We love seeing immersive, In Character (IC) camps in field, but it can be a confusing place to start if you’ve not done tried it before.
This guide will walk you through what we consider appropriate for IC camping at Jaeger.
Base Camp
If you’re camping in the IC field, your tent and gear should support the visual aesthetic of the setting as much as reasonably possible.
Tents
We recommend the following style of tents for camping in Base Camp:
- Bell tents
- Ridge tents
- Patrol tents
- Toureg tents
- Inflatable safari-style tents
- All should be of a neutral or dark colour. For example, ridge tents can come in bright green which is not suitable.
- Modern guy lines and pegs are no issue, as they tend to make it easier to see them at night, especially if brightly coloured. OF course, being more authentic with your rope and pegs is welcomed too!
Buying tents like this brand new is often expensive, keep an eye out for ex-hire sales and second hand tents. UK LARP Kit on Facebook often has listings for second hand IC tents.
Lighting
Lighting is a key component to creating an immersive environment. Whilst we’ll have the warm glow of camp fires, this should be the only use of open flame when lighting your IC space.
Instead, look into solar and battery lights to illuminate your tents, gazebos and awnings. For example:
- Solar festoon lighting, to drape across awnings and tent exteriors.
- Interior bell tent chandeliers, which hold LED tea lights.
- Battery powered hurricane lanterns (garden centres often sell these for a good price!)
- LED pillar candles.
There are creators out there who work on creating more magical pieces, like glowing crystal (very thematic for Jaeger) and other items. Make sure to look around at LARP traders and adjacent shops to see what you may be able to find.
Tables, Chairs & Self Catering Options
Most camping chairs and tables are very recognisably modern, but with some simple covering they can fit in much better:
- Cover modern tables with table cloths and runners in neutral colours, even a blanket will work in a pinch. Most charity shops will carry some very cheap table cloths you can buy. Do not stress too much about covering metal/plastic legs, as long as the top is covered.
- Drape cloaks, blankets, or neutral-toned fabric over camping chairs to hide bright modern seat covers.
- Avoid leaving plastic coolers, plastic bottles and cans in sight during time in; stash these under tables or within tents when not in use.
One note however, is that OC cooking equipment is perfectly acceptable to have out in the open. If you’re self catering, your need to eat is more important than an hour of full immersion in your corner of the camp. If you’re worried it may be too intrusive, you can get screens for camp gas cookers which help shield them from the wind, which will also shield them from the rest of camp.
If you’d like to go down a more traditional route for cooking, you can look to cook over open flames in the appropriate fire bowl/altar as permitted by the site the event is held at. This can include items such as a cast iron tripod and pot over a fire.
Check in with blacksmiths such as Black Kettle Workshop and Firehound Forge if you want something more bespoke and handmade, otherwise, you can find suitable options from bell tent suppliers and even some garden and outdoor shops – just remember, what you pay for is usually what you get!
If you’re unsure whether something looks too modern, a good rule of thumb is: if it wouldn’t look out of place in a re-enactment village or fantasy movie scene, you’re probably fine!
Final Thoughts
We’re not here to police every tent peg and chair! Our goal is to create a visually rich space that supports immersion for everyone. If you’re unsure whether your setup works for the IC area, please feel free to contact us.
And remember! Respect other people’s IC spaces, anyone who makes an IC set up has done so to enrich theirs and your game so please when entering another player’s IC space, leave it as you found it.