Empire
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This is a list of significant updates to the wiki which we will try and keep as up to date as possible.  Hopefully this will be a more useful document than the recent changes page which lists every spelling correction and formatting change.  
[[Category:Rules]]
==Overview==
This is a list of significant updates to the wiki. We try to keep it as up to date as possible, in the hope it will be a more useful reference than the [[Special:RecentChanges|recent changes]] page which lists every spelling correction and formatting change.  


By its nature this page will be regularly updated so when you visit the wiki try checking here first. However please keep in mind this is a manually updated page so at times maybe a little behind the actual updates.
By its nature this page will be regularly updated so when you visit the wiki try checking here first. However please keep in mind this is a manually updated page so at times maybe a little behind the actual updates. We tend to make an entry on this page once an update is finalised - so if something has changed and hasn't been mentioned here it's possible that the changes are not yet complete.


==Unstoppable, Second Wind, Stay With Me, Get It Together ... and Relentless==
In early 2022, we moved all entries on this page prior to 2019 to the [[Archive:Wiki_updates_to_2018|previous wiki updates]] page in the Archive namespace as detailed in [[#Archiving Wiki Updates|Archiving wiki updates]]. We did this again in 2024, moving updates prior to 2021 to the same page.
* '''Updated 10/12/2016'''
==Arcane Gambit and Ilium==
We have effectively merged the ''Second Wind'' and ''Unstoppable'' skills to create a new [[Heroic skills#Unstoppable|unstoppable]] skill. The new skill allows a hero point to be spent along with [[appropriate roleplaying]] to recover three hits, but can also be used immediately a character drops to 0 hits. Instead of dying, the character receives a surge of stamina that restore their fighting spirit. It is also possible to use this ability while effected by VENOM - we have removed that restriction. You can learn more about this change in the [[Rules_update_2017#Unstoppable|rules update]]
* '''15/10/2024'''
We've updated [[Thief's Arcane Gambit]] and the [[Ilium#Removing_a_Permanent_Effect|ilium]] page to detail how an [[enchantment]] that has been made permanent with [[ilium]] can be moved by that Night ritual. The magnitude required is based on the total amount of ilium that could/should have been used to make the enchantment permanent without any [[opportunity]] being taken into account.


In the process, we have removed the old second wind skill and replaced it with the new [[Heroic skills#Relentless|relentless]] skill which allows a character to restore a crippled limb with five seconds of uninterrupted roleplaying and a hero point. You can read more about this change in the [[Rules_update_2017#Relentless|here]].
==Throne Judgement==
* '''15/10/2024'''
We've added a note to [[the Throne]], providing them explicitly with the ability to raise a [[judgement]] [[The Throne#Member of the Assembly of Nine|in the Assembly of Nine only]] in the event they do not control a [[congregation]].


Finally, we have placed requirements on unstoppable, stay with me, and get it together than require them to involve at least five seconds of appropriate roleplaying that is not interrupted.
==Assignment==
* '''10/09/2024'''
We have updated the power of [[Powers_of_the_Imperial_Senate#Assignment|assignment]] to set down that a motion to assign a territory is always raised as an administrative motion by the Speaker for the Senate.  


Obviously, these changes will require several magic items to change.
==Veto==
* '''31/08//2024'''
We have updated [[veto]] to remove the ambiguity about when a veto held over from the previous event ends. We have put a fixed end point, 10pm on Saturday night. The [[Rules_update_2024#Veto|rules update]] page contains the OOC reasoning and the IC justification for this edit.


==Natural Resupply==
==Proxies and Resigning==
* '''Updated 10/12/2016'''
* '''22/08/2024'''
We have amended how armies receive [[Casualties#Natural_Resupply|natural resupply]]. An army must be taking a defending order to be eligible for natural resupply - they cannot receive natural resupply and capture territory at the same time, for example.  
We have added an entry to the [[Proxy#Restrictions|restrictions]] of what a proxy can do. It is not possible for a proxy to resign on behalf of the title holder as that is not a power of a specific Imperial title.  


==IC Tents==
==Maps of Otkodov==
* '''Updated 10/12/2016'''
* '''19/08/2024'''
We have updated the rules so that you [[Playing_the_game#Stealing_Items|cannot enter an IC tent that has been sealed]], unless you have a ref present and there are clearly people inside roleplaying. You can read more about this change in the [[Rules_update_2017#IC_Theft|rules update]].
We have added a note that was missing to the [[Otkodov]] page making clear that the Empire only has a strategic map of [[Verthandi]]. When the first spy network was created the entirety of Otkodov was mapped in error. To gain access to strategic maps of the other territories of the Thule additional [[spy network|spy networks]] would need to be constructed and [[Military_unit#Scout_an_Area|supported]] in the normal fashion.
 
==Artisan's Oil==
* '''Updated 10/12/2016'''
In keeping with our changes to the use of herbs and regular spellcasting, the time to use [[Artisan's Oil]] has increased to 30 seconds of appropriate roleplaying from 10 seconds, and can now be interrupted if the user or the target are involved in combat.
 
==Physick and Apothecary==
* '''Updated 10/12/2016'''
We have made several changes to the way a [[Surgical skills#Physick|Physick]] uses a [[herb]] to heal someone. All use of herbs now takes 30 seconds of appropriate roleplaying, and is interrupted if the patient or the physik is hit or makes an attack. If herb use is interrupted, the herb is not lost but the roleplaying to apply the herb must begin again. This change has meant that a character is always considered to be using the [[Surgical skills#Chirurgeon|chirurgeon]] skill when applying [[true vervain]] - meaning it can now always be used to restore a character who is dying.
 
We have also reduced the power of the [[Apothecary Potions#Elixir Vitae|Elixir Vitae]]. The potion now restores only 3 hits rather than restoring the person who drinks it to full hits. We have also adjusted the recipe for the [[Master Medicinal#The Sovereign Specific|Sovereign Specific]]: this potion still restores all lost hits, but the potion now requires an extra two drams of true vervain to prepare.
 
This is part of the wider  changes to healing. You can read more about this change in the [[Rules_update_2017#Healing_and_Swift_Casting|rules update]].
 
==Spellcasting==
* '''Updated 10/12/2016'''
We have changed the time required to cast a [[Spellcasting#Regular_Spells|regular spell]] to 30 seconds of appropriate roleplaying, up from from 10 seconds. At the same time we have added the ability to [[Spellcasting#Swift casting|swift cast]] any regular spell by spending an additional mana, allowing the spell to be cast as if it were an [[Spellcasting#Offensive spells|offensive spell]].
 
As a consequence, we have removed the ''swift heal'' and ''purge'' spells, and rolled their functionality into [[heal]] and [[purify]] respectively. Several magic items will change as a consequence..
 
Finally ,we made a small change to the [[create bond]] spell, specifically with regard to breaking bonds - meaning that it is not feasible to use a swift cast create bond spell to strip a target of the ability to use their magic items.
 
==Paralyse, Entangle, and Repel==
* '''Updated 10/12/2016'''
We have changed how the [[Calls#PARALYSE|paralyse]], [[Calls#REPEL|repel]], and [[Calls#ENTANGLE|entangle]] effects work. Repel and entangle join [[Calls#STRIKEDOWN|strikedown]] as calls that still have their special effect if they are blocked with a shield or parried with a weapon.


Conversely, we have changed paralyse so it ''can'' explicitly be blocked with a shield or parried with a weapon, but now has full effect if it strikes heavy armour.
==Senate Voting==
* '''19/08/2024'''
We have updated the [[Senate motion]] page to remove an option for secret voting. We've removed it because it hadn't been used in years if ever, because supporting it logistically would have been a massive hassle, but mostly because it runs contrary to the major design elements of Empire around the operation of politics within the game.


==Hero points==
==Audio recordings==
* '''Updated 10/12/2016'''
* '''09/08/2024'''
We have changed the way hero points are bought, and a slight change to how they work. The basic skill is now called [[Heroic skills#Hero Points|hero]], costs 2 character points, and provides 2 hero points and the ability to spend them to over come roleplaying effects. We have also added a new skill [[Heroic skills#Extra Hero Points|Extra Hero Points]] that costs 1 character point, can be bought multiple times (at an increasing cost each time it is purchased), and provides 1 additional hero point each time it is bought. You can learn more about the thinking behind these changes in the [[Rules_update_2017#Hero_Points|rules update]].
We have updated the [[photography]] rules to remove the option to make audio recordings at events. On further consideration we were convinced that audio recording was much closer to filming and should follow the same rules and guidelines. As a general rule of thumb we want to minimise intrusion: we permit people to take photographs, but that is the limit.


==Empower, Shatter and Extra Mana==
==Black Plateau Template==
* '''Updated 10/12/2016'''
* '''24/07/2024'''
We have reduced the mana required to perform the [[empower]] spell from 2 to 1. We have also added the new [[shatter]] spell - a 2 mana spell that allows a magician to call [[Calls#SHATTER|SHATTER]] with their implement. This will also involve some changes to magic items.
We have changed the formatting for the Black Plateau template that we use to increase readability and in an attempt to avoid eyestrain. It has changed from black text on a grey background to white text on a black background.
In addition, the [[Magical_skills#Extra_Mana|extra mana]] skill now provides ''2'' extra personal mana each time it is bought, up from 1. You can read more about these changes to spellcasting [[Rules_update_2017#Battle_Mages|in the rules update]].


==Shattering Blow and Mortal Blow==
==Fleet Great Work Restrictions==
* '''Updated 10/12/2016'''
* '''13/07/2024'''
We have removed the shattering blow skill and replaced it with the [[Heroic skills#Mortal Blow|mortal blow]] skill. This skill allows a great weapon to be used to make [[Calls#IMPALE|IMPALE]] calls. A number of magic items and rituals will change as a consequence; we are working through those changes but final transition may take some time. You can read more about this change in the [[Rules_update_2017#Shattering_Blow|rules update]].
We've added a note to the [[Great work]] page making clear that a great work that supports [[fleet|fleets]] can only be built in a region with the coastal [[Region qualities|quality]].


As part of these changes, the one-handed weapon ''Sundering Axe'' has been removed from the game.
==Whispers through the Black Gate==
* '''25/06/2024'''
We've added a line to the [[Whispers_through_the_Black_Gate#OOC_Elements|OOC elements]] of [[Whispers through the Black Gate]] to add a little clarity to what happens if you want to summon the spirit of a dead NPC.


==Imperial treasury==
==Sung and their Counsel==
* '''New Page 10/12/2016'''
* '''22/06/2024'''
We have added a page that explicitly states how the [[Imperial treasury]] works - including what happens if the Empire is in debt. This information has been in play for a while, but has never made it on to the wiki.
We've made a couple of tiny changes to the [[Sung]] page, to provide more context for the kind of mysteries that the eternal encourages you to probe and look into and those mysteries she prefers to stay hidden. We've coupled this with a set of updates to the main ritual that draws on Sung's power [[Clear Counsel of the Everflowing River]].


==Magical Ritual Masks==
We've decided to change the way we respond to queries to Sung to try and provide more useful information going forwards. We want to keep some of the enigmatic quality of the responses, which some of those players casting the ritual currently enjoy - but we want to make it easier to get more useful insight, guidance and wisdom from the ritual.
* '''Updated 08/12/2016''' and '''10/12/2016'''
Several ritual masks have had their costs and/or effects altered. Some such as the [[Mask of the Mountebank]] have seen significant changes to their effects beyond merely adding additional ranks to ritual lore for performing certain rituals. The masks which have been effected include:
* [[Mask of the Mountebank]] - no longer aids [[Masque of the Blinded Weaver]]. It provides a 2 rank bonus to perform [[the Twilight Masquerade]], and allows the wearer to substitute iridescent gloaming for crystal mana up to the normal (enhanced) limit of mana they can contribute to the ritual.
* [[Strigine Mask]] - no longer aids [[Reading the Weave]] or [[Piercing Light of Revelation]], and now provides a 2 rank bonus to [[Eyes of the Sun and Moon]] and [[The Eye of the High Places]].
* [[Straw Mask]] and [[Mercantilist's Mask]] - now empower additional rituals, and have had the materials required to make them adjusted (sometimes cheaper, sometimes more expensive).
* [[Corsair's Bloody Mask]] - has had its cost adjusted but otherwise unchanged
* [[Mask of Gold and Lead]] - has materials adjusted, and additional powers added.


==Abraxus Stone==
To help us do that we've changed the way we'll be responding to the ritual going forwards. We created a set of guidelines for the style of responses that we'll give to the different kinds of questions we've been getting up to now. Hopefully this means that where we can provide some useful information or clues to players about a plot we'll be able to continue to do that, but where Sung can't or won't give an answer we'll be able to respond in a way that makes clear why that is the case.
* '''Updated 08/12/2016'''
We have updated the [[Abraxus Stone]] magic item to provide protection from the effects of the [[Vallorn#Vallorn_Miasma|vallorn miasma]]. Not only is a character wearing one of these talismans not subject to the deleterious effects of exposure to the miasma, they will not contract [[Vallornspawn_husk#Green_Lung|green lung]], nor will you become a [[vallornspawn husk]] if they die while wearing this talisman. All other abilities associated with the vallorn, including other area of effect powers of vallorn creatures, work on them normally.


==Magic Item Changes==
The goal with these changes is to make the ritual more useful to players but also make it easier for us to produce the responses. We want to emphasize the roleplaying interaction with Sung - but allow the eternal more freedom to give out more useful information when it exists.
* '''Updated 30/11/2016''' and '''10/12/2016'''
==Martial Titles==
Several items have had the bonus they provide, or their number of uses per day, adjusted. In most cases this has been coupled with a change to the materials required to make them.
* '''10/06/2024'''
* Several items can now be used additional times each day. They include: [[Bloodwoven Braid]], [[Amberglass Chain]], [[Death's Door]], [[Enfeebling Echo]], [[Caress of Arhallogen]];
We have added [[Captain of the Throne Guard]] to the list of martial titles because of their duties to defend the Throne. There is no requirement to pick a skilled fighter for the role - it has many other duties besides fighting - but it is acceptable for the Throne to include such considerations when picking who they want for the Throneguard.
* Several items that provided a bonus to personal mana have had that bonus increased: [[Neophyte's Aid]], [[Twilight Pauldrons]], [[Ashen Mantle]]
* Several items allowed the wielder to make two attacks when they cast an offensive spell. Since we changed offensive spells, those items have become a lot less useful. As a consequence, we have changed them to let the wielder simply cast a spell a certain number of times each day as if they knew it without spending mana. The following items have been adjusted so far: [[Tumultuous Gyre]], [[Ethereal Manacle]]
* Several items that allowed an effect to be created with hero point expenditure have had their time to use modified. The following items have been changed: [[Blacksmith's Wage]], [[Jack of Irons]], [[Splint Mail]]
* The [[Sceptre of the Necropolis]] has had it's 1/day limitation removed.
* The [[Thresher's Cudgel]] is no longer a once/day item but allows mage implements to be shattered with hero point expenditure
* The [[Blood-dimming Tide]] allows the wielder to cast the [[heal]] spell
* The [[Glamourweave Robe]] now allows a magician who know the [[empower]] spell to cast it four times each day without spending mana
As part of the change, a number of implements have had their wording tweaked such that they no longer require their wielder to know the spell in question.


==Magic Item Materials==
==Savagery and Fire on the Water==
* '''Updated 3011/2016'''
* '''05/06/2024'''
We have begun an overhaul of our [[magic items]]. The first stage involves adjusting the costs to make a significant number of magic items cheaper, especially those that allow two or more uses of a power, or provide two ranks of a bonus. A number of other items have also changed because we have removed the cost-breaks initially provided to items that needed more than one magical material to make. The following items have had the materials required to make them changed in the first pass, but have otherwise stayed the same.
We have updated the declaration of [[interdiction]] from [[385YE_Autumn_Equinox_Conclave_sessions#Interdiction_%3A_Savagery_of_Armies|Autumn Equinox 385YE]] to include the ritual [[Fire on the Water]] and added a note to the page for the ritual. This was missed at the time as being a ritual that was covered by the interdiction.
* '''Daggers''': [[Scorpion's Sting]]
* '''One-handed Weapons''': [[Triumphant Blade]], [[Thundering Mace]], [[Vorpal Sword]], [[Shieldbreaker]]
* '''One-handed Spears''': [[Ironbrand Thorn]], [[Bloodsteel Barb]], [[Terunael Warlord]]
* '''Two-handed Weapons''': [[Giant's Maul]], [[Dawn's Glory]], [[Captain's Command]], [[Trollslayer's Crescent]]
* '''Pole-Arms''': [[Butcher's Bill]], [[Bolstering Bill]], [[Warden's Bardiche]],[[Magistrate's Grasp]], [[Fell Iron Fury]], [[Bullroarer's Shout]], [[Barbed Spear]]
* '''Bows and Crossbows''': [[Oathkeeper]], [[Wayfinder]]
* '''Light Armour''': [[Winter's Breath]], [[Runemark Shirt]], [[Ivory Aketon]], [[Spiritskin Coat]]
* '''Medium Armour''': [[Mithril Shirt]], [[Boarskin Vest]], [[Runemail]], [[Wardensweave Scale]], [[Tombsteel Guardian]]
* '''Heavy Armour''': [[Knightly Redoubt]], [[Goldenfire Scale]], [[Winterborn Warmail]], [[Runeplate]]
* '''Wands''': [[Altruist's Recompense]], [[Witchwood Wand]], [[Seer's Probe]], [[Redsteel Chisel]], [[Boneweaver]], [[Woundbinder]]
* '''Rods''': [[Windreaping Sickle]], [[Whelpmaster's Fang]], [[Quiet Word]], [[Stormweaver]], [[Roaring Chimera Rod]]
* '''Staves''': [[Shadowbound Donjon]], [[Suzerain's Command]]
* '''Arcane Weapons''': [[Arms of the Warwitch]], [[Trodwalker's Readiness]]
* '''Paired Weapons''': [[Brother Blades]], [[Earthquake Drummers]], [[Bear Claws]]
* '''Mage Armour''': [[Sunfire Pectoral]], [[Bloodfeather Harness]], [[Mountainfall Bracers]], [[Battlesmith's Panoply]]. [[Splintering Gorget]], [[Wyvernsting Spaulders]]
* '''Mage Robes''': [[Shimmergold Coat]], [[Opaline Coat]], [[Robe of Blood and Bone]], [[Alabaster Cerement]]
* '''Shields''': [[Champion's Bastion]], [[Oakheart Shield]], [[Stormguard Bulwark]]
* '''Jewellery''': [[Shackle of the Unvirtuous]], [[Alderman's Edge]], [[Greensteel Bracelets]], [[Troubadour's Ring]], [[Circlet of Command]], [[Abraxus Stone]], [[Pauper's Key]]
*'''Foci''': [[Ring of Adversity]], [[Ring of Triumph]], [[Atun's Ring]]
* '''Ritual Staves''' [[Choleric Staff]], [[Enigmatic Staff]], [[Luminous Staff]], [[Melancholic Staff]], [[Phlegmatic Staff]], [[Sanguine Staff]]
* '''Tools''': [[Phial of the Sun]], [[Lodestone Shears]]
* '''Paraphernalia''': [[Amberglass Orb]], [[Burnished Orb]], [[Greensteel Orb]], [[Radiant Orb]], [[Twilight Orb]], [[Vitriolic Orb]], [[Dragonbone Orb]], [[Orator's Chalice]], [[Cartographer's Eye]], [[Web of Celestial Attunement]], [[The Green World]], [[The Fields of Glory]], [[The Iron Labyrinth]], [[The Barren Land]], [[The Empty Horizon]], [[The Flickering Flame]], [[The Eternal Gambit]]. [[The Syphon of Stars]]


==Fortifications==
==Endorsement==
* '''Updated 26/10/2016'''
* '''05/06/2024'''
[[Fortification|Fortifications]] always occupy a specific [[territory#region|region]]. A given region may have only one fortification in it, regardless of whether that fortification is mundane in nature or summoned with a ritual such as [[Frozen Citadel of Cathan Canae]].
We have updated [[endorsement]] to make clear that you cannot use it to permit a sorcerer to carry out an act of magic that is illegal for them to do. Endorsement cannot be used to undermine Conclave itself, so it Conclave has declared someone a sorcerer, it's not possible to supersede that with endorsement.


