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Back Stage => Mundane Topics => Topic started by: Abbot Bubo on June 26, 2008, 12:44:16 AM

Title: Wars (Pennsic, Estrella, Potrero, Great Western)
Post by: Abbot Bubo on June 26, 2008, 12:44:16 AM
I never see any heading for any of the wars.  I know most wars are put on by the SCA, however, I consider them to be part of the Ren-Faire community at large.  My guild is not a member of SCA, we attend several faires on the west coat (we're based in Las Vegas) but enjoy attending wars, as there are less restrictions on fun (pets allowed, later noise curfews, more vendors, no mundanes).
Title: Re: Wars (Pennsic, Estrella, Potrero, Great Western)
Post by: Aiacha on June 26, 2008, 12:45:44 PM
You know, with the new forum software, this could be a feasable idea.  Have it in it's own little section that, if people aren't interested, they can minimize the section and never see.
Title: Re: Wars (Pennsic, Estrella, Potrero, Great Western)
Post by: Abbot Bubo on June 30, 2008, 12:14:25 PM
I figured it could be that easy.  I've been a faire brat for over 15 years but went to my first war two years ago.  Considering how many Rennies attend wars, a separate forum would seem logical.
Title: Re: Wars (Pennsic, Estrella, Potrero, Great Western)
Post by: Synikul on June 30, 2008, 11:32:54 PM
Quote from: Abbot Bubo on June 26, 2008, 12:44:16 AM
I never see any heading for any of the wars.  I know most wars are put on by the SCA, however, I consider them to be part of the Ren-Faire community at large.  My guild is not a member of SCA, we attend several faires on the west coat (we're based in Las Vegas) but enjoy attending wars, as there are less restrictions on fun (pets allowed, later noise curfews, more vendors, no mundanes).

I agree, this year will be my fifth Pennsic. If you're a rennie, you haven't lived until you've experienced Pennsic at night. The SCA rules are relaxed to the point that anything you can get off the rack at a ren fair is acceptable, and some minimalist garb that would get you thrown out of a fair.
Title: Re: Wars (Pennsic, Estrella, Potrero, Great Western)
Post by: solaris on July 02, 2008, 07:35:52 PM
Pennsic is an experance. Something for everyone, high court with all the pomp and circumstance you could want to the Mardi gras party. Plus shopping. I would not miss another Pennsic for the world.
Title: Re: Wars (Pennsic, Estrella, Potrero, Great Western)
Post by: Aiacha on July 02, 2008, 09:10:14 PM
Man, I keep wondering if one year I'll skip Pennsic for a trip to Ireland, and then I just go to Pennsic anyway.  If I didn't have friends that I just saw at Pennsic, it might be easier. 

I need to start packing!
Title: Re: Wars (Pennsic, Estrella, Potrero, Great Western)
Post by: Margrett on July 02, 2008, 11:25:41 PM
I'm going to my first Pennsic this year and am obsessing big time about it by this time.

Margrett
Title: Re: Wars (Pennsic, Estrella, Potrero, Great Western)
Post by: Aiacha on July 03, 2008, 08:01:48 AM
Quote from: Margrett on July 02, 2008, 11:25:41 PM
I'm going to my first Pennsic this year and am obsessing big time about it by this time.

Margrett

You've probably already heard these, but I'm going to give you two pieces of advice I thought would help me.

1) You WILL be overwhelmed.  Now, this is coming from a Rennie who hadn't even camped at a faire beofre my first Pennsic, but it is so big, that I was so completely overwhelmed after my first few days that I wound up crying in my bed early monday morning of war week.  My solution, I got up and went to class.  I had been escorted around the first few days, but once I got out and did stuff on my own, I felt much better.

