Rules FAQ - Revision history

Dre at 09:30, 18 July 2026

2026-07-18T09:30:37Z

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	===Can I cast spells on myself?===		===Can I cast spells on myself?===
	Yes		Yes.

	==Calls==		==Calls==

Graemej: /* Weapons, Armour, and Fighting */

2026-07-18T09:14:41Z

Weapons, Armour, and Fighting

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	===Can I use two shields if I have the Ambidexterity and Shield skills?===		===Can I use two shields if I have the Ambidexterity and Shield skills?===
	No, it is not possible to use two shields at once, regardless of skills. The Ambidexterity skill is specifically for weapons and implements.		No, it is not possible to use two shields at once, regardless of skills. The Ambidexterity skill is specifically for weapons and implements.

			===Can I cast spells on myself?===
			Yes

	==Calls==		==Calls==

Dre at 19:55, 12 July 2026

2026-07-12T19:55:42Z

← Older revision		Revision as of 19:55, 12 July 2026
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	===Can I use two shields if I have the Ambidexterity and Shield skills?===		===Can I use two shields if I have the Ambidexterity and Shield skills?===
	No, it is not possible to use two shields at once, regardless of skills. The Ambidexterity skill is specifically for weapons and implements		No, it is not possible to use two shields at once, regardless of skills. The Ambidexterity skill is specifically for weapons and implements.

	==Calls==		==Calls==

Hailmur: /* Do I need the Marksman skill to practice with a bow or crossbow? */

2026-07-12T12:07:00Z

Do I need the Marksman skill to practice with a bow or crossbow?

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	===Do I need the Marksman skill to practice with a bow or crossbow?===		===Do I need the Marksman skill to practice with a bow or crossbow?===
	You can fire a bow and arrow solely for practice purposes. Taking part in any kind of contest or competition involving archery requires the [[Combat skills#Marksman\|Marksman]] skill.		You can fire a bow and arrow solely for practice purposes. Taking part in any kind of contest or competition involving archery requires the [[Combat skills#Marksman\|Marksman]] skill.

			===Can I use two shields if I have the Ambidexterity and Shield skills?===
			No, it is not possible to use two shields at once, regardless of skills. The Ambidexterity skill is specifically for weapons and implements

	==Calls==		==Calls==

Matt: /* Can I grab, or be grabbed by, a friend to resist a REPEL? */

2026-04-16T13:06:09Z

Can I grab, or be grabbed by, a friend to resist a REPEL?

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	If you are struck with [[Combat#REPEL\|REPEL]], you can hold on to a solid, immovable object such as a tree for ten seconds during which time you may talk but may take no other actions including blocking with a shield or parrying.		If you are struck with [[Combat#REPEL\|REPEL]], you can hold on to a solid, immovable object such as a tree for ten seconds during which time you may talk but may take no other actions including blocking with a shield or parrying.
	===Can I grab, or be grabbed by, a friend to resist a REPEL?===		===Can I grab, or be grabbed by, a friend to resist a REPEL?===
	No. Only a solid, immovable object will stop you moving. See also our rules on [[~~Event_safety~~#Grappling.2C_body_contact_and_shields\|grappling]].		No. Only a solid, immovable object will stop you moving. See also our rules on [[combat_safety#Grappling.2C_body_contact_and_shields\|grappling]].

	===What can I do if I can't fall over when struck with STRIKEDOWN?===		===What can I do if I can't fall over when struck with STRIKEDOWN?===
	This is covered in the previous section [[#What do I do if I can't fall over?\|here]].		This is covered in the previous section [[#What do I do if I can't fall over?\|here]].

Matt at 13:05, 16 April 2026

2026-04-16T13:05:55Z

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	All characters who choose to enter combat at Empire are expected to be able to follow the published rules. This includes falling over if their character is reduced to zero hits, or being hit with a [[Combat#STRIKEDOWN\|STRIKEDOWN]] effect. The rules for strikedown have been updated to allow any character to take two steps before they fall to the ground if needed for safety reasons.		All characters who choose to enter combat at Empire are expected to be able to follow the published rules. This includes falling over if their character is reduced to zero hits, or being hit with a [[Combat#STRIKEDOWN\|STRIKEDOWN]] effect. The rules for strikedown have been updated to allow any character to take two steps before they fall to the ground if needed for safety reasons.

