The setting - Revision history

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

2026-01-15T22:08:30Z

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

← Older revision		Revision as of 22:08, 15 January 2026
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	Our game is about the fate of the Empire and the political battles to control it. While there is a larger world beyond Imperial borders, their only significance in the game is the way they affect the Empire. Being an Imperial citizen grants you significant abilities and rights that are key to enjoying the game.		Our game is about the fate of the Empire and the political battles to control it. While there is a larger world beyond Imperial borders, their only significance in the game is the way they affect the Empire. Being an Imperial citizen grants you significant abilities and rights that are key to enjoying the game.

	Only Imperial citizens are eligible to participate in elections for the [[Senate]], and can play a role in the [[~~Imperial~~ Synod]], the [[Military Council]], the [[Conclave]], and the [[Bourse]]. Each of these houses has distinct powers that allow player characters to shape Imperial policy and direct the Empire. [[Imperial title\|Imperial titles]] - positions of responsibility and power that often grant unique abilities or access - can only be held by Imperial citizens. Only Imperial citizens can freely travel through the [[Sentinel Gate]]. Doing so is the only way to take part in the quests, skirmishes, and battles.		Only Imperial citizens are eligible to participate in elections for the [[Senate]], and can play a role in the [[Synod]], the [[Military Council]], the [[Conclave]], and the [[Bourse]]. Each of these houses has distinct powers that allow player characters to shape Imperial policy and direct the Empire. [[Imperial title\|Imperial titles]] - positions of responsibility and power that often grant unique abilities or access - can only be held by Imperial citizens. Only Imperial citizens can freely travel through the [[Sentinel Gate]]. Doing so is the only way to take part in the quests, skirmishes, and battles.

	Because of this intense focus, every player-character ''must'' be an Imperial citizen. Even if you decide your character was born in a [[Foreign_nations\|foreign nation]], they must have become an Imperial citizen at some point before you enter play. You can read more about the Empire itself [[The Empire\|here]].		Because of this intense focus, every player-character ''must'' be an Imperial citizen. Even if you decide your character was born in a [[Foreign_nations\|foreign nation]], they must have become an Imperial citizen at some point before you enter play. You can read more about the Empire itself [[The Empire\|here]].
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	Faith is a powerful motivation in the setting, but it differs greatly from religions in many other roleplaying games. There are no gods and no divine authority that will issue instructions or answer questions. Almost all human religions recognize the idea that human souls reincarnate. Most of the known religions believe that after they die humans go to a spiritual realm for a time and then are reborn in the world. The exact details of these beliefs vary widely.		Faith is a powerful motivation in the setting, but it differs greatly from religions in many other roleplaying games. There are no gods and no divine authority that will issue instructions or answer questions. Almost all human religions recognize the idea that human souls reincarnate. Most of the known religions believe that after they die humans go to a spiritual realm for a time and then are reborn in the world. The exact details of these beliefs vary widely.

	The Empire has a formal religion - [[the Way]] - that is based around the pursuit of the seven [[The_Way#The_Paths_of_Virtue\|Virtues]]. There are other faiths in the world but it is illegal to preach them in the Empire. Player character priests are likely to wield secular power as members of the [[~~Imperial~~ Synod]]. There is a strong theme of religious conflict over matters of doctrine and morality, both between Imperial priests and with the followers of opposing faiths.		The Empire has a formal religion - [[the Way]] - that is based around the pursuit of the seven [[The_Way#The_Paths_of_Virtue\|Virtues]]. There are other faiths in the world but it is illegal to preach them in the Empire. Player character priests are likely to wield secular power as members of the [[Synod]]. There is a strong theme of religious conflict over matters of doctrine and morality, both between Imperial priests and with the followers of opposing faiths.