==Castellan==
==Guiding an Order==
* '''Updated 23/10/2016'''
* '''03/06/2024'''
We made some minor edits to the entry for [[Barien#Castellan|Castellan]], favoured agent of the eternal [[Barien]], primarily to make the confusion about her precise status (eternal or herald) a little more explicit.
We have formalised how [[Concord#Guiding_an_Order|guiding an order]] using a Declaration of [[Concord]] works. It now requires 20 mana crystals directly from the [[Conclave_vault#The_Font|Font]] and can only be used as a result of an opportunity, unless specified otherwise. It continues to require the use of one of the order's two declarations.


==Amend  Quartermaster General==
==Territory Curses==
* '''Updated 08/10/2016'''
* '''03/06/2024'''
Following the [[Amend_Powers_of_the_Quartermaster_General_II|decision of the Senate]], the [[Quartermaster General of the Imperial Armies]] has been amended with the power to [[Quartermaster_General_of_the_Imperial_Armies#Apportioning_the_Guerdon|apportion]] the [[Military_unit#Imperial_Guerdon|Imperial Guerdon]]. Furthermore, the method of [[Quartermaster_General_of_the_Imperial_Armies#Selection|appointing]] the Quartermaster General has changed - it is now a majority decision of the [[Military Council]], rather than an appointment by the [[Imperial Senate]] from a shortlist provided by the [[General|Generals]]. The sections relating to the Imperial Guerdon on the [[military unit]] and [[fleet]] pages have been updated to reflect this change.
We've made several changes to ritual curses that work on the [[territory]] level. All such curses now explicitly have the chance to have unexpected effects depending on where and when they are cast. We've added a section to the [[curse]] page detailing this. There have also been other changes made to several specific curses.
* [[Icy Maw Devours the Spark of Essence]] has increased in magnitude to 30 (previously 15), and now inflicts a fixed penalty on mana sites. We also removed the lethargy and depression [[roleplaying effect]] element.
* [[Naeve's Twisting Blight]] has increased in magnitude to 30 (previously 15), and now inflicts a set 72 ring penalty on a farm rather than the previous 50% penalty.
* [[Foam and Spittle of the Furious Sea]] places a 2 rank penalty on fleets, and no longer harms navies moving through the target territory.
* [[Thunderous Deluge]] reduces resource production by two ranks rather than a percentage.
* [[Rivers of Life]] and [[Rivers Run Red]] have remained the same but we've added boxes discussing some of the unique peculiarities of the rituals.
* [[Winter's Ghosts]] affects all resources save [[congregation|congregations]], but inflicts a fixed amount of damage to production rather than a percentage.
* [[Mountain Remembers Its Youth]] does not harm armies that move through the territory. Its effects apply to mines and forests as well as farms, and inflict a fixed amount of damage to production rather than a percentage.
* [[Thunderous Tread of the Trees]] requires a region with the forest quality (it no longer works on marshes). It no longer affects armies passing through the territory, and reduces production of all personal resources in the territory except fleets.
* [[The Flower is Withered on the Stalk]] remains unchanged but we added a boxout laying out more clearly the limitations of the curse.


==Further Funerary Details in the League==
==Pronunciation Guide==
* '''Updated 08/10/2016'''
* '''29/05/2024'''
Some contradictions between [[The_League_culture_and_customs#Funerals|customs surrounding funerals]] and [[Rings_in_the_League|customs surrounding rings]] have been smoothed out. Most League citizens are cremated - only the most wealthy can afford to purchase, build, and maintain a tomb.
We have deleted the pronunciation guide page from the wiki. Anyone who has a query on how we pronounce something is welcome to email [mailto:plot@profounddecisions.co.uk plot@profounddecisions.co.uk] to ask.


==Clarification to Pole-arm use==
==Fire Safety==
* '''Updated 31/08/2016'''
* '''29/05/2024'''
We have made explicit that it is not legal to use a spear or similar pole-arm by "snooker-cuing" - sliding the pole-arm back and forth through your hands so that your hands meet. If you are using pole-arm, your hands must remiain 18 inches apart on the haft of the weapon. The rules have not changed, but we wish to make clear that this is not acceptable [[Weapons_%26_armour#Pole-arms|under the existing rules]].
We have updated the [[fire safety]] page with updated rules for the limited use of small pyrotechnics at events.


==Changes to Varushkan Elections==
==Dedication==
* '''Updated 24/07/2016'''
* '''28/05/2024'''
We have subtly but significantly altered the mechanism by which [[Varushka leadership|Varushka elects their senators]]. You can read the reasoning for the change and the IC explanation on the [[rules update 2016#Varushkan Election|rules update]] page.
We've made a minor edit to the [[Dedication#Dreams|dreams]] section of the [[dedication]] skill to replace "priest of the Way" with "a priest who is not dedicated to a specific virtue". The former wording was a holdover from the period where dedication was linked to the assembly a priest was part of. The new wording makes in explicit that the ability to pick any Virtue for oracular dreams is for priests that are not dedicated.


==Insufficient Army Support==
==Senatorial Elections==
* '''Updated 23/07/2016'''
* '''23/05/2024'''
We have laid out the rules for what happens if an Imperial nation has more armies and navies that it can support. Details of what happens are [[Commission#Insufficient_Supply|here]].
We have updated [[Dawn leadership]] to add confirmation that nobles must be physically present in the Glory Square unless there are any accessibility issues that make that difficult. In that case our team will make whatever accommodations are needed to support a player.


==Exommunication and Orcs==
We've updated [[Wintermark_political_leadership|Wintermark leadership]] to change the duration of the election from one hour to half an hour. This is based on feedback that candidates were unduly having to wait around much longer than the election practically needed.
* '''Updated 20/07/2016'''
We have slightly amended [[excommunication]] to remove a contradiction with the [[orc|orcs]] page. Excommunication does not work on orcs at all.


==Liao and Anointing==
We've updated the [[Varushka leadership]] to better describe how it works in practice and to make clear that the right of witness does apply to the part of the meeting dedicated to picking the senator.
* '''Updated 18/7/2016'''
We are going to switch to using cards for [[liao]] rather than PD provided phys-reps. Although the little PD provided bottles are great, there are significant issues in using them for self-reffing activities like performing a ceremony. We had planned to get round some of these problems using anointing oil cards for anointing but in the final analysis this half-way house solution proved ineffective. As a result we have abandoned this approach and are instead moving foward our plans to switch liao to cards taking effect immediately at the next event.


We have added a more detailed explanation for the change - and how it will be implemented to the [[rules update 2016|rules update page]].
We've updated the [[League leadership]] to remove the requirement not to exchange bonds before the start of the election. This was unenforceable in practice and needlessly restrictive. Empire is meant to be a deeply political game and we'd like players to have the first half of the summit to engage in as much roleplaying as they want over the exchange of voting bonds.


==Dragonbone Symbol and Banner of the Bold==
==Warding Rituals==
* '''Updated 16/07/2016'''
* '''14/04/2024'''
With the change to [[hallow]], the power of the [[Dragonbone Symbol]] item was invalidated. Consequently, we have changed it to allow a character who is [[dedication|dedicated]] or [[anointing|anointed]] to recover hero points once each day by engaging in appropriate roleplaying in an appropriate [[consecration]] area.
We have added an OOC note to the rituals that ward an area to make clear that you must inform a ref about it before you pass through the [[Sentinel Gate]] and get the props you are planning on using checked. The affected rituals are :
* [[Hold Back Frozen Hunger]]
* [[Retreat to the White Caves]]
* [[There Is No Welcome Here]]
* [[Wardens of the Black Waste]]


These same changes meant that the [[Banner of the Bold]] was now significantly more potent than when it was originally designed, in comparison to hallow. Consequently, we expanded its power to allow the bearer - and only the bearer - to overcome any roleplaying effect, as well as providing them with an additional [[heroic skills#Hero Points|hero point]]. Going forward, our intention is to change ''all'' [[Magic_items#Magic_Standards|magical standards]] such that they are of use to the bearer who is bonded to them, rather than to a [[bands#banner|band of warriors]].
==Imperial Orcs==
* '''11/04/2024'''
We've made extensive updates to the [[Imperial Orcs]] pages, primarily related to the introduction of [[sept|septs]]. This also touches on a number of other elements including the introduction of a new group archetype (the coterie) and changes to the way ancestors work. Many pages now have additional information on them, but the biggest changes are:
* Addition of the six septs: [[Ethengraw]], [[Illarawm]], [[Sannite]], [[Sunstorm]], [[Tamazi]], and [[Yerende]]
* Revision of the [[Imperial Orcs religious beliefs]] page
* Addition of [[Imperial Orcs culture and customs#Septs|septs]] to the [[Imperial Orcs culture and customs]] page.
* Addition of [[Imperial Orcs magical traditions#Spiritweaving|Spiritweaving]] to the [[Imperial Orcs magical traditions]] page.
* We've removed the Imperial Orcs lineage and species page as the information on that page was now redundant.
New characters can select their sept during character creation. Existing characters can change their sept by emailing [mailto:plot@profounddecisions.co.uk plot@profounddecisions.co.uk]. You can also change sept during play by engaging in the [[Imperial Orcs religious beliefs#The Living Bridge|appropriate ceremony]] then going to GOD.
==League Orcs==
* '''08/04/2024'''
We have updated [[the League]] brief to incorporate new material relevant to playing an [[orc]] in [[the League]], reflecting current developments. It is now possible for players creating a new character in the League to choose whether they are playing an orc or a human.


==Aura enchantments==
As part of the change we've made a number of updates to several League pages:
* '''Updated 16/07/2016'''
* [[The League|Introduction]]
Several rituals have been changed in response to the changes to the religion rules, clarifying their function as [[aura|auras]] as well as [[enchantment|enchantments]].
* [[The League people|The people]]
* [[The Chamber of Delights]], [[The Solace of Chimes]], and [[The Chamber of Pallas]] have all be updated. They are now magnitude 8 rituals that create location auras. The locations can be used as a source of spiritual strength to over come roleplaying effects, and it is possible for magicians who relax in these areas to recover personal mana. Their interaction with [[religious skills]] has also been brought into line with the goals of our religion update.
* [[The League culture and customs|Culture and customs]]
* [[The Conspirator's Cloak]] and [[Freedom of the Soul]] have been updated. They are now personal auras that explicitly provide a source of spiritual strength to overcome certain roleplaying effects. Their interaction with [[religious skills]] has also been brought into line with the goals of our religion update.
* [[The League look and feel|Look and feel]]
* [[Unfettered Anarchy]] has been clarified to explain how the inability to overcome roleplaying effects works, and its relationship with [[Crystal Clarity of the Rational Soul]].
* [[The League history|History]]
* [[Dreamscape of the Endless Hunt]] has had a line added noting that it also prevents recovery of hero points with effects such as a [[Dragonbone Symbol]] or a relaxing in a magical chamber.
* [[The League religious beliefs|Religious beliefs]]
* [[Crystal Clarity of the Rational Soul]] has also been updated slightly, to clarify its relationship with roleplaying effects and remove unneccessary references to [[aura|auras]].
* [[The League magical traditions|Magical traditions]]


==Wayfarer's Pyx and Dragonbone Reliquary==
==Cold Sun==
* '''Updated 16/07/2016'''
* '''04/03/2024'''
As a consequence of the change to the way [[bands#sects|sects]] and [[hallow|hallows]] work, we have altered the properties of the [[Wayfarer's Pyx]], and retired the '''Dragonbone Reliquary'''. The Wayfarer's Pyx now provides a small bonus to the [[Religious skills#Ceremony Strength|strength]] of a [[religious skills|ceremony]] performed by a sect.
We've added a new wiki page for [[Cold Sun]], the cruelly impassive eternal of the Day realm whose forces are currently threatening a number of locations in the Empire. While this is mostly a campaign update, we've included it here because we have taken the winter to tinker with some of the stats of the heralds involved to try and make them more interesting and engaging to fight against, so there are some rules changes. Also, in the past there has been some confusion over the abilities of the heralds of Cold Sun. They are very much not [[Calls#Monstrous_Creatures|monstrous creatures]] so they take the effects of all calls that hit them legitimately, including the effects of [[weakness]]. There is no indication that looting heralds of Cold Sun will result in any kind of curse, nor are they able to reflect back calls. There was some confusion early on due to the way that the brief was delivered before the first block of skirmishes at E3 2023. We have taken all steps possible to try to ensure that this doesn't happen again. Part of the reason for us presenting this information here as clearly as possible is to ensure that those going on skirmishes can have some idea of what they might be up against.


As a consequence, every [[crafting skills#Artisan|artisan]] who knew how to make a Dragonbone Reliquary now has the recipe for Wayfarer's Pyx. A character who knew how to make both items will have an empty slot which they can fill by e-mailing admin@profounddecisions.co.uk.
==Sanctioned Events==
* '''21/02/2024'''
We've made some changes to the language around sanctioned events. Previously, "sanctioned event" included both any event taking place in the continuity of the Empire campaign world, and specifically events containing plot elements. We've explicitly renamed the kind of event with plot, NPCs, and combat as a "plot event", leaving "sanctioned event" to refer to all events not run by Profound Decisions that are considered part in the Empire campaign.


==Religious Skills and Virtue Auras==
We've also added a section of additional guidance on [[Sanctioned_event_advice#Communication_Magic|Communication Magic]] at sanctioned events. While it can't be used to speak to off-stage NPCs in the wider world, it is possible for the creators of a plot event to use certain types of communication magic within the context of their plot.
* '''Updated 16/07/2016'''
==Tisanes of the Labyrinth==
<table class="wikitable" style="width:250px; float: left; margin-left: 10px; margin-right: 10px;">
* '''17/02/2024'''
<tr><th>Religious Skill</th></tr>
We've changed [[Usher's Decoction]] and [[Tisanes of the Labyrinth#Waywalker's Suffusion|Waywalker's Suffusion]] to be [[Potion#Tonics|tonics]]. This means their effects cannot be stacked with each other.
<tr><td>[[Dedication]] †</td></tr>
<tr><td>[[Anointing]]</td></tr>
<tr><td>[[Consecration]]</td></tr>
<tr><td>[[Exorcism]]</td></tr>
<tr><td>[[Excommunication]]</td></tr>
<tr><td>[[Hallow]]</td></tr>
<tr><td>[[Insight]]</td></tr>
<tr><td>[[Testimony]]</td></tr>
<tr><td>† Dedication is a prerequisite for all other religious skills.</td></tr>
</table>
As part of a large scale review of [[religious skills]] and how they are used we have extensively expanded this area of the rules. We've created new pages for each of the priest skills that talk in detail about how they are used and what they do, as well as collecting together and clarifying information from several different locations. In addition, we've changed the function of [[Sect#Sects|sect]], allowing them to support characters from the same nation who have different dedications rather than to empower the strength of ceremonies.


In addition we have overhauled and made extensive edits to the [[aura|auras]] that characters can create with these religious skills. We also edited several items (including [[Dragonbone Symbol]], and [[Banner of the Bold]]), as well as a number of rituals (including [[The Chamber of Delights]], [[The Chamber of Pallas]], [[The Solace of Chimes]], [[The Conspirator's Cloak]], and [[Freedom of the Soul]]). For the most part these were items and rituals that no longer worked under the new rules or whose properties were
==Aspect magic==
inconsistent.
* '''16/02/2024'''
We've changed the name of the magical tradition formerly known as ''totem magic'' to [[aspect magic]] as it more accurately reflects the function of that tradition. We have also taken the opportunity to change the term for calling on aspects of mundane animals in magic to [[Aspect_magic#Beast_Magic|beast magic]] rather than ''spirit animals''.


We have also changed the way [[Bands#Sects|sects]] work (again); a sect allows a group of people dedicated to different virtues to [[Religious skills#Cooperation|cooperate]] on a ceremony, as long as they have the skill and belong to the same nation.
==Liao Ceremony Cooperation==
* '''14/02/2024'''
We've edited the [[Religious skills#Cooperation|cooperation]] section on the [[religious skills]] page to make it clear that it is [[dedication]] and not membership of a [[Assembly#The_Virtue_Assemblies|virtue assembly]] that determines who a character can perform a ''virtue ceremony'' in cooperation with. Now that it is possible for a character to be dedicated to one virtue, but a member of a different Virtue assembly through the use of the preaching [[Congregation#Downtime options|downtime option]], the original wording was open to misinterpretation.


We have added a lengthy entry to the [[Rules_update_2016#Religion|2016 rules update]] to summarize the underlying ethos behind the change. Players who want to change some of their skills in response to this update should e-mail admin.profounddecisions.co.uk.
==Synod Votes and Lay Members==
* '''14/02/2024'''
We've removed the reference to "appropriate virtue assembly" from the [[Sinecure#Synod_Votes|Sinecure]] page, with regard to people who are not members of the [[Imperial Synod]] gaining votes. Since the introduction of [[Congregation#Downtime_Options|preaching]] as the method for determining Virtue assembly membership, there is no way for someone without a [[congregation]] to be part of a Virtue assembly, and someone with a congregation is already a member of the Synod.  


