Rules FAQ - Revision history

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

2026-01-15T16:42:28Z

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

← Older revision		Revision as of 16:42, 15 January 2026
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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?

← Older revision		Revision as of 08:33, 5 May 2024
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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

← Older revision		Revision as of 14:37, 19 January 2023
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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?

← Older revision		Revision as of 18:47, 4 September 2022
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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?===

Rafferty: /* Can I study this thing I grabbed to learn new skills/technology? */

2022-08-07T12:53:21Z

Can I study this thing I grabbed to learn new skills/technology?

← Older revision		Revision as of 12:53, 7 August 2022
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	No. You cannot use the [[dedication]] skill to create vivid [[Dedication#Dreams\|dreams]] by yourself - the character with the skill must be separate to the character experiencing the dream. Using the ability always requires a priest with the dedication skill to use it on a different person as recipient.		No. You cannot use the [[dedication]] skill to create vivid [[Dedication#Dreams\|dreams]] by yourself - the character with the skill must be separate to the character experiencing the dream. Using the ability always requires a priest with the dedication skill to use it on a different person as recipient.
	===Can I study this thing I grabbed to learn new skills/technology?===		===Can I study this thing I grabbed to learn new skills/technology?===
	It's not possible to learn how to make unfamiliar magic items, potions, consumables of the like by studying. It's also not possible to create an [[arcane projection]] to allow you to do so. There are methods in the game to acquire new recipes or items - such as creating a schema with a ~~rune forge~~ - and it's possible to gain the knowledge to make something ~~via~~ plot, but such opportunities are rare.		It's not possible to learn how to make unfamiliar [[magic items]], [[potion\|potions]], consumables of the like by studying. It's also not possible to create an [[arcane projection]] to allow you to do so. There are methods in the game to acquire new recipes or items - such as creating a [[Magic_items#Schema\|schema]] with a [[runeforge]] - and it may be possible to gain the knowledge to make something as part of a plot, but such [[opportunity\|opportunities]] are rare.

	==Weapons, Armour, and Fighting==		==Weapons, Armour, and Fighting==

Rafferty: /* Skills and Characters */

2022-08-07T12:51:49Z

Skills and Characters

Rafferty: /* Can I change my skills? */

2022-06-02T17:57:10Z

Can I change my skills?

← Older revision		Revision as of 17:57, 2 June 2022
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	==Skills and Characters==		==Skills and Characters==
	=== Can I change my skills?===		=== Can I change my skills?===
	After your first event, if you decide the skills you've chosen don't suit your character, you can change them. Before your next event you can e-mail admin@profounddecisions,co.uk, including your Player ID number, and the skills you want to change. After that point, there are rules that allow you to [[Downtime#Retraining\|change a single skill]] after every event. For more information see this section of the [[downtime]] rules about [[retraining]]		After your first event, if you decide the skills you've chosen don't suit your character, you can change them. Before your next event you can e-mail admin@profounddecisions,co.uk, including your Player ID number, and the skills you want to change. After that point, there are rules that allow you to [[Downtime#Retraining\|change a single skill]] after every event. For more information see this section of the [[downtime]] rules about [[Downtime#Retraining\|retraining]]

	===Why have I only got 1xp after two events?===		===Why have I only got 1xp after two events?===

Rafferty: /* Can I use the dedicate skill to give myself dreams? */

2022-02-02T19:43:57Z

Can I use the dedicate skill to give myself dreams?

← Older revision		Revision as of 19:43, 2 February 2022
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	No. If raw materials are [[hallow\|hallowed]] (whether in-game [[materials]] or mundane items), and are turned into something else (for example, carving a hallowed log into a bowl), the resulting item is not hallowed.		No. If raw materials are [[hallow\|hallowed]] (whether in-game [[materials]] or mundane items), and are turned into something else (for example, carving a hallowed log into a bowl), the resulting item is not hallowed.
	===Can I use the dedicate skill to give myself dreams?===		===Can I use the dedicate skill to give myself dreams?===
	No. You cannot use the [[dedication]] skill to create vivid [[Dedication#Dreams\|dreams]] by yourself - the character with the skill must be separate to the character experiencing the dream.		No. You cannot use the [[dedication]] skill to create vivid [[Dedication#Dreams\|dreams]] by yourself - the character with the skill must be separate to the character experiencing the dream. Using the ability always requires a priest with the dedication skill to use it on a different person as recipient.

	==Weapons, Armour, and Fighting==		==Weapons, Armour, and Fighting==

Rafferty: /* Can I use the dedicate skill to give myself dreams? */

2022-02-02T19:39:14Z

Can I use the dedicate skill to give myself dreams?