	The powers wielded by priests are more subtle than those commonly available to religious characters in other settings. Their [[Religious_skills\|liao ceremonies]] focus on the creation of [[roleplaying effects]] and dealing with spiritual matters, rather than providing healing or smiting opponents.		The powers wielded by priests are more subtle than those commonly available to religious characters in other settings. Their [[Religious_skills\|liao ceremonies]] focus on the creation of [[roleplaying effects]] and dealing with spiritual matters, rather than providing healing or smiting opponents.

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

2026-01-15T16:52:26Z

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

← Older revision		Revision as of 16:52, 15 January 2026
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	Our game is about the fate of the Empire and the political battles to control it. While there is a larger world beyond Imperial borders, their only significance in the game is the way they affect the Empire. Being an Imperial citizen grants you significant abilities and rights that are key to enjoying the game.		Our game is about the fate of the Empire and the political battles to control it. While there is a larger world beyond Imperial borders, their only significance in the game is the way they affect the Empire. Being an Imperial citizen grants you significant abilities and rights that are key to enjoying the game.

	Only Imperial citizens are eligible to participate in elections for the [[Senate]], and can play a role in the [[Imperial Synod]], the [[Military Council]], the [[~~Imperial~~ Conclave]], and the [[Bourse]]. Each of these houses has distinct powers that allow player characters to shape Imperial policy and direct the Empire. [[Imperial title\|Imperial titles]] - positions of responsibility and power that often grant unique abilities or access - can only be held by Imperial citizens. Only Imperial citizens can freely travel through the [[Sentinel Gate]]. Doing so is the only way to take part in the quests, skirmishes, and battles.		Only Imperial citizens are eligible to participate in elections for the [[Senate]], and can play a role in the [[Imperial Synod]], the [[Military Council]], the [[Conclave]], and the [[Bourse]]. Each of these houses has distinct powers that allow player characters to shape Imperial policy and direct the Empire. [[Imperial title\|Imperial titles]] - positions of responsibility and power that often grant unique abilities or access - can only be held by Imperial citizens. Only Imperial citizens can freely travel through the [[Sentinel Gate]]. Doing so is the only way to take part in the quests, skirmishes, and battles.

	Because of this intense focus, every player-character ''must'' be an Imperial citizen. Even if you decide your character was born in a [[Foreign_nations\|foreign nation]], they must have become an Imperial citizen at some point before you enter play. You can read more about the Empire itself [[The Empire\|here]].		Because of this intense focus, every player-character ''must'' be an Imperial citizen. Even if you decide your character was born in a [[Foreign_nations\|foreign nation]], they must have become an Imperial citizen at some point before you enter play. You can read more about the Empire itself [[The Empire\|here]].

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

2026-01-15T14:59:47Z

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

← Older revision		Revision as of 14:59, 15 January 2026
Line 21:		Line 21:
	Our game is about the fate of the Empire and the political battles to control it. While there is a larger world beyond Imperial borders, their only significance in the game is the way they affect the Empire. Being an Imperial citizen grants you significant abilities and rights that are key to enjoying the game.		Our game is about the fate of the Empire and the political battles to control it. While there is a larger world beyond Imperial borders, their only significance in the game is the way they affect the Empire. Being an Imperial citizen grants you significant abilities and rights that are key to enjoying the game.

	Only Imperial citizens are eligible to participate in elections for the [[~~Imperial~~ Senate]], and can play a role in the [[Imperial Synod]], the [[Military Council]], the [[Imperial Conclave]], and the [[Bourse]]. Each of these houses has distinct powers that allow player characters to shape Imperial policy and direct the Empire. [[Imperial title\|Imperial titles]] - positions of responsibility and power that often grant unique abilities or access - can only be held by Imperial citizens. Only Imperial citizens can freely travel through the [[Sentinel Gate]]. Doing so is the only way to take part in the quests, skirmishes, and battles.		Only Imperial citizens are eligible to participate in elections for the [[Senate]], and can play a role in the [[Imperial Synod]], the [[Military Council]], the [[Imperial Conclave]], and the [[Bourse]]. Each of these houses has distinct powers that allow player characters to shape Imperial policy and direct the Empire. [[Imperial title\|Imperial titles]] - positions of responsibility and power that often grant unique abilities or access - can only be held by Imperial citizens. Only Imperial citizens can freely travel through the [[Sentinel Gate]]. Doing so is the only way to take part in the quests, skirmishes, and battles.

