A character card which lists your current skills and other pertinent information is provided. You will get a new card for every event in order to keep this information accurate and up to date. This allows you, other characters, and the game marshals to keep track of your abilities should any disputes arise.

You are given a key ring. On this ring you will place the Armor Point tags, Body point tags and other tags that keep track of your spells and your current status.

You then have to get your weapon checked. Even players who go to every event have to get their weapons checked; weapons do break down and become unsafe. If your weapon is approved, you are given a safety tag that is taped onto your weapon. Weapons are soft "boffer" weapons. They are basically PVC piping covered with foam rubber, with very soft ends. No one has ever been seriously injured using these things -- a game of football is more dangerous than combat. Players either make their own weapons or buy them from the town blacksmith.
Next, you are given a cabin assignment. You put on a white headband (signifying that you are "out-of-game") and carry your bedding and other equipment to your room. You then get into your costume.

One thing you notice is that everyone in the game wears a costume. It is amazing how good some of the costumes are. The type of clothes you are wearing can also help with your armor class. The more armor you wear (and the better made it is) the more points of protection you will have. We're talking real armor here -- a cloth shirt designed to look like chain mail will not get you the points you would get for real chain mail.

The game begins. You make sure you're carrying all your tags, and then you step out into the night.

Read more about the first night in the perspective of a new player.