Statement of principle - Revision history

Hailmur: /* OOC Design */

2026-04-12T22:08:48Z

OOC Design

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	Players often use statements of principle to try and "fish" for plot outcomes. They might try to find lost items or lore, or encourage a certain group of NPCs to come to Anvil for example. These kind of statements won't have any effect unless they are one of the statements passed by the General Assembly that are guaranteed to have an effect. You can't use a statement of principle in a national or Virtue assembly to get the plot writers to create a new plot involving items, lore or npcs unless you can get the backing of the General Assembly. Where we spot them, we will add notes to statements of principle to point players towards better tools that exist in the game to achieve these outcomes (like historical research).		Players often use statements of principle to try and "fish" for plot outcomes. They might try to find lost items or lore, or encourage a certain group of NPCs to come to Anvil for example. These kind of statements won't have any effect unless they are one of the statements passed by the General Assembly that are guaranteed to have an effect. You can't use a statement of principle in a national or Virtue assembly to get the plot writers to create a new plot involving items, lore or npcs unless you can get the backing of the General Assembly. Where we spot them, we will add notes to statements of principle to point players towards better tools that exist in the game to achieve these outcomes (like historical research).

	Statements of principle ''cannot'' be used to try and change the game rules or the way Empire is run. They exist to allow characters to try to use the Synod to push their agenda with other characters. All participants are welcome to use feedback to Profound Decisions to request changes to the game, the best medium for that is email to [feedback@profounddecisions.co.uk]. Statement of principle is only for characters to pursue their political, social, economic, religious, magical, and academic goals.		Statements of principle ''cannot'' be used to try and change the game rules or the way Empire is run. They exist to allow characters to try to use the Synod to push their agenda with other characters. All participants are welcome to use feedback to Profound Decisions to request changes to the game, the best medium for that is email to [mailto:feedback@profounddecisions.co.uk feedback@profounddecisions.co.uk]. Statement of principle is only for characters to pursue their political, social, economic, religious, magical, and academic goals.

	{{Synod Further Reading}}		{{Synod Further Reading}}

Twiggy at 20:21, 12 April 2026

2026-04-12T20:21:49Z

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	==Timing==		==Timing==
	It takes time for the civil service to distribute statements of principle across the Empire. Even in an emergency, it happens over the three months between each summit - not in the days following the summit. As a result, unless a Wind of Fortune states that NPCs are specifically watching out for a specific judgement, a statement of principle will not impact the following downtime. This means that judgements calling attention to new threats or dangers will not arrive in time to save lives or allow people to change their course of action. While it is understandable that priests might seek to use the Synod to give ~~warnning~~ of impending dangers, a statement of principle is completely ineffective at this. Unless called out explicitly in an [[opportunity]], this kind of warning will never be effective for the upcoming downtime - if the danger is real, then the warning simply won't arrive in time.		It takes time for the civil service to distribute statements of principle across the Empire. Even in an emergency, it happens over the three months between each summit - not in the days following the summit. As a result, unless a Wind of Fortune states that NPCs are specifically watching out for a specific judgement, a statement of principle will not impact the following downtime. This means that judgements calling attention to new threats or dangers will not arrive in time to save lives or allow people to change their course of action. While it is understandable that priests might seek to use the Synod to give warning of impending dangers, a statement of principle is completely ineffective at this. Unless called out explicitly in an [[opportunity]], this kind of warning will never be effective for the upcoming downtime - if the danger is real, then the warning simply won't arrive in time.

	==OOC Design==		==OOC Design==
	Any statement of principle that passes the General Assembly with a greater majority will always have an effect on the game setting, if we are able to create one. If no statement in the General Assembly achieves a greater majority, then the single statement that was upheld with the greatest margin in favour will have an effect instead. Exactly what form the response will take is impossible to predict - but the response will often be tailored in terms of an [[opportunity]], usually presenting a choice for the Synod at the following event. The effects of that opportunity will be clear - and characters can then choose if they wish to follow through.		Any statement of principle that passes the General Assembly with a greater majority will always have an effect on the game setting, if we are able to create one. If no statement in the General Assembly achieves a greater majority, then the single statement that was upheld with the greatest margin in favour will have an effect instead. Exactly what form the response will take is impossible to predict - but the response will often be tailored in terms of an [[opportunity]], usually presenting a choice for the Synod at the following event. The effects of that opportunity will be clear - and characters can then choose if they wish to follow through.