	Because of this intense focus, every player-character ''must'' be an Imperial citizen. Even if you decide your character was born in a [[Foreign_nations\|foreign nation]], they must have become an Imperial citizen at some point before you enter play. You can read more about the Empire itself [[The Empire\|here]].		Because of this intense focus, every player-character ''must'' be an Imperial citizen. Even if you decide your character was born in a [[Foreign_nations\|foreign nation]], they must have become an Imperial citizen at some point before you enter play. You can read more about the Empire itself [[The Empire\|here]].

Matt: Text replacement - "[[Imperial Military Council" to "[[Military Council"

2026-01-15T13:21:57Z

Text replacement - "[[Imperial Military Council" to "[[Military Council"

← Older revision		Revision as of 13:21, 15 January 2026
Line 21:		Line 21:
	Our game is about the fate of the Empire and the political battles to control it. While there is a larger world beyond Imperial borders, their only significance in the game is the way they affect the Empire. Being an Imperial citizen grants you significant abilities and rights that are key to enjoying the game.		Our game is about the fate of the Empire and the political battles to control it. While there is a larger world beyond Imperial borders, their only significance in the game is the way they affect the Empire. Being an Imperial citizen grants you significant abilities and rights that are key to enjoying the game.

	Only Imperial citizens are eligible to participate in elections for the [[Imperial Senate]], and can play a role in the [[Imperial Synod]], the [[~~Imperial~~ Military Council]], the [[Imperial Conclave]], and the [[Bourse]]. Each of these houses has distinct powers that allow player characters to shape Imperial policy and direct the Empire. [[Imperial title\|Imperial titles]] - positions of responsibility and power that often grant unique abilities or access - can only be held by Imperial citizens. Only Imperial citizens can freely travel through the [[Sentinel Gate]]. Doing so is the only way to take part in the quests, skirmishes, and battles.		Only Imperial citizens are eligible to participate in elections for the [[Imperial Senate]], and can play a role in the [[Imperial Synod]], the [[Military Council]], the [[Imperial Conclave]], and the [[Bourse]]. Each of these houses has distinct powers that allow player characters to shape Imperial policy and direct the Empire. [[Imperial title\|Imperial titles]] - positions of responsibility and power that often grant unique abilities or access - can only be held by Imperial citizens. Only Imperial citizens can freely travel through the [[Sentinel Gate]]. Doing so is the only way to take part in the quests, skirmishes, and battles.

	Because of this intense focus, every player-character ''must'' be an Imperial citizen. Even if you decide your character was born in a [[Foreign_nations\|foreign nation]], they must have become an Imperial citizen at some point before you enter play. You can read more about the Empire itself [[The Empire\|here]].		Because of this intense focus, every player-character ''must'' be an Imperial citizen. Even if you decide your character was born in a [[Foreign_nations\|foreign nation]], they must have become an Imperial citizen at some point before you enter play. You can read more about the Empire itself [[The Empire\|here]].

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

2026-01-15T13:17:48Z

Text replacement - "[[Imperial Bourse" to "[[Bourse"

← Older revision		Revision as of 13:17, 15 January 2026
Line 21:		Line 21:
	Our game is about the fate of the Empire and the political battles to control it. While there is a larger world beyond Imperial borders, their only significance in the game is the way they affect the Empire. Being an Imperial citizen grants you significant abilities and rights that are key to enjoying the game.		Our game is about the fate of the Empire and the political battles to control it. While there is a larger world beyond Imperial borders, their only significance in the game is the way they affect the Empire. Being an Imperial citizen grants you significant abilities and rights that are key to enjoying the game.

