Welcome!

This post is primarily for players who are either new to paintball in general, or new or relatively to scenario paintball specifically.

1) New players:
First, let me say that new scenario players are a wonderful thing. They represent growth in this hobby, and with that, the future of the sport in general. Scenario paintball is now the fastest growing aspect of paintball overall, and for me personally, I can see why....it's going back to paintball's roots, those fantastic games of yesteryear, where players roamed vast tracts of woods, with no time limits, hiding and hunting and sniping at the other team, rushing forward in massed charges to take a critical location, and then clinging to it desperately, trying to hold off counterattack. Stealth, tactics, surprise, and manuever are once again the name of the game.
New players are the most energetic, enthusiastic, and downright fun type of players. Welcome!

2) On arrival:
When you arrive at the field, there will be a before you a vast cleared area, probably already half full of pop-up campers, tents, cars, trucks, tarps, smoking fires, and people milling around, like some vast woodstock-like scene. This is good. What a snapshot of humanity.....
Find an empty spot that isn't roped off for a particular purpose (vendors, movie area, concessions), and pitch camp. Or, do like I do, just hang around, and then go into town for a hotel room.
The majority of people camp, if the weather is cooperative, and you get more out of the whole experience if you do.
Pay attention to wind direction and smoke, if you don't like breathing it all weekend, and be courteous to others. Please drive slowly in and out, and don't run over people or gear.

3) Go meet people!
Strike up a conversation. You'll never find friendlier people this side of a natural disaster. Now you have new aquaintences.
If you didn't know anyone when you arrived, it doesn't matter...I'm a one-man team myself, but never let that bother me.

4) Help! (Off the field)
If you need help or assistance, just ask someone. I've helped folks park, pitch tents, find toliets, given directions, pointed out people, and found lost children in the past, and pretty much everyone else is the same.

5) Be prepared:
Organize your stuff before you leave home, as it will save you time and frustration at the field. Check and change batteries then, not 5 minutes before game on. Bring tools for your markers, and cleaning supplies for your mask, glasses, and whatever else.
While the field has no swampy areas, the creek often has several inches of water in it, so bring extra shoes/socks if you expect you might get yours wet (running in wet shoes and socks produces HUGE blisters).
Resist the urge to wear work or combat boots and the like....they are designed for hiking or standing, not running, crawling, or sprinting, and you feet will thank you.
Bug repellent is good to have, especially during the warmer parts of the year. Although not fierce in the past, or nearly as bad as some other fields I've been to, I have seen ticks and mosquitos.
Don't have something you need desperately? Forgot something? It happens to everyone. Ask someone to borrow it. Just remember where you got it, and bring it back.

4) Family atmosphere:
24hour games runs a pretty PG game, with emphasis on safety, honor, sportsmanship, courtesy, mutual respect, and fun.
It's what has made them my favorite producer of games, and my favorite field, and I've been playing longer than many younger players have been alive.
Please keep this in mind and do as you would have others do.
Play stand-up ball, and expect the same in return.
Take it easy...it's just a friendly game.

5) Drink a lot!
Seriously, dehydration can be a big problem on the field, and even off, especially March through October. It's hot and humid, and combined with several hours of intense exhertion, you can easily find yourself suffering heat prostration or worse. As there is no running water at the field presently, bring a boatload with you, and DRINK IT. Even the earliest symptoms of dehydration slow you down and rob you mind of the ability to make quick, correct decisions, so if for no other reason, drink plenty to keep your game sharp.
Consider a camelback or similar for use on the field, since you won't be able to take off your mask to drink....

6) Safety:
Masks on all the time, on the field. Barrel cover on, at all times, off the field. Seriously, I cannot stress this enough.
Don't take your mask off (repeat ad-nauseum). We still see people popping off their masks for various reasons. Don't.
You can come into your team's netted in CP area if you have a problem that needs addressing, and safely remove your mask there, or just walk off the field.
A good mask makes all the difference between a great weekend and a cruddy one, so it better be comfortable for prolonged wear.
The CP's are small, crowded, and hectic, so this is sort of a last resort (they only hold about 5-6 people, plus refs, staff, and the like). We ask that you please don't spend much time there.

