General FAQ - Revision history

Twiggy: /* Can I do my dissertation/research project on your event? */

2026-07-01T17:01:00Z

Can I do my dissertation/research project on your event?

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	Yes as long as you follow the overall rules of Profound Decisions and the specific rules below.		Yes as long as you follow the overall rules of Profound Decisions and the specific rules below.

	* You may post in the Facebook [https://www.facebook.com/groups/empirelrppromo Adverts and Promotion] page once a month.		* You may post in the Facebook [https://www.facebook.com/groups/empirelrppromo Adverts and Promotion] page once a month
	* The project must have a focus on LRP		* The project must have a focus on LRP
	* No photos of participants can be used unless you have been given permission from the person in them		* No photos of participants can be used unless you have been given permission from the person in them

Hailmur: /* Can I do my dissertation/research project on your event? */

2026-07-01T15:50:15Z

Can I do my dissertation/research project on your event?

← Older revision		Revision as of 15:50, 1 July 2026
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	Yes as long as you follow the overall rules of Profound Decisions and the specific rules below.		Yes as long as you follow the overall rules of Profound Decisions and the specific rules below.

	* You may post in Facebook Adverts page once a month.		* You may post in the Facebook [https://www.facebook.com/groups/empirelrppromo Adverts and Promotion] page once a month.
	* The project must have a focus on LRP		* The project must have a focus on LRP
	* No photos of participants can ~~not~~ be used unless you have given permission ~~form~~ the person ~~for~~ them ~~to be used.~~		* No photos of participants can be used unless you have been given permission from the person in them
	* Ethics permissions must be in place before the advert is placed		* Ethics permissions must be in place before the advert is placed
	* These projects are not endorsed by ~~PD.~~		* These projects are not endorsed by Profound Decisions
	* We are happy to discuss staff interviews by prior arrangement contacting clare~~@profounddecisions.co.uk~~		* We are happy to discuss staff interviews by prior arrangement, contacting {{clare}}


	=== What do I need to bring to the event? ===		=== What do I need to bring to the event? ===

Spoondog: /* Playing the Game */

2026-07-01T15:20:00Z

Playing the Game

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	The reality is that we don't want to create a rule that says "puppet allowed" or "puppet not allowed" - because we want Empire to support players who enjoy that kind of roleplay - and also support players that don't. If people are respectful of other other players and appreciate this stuff is not everyone's cup of tea - and act accordingly - then we think Empire is big enough for everyone who does and doesn't like to play with these things to get along.		The reality is that we don't want to create a rule that says "puppet allowed" or "puppet not allowed" - because we want Empire to support players who enjoy that kind of roleplay - and also support players that don't. If people are respectful of other other players and appreciate this stuff is not everyone's cup of tea - and act accordingly - then we think Empire is big enough for everyone who does and doesn't like to play with these things to get along.

			===Can I do my dissertation/research project on your event?===
			Yes as long as you follow the overall rules of Profound Decisions and the specific rules below.

			* You may post in Facebook Adverts page once a month.
			* The project must have a focus on LRP
			* No photos of participants can not be used unless you have given permission form the person for them to be used.
			* Ethics permissions must be in place before the advert is placed
			* These projects are not endorsed by PD.
			* We are happy to discuss staff interviews by prior arrangement contacting clare@profounddecisions.co.uk


	=== What do I need to bring to the event? ===		=== What do I need to bring to the event? ===

Twiggy: /* Can I sell things for IC money? */

2026-06-30T13:03:51Z

Can I sell things for IC money?

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	You must '''not''' sell IC money, or sell things for IC money, online or between events. This includes on the Thursday and Friday before time-in happens - you can't sell things in-character until the event has started. The purpose of IC money in Empire is to create a basis for characters to buy and sell, so that trade and commerce can be in-character activities that take place at the event. That purpose is undermined if you try and acquire or dispose of IC currency by selling things online or between events.		You must '''not''' sell IC money, or sell things for IC money, online or between events. This includes on the Thursday and Friday before time-in happens - you can't sell things in-character until the event has started. The purpose of IC money in Empire is to create a basis for characters to buy and sell, so that trade and commerce can be in-character activities that take place at the event. That purpose is undermined if you try and acquire or dispose of IC currency by selling things online or between events.