	Only Imperial citizens are eligible to participate in elections for the [[Imperial Senate]], and can play a role in the [[Imperial Synod]], the [[Imperial Military Council]], the [[Imperial Conclave]], and the [[~~Imperial~~ Bourse]]. Each of these houses has distinct powers that allow player characters to shape Imperial policy and direct the Empire. [[Imperial title\|Imperial titles]] - positions of responsibility and power that often grant unique abilities or access - can only be held by Imperial citizens. Only Imperial citizens can freely travel through the [[Sentinel Gate]]. Doing so is the only way to take part in the quests, skirmishes, and battles.		Only Imperial citizens are eligible to participate in elections for the [[Imperial Senate]], and can play a role in the [[Imperial Synod]], the [[Imperial Military Council]], the [[Imperial Conclave]], and the [[Bourse]]. Each of these houses has distinct powers that allow player characters to shape Imperial policy and direct the Empire. [[Imperial title\|Imperial titles]] - positions of responsibility and power that often grant unique abilities or access - can only be held by Imperial citizens. Only Imperial citizens can freely travel through the [[Sentinel Gate]]. Doing so is the only way to take part in the quests, skirmishes, and battles.

	Because of this intense focus, every player-character ''must'' be an Imperial citizen. Even if you decide your character was born in a [[Foreign_nations\|foreign nation]], they must have become an Imperial citizen at some point before you enter play. You can read more about the Empire itself [[The Empire\|here]].		Because of this intense focus, every player-character ''must'' be an Imperial citizen. Even if you decide your character was born in a [[Foreign_nations\|foreign nation]], they must have become an Imperial citizen at some point before you enter play. You can read more about the Empire itself [[The Empire\|here]].

Thespaceinvader: /* Original Setting */

2025-08-28T21:58:17Z

Original Setting

← Older revision		Revision as of 21:58, 28 August 2025
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	==Original Setting==		==Original Setting==
	Empire takes place in an original fantasy setting, rather than ~~one~~ a historical one. Although some of the costume is inspired by medieval and renaissance clothing, the parallels end there. For example, feudalism is largely unknown in the setting. This means that few nations have kings, queens, or serfs and nobody in the Empire lives a life of power or poverty because of their birth. For the most part, people are judged by their actions and abilities, not their parents.		Empire takes place in an original fantasy setting, rather than a historical one. Although some of the costume is inspired by medieval and renaissance clothing, the parallels end there. For example, feudalism is largely unknown in the setting. This means that few nations have kings, queens, or serfs and nobody in the Empire lives a life of power or poverty because of their birth. For the most part, people are judged by their actions and abilities, not their parents.

	Prejudice is commonplace in the setting but is not based on real-world or historical examples. Discrimination by gender or sexuality is unheard of, and nobody is judged by the colour of their skin. The bigotry that occurs in the Empire is based on in-game choices for your character such as your lineage, nationality, faith.		Prejudice is commonplace in the setting but is not based on real-world or historical examples. Discrimination by gender or sexuality is unheard of, and nobody is judged by the colour of their skin. The bigotry that occurs in the Empire is based on in-game choices for your character such as your lineage, nationality, faith.
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	The people of this world, especially in the Empire, are well-educated. The assumption is that everyone can read and write, and disciplines such as [[Healing_in_Empire#Mundane_medicine\|medicine]], magic, mathematics, and natural philosophy are widely studied. There are numerous [[technology\|technologies]] known in the Empire world that would be anachronistic in many fantasy settings. Some, such as [[technology#Light stones\|light stones]] are magical in nature, while others such as the [[technology#printing press\|printing press]] are wholly mundane in nature.		The people of this world, especially in the Empire, are well-educated. The assumption is that everyone can read and write, and disciplines such as [[Healing_in_Empire#Mundane_medicine\|medicine]], magic, mathematics, and natural philosophy are widely studied. There are numerous [[technology\|technologies]] known in the Empire world that would be anachronistic in many fantasy settings. Some, such as [[technology#Light stones\|light stones]] are magical in nature, while others such as the [[technology#printing press\|printing press]] are wholly mundane in nature.
	{{CaptionedImage\|file=Highborn.jpg\|align=right\|width=400}}		{{CaptionedImage\|file=Highborn.jpg\|align=right\|width=400}}