2) If you haven't planned already for it, and if your tent is big enough, you want a garment rack.  It is so nice to have your garb hanging up and not have to rifle through bins to pick something out.  Additionally, you may want something to cover or enclose the rack.  The morning dew can be pretty bad at times and your clothes can feel damp early in the morning.
Title: Re: Wars (Pennsic, Estrella, Potrero, Great Western)
Post by: solaris on July 03, 2008, 08:55:19 AM
I just want to add a raised bed to that. If it's a cot or a double thick air martess it is so much nicer to stand up out of bed rather than climb out, plus it makes dressing so much easier. Seccond shop around if you see something you want keep looking with so many merchants you may find it cheaper or better at a diffrent booth. Third take time to either wander around or volunteer for a shift in one of the golf carts some of the camps have some amazing archatecure after so many years like shadowclans, Ravenspittle, and the royal camps.
Title: Re: Wars (Pennsic, Estrella, Potrero, Great Western)
Post by: Aiacha on July 03, 2008, 09:00:28 AM
Quote from: solaris on July 03, 2008, 08:55:19 AM
I just want to add a raised bed to that. If it's a cot or a double thick air martess it is so much nicer to stand up out of bed rather than climb out, plus it makes dressing so much easier.

Oh yes, I'm going to second that.  I make myself a comfy bed with milk crates (which I pack stuff in), 2x4's and plywood.
Title: Re: Wars (Pennsic, Estrella, Potrero, Great Western)
Post by: groomporter on July 03, 2008, 09:09:02 AM
Don't forger "WW" Warriors and Warlords in Wisconsin next week.
http://www.warriorsandwarlords.org/

It probably wouldn't hurt to have a SCA section in the forum for some cross-fertilization
Title: Re: Wars (Pennsic, Estrella, Potrero, Great Western)
Post by: Margrett on July 03, 2008, 10:19:15 AM
Thanks for the advice! I do have a garment rack and it is already on my voluminous packing list. My air mattress isn't raised, but it is comfy.

Re being overwhelmed, thanks for the warning. I'm camping with my some good folks, and hopefully my very mellow friend Kuji will help me chill should I be overwrought. Buddhists are good for calmness LOL.

Re WW, I would love to attend, but I am a cast member at Bristol Ren Faire and will be there instead on Sunday, and am doing a family thing with my sister and her four kids on Saturday.

Thanks!
Margrett
Title: Re: Wars (Pennsic, Estrella, Potrero, Great Western)
Post by: Aiacha on July 03, 2008, 10:24:59 AM
Since this has sort of become a Pennsic thread, class schedule is online  :)
Title: Re: Wars (Pennsic, Estrella, Potrero, Great Western)
Post by: Synikul on July 03, 2008, 12:22:46 PM
Quote from: Aiacha on July 03, 2008, 10:24:59 AM
Since this has sort of become a Pennsic thread, class schedule is online  :)

This is why there should be a section of the forum for SCA, there are already a lot of people who do both.
Title: Re: Wars (Pennsic, Estrella, Potrero, Great Western)
Post by: solaris on July 03, 2008, 03:47:52 PM
Party calendar is also online. but most of the good ones never get listed. The date change has also screwed a lot up.
Title: Re: Wars (Pennsic, Estrella, Potrero, Great Western)
Post by: Aiacha on July 03, 2008, 04:01:19 PM
Quote from: solaris on July 03, 2008, 03:47:52 PM
Party calendar is also online. but most of the good ones never get listed. The date change has also screwed a lot up.

Which party calendar are you looking at?  This is the one I have linked...(though it's looking rather bare..)
http://freecal.brownbearsw.com/pennsic37?Date=2008-07-25;KW=Pennsic%20War%20Calendar;Op=ShowIt
Title: Re: Wars (Pennsic, Estrella, Potrero, Great Western)
Post by: Synikul on July 03, 2008, 04:35:51 PM
Quote from: Aiacha on July 03, 2008, 04:01:19 PM
Quote from: solaris on July 03, 2008, 03:47:52 PM
Party calendar is also online. but most of the good ones never get listed. The date change has also screwed a lot up.

