The Down Sides

Every year, we are shocked. Something bad, illegal even, happens at Pennsic. Everyone says “Holy Crap, in the SCA?” and “Where were the guys with sticks?” It’s a natural reaction, but it’s flawed in concept. 

           

Just because you are on site at Pennsic doesn’t mean you don’t have to watch out for all the same safety concerns you would think of back at home. Don’t leave your car unlocked, don’t leave valuables lying around, and don’t walk around alone.

 

12,000 people show up every year. If we took 12,000 random people from the rest of the United States, we’d have over 100 criminals easily. The fact that only one or two bad things happen a year is a testament to our organization. Some simple precautions make everyone safer.

 

Seriously, don’t go anywhere alone, especially in the dark, even to the porta potties at the end of the block. I don’t care if you are an 80 lb Lady or a 300 lb Lord, if someone clocks you over the back of the head in the dark, you are going down. Offer to walk others home.

 

Don’t scream “Help” unless you mean it, and don’t let your kids do it either. At the same time, respond to cries for help seriously and quickly. 

 

If you witness or are a victim of something that is illegal, call the cops. Don’t call a brute squad to go “handle it”. You think it’s a good idea, but we really don’t want to have to pass the hat in Kingdom court for a bail fund.