	==Closed World==		==Closed World==
	The Empire setting is a closed world; this means that the game has a defined [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Canon_(fiction) canon] that lays out what is and is not true in the game world. This helps to make Empire feel more real - as players can have a common understanding of what does and does not exist and what is or is not possible in the world their characters inhabit.		The Empire setting is a closed world; this means that the game has a defined [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Canon_(fiction) canon] that lays out what is and is not true in the game world. This helps to make Empire feel more real - as players can have a common understanding of what does and does not exist and what is or is not possible in the world their characters inhabit.

Rafferty at 15:37, 16 March 2023

2023-03-16T15:37:16Z

← Older revision		Revision as of 15:37, 16 March 2023
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	~~{{stub}}~~
	{{CaptionedImage\|file=Setting.jpg\|width=100%\|caption=Empire takes place in an original fantasy setting.}}		{{CaptionedImage\|file=Setting.jpg\|width=100%\|caption=Empire takes place in an original fantasy setting.}}
	==Overview==		==Overview==

Rafferty: /* Ubiquitous Magic */

2020-11-16T14:51:36Z

Ubiquitous Magic

← Older revision		Revision as of 14:51, 16 November 2020
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	There are several other ways that magic impacts the game. [[Magic items]] crafted by [[Crafting skills#Artisan\|artisans]] allow even the most mundane individual to access limited magical abilities. The five magical [[herbs]] allow [[physick\|physicks]] to achieve remarkable healing effects, and let [[apothecary\|apothecaries]] brew valuable potions. Finally, the world itself is steeped in magic that manifests in subtle, hard to control ways. [[Hearth magic]] employs the innate natural magic of the world to produce subtle but significant effects in much the same way that a compass needle always points to magnetic north.		There are several other ways that magic impacts the game. [[Magic items]] crafted by [[Crafting skills#Artisan\|artisans]] allow even the most mundane individual to access limited magical abilities. The five magical [[herbs]] allow [[physick\|physicks]] to achieve remarkable healing effects, and let [[apothecary\|apothecaries]] brew valuable potions. Finally, the world itself is steeped in magic that manifests in subtle, hard to control ways. [[Hearth magic]] employs the innate natural magic of the world to produce subtle but significant effects in much the same way that a compass needle always points to magnetic north.
	{{CaptionedImage\|file=Faith.jpg\|align=right\|width=~~450~~}}		{{CaptionedImage\|file=Faith.jpg\|align=right\|width=500}}

	==Powerful Faith==		==Powerful Faith==

Rafferty: /* Ubiquitous Magic */

2020-11-16T14:51:24Z

Ubiquitous Magic

← Older revision		Revision as of 14:51, 16 November 2020
Line 45:		Line 45:

	There are several other ways that magic impacts the game. [[Magic items]] crafted by [[Crafting skills#Artisan\|artisans]] allow even the most mundane individual to access limited magical abilities. The five magical [[herbs]] allow [[physick\|physicks]] to achieve remarkable healing effects, and let [[apothecary\|apothecaries]] brew valuable potions. Finally, the world itself is steeped in magic that manifests in subtle, hard to control ways. [[Hearth magic]] employs the innate natural magic of the world to produce subtle but significant effects in much the same way that a compass needle always points to magnetic north.		There are several other ways that magic impacts the game. [[Magic items]] crafted by [[Crafting skills#Artisan\|artisans]] allow even the most mundane individual to access limited magical abilities. The five magical [[herbs]] allow [[physick\|physicks]] to achieve remarkable healing effects, and let [[apothecary\|apothecaries]] brew valuable potions. Finally, the world itself is steeped in magic that manifests in subtle, hard to control ways. [[Hearth magic]] employs the innate natural magic of the world to produce subtle but significant effects in much the same way that a compass needle always points to magnetic north.
	{{CaptionedImage\|file=Faith.jpg\|align=right\|width=~~400~~}}		{{CaptionedImage\|file=Faith.jpg\|align=right\|width=450}}

