LlamaLAN

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 - all too often we're left with people who cannot access their Steam games because of this. 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, L4D and DIPRIP 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/router/modem, 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... it does happen and this time it could be YOU!)
  • 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! Maybe even bring a couple of changes. You're there for the weekend after all.
  • Going in outfit suited to the theme? Don't forget to pack your gas masks, trenchcoats and jaw bones.
  • 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 to pitch on the grass outside. 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 XIV 'Beyond LlamaDome':
  • Warsow (1v1 Double Elim and Big Team scoring): http://www.warsow.net/?page=download
  • Unreal Tournament 2004 (1v1 Double Elim and Big Team scoring)
  • Team Fortress 2 (Big Team Game, Friday)
  • D.I.P.R.I.P. Warm Up (Big Team Game, Saturday)
  • Left 4 Dead 2 (Clan 4v4)
  • Dawn of War (Clan 2v2)
  • Half Life 2 Team Deathmatch (Likely to be played)
  • Armagetron Advanced 0.2.8.2.1 (Very likely to be played, and Free!)
  • Trackmania Nations Forever - Latest Steam version (Likely to be played - and again Free!)
  • Quake 3 Arena (Likely to be played)

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.

We'll try to provide printed info on surrounding services 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, but again we should know in advance so we know how to contact eachother.

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