==Foraging==
==Veto==
* '''Updated 16/07/2016'''
* '''14/02/2024'''
We've reduced the casualties inflicted and ability to capture territory of an army with the [[Army qualities#Foraging|Foraging]] quality using the ''Plunder'' order. The fact this order used to have no downside, and that it potentially generates considerable wealth, meant that it was simply too potent.
On the [[Imperial Senate]] page, we've changed the word "exercised" for "submitted" and added a line making it clear the usual [[Veto#Timing|timing]] rules apply in the event the veto is being submitted following the Senate session on Sunday.


==Ilium and Religious Skills==
==Medium Armour==
* '''Updated 14/07/2016'''
* '''17/01/2024'''
We've tidied up the section on [[Ilium#Roleplaying_Effects|roleplaying effects]] to clarify how permanent auras interact with religious skills, and to remove reference to using exorcism to remove roleplaying effects from rituals.
We've made some changes to the names of certain [[:Category:Medium Armour|medium armour]] to avoid confusion since the [[Rules_update_2022#Armour|change]] to what counts as different types of armour. This has had no effect on the mechanical effect of the magic items.<br>


==Ritual Potions==
''Mithril Shirt'' is now [[Bloodamber Hauberk]]<br>
* '''Updated 23/06/2016'''
''Tombsteel Guardian'' is now [[Tombshroud Guardian]]<br>
In addition to adding six new potions, we've made the six existing Realm Lore boosting potions [[Potion#Tonics|tonics]]. Even though they last only ten minutes, they should not stack with other potions that provide boosts to Realm Lore.
''Wardensweave Scale'' is now [[Wardensweave]]<br>
''Runemail'' is now [[Runebound Ward]]<br>
''Splint Mail'' is now [[Cerulean Protector]]<br>
''Mediator's Mail'' is now [[Scrivener's Guard]]


==Mastery==
In addition we have also changed ''Oathkeeper'' to [[Vowkeeper]] and ''Alderman's Edge'' to [[Alder's Edge]]
* '''Updated 23/06/2016'''
We have implemented a new rule to [[Realm_Lore#Mastery|allow ritualists to change a single ritual they have mastered]] for another ritual chosen from Imperial Lore, after each event they attend. We have added a summary of the changes to the [[Rules_update_2016#Mastery|2016 rules update page]].


==Performing Rituals==
==Secrets of Skillful Artifice==
* '''Updated 23/06/2016'''
* '''11/01/2024'''
We have changed the rules on [[Realm_Lore#Gaining_additional_ranks|how much mana a magician may contribute to a ritual]]. We have added a summary of the changes to the [[Rules_update_2016#Rituals|2016 rules update page]]. We are in the process of updating other entries on the wiki for rituals, items, and potions to reflect the new rules.
We've made some changes to [[Secrets of Skillful Artifice]]. The donor [[Crafting skills#Artisan|artisan]] now chooses what skill to share via the ritual, and may choose to share nothing. This partly resolves some inconsistencies with how the knowledge the ritual shares was determined, and better defines how it works with Runesmith's Law and similar effects.


==Enchanted fortifications==
==Runesmith's Law==
* '''Updated 23/06/2016'''
* '''3/1/2023'''
The three enchantments in Imperial lore that create magical fortifications - [[Frozen Citadel of Cathan Canae]], [[Forge the Wooden Fastness]], and [[Dripping Echoes of the Fen]] - have all had their magnitude increase to 80 from 64. When these rituals were initially designed fortifications were less effective tools; solidifying the rules on how fortifications work has made these rituals significantly more effective, so the cost has been increased accordingly.
We've updated both [[Wintermark_economic_interests#Runesmith.27s_Law|Runesmith's Law]] and [[Secrets of Skillful Artifice]] to make it clear that using magic to temporarily share knowledge of how to make a unique Wintermark magic item triggers the geas not to share this knowledge. The result is that the artisan donating the knowledge to someone outside their nation permanently loses access to Runesmith's Law.


Any similar ritual enchantment that is not currently in [[Imperial_lore#Imperial_Lore_and_the_Ritual_List|Imperial lore]] will likewise require a higher magnitude to cast going forward - if you have a source for such a ritual you should contact empire.refs@profounddecisions.co.uk.
==Farms and Businesses==
* '''14/12/2023'''
We've added a line to both [[Farm#Production|farm]] and [[Business#Production|busniess]] resources to make it clearer that the income they provide represents disposable income rather than being the sum total of their seasonal production. Expenses, lifestyle, and taxes all exist below the abstraction layer.
==Regalia==
* '''11/12/2023'''
We have added a section on the [[New Imperial titles]] page which explains how the Imperial Senate can add [[New_Imperial_titles#Regalia|regalia]] to a title.
==Ossium Opportunity==
* '''31/08/2023'''
We've made a slight alteration to the [[Culling_the_threat#Dripping_Echoes|Culling the threat]] wind of fortune in the section about creating a permanent magical fortress in the Drownbark Forest. We've made it clear that the "no upkeep" element of the permanent magical fortress is part of the [[opportunity]], and not a standard part of making a magical fortress permanent. The precise mechanics of creating a permanent magical fortress would be determined on case by case basis.
==Appraisal==
* '''08/08/2023'''
Now the [[Imperial Senate]] can perform ''two'' [[appraisal|appraisals]] each season, we've added [[Appraisal#The_Prognosticators_Office|a note]] to the power as to how the Imperial Auditor will proceed if both name the same researcher.
==Recognition==
* '''25/07/2023'''
We have added a new use for the judgement of [[Recognition]]; allowing the [[Assembly#General_Assembly|General Assembly]] to recognise someone as an explicitly false exemplar or paragon. A judgement of recognition used in this way can only be raised in the General Assembly and always requires a greater majority to pass.


==Update to the Throne==
==Spiral Strategy==
* '''Updated 23/06/2016'''
* '''24/07/2023'''
The powers of [[the Throne]] have been clarified and amended. We have added a summary of the changes to the [[Rules_update_2016#The_Throne|2016 rules update page]].
The [[Spiral]] page has been tweaked slightly, naming the [[Spiral#The_Passes|Apulian Way]] as the connection between the territory and the Grendel nation, and adding a [[Spiral#Strategic_Considerations|Strategic Considerations]] section that summarizes the geographical complications in the territory. Apart from naming the southern pass, nothing has actually changed we've just made it more explicit.


==Great Works==
==Imperial Inquisitor==
* '''Updated 09/09/2016'''
* '''0707/2023'''
Liao removed from top row of [[Great work|great works]], was included in error.
We've made a slight amendment to the responsibilities of the Imperial Inquisitor to make clear that they are part of the ''inquisitorial court''.


==Changes to Arrows for 2017==
==Thief's Arcane Gambit==
* '''Updated 25/05/2016'''
* '''04/07/2023'''
As the incidence of Archery related injuries is still too high at PD events, we will be [[Bow_safety#Forthcoming_Changes|making changes to the types of arrows (and bolts) allowed]] at events from 2017 onwards. Arrows that are currently legal will remain legal at all PD events in 2016. These changes will come into effect from the first PD event next year.
We've added a line to [[Thief's Arcane Gambit]] that specifies that the "legitimate target" for the ritual is also affected by any specific restrictions around willingness in the original enchantment. If the original enchantment can only be used on a willing target, it can only be moved to a willing target.


==Colleges of Magic and Arcane Projections==
==Inspirational Locations==
* '''Updated 23/05/2016'''
* '''02/07/2023'''
We have amended the powers of [[College of Magic]], [[Dean of the Lyceum]], and [[Provost of the Halls of Knowledge]] to remove the ability to create a free [[Spontaneous_magic#Arcane_Projection|arcane projection]].
We have replaced the old rules for inspirational tombs with some new rules for [[inspirational location|inspirational locations]]. The new rules cover using true liao to create inspirational memorials for exemplars and paragons as well as using it to consecrate a sacred sites like the Kallavesa Marshes. The new rules provide a detailed framework that lays out how characters do this - what steps are needed in-character and what the outcome will be at each stage. We've provided more explanation for the changes and why we've made them in the [[rules update 2023]] page.


==Commission Rules Updated==
==Sentinel Gate==
* '''Updated 23/05/2016'''
* '''01/07/2023'''
We have amended the [[Commission#Implementing_a_Commission|rules for implementing a commission]] described on the wiki to reflect the actual rules we are using in practice. This means that any player can email PD to provide materials for a commission, you do not need to pass them to the player of the senator who raised the motion to have them email us.
We have removed references to getting a traumatic wound if you travel back too late through the sentinel gate. Implementation of this rule was always spotty at best and it violated some of our core design principles in the way it confused in-character and out-of-character objectives. We don't want players to return through the gate late, because it plays havoc with the schedule that everyone, players and ourselves, are relying on. Most participants implicitly appreciate this and make the best effort possible to return to Anvil before the gate begins to close. Traumatic wounds are intended to lead to further roleplaying for the participants who receive them, they are not meant to punish participants for taking the wrong action. Empire tries as hard as possible to avoid mixing in-character and out-of-character consequences in that way.


==Battle Conjunction Rules Updated==
==FIRST AID==
* '''Updated 23/05/2016'''
* '''01/07/2023'''
We have amended the [[Rules_update_2016#Conjunctions|rule change for nations on battles]] using the Sentinel Gate. The new amendment makes the options for the battle as flexible as humanly possible - preserving as many IC choices as are fun - while preserving the goal of having roughly equal forces on both battles.
We've changed the MAN DOWN call to [[Calls#FIRST_AID|FIRST AID]]. We've made this change for two reasons, one is that we and many of our players are no longer comfortable with such a clearly gendered call. The other reason is that over the years, a few players have developed a bad habit of using the call in-character when someone gets wounded. We've replaced the call with FIRST AID - a clear call asking for the first aid team to provide assistance.


==IC Camp layout==
We understand that many of participants will continue to use MAN DOWN in emergency situations, precisely because it is the instinctive thing to shout in an emergency. That is absolutely fine, and everyone should treat the call ''exactly'' as if they had called FIRST AID. We expect it to take some years to drop the old call in favour of the new one and we would much rather participants shouted either call quickly than pause to think. The hobby has been using the man down call for decades and we do not want to compromise safety while we transition away from its use at Empire.
* '''Updated 23/05/2016'''
We have updated the wiki with the [[Spring_Equinox_2016#Site_Map|layout of the camps at Anvil]] for the next event.


==Shroud of Mist and Shadow==
==Searching==
* '''Updated 27/04/2016'''
* '''29/06/2023'''
After much discussion we have reverted the change to [[Shroud of Mist and Shadow]]. Our initial change was necessitated because of the way a [[military unit]] works in downtime. Rather than expand the remit of Shroud - which was a little unsatisfying - we've agreed to look at changing the way a military unit operates on our system to allow for a bonus only to [[Military_unit#Supporting_an_Army|campaign army support]] and [[Military_unit#Paid_Work|paid work]].  
We have removed the option in the rules to carry out a real search when searching a character. Previously it was possible to do a real search, but only if both parties agreed. We've removed this option as it's not compatible with the wider system where we discourage this kind of physical contact.


==Gnawing, Endless Hunger==
==Art of the Deal==
* '''Updated from 20/04/2016'''
* '''22/06/2023'''
We have updated [[Gnawing, Endless Hunger]] to make explicit the interaction between this curse and the herbal poisons created by [[the Assassin's Gate]] and [[the Winter Moon]].
We've changed the name of the Art of the Deal ritual to [[Winds of Fortune]]. Art of the Deal is still an alternate name for the ritual, but the main entry and all references on magic items use the new name.
==Golden Ramparts==
* '''21/06/2023'''
We've updated the [[Golden Ramparts]] with an [[Golden Ramparts#Assurance|assurance]], related to the Rod and Shield, that has been helpfully uncovered by a scholar at the Icy Crag of the Eternal Sun.
==Druj Miasma==
* '''16/06/2023'''
We've updated the [[Druj miasma]] page, especially with reference to miasma pillars, so that it is less focused on information gained after the liberation of Reikos.
==Cruelty==
* '''14/06/2023'''
Building on the commentary we added to the [[Iron Helms]] army page [[Iron_Helms#Composition|on cruelty]], we added the word "needless" to the [[Varushka#What the Varushkans are not|what the Varushkans are not]] section on the [[Varushka]] page.
==Magic Quality==
* '''04/06/2023'''
We've explicitly added a note that the ritual targeting ability of an army with the [[Army_qualities#Magic|magic quality]] can also target a region or fortification within a territory.


==Frozen Citadel of Cathan Canae==
==Haunted Quality==
* '''Updated 19/4/2016'''
* '''03/06/2023'''
[[Frozen Citadel of Cathan Canae#Performing_the_Ritual|Targeting restrictions]] corrected.
We've decided to remove the ''Haunted'' [[army qualities|army quality]]. There are no armies with this quality, and after extensive discussion we don't believe we would ever allow any future army to have it, either as a quality or an enchantment.


==Corsets==
==Farm Diversification==
* '''Updated 18/4/2016'''
* '''31/05/2023'''
We have rewritten the tone of the page on [[corset|corsets]] to remove editorial elements and focus on the facts and suggestions that are relevant for the Empire setting.
Updated the [[Farm#Diversification|diversification]] section on the [[farm]] page to make it clearer that "herb" means one of the standard five magical herbs. Any opportunity that grants "herbs" will always mean the herbs gathered from a standard [[herb garden]] unless it explicitly says otherwise.
==Wolves of Winter==
* '''26/05/2023'''
The magnitude of the ritual ''Wolves of Winter'' has been increased in line with our recent changes to rituals that effect the downtime campaign. The ritual is not in Imperial lore, but the database has been adjusted to reflect this change.
==Whispers through the Black Gate==
* '''20/05/2023'''
We've added a note to the [[Whispers_through_the_Black_Gate#Option|special liao option]] on the [[Whispers through the Black Gate]] ritual to make it explicit that the option is not available to orc casters.
==Throne Appointment==
* '''17/05/2023'''
We've edited the part of the [[The_Throne#Appointment|Throne appointment]] that talks about changing support around and when the election ends inconclusively. The previous wording was a little misleading.
==Navarr Warlocks==
* '''16/05/2023'''
We've changed the word "warlock" on the [[Navarr]] page. The word was very misleading and intended to be a synonym for "magician", which is what we have replaced it with.
==Commonwealth History==
* '''10/05/2023'''
We've changed the year of the formation of the [[Commonwealth#History|Commonwealth]] from 120YE to 105YE so that it is consistent with the background of [[Emperor Frederick]].


==Military Unit and Fleet Enchantments==
==Throne Election==
* '''Updated 16/04/2016'''
* '''05/05/2023'''
We've streamlined some of the ritual [[enchantment|enchantments]] that target fleets and resources. [[Clad in Golden Raiment]], [[Clarion Call of Ivory and Dust]], [[Raise the Standard of War]] works specifically when supporting campaign armies.<s> [[Shroud of Mist and Shadow]] now explicitly adds its bonus when the target [[military unit]] is supporting a [[spy network]].</s>
Appointment of a Throne is [[Senate_motion#Constitutional_Vote|constitutional vote]]. We've made it more explicit that the [[Assembly of the Nine]], as well as the [[General Assembly]], can [[veto]] the election of [[the Throne]]. We've also added that one of the first things every Throne does is ratify their own appointment.
 
==Marsh Commissions==
We are also discussing changing [[Conclave of Trees and Shadow]] to receive its enhancement when supporting a spy network rather than when performing paid work.
* '''19/04/2023'''
 
We've added a note to the [[commission]] page to indicate that the [[Commission#Marshes|problem of building on marshes]] has become permanent.
==Labyrinth's Gate==
* '''Updated 14/04/2016'''
We have corrected the page on [[Labyrinth's Gate|Labyrinth's Gate]] so that the description matches the item's cost.
 
==Upgrading Fortifications==
* '''Updated 04/04/2016'''
We have updated the pages on [[Fortification#Improvement|improving]] a [[fortification]] in line with the changes we made to the price for a basic fortification.
 
==Accessibility==
* '''Updated 17/3/2016'''
We have updated the pages on [[assistance]], [[Dadford Road Campsite]] and the [[Winter Solstice 2016]] to include a section for players with disability or mobility needs.
 
==The Three Refrains==
* '''Updated 17/3/2016'''
We have reformulated our former team of national bards to create a new bardic sodality - [[The Three Refrains]]. Members of the sodality are tasked with bringing performance of all kind to Empire, music, plays, dance, songs, poems, just as the bards before them did. However they now have a new remit - to help players poke the plot and bits of the setting they are interested in. If you're following up a piece of lore, looking to find out what happened to something, seeking out a mystery or anything of that kind - then The Three Refrains may be able to help you.
 
==Site Details==
* '''Updated 16/3/2016'''
We have added a page to [[Assistance|explain how our mules will operate on site]] to enable players get help quickly.
 
==Event Details==
* '''Updated 15/3/16'''
We have updated the wiki with more details for [[Dadford Road Campsite]] as well as the IC field layout for [[Winter Solstice 2016]].
 
==Boxes==
* '''Updated 13/3/16'''
We have clarified the rules on [[Playing_the_game#Stealing_Items|stealing items]] from locked boxes and chains in Empire. These things are considered to be made of weirwood, mithril and similar resources and to have been strengthened magically to the point where they are virtually unbreakable. This means that you must have the key or another mundane way to open the lock if you are to access any of the contents. A full description of the update along with an explanation for the clarification has been added to the [[Rules_update_2016|rules update page for 2016]].


==Dreams in the Witch House==
* '''14/04/2023'''
We've added a note to [[Dreams in the Witch House]] inviting players to e-mail us before the event with information about territories they intend to scry so that we are more likely to have a response ready.
==Conjunctions==
==Conjunctions==
* '''Updated 13/3/16'''
* '''12/04/2023'''
We have made [[Rules_update_2016#Conjunctions|a significant update to the way major conjunctions work in Empire]]. This will affect the way the Military Council pick the battles they wish to fight and crucially who can fight together on them. A full description of the update along with an explanation for the change has been added to the [[Rules_update_2016|rules update page for 2016]].
We've updated the wiki to make it clear that characters who are nominated by the civil service to [[Sentinel_Gate#Prognostication|oversee a conjunction]] can delegate that authority to another character and that they are not expected to go on the conjunction if they don't want to do so. Any player who doesn't want to oversee a conjunction can contact plot@profounddecisions.co.uk to have the responsibility shifted to another character.