Which party calendar are you looking at?  This is the one I have linked...(though it's looking rather bare..)
http://freecal.brownbearsw.com/pennsic37?Date=2008-07-25;KW=Pennsic%20War%20Calendar;Op=ShowIt


Good to see the Bar Wars party will be back this year.

They didn't list "Men Without Pants", "Pandora's Box", "The Pyro Party", or "The Baccanalia". I've heard of a Green Fairy party that I'm determined to find this year, and I've got a bottle of absinthe to bring.
Title: Re: Wars (Pennsic, Estrella, Potrero, Great Western)
Post by: Aiacha on July 03, 2008, 07:05:00 PM
Quote from: Synikul on July 03, 2008, 04:35:51 PM
Quote from: Aiacha on July 03, 2008, 04:01:19 PM
Quote from: solaris on July 03, 2008, 03:47:52 PM
Party calendar is also online. but most of the good ones never get listed. The date change has also screwed a lot up.

Which party calendar are you looking at?  This is the one I have linked...(though it's looking rather bare..)
http://freecal.brownbearsw.com/pennsic37?Date=2008-07-25;KW=Pennsic%20War%20Calendar;Op=ShowIt


Good to see the Bar Wars party will be back this year.

They didn't list "Men Without Pants", "Pandora's Box", "The Pyro Party", or "The Baccanalia". I've heard of a Green Fairy party that I'm determined to find this year, and I've got a bottle of absinthe to bring.

I poked on the list where people ask to be added and it states that there will be no MWOP party this year.  I didn't see any explanation on why, but I was just skimming the site.  I'll see what I can find out about the Green Fairy Party for you.  I *think* it's invitation only, but I know the people who put it on.  :)

[edit]OK, some info...Pyro Party is on there as the House Gawain Pyro Party...moved for this year
The only other I saw info on that's not on the calendar is Vlad's Slave Auction- Aug 2 and the Masked Ball - aug 5.

Check out this site... http://tribes.tribe.net/darkthirty 
...also, look for the Pennsic Potables tribe

[edit 2] and Pandora's Box is now Springwood Forest
Title: Re: Wars (Pennsic, Estrella, Potrero, Great Western)
Post by: Synikul on July 04, 2008, 12:36:09 AM
Should we take this as an answer to the question of having a section for SCA events?
Title: Re: Wars (Pennsic, Estrella, Potrero, Great Western)
Post by: DeadBishop on July 04, 2008, 12:45:24 AM
I moved the topic since it went from a question to a discussion.  Our team of moderators are currently discussing and trying to decide if this idea will be a good fit for our online community.
Title: Tips for surviving Pennsic -from multiple sources.
Post by: DonaCatalina on July 04, 2008, 08:12:22 AM
Take no more than the cooler's worth of canned/pkged goods
Paper plates are god's gift to the cleanup crew, especially in the morning
when you want to get to the battlefield or to a class.
One large candle lantern and two small candle lanterns are sufficient
Freeze a couple of jugs of water ( less a cup or so) and take enough quick
fix food for a quick meal upon camp set up
Take a dozen clothespins -- close chip bags and many other uses
Ants find cereal boxes irresistable: the Seringeti is one giant ant hill. It is cooler to camp down in the valley, but it's a long hike uphill to where all the shopping and food is.
Take a least a dozen 2 " safety pins -- clothing repairs, tent repairs, ad
nauseum

Take a walking staff- the ground is uneven from old firepits and sump holes,
the parking lot is a minefield of gopher holes
Take lots of garbage bags

Eat lunch at the food court, don't cook lunch most days -- you can grab a
snack between classes - heck most days you might not have to cook at all.

Abstain from dubious brews at large parties -- " Sea Water" " Blue Smurf
P!$$", " Ansteorran Death Wish", the infamous "Strawberry Surprise" ,etc.