	You can advertise services and products in our Facebook groups and forums that you will have for sale, provided that you state your price. [[Online#~~IC_Announcements_and_Adverts_are_Permitted~~\|Haggling or negotiation over prices must be left to the field]].		You can advertise services and products in our Facebook groups and forums that you will have for sale, provided that you state your price. [[Online#IC_Announcements_and_Adverts\|Haggling or negotiation over prices must be left to the field]].

	===Are the game materials edible?===		===Are the game materials edible?===

Twiggy at 14:10, 3 March 2026

2026-03-03T14:10:44Z

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	===Can I organise activities like fighting practice using social media?===		===Can I organise activities like fighting practice using social media?===
	We encourage people to get active and organise cool things to happen at events - both during the game and before it. We do ask people to save in-character agendas for time-in as far as possible, and ‘keep the game live’. However, we also want people who are excited about the game to pour that keen into the game and help others learn skills like safe, cohesive fighting - if that’s what they want to do. Lots of people organise activities like practice fighting sessions across different nation camps and we encourage players to do that if they want to.		We encourage people to get active and organise cool things to happen at events - both during the game and before it. We do ask people to save in-character agendas for time-in as far as possible, and ‘keep the game live’. However, we also want people who are excited about the game to pour that keen into the game and help others learn skills like safe, cohesive fighting - if that’s what they want to do. Lots of people organise activities like practice fighting sessions across different nation camps and we encourage players to do that if they want to.

	Doing OOC organising inevitably does make the people doing that organising more visible and well-known. That happens for everything that goes on in the game – organising player events, making pamphlets that you distribute in the game, dressing beautiful tents, and so on. The more prep people put into the game, the more recognition they can gain. The only way to stop people gaining any possible benefit from making the game better would be to stop people making the game better. We don't think that makes sense, so we don't prohibit anyone, regardless of what role they play in the game, from organising out-of-character things that support the game, whether that's fighting practice or other things like player events or minibus transport.		Doing OOC organising inevitably does make the people doing that organising more visible and well-known. That happens for everything that goes on in the game – organising player events, making pamphlets that you distribute in the game, dressing beautiful tents, and so on. The more prep people put into the game, the more recognition they can gain. The only way to stop people gaining any possible benefit from making the game better would be to stop people making the game better. We don't think that makes sense, so we don't prohibit anyone, regardless of what role they play in the game, from organising out-of-character things that support the game, whether that's fighting practice or other things like player events or minibus transport.

Matt at 10:46, 30 September 2025

2025-09-30T10:46:48Z

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	=== Can I cook on site? ===		=== Can I cook on site? ===
	Yes. You will need to provide your own cooking facilities and there are rules for [[~~Dadford_Road_Campsite~~#Ground_Fires\|ground fires]] that must be adhered to, but you are welcome to cook on site if you wish.		Yes. You will need to provide your own cooking facilities and there are rules for [[Steeplechase_LRP_Centre#Ground_Fires\|ground fires]] that must be adhered to, but you are welcome to cook on site if you wish.
	[[Category:FAQ]]		[[Category:FAQ]]

Twiggy: /* How do I get my ticket? */

2025-08-10T18:47:34Z

How do I get my ticket?

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	Profound Decisions don't send out paper tickets but we do send out digital tickets by email, which you will need to show when you arrive on site. You'll then be able to collect your event pack from the Games Operation Desk (GOD). If there are any problems, or you are booking on the gate, they will direct you to the Games Operation Desk.		Profound Decisions don't send out paper tickets but we do send out digital tickets by email, which you will need to show when you arrive on site. You'll then be able to collect your event pack from the Games Operation Desk (GOD). If there are any problems, or you are booking on the gate, they will direct you to the Games Operation Desk.

	If you have your PID (player identification number) this will speed up the process. This will be on your PD account once you've created and paid. If you have problems with your account and booking admin@profounddecisions.co.uk should be your first port of call.		If you have your PID (player identification number) this will speed up the process. This will be on your PD account once you've created and paid. If you have problems with your account and booking [mailto:admin@profounddecisions.co.uk admin@profounddecisions.co.uk] should be your first port of call.

	=== Can I book on the gate for the event?===		=== Can I book on the gate for the event?===

Twiggy at 05:42, 14 July 2025

2025-07-14T05:42:35Z

Hailmur: /* How dangerous is the main field? */

2025-02-20T14:45:47Z

How dangerous is the main field?