	Statements of principle passed by other assemblies are unlikely to have an effect. Statements urging citizens to do something they are already doing - such as opposing the Druj, or supporting a nation's armies, will never have an effect. Imperial citizens are already assumed to be doing all that they can in this regard, they cannot be importuned to do more. Statements that encourage citizens to take a very different approach can have an effect, provided they are compatible with the Way and the cultural beliefs of a nation. A statement by a national assembly that is at odds with the "Five things about... " for that nation will never generate a positive response. Likewise a statement by a Virtue assembly that is at odds with the guidance on the path for each virtue will never generate a positive response. Any statement by a virtue or national assembly is only likely to produce a response if any effects could be ~~contraversial~~ - if they imply something that almost everyone would agree with, then it is fair to assume that people are already doing it. Statements passed by the Assembly of Nine or statements that pass a virtue or national assembly with a lesser majority will almost never have an effect beyond Anvil.		Statements of principle passed by other assemblies are unlikely to have an effect. Statements urging citizens to do something they are already doing - such as opposing the Druj, or supporting a nation's armies, will never have an effect. Imperial citizens are already assumed to be doing all that they can in this regard, they cannot be importuned to do more. Statements that encourage citizens to take a very different approach can have an effect, provided they are compatible with the Way and the cultural beliefs of a nation. A statement by a national assembly that is at odds with the "Five things about... " for that nation will never generate a positive response. Likewise a statement by a Virtue assembly that is at odds with the guidance on the path for each virtue will never generate a positive response. Any statement by a virtue or national assembly is only likely to produce a response if any effects could be controversial - if they imply something that almost everyone would agree with, then it is fair to assume that people are already doing it. Statements passed by the Assembly of Nine or statements that pass a virtue or national assembly with a lesser majority will almost never have an effect beyond Anvil.

	Long experience has shown that it is impossible for the civil service to predict the effects of a statement of principle passed with a greater majority. They will refuse all requests for a prediction - as they are categorically unable to provide one. This is because our plot team will not decide on the response to a statement of principle at the event where it passed. A statement ''cannot'' have an effect until it is communicated to the Empire beyond Anvil, so we will always make use of the time presented to carefully consider the reaction of Imperial citizens and decide on the best outcome for the game.		Long experience has shown that it is impossible for the civil service to predict the effects of a statement of principle passed with a greater majority. They will refuse all requests for a prediction - as they are categorically unable to provide one. This is because our plot team will not decide on the response to a statement of principle at the event where it passed. A statement ''cannot'' have an effect until it is communicated to the Empire beyond Anvil, so we will always make use of the time presented to carefully consider the reaction of Imperial citizens and decide on the best outcome for the game.

Rafferty at 17:53, 12 April 2026

2026-04-12T17:53:37Z

Show changes

Matt: Text replacement - "[[Imperial army" to "[[Army"

2026-01-16T09:43:23Z

Text replacement - "[[Imperial army" to "[[Army"

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	Long experience has shown that it is impossible for the civil service to predict the effects of a statement of principle passed with a greater majority. They will refuse all requests for a prediction - as they are categorically unable to provide one. This is because our plot team will not decide on the response to a statement of principle at the event where it passed. A statement ''cannot'' have an effect until it is communicated to the Empire beyond Anvil, so we will always make use of the time presented to carefully consider the reaction of Imperial citizens and decide on the best outcome for the game.		Long experience has shown that it is impossible for the civil service to predict the effects of a statement of principle passed with a greater majority. They will refuse all requests for a prediction - as they are categorically unable to provide one. This is because our plot team will not decide on the response to a statement of principle at the event where it passed. A statement ''cannot'' have an effect until it is communicated to the Empire beyond Anvil, so we will always make use of the time presented to carefully consider the reaction of Imperial citizens and decide on the best outcome for the game.

	While a statement of principle of this kind is guaranteed to have an effect, this will ''not always be a benefit.'' The play-balance of game effects are as likely to be negative as they are positive. For example a statement of principle passed with a greater majority of the [[the Marches\|Marcher]] assembly urging all Marchers to support the war in the [[Mournwold]] might result in a plot [[opportunity]] for the Marcher Assembly to create a penalty for all [[~~Imperial army~~\|Marcher armies]] and [[military unit\|military units]] that don't fight in the Mourn. The Marchers, inspired by the leadership of their Synod use [[The_Marches_culture_and_customs#Rough_music\|rough music]] and [[The_Marches_culture_and_customs#Shunning\|shunning]] to punish those who disobey the clear will of the Synod.		While a statement of principle of this kind is guaranteed to have an effect, this will ''not always be a benefit.'' The play-balance of game effects are as likely to be negative as they are positive. For example a statement of principle passed with a greater majority of the [[the Marches\|Marcher]] assembly urging all Marchers to support the war in the [[Mournwold]] might result in a plot [[opportunity]] for the Marcher Assembly to create a penalty for all [[Army\|Marcher armies]] and [[military unit\|military units]] that don't fight in the Mourn. The Marchers, inspired by the leadership of their Synod use [[The_Marches_culture_and_customs#Rough_music\|rough music]] and [[The_Marches_culture_and_customs#Shunning\|shunning]] to punish those who disobey the clear will of the Synod.