A matress cover made out of polar fleece sounds hot, but it won't absorb water the same way that cotton sheets will. You'll sleep a lot drier.
Title: Re: Wars (Pennsic, Estrella, Potrero, Great Western)
Post by: solaris on July 04, 2008, 08:33:58 AM
They stopped having fun throwing the pants party, it became too much of a chore. The green fairy party is going to be held by the same camp as usual but I tend to ignore that one as i find the taste of absinth repulsive. I can't handel camping on the getti I stick to the swamp.
Title: Re: Wars (Pennsic, Estrella, Potrero, Great Western)
Post by: Abbot Bubo on July 05, 2008, 03:48:35 PM
Unfortunately, I'm out on the west coast (Las Vegas) and neither myself nor anyone from any of my clans will be attending Pennsic.  However, we're planning on getting a caravan together for next year.  Most of us have never been to Pennsic but keep hearing about how fun it is...please keep posting updates about it and any info/suggestions you might have for us in regards to next year.  We're hoping to get about 20 of us to make the journey cross country.  We'll be attending fall Potrero War in September and Great Western War in October.  If anyone will be attending either, please let me know.  I'm the founder of the Holy Order of the Monastery of the Spoon, a member of Brazen Thunder and also the kingdom of Novis Principium.  I am friends with House Leviathan whom we camp with at Potrero War. 
Title: Re: Wars (Pennsic, Estrella, Potrero, Great Western)
Post by: DonaCatalina on July 06, 2008, 09:53:37 AM
Estrella War (http://www.estrellawar.org/ESTRELLAWAR.aspx) might be a better choice for those of you on the west coast. It's 200 some odd days away. But that's just more time for planning.
While it's not as big or well known as Pennsic, many people find it more fun because it's more laid back.
Title: Re: Wars (Pennsic, Estrella, Potrero, Great Western)
Post by: Abbot Bubo on July 06, 2008, 04:39:08 PM
Estrella War is a blast...I've been the past few years...next year is Estrella XXV, we're trying to get as many people to go as possible.  May was my first Potrero and we're planning on going to the Fall Potrero as well.  We're torn between Great Western War and Vegas Faire as they coincide this year. 
Title: Re: Tips for surviving Pennsic -from multiple sources.
Post by: Margrett on July 07, 2008, 10:14:08 PM
Quote from: DonaCatalina on July 04, 2008, 08:12:22 AM
Take no more than the cooler's worth of canned/pkged goods
. . .

Thanks for the advice! Some of it is already on my list/notes, but I didn't think to put clothespins on the list. Luckily, I'm not in the Serengeti, though I'll have lots of walking. I'm in E19, next to the lake (assuming we don't get moved).

I'm already planning my classes--I am SOO looking forward to this!

Margrett
Title: Re: Tips for surviving Pennsic -from multiple sources.
Post by: Synikul on July 08, 2008, 01:02:04 AM
Quote from: Margrett on July 07, 2008, 10:14:08 PM
Quote from: DonaCatalina on July 04, 2008, 08:12:22 AM
Take no more than the cooler's worth of canned/pkged goods
Paper plates are god's gift to the cleanup crew, especially in the morning
when you want to get to the battlefield or to a class.
One large candle lantern and two small candle lanterns are sufficient
Freeze a couple of jugs of water ( less a cup or so) and take enough quick
fix food for a quick meal upon camp set up
Take a dozen clothespins -- close chip bags and many other uses
Ants find cereal boxes irresistable: the Seringeti is one giant ant hill. It is cooler to camp down in the valley, but it's a long hike uphill to where all the shopping and food is.
Take a least a dozen 2 " safety pins -- clothing repairs, tent repairs, ad
nauseum

Take a walking staff- the ground is uneven from old firepits and sump holes,
the parking lot is a minefield of gopher holes
Take lots of garbage bags

Eat lunch at the food court, don't cook lunch most days -- you can grab a
snack between classes - heck most days you might not have to cook at all.

Abstain from dubious brews at large parties -- " Sea Water" " Blue Smurf
P!$$", " Ansteorran Death Wish", the infamous "Strawberry Surprise" ,etc.