	If you have any mobility or safety restrictions that make it unsafe or impossible to follow the normal rules for combat then you can use the rules for being [[~~Event_safety~~#Non-contact\|non-contact]] at any point, including at the point where you are hit with a strikedown or [[Combat#Dying\|reduced to zero hits]]. This will ensure the highest possible level of safety and because it doesn't advantage your character it ensures that nobody can question the need to do so. The point at which you feel it is necessary to become non-contact is absolutely your decision; it is not acceptable for any other participant to question this.		If you have any mobility or safety restrictions that make it unsafe or impossible to follow the normal rules for combat then you can use the rules for being [[combat_safety#Non-contact\|non-contact]] at any point, including at the point where you are hit with a strikedown or [[Combat#Dying\|reduced to zero hits]]. This will ensure the highest possible level of safety and because it doesn't advantage your character it ensures that nobody can question the need to do so. The point at which you feel it is necessary to become non-contact is absolutely your decision; it is not acceptable for any other participant to question this.

	===Can I swing two weapons at once in a combined strike?===		===Can I swing two weapons at once in a combined strike?===

Matt: Text replacement - "[[Imperial Conclave" to "[[Conclave"

2026-01-15T16:42:28Z

Text replacement - "[[Imperial Conclave" to "[[Conclave"

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	You do not have to spend all eight character points when making your character. Unspent points are saved and can be spent on that character later. However you cannot spend those points on a different character in the future. Only unspent points that have been earned by attending events can be spent on a new character.		You do not have to spend all eight character points when making your character. Unspent points are saved and can be spent on that character later. However you cannot spend those points on a different character in the future. Only unspent points that have been earned by attending events can be spent on a new character.
	===Can I master a new ritual I just performed?===		===Can I master a new ritual I just performed?===
	It's not possible to master a ritual by casting it. A ritualist can attempt to cast any ritual effect at an event - effectively working without having mastered the spell. If the ritual is part of the [[Formulaic ritual#Imperial lore\|Imperial Lore]] (it is on the wiki) then it is easier to do that. But successfully casting the ritual does not make the ritual part of the Imperial lore - that takes a major effort and only certain characters can achieve it (the [[Dean of the Lyceum]] of the [[~~Imperial~~ Conclave]] or the [[Urizen]] [[Provost of the Halls of Knowledge]]).		It's not possible to master a ritual by casting it. A ritualist can attempt to cast any ritual effect at an event - effectively working without having mastered the spell. If the ritual is part of the [[Formulaic ritual#Imperial lore\|Imperial Lore]] (it is on the wiki) then it is easier to do that. But successfully casting the ritual does not make the ritual part of the Imperial lore - that takes a major effort and only certain characters can achieve it (the [[Dean of the Lyceum]] of the [[Conclave]] or the [[Urizen]] [[Provost of the Halls of Knowledge]]).

	Once a ritual has been added to the Imperial lore (put on the wiki) anyone can spend xp to master it.		Once a ritual has been added to the Imperial lore (put on the wiki) anyone can spend xp to master it.

Matt: /* Can I tell you what my character is doing? */

2024-05-05T08:33:25Z

Can I tell you what my character is doing?

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	==Downtime==		==Downtime==
	===Can I tell you what my character is doing?===		===Can I tell you what my character is doing?===
	We don't accept free text downtime submission to tell us what your character is doing in Empire. The prime reason for this is that with the huge number of players (well over ~~1600~~ at our last event) we would be utterly drowned in requests if we made any attempt to accept or validate such requests. Long experience has shown us that there is no possible way that we can handle that many requests; as a result we say "no" to all requests so that it is fair for everyone.		We don't accept free text downtime submission to tell us what your character is doing in Empire. The prime reason for this is that with the huge number of players (well over 3200 at our last event) we would be utterly drowned in requests if we made any attempt to accept or validate such requests. Long experience has shown us that there is no possible way that we can handle that many requests; as a result we say "no" to all requests so that it is fair for everyone.