	Statements of principle exist to allow player-characters to unite the citizens of the Empire behind an in-character cause. The wording of a statement of principle is absolutely crucial in determining the flavour and detail of a response. We will determine the outcome of any plot opportunity based on the wording of the judgement. An effective statement of principle will be clear and lay out a strong proposal that characters in the Empire can support or follow.		Statements of principle exist to allow player-characters to unite the citizens of the Empire behind an in-character cause. The wording of a statement of principle is absolutely crucial in determining the flavour and detail of a response. We will determine the outcome of any plot opportunity based on the wording of the judgement. An effective statement of principle will be clear and lay out a strong proposal that characters in the Empire can support or follow.

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

2026-01-15T21:28:47Z

Text replacement - "[[Imperial Synod" to "[[Synod"

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	{{CaptionedImage\|file=Marcela_Contemplates.jpg\|title=A statement of principle requires significant thought, as well as passion.\|caption=A significant statement of principle can have far-reaching effects across the Empire and beyond.\|align=left\|width=450}}		{{CaptionedImage\|file=Marcela_Contemplates.jpg\|title=A statement of principle requires significant thought, as well as passion.\|caption=A significant statement of principle can have far-reaching effects across the Empire and beyond.\|align=left\|width=450}}
	==Overview==		==Overview==
	The assemblies of the [[~~Imperial~~ Synod]] have the ability to make statements of principle. These are public declarations with the support of an [[assembly]] of the Synod on a matter relevant to the spiritual well-being of the Empire.		The assemblies of the [[Synod]] have the ability to make statements of principle. These are public declarations with the support of an [[assembly]] of the Synod on a matter relevant to the spiritual well-being of the Empire.

	Statements of principle have no authority in law. However, they are a means by which the Synod can recognize a virtuous act, warn citizens of potential peril or attempt to apply encouragement, or shame, to a public figure or group. Most statements are primarily of interest to the well-connected citizens of the Empire who attend the summits at Anvil. However significant statements, especially those passed with a greater majority by the General [[Assembly]], may have influence right across the Empire.		Statements of principle have no authority in law. However, they are a means by which the Synod can recognize a virtuous act, warn citizens of potential peril or attempt to apply encouragement, or shame, to a public figure or group. Most statements are primarily of interest to the well-connected citizens of the Empire who attend the summits at Anvil. However significant statements, especially those passed with a greater majority by the General [[Assembly]], may have influence right across the Empire.

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

2026-01-15T15:00:46Z

Text replacement - "[[Imperial Senate" to "[[Senate"

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	A judgement of principle may legally be raised by any assembly of the Imperial Synod. However it is expected that the issue at hand will be relevant to the members of the assembly judging it. For example a Statement of Principle decrying the actions of Highborn generals is likely to carry the most moral weight if passed by the Highborn Assembly.		A judgement of principle may legally be raised by any assembly of the Imperial Synod. However it is expected that the issue at hand will be relevant to the members of the assembly judging it. For example a Statement of Principle decrying the actions of Highborn generals is likely to carry the most moral weight if passed by the Highborn Assembly.

	A statement of principle never has a direct legal consequence regardless of the wording. The Synod may judge a statement of principle calling for the creation of an inquisitor or an auditor - but that does not cause the creation of a new Imperial title. The statement carries moral imperative, not legal force. Only the [[~~Imperial~~ Senate]] can create new titles or change the law.		A statement of principle never has a direct legal consequence regardless of the wording. The Synod may judge a statement of principle calling for the creation of an inquisitor or an auditor - but that does not cause the creation of a new Imperial title. The statement carries moral imperative, not legal force. Only the [[Senate]] can create new titles or change the law.