7) Help! (on the field)
On the field, and need help? Have a question? Lost something?
Find one of the brightly colored referrees, or your team's XO, and let 'em know. Please don't bother your poor team general, as they have a lot to do as it is.

8) What to do:
Hook up with experienced players, and accompany them. Do what they do. Or just do your own thing. It's all very flexible, with teams having little in the way of actual structure or organization. Players wander on and off the field all weekend long. Go take a break, eat something, have a rest, whatever you need.
Remember that shooting other players is fun, but that ultimately, the game is decided based on points.

9) Pwn'd:
I often see players with various fancified "space guns", obviously fresh off the speedball field somewhere. Scenario play is a bit different than what these guys and gals have become accustomed to. While throwing long ropes of paint at 20+ balls per second is impressive, ultimately, you're burning nearly a $1 every second. In a 5-10 minute game, that's okay. But in a 24 hour affair, you're already on your way home. Use some military sense. Conserve your ammo.

10) Surrender:
Barrel tags and surrender. If you get the drop on someone, sneak up behind them, and are only a few feet away, consider just barrel tagging the player instead of shooting them. Or ask them to surrender. Seriously, not only is in the rules, but in the other player's shoes, I'd appreciate it immensely.
If you hear "Surrender" from behind you, just surrender, okay? You're doing both parties a favor. I've felt lousy all day from having to shoot the guy that turned around and tried to shoot me instead of just surrendering. And I know it didn't feel very good for him, either.
Being eliminated is not the be all and end all...you'll be back playing in 15 minutes.

A little common sense and courtesy goes a heck of a long way.

That's all for now. If you have any questions, feel free to post 'em here, and pass this info along to those who didn't read it on the forums.

In the past, I've always tried to encourage players to consider "playing" at the theme a bit.
A little costuming and a little roleplaying can add a lot of spice to scenario games, even if only on the part of a few people.
Most folks never give this much thought, but I'd like to mention it again, since for for many games, playing along with the "theme" of the game can be pretty darn easy.
Watch appropriate movies or play appropriate video games. Get in the mood.

For example, at a recent WW2 game, we showed "Saving Private Ryan" on Friday night, before the game, on a big screen, to help you get in the mood.
As 24hourgames runs themed scenario games, getting into the theme really enhances the overall experience, for both yourself and the other players. A simple costume and a little theatrics can go a long way towards this.
For example, at a WW2 game, consider wearing some khaki or olive drab attire if you plan to play as an American.
Consider wearing some grey or greenish-grey attire if you plan to be German.
It can be a simple as a T-shirt or plastic helmet, or as elaborate as you like.

Practice some stock phrases, or a bad accent. Achtung! Schnell!

Get angry about the bombing of your family and homeland. Toss some stick grenades around. Eat some brats and swill some beer, and stand by to repel "zee Amerikannnerz"

Or....

Call the German players Krauts. Bum a smoke. Complain about the chow. Don't shave. Clean your grease gun, and talk about being home by Christmas a lot.

You get the idea. Just something to think about.

I can often help anyone with appropriate and cheap costume tips. Don't hesitate to ask.

Very good post Fallout, as usual .

I agree with #10, whole heartedly. If you hear someone ask you to surrender and it sounded like it came from someone who is fairly close........it's easier to just raise your hands and agree. Don't try to turn and face the person, first. In the heat of the battle, I'll always give the opportunity to surrender (if I'm real close) but if you turn (without raising your hands/gun, first)......I'm going to assume your trying to shoot me. Then I'll fire.

I prefer, not to inflict close quarter pain, and hope others are willing to offer the same opportunities.

Sorry about the long post. Yes, I do get a bit long winded sometimes.
No one is making you read it, though.
Thanks for the support, guys.

If you're used to combat boots, and they're broken in, just stick with them.
My advice was primarily for first timers....if you're not used to boots, and they're not well broken in, you're in for a miserable weekend on your feet.