← Older revision		Revision as of 19:39, 2 February 2022
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	No. If raw materials are [[hallow\|hallowed]] (whether in-game [[materials]] or mundane items), and are turned into something else (for example, carving a hallowed log into a bowl), the resulting item is not hallowed.		No. If raw materials are [[hallow\|hallowed]] (whether in-game [[materials]] or mundane items), and are turned into something else (for example, carving a hallowed log into a bowl), the resulting item is not hallowed.
	===Can I use the dedicate skill to give myself dreams?===		===Can I use the dedicate skill to give myself dreams?===
	No. You cannot use the [[dedication]] skill to create vivid [[Dedication#Dreams\|]] by yourself - ~~it always requires~~ the ~~interaction of two people~~.		No. You cannot use the [[dedication]] skill to create vivid [[Dedication#Dreams\|dreams]] by yourself - the character with the skill must be separate to the character experiencing the dream.

	==Weapons, Armour, and Fighting==		==Weapons, Armour, and Fighting==

Rafferty: /* Can I turn a hallowed item into something else? */

2022-02-02T19:36:50Z

Can I turn a hallowed item into something else?

← Older revision		Revision as of 19:36, 2 February 2022
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	===Can I turn a hallowed item into something else?===		===Can I turn a hallowed item into something else?===
	No. If raw materials are [[hallow\|hallowed]] (whether in-game [[materials]] or mundane items), and are turned into something else (for example, carving a hallowed log into a bowl), the resulting item is not hallowed.		No. If raw materials are [[hallow\|hallowed]] (whether in-game [[materials]] or mundane items), and are turned into something else (for example, carving a hallowed log into a bowl), the resulting item is not hallowed.
			===Can I use the dedicate skill to give myself dreams?===
			No. You cannot use the [[dedication]] skill to create vivid [[Dedication#Dreams\|]] by yourself - it always requires the interaction of two people.

	==Weapons, Armour, and Fighting==		==Weapons, Armour, and Fighting==

← Older revision		Revision as of 12:51, 7 August 2022
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	=== Can I change my skills?===		=== Can I change my skills?===
	After your first event, if you decide the skills you've chosen don't suit your character, you can change them. Before your next event you can e-mail admin@profounddecisions,co.uk, including your Player ID number, and the skills you want to change. After that point, there are rules that allow you to [[Downtime#Retraining\|change a single skill]] after every event. For more information see this section of the [[downtime]] rules about [[Downtime#Retraining\|retraining]]		After your first event, if you decide the skills you've chosen don't suit your character, you can change them. Before your next event you can e-mail admin@profounddecisions,co.uk, including your Player ID number, and the skills you want to change. After that point, there are rules that allow you to [[Downtime#Retraining\|change a single skill]] after every event. For more information see this section of the [[downtime]] rules about [[Downtime#Retraining\|retraining]]

	===Why have I only got 1xp after two events?===		===Why have I only got 1xp after two events?===
	If you attend one or two events in a year - then you get one xp in total after the first event.		If you attend one or two events in a year - then you get one xp in total after the first event.
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	===Can I use Stay With Me or Get It Together at range?===		===Can I use Stay With Me or Get It Together at range?===
	No. Both [[Heroic_skills#Stay_With_Me\|Stay With Me]] and [[Heroic_skills#Get_It_Together\|Get It Together]] are personal skills and require close, personal roleplaying. You must be close enough to touch the target to use these skills - shouting across the battlefield is not sufficient.		No. Both [[Heroic_skills#Stay_With_Me\|Stay With Me]] and [[Heroic_skills#Get_It_Together\|Get It Together]] are personal skills and require close, personal roleplaying. You must be close enough to touch the target to use these skills - shouting across the battlefield is not sufficient.

	===Can I use weapon master to wield a quarterstaff?===		===Can I use weapon master to wield a quarterstaff?===
	Both the [[Magical_skills#Battle_Mage\|battle mage]] and [[Combat_skills#Weapon_Master\|weapon master]] skills can be used to wield a staff in combat. However, neither allows the wielder to employ heroic calls using a staff (see below).		Both the [[Magical_skills#Battle_Mage\|battle mage]] and [[Combat_skills#Weapon_Master\|weapon master]] skills can be used to wield a staff in combat. However, neither allows the wielder to employ heroic calls using a staff (see below).
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	===Can I use the dedicate skill to give myself dreams?===		===Can I use the dedicate skill to give myself dreams?===
	No. You cannot use the [[dedication]] skill to create vivid [[Dedication#Dreams\|dreams]] by yourself - the character with the skill must be separate to the character experiencing the dream. Using the ability always requires a priest with the dedication skill to use it on a different person as recipient.		No. You cannot use the [[dedication]] skill to create vivid [[Dedication#Dreams\|dreams]] by yourself - the character with the skill must be separate to the character experiencing the dream. Using the ability always requires a priest with the dedication skill to use it on a different person as recipient.
			===Can I study this thing I grabbed to learn new skills/technology?===
			It's not possible to learn how to make unfamiliar magic items, potions, consumables of the like by studying. It's also not possible to create an [[arcane projection]] to allow you to do so. There are methods in the game to acquire new recipes or items - such as creating a schema with a rune forge - and it's possible to gain the knowledge to make something via plot, but such opportunities are rare.

	==Weapons, Armour, and Fighting==		==Weapons, Armour, and Fighting==