A matress cover made out of polar fleece sounds hot, but it won't absorb water the same way that cotton sheets will. You'll sleep a lot drier.


Thanks for the advice! Some of it is already on my list/notes, but I didn't think to put clothespins on the list. Luckily, I'm not in the Serengeti, though I'll have lots of walking. I'm in E19, next to the lake (assuming we don't get moved).

I'm already planning my classes--I am SOO looking forward to this!

Margrett

I'm in E19 too, right next door to Pentwyvern. It's worth the walking to have shade, and the best parties are in the swamp anyway.
Title: Re: Tips for surviving Pennsic -from multiple sources.
Post by: Margrett on July 08, 2008, 06:20:34 AM
Quote from: Synikul on July 08, 2008, 01:02:04 AM

I'm in E19 too, right next door to Pentwyvern. It's worth the walking to have shade, and the best parties are in the swamp anyway.

I'm in Tengusanji with Kuji.
Title: Re: Wars (Pennsic, Estrella, Potrero, Great Western)
Post by: solaris on July 09, 2008, 04:43:01 AM
Right around the corner E27.
Title: Re: Wars (Pennsic, Estrella, Potrero, Great Western)
Post by: Aiacha on July 11, 2008, 08:46:24 PM
I'm up the hill at E18 (August Moon).
Title: Re: Wars (Pennsic, Estrella, Potrero, Great Western)
Post by: Aiacha on August 11, 2008, 09:12:04 AM
Back and in one piece, mostly!  I'll post a link to my pictures as soon as I get them up for those who couldn't make it.

[edit]Here's a link to my pictures...  http://www.flickr.com/photos/alynk30/sets/72157606677921453

Short version, the weather was wonderful, War points were all messed up thanks to Conrad, King of the East, had a good time  :)
Title: Re: Wars (Pennsic, Estrella, Potrero, Great Western)
Post by: MLady on February 18, 2009, 09:48:31 PM
I'm just wondering if anyone on here is planning on going to the Pennsic Wars #38. Or on an SCA note perhaps from the Kingdom of Ealdormere or the Shire of Trinovantia Nova?
Title: Re: Wars (Pennsic, Estrella, Potrero, Great Western)
Post by: Margrett on February 18, 2009, 11:43:34 PM
I'll be going to my first Pennsic in 2009. I had planned to go last year but had to cancel for various reasons. I'm camping down at Willow Point.

Margrett
Title: Re: Wars (Pennsic, Estrella, Potrero, Great Western)
Post by: sealion on February 19, 2009, 06:12:00 AM
I am planning to go for the first time this year. (I am very new to the SCA.) I would be with the group from the Barony of Andelcrag.
Title: Re: Wars (Pennsic, Estrella, Potrero, Great Western)
Post by: Aiacha on February 19, 2009, 07:39:36 AM
I think I'll be taking a break this year.  If things go as planned, I'll be way too busy with big plans for DragonCon.  I broke the news to my campmates last night, but I warned them last year.

I will gladly answer questions for the newbies though.  :)
Title: Re: Wars (Pennsic, Estrella, Potrero, Great Western)
Post by: solaris on February 19, 2009, 08:39:25 PM
I will be there with mead in hand and sleeping till noon or later. I camp in the swamp the only place you can sleep past sunrise and right in the heart of the parties.
Title: Re: Wars (Pennsic, Estrella, Potrero, Great Western)
Post by: solaris on June 27, 2009, 09:29:56 AM
Less than a month to go and still so much to do.
Title: Re: Wars (Pennsic, Estrella, Potrero, Great Western)
Post by: Margrett on June 28, 2009, 11:03:46 PM
I know what you mean! I have new chemises to sew, repairs to do on older garb, period-style socks to buy, and a remade outfit to finish. And I can't start that until I finish my Bristol Ren Faire outfits in time for costume approval next weekend (but my Bristol outfits are also being used for Pennsic).