Old tennis shoes, preferably in a dark color, would be my suggestion, and even after all these years, still my choice. You're lighter and more nimble on your feet in them, they are just as comfortable, if not more so, and virtually everyone has an old pair just sitting around somewhere, without spending any money.

Very informitive post fallout. Hope you put as much energy into the game as you do in your post. Just kidding. I do have one question. I know that the teams are made up already. But is it pretty equal as in experienced players to the game. I myself and my brother are new to this. We will have alot of questions and would like to have some help. I know that it will be pretty fair since 24 isnt new to this.

No problem man - ask all the "new guy" questions you want. That's what we're here for!

I should have all of the pre-deadline postmarked mail in by tomorrow at the latest. I'll take a hard look at where we stand, experience-wise, and tailor how I assign people (walk-ons) to sides as they come in. The sides are only set with those that have pre-registered. We typically have TWICE as many folks at the game as that pre-register, so it is by no means "set" yet. With the advent of the online RSVP/Registration form, we DID get a bunch of folks that just told us they were coming instead of pre-registering. That will likely have a downward effect on the pre-reg/walk-on ratio above - but we most likely expect 75%-100% more players that what's pre-registered to this point, or about 325+- players.

If one side is less experienced, I'll go into "check-in" with the mindset of either adding more experienced players, or if the experienced players don't want to go over I'll end up putting MORE less experienced players against the "stronger" team, say 200 inexperienced versus 175 experienced. I don't intentionally "gang up" on the stronger side... but you've gotta know (as either type of player) that somebody who has experience with the field, or somebody that has experience and know-how of how to "do" the simulated tank would straight run over somebody that didn't. At some point, since it is a game and we've gotta think about putting everybody on "equal" footing (at least to start), you rely on slightly higher numbers to overcome such strengths.

Ah, yes, Illegal, I may be old and slow, but I try to bring a lot of energy to the game.

Good question, on the "balance", but Hoop pretty well covered what I was going to say. Historically, these guys do the best job I've seen to date at balancing the teams, without making a lot of people mad at the same time.

Even in games that didn't come out close, pointwise, no one on the field knew it (not even the generals), or could tell, based solely on the performance of the teams....it never seemed that out of balance that you could even tell who was winning, or losing.
That is a sure sign of a well balanced game, when the generals and referees themselves cannot tell who's ahead at any given point.... (only Hoop, Aiki, and your barber know for sure).

So don't sweat it. All will be well, no matter which side you are on.
Everyone wants a fair, balanced game, and that's exactly what they will get, one way or another....

I wasnt trying to imply that the teams would be unfair. Just I know everyone including the veterans want to play and not be babysitters the whole game. especially if one team is low on experience players. I have the utmost faith in 24 lineup and fun. I do have 5 players who are my responibility. We know how kids attention spans are. So I figure I have to explain the rules over and over to them. But I was just concerned about having some guidance for the beginning. I have printed out the rules and read them. This weekend I will go through them thoroughly with them. Btw, great job in keeping everyone informed and this is one of the most organized funtions I will be attending. Good job fallout, 24 hour ppl. and others

If nothing else...

Teach them to keep those masks on, keep those barrel condoms on while off the field (or dead), and shoot anything that's shooting back!

That covers 95% of the important stuff! The rest is just there to (hopefully) amuse you.

ILLEGAL, that question comes up "all the time". (I've even asked it myself, before). So far, only the pre-registered people have been divided up. That's a perk for pre-registering. Rest assured, come game time, they'll be balanced as well as humanly possible.

Don't worry about the kids attention span, they'll do great after the first hour or so. It'll just take a little getting used to all that's going on. Try hanging with a group or mission and see what it's like and then maybe go solo (or with a group smaller than a mission). Get the different feels for the game and have fun. That's the ultimate goal, having fun. If your side wins......that's just icing on the cake. Having fun and being safe is number 1.