	==Powerful Faith==		==Powerful Faith==
	Faith is a powerful motivation in the setting, but it differs greatly from religions in many other roleplaying games. There are no gods and no divine authority that will issue instructions or answer questions. Almost all human religions recognize the idea that human souls reincarnate. Most of the known religions believe that after they die humans go to a spiritual realm for a time and then are reborn in the world. The exact details of these beliefs vary widely.		Faith is a powerful motivation in the setting, but it differs greatly from religions in many other roleplaying games. There are no gods and no divine authority that will issue instructions or answer questions. Almost all human religions recognize the idea that human souls reincarnate. Most of the known religions believe that after they die humans go to a spiritual realm for a time and then are reborn in the world. The exact details of these beliefs vary widely.

Matt at 14:14, 16 November 2020

2020-11-16T14:14:43Z

← Older revision		Revision as of 14:14, 16 November 2020
Line 10:		Line 10:

	The people of this world, especially in the Empire, are well-educated. The assumption is that everyone can read and write, and disciplines such as [[Healing_in_Empire#Mundane_medicine\|medicine]], magic, mathematics, and natural philosophy are widely studied. There are numerous [[technology\|technologies]] known in the Empire world that would be anachronistic in many fantasy settings. Some, such as [[technology#Light stones\|light stones]] are magical in nature, while others such as the [[technology#printing press\|printing press]] are wholly mundane in nature.		The people of this world, especially in the Empire, are well-educated. The assumption is that everyone can read and write, and disciplines such as [[Healing_in_Empire#Mundane_medicine\|medicine]], magic, mathematics, and natural philosophy are widely studied. There are numerous [[technology\|technologies]] known in the Empire world that would be anachronistic in many fantasy settings. Some, such as [[technology#Light stones\|light stones]] are magical in nature, while others such as the [[technology#printing press\|printing press]] are wholly mundane in nature.
	{{CaptionedImage\|file=Highborn.jpg\|align=~~left~~\|width=400}}		{{CaptionedImage\|file=Highborn.jpg\|align=right\|width=400}}
	==Closed World==		==Closed World==
	The Empire setting is a closed world; this means that the game has a defined [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Canon_(fiction) canon] that lays out what is and is not true in the game world. This helps to make Empire feel more real - as players can have a common understanding of what does and does not exist and what is or is not possible in the world their characters inhabit.		The Empire setting is a closed world; this means that the game has a defined [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Canon_(fiction) canon] that lays out what is and is not true in the game world. This helps to make Empire feel more real - as players can have a common understanding of what does and does not exist and what is or is not possible in the world their characters inhabit.
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	Some humans are touched by the power of the magical realms and develop [[lineage]]. There are six lineages in the Empire setting - [[briar]], [[cambion]], [[changeling]], [[draughir]], [[merrow]], and [[naga]]. Each has physical ''trappings'' that mark them out as different to unlineaged humans and their personalities are influenced by the magical realm they are associated with. Lineaged people are found throughout the world, and while they are still fundamentally human, different nations have different attitudes to different lineages.		Some humans are touched by the power of the magical realms and develop [[lineage]]. There are six lineages in the Empire setting - [[briar]], [[cambion]], [[changeling]], [[draughir]], [[merrow]], and [[naga]]. Each has physical ''trappings'' that mark them out as different to unlineaged humans and their personalities are influenced by the magical realm they are associated with. Lineaged people are found throughout the world, and while they are still fundamentally human, different nations have different attitudes to different lineages.
	{{CaptionedImage\|file=Magic.jpg\|align=~~right~~\|width=~~350~~}}		{{CaptionedImage\|file=Magic.jpg\|align=left\|width=400}}