==Like Water Through Your Fingers==
==Endorsement==
* '''Updated 10/3/16'''
* '''08/04/2023'''
We have removed the erroneous reference to campaign resources and imperial titles from the effect of this curse.
Clarified the limits of [[endorsement|endorsing]] deals with eternals. An endorsement cannot support a deal made with an eternal that is under [[Alignment#Enmity|enmity]] ''at the time the deal is made''. Amity or Neutrality cannot be retroactively applied.


==Shatter==
==Divination Rituals==
* '''Updated 10/3/16'''
* '''06/04/2023'''
We have clarified that you cannot use a spear, pole-arm, or quarter-staff with the Shattering Blow skill. You can learn more about this change [[Rules update 2016|here]].
We've made matching updates to [[Clear Counsel of the Everflowing River]] and [[Combing the Beach]], Both rituals now require an effigy to perform, and that the question posed be submitted the previous night. The response to the ritual now comes when it is performed, rather than some time afterwards. You can find more details about the change on the [[Rules update 2023#Divination Ritual Updates|Rules update]] page.
==Shuttle Service==
* '''06/04/2023'''
We have taken the decision not to charge for the [[https://www.profounddecisions.co.uk/empire-wiki/Dadford_Road_Campsite#Banbury_Shuttle_Service|shuttle service in 2023]]. We have no plans to charge for the shuttle in the future if the costs to run the service remain similar.


==Shrouds==
==Regio and Portals==
* '''Update 10/03/2016'''
* '''05/04/2023'''
We have changed [[Drawing the Penumbral Veil]], [[Incantation's Mystic Mask]], [[Masque of the Blinded Weaver]], and [[Secrets for the Shadow Courier]] from being [[enchantment|enchantments]] or a [[curse|curses]] to being '''shrouds'''. This fits their intended purpose more closely. The only difference is that they count as neither enchantments nor curses.
We made some adjustments to [[detect magic]] and [[operate portal]] to lay out their functionality when it comes to detecting and identifying [[regio]] and the portals that lie within them. We included in operate portal the mechanics of accessing the Hall of Worlds (copied from the regio page), given how commonly that spell effect is used by magicians.
==Military Rituals==
* '''31/03/2023'''
We've made several updates to rituals that involve [[Imperial armies|armies]] and [[fortification|fortifications]]. The [[Rules_update_2023#Military_Rituals|Rules Update 2023]] page goes through these changes in detail. The rituals affected are [[Knights of Glory]], [[Bound by Common Cause]], [[Frozen Citadel of Cathan Canae]], [[Forge the Wooden Fastness]], [[Dripping Echoes of the Fen]], [[The Basalt Citadel]], [[Golden Ramparts]] and [[Stone's Unyielding Defiance]].


==Freeborn Matrilineality==
We've also modified [[Clarity of the Master Strategist]], [[Quickening Cold Meat]], and the non-Imperial ritual '''Footsteps of the Fallen''' to change the [[roleplaying effects]] experienced by the [[general]] targeted by the [[enchantment]].
* '''Update 3/3/2016'''
We have updated the [[Matrilineality|Freeborn brief]] to make clear that men and women who join the nation (instead of being born into it) would not formally take a tribal name. Men or women who marry into a Freeborn family (or are adopted) are encouraged to use the family name, but any progeny always take the tribal name that their mother was born with. We have made this change to preserve the essential idea that Freeborn society is matrilineal - because it traces a line back to the three founders - but keep the experience of playing a character who joins the Freeborn nation as free of gender bias as is possible.


==Broken Shore Bounty and Privateering==
==Resources and Conquered Territories==
* '''Update 1/3/2016'''
* '''31/03/2023'''
Following feedback from several players and crew we have changed the piracy action to be [[Fleet#Privateering|privateering]] as that best reflects what is actually happening. We have also updated the [[Broken Shore Bounty]] in parallel with this, clarifying the allocation process of the seat and the benefits of committing privateering in the Bay of Catazar.
We've changed the way [[fleet|fleets]] and [[military unit|military units]] interact with the [[Resource#Conquered_Territories|conquered territory]] rules. Previously these two resources had been exempt from the penalty for being in a conquered territory; we've removed that exemption. You can read more about this change in the [[Rules_update_2023#Military_Units_and_Fleets|rules update]].


==Barbarians==
==Venom==
* '''Update 1/3/2016'''
* '''31/03/2023'''
We have updated the page on [[monstering]] at Empire events, including a new emphasis on players having the chance to [[playing a barbarian|play elite barbarian units on the battlefield]]. This is an idea we have been developing over winter to improve the battles for people playing and volunteering them. We have also substantially updated the [[Grendel]] pages and will hopefully update the [[Jotun]] pages at the end of the week.
We've clarified the [[Calls#VENOM|VENOM]] call to make it explicit that if you are [[Combat#Dying|dying]] and have less than thirty seconds to live when you are hit by venom, then you should continue with your current count - gaining the venom condition ''never'' increases the time remaining if you were already dying.
==Spring Rituals==
* '''23/03/2023'''
The effects of [[Fan the Flame of New Life]] have been significantly changed, and we've removed the '''Midwife's Recourse''' ritual from the game. Discussion of and explanation for these changes can be found on the [[Rules_update_2023#Spring_Rituals|Rules update 2023]]page. We also added a medicine section to the [[Technology#Medicine|Technology]] page, and a section on the [[Healing in Empire#Pregnancy and childbirth|healing in Empire]] page.


==Elections in Absentia==
==COVID Safety==
* '''Update 25/02/2016'''
* '''14/03/2023'''
We have clarified that it is perfectly legal to [[Imperial elections|elect a citizen to a position in absentia]]. You must be present to vote - but you don't have to be present to be elected!
We have updated the [[entry requirements]] and the rules for [[COVID safety]] for our events in 2023.


==Artisan's Oil==
==Bow Safety==
* '''Update 15/02/2016'''
* '''14/03/2023'''
From 2016 onwards, artisans can expend one month of downtime and 1 crown to make three doses of [[Artisan's Oil]].
We have overhauled the rules for [[bow safety]] at Empire. Please make sure you read and understand the new rules if you use a bow or crossbow at any point at the events.


==Ties that Bind==
==Blood of the Hydra==
* '''Update 03/02/16'''
* '''14/03/2023'''
The ritual [[Ties that Bind]] has been updated to remove the requirement for the target to be a contributor; we also clarified some of the information the ritual may provide. This should improve the utility of the ritual, especially in terms of locating stolen items.
[[Blood of the Hydra]] has been amended to make it explicit that it is intended for the treatment of limbs ruined by effects such as [[Calls#CLEAVE|CLEAVE]] or the like. It cannot be used to regrow internal or damaged organs, and is only useful for traumatic wounds when explicitly called out. Damaged internal organs are very much intended to be in the purview of the [[Surgical skills#Physick|physick]], and regenerating or replacing them magically is a much more significant use of magic than simply repairing a limb ruined by a sword. '''(23/03/2023)''' Further discussion of this change can be found [[Rules_update_2023#Reasoning:_Blood_of_the_Hydra|here]].


==Before the Throne of Estavus==
==Chimes of Annulment==
* '''Update 03/02/16'''
* '''14/03/2023'''
The ritual [[Before the Throne of Estavus]] has been adjusted to reduce the basic magnitude, but remove the ability to trade any amount of material with the eternal. The ritual now has a base magnitude of 4 (down from 6), but this allows only one lot of ingots to be transferred. Every additional group of five ingots now increases the magnitude of the ritual by 2.
We've changed the casting time on [[Chimes of Annulment]] to be 2 minutes rather than 5, to bring it in to line with other rituals.
==Knight-protector Declination==
* '''10/03/2023'''
We've added a note to the [[Knight-protector#Appointment|Knight-protector]] [[Imperial title]] about what happens if someone wins the tourney but declines to take the title.
==Vital Strength of the Earth==
* '''09/03/2023'''
We've corrected an error in [[Vital Strength of the Earth]] which had the increased magnitude for additional targets at 5, rather than 24.
==Lineage in Play==
* '''08/03/2023'''
We added some material about gaining (and losing) lineage after character creation. There's a section on the [[lineage#Gaining_lineage_in_play|lineage]] page, and sections on each of the individual lineage pages in the ''Imperial (lineage)'' sections.
==Liao and PLV==
* '''08/03/2023'''
Additional information about [[Liao#True Liao|true liao]] has been added to the [[liao]] page. We've also added a new page laying out the procedures and mechanics involved in having a [[past life vision]].
==Card Wording==
* '''02/03/2023'''
We've added a line to the rules about [[Game_items#Cards|cards]] pointing out that when a game itemcard and the rules on the wiki differ, the rules take precedence. Usually this is because a card was printed during an earlier iteration of the rules.
==Auras==
* '''01/03/2023'''
We've made a few updates to the [[aura]] page. [[Aura#Durable Auras|Durable auras]] are now auras that last indefinitely unless replaced, and we've specified [[Aura#Strong Auras|strong auras]] as being auras with a strength higher than one. We've also explicitly called out that the [[insight]] skill does [[Aura#Virtue|not reveal]] which (if any) virtue or malign spiritual presence an aura is tied to. Finally, we've added a section giving some information about [[Aura#Spontaneous Auras|spontaneous auras]] to the page.
==Booking IC Spaces==
* '''28/02/2023'''
We've added the facility for characters to book IC spaces at the event - the Hub, Hall of Worlds, Miltiary Council and Senate - when not in use for official business. We've added a section to the page on [[Anvil#Booking_Civil_Service_Spaces|Anvil]] to explain how this works and how to make a booking.
==Dreams in the Witch House==
* '''24/02/2023'''
We've edited the description of the ritual effect for [[Dreams in the Witch House]] to bring it more into line with the way the ritual is actually working in the field.
==Eye of the High Places==
* '''24/02/2023'''
We've removed the requirement for this ritual to be performed in a powerful Day [[regio]], to bring it into line with [[Eyes of the Sun and Moon]] and [[Dreams in the Witch House]].
==Align the Celestial Net==
* '''24/02/2023'''
We've made a slight tweak to [[Align the Celestial Net]] to bring it into line with [[Wind of Mundane Silence]]. Neither ritual can be performed by a coven that is drawing on the power of the target [[regio]] to allow them to cast the ritual.
==Army Enchantments==
* '''23/02/2023'''
We've changed the casting time of rituals that target Imperial Armies to 10 minutes, with the new rule about using the Imperial regio to reduce the casting time to 5 minutes. So far the affected rituals are [[Bound by Common Cause]], [[Brotherhood of Tian]], [[Why Sulemaine Walked Away From The Baker]], [[Eyes of the Hills]], and [[Mystic_scrolls_of_Estavus#Machines_of_Destruction|Machines of Destruction]].This brings them into line with the other army enchantment rituals.
==Longer Rituals==
*'''23/02/2023'''
We've added an additional power to the [[Regio#The Imperial Regio|Imperial Regio]]. Any ritual with a casting time of at least 10 minutes can be cast in 5 minutes instead when using the Imperial regio. We're updating existing ritual pages to include a reminder of this effect. We've added a note to the "imperial enchantments" ([[Bright Eyes Gleam in the Depths]], [[Hallow of the Green World]], and [[Wondrous Forests of the Night]]) to indicate that they do not have their casting time reduced by the Imperial regio.


==Fortifications==
==Phial of the Sun / Bloodcloak==
* '''Update 03/02/16'''
* '''22/02/2023'''
Due to an oversight, we forgot to apply the standard 2 crowns per wain labour cost to the [[Fortification#Emergency_Repair|emergency repair]] of a [[fortification]]. We have corrected this oversight and brought it into line with the resupply of armies and navies..
We've updated the rules text for the [[Phial of the Sun]] and [[Bloodcloak]] [[magic items]] to make it explicit that they only duplicate the effect of the five traditional magical [[herb|herbs]];  [[Bladeroot]], [[Cerulean Mazzarine]], [[Imperial Roseweald]], [[Marrowort]], and [[True Vervain]]. While other substances might be described as herbs, they are distinct from the five herbs used by [[Surgical skills#Physick|physicks]] that these magic items can replicate.
==Navarr Are Not...==
* '''15/02/2023'''
We've added a new bullet point to [[Navarr#What_the_Navarr_are_not|What the Navarr are not]] making it clear that while the [[Navarr]] are merciless toward their enemies, they are just as law abiding as any other Imperial nation.


==Rituals that cause MASS effects==
==Conclave Changes==
* '''Updates 03/02/16'''
* '''11/02/2023'''
We have changed how rituals that create a [[Calls#MASS|MASS]] call work ([[Fetid Breath of Teeming Plague]], [[Howling Despite of the Yawning Maw]], [[Inescapable Chains of Bitter Glass]], [[Revelatory Light of the Empyrean Spheres]][[The Grave's Treacherous Edge]], and [[Thundering Roar of the Lion-bound Horn]]).  
We've made extensive changes to the [[Imperial Conclave]]. This touches on the way a [[Conclave session]] is organised, all the [[declaration|declarations]], and almost all of the [[Imperial title|titles]] associated with the Conclave, as well as [[the Throne]]. Rather than repeat them here, you can find a summary of the changes on the [[Rules_update_2023#Conclave_Changes|Rules update 2023]] page..


Rather than imbuing an implement, the rituals now create an [[enchantment]] on one of the [[Rituals#Contributors|contributors]], and the option for additional uses has been altered to additional targets to reflect this. In addition, we have removed the fifteen minute restriction on their use, allowing covens to perform the ritual in a safe location, or drawing on the power of the [[Regio#The_Imperial_Regio|Imperial regio]], to be unleashed at a later date.  
==Advisor on the Vallorn==
* '''11/02/2023'''
As part of the updates to the [[Imperial Conclave]], we've removed the power of the [[Advisor on the Vallorn]] to raise a free [[Declaration]] of [[Interdiction]].


Several of the rituals have also had [[Roleplaying_effect|roleplaying effects]] added. We have removed the ability to reduce the magnitues of the MASS VENOM and MASS WEAKNESS rituals, replacing them with the ability to substitute [[Materials#Beggar's Lye|beggar's lye]] for crystal mana common to the other MASS effects.
==Unstoppable and Pretending to be Dead==
* '''19/01/2023'''
We've edited the rules for [[Heroic_skills#Unstoppable|Unstoppable]]. We haven't change the rules, but we've tried to make the intent behind the skill use clearer. We've also rolled in some points from the [[Rules FAQ]] as having information about a skill in two places can be unhelpful.


We also removed the sympathetic element from several of these rituals, and clarified the "backlash" of Revalatory Light, as well as making it clear that the character making the call must be capable of casting spells (so, they cannot be wearing armour for example).  
At the same time, we've made the rule about pretending to be dead or dying more prominent by moving it to the section of the rules dealing with [[Combat#Dying|dying]].
==Operating Portals==
* '''11/01/2023'''
We've made a few minor edits to [[operate portal]] and related effects (specifically the [[Ambassadorial Gatekeeper]] ritual) to make it clearer that you can't bring along additional living creatures even if they are [[combat#Dying|dying]] or [[Combat#Terminal|terminal]].  


There is still some minor tweaking going on in relationship to some of the options the rituals provide with regard to including materials to empower the ritual.
We've also added a note to the [[Knight-protector#Banner_of_the_Season|Banner of the Season]] power of the [[Knight-protector]] [[Imperial title]] that the Summer Banner is specifically more potent than the others, as there had been some confusion around the fact the item is notably different to the other three.
==Necessary Details==
* '''27/09/2022'''
We added a note to the [[Commission#Necessary_Details|necessary details]] section on the [[commission]] page making it explicit that in the absence of details about the cost of a commission, the civil service will always assume it is the minimum size allowed for such a commission.
==Accoutrements of War==
* '''16/08/2022'''
We've added a boxout to the [[Mystic_scrolls_of_Estavus#Accoutrements_of_War|Accoutrements of War]] ritual making it clearer that the special production granted by the [[enchantment]] ''only'' applies to paid work, not to every action under the independent action dropdown.
==Cardinals and Assemblies==
* '''15/09/2022'''
We've added a note to the [[cardinal]] page in the [[Cardinal#Appointment|appointment]] section reinforcing the idea that a cardinal must be a member of the [[Assembly#The_Virtue_Assemblies|assembly]] they lead. Changing assembly (perhaps through [[Congregation#Downtime_Options|preaching]] in downtime) means the cardinal forfeits their title. Likewise, someone without a [[congregation]] who gains membership of an assembly through the votes granted by a [[sinecure]] cannot become cardinal because as soon as they do, they lose their former [[Imperial title]] and no longer meet the criteria to be cardinal. Both are very edge cases, but are worth bearing in mind.
==Imperial Enchantments==
* '''15/09/2022'''
We've adjusted the magnitude of the three [[:Category:Imperial Enchantment|Imperial enchantments]] up from 160 to 200. In-character magical scholars believe this is due to the increasing size of the Empire, and might have been heralded by a [[A_yellow_star_hung#A_Light_that_Never_Goes_Out|subtle conjunction]] of the esoteric [[Astronomancy#Constellations|constellations]] of [[the Key]] and [[the Lock]] during the Autumn Equinox. Out-of-character this is because we want to keep these rituals challenging, and the former magnitude is no longer as difficult to achieve as it was when the game began.


The only ritual that has not been edited at this time is [[Devastating Scythe of Anguish and Loss]]; we are still reviewing the changes we plan to make to this ritual.
We also took the opportunity to change how [[Hallow of the Green World]] works. Previously the coven had to choose which herb the herb gardens would create. This is because when we first created these rituals we didn't have the ability to add random herbs to resources. Now that we do, we've update the ritual to work a little bit more like [[Bright Eyes Gleam in the Depths]] and [[Wondrous Forests of the Night]] whose bonus production is set by the base resource rather than being chosen.


==Appointment of Senators==
==Cruel Quality==
* '''Updates 02/02/16'''
* '''06/09/2022'''
We've added short sections in out-of-character language to the [[The League leadership#Tallying the votes|League]], [[Highguard leadership#Tallying the votes|Highguard]], [[The Marches leadership#Tallying the votes|Marcher]], and [[Urizen leadership#Tallying the votes|Urizen]] pages to make explicit how votes are calculated. Of particular note is that we think the votes for the Urizen elections have previously been calculated incorrectly, and the new section should make it clear how they will be calculated from here on in.
In July, we made a change to the [[Army qualities#Cruel|Cruel]] quality which we forgot to document at the time. Rather than an army with this quality automatically revealing it to everyone in a territory, it is only noticeable when it actively takes the [[Army_qualities#Cruel|Merciless Assault]] order. This change was made to bring the description of the quality into line with how it was actually working in terms of the downtime campaign. 
==Clear Lens and Shadowed Glass==
* '''04/09/2022'''
We've removed the line "''A detect magic spell may occasionally reveal if there is specific, additional information in a specific location''" from both [[Clear Lens of the Eternal River]] and [[Shadowed Glass of Sung]] because it was misleading; our intention was to allow some space for plot writers to create specific results from these rituals for their plots taking place on Anvil, but this has proved to be impractical.  