Illegal, I understand your concern for the new guys, but have no fear, "it's all good".
If you guys have read the rules, and my posts, you're already 90% there. The rest is just window dressing.
There will be an orientation spiel before the game, and short updates during the game from your team commander (it's part of their job). So all will be well, mate.
Just get out there and have some fun, but be safe and cautious while doing it.
That is all.

being that I am a new player and going with 2 other new players I appreciate all the info I can get. Also all the welcomes! Ya'll seem like a great bunch of guys and I have'nt even met ya yet. Since I am female I have felt a little apprehensive about playing, but like I said, everybody seems cool!

We did a survey at last year's Toys for Tots game and under "Things you'd like to see more of" - the "Other" blank was frequently filled in with "more females!"

In all seriousness - it's great to have you come out and play, man or woman. Don't worry though - you'll fit right in! Just watch out for Medico - and please shoo him away if he tries to keep hiding behind you crying all game long...

Andy's quite right, the one thing any game is always needing is new players, of all types.
There were at least a dozen female players at the last scenario game, so you won't be alone in that aspect, Bumble.

If you arrive sometime on Friday, I'll be wandering around, meeting new people, asking about the drive, answering questions, and generally trying to get folks in a good mood, and pumped up about the game.
It's also a fine time to ask questions, and take a short tour of the field to familiarize yourself with it a bit.
Or you can just ask pretty much anyone else.
If you don't plan to get there until Saturday morning, that's okay, too, but everyone will be rushing around a bit by then, and it may seem a bit more hectic, but just do as others do, and you'll be fine.
There's really not that much to it.
(Hmmm...I feel another post coming on....)

You guys will find that you fit right in, and will have a great time, I'm sure.
Take care, and see you guys weekend after next!

Are you new to scenario paintball?
Would you like to know what happens on Saturday morning, before the game?

Well, in some sense, Saturday morning can seem like the calm before the storm, or a hectic, crazed madhouse of chaotic activity. Imagine a fire ant hill that has been knocked over with the lawnmower.....

Here's a little information and advice to help you make sense of it all:

1) Arrive early:
If you plan to camp, and if possible (not always, due to school, driving distance, work, and other "real life <tm>" constraints), try to arrive at the field sometime on Friday, before the game.
Why?
So you don't miss out on much of the festivities!
That's right, boys and girls, the event itself actually starts on Friday. This is the time to pitch camp, tour the field, meet new people, get reacquinted with old friends, socialize, strategize, make plans, get your gear ready, and have a big barbeque.
24hour games often has a movie on Friday night, related to the theme, or something similar to do.
It's also a good time to check out the merchandise vendors, buy new stuff, mess around with your gear, maybe gas up your gun and get it running again after however long it's been sitting, and fill out registration paperwork and liability forms if you haven't already, then get a good night's sleep without having to get up at O'dark-thirty to drive to the game....you're already there!

It's also when you have time to read the rules, if you didn't do so online, and sign to say that you read them. Read them now...save yourself the time.

2) But what if I can't get there until Saturday am?:
Not a problem. It may mean you'll be a bit more rushed, though, as there is a lot to do on saturday morning, to get ready. If you're camping, you'll have less selection of camping spots, and will still have to set camp before you can do much else.

3) Ready?:
Not yet. Now, in addition to whatever you'd like to do, there are some things you'll need to tend to before the game starts.

4) Get dressed:
Put on your game clothing. This can be old jeans and a faded purple T-shirt, or the latest in MARPAT camo tactical gear, or anything in between. Whatever floats your boat. Remember socks, a good belt (to keep your pants up), bug repellent, comfortable footwear, and glasses/contacts, as needed.

5) Head over to the sign in line:
At this field, this is a small bright yellow building near the top of the hill that doubles as a shop/store. There will be a line, maybe long, maybe short. Figure 5-10 minutes here.
Bring your tanks with you, for inspection!
Tip: The line is shortest early on, and gets longer later.
Stand in line and chitty chat for a few minutes, and pass inside, where you will pay for you entry/air/paint, get your player ID, game map, and similar player pack stuff, sign your waiver, and get your tanks inspected and tagged.
This is also where you pick your team (if you didn't pre-register) or you might be asked to join a particular team that is shorthanded, if such exists, and sign to say "I read the rules".
Did you read the rules already?

http://www.24hourgames.com/rules/24HG_RULES.htm

6) Paint:
Pick up your paint, and head out. For some of the larger games, the paint may be outside on pallets, in which case you will be given a ticket to redeem for it.
Go pack to camp/vehicle, and fill your pods and gun.