	==Ubiquitous Magic==		==Ubiquitous Magic==
	Magic is a fact of life in the setting, and in theory, anyone can learn to use it. The Empire is part of the mortal or mundane world, but there are six magical [[realm\|realms]] - Spring, Summer, Autumn, Winter, Day, and Night that lie alongside it. The realms are magical planes that are separated from but innately tied to the natural world. While mortals can't visit them and survive there, they are inhabited by supernatural creatures called [[eternal\|eternals]] who are fascinated by the material world.		Magic is a fact of life in the setting, and in theory, anyone can learn to use it. The Empire is part of the mortal or mundane world, but there are six magical [[realm\|realms]] - Spring, Summer, Autumn, Winter, Day, and Night that lie alongside it. The realms are magical planes that are separated from but innately tied to the natural world. While mortals can't visit them and survive there, they are inhabited by supernatural creatures called [[eternal\|eternals]] who are fascinated by the material world.
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	There are several other ways that magic impacts the game. [[Magic items]] crafted by [[Crafting skills#Artisan\|artisans]] allow even the most mundane individual to access limited magical abilities. The five magical [[herbs]] allow [[physick\|physicks]] to achieve remarkable healing effects, and let [[apothecary\|apothecaries]] brew valuable potions. Finally, the world itself is steeped in magic that manifests in subtle, hard to control ways. [[Hearth magic]] employs the innate natural magic of the world to produce subtle but significant effects in much the same way that a compass needle always points to magnetic north.		There are several other ways that magic impacts the game. [[Magic items]] crafted by [[Crafting skills#Artisan\|artisans]] allow even the most mundane individual to access limited magical abilities. The five magical [[herbs]] allow [[physick\|physicks]] to achieve remarkable healing effects, and let [[apothecary\|apothecaries]] brew valuable potions. Finally, the world itself is steeped in magic that manifests in subtle, hard to control ways. [[Hearth magic]] employs the innate natural magic of the world to produce subtle but significant effects in much the same way that a compass needle always points to magnetic north.
			{{CaptionedImage\|file=Faith.jpg\|align=right\|width=400}}
	==Powerful Faith==		==Powerful Faith==
	Faith is a powerful motivation in the setting, but it differs greatly from religions in many other roleplaying games. There are no gods and no divine authority that will issue instructions or answer questions. Almost all human religions recognize the idea that human souls reincarnate. Most of the known religions believe that after they die humans go to a spiritual realm for a time and then are reborn in the world. The exact details of these beliefs vary widely.		Faith is a powerful motivation in the setting, but it differs greatly from religions in many other roleplaying games. There are no gods and no divine authority that will issue instructions or answer questions. Almost all human religions recognize the idea that human souls reincarnate. Most of the known religions believe that after they die humans go to a spiritual realm for a time and then are reborn in the world. The exact details of these beliefs vary widely.
	~~{{CaptionedImage\|file=Faith.jpg\|align=left\|width=400}}~~
	The Empire has a formal religion - [[the Way]] - that is based around the pursuit of the seven [[The_Way#The_Paths_of_Virtue\|Virtues]]. There are other faiths in the world but it is illegal to preach them in the Empire. Player character priests are likely to wield secular power as members of the [[Imperial Synod]]. There is a strong theme of religious conflict over matters of doctrine and morality, both between Imperial priests and with the followers of opposing faiths.		The Empire has a formal religion - [[the Way]] - that is based around the pursuit of the seven [[The_Way#The_Paths_of_Virtue\|Virtues]]. There are other faiths in the world but it is illegal to preach them in the Empire. Player character priests are likely to wield secular power as members of the [[Imperial Synod]]. There is a strong theme of religious conflict over matters of doctrine and morality, both between Imperial priests and with the followers of opposing faiths.