==Senate Announcement==
==Parliament of Owls==
* '''Updated 29/1/16'''
* '''04/09/2022'''
We have updated the guidelines for raising a [[senate announcement]] to emphasize that the title-holder must present the civil service with the equivalent of a senate motion paper, summarizing their plans. We have made this change to make it possible for our crew to track and record senate announcements, which is almost impossible when announcements are verbal only.
We've updates the [[Raven_Seer#Parliament_of_Owls|Parliament of Owls]] power of the [[Raven Seer]] to make it clear there is only one copy of this ritual text and the Raven Seer is expected to hand it to their successor.


==Pakaanan's Iron Shutters==
==Briar Bark==
* '''Updated 27/1/16'''
* '''04/09/2022'''
We have clarified the use of [[Pakaanan's Iron Shutters]] ritual to close the portal at the back of the Hall of the Worlds, and explained what happens if someone is in transit when the ritual is performed.
We've made a slight update to [[Briar#Patches_of_bark|patches of bark]] on the [[briar]] page. "While tree bark can come in a variety of colours and textures, briar bark is rough, and predominantly brown."
==Shroud of Fog and Ravens==
* '''19/08/2022'''
As noted in the '''[[Of_earth_and_sky#Game_Information|Of earth and sky]]''' wind of war, we're removing the ritual ''Shroud of Fog and Ravens'' from the game. Unfortunately, this ritual is completely incompatible with Empire's magic theory and was a remnant from the very first years of the game before we had nailed down all these elements. As a consequence we are removing this ritual. Any character who has it mastered will now have an empty "slot" for mastering new rituals. The in-character explanation is that the recent conjunction of the Lock has rendered the ritual unworkable, taking away whatever strange power it relied on. We will continue to reject attempts to create similar effects in this realm using arcane projections; it is not possible to to enchant armies in this way with [[Night magic]].
==Bright Lantern of Ophis==
* '''11/08/2022'''
We've added an additional line to the [[Bright_Lantern_of_Ophis#Performing_the_Ritual|performing the ritual]] section of [[Bright Lantern of Ophis]] to make it more clear that the ritual cannot be used to target other territories using the Anvil regio.
==Castellan of Spiral Castle==
* '''10/08/2022'''
We've corrected an error around the election of [[Castellan of Spiral Castle]] which suggested it would be appointed in Winter when the text indicates the appointment is (correctly) Autumn.
==Improving Opportunities==
* '''07/08/2022'''
We added a section to the page on [[opportunity|opportunities]] explaining that it's rarely possible to simply [[Opportunity#Amending._Improving.2C_and_Upgrading|improve a commission]] gained via an opportunity.
==Visions==
* '''03/08/2022'''
We've made it explicit that the visions received from [[Infusions_of_Feathers#Goosewhisper_Infusion|Goosewhisper Infusion]] and [[Signs and Portents]] are the same. If you experience one, you get the same vision from all other incidences of these kinds of visions for the rest of the event.


==Shatter==
==Concedendce==
* '''Updated 15/1/16'''
* '''29/7/2022'''
We have increased the minimum weapon length required to use the shattering blow skill from 42" to 48". You can learn more about this change [[Rules update 2016|here]].
The Constitutional Court have issued new guidance on the use of [[Powers_of_the_Imperial_Senate#Concedence|concedence]] by the Imperial Senate. The new guidance grants national assemblies the right to veto a motion that cedes a region or territory assigned to that nation. This new guidance does not cover any concedence already passed by the Imperial Senate, it is not a retrospective change, it applies to any motion of Concedence passed by the Imperial Senate from Summer 384YE and onwards.
 
==Navy Updates==
* ''' Updated 15/1/16'''
We have added a page to the wiki on [[navy orders]] as well as updating the information on a [[commission]] to include a [[shipyard]].
 
==Magical Traditions==
* '''Updated 15/1/16'''
There is now some additional content on the [[magical tradition]] page, giving a broad outline of the use of traditions in Imperial magic. We also included a description of the [[blood magic]] tradition, expanding on elements in the [[navarr]] brief.
 
==Army and Navy Resupply==
* ''' Updated 22/12/15'''
We've streamlined the explanation of how an [[Imperial army]] or [[Imperial navy]] recovers from [[casualties]]. We've also introduced a 2 crowns per wain labour cost onto [[Casualties#Emergency Resupply|emergency resupply]] bringing it into line with other Senate [[commission|commissions]].
 
==Military Units==
* '''Updated 20/12/15'''
We have changed the downtime options available to [[military unit]] owners. Military units no longer take the raiding action, but rather engage in [[Military unit#Paid Work|paid work]]. While mechanically the actions are similar, the game context for the paid work action is very different. You can read more about this change [[Rules update 2016|here]].
 
We also adjusted the description of [[Merciless Wrath of the Reaver]] and [[Shroud of Mist and Shadow]] to reflect the changes.
 
==Fleets==
* '''Updated 17/21/15''' and '''20/12/15'''
We have changed the downtime options available to [[fleet]] owners. Fleets can now be assigned to [[Fleet#Supporting_a_Navy|assist an Imperial navy]] in the same way a [[military unit]] can support a [[Imperial army|campaign army]]. We have also made some significant changes to the way that [[Fleet#Trade|trade]] and [[Fleet#Piracy|piracy]] work.
 
We later adjusted how piracy works, making it an option similar to the [[Military unit#Paid work|paid work]] option for military units. You can learn more about this change [[Rules update 2016|here]].
 
==Army Attacks==
* '''Updated 16/12/15'''
We have amended the [[Army_orders#Attacking|rules on the wiki for armies attacking a region]] to make clear that the targetted region must be adjacent to a region which is under Imperial control - or to a region which will fall under Imperial control in the subsequent campaign.


==Raising an Army==
==Raising an Army==
* '''Updated 16/12/15'''
* '''29/07/2022'''
We have amended the costs to [[Imperial_army#Costs|raise an army]] to bring them into line with the standard costs for Imperial commissions.
We've amended the rules to make clear that you can only raise an army in a territory of that nation. Nobody has ever tried to raise an army somewhere else, but we wanted to be clear that that is not possible.
==Consecration==
* '''20/07/2022'''
We've updated the [[Consecration#Performance|performance]] section of the [[consecration]] skill to make it clearer that "letting a referee know in advance" means "during an event" rather than "prior to the event."
==Challenge the Iron Duke==
* '''14/07/2022'''
We've added a paragraph to the [[Challenge_the_Iron_Duke#OOC_Elements|out-of-character section]] of [[Challenge the Iron Duke]] to help players better manage their expectation of the kind of challenge or boon the ritual might provide.


==Large Armies==
==Abrogation==
* '''Updated 15/12/15'''
* '''13/07/2022'''
We've added a labour component to the cost to enlarge an [[Imperial army]], to bring it in to line with other Senate [[commission|commissions]]. We have reduced the mithril cost and removed the requirement for the army to sit out for a year while its size is increased.
We've updated the [[Powers_of_the_Imperial_Senate#Abrogation|abrogation]] power of the Senate to make it clearer that when a [[commission]] is abrogated the exact effects depend on the nature of the structure affected, but generally result in the loss of any production following the summit where the motion is passed.


==Fast Casting Effects==
==Preaching and Virtue==
* ''' Updated 05/12/15'''
* '''13/07/2022'''
Since the changes to spellcasting, rituals and items that allowed the fast-casting of [[Spellcasting#Regular Spells|regular spells]] were lagging behind in effectiveness. We've now adjusted these effects to allow a magician to cast spells with a few second of appropriate roleplaying, rather than 5 seconds of roleplaying. Furthermore, this means that (as with [[Spellcasting#Offensive Spell|offensive spells]] the caster is not interrupted if they or their target are struck, or if the target is making an attack. All other restrictions of casting regular spells apply, especially the requirement that you must be capable of touching the target with your casting hand as you cast the spell. These changes effect the [[Hands of the Healer]], [[Smooth Hands Shape the World]], and [[Thought Becomes Action]] rituals, as well as the [[Forge of Isenbrad]] and [[Trollsweave Vest]].
The Imperial Senate [[384YE_Spring_Equinox_Senate_sessions#Amend_membership_of_virtue_assemblies|voted]] during the Spring Equinox to change how membership of a [[Assembly#The_Virtue_Assemblies|Virtue Assembly]] was determined from relying solely on [[dedication]] to use of the new ''[[Congregation#Downtime Options|preach]]'' downtime option. We've updated the [[congregation]] and [[Assembly]] pages appropriately, as well as adding additional information to [[Imperial Synod#History|history of the Imperial Synod]], [[Imperial_Orcs_religious_beliefs#Membership_of_the_Virtue_Assemblies|Imperial Orcs religious beliefs]] and [[preachers]] pages.There are also a number of minor edits to other pages talking about the Virtue assemblies to reflect the changes.
===Healer's Harness===
==IC Tents==
* ''' Updated 02/12/15'''
* '''12/07/2022'''
At the same time, we've altered, the [[Healer's Harness]] ability to prevent loss of mana when interrupted while casting a healing spell. The change to spellcasting meant that ''nobody'' loses mana when a spell is interrupted; they simply have to begin the casting again, We have changed the effect, and slightly increased the cost in materials to create the item, which now provides reciprocal healing for the wearer when they use certain healing spells.  
We have discovered that the range of tents marketed as Oxford Canvas has grown to include a small number of tents that don't meet our minimum requirements for the in-character field because the colour and thickness of the material they are made from looks too much like plastic. We've clarified the [[Costume|rules]] to make clear that these types of tent are not allowed because of this.
===Warcaster's Oath===
* '''Updated 05/12/15'''
Likewise, the [[Warcaster's Oath]] effect has also changed. This shield is thematically intended to be useful for magicians who fight on the front lines, and the new power - to gain a burst of personal emergency healing in return for personal mana - is intended to reflect that.
==Spy Network==
* '''Updated 04/12/15'''
We've added a labour component to the cost to create a [[spy network]], to bring it in to line with other Senate [[commission|commissions]].


==Navy Resupply==
We do understand that the tents are appealing because they are cheap and light, but we have to have a cut-off at some point otherwise we would have to allow any tent in the IC area.  
* '''Updated 04/12/15'''
We clarified how an [[Imperial navy]] [[Casualties#Navy_Resupply|resupplies]], removing the requirement for a navy to be in a friendly dockyard before it can benefit from natural resupply. Instead, the navy merely needs to be in a friendly territory that includes a region with the ''Coastal'' quality, and not engaged in a campaign.


==Senate Update==
We've created an amnesty to allow these ultra-light sandstone bell tents to be used for the remainder of 2022 to remove any immediate need to change.
* '''Updated 3/09/15'''
We have added a page to the wiki which describes the [[scrutiny|process for the Constitutional Court to check a motion]] to ensure that it is compatible with the Constitution.


==Event Updates==
==Naga Scales==
* '''Updated 3/09/15'''
* '''06/07/2022'''
We have added the Imperial Roll of Honour for Summer Solstice to the wiki. We have also begun updating the wiki with the event details for the final event of the year and adding the Winds of Fortune and Winds of War details to the wiki.
We've added a line to [[Naga#Scaled_Skin|scaled skin]] under naga reminding players to be sensitive to real-world considerations when choosing the colour scheme for their scales.


==The League Army Support==
==Artisan's Oil==
* '''Updated 25/08/15'''
* '''05/07/2022'''
With the liberation and re-integration into the Empire of [[Holberg]], the League can now support two armies. In theory, the League was ''always'' supporting two armies, it's just that one of those armies (the [[the League military concerns#The Towerjacks|Towerjacks]]) was part of the defences of Holberg. The Towerjacks are in the process of being restored to full operation by the League.
We've changed the time required to use [[Artisan's Oil]] to ten seconds on the wiki, to bring it in line with what the majority of the item cards say.
 
==Changing Territory==
* '''Updated 23/08/15'''
We clarified what happens when you [[Territory#Resources|change territory]], with particular reference to how this interacts with a [[Resource#Personal Resource|personal resource]] and with voting in elections. We added several sections to the "leading a territory" sections of the politics pages to make the situation explicit.
 
==Honesty==
* '''Updated 21/08/15'''
We added a page on Freeborn [[honesty]] - to explain a little more about this Brass Coast ideal - in a manner similar to the pages on Dawnish [[glory]] and Wintermark [[heroism]].
 
==Furrowed Wake==
* '''Updated 19/08/15'''
The [[Furrowed Wake]] description and flavour text have been edited to use the correct spell. All other sources rather than the page make it clear the staff works with [[entangle]] and not [[repel]].
 
==Follies==
* '''Updated 13/08/15'''
We added a page for a new type of [[commission]], the [[folly]].
 
==Ritual Update==
* '''Updated 17/07/15'''
We have altered the benefits for casting a more powerful version of [[Clarity of the Master Strategist]]. The Empire rituals are designed on the principle that magic is much easier to share around than to simply pile up in one place. That important principle was unfortunately missed when this ritual was originally being written. This update brings the ritual into line with the way other rituals in Empire work.
 
We have also defined the effects of the Spring ritual [[Foam and Spittle of the Furious Sea]]. This ritual was created very early on, long before we had any rules for navies so the previous description of the effects was very vague. We have also altered the rules so that the ritual does impact fleets - as we are now able to define a mechanism by which that affect occurs.
 
==Capturing a Character==
* '''Updated 17/07/15'''
We have updated the rules for [[Combat#Capturing_a_character|capturing a character]]. We have made this change to make it easier for the militia to conduct ongoing investigations into crimes in Anvil. The old rules were a hang-over from Maelstrom, our previous game, and had little relevance for Empire.
 
==Military Keywords==
* '''Updated 17/07/15'''
We have update the rules for the [[Army_qualities#Fast|fast quality]] to improve it. The quality only applies when the army needs to move a long distance and we felt there was little benefit in placing a limit on how far it could move under those circumstances.
 
We have also amended the [[Army_qualities#Magic|magic quality]]. This quality was quite overloaded with abilities and need a simpler and better balance with other abilities. We have removed the generation of an arcane scrying report as we felt this was infringing too far on the ability of players at events to generate such reports using their rituals. We have also amended their ability to create mana - making this a defensive order - but changing it so that the mana generated is based on the effectiveness of the army. The larger and more effective the army is, the more mana it can create.
 
==Summer Solstice ==
* '''Updated 13/07/15'''
The wiki has been updated with a new page with all the details for the forthcoming [[Summer Solstice 2015]], including the site map and the monstering times. There is also a lot of information on the latest campaign developments released with the [[379YE_Summer_Solstice_winds_of_fortune|Winds of Fortune]].
 
==Magic Armour==
* '''Updated 12/07/15'''
We have updated the rules for [[Gryphonsoul Aegis]], [[Goldenfire Scale]], and [[Gravedigger's Vest]]. In addition we have removed Soldier's Coat from the game - characters with this skill or one of these items have had it replaced with [[Baersark's Rage]]. We have updated the 2015 Rules Update page with [[Rules_update_2015#Magic_Armour|an explanation for the changes]].
 
==Spontaneous Magic Changes==
* '''Updated 12/07/15'''
We have changed the costing for [[spontaneous magic]] to make it more expensive to request a spontaneous ritual, but easier and cheaper to cast spontaneous rituals of medium or higher magnitude. We have also updated the Rules Update 2015 sheet to [[Rules_update_2015#Spontaneous_Magic|describe the change and explain why we've updated the rules]]. There are some minor changes to the [[Formulaic_ritual#Ritual_Texts|use of ritual texts in formulaic rituals]] to bring them into line with the new rules for spontaneous magic.
 
==Historical Research Changes==
* '''Updated 11/07/15'''
Due to [[Bloody Murder (Summer 379YE)|the murderous events of 379YE]], the civil service ability to perform [[Historical research]] has been greatly curtailed, The number of research projects that can be commissioned has been dropped from five to two.
 
==Ritual Changes==
* '''Updated 23/06/15'''
Some minor tweaks to rituals.
* We've removed the time limit on [[Whispers through the Black Gate]] to allow it to be performed on dead people who died more recently than a day ago while stressing that the longer ago someone died the less likely it is you get them.
* We've added the functionality to [[Timeless Hammer Rhythm]] that allows it to be used to "reforge" an expired ribbon, to keep continuity of character.
 
==Declaration of Dissemination==
* '''Updated 22/06/15'''
There have been several questions about how the [[Imperial Conclave]] can share rituals with representatives of other nations. The [[Declaration#Declaration of Dissemination|Declaration of Dissemination]] has been added to address these questions.
 
==Clarification of Imperial Inquisitor==
* '''Updated 03/06/15'''
While making the [[Imperial Chaplain Consular]] page, it became necessary to clarify how the powers of that title were used. After doing that, the [[Imperial Inquisitor]] was also adjusted to use their powers in the same way - namely, that they still place a judgement before the Synod, but that no vote is required. This is similar to the way an Imperial title operates in the Senate.
 
==Streamlined Administration Process==
* '''Updated 31/5/5'''
We have streamlined the administration process for players handing in resources to use to pay for senate commissions or to affects Winds of Fortune. If we are already aware that you intend to pay for something (from your actions in the field) then we will take the resources from your downtime automatically rather than wait for you to email us. You should still email [mailto:empire.plot@profounddecisions.co.uk Profound Decisions] to let us know that you want to use the materials - as this will ensure that the action is not overlooked - but we will not wait to receive an email if we believe we know what you intend to do.
 
If a mistake occurs then you should email us as quickly as possible so that we can rectify that.
 
==Clarify Proxy Voting Rules==
* '''Updated 19/5/5'''
Clarified the proxy rules to explain that a character cannot proxy votes for the appointment of a title in the Senate or Bourse. For example, a Navarr character could not give another character the votes that come from their herb garden during the appointment of The Thimble Bourse seat. You can learn more [[Proxy#Restrictions|here]].
 
==Forgery==
We have updated the published rules for forgery to make absolutely clear that it is cheating to forge bourse notes.
 
==Item Correction==
We have corrected the costs of the [[Staff of Life]] which were correct on the database but wrong on the wiki entry for this item.
 
==Sects==
The rules for priestly co-operation within [[Bands#Sects|sects]] were unintentionally more restrictive than those for co-operation in the absence of a sect.  The duplication of rules has been removed, leaving priests precisely as able to co-operate within sects as without.
 
==Winter 2015 Rules Update==
Over winter we carried out a review of the rules from the second year. As a result of that review we have changed a number of rules. We are in the process of updating the wiki to reflect these [[Rules update 2015|rules changes]]. We will continue to carry out reviews of rules each winter. The most recent updates are to magic, particularly spontaneous magic and battle magic.
 
