The weather is hot and suddenly our friends are beginning to talk about beating each other with sticks. It must be time for Pennsic! For those of us who have been to "War" before, this time of the year is like going home. It's the eagerly awaited vacation we've longed for during the cold winter months. For first-timers, however, the thought of preparing for a two-week-long, medieval camping event can be somewhat overwhelming. We know. We've been there! Hopefully, the following pages will ease the anxiety somewhat.