7) Air:
There will be an air station set up, usually in front of and to the north of the field building. The line(s) are usually very short here. Go get your tanks, stand in line, and get filled up. Come back here if you run out of air for a refill. It's all-event air, and since you've already paid, fill up as often as you like. The line may get a little longer just before game on, and after dinner...before the night game starts.

*****Safety check!*****
Your marker should have a barrel condom on it NOW. That's right, before it is ever even gassed up. Markers can accidentally discharge on gas-up; I've seen it happen.
Never remove the barrel condom in a goggles-off area, which includes the entire camping and parking area, except for the netted in chrono area. Please. Okay?

8) Chrono:
Now you've got paint and air, pick up your MASK (I'm always seeing people heading over to chrono without theirs-doh!) and your barrel-condomed marker, and saunter over to the chrono line. This is usually the longest wait, maybe 10-15 minutes. Pass into the netted area, put on your mask, and when it's your turn, walk up, uncover your gun, and shoot 3 shots across the chronograph. The ref standing there will help you, and then punch your player ID (you did get it already, right?) to show you've been checked.

*****Safety check!*****
Put your barrel condom back on before leaving the chrono area.

9) Get your gear ready:
You've done all you need to now, pretty much, except get your gear ready. Put your pods in your harness. Check your radio. Toss some snacks in your pockets. Find your camera. Where's your hat? Get everything ready to just pick up, put on, and walk out on the field.

10) Go relax:
Yep, you're ready for anything now. Have a cold drink. Wander around and talk. Take some pictures. Kick back.

11) Orientation:
At sometime between 10:45 am and 11:15 am, depending on how quickly or slowly things are going, there will be an announcement to come gather in front of the yellow building for a short orientation, safety talk, general rules, and some "pep talk" by the team generals. This usually doesn't last more than 15 minutes, but can be very, very important.
Pay attention, please.

12) 11:30-ish:
The excitement is now palpible. Head back to the camp or vehicle for the last time, to get your gear......and hike out to the field, with your team....

At 12pm sharp, there will be a signal, and it's game on, whether you are ready or not.
Be ready.

A big question I get asked is:

"Can I play with my friends?"

Absolutely! Well... sorta. It kinda depends on a few things.

You all start out together. As you progress into the woods - somebody's going to get hit (it happens ). They'll have to head back to their headquarters for "reinsertion." Once reinsertion is open, they'll come back into the game. The balance of your group (those not dead and reinserting with you) are likely to be scattered all over the field. Sometimes they are where you can link back up with them, but sometimes they're "behind" another line of attackers that are coming to where you are.

Your best bet is to get a set of radios and pick a channel. Most radios nowadays have 22 channels and 39 subchannels, so there's plenty enough room for you to have your "own" channel. You'll find, however, that lots of people are on there - some people are even scanning to hear you speak so they can find out where people are (to meet up with or to hunt).

I always advocate everybody going out and buying even an el-cheapo FRS or GRMS (sometimes called "family radio") 2-way radio. Everybody sells them, even Wal-Mart! They come in all strengths and prices, but (in general) don't be fooled by the 3-mile, 5-mile and 8-mile spiels on the packaging - even a $10 radio with FRESH batteries will go across the field just fine... The rest is just for show. That, and many of the 8-mile ones have a "boost" button that DOES do a better job but just drains the batteries dry that much quicker. Save the money and just get a cheaper radio ($20 ones are fine) and good fresh batteries! Get two sets if you plan on using it much though - we've seen ours "deteriorate" over the course of the game.

Only no-no about radios is PLEASE stay off of Channel 1 (including ALL subchannels). Channel 1 is for the Refs only.