==Magic Item modifications==
The [[Healer's Harness]] and [[Warcaster's Oath]] were rendered useless by our change to [[spellcasting]]. We have modified the effect of both, and raised the cost of the Healer's Harness to reflect these changes.
 
Magic standards must be carried (wording strengthened from "should"): back banners, tabards and especially flamboyant bandannas are not appropriate phys-reps for magic standards, and this was not clearly communicated by the previous wording.
 
==Otkodov Spy Network==
The [[Construct Otkodov spy network|Otkodov spy network]] was initially set up before more detailed information about how they worked was available. A single spy network cannot provide information about an entire nation, only a single territory. We have clarified this, and future reports from this spy network will focus on the [[Thule]] territory of [[Verthandi]].
 
==Ritual Theory==
We've created a series of pages relating to [[ritual theory]] that provide background, setting and rules information for players. It is primarily of use to players who want to create new [[spontaneous magic]] effects, or explore the theories of how ritual magic work. This is somewhat of a work in progress - we intend to expand it to cover more setting-related information such as what crystal mana is or how it differs from personal mana (for example), but the information given here should serve as a good foundation for players who want to discuss magical theories in the field.
 
==Brass Coast Army Support==
Following the re-integration of [[Segura]] into the Empire, [[the Brass Coast]] now has the ability to support three armies rather than two.
 
==Senate Commissions==
We added details of three new civilian [[Commission|commissions]] available to the [[Imperial Senate]].
* The [[College of Magic]].
* The [[Runeforge]].
* The [[Embassy]].
* The [[Imperial navy]].
 
==Remote Navarr==
We've clarified a few design concepts around the [[Navarr]] on the [[Remote Navarr]] page. To accompany this, we've made a few edits to [[Navarr_look_and_feel|look and feel]] to reflect those clarifications.
 
==Military Council Overhaul==
We have done a major redesign of the way the [[Imperial Military Council]] works. This has included clarification on the events at the [[muster]] and [[Council session]], as well as expanded and clarified material regarding the role of a [[general]], the [[Field Marshal]] and the civil servant role of the [[herald of the Council]]. We've also given the right of [[Council address]] to the [[High Exorcist]] and [[Quartermaster General of the Imperial Armies]].
 
At the same time, we've clarified and streamlined some of the factors to do with [[war]], including the way that generals submit their [[army orders]]. We've also included a [[campaign outcome]] page that details the mathematics that underlie the campaign resolution system.
 
Finally, we've removed the idea of ''keywords'' from armies - each [[imperial army]] now has a singular [[army qualities|quality]] that reflects the way that army operates. This means that we have also overhauled all the existing armies with new abilities. The individual armies will be updated over the next day or so, but for the moment the changes are detailed on the table [[Military_Council_design#Army_Quality|here]].
 
You can find details of some of our reasons for these changes [[Military_Council_design#A_Conjunction_did_it|here]].
 
===Field Marshal===
Following discussion with our magistrates, we have removed the idea that it is a legal requirement for the [[Field Marshal]] to address the [[Imperial Senate]]. It is still a responsibility of the role, but it is up to the [[Imperial Synod]] to deal with Field Marshals who neglect to do so, rather than the Magistrates.
 
==Clemency==
We removed the idea that characters with Imperial Titles were given additional weight by a magistrate. This was simply not the case in practice, and undermined the idea of virtuous defence. A virtuous argument from a priest should hold more weight than a poor speech from the Throne.
 
==Legacy of Thorns==
We've clarified that the [[Legacy_of_Thorns#Blade_Venoms|blade venoms]] (specifically [[Legacy_of_Thorns#Oil_of_Blackthorn|oil of blackthorn]] and [[Legacy_of_Thorns#Redwillow_Paste|Redwillow Paste]] cannot be applied to [[Weapons & armour#Implements|implements]]).
 
==Ritual Changes==
Several rituals are receiving clarifications and tweaks.
* [[Whispering Shadow Courtiers]] no longer references the idea of providing visions of "nearby" things. It functions like [[Signs and Portents]], drawing from a pool of visions including "important" or "relevant" secrets, no matter where in the Empire it is cast.
* [[Wisdom of the Balanced Blade]] no longer gains a bonus to penetrate magical obscuring effects. As with [[Bright Lantern of Ophis]] it must overcome the full strength of an effect designed to obscure information about a curse.
* [[Eyes of the Sun and Moon]] has been tweaked to specifically provide military information about armies and fortifications. We've also removed the "hour's notice" requirement from the ritual as the information it delivers is now prepared for each potential target territory before an event.
* [[The Eye of the High Places]] has been tweaked to clarify that it determines any large scale effects on the target territory, and to remove reference to detecting small-scale effects such as resource enchantments which were proving difficult to collate information about.
* [[Reading the Weave]] has been clarified to remove reference to information that was proving difficult to uncover in a timely fashion.
* [[Bright Lantern of Ophis]] has had its ability to divine large-scale effects from a distance removed - this is now the purview of [[The Eye of the High Places]].
* [[Wisdom of the Balanced Blade]] no longer requires a regio to analyse an area curse, but the ritualists must be in the presence of the curse in some fashion.
* [[Sum of the Parts]] has had its magnitude increased, correcting a significant rounding error
<!--
==Honeybourne==
We have updated the wiki to confirm that all events in 2015 will be held near Honeybourne in Worcestershire. After a long search lasting more than five years we believe that we have finally found a permanent home for Profound Decisions. We will upload more details about the new site soon. -->
 
==The Brass Coast Brief==
We have updated the Brass Coast brief on the [[the Brass Coast magical traditions|Brass Coast magical traditions]] and the [[Hakima]] to clarify their political niche and to modify their role slightly. The Hakima are now dedicated to aiding (and meddling in the affairs of) the entire nation rather than an individual tribe. The old brief was too focused, and too limited in scope and we think these changes will help address that. We've also made a minor change to the way [[the Brass Coast military concerns#Kohan|kohan]] are organised, primarily to remove the restriction that the members of a group belong to a single tribe.
 
We've also expanded on the material on [[corsair|corsairs]] that was originally scattered around the Brass Coast section. The new brief contains some new elements and advice on creating corsair characters and groups.
 
==Marcher Brief==
We have updated the Marcher brief on the [[the Marches magical traditions]] and [[Landskeeper|Landskeepers]] to clarify their political niche and how they usually organize themselves. We have corrected the old text to make clear that Landskeepers make frequent use of curses against those they believe have transgressed against Marcher traditions and Marcher interests. The old brief was restricting the ability of existing Landskeepers to access the full range of magical powers at events and the previous Landskeeper political structure was too complex and fine-grained to be workable in play.
 
==Wintermark Brief==
We have updated the Wintermark brief on the [[Wintermark_culture_and_customs#Age.2C_infirmity_and_the_good_death|good death]] to remove any mention of how Wintermark treats individuals who are maimed or crippled. Any form of discrimination on the grounds of disability is against our game rules on equality and diversity and does not fit the setting. Many of the heroes of the Empire come from hard lands - but the Wintermark brief stood out as none of the other briefs single out individuals who are disabled in anyway for special note. The people of the Empire do not discriminate on grounds of infirmity.
 
==Commissions Updated==
We have updated the page on [[commission]] to lay out the essential details needed for any new commission.
 
==New Map Viewer==
Racheet Dave has produced [http://empire.racheet.me/ a cool new map viewer] for the Empire. The [[maps]] page has been updated with a link to the new map viewer.
 
There are also new maps showing the tactical/political features of the Empire, and two maps showing Barbarian lands (Otkodov and the Barrens).
 
==Senate Update==
We have updated the rules for mercantile commissions, and added a page each for a [[sinecure]], [[ministry]], and [[great work]]. The costs to make new mercantile commissions has been altered and reduced for play balance reasons. We have increased the effective output of the Madruga Shipyard, but all other existing sinecures, ministries and great works are unaffected.
 
==Rules Update==
We have removed Spider Folds the Net from the list of available rituals. The ritual had major problems and after several attempts to fix it, we have abandoned the attempt and simply deleted it. Everyone who had the ritual now has a free slot that they can fill at any time instead. If anyone requires an IC explanation for the change, it is because recent movements of the constellations have rendered the ritual unworkable.
 
Rules for [[Battlefield Ritual|Battlefield Rituals]] written up.
 
Regio rules changed: using a regio does not automatically make the ritual take ten minutes.  Some rituals intrinsically take ten minutes, and some rituals require a regio.  There is some overlap between these groups.
 
==Sanctioned Event Update==
We have added some guidelines for using [[Imperial Law at sanctioned events]].
 
==Senate Pages Overhauled==
We have overhauled the Senate wiki pages, mostly to improve the presentation and make the processes clearer. The overhaul includes a few changes to the political rules and powers of some positions. As with other recent updates we have included some OOC design notes about the changes and this part of the game.
 
Key changes or clarifications are:
* Procedural motions are eliminated, allocation and assignment are done by normal motions. [[Senate motion|Administrative motions]] covering minor matters by civil service remain.
* [[The Throne]] can talk in the Senate but cannot propose a motion or vote in the Senate.
* The Throne can [[Senate address|address]] the senate.
* The Throne gains the [[The_Throne#Custodian_of_Virtue|Custodian of Virtue]] power to change a vote in the Synod.
* The Throne gains the [[The_Throne#Order_of_The_Throne|Order of the Throne]] power to nominate speakers in the Conclave.
* We have removed the deadline for the Senate to [[Appointments_by_the_Senate#National_Position|appoint a national position]] but given the wider Senate freedom to act earlier if they choose.
 
==Field Marshal==
A page for the [[Field Marshal]], the official name for the Field Commander chosen by the Military Council has been added to the wiki. This page expands on this position, how it works, the powers, limitations and responsibilities. It includes some OOC design notes about why the position works the way it does.
 
==Nations and Territories==
The [[Wintermark Territories]] have been extensively expanded. A note was added to [[Wintermark history]] to make it clear that the position of king or queen of Wintermark was not a ''hereditary'' position.
 
(09/10/14) Extensive updates to [[Varushka Territories]]; to [[Redoubt]] in [[Urizen]]; and to [[Tassato]] and [[Sarvos]] in [[The League]] (including the creation of the [[Keeper of the Sapphire Stair]] [[sinecure]])
 
==Ritual Corrections==
The following rituals had incorrect costs listed on the wiki. These have now been corrected.
* [[Blood and Salt]]
* [[Revelation of the Jewel%27s Sparkling Heart]]
* [[Unending Cascade of Blood%27s Fire]]
 
The last ritual was incorrectly reduced in magnitude shortly before the last event. This error has been fixed and the original correct magnitude restored.
 
The following ritual had an incorrect casting time listed on the wiki. This has now been corrected.
* [[Rising_Roots_that_Rend_Stone]]
 
The following rituals have been overhauled to bring them into line with each other and changes to the Campaign Battles.
* [[Knights of Glory]]
* [[Quickening Cold Meat]]
* [[Clarity of the Master Strategist]]
* [[Bound by Common Cause]]
* [[Thunderous Tread of the Trees]]
* [[Forge the Wooden Fastness]]
* [[Dripping Echoes of the Fen]]
* [[Frozen Citadel of Cathan Canea]]
 
==Anvil Hospital==
We have added information about the [[Anvil Hospital & Imperial School of Medicine]] to the wiki. Thanks to all the players involved for creating this great institution.
 
==Map Update==
There is a new strategic-and-political map of the Empire [[Gazetteer|here]], and each of the Imperial (or formerly Imperial) territories now has a territory map. Over the next few days, each territory page will be overhauled and updated to include more information about regions and points of interest.
 
==Military Council Update==
We have updated the [[Imperial Military Council]], streamlining the processes which we will use going forwards to calculate the outcomes of military campaigns, and giving player generals more freedom and control over what happens to their armies. We have also modified the upkeep costs for fortifications to ensure that powerful fortifications remain tenable. We have overhauled the presentation of the section to bring it into line with the new pages for the Imperial Conclave and added extra [[Military Council design|design notes and an explanation for  the change]].
 
==Senate Update==
We've reorganised several pages, as well as creating separate pages for titles such as [[senator]]. We've also done some work clarifying some of the powers of [[The Throne]] where their function was either unclear, or would work poorly.
 
==Bourse Update==
Several new [[Imperial title|Imperial Bourse titles]] have been added to the wiki.
* [[Bailiff of the Grand Market]] (Marcher position)
* [[Vizier of the Incarnadine Satchel]] (Freeborn position)
* [[Dhomiro of the Cinnabar Hills]] (Freeborn position)
* [[Mistress of the Glass Parador]] (Freeborn position)
* [[Custodian of the Assayer's Guild]] (League position)
* [[Provost of the Halls of Knowledge]] (Urizen position)
* [[Castellan of Spiral Castle]] (Dawn position)
 
The method by which national Bourse positions are assigned has been updated for the Marches and the League.
 
==Monstering==
Information about [[monstering]] and [[playing a barbarian]] has been added to the wiki. Everyone who is keen is welcome to join us for big kit making session on Friday before the Easter event starts. Whatever you make is yours to keep! We'll hope to find time to add more detail to these pages later in the year.
 
===Conclave Update===
Players have asked us to provide an [[Conclave_design#A_WizardCivil_Servant_Did_It| IC explanation for the change in the Conclave rules]], rather than simply retcon it, so we have done as requested.
 
==Winter 2014 Rules Update==
Over winter we carried out a review of the rules from the first year. As a result of that review we have changed a few rules. We are in the process of updating the wiki to reflect these [[Rules changes 2014|rules changes]]. We will continue to carry out reviews of rules each winter, but do not envisage making many other significant changes in the future.
 
The rules update has been updated... please note that you need to have the relevant skill to participate in a ceremony as part of a sect.
 
==Updates April 2014 ==
Finally wrote up [[Riddle Hides the Reward]].
 
Clarified power of [[The Throne]] to ratify constitutional votes.
 
Added [[Highguard_culture_and_customs#Day_of_the_Dead|details of a Highborn celebration]] to the Customs and Culture section of Highguard.
 
Changed [[Warmage]] again in line with constitutional note.
 
Clarified ability of Senator to resupply army on [[Casualties#Emergency_Resupply|Casualties]] page
 
Completed motions outstanding from [[377YE_Summer_Solstice_Senate_Session]]
 
Updates and maps for [[Semmerholm]], [[Liathaven]], [[Therunin]], [[Mournwold]], [[Brocéliande]] and [[Spiral]] are up, but still stubbed until I have time to check all the backgrounds in the world.
 
===Conclave Overhaul===
A number of pages have been changed to reflect changes to the way the [[Imperial Conclave]] will function at future events. You can read about the changes in more detail [[Conclave_design|here]]
* Updated the [[Imperial Conclave]] page to lay out the new Conclave in more detail
* Created pages for the three principles of the Conclave [[Principle of Precedence]], [[Principle of Proportions]] and [[Principle of Presence]].
* Updated the [[Conclave order]] page with details of joining an order and the powers of membership.
* Updated the ''Membership of the Order'' section of each conclave order page, and included details of the base materials that go into their [[Conclave vault]] each season. The orders are [[Celestial Arch#Membership_of_the_Order|Celestial Arch]], [[Sevenfold Path#Membership_of_the_Order|Sevenfold Path]], [[Shuttered_Lantern#Membership_of_the_Order|Shuttered Lantern]], [[Rod and Shield#Membership_of_the_Order|Rod and Shield]], [[Golden Pyramid#Membership_of_the_Order|Golden Pyramid]] and [[Unfettered Mind#Membership_of_the_Order|Unfettered Mind]].
* Updated [[detect magic]] with regard to Arcane Mark.
* Updated Imperial title pages for [[Archmage]], [[Grandmaster]], [[Dean of the Lyceum]], [[Warmage]] and created a page for the [[Bursar of the Conclave]].
* Updated [[Conclave session]] and created pages explaining [[Conclave address]], [[declaration]], [[gambit]] and [[amity and enmity]]
* Included the ritual [[Arcane Mark]]
* Updated [[Powers of the Senate]] to reference creation and dissolution of Conclave order and to remove references to Imperial Lore.
 
==Updates March 2014 ==
Ongoing changes to ritual text durations and targeting guidelines; most of these are just clarifications. Specific changes include:
* [[Rot's Rightful Claim]] is no longer an enchantment
* Added a section about ilium use to [[Mark of Ownership]]
* Added a section to [[Black Iron Blade]] allowing its magnitude to be increased when cast on a single target to allow removal of protected bonds.
* [[Icy Maw Devours the Spark of Essence]], [[Naeve's Twisting Blight]], [[Winter's Ghosts]] and [[Drawing the Penumbral Veil]] now target a territory rather than a region
* [[Clarity of the Master Strategist]] now requires a Day regio to bring it into line with other campaign army rituals
* [[Transmogrification of the Soul's Echo]] is now clearer on who makes the changes - it is not a brainwashing ritual
 
Sanctioned event guidelines have been updated to give advice on how to apply Profound Decisions [http://www.profounddecisions.co.uk/equalityanddiversity?1 equality and diversity] rules to your event.
 
Tidied up information about several Bourse seats, and linked the physical locations of the seat resources to the territory sections.
 
Clarified [[military unit#Downtime options|military unit]] downtime options relating to assigning to Imperial armies or special projects and the production from doing so.
 
Overhauled and updated [[Skarsind]] page, with smaller updates elsewhere especially to [[Miekarova]] and [[Hercynia]] territory pages
 
Overhauled and updated [[Reikos]] page, with smaller updates elsewhere
 
Updated the [[Titles Autumn 377]] page to indicate who has what title as of the end of 2013
 
Overhauled and updated [[Hercynia]] page, with smaller updates elsewhere
 
Made some changes to the with reference to [[operate portal]] and [[detect magic]]
 
Several changes to [[enchantment]] effects, as well as a slight change to the way an enchantment made permanent with [[ilium]] can be removed
 
Changed duration of [[Mark of Ownership]] to "as long as the item lasts"
 
===Minor updates===
Corrected an error where [[Enfeebling Echo]] was referred to as ''Hand of Time'' on the staffs category page, and corrected an error in the materials (it costs seven beggar's lye, not seven beggar's lye ''and'' seven green iron. Matt to change on database.
 
Clarified the way that [[Witness]] works for priests in the Imperial Conclave.
 
==Updates February 2014 ==
The senate powers to create [[new Imperial titles]] have been overhauled with additional content and clarification.
 
Update about changing a [[resource]]
 
LaTeX download added to [[Rune_Overview|runes]]
 
Update to [[Spider's Tollkeep]] and [[Advisor on orc affairs]] to correct error in who can hold these titles; as National positions, they can be held only by characters from those nations.
 