	Some assemblies have specific powers to raise statements of principle with special effects. For example, the Assembly of Nine can direct the [[No_evil_shall_escape_our_sight\|Silent Bell]], while the Prosperity Assembly maintains the [[Roll of Benefactors]], and the Wintermark Assembly can raise a statement of principle to add a name to the [[Heroism#Chronicle of Heroism\|Chronicle of Heroism]]. Several of these abilities require a Greater Majority to be effective.		Some assemblies have specific powers to raise statements of principle with special effects. For example, the Assembly of Nine can direct the [[No_evil_shall_escape_our_sight\|Silent Bell]], while the Prosperity Assembly maintains the [[Roll of Benefactors]], and the Wintermark Assembly can raise a statement of principle to add a name to the [[Heroism#Chronicle of Heroism\|Chronicle of Heroism]]. Several of these abilities require a Greater Majority to be effective.

Rafferty: /* Outcome */

2025-09-08T10:52:06Z

Outcome

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	A statement of principle passed with a greater majority by a national assembly will be communicated to every congregation in that nation. With the clear backing of the spiritual leaders of that nation it may have a profound effect on the attitudes and endeavours of the citizens of that nation. A similar statement passed with a greater majority by the General Assembly resounds across the entire Empire and will ''always'' have an effect of some kind. Such statements are also communicated to priests of the Way who tend to congregations in foreign nations.		A statement of principle passed with a greater majority by a national assembly will be communicated to every congregation in that nation. With the clear backing of the spiritual leaders of that nation it may have a profound effect on the attitudes and endeavours of the citizens of that nation. A similar statement passed with a greater majority by the General Assembly resounds across the entire Empire and will ''always'' have an effect of some kind. Such statements are also communicated to priests of the Way who tend to congregations in foreign nations.

	Traditionally statements passed by the [[Assembly#Assembly_of_the_Nine\|Assembly of the Nine]] have not had a significant impact beyond Anvil. Following the [[Benevolence,_inspiration,_and_legacy\|Severin encyclical]], there ~~has been~~ an [[More_work#The_Voice_of_the_Nine\|increased interest]] in statements of principle raised by the Assembly of the Nine. <!--For a while, statements of principle by the Assembly of the Nine were more likely to generate a clear effect as a result, but recent crises of faith and loss of confidence in the Assembly of Nine restored the former status quo.-->		Traditionally statements passed by the [[Assembly#Assembly_of_the_Nine\|Assembly of the Nine]] have not had a significant impact beyond Anvil. Following the [[Benevolence,_inspiration,_and_legacy\|Severin encyclical]], there was an [[More_work#The_Voice_of_the_Nine\|increased interest]] in statements of principle raised by the Assembly of the Nine. <!--For a while, statements of principle by the Assembly of the Nine were more likely to generate a clear effect as a result, but recent crises of faith and loss of confidence in the Assembly of Nine restored the former status quo.-->

	Statements passed with a greater majority by a virtue assembly are communicated to congregations of that virtue across the Empire, but it is rare for them to produce a clear effect, as the faithful who are influenced are more dispersed.		Statements passed with a greater majority by a virtue assembly are communicated to congregations of that virtue across the Empire, but it is rare for them to produce a clear effect, as the faithful who are influenced are more dispersed.

Matt at 20:22, 22 July 2025

2025-07-22T20:22:27Z

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	A statement of principle passed with a greater majority by a national assembly will be communicated to every congregation in that nation. With the clear backing of the spiritual leaders of that nation it may have a profound effect on the attitudes and endeavours of the citizens of that nation. A similar statement passed with a greater majority by the General Assembly resounds across the entire Empire and will ''always'' have an effect of some kind. Such statements are also communicated to priests of the Way who tend to congregations in foreign nations.		A statement of principle passed with a greater majority by a national assembly will be communicated to every congregation in that nation. With the clear backing of the spiritual leaders of that nation it may have a profound effect on the attitudes and endeavours of the citizens of that nation. A similar statement passed with a greater majority by the General Assembly resounds across the entire Empire and will ''always'' have an effect of some kind. Such statements are also communicated to priests of the Way who tend to congregations in foreign nations.