	The second reason is that we are committed to producing a game in which all the key decisions in the campaign take place live at the event. We want to ensure that Empire is relentlessly focussed on the live roleplaying happening at the events. All our plots are written in such a way that any mechanism to influence them is accessible at the event. In such a way everyone playing the game knows that the way to advance their character's agenda must do so while they are playing their character at an event.		The second reason is that we are committed to producing a game in which all the key decisions in the campaign take place live at the event. We want to ensure that Empire is relentlessly focussed on the live roleplaying happening at the events. All our plots are written in such a way that any mechanism to influence them is accessible at the event. In such a way everyone playing the game knows that the way to advance their character's agenda must do so while they are playing their character at an event.
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	Although you can't submit your character actions between events to Profound Decisions you can still roleplay that your character has been busy. Your character can't create a substantial impact on the campaign in downtime (that's what events are for) so you shouldn't roleplay that your character succeeded in taking actions that would have such an impact. But you can roleplay that your character has been searching for lost lore, sailing the high seas, fighting orcs in the Empire's wars - whatever suits your character best!		Although you can't submit your character actions between events to Profound Decisions you can still roleplay that your character has been busy. Your character can't create a substantial impact on the campaign in downtime (that's what events are for) so you shouldn't roleplay that your character succeeded in taking actions that would have such an impact. But you can roleplay that your character has been searching for lost lore, sailing the high seas, fighting orcs in the Empire's wars - whatever suits your character best!

	===Can I submit a free-text downtime?===		===Can I submit a free-text downtime?===
	No. The downtime system for Empire is very deliberately designed to be tightly defined in terms of using your characters assets and time to give them some valuable goods to take to the next event. This is the only thing that the downtime system can be used to do - to ensure that the focus remains clearly on the events themselves. There is no provision for submitting individual free text downtimes - the time for doing unique and interesting stuff is at the event.		No. The downtime system for Empire is very deliberately designed to be tightly defined in terms of using your characters assets and time to give them some valuable goods to take to the next event. This is the only thing that the downtime system can be used to do - to ensure that the focus remains clearly on the events themselves. There is no provision for submitting individual free text downtimes - the time for doing unique and interesting stuff is at the event.

Rafferty: /* Unstoppable */ Remove Unstoppable FAQ

2023-01-19T14:37:53Z

Unstoppable: Remove Unstoppable FAQ

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	===What can I do if I can't fall over when struck with STRIKEDOWN?===		===What can I do if I can't fall over when struck with STRIKEDOWN?===
	This is covered in the previous section [[#What do I do if I can't fall over?\|here]].		This is covered in the previous section [[#What do I do if I can't fall over?\|here]].

	~~==Unstoppable==~~
	~~===When do I get my hits back from Unstoppable?===~~
	You get 3 hits back after the 5 seconds of appropriate roleplaying are complete. If you are using the skill when you are on zero hits then you will be left with 3 hits at the end of the roleplaying, regardless of any damage taken during that time (note that you can't attack your enemies while using this skill - see below).

	~~===What can I do while I am using Unstoppable?===~~
	~~You cannot take any offensive action or attempt to move from the spot while you are performing five seconds of appropriate roleplaying to use the unstoppable heroic skill.~~

	If you do move or attack, then by definition of the rules any blow that hits you ''must have landed after the five second of appropriate roleplaying to restore your hits was complete'' and so counts in full.

	~~===Can I use Unstoppable while I am paralysed?===~~
	You cannot use the unstoppable skill if you are [[Calls#PARALYSE\|paralysed]], and will not be able to use it once it wears off. If you are paralysed while you are using the skill then your roleplaying has been interrupted. You will not regain any hits, but do not expend the hero point.

Rafferty: /* What location is the backside? */

2022-09-04T18:47:30Z

What location is the backside?

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	===What location is the backside?===		===What location is the backside?===
	At times, a CLEAVE or IMPALE will strike a connection point on the body between the torso and a limb. In these situations, we rely on the judgement of the receiving player as to which location was closer to the hit. The important point is that the effect is taken on one of the two locations.		At times, a CLEAVE or IMPALE will strike a connection point on the body between the torso and a limb. In these situations, we rely on the judgement of the receiving player as to which location was closer to the hit. The important point is that the effect is taken on one of the two locations.
			===Do I need the Marksman skill to practice with a bow or crossbow?===
			You can fire a bow and arrow solely for practice purposes. Taking part in any kind of contest or competition involving archery requires the [[Combat skills#Marksman\|Marksman]] skill.

	==Calls==		==Calls==
	===Does CLEAVE or IMPALE have to hit armour to be stopped?===		===Does CLEAVE or IMPALE have to hit armour to be stopped?===