The Dominion Geographic Society strives to set the right atmosphere for our expeditions. An important part of that is creating and fleshing out an “Impression”, that is the clothing and equipment that your character would use in the field. You should make an impression based on what sort of character you’d like to portray, and where your adventures will be taking you.
The Dominion Geographic Society is not a historical group, but we are interested in maintaining a certain level of authenticity in the Dominion universe. DGS exists in a sort “Golden Age” of adventure, roughly the 1870s-1930s. This covers a wide range of time, technology, and exploration.
Many of us look to films in the genre for our inspiration. Classics like “Gunga Din”, “The Man Who Would Be King”, “20,000 Leagues Under the Sea”, “Voyage to the Center of the Earth”, and “The Lost World” are fine examples of Impressions of Adventure. More modern fare like “Raiders of the Lost Ark“, “Out of Africa”, “Hildago”, “The Last Samurai”, and “The Mummy” films are also packed with terrific examples.
Each of these films researched the time period of the setting, and created correct kit to outfit the characters. Truly, some of these films extrapolated into the fantastic, but depending on whether you are visiting “Skull Island” or “The Land of the Lost”, be sure to ground your impression in the reality of the moment. Creativity is encouraged, while keeping in mind the look is important. Otherwise stunning outfits can be spoiled by unsuitable footwear, or obviously modern glasses, or an Uzi or NERF gun.
(That said, DGS is not a Steampunk group. We might encounter McGuffins with super-science origins, but we prefer to eschew that sort of gear, and The Dominion utilizes period appropriate technology).
There is certainly a ‘fudge’ factor, and as you collect gear and assemble your kit, you’ll see what works and what doesn’t. Study period films, and history and see what sorts of hiking, camping gear would suit your needs. In another chapter, DGS will have a few examples of kit we have used, but certainly do your own research, and look for equipment and clothing that will serve you, and help tell your tale.
Also, we’ve only just touched on the edge of Adventure in the examples above. We expect DGS members in Europe, Africa and Asia will have their own examples and takes on regional gear and outfits that fit the Dominion Geographic template.” – Paul Denton, aka ‘Sergeant Cole Halley-Burton‘
We will incorporate much of this into our ‘About’ section.