LAN ESSENTIALS

[Golem]

Please check everything in the list below to ensure your own experience is as smooth as possible. We recommend performing the action list just before you pack away your PC, mostly to ensure you have the latest Steam updates. Although we have now made efforts to provide a limited internet connection from the venue, we cannot assure it will work throughout the whole event - we've already had our teething problems in this regard. Despite the presence of a net connection, which allows for Steam authentication, please make sure that all your games will play whilst you are disconnected from the Internet BEFORE you pack up your PC.

• Action list
  • Steam games such as TF2, HL2:DM and L4D should be run in offline mode to minimise any hassle. Make sure you are familiar with this mode.
    • While connected to the internet run any Steam games you'll want to run at the LAN, such as Trackmania Nations Forever and Half Life 2 Multiplayer. If there are any updates, allow them to complete. The most important thing is to make sure you can run the game(s) as this indicates all updates are completed.
    • Quit Steam.
    • Open your network properties and disable the connection providing net access. Or pull the network connection from the back of your PC, whichever you prefer.
    • Start Steam. It should go into offline mode fairly soon.
    • Now run those games again, ensuring you can do such things as playing single-player and starting listen servers.
• What to bring:
  • Your computer (if it isn't yours then ask the owner's permission before borrowing it)
  • Monitor
  • Power cables for the above (obvious but they've been forgotten in the past)
  • Keyboard
  • Mouse
  • Joystick or other gaming controller (if you have one or need one)
  • An installed and working network card or onboard NIC with an RJ45 type connector. There may be some spare but please ask us in advance.
  • Patch Lead (We do have plenty but you can bring one just to be sure. You never know, we may run out!)
  • Headset. No speakers are permitted.
  • Mains adaptor (4-way minimum) - enough for your PC, monitor, and whatever else you bring requiring power. You will not be allowed to use the same adapters from which our own important hardware is powered.
  • Game CDs, even if you don't need them to play. You never know when you need to re-install.
  • System and operating system CDs (in case something dreadful happens and you need to reformat/reinstall)
  • Appropriate clothing to last the duration of the event: bring stuff for any weather - we never know what the building environmental controls will be set to!
  • Deodorant (please?!)
  • Shower gel and/or soap (To wash with of course, though note that unfortunately there are no showers at the venue)
  • Razor (if applicable)
  • Shaving foam (if applicable)
  • Your own towels
  • Toothbrush and toothpaste
  • Bedding: Inflatable mattress or roll mat along with a sleeping bag and a pillow. Double sized beds may be deflated by angry people trying to find some space to sleep!
  • Munchies: an absolute must. A Co-Op is nearby however.
  • Optionally, a tent. Not a bad idea if you fancy an undisturbed night sleep.
• And here's the list of games we consider essential to get the most out of LlamaLAN XII:
  • F.E.A.R. Combat (http://projectorigin.warnerbros.com/fearcombat/main) or F.E.A.R. retail (Big 1v1 Solo Tournament). If running Combat, you'll need your own key gained via the page linked above. DO THIS BEFORE THE LAN.
  • Half Life 2 Team Deathmatch (Big Tournament)
  • Left 4 Dead (Big Tournament)
  • Team Fortress 2 (Clan Tournament)
  • DEFCON (Clan Tournament)
  • Armagetron Advanced 0.2.8.2.1 (Big Tournament - and Free!)
  • Trackmania Nations Forever - Latest Steam version (Likely to be played - and Free!)

Where To Find Us
The event is taking place in hall of the 41st Medway Scout. It's address is:

The Scout Hut
Mafeking Road
Walderslade
Chatham
Kent
ME5 9HG

Grid Ref:TQ757631

Lat: 51:20:25N (51.3403)
Lon: 0:31:21E (0.5225)

Here's a Google Map link with the venue location and details on some shops, supermarkets and takeaways nearby. If you go into arial view, you'll see the roof of the scout hut.

Here's another map to help you find the venue by road.

Info on surrounding services will be physically available at the event venue near the door.

Please ensure you know exactly where you're going and how you're getting here. If you still need a lift, arrange it in advance. Post in the Transport forum and request transport from an agreed meeting point. If you're coming by train, we should be able to arrange pickup from Chatham's train station.

All the best in your travels - hope to see you there.

[king_clueless]

Thanks for that Golem. I've been to LANs before but it's nice to have a check list and the confirmation of no showers will have to be investigated.

I'm a member of LA Fitness and there's one down the road I've found out. I'll be popping down there to freshen up for sure

Any idea on food in and around the area? I take it pizza orders will happen but anything else on the menu?

Needless to say I'll be bring a shed load of Coca-Cola, sweets and crisps to keep me going

[Golem]

Check the Google map link in the top post king_clueless, you'll see where the takeouts and the co-op is, not 5 mins by car, 15 mins by foot.

[king_clueless]

DOH! Living up to my name on this forum I am sigh

Note to self. Either post on a forum or save destinations on Google maps but don't do both at the same time donut lolz

Cheers Golum