Slight change to [[Vallorn]] interconnectivity; Vallorn are not believed to be interconnected, allowing more plot options.
 
Ongoing changes to ritual text durations and targeting guidelines; most of these are just clarifications. Specific changes include:
* [[Touch of Vile Humours]] has changed to bring it into line with the new rules on Day duration enchantments
* [[Forge the Wooden Fastness]], [[Frozen Citadel of Cathan Canae]] and similar rituals are undergoing a revision to bring them into line with out rules on [[fortifications]]. Watch this space.
 
Changed the election process for [[Keeper of the Spice Gardens]] has been adjusted to bring it into line with the section on the [[New_Imperial_titles#Appointment|appointment]] of titles; added a page about the Keeper title; made some edits to the [[Feroz#The_Spice-Gardens_of_Feroz|Feroz]] section about the gardens.
 
Rules about what happens with personal resources in conquered territories added [[Resource#Conquered_Territories|here]].
 
Change to [[Orc#Rules|orc rules]] about liao and religious skills, to make the situation very clear
 
Additional page [[Languages]] added to wiki
 
Details of the Eternals [[Sung]] and [[Janon]] laid out.
 
===Minor updates===
Recordings of songs added for Brass Coast (Lost Segura, Wagon Song, Without You) and Marches (Marcher Battle Song, Apple Wassail).
 
An option to retire a character using [[Sift the Dreamscape's Sands]] added
 
==Updates January 2014 ==
 
More details added to the  [[Sanctioned_events|sanctioned events]] page including [[Sanctioned_event_rules|rules]].
 
The Play one, Crew one rule added to the [[Battles]] page
 
[[Traders]] page updated
 
[[Events]] page updated with details of 2014 events
 
[[Facebook_%26_Forums|Facebook and Forums]] page with links for the various social media resources that exist for Empire.
 
[[Profound_Decisions_management_team|PD management team ]] page updated to show Alison and Matt's current event roles.


=== Minor additions ===
==Ephisis' Scale==
A new minor trapping added to the [[Naga]] page.
* '''24/06/2022'''
We've made a few tweaks to [[Ephisis' Scale]], primarily around managing expectations and being more explicit about what will, and will not, be considered by the ritual effect.
==Mage Armour Masks==
* '''22/06/2022'''
We've added "''mask''" to the standard pieces that count toward a suit of [[Weapons_%26_armour#Mage_Armour|mage armour]].
==Plenipotentiary==
* '''22/06/2022'''
We've added a line to the [[archmage]] power of [[Archmage#Plenipotentiary|plenipotentiary]] to make it clearer that the more specific a message is, the more likely it is to result in [[Archmage#Parley|parley]].
==Drawing the Penumbral Veil==
* '''10/06/2022'''
We've updated the [[Piercing Light of Revelation]] ritual to make it explicit that the ritual does not automatically reveal the magnitude of a shroud on a territory.
==Fane==
* '''03/06/2022'''
We added a note that the new [[fane]] commission can currently be built only by the [[Senate]] or a title that can commission ''anything''. This is both because it is a specific, new kind of commission, and because it uses the Senate power of [[Powers_of_the_Imperial_Senate#Concedence|concedence]].
==Penumbral Watcher==
* '''03/06/2022'''
We've changed the [[Penumbral_Watcher#Shadow_Well|Shadow Well]] power of the [[Penumbral Watcher]] so that it is a "magical effect" that targets an allied [[spy network]] rather than a "territory enchantment" to better reflect how it actually works. If it ''was'' an enchantment on the territory, it would be obvious to the Empire's enemies, and could be removed with any territory enchantment they cared to place themselves.
==Brass Coast Tally==
* '''01/06/2022'''
Following on from a statement of principle in the Brass Coast National Assembly, we've [[384YE_Spring_Equinox_winds_of_fortune#Sails_of_Fire|changed]] how the [[Tally of the Votes]] is done for Brass Coast national positions appointed through the Bourse. It's no longer required that a character engage in privateering to vote for such titles; ownership of a [[fleet]] resource is sufficient.
==Anointing and informed consent==
* '''01/06/2022'''
We've (again) updated [[anointing]]. A target does not need to be aware of what virtue they are being anointed with, but they ''must'' be aware that your ceremony is an anointing that will create a personal aura on them.
==Vallornspawn Husk Insight==
* '''29/05/2022'''
We've added a section to the [[vallornspawn husk]] page relating to use of the [[insight]] ceremony. It talks about the [[Vallornspawn_husk#Insight|contradictory results]] received when using the ceremony on bodies animated by the vallorn.
==Election Schedule==
* '''25/05/2022'''
We've [[New_Imperial_titles#Term|updated the wiki]] to make clear that the civil service set what event a title is elected on, if the title is reappointed each year. In practice titles have usually worked this way anyway - for example Bourse seats are all done together and so forth, but we have made clear that new Imperial titles are subject to this rule in all cases. We've done this because we need to be able to spread elections out through the year for the smooth running of the game.


New song "For Once I Was A Young Man" added to [[Highguard_music|Highguard music]]
==Sinecure==
* '''13/05/2022'''
Added a small section to the [[sinecure]] page explaining how [[sinecure#production|production]] of resources works.
==Titles, Tenure, and Ownership==
* '''12/05/2022'''
We've made some edits to the way [[tenure]] works for [[Imperial title|Imperial titles]], along with a short box-out explaining the reasons for the change. We've also added a new section called [[Imperial_title#Ownership|ownership]] which is intended to help manage the expectation of players who gain Imperial titles during the game.


New costume diary added to [[Costume_advice|costume advice]] - high status Marchers doublet.
==Dedication==
* '''11/05/2022'''
We've updated the overview of the [[Dedication#Overview|dedication]] page to remove an incorrect reference to only priests who are undedicated being able to remove a dedication.
<!--
==Anointing and informed consent==
* '''04/05/2022'''
We've updated [[anointing]] to make it clearer that a target must be aware of what virtue they are being anointed with. -->


==Updates after Event 4, Sept 2013 ==
==Imperial Orc Wayleave==
* '''18/04/2022'''
Fixed the error on the Imperial Orc Wayleave that had them only able to commission once a year. While the title is appointed in the Autumn Equinox it can announce one commission each season.


[[Synod Results, Autumn Summit, 377 YE]]
==Foam and Trees==
* '''17/04/2022'''
We've added the line "The civilian population of a territory will certainly be affected by this ritual" to both [[Foam and Spittle of the Furious Sea]] and [[Thunderous Tread of the Trees]].


==Updates between Event 3  and Event 4 2013 ==
==Mountain Remembers Its Youth==
All updates up to Event 4 are grouped here under appropriate heading.
* '''17/04/2022'''
We've made it clearer that [[Mountain Remembers Its Youth]] affects fortifications alongside Imperial armies as this wasn't clear from the effect text.


Details of event 4 [[Autumn Equinox 2013]]  
==Rivers Run Red / Rivers of Life==
* '''14/04/2022'''
We've added a line "''The civilian population of a territory will certainly be affected by this ritual.''" to the [[Rivers Run Red]] and [[Rivers of Life]] rituals to make it clear that these rituals  will have an effect on the civilian population of a territory, not only the Imperial armies there.
==Hand of the Maker and Stamps==
* '''13/04/2022'''
We've updated [[Hand of the Maker]] to make it explicit that the special message used with [[Call Winged Messenger]] can be evaluated with this ritual as it has a Profound Decisions ID number.


===Ring of Triumph===
==COVID Safety==
An error on the summary page for the Ring of Triumph has been corrected. The correct materials for this item are include six ingots of [[Materials#Green Iron|green iron]] '''not''' six ingots of [[Materials#Tempest Jade|tempest jade]]
* '''24/03/2022'''
We've updated the wiki with our [[COVID safety]] measures for our events this year. Our plan is to review these measures and update many of them on the run up to each event on the basis of current conditions.


===Rules and OOC info===
==Sinecure Production==
Update on the [[Frequently Asked Questions|FAQ]]  
* '''23/03/2022'''
*Question added  - Can I email a longer background?
We've updated the [[sinecure]] page to make it clear that you still gain the production even if you didn't attend the event.
*Clarification about using using a one handed spear as a two handed pole weapon.
*Clarification about using hero skills at range.


==Conduct Overhaul==
* '''20/03/2022'''
We have rewritten the Profound Decisions [[conduct]] policy. The page on [[conduct]] defines the rules that we expect all participants to follow, [[reporting a conduct problem]] provides information on the process for reporting any issue you have, and [[sanctions]] describes the steps we can take in response. We have also updated the text for the [[must-avoid policy]] to reflect the new changes. There is a description of the key changes and some of the reasoning on our [[Rules_update_2021#Conduct_Overhaul|rules update 2022]] page.


A section added to [[playing the game]] about stealing IC items and what to do with the phys reps.
==Sutannir==
* '''17/03/2022'''
We have added a new wiki page devoted to the [[sutannir]], [[archetype|archetypal]] Freeborn priest who focuses on encouraging celebration and festivities. We've also updated [[the Brass Coast religious beliefs]] page with new information to complement the updates to the sutannir page.
==Public Auction==
* '''24/02/2022'''
We've significantly reduced the scale and scope of the public auctions carried out by civil servants at events. From now on, the auction will be restricted to lots of bourse resources, the bourse seats themselves, and a dose of true liao. A more detailed explanation of the changes and reasoning are [[Rules update 2021|presented here]].
==Sanctioned Events==
* '''07/02/2022'''
We've made several edits to our [[sanctioned events]] page, splitting some of the information onto a separate [[Sanctioned event advice]] page aimed at organisers. The main changes are around the definitions of sanctioned event styles, and the rule that all sanctioned events take place in the same chronological order in-character that they do out-of-character.
==Downtime Roleplaying and Coronavirus==
* '''27/01/2022'''
We removed the relaxed rules about online roleplaying during lockdown from the wiki, and edited references to them. The normal rules about roleplaying [[online]] and in [[downtime]] are now back in full effect.
==Wind of Mundane Silence==
* '''26/01/2022'''
We've removed the idea that the [[Wind of Mundane Silence]] can only be used to affect a powerful [[regio]]. The ritual will destroy ''any'' regio it is performed at.


[[Traders]] info updated with details of Jolly Dicey, Twisted Flax, Grimm & Grizzly and a new website for Mandala Studios.
==Fish People==
* '''16/01/2022'''
We've added a note to the [[Merrow]] page under "[[Merrow#What they are not|what they are not]]" to indicate that they are not fish people.
==Emphasising Agramant==
* '''13/01/2022'''
We’ve made a change to the setting we want to let you know about. From this point forward, the eternal who has been primarily known by the name Wendigo will be more commonly known as [[Agramant]]. Likewise we're changing the name of the Wendigo's Bargain item to [[Agramant's Bargain]].  


=== World information===
We are not changing anything else about the character or tendencies of this eternal, but we are de-emphasising the name Wendigo. Agramant has always been one of Wendigo's names - so we've chosen to emphasise it as the "preferred" name for the eternal on the wiki from now on.
A [[Current Affairs|current affairs]] page added to pull together various reports including elections, senate and synod decisions from the first three events. This page and the various other pages it leads to should be updated each event. There is also a page which details the [[Titles Autumn 377|planned elections at E4]] .


Addition of [[Damaris|Damaris of Cantiarch's Hold]] as a [[ Paragons and Exemplars|exemplar]]
We've done this for several reasons. We've been aware for a while of some concerns about the [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Wendigo origin of the name],  and what that implies for our use of the eternal. We’ve reflected on that feedback and noted that while many of the other eternals make references (at variable subtlety levels) to literary, mythological, or gaming sources, Wendigo was the only one we know of with a name that is directly featured in a real-world belief system. There are no eternals called Hades, Hel, or Balor for example.


Pages about [[Trogoni]] and [[Plaguewulf]] added.  
For the time being, the name Wendigo will remain one of Agramant’s less-widely used sobriquets. We'd like people to adopt this de-emphasising approach over time rather than treating this as a retcon or sudden break - for example, we know that many characters have written a lot of material about this eternal. It isn't suddenly off brief or wrong to use the original name, and there's no need to reprint IC booklets that use the name Wendigo. The name will remain one of Agramant's less widely used soubriquets. From this point forward, the eternal who has been primarily known by the name Wendigo will be more commonly known as Agramant.  


The section on [[Madruga]] has been updated to show the current situation with the [[Repair the Spider's Dream|now repaired]] Spider's Dream bridge and the [[Imperial Title|Imperial title]] [[Spider's Tollkeep]] which is funded from the tolls is now available for election again.
==Archiving Wiki Updates==
* '''12/02/2022'''
We archived wiki updates prior to 2019. The page had long since become unwieldy due to the sheer volume of entries, and in several cases the page listed updates that were out of date or superseded by later updates. Wiki updates prior to 2019 are now held on the [[Archive:Wiki_updates_to_2018|previous wiki updates]] page in the Archive namespace.
==Frequently Asked Questions==
* '''11/01/2022'''
We've made some edits to the [[General FAQ]], and deleted both the ''obscure questions'' and ''new player FAQ'' pages. Most of the questions covered by those pages have been folded into the remaining sections.
==Calls and Blows==
* '''03/11/2021'''
We've added some words to [[Calls]] to make it clear that you can only make one call with each blow you strike.
==Iron Qanat==
* '''26/10/2021'''
We've updated the [[Segura]] page to include the presence of the Iron Qanat; this has also required a note on the [[Construct Iron Qanat II]] Senate motion that the [[great work]] is in Sobral Grasses not Yellow Chase.


Section on [[ List of Criminal Offences|criminal offences]] updated with more links to the [[ Religious Crimes|religious crimes]] section. New crime of desecration added.
==Battle Safety==
Several new [[Imperial Title|Imperial titles]] have been created they will be added to the [[current Imperial titles]] list in due course.
* '''22/10/2021'''
We've made some edits to streamline the [[Event safety#Battle Safety|Battle Safety]] section on the [[Event safety]] page.
==Heroic Skills==
* '''22/10/2021'''
We've added a line to the [[heroic skills]] overview reiterating that skills such as [[Heroic skills#Cleaving Strike|cleaving strike]], [[Heroic skills#Mortal Blow|mortal blow]] or [[Heroic skills#Mighty Strikedown|mighty strikedown]] cannot be used with [[Weapons_%26_armour#Implements|mage implements]].


More information added to some [[Foreign nations|foreign nations]] including a new page on [[Iron Confederacy]]
==Illegal Orders==
* '''22/10/2021'''
We've added a short section to the [[general]] page about [[army orders]] that are in-character illegal and how they are handled.
==Orders that Break the Rules==
* '''22/10/2021'''
We've added a clarification to the [[army orders]] page about what happens if a general accidentally submits a set of orders that break the rules on war.
==Imperial Enchantments==
* '''13/10/2021'''
We've made some adjustments to the [[:Category:Imperial Enchantment|Imperial enchantments]] - [[Wondrous Forests of the Night]], [[Hallow of the Green World]], and [[Bright Eyes Gleam in the Depths]]. The main change is to modify the ''effect'' of these rituals to better reflect how they actually operate - that they create powerful but unpredictable secondary effects as well as the more predictable effect on production of resources. We've also expanded their history a little in the ''description'' sections in the wake of the recent [[#Finalized Urizen Update|Urizen update]].


Updated information on the [[Imperial Bourse]] about elections and titles.
==Finalized Urizen Update==
* '''28/09/2021'''
We've finalised the Urizen update. Mostly this has meant removing the stubs from the pages but we've made a small number of changes to the content based on player feedback.
* The [[sword scholar]] section about [[Sword scholar#Costume|costume]] has been edited to remove unnecessary references and make it clearer what kind of weapons and armour the sword scholars favour.
* We modified some of the wording on the [[Urizen look and feel]] page to hopefully make it clearer
* We updated the [[costume]] page to make the wording around [[costume#Less Appropriate Costume|less appropriate]] and [[Costume#Inappropriate Costume|inappropriate]] costume clearer.
* We clarified the rules on guy ropes in the [[Costume#In-Character Tents|In-Character Tents]] section of the [[costume]] page.
* We modified the details of the [[Some_heavenly_music#Net_of_Gossamer_Chains|Net of Gossamer Chains]] ritual in the [[Some heavenly music]] wind of fortune
* We've moved the content regarding the Urizen Spring Festival to the [[Urizen culture and customs#Spring Flower Festival|culture and customs]] page.
==Privateering and Piracy==
* '''09/09/2021'''
We have added a note to the box-out about the privateering action on the [[fleet]] page to remind players that they cannot use this action to commit piracy against people the Empire is not at war with due to the [[Employ_Civil_Service_to_observe_Fleets|Civil Service observers]].
==Armour Coverage==
* '''09/09/2021'''
We have updated the armour rules to make clear that a full breastplate that covers the front only is sufficient to be classed as "covering the majority of the torso". This means it will provide extra hits provided your armour also covers one other location.
==Urizen Politics Update==
* '''07/09/2021'''
As part of our review of Urizen, we've changed the way the nation appoints [[senator|senators]]. You can read about the changes [[Urizen leadership#Leading a territory|here]] and a discussion of the reasons and in-character explanation for them can be found [[Rules_update_2021#Urizen_Elections|here]]
==Urizen Culture Update==
* '''07/09/2021'''
We've undertaken an extensive review of the Urizen pages on the wiki. Almost all the pages that form part of the Urizen brief have been updated. You can learn more about the reasoning for this and the way the changes are being handled in the [[Rules_update_2021#Urizen_Culture|Rules Update]]. A brief summary of the changes follows here.
* We've updated [[Urizen]], [[Urizen people]], [[Urizen culture and customs]], [[Urizen leadership]], [[Urizen economic interests]],  [[Urizen religious beliefs]], [[Urizen military concerns]] and [[Urizen magical traditions]]
* We've greatly expanded the [[Urizen history]] page
* We've added significantly to the [[spire]] page and created an [[Urizen groups]] page (which will also serve as a template for similar pages in other nations)
* We've extensively overhauled [[Urizen look and feel]] in line with our new [[costume]] guidelines
* We've added or updated pages for all the Urizen archetypes: [[arbiter]],  [[architect]], [[illuminate]], [[mage]], [[seer]],  [[sentinel]], [[stargazer]], [[sword scholar]], [[torchbearer]], [[questor]]
* We've added the rituals placed into [[Urizen magical traditions#urizen lore|Urizen lore]]
* We've added a page for the historical figure [[Sulemaine]]
Some tweaks have been made (or are in the process of being made) to various pages that are connected to these changes.


