“So you want to go earning your keep with your sword, and you think that it can’t be too hard.  And you dream of becoming some a hero or lord with your praises sung out by some bard.  Well now let me then venture to give you advice, and when all of my lecture is done.  We will see if my words have made you think twice about weather adventuring is fun.”

 

 

First, there are some things that EVERY adventurer will need. 

 

Backpack,  not absolutely necessary, but highly recommended if you don’t have someone to carry your stuff for you.  Adventures need a lot of stuff and you’ll need someplace to put it.

 

Belt,  whether to hang a sword from, or just to keep your pants up, a but is a REQUIRMENT for all adventurers.  At the very least it will keep your friend from bleeding to death if he’s wounded.

 

Rations,  depending on how much you spend, they will keep for different lengths of time.  I recommend keeping at least one day of food with you at all times.  You have to eat while traveling between towns, and you may be traveling all day or more.  You’ll travel better on with a settled stomach, just be careful not to over eat, for a full belly founders the mind.

 

Water skin,  same as above.

 

Bedding,  also not absolutely necessary, but adventuring in winter could be HELL with out it.  You should never have to use it, but it’s nice to know its there if you end up stranded somewhere.  It might be able to double as a cloak in bad weather.

 

Candle, torch, or lantern.  I recommend lanterns, they are small, and the oil makes a handy weapon in a clutch.  Torches can double as a club.  But candles don’t take up much room.  The choice is up to you, once again, not absolutely nessisary, but highly recommended.

 

Tinder box, including flint.  It doesn’t take up much room.  I think you know what it’s for.

 

Knife, is all but required.  Everyone will have a knife, at least for eating.  There are always times when it will come in handy.

 

Whetstone, is also all but REQUIRED.  Not just for taking the dings out of your weapons, but also for your knife.

 

 

Now, warriors will also need their own equipment.

 

Shield, it’s the only thing that separates a warrior any other pup with a sword.  Even if you’re using a two handed weapon, you can always use a buckler.

 

Your weapon, of course.  A warrior wouldn’t be a warrior with out it.  Swords are traditional, and for good reason, they are very effective weapons.  Which is also why they are the most likely to be enchanted.  I highly recommend them.  When choosing which sword to go with, most people end up with one too long for them.  Longer is not always better.  A longer sword does have longer reach, but it’s not as agile.  I’ve seen mediocre fighters switch to a sword just a couple inches shorter and become a real threat.  I’ve never seen a mediocre fighter improve from switching to a longer weapon.  A couple inches one way or the other can greatly improve or hinder your fighting,  so take your time, try them out for a while, then choose.

 

Armor, a thick plate of steel between your vital organs and your opponent’s weapon is always desirable.  Yes it’s hot, yes it’s heavy, but you need it.  I don’t care how good you are, you’re going to get hit.  The armor will make sure that the hit doesn’t take you out of this world before the medic can get to you.  Even just cloth padding around your torso will increase your chance of survival.  There is no excuse for not having at least a padded vest.

 

 

Priests have their own equipment.

 

Holy Symbol, it’s a component for nearly ever spell a priest casts.  I recommend something at least as large as your palm, loosing a holy symbol is not only embarrassing, but expensive.  If you wear it around your neck, make sure there are no weak joints, and a sturdy chain.

 

Armor,  if your deity allows it.  as much as you are allowed.  Even a man of peace has enemies.  Not protecting yourself is just stupid.

 

 

Mages don’t need much, but that they need is important.

 

Spell book,  the most important thing they carry.  They are unable to cast spells without it.  It’s specially treated paper and ink are resistant to most damage.  The wizard’s spell book is a treasure beyond compare.  It is the heart of the wizards abilities.

 

Spell components,  the things wizards use to cast spells.

 

Spell bag, not an absolute requirement, but highly recommended.  Wizards need to be able to reach specific components, often at a moment’s notice.  Thus it should have a large opening, and usually a shoulder strap so it can hang readily at the wizards hip.  Wizards carry a lot of component’s especially as their repertoire of spells increases, the bag must be big enough to allow easy access.  Also recommended is several divided pouches to low the wizard to simply reach in and grab the correct spell component without hunting and groping through it, or having to stop and look.  A well designed spell book can turn a good wizard into an effective wizard.

 

 

Irregulars have no actual recommended equipment, except to say that they should get every piece of miscellaneous equipment they can find.  If it could be useful at any time, get it.  You should spend expect to spend at least 50 gold on your equipment, not including arms and armor.  Though don’t underestimate the power of a gold to the right person at the right time.  As an irregular you have very few skills that will aid you in adventuring.  In all likelihood, you shouldn’t be here and will be dead after your first battle.  Do what ever it takes to make sure you can beat the odds.

 

 

 

Rations (1 day)                        Styrofoam food container

Wineskin                                 water bottle

Bedding                                   blanket/sheet/heavy cloth that can get dirty

Candle                                     candle

Torch                                       foam club with red cloth if lit

Lantern                                    flashlight (don’t forget to light)

Oil flask                                  foam “soda can”

Tinder box                               any small container with dark rock and grass/leaves/bark

Knife                                       foam “throwing knife”

Whetstone                                large smooth rock

 

Holy symbol                            Figure something out

 

Spell book                               any book, write your spell information in it

                                                Note book, spiral or otherwise

                                                Very long, narrow strip of paper taped to a dowel or pencil.                                                              Tied back with yarn/twine/cloth

Spell components                    defined by spell

Spell bag                                 large purse/cloth/canvas bag

 

lock picks                                tiny screwdriver (eyeglass repair kit)