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	===How dangerous is the main field?===		===How dangerous is the main field?===
	We do not ~~usually~~ run camp attacks on the main field. Our goal is to try and create the feel of a buzzing settlement right at the very heart of the Empire, a place of relative security. Our NPC [[magistrates]] work to ensure the law is kept, and the enemy is very far away. We want the field to feel like a place of relative safety, a place where characters can feel free to walk around without weapons or armour if they choose.		We do not run camp attacks on the main field. Our goal is to try and create the feel of a buzzing settlement right at the very heart of the Empire, a place of relative security. Our NPC [[magistrates]] work to ensure the law is kept, and the enemy is very far away. We want the field to feel like a place of relative safety, a place where characters can feel free to walk around without weapons or armour if they choose.

	The idea is to contrast this with the very real danger that is present whenever the players leave the main field. Those characters that use the [[Sentinel Gate]] to teleport to the Imperial battlefields will find themselves facing very real and very deadly threats. For the overwhelming majority of the time, players will know when they are heading into danger and those players who wish to avoid combat should find this easy provided they remain ~~with~~ the safety of the settlement.		The idea is to contrast this with the very real danger that is present whenever the players leave the main field. Those characters that use the [[Sentinel Gate]] to teleport to the Imperial battlefields will find themselves facing very real and very deadly threats. For the overwhelming majority of the time, players will know when they are heading into danger and those players who wish to avoid combat should find this easy provided they remain in the safety of the settlement.

	===Is PvP murder allowed?===		===Is PvP murder allowed?===

Matt: /* Why does my bank payment take days to appear? */

2025-01-04T10:52:00Z

Why does my bank payment take days to appear?

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	===Why does my bank payment take days to appear?===		===Why does my bank payment take days to appear?===
	~~Regrettably, Barclays Bank will not allow us access to their computer systems to integrate our payment system with theirs. This means that we cannot fully automate your payment, we~~ are ~~forced~~ to ~~download~~ the ~~payment data from Barclays by hand. Therefore, once a day we download all new~~ payments~~. These are then imported into our software~~ and ~~processed automatically using~~ the ~~unique reference code for each player's account~~.		There are unavoidable delays to processing bank payments caused by the way the banking system handles electronic payments and provides the resulting data. These delays are worse at weekends, so a payment sent on Friday, Saturday or Sunday won't appear until the following Tuesday at the earliest.

	~~Unfortunately the data supplied by Barclay's is incomplete, which makes it impossible for us to distinguish between payments on the day they~~ are received. This means we can only process payments for a day once we can be certain that Barclays will not add new payments for that day. Worse, Barclays have written their own software to conceal the true date of any payment received on Friday, Saturday and Sunday so that it appears as if the payment was received on the following Monday, ~~presumably~~ so ~~that their computers can take the weekend off. As~~ a ~~result we can't process any payments~~ sent on Friday, Saturday or Sunday until the following Tuesday at the earliest.

	This means it can take up to a week or longer for your payment to appear on your account. Please be patient - it will turn up! We take several thousand payments this way every year, and the number of problems is in single figures and are always quickly resolved. But it does take time - bear with us and your payment will appear on your account as soon as we can process it. '''Your booking will always be honoured based on the day you sent your payment, not the date we process it.'''		This means it can take up to a week or longer for your payment to appear on your account. Please be patient - it will turn up! We take several thousand payments this way every year, and the number of problems is in single figures and are always quickly resolved. But it does take time - bear with us and your payment will appear on your account as soon as we can process it. '''Your booking will always be honoured based on the day you sent your payment, not the date we process it.'''

← Older revision		Revision as of 05:42, 14 July 2025
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	Your CID is your character identification number. It is made up of your PID and the number of your character (so if you are on your second Empire character your CID would be "(PID).2"). CID is used in some areas of the game on the field such as ritual magic.		Your CID is your character identification number. It is made up of your PID and the number of your character (so if you are on your second Empire character your CID would be "(PID).2"). CID is used in some areas of the game on the field such as ritual magic.

	===How old to I have to be to play Empire?===		===How old do I have to be to play Empire?===
	You have to be over 16 to come to events unaccompanied by a guardian or parent. Further information can be found in the section about [[children]].		You have to be over 16 to come to events unaccompanied by a guardian or parent. Further information can be found in the section about [[children]].