More [[Eternals]] detailed
==Costume==
* '''07/09/2021'''
We've completed rewritten the [[costume]] page to lay out clearer guidelines for the various ways costume is used at Empire.
==Vallorn Miasma==
* '''20/08/2021'''
Added a line of OOC explanation to the [[Vallorn#Vallorn miasma|Vallorn miasma]] section of the [[vallorn]] page to make it explicit how exposure to the miasma works.
==Armour==
*'''2/7/2021'''
We have changed the [[Weapons & armour#Armour|classification and benefits provided by armour]] and introduced the [[Combat skills#Dreadnought|dreadnought]] skill. Please see the [[Rules_update_2021|2021 rules update]] for the explanation and reasoning behind the changes.
==Others Languages==
*'''28/06/2021'''
We've added a section to [[languages]] giving guidance on languages other than those currently placed in the setting which you can find [[Languages#Other_Languages|here]].
==Regio at Sanctioned Events==
* '''28/06/2021'''
We've added a section to the [[Sanctioned events]] guidance about [[regio]] which you can find [[Sanctioned_events#Regio|here]].
==Lineage Review==
* '''06/05/2021'''
We've completed the first stage of a review of the [[lineage]] pages. This stage has been largely cosmetic, removing bullet points and replacing them with linkable headings on the [[briar]], [[cambion]], [[changeling]], [[draughir]], [[merrow]] and [[naga]] pages.


Details added about [[Fortifications]] and existing ones added to relevant territory pages.
One more significant  change is that we have moved the "demeanour" trappings from the "physical trappings" section of each of the pages to the roleplaying secction. This is in line with the requirement that to have lineage you must have a physical trapping.


On going - Details of senate decisions and the resulting actions being added as the scribes have time, check the  [[Recent History (Senate)| Senate sessions]] for details.
In the case of merrow, we have also moved [[Merrow#Blue-green Hair|blue-green hair]] from being a minor trapping to being an "[[Merrow#Other_trappings|other trapping]]".


===Magic===
==Distill the Serpent's Stone==
*Ritual [[Cold Water from the Mountain]] changed from Spring to Day
* '''21/04/2021'''
*Autumn ritual [[Sum of the Parts]] added.
We've corrected the magnitude on the [[Distill the Serpent's Stone]] page to match the correct magnitude on the database and in the rituals list. It should have been magnitude 100 rather than magnitude 70.


Updates to [[Dean of the Lyceum]] and [[Conclave session]] about adding new rituals available to Imperial citizens.
==Icons and Artistry==
* '''01/03/2021'''
We've removed the "Icons and Artistry" pages for each nation, and rolled that information into the individual Culture and Customs pages. In some cases this has meant moving some information from Look and Feel as well, or altering the layout of the page (for example we've reordered the information about art and history on the [[Wintermark culture and customs]] page to create two new subsections of [[Wintermark culture and customs|Scops]] and [[Wintermark culture and customs|Riddles]] while moving the discussion of music to the new [[Wintermark culture and customs|Icons and Artistry]] section).
* [[The_Brass_Coast_culture_and_customs#Icons_and_Artistry|The Brass Coast]]
* [[Dawn_culture_and_customs#Icons_and_Artistry|Dawn]]
* [[Highguard_culture_and_customs#Icons_and_Artistry|Highguard]]
* [[Imperial_Orcs_culture_and_customs#Icons_and_Artistry|Imperial Orcs]]
* [[The_League_culture_and_customs#Icons_and_Artistry|The League]]
* [[The_Marches_culture_and_customs#Icons_and_Artistry|The Marches]]
* [[Navarr_culture_and_customs#Icons_and_Artistry|Navarr]]
* [[Urizen_culture_and_customs#Icons_and_Artistry|Urizen]]
* [[Varushka_culture_and_customs#Icons_and_Artistry|Varushka]]
* [[Wintermark_culture_and_customs#Icons_and_Artistry|Wintermark]]


===Music===
==Erawayugot and Skaftafell==
* '''23/02/2021'''
We've corrected an error with the regions of Otkodov where we'd erroneously labelled both a region of [[Verthandi]] and a region of Nithoggir as "Erawayugot". Bringing the wiki into line with the database, we've changed the name of the Erawayugot in Verthandi to Skaftafell and will update the maps appropriately.


[[Highguard Go To War]] added to [[Highguard music]]
==Military Units, Army Orders, and Enchantments==
* '''17/02/2021'''
We've added a line to [[Military_unit#Support_Army|Military units]] to make it more obvious how their strength interacts with orders given to, and enchantments placed on, the [[Imperial army|armies]] they support.


Extra information about music added to [[Urizen music|Urizen]] including three new songs.
==Still Waters, Running Deep==
* '''10/02/2021'''
We've adjusted the magnitude of the [[Still Waters, Running Deep]] ritual to be correct as near as we can tell. We have no idea why the magnitude was recorded in error.


Also a whole bunch of song .pdfs have been updated.
==Burning Falcon==
* '''05/02/2021'''
We've adjusted the date of the destruction of the [[Burning Falcon]] army from 247YE to 248YE to remove a conflict with details of the [[campaigns of Emperor Guntherm]]. In-character this correction comes as result of some research performed by [[the Brass Coast|Freeborn]] scholar Bakar i Erigo (Tomas Marchington).

Latest revision as of 10:13, 20 October 2024

Overview

This is a list of significant updates to the wiki. We try to keep it as up to date as possible, in the hope it will be a more useful reference than the recent changes page which lists every spelling correction and formatting change.

By its nature this page will be regularly updated so when you visit the wiki try checking here first. However please keep in mind this is a manually updated page so at times maybe a little behind the actual updates. We tend to make an entry on this page once an update is finalised - so if something has changed and hasn't been mentioned here it's possible that the changes are not yet complete.

In early 2022, we moved all entries on this page prior to 2019 to the previous wiki updates page in the Archive namespace as detailed in Archiving wiki updates. We did this again in 2024, moving updates prior to 2021 to the same page.

Arcane Gambit and Ilium

  • 15/10/2024

We've updated Thief's Arcane Gambit and the ilium page to detail how an enchantment that has been made permanent with ilium can be moved by that Night ritual. The magnitude required is based on the total amount of ilium that could/should have been used to make the enchantment permanent without any opportunity being taken into account.

Throne Judgement

  • 15/10/2024

We've added a note to the Throne, providing them explicitly with the ability to raise a judgement in the Assembly of Nine only in the event they do not control a congregation.

Assignment

  • 10/09/2024

We have updated the power of assignment to set down that a motion to assign a territory is always raised as an administrative motion by the Speaker for the Senate.

Veto

  • 31/08//2024

We have updated veto to remove the ambiguity about when a veto held over from the previous event ends. We have put a fixed end point, 10pm on Saturday night. The rules update page contains the OOC reasoning and the IC justification for this edit.

Proxies and Resigning

  • 22/08/2024

We have added an entry to the restrictions of what a proxy can do. It is not possible for a proxy to resign on behalf of the title holder as that is not a power of a specific Imperial title.

Maps of Otkodov

  • 19/08/2024

We have added a note that was missing to the Otkodov page making clear that the Empire only has a strategic map of Verthandi. When the first spy network was created the entirety of Otkodov was mapped in error. To gain access to strategic maps of the other territories of the Thule additional spy networks would need to be constructed and supported in the normal fashion.

Senate Voting

  • 19/08/2024

We have updated the Senate motion page to remove an option for secret voting. We've removed it because it hadn't been used in years if ever, because supporting it logistically would have been a massive hassle, but mostly because it runs contrary to the major design elements of Empire around the operation of politics within the game.

Audio recordings

  • 09/08/2024

We have updated the photography rules to remove the option to make audio recordings at events. On further consideration we were convinced that audio recording was much closer to filming and should follow the same rules and guidelines. As a general rule of thumb we want to minimise intrusion: we permit people to take photographs, but that is the limit.

Black Plateau Template

  • 24/07/2024

We have changed the formatting for the Black Plateau template that we use to increase readability and in an attempt to avoid eyestrain. It has changed from black text on a grey background to white text on a black background.

Fleet Great Work Restrictions

  • 13/07/2024

We've added a note to the Great work page making clear that a great work that supports fleets can only be built in a region with the coastal quality.

Whispers through the Black Gate

  • 25/06/2024

We've added a line to the OOC elements of Whispers through the Black Gate to add a little clarity to what happens if you want to summon the spirit of a dead NPC.

Sung and their Counsel

  • 22/06/2024

We've made a couple of tiny changes to the Sung page, to provide more context for the kind of mysteries that the eternal encourages you to probe and look into and those mysteries she prefers to stay hidden. We've coupled this with a set of updates to the main ritual that draws on Sung's power Clear Counsel of the Everflowing River.

We've decided to change the way we respond to queries to Sung to try and provide more useful information going forwards. We want to keep some of the enigmatic quality of the responses, which some of those players casting the ritual currently enjoy - but we want to make it easier to get more useful insight, guidance and wisdom from the ritual.

To help us do that we've changed the way we'll be responding to the ritual going forwards. We created a set of guidelines for the style of responses that we'll give to the different kinds of questions we've been getting up to now. Hopefully this means that where we can provide some useful information or clues to players about a plot we'll be able to continue to do that, but where Sung can't or won't give an answer we'll be able to respond in a way that makes clear why that is the case.

The goal with these changes is to make the ritual more useful to players but also make it easier for us to produce the responses. We want to emphasize the roleplaying interaction with Sung - but allow the eternal more freedom to give out more useful information when it exists.

Martial Titles

  • 10/06/2024

We have added Captain of the Throne Guard to the list of martial titles because of their duties to defend the Throne. There is no requirement to pick a skilled fighter for the role - it has many other duties besides fighting - but it is acceptable for the Throne to include such considerations when picking who they want for the Throneguard.

Savagery and Fire on the Water

  • 05/06/2024

We have updated the declaration of interdiction from Autumn Equinox 385YE to include the ritual Fire on the Water and added a note to the page for the ritual. This was missed at the time as being a ritual that was covered by the interdiction.

Endorsement

  • 05/06/2024

We have updated endorsement to make clear that you cannot use it to permit a sorcerer to carry out an act of magic that is illegal for them to do. Endorsement cannot be used to undermine Conclave itself, so it Conclave has declared someone a sorcerer, it's not possible to supersede that with endorsement.

Guiding an Order

  • 03/06/2024

We have formalised how guiding an order using a Declaration of Concord works. It now requires 20 mana crystals directly from the Font and can only be used as a result of an opportunity, unless specified otherwise. It continues to require the use of one of the order's two declarations.

Territory Curses

  • 03/06/2024

We've made several changes to ritual curses that work on the territory level. All such curses now explicitly have the chance to have unexpected effects depending on where and when they are cast. We've added a section to the curse page detailing this. There have also been other changes made to several specific curses.

  • Icy Maw Devours the Spark of Essence has increased in magnitude to 30 (previously 15), and now inflicts a fixed penalty on mana sites. We also removed the lethargy and depression roleplaying effect element.
  • Naeve's Twisting Blight has increased in magnitude to 30 (previously 15), and now inflicts a set 72 ring penalty on a farm rather than the previous 50% penalty.
  • Foam and Spittle of the Furious Sea places a 2 rank penalty on fleets, and no longer harms navies moving through the target territory.
  • Thunderous Deluge reduces resource production by two ranks rather than a percentage.
  • Rivers of Life and Rivers Run Red have remained the same but we've added boxes discussing some of the unique peculiarities of the rituals.
  • Winter's Ghosts affects all resources save congregations, but inflicts a fixed amount of damage to production rather than a percentage.
  • Mountain Remembers Its Youth does not harm armies that move through the territory. Its effects apply to mines and forests as well as farms, and inflict a fixed amount of damage to production rather than a percentage.
  • Thunderous Tread of the Trees requires a region with the forest quality (it no longer works on marshes). It no longer affects armies passing through the territory, and reduces production of all personal resources in the territory except fleets.
  • The Flower is Withered on the Stalk remains unchanged but we added a boxout laying out more clearly the limitations of the curse.

Pronunciation Guide

  • 29/05/2024

We have deleted the pronunciation guide page from the wiki. Anyone who has a query on how we pronounce something is welcome to email plot@profounddecisions.co.uk to ask.

Fire Safety

  • 29/05/2024

We have updated the fire safety page with updated rules for the limited use of small pyrotechnics at events.

Dedication

  • 28/05/2024

We've made a minor edit to the dreams section of the dedication skill to replace "priest of the Way" with "a priest who is not dedicated to a specific virtue". The former wording was a holdover from the period where dedication was linked to the assembly a priest was part of. The new wording makes in explicit that the ability to pick any Virtue for oracular dreams is for priests that are not dedicated.

Senatorial Elections

  • 23/05/2024

We have updated Dawn leadership to add confirmation that nobles must be physically present in the Glory Square unless there are any accessibility issues that make that difficult. In that case our team will make whatever accommodations are needed to support a player.

We've updated Wintermark leadership to change the duration of the election from one hour to half an hour. This is based on feedback that candidates were unduly having to wait around much longer than the election practically needed.

We've updated the Varushka leadership to better describe how it works in practice and to make clear that the right of witness does apply to the part of the meeting dedicated to picking the senator.

We've updated the League leadership to remove the requirement not to exchange bonds before the start of the election. This was unenforceable in practice and needlessly restrictive. Empire is meant to be a deeply political game and we'd like players to have the first half of the summit to engage in as much roleplaying as they want over the exchange of voting bonds.

Warding Rituals

  • 14/04/2024

We have added an OOC note to the rituals that ward an area to make clear that you must inform a ref about it before you pass through the Sentinel Gate and get the props you are planning on using checked. The affected rituals are :

Imperial Orcs

  • 11/04/2024

We've made extensive updates to the Imperial Orcs pages, primarily related to the introduction of septs. This also touches on a number of other elements including the introduction of a new group archetype (the coterie) and changes to the way ancestors work. Many pages now have additional information on them, but the biggest changes are:

New characters can select their sept during character creation. Existing characters can change their sept by emailing plot@profounddecisions.co.uk. You can also change sept during play by engaging in the appropriate ceremony then going to GOD.

League Orcs

  • 08/04/2024

We have updated the League brief to incorporate new material relevant to playing an orc in the League, reflecting current developments. It is now possible for players creating a new character in the League to choose whether they are playing an orc or a human.

As part of the change we've made a number of updates to several League pages:

Cold Sun

  • 04/03/2024

We've added a new wiki page for Cold Sun, the cruelly impassive eternal of the Day realm whose forces are currently threatening a number of locations in the Empire. While this is mostly a campaign update, we've included it here because we have taken the winter to tinker with some of the stats of the heralds involved to try and make them more interesting and engaging to fight against, so there are some rules changes. Also, in the past there has been some confusion over the abilities of the heralds of Cold Sun. They are very much not monstrous creatures so they take the effects of all calls that hit them legitimately, including the effects of weakness. There is no indication that looting heralds of Cold Sun will result in any kind of curse, nor are they able to reflect back calls. There was some confusion early on due to the way that the brief was delivered before the first block of skirmishes at E3 2023. We have taken all steps possible to try to ensure that this doesn't happen again. Part of the reason for us presenting this information here as clearly as possible is to ensure that those going on skirmishes can have some idea of what they might be up against.

Sanctioned Events

  • 21/02/2024

We've made some changes to the language around sanctioned events. Previously, "sanctioned event" included both any event taking place in the continuity of the Empire campaign world, and specifically events containing plot elements. We've explicitly renamed the kind of event with plot, NPCs, and combat as a "plot event", leaving "sanctioned event" to refer to all events not run by Profound Decisions that are considered part in the Empire campaign.

We've also added a section of additional guidance on Communication Magic at sanctioned events. While it can't be used to speak to off-stage NPCs in the wider world, it is possible for the creators of a plot event to use certain types of communication magic within the context of their plot.

Tisanes of the Labyrinth

  • 17/02/2024

We've changed Usher's Decoction and Waywalker's Suffusion to be tonics. This means their effects cannot be stacked with each other.

Aspect magic

  • 16/02/2024

We've changed the name of the magical tradition formerly known as totem magic to aspect magic as it more accurately reflects the function of that tradition. We have also taken the opportunity to change the term for calling on aspects of mundane animals in magic to beast magic rather than spirit animals.

Liao Ceremony Cooperation

  • 14/02/2024

We've edited the cooperation section on the religious skills page to make it clear that it is dedication and not membership of a virtue assembly that determines who a character can perform a virtue ceremony in cooperation with. Now that it is possible for a character to be dedicated to one virtue, but a member of a different Virtue assembly through the use of the preaching downtime option, the original wording was open to misinterpretation.

Synod Votes and Lay Members

  • 14/02/2024

We've removed the reference to "appropriate virtue assembly" from the Sinecure page, with regard to people who are not members of the Imperial Synod gaining votes. Since the introduction of preaching as the method for determining Virtue assembly membership, there is no way for someone without a congregation to be part of a Virtue assembly, and someone with a congregation is already a member of the Synod.

Veto

  • 14/02/2024

On the Imperial Senate page, we've changed the word "exercised" for "submitted" and added a line making it clear the usual timing rules apply in the event the veto is being submitted following the Senate session on Sunday.

Medium Armour

  • 17/01/2024

We've made some changes to the names of certain medium armour to avoid confusion since the change to what counts as different types of armour. This has had no effect on the mechanical effect of the magic items.

Mithril Shirt is now Bloodamber Hauberk
Tombsteel Guardian is now Tombshroud Guardian
Wardensweave Scale is now Wardensweave
Runemail is now Runebound Ward
Splint Mail is now Cerulean Protector
Mediator's Mail is now Scrivener's Guard

In addition we have also changed Oathkeeper to Vowkeeper and Alderman's Edge to Alder's Edge

Secrets of Skillful Artifice

  • 11/01/2024

We've made some changes to Secrets of Skillful Artifice. The donor artisan now chooses what skill to share via the ritual, and may choose to share nothing. This partly resolves some inconsistencies with how the knowledge the ritual shares was determined, and better defines how it works with Runesmith's Law and similar effects.

Runesmith's Law

  • 3/1/2023

We've updated both Runesmith's Law and Secrets of Skillful Artifice to make it clear that using magic to temporarily share knowledge of how to make a unique Wintermark magic item triggers the geas not to share this knowledge. The result is that the artisan donating the knowledge to someone outside their nation permanently loses access to Runesmith's Law.

Farms and Businesses

  • 14/12/2023

We've added a line to both farm and busniess resources to make it clearer that the income they provide represents disposable income rather than being the sum total of their seasonal production. Expenses, lifestyle, and taxes all exist below the abstraction layer.

Regalia

  • 11/12/2023

We have added a section on the New Imperial titles page which explains how the Imperial Senate can add regalia to a title.

