Visiting the Duchy of Bicolline while the Grande Bataille - What to bring?

Whether you're planning to visit on the Discovery day on Friday, a long weekend travelling through the lands of the deahorse, or braving combat and medieval life all week of the Grande Bataille, it's crucial to know what to bring to the Duchy of Bicolline to make the experience as comfortable as possible. There's nothing more unpleasant than arriving on the site, ready to set off on your adventure, only to realize that you're missing a number of essentials! 

We've put together a short list, which may come in handy for first-time visitors to the Duchy of Bicolline, but it also contains a few pro tips that regulars will recognize as important. If you have any other tips, please don't hesitate to share them with us, so that we can all prepare for this wonderful adventure together.

Comfortable sleeping and living in your camp

If you opt to camp in the non-decorum section, you have a lot more flexibility when it comes to the appearance of your essentials. We recommend that you bring a camping chair, which can be handy for lacing up boots or dropping off your next day's outfit so it's already prepared. Otherwise, the essentials should be there: a modern tent, sleeping bag, etc. Although it's often hot at this time of year, the humidity can be very unpleasant, especially at night. Legend has it that a week of the Grande Bataille can't really be completed without at least one day of rain. So be prepared, and take the time to put a tarp under or over your tent to manage the water run-off.

If you're sleeping in a decorum camp or in a building, opt for something that also allows you to stay true to the medieval-fantasy universe inside your personal spaces. Sometimes, a few blankets in your guild's colors or a few electric candles can make all the difference! To find these essentials, many treasures can be found in stores, thrift shops or old attics.

Ready for Combat

Whether you're an apprentice or a veteran of the blade, it's essential to bring what you'll need for the fight if you plan to take part. For those who are undecided about taking part in this great and beautiful activity, know that you can also watch the battles from afar to see if you want to join in. There are also Master Classes to help you perfect the handling of your weapon of choice, as well as skirmishes, which are smaller battles that are a great way to start your military career.

Safety during the Grande Bataille is essential. Remember to wear a helmet and plate or leather armor to give you armor points, but also to protect you from blows. A large shield, like a bulwark, is essential for those planning to hold the line. Otherwise, a 9-foot spear is a beloved weapon of fighters.

You prefer the bow? You'll certainly be able to fill your quiver with the recommended minimum of 6 arrows for battlefield combat. Archers are powerful assets to their front line, being both feared and targets of choice. 

During the battle, most recommend bringing a canteen or a container for water. Many volunteers take it upon themselves to provide the fighters with water, so don't forget your tankard!

Daily Life at the Grande Bataille

Living in the Duchy of Bicolline, whether for one day or seven, means walking for long hours. Good decorum boots are essential for “walking the long road” from Haute-Ville to Basse-Ville. Regulars love the boots made directly in the Duchy at Atelier de Cuir FL, or the ones from Armstreet artisans. Otherwise, several boutiques on the Allée Marchande, opposite the Auberge, sell shoes, as well as clothing, accessories and essentials, should you accidentally forget something. Like our own store! Visiting these boutiques is a great way to find one-of-a-kind pieces that will make your outfit shine. And if you don't have the budget for such creations, still opt for comfortable shoes; hiking boots or leather sandals will do the trick.

Bring at least as many clothes as days you'll be staying in the duchy, plus one in case of rain or humidity. Pants or skirts can be great, versatile pieces. For example, with a guild in the colors of red and black, you could have two red skirts and four black pants, and interchange these according to the color and texture of your shirts or tunics. Scarves and capes can add the finishing touch to your costume and will protect you during rainy days and colder nights. Don't forget a belt and pyjamas!

Your Grande Bataille experience wouldn't be complete without attending at least one ceremony. Whether it's religious, occult or magical, public or secret, plan to wear a prestigious outfit, adorned with jewels and topped with a hat or crown. There's always an opportunity to show off your best clothes!

The Food - Enjoy Medieval Gastronomy

Bicolline's gastronomy is the source of a thousand anecdotes. Several restaurants are available in the Haute-Ville and the Basse-Ville. Shich-Taouk, a classic from military campaigns, is well established in Vieille Ville (Basse-Ville), and also has a few lunch and dinner options. In the same area, there's also a bakery selling fresh produce and a sandwich shop. The market (dépanneur) also has several food and ingredient options, as well as several options for beverages. It's usually possible to place an order the day before, so that the item will be available at the market the next day. A range of restaurants are also available, from L'Auberge and its meals, to oven-baked pizzas with a variety of meats, rolled sandwiches and fast food trucks. The classic late-night poutine is also a gastronomic detour not to be missed!

Many people opt for a mix of cooking at camp and available catering. As a result, breakfasts are often cooked at the camp, as are lunches and some guild dinners. You'll need to bring your own plates and cutlery. Many guilds also create a meal schedule, with everyone contributing in their own way. Some participants are also chefs in their own right. In the artistic sphere of the game, the culinary arts play an important role, and some even share their skills with those around them. In the same way, certain culinary creations, well-kept secrets, go around certain guild circles. So don't hesitate to try some of Bicolline's classic creations! 

More precise information about food amenities is often available in the document about the Grande Bataille sent by the Duchy of Bicolline a few weeks before the event.

Credit: Photograph Michel Raymond, Models: Crimson Duchess, Pear Pressure & Bombance

Every Day Carry (EDC)

The expression EDC (Every Day Carry) sums up a minimalist philosophy. What does a person need to carry with them in order to get through their day as efficiently as possible? Let's apply this philosophy by simulating the contents of a pouch that includes the essentials for living out one's adventures in the Duchy of Bicolline.

In a rather large pouch, we recommend that you bring your wallet with your real money, whether bank cards or cash. You never know when you'll be visiting stores, or when a craving will tempt you. Many people carry decorum utensils with them, so they're always ready to eat. Others prefer to bring along a few snacks, such as nuts or granola bars. 

For those involved in trading through trade counters or questing, a small purse containing solars (in-game currency) and cards essential to their game can be slipped onto the belt or directly into a larger pouch if it's roomy enough.

It's always a good idea to have something to light the way, despite the lanterns on the main path. Whether it's a decorum flashlight or a lantern, you'll thank yourself for having it with you when you return to your camp in the evening.

Having a quill and a notebook is a must if you want to write down the important points of meetings or quests, write down the names of people you'll be meeting or remember some rendez-vous! Wearing a decorum watch is important if you plan to have appointments, despite the existence of the legendary bico-hour, which causes everyone to be late. 

If you wear make-up, having your lipstick with you or something to refresh it is also useful for keeping your style all day long. It's always a good idea to have some sunscreen, insect repellent, and lip balm on hand!

The most important thing for any Bicollinian is his tankard. If you want to drink from the many water stations or buy some cider at the end of the day, you'll need to bring your own container, as there's no one on site to lend you one. There are plenty of stores where you can pick one up if you've forgotten. And don't forget your accessory holder to wear it proudly!

Ready for The Grande Bataille?

Did we miss any tips? Don't hesitate to share them with us by leaving a comment below the article or on our social networks. 

We recommend that you start planning your trip to the Duchy of Bicolline right away. Time flies, and it'll soon be August! 

To find everything you need, come and visit us in our boutiques in Saint-Élie or Montreal. Do you have a specific idea in mind? Our workshop team can create a custom project for you.