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	===Can I organise activities like fighting practice using social media?===		===Can I organise activities like fighting practice using social media?===
	We encourage people to get active and organise cool things to happen at events - both during the game and before it. We do ask people to save in-character agendas for time-in as far as possible, and ‘keep the game live’. However, we also want people who are excited about the game to pour that keen into the game and help others learn skills like safe, cohesive fighting - if that’s what they want to do. Lots of people ~~organize~~ activities like practice fighting sessions across different nation camps and we encourage players to do that if they want to.		We encourage people to get active and organise cool things to happen at events - both during the game and before it. We do ask people to save in-character agendas for time-in as far as possible, and ‘keep the game live’. However, we also want people who are excited about the game to pour that keen into the game and help others learn skills like safe, cohesive fighting - if that’s what they want to do. Lots of people organise activities like practice fighting sessions across different nation camps and we encourage players to do that if they want to.

	Doing OOC organising inevitably does make the people doing that organising more visible and well-known. That happens for everything that goes on in the game – organising player events, making pamphlets that you distribute in the game, dressing beautiful tents, and so on. The more prep people put into the game, the more recognition they can gain. The only way to stop people gaining any possible benefit from making the game better would be to stop people making the game better. We don't think that makes sense, so we don't prohibit anyone, regardless of what role they play in the game, from organising out-of-character things that support the game, whether that's fighting practice or other things like player events or minibus transport.		Doing OOC organising inevitably does make the people doing that organising more visible and well-known. That happens for everything that goes on in the game – organising player events, making pamphlets that you distribute in the game, dressing beautiful tents, and so on. The more prep people put into the game, the more recognition they can gain. The only way to stop people gaining any possible benefit from making the game better would be to stop people making the game better. We don't think that makes sense, so we don't prohibit anyone, regardless of what role they play in the game, from organising out-of-character things that support the game, whether that's fighting practice or other things like player events or minibus transport.
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	===Can I use a puppet to represent a creature?===		===Can I use a puppet to represent a creature?===
	You can use a puppet to represent a creature, but should be aware of your fellow players. Puppets are not everyone's cup of tea, so people should act accordingly. If you're in your group tent - then it's fine to be roleplaying with your puppet - because if someone isn't ~~in to~~ that they can just go and roleplay elsewhere. It's not appropriate however to bring a puppet into a public area and demand everyone interact with it. Ideally, don't force people to opt-out - make it a thing people opt into.		You can use a puppet to represent a creature, but should be aware of your fellow players. Puppets are not everyone's cup of tea, so people should act accordingly. If you're in your group tent - then it's fine to be roleplaying with your puppet - because if someone isn't into that they can just go and roleplay elsewhere. It's not appropriate however to bring a puppet into a public area and demand everyone interact with it. Ideally, don't force people to opt-out - make it a thing people opt into.

	Basically respect your fellow players and be conscious of the fact that puppets enhance the game for some people, but they detract from the game for others. Be considerate and if you're doing something unorthodox then look to act in ways that don't force the roleplaying on other players if it's not their thing.		Basically respect your fellow players and be conscious of the fact that puppets enhance the game for some people, but they detract from the game for others. Be considerate and if you're doing something unorthodox then look to act in ways that don't force the roleplaying on other players if it's not their thing.
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	There are a number of significant reasons for this - to do with the massive challenges involved in using monstrous creatures effectively and safely on the battlefield, and the problems involved in fielding a force that can challenge the players. There are problems phys-repping such a creature.		There are a number of significant reasons for this - to do with the massive challenges involved in using monstrous creatures effectively and safely on the battlefield, and the problems involved in fielding a force that can challenge the players. There are problems phys-repping such a creature.