	Traditionally statements passed by the [[Assembly#Assembly_of_the_Nine\|Assembly of the Nine]] have not had a significant impact beyond Anvil. Following the [[Benevolence,_inspiration,_and_legacy\|Severin encyclical]], there has been an [[More_work#The_Voice_of_the_Nine\|increased interest]] in statements of principle raised by the Assembly of the Nine. For a while, statements of principle by the Assembly of the Nine were more likely to generate a clear effect as a result, but recent crises of faith and loss of confidence in the Assembly of Nine restored the former status quo.		Traditionally statements passed by the [[Assembly#Assembly_of_the_Nine\|Assembly of the Nine]] have not had a significant impact beyond Anvil. Following the [[Benevolence,_inspiration,_and_legacy\|Severin encyclical]], there has been an [[More_work#The_Voice_of_the_Nine\|increased interest]] in statements of principle raised by the Assembly of the Nine. <!--For a while, statements of principle by the Assembly of the Nine were more likely to generate a clear effect as a result, but recent crises of faith and loss of confidence in the Assembly of Nine restored the former status quo.-->

	Statements passed with a greater majority by a virtue assembly are communicated to congregations of that virtue across the Empire, but it is rare for them to produce a clear effect, as the faithful who are influenced are more dispersed.		Statements passed with a greater majority by a virtue assembly are communicated to congregations of that virtue across the Empire, but it is rare for them to produce a clear effect, as the faithful who are influenced are more dispersed.

Matt: /* Outcome */

2025-07-22T20:21:37Z

Outcome

← Older revision		Revision as of 20:21, 22 July 2025
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	A statement of principle passed with a greater majority by a national assembly will be communicated to every congregation in that nation. With the clear backing of the spiritual leaders of that nation it may have a profound effect on the attitudes and endeavours of the citizens of that nation. A similar statement passed with a greater majority by the General Assembly resounds across the entire Empire and will ''always'' have an effect of some kind. Such statements are also communicated to priests of the Way who tend to congregations in foreign nations.		A statement of principle passed with a greater majority by a national assembly will be communicated to every congregation in that nation. With the clear backing of the spiritual leaders of that nation it may have a profound effect on the attitudes and endeavours of the citizens of that nation. A similar statement passed with a greater majority by the General Assembly resounds across the entire Empire and will ''always'' have an effect of some kind. Such statements are also communicated to priests of the Way who tend to congregations in foreign nations.

	Traditionally statements passed by the [[Assembly#Assembly_of_the_Nine\|Assembly of the Nine]] have not had a significant impact beyond Anvil. Following the [[Benevolence,_inspiration,_and_legacy\|Severin encyclical]], there has been an [[More_work#The_Voice_of_the_Nine\|increased interest]] in statements of principle raised by the Assembly of the Nine. For ~~the foreseeable future~~, ~~any statement~~ of principle by the Assembly of the Nine ~~that achieves a greater majority will be as~~ likely to generate a clear effect as a ~~similar statement raised by a national assembly -~~ but ~~with a much wider reach~~.		Traditionally statements passed by the [[Assembly#Assembly_of_the_Nine\|Assembly of the Nine]] have not had a significant impact beyond Anvil. Following the [[Benevolence,_inspiration,_and_legacy\|Severin encyclical]], there has been an [[More_work#The_Voice_of_the_Nine\|increased interest]] in statements of principle raised by the Assembly of the Nine. For a while, statements of principle by the Assembly of the Nine were more likely to generate a clear effect as a result, but recent crises of faith and loss of confidence in the Assembly of Nine restored the former status quo.

	Statements passed with a greater majority by a virtue assembly are communicated to congregations of that virtue across the Empire, but it is rare for them to produce a clear effect, as the faithful who are influenced are more dispersed.		Statements passed with a greater majority by a virtue assembly are communicated to congregations of that virtue across the Empire, but it is rare for them to produce a clear effect, as the faithful who are influenced are more dispersed.

Twiggy at 00:35, 11 July 2025

2025-07-11T00:35:14Z

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	A statement of principle only requires a lesser majority to pass.		A statement of principle only requires a lesser majority to pass.

	<ic>At the Spring Summit ~~377 YE~~, the National Assembly of the League, at the instigation of Antonio Raoul Calgone declared the belief that there should be, at Anvil, a location consecrated to each of the Imperial Virtues.</ic>		<ic>At the Spring Summit 377YE, the National Assembly of the League, at the instigation of Antonio Raoul Calgone declared the belief that there should be, at Anvil, a location consecrated to each of the Imperial Virtues.</ic>
	<div style="float:right; width: 300px; clear: right;">{{CaptionedImage\|file=On the virtue of loyalty.jpg\|caption=Statements of principle inspire discussion and debate.\|title=Jared of the Suns of Couros, Cardinal of Loyalty 377-380YE\|align=right\|width=300}}</div>		<div style="float:right; width: 300px; clear: right;">{{CaptionedImage\|file=On the virtue of loyalty.jpg\|caption=Statements of principle inspire discussion and debate.\|title=Jared of the Suns of Couros, Cardinal of Loyalty 377-380YE\|align=right\|width=300}}</div>