Another note.......barrel plugs are not to be used. We now use "barrel condoms", for safety reasons.

Right, thanks Zing!

Dagnabbit, I actually had the phrase "unplug your marker" in my post, and I should know better (fixed now).

Barrel plugs are pretty much a thing of the past, now, and rightfully so....barrel condoms are a lot safer (you can shoot out the plugs).
But us old guys may occassionally still say "plug" when we mean BBD (barrel blocking device...ie barrel cover).
Just so you know.....


One more thing I neglected to mention is that if you don't even get out on the field to play until late Saturday afternoon, that's okay, too.
The game will still be going on.

Just missing the start of the game will not preclude anyone from playing....

Yep, they're a lot safer than plugs. We made the rule prior to Red Dawn, suggested people buy them from Doro, but if they couldn't buy it then... we kinda gave everybody a pass for that one time.

The run anywhere from a couple bucks to maybe $10. Doro will have plenty of them there at the game if you need one.

And yes, they fit flatline barrels, as well (the flatline is very popular, it seems)

$5-6 is probably about right for a not-too-fancy one.

Besides being a lot safer, and increasingly required even over on the speedball/tournament scene, they fit easier in pockets (they're not hard, after all) and fit pretty much any gun.

And unlike plugs, they don't scratch up the inside tip of your barrel, or put sand in it after you accidentally drop the plug on the ground first (seen that, too).

Fallout,

Great job with the orientation for players that are new to paintball and the scenario game format!
Perhaps this can be included in the FAQ on the site as a "general orientation".
See you on the field!

Takfire out!

Don't worry about being new to the game...The first time I ever played paintball, it was a 24 hour scenario game at Triggertyme and I was the ONLY girl out of over 100 people...needless to say, people were friendly but they were also quite helpful and patient. The person I went with ended up being the general of our team and made me XO....I didn't even know what XO meant..I just knew I didn't want to get shot because that crap hurt. He ended up moving away and I've always had to go to games solo because nobody I know locally plays... Long story short....I've played for several years since then (ok..it's been a while since the last game) and I've never felt uncomfortable going to games solo...as long as you have thick skin and can talk smack with the best of them but still have their backs in the field (depending on whether they're on your side of course!), you'll fit right in and never have to worry about being on the "experienced" side.

I have an modified A-5 that I bought in early November. Since then, only played ONE game of paintball. As in about 2 or 3 hours in a wooded lot. Since then my gun has sat in my room collecting dust. I have continued to buy numerous mods for it in hopes I would get to play someday again. I don't want to have to sell everything....

My problem is all my friends either have no interest in paintball, or no time due to school/work. I have tried and tried to get a Atlanta game going with my friends. I live literally 5 minutes from Arkenstone (70 acre wooded paintball field complete with bunkers and castles), but have never been.

Are only senario games played here? Are there ever just regular days for regular games? I have never played a regular game of paintball in a actual field, so I doubt I am ready for any diehard scenario gaming.....

Also, is there anyone here who would like to meet up and get a milsim team going? I am only interested in folks who want to play ALOT. I live in the Kennesaw/Acworth area. My email is Lightsped@comcast.net. I will reply to anyone who is serious about a team in the Kennesaw/Acworth area....

well my advice would to play a LOT more.

its the only way to become more involved with the sport, (yes i said sport)

if the field you live by has walkon days where every1 and their brother go and play just for the afternoon, go there a few times to grow and become better. you dont even have to have friends to go and play with you. just head out there 1 day and take it from there.

First of all, welcome aboard! The field that 24 Hour games has the scenarios at is Paintballs and More in Dalton, right off I-75. They have regular play days, but I believe it's mainly speedball.

If you live that close to a large woodsball field, why not just go there without your friends? My group I played with some had no interest in playing scenarios (or weren't allowed to be out of town for that long per The Rules ), so I came down by myself for the Aliens vs. Predators vs. Marines game, knowing only two people via paintball forums, Paintballmarshaltn & Vyo. I met lots of great folks and had a royal blast! So, take a chance - you might like it and make some new friends to boot!