Confessions of a Game-Mistress

Planning for the con is crucial for enjoying it.

That being said, if you’ve thought out what you should generally bring, you can pick up and go with very little notice. The next few posts in this topic will be my list of stuff for packing, and my tips on why.

First, there’s the Bag That Doesn’t Unpack. How often have you made it to a trip/weekend/convention/camping trip and found you missed an essential piece of toiletries that made your trip irritating? What’s it worth to you to never have that experience again? At least $20? Then hit your favorite discount/clearance store, and put all these things in your favorite suitcase. Don’t count on your ability to remember them when you’re all excited about meeting your favorite author, or playing the latest round of Xen’drik Adventures.

1. Soap, deodorant (heavy duty, it’s a Con, for heaven’s sake), shampoo, conditioner, hairspray (if you use it).

2. Hairbrush/comb, elastic hairbands if you need them.

3. Toothpaste, toothbrush, floss, mouthwash.

4. Fingernail clippers and file. Even you guys. You say you don’t need ‘em, until you’re bugging the ladies for ‘em on Saturday. I’m usually the lady you’re bugging, so I know.

That’s the minimum, and it should never be unpacked at home except to restock it. If you leave it in the suitcase you carry, it’ll get to the con with you. And for heaven’s sake, USE THEM AT THE CON! Don’t be stinky. Cons are places full of excited, sweaty people, many of whom are in heavy costumes or who haven’t budged from a gaming table in hours. If the question occurs to you, “Could I use a shower?”, always assume the answer is yes.

That’s it for part one. Join us for part two, where we continue the discussion of your suitcase and your con.