18 DO NOT come to Ragnarok without your parents. Do not have them drop you off either, your parents must be camping with you at all times during your stay at Ragnarok.
*No Dogs or pets at Coopers Lake whatsoever* site owner's rules.
Good Old Spring Valley, where we held Ragnarok in the past.
I'm 18/33/50/etc. Who's responsible for me? You are. Stuff happens, so if you need help, there’s usually someone around who will assist, but you need to be mature and sensible enough to try to stay out of trouble. That includes not overindulging in alcohol, and not indulging at all if you are underage. On that note, keep an eye on your fellow fighters. If someone appears ill or injured, ask if they’re all right. Try to steer a friend who’s partied a little too hard back to camp for some water and sleep. Taking care of each other makes Ragnarok a little more safe and fun for everybody. Don't forget to drink water before, during, and after fighting and parties. Please remind your friends to drink water as well.
What if I get hurt? There are volunteer medics at Ragnarok who can help you for minor injuries, but they need your help, too. Wearing a medical alert bracelet for a life-threatening illnesses or allergies, bringing your insurance card in case you need to go to the hospital, and keeping any medication (original packaging please!) on you or readily available can go a long way. If you have emergency medicine, such as insulin, an epi-pen for bee stings or an inhaler, make sure that it’s been refilled before you go. Likewise, if you have an illness or need special medicine, let your realm leader or friends know what it is and where it’s at, so they are able to help you or tell the medic about it if you can’t. All camps are to have their own basic first-aid kit.
The guard shack is now the default 'non-emergency' find a person place, or the Cooper's barn, and then the medic tent for any medical emergencies.
4. Places to Go, Things to Do.
Troll: The Troll Booth, is the tents up top where you check in. This is also where you go if the Porta-Castle's out of TP, if there's been a non-battle injury, you’re signing up for a tourney or for Troll duty, if you've lost your tag or other item, or if you want to know if your friend/unit/realm has checked in yet. Troll is usually extremely busy on Sunday and Monday, so if you’ve checked in, clear out as soon as you can to give the Troll staff room to work.
Battles: Both daytime and night battles will take place. Most of these occur on the main battlefield. Watch for "edge of the world" boundaries and always, always, listen to and respect the heralds. There is usually a brochure handed out at the beginning of the week that explains the individual rules of specific scenarios, as well as the day and time they take place.
Weapons Check: When you take your equipment to weapons check, it will be checked for safety and accordance to the rules. After inspection they will be thrown in either the "pass" or "fail" pile. It’s advisable to put an unusual fabric, bright tape, your persona name, and the group you are with, or other identifying mark on your equipment if you don't want to lose track of it. Range weapons must be checked every day, everything else (including armor) must be checked every other day. Don’t know why your favorite sword failed? Ask! Whoever checked it can tell you, and hopefully you left enough time for last-minute repairs and re-checking. That said, don’t wait till the last minute. It is also expected that each realm/unit will send one person per 5 fighters in their camp to help out at weapons check each day. Brush up on the rules before you go and take the Weapons-checking class when you get there.
Ragnarok University: For some, every experience is an opportunity to learn something new. Now everyone can feel free to add Ragnarok to that list of experience; with the advent of Ragnarok U. Most classes are free or charge a small fee to cover materials (the Eryndor sponsored weapons-making class, for example, runs less than $5), and covers a variety of topics, from blacksmithing, to dance, to fine-tuning your character’s persona and more. Check at Troll once you arrive for the sign-up sheets for each class.
Night Life: The night life at Rag is just as entertaining and fun as the daytime activities. There are usually a few scheduled revels; dagorhirragnarok.com/Schedule.aspx All are a great opportunity to dance, sing, laugh, and meet many fighters from all corners of the Dagorhir world. For those who are drinking, stay hydrated and know your limits; a hangover makes fighting the next day downright miserable.
Swimming: There is no swimming allowed in Cooper's Lake. There may or may not be a leech problem. And their insurance doesn't cover it. So just stay out of the lake please. Will get you kicked out of the event !
Merchant's Row: This is where to shop for everything from (real) swords to armor, to garb, to jewelry to a professional massage (providing Uthr is back this year!). Bring a little extra spending money if you can, or just browse and take in the creativity and talent of your fellow hooligans. Visit often; some merchants hold raffles or drawings for great prizes, and many items go on sale towards the end of the week! There is also a Barbarian's trading post in the amphitheater down the hill/behind merchants row. NO money is allowed to be exchanged there ~strictly bartering.~
War Council: Where realm leaders discuss and debate changes to the rules and how Ragnarok is running as a whole, as well as, decide on who will be helping run the show next year. Each realm gets two votes, so send your leader and second-in-command if you want a say in the future of Ragnarok.
Bardic Circle: Calling all singers, storytellers, comedians and musicians! This is your chance to step up to the spotlight and show all of Dagorhir your talents! Sometimes there are prizes for the winners. Warm up your violin and get ready to rock out medieval style!