Margrett
Title: Re: Wars (Pennsic, Estrella, Potrero, Great Western)
Post by: sealion on June 29, 2009, 07:26:49 AM
It dawned on me yesterday that I only have a month left to finish my sewing projects!
they include:
3 more linen tunics for hubby
2 linen coifs for hubby
Another Campi style dress for me
2 partlets
2 Roman tunica
Roman Palla

I also have a table like this on my to-do list:
(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v680/HappyStamper/TableLegs.jpg)
Title: Re: Wars (Pennsic, Estrella, Potrero, Great Western)
Post by: solaris on July 19, 2009, 08:19:43 PM
still working on things and need to get the oil changed.
Title: Re: Wars (Pennsic, Estrella, Potrero, Great Western)
Post by: sealion on July 19, 2009, 08:40:45 PM
I've finished hubby's garb and one tunica/chiton and a palla for me.
I've decided that I don't need another Campi dress.
Hubby finished a pair of knock-down chests today and I gave them a beeswax finish.
Will work on the table legs tomorrow.
Still need to do two parlets and one more tunica/chiton.
Title: Re: Wars (Pennsic, Estrella, Potrero, Great Western)
Post by: Alphena Brennafax on August 08, 2009, 01:08:09 PM
I'm thinking about going to Great Western this year. It's a bit of a last minute thing so there are only a few of our camp going. Any advice on the best spot for a newbie camp? I certainly don't want to allocate for a space that is usually taken by the "regular" camps.
Are they any spots that are typically unoccupied?
I welcome any other advice anyone has.
Great Western is miles away from my usual potrero war so I'm a little intimidated.  :-[
Title: Re: Wars (Pennsic, Estrella, Potrero, Great Western)
Post by: Aiacha on May 03, 2010, 07:40:08 AM
Alright Ladies and Gents, it's Pennsic planning time again!  I'm going this year (have my plane tickets on Continental/United/Whatever but not yet pre-reg'ed) and was wondering if I missed anything huge last year that will effect me this coming year?

This year I actually have slighty more period garb, having made some tunics for Sherwood.  I need to work on another set, I think, and whatever else needs to be done.  I'm actually heading to the parent's house in a few weekends (for a surprise birthday party for my grandmother...her 90th!) and if the weather is good I plan to break out the tent and waterproof it.
Title: Re: Wars (Pennsic, Estrella, Potrero, Great Western)
Post by: Aiacha on July 08, 2010, 01:03:03 PM
Grrraaaaaaarrrrr...Thread Necromancy!

Thought I would bump this up as it is in just less than a month!  Yikes!  No more sewing than the tunic already done, though I have a few things planned.  (heh, I really ought to get moving on them)  I'd like to throw together a new skirt and maybe even a bog dress in the next few weekends.  Theme color this year...brown!

Oh, and I'm dieting cause I need to be sure the skirts I have actually fit!!!
Title: Re: Wars (Pennsic, Estrella, Potrero, Great Western)
Post by: DonaCatalina on July 08, 2010, 03:42:53 PM
My sister is going to Pennsic. She'll be camping in the eastern area. Don't expect to see much of her though. She will be hanging in camp wearing her chitons and watching the Greeks come and go.
map (http://www.pennsic.net/maps/)
(http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3217/3153531742_33e4163432.jpg)
(http://farm1.static.flickr.com/16/21003667_93e4df4c13.jpg?v=0)
Title: Re: Wars (Pennsic, Estrella, Potrero, Great Western)
Post by: Mairte on July 09, 2010, 07:11:22 AM
Hopefully there will be a big group of us going to Pennsic next year.Sigh. It would have been our first this year but plans diverged.
Title: Re: Wars (Pennsic, Estrella, Potrero, Great Western)
Post by: Aiacha on July 09, 2010, 10:13:10 AM
I'm planning on going next year (40th Pennsic) and I'm tempting a certain someone and the certain someone's someone on going as well...