	A monstrous creature can literally turn a battle by itself - it would be utterly impossible for us to play balance battles to make them challenging and enjoyable at the point where the players can field such a thing whenever they choose. So on that basis alone it would be distinctly unappealing for everyone involved - for us - and for the players. It sounds exciting - it sounds super-cool - but all our experience of LRP tells us that the actual experience of it actually happening - would be really ~~crashingly~~ boring for everyone concerned - if not the first time... then certainly the second time, the third time, the fourth time...		A monstrous creature can literally turn a battle by itself - it would be utterly impossible for us to play balance battles to make them challenging and enjoyable at the point where the players can field such a thing whenever they choose. So on that basis alone it would be distinctly unappealing for everyone involved - for us - and for the players. It sounds exciting - it sounds super-cool - but all our experience of LRP tells us that the actual experience of it actually happening - would be really crushingly boring for everyone concerned - if not the first time... then certainly the second time, the third time, the fourth time...

	There are safety issues - monstrous creatures often have significant safety constraints which are more difficult for players to manage. And there are phys-repping issues - with the quality of any monstrous creature dependent on the abilities of players to create them rather than hitting a known benchmark if we make them. There are problems with who operates the creature - most monstrous creatures need one or more people to give up their battle experience to operate it. That's ok for crew - because they're there to make the event fun for the players. It's distinctly less cool for players to have to do that - but we can't spare the crew to operate one for the players.		There are safety issues - monstrous creatures often have significant safety constraints which are more difficult for players to manage. And there are phys-repping issues - with the quality of any monstrous creature dependent on the abilities of players to create them rather than hitting a known benchmark if we make them. There are problems with who operates the creature - most monstrous creatures need one or more people to give up their battle experience to operate it. That's ok for crew - because they're there to make the event fun for the players. It's distinctly less cool for players to have to do that - but we can't spare the crew to operate one for the players.

	The most important principle is stylistic. Empire is about the players being heroes - it's about them battling against terrible monsters. It's not a game about hatching terrible monsters that go off and do the fighting for you and wipe the enemy out so you don't have to bother. We want players to feel like the most important characters on the battlefield, not to feel like they're here to make up the numbers while their monster kills all the orcs. In essence we're not prepared to ~~countenace~~ even the possibility that players end up as third spear-carrier from the left as their monster rules the battlefield.		The most important principle is stylistic. Empire is about the players being heroes - it's about them battling against terrible monsters. It's not a game about hatching terrible monsters that go off and do the fighting for you and wipe the enemy out so you don't have to bother. We want players to feel like the most important characters on the battlefield, not to feel like they're here to make up the numbers while their monster kills all the orcs. In essence we're not prepared to countenance even the possibility that players end up as third spear-carrier from the left as their monster rules the battlefield.

	For all these reasons we don't support any options for the Empire to have monsters on the battlefield and the setting is deliberately written to make it impossible for the Empire to field them (the Sentinel Gate does not allow them to pass through).		For all these reasons we don't support any options for the Empire to have monsters on the battlefield and the setting is deliberately written to make it impossible for the Empire to field them (the Sentinel Gate does not allow them to pass through).
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	As long as it meets our [[Costume#Minimum_Standards\|minimum standards]], it is fine to use costume classed as ''[[Costume#Less_Appropriate_Costume\|less appropriate]]'' at Empire. Less appropriate simply means that it is something you should aim to replace, when you are looking to upgrade your costume, until then it is fine. Only costume classed as "[[Costume#Inappropriate_Costume\|inappropriate]]" for Empire cannot be worn at events. You can read more about this on our [[costume]] page.		As long as it meets our [[Costume#Minimum_Standards\|minimum standards]], it is fine to use costume classed as ''[[Costume#Less_Appropriate_Costume\|less appropriate]]'' at Empire. Less appropriate simply means that it is something you should aim to replace, when you are looking to upgrade your costume, until then it is fine. Only costume classed as "[[Costume#Inappropriate_Costume\|inappropriate]]" for Empire cannot be worn at events. You can read more about this on our [[costume]] page.

	There are lots of ~~reason~~ to wear "less appropriate" costume - it might be the costume or armour that fits you best, it might be what you have available or can afford, or it might just be the best garment you have available that complements the ideal costume that you do have. We encourage everyone to develop and improve their costume over time - but how you do that is down to you and your budget.		There are lots of reasons to wear "less appropriate" costume - it might be the costume or armour that fits you best, it might be what you have available or can afford, or it might just be the best garment you have available that complements the ideal costume that you do have. We encourage everyone to develop and improve their costume over time - but how you do that is down to you and your budget.

	===Can I use a modern tent as an IC tent if I dress it?===		===Can I use a modern tent as an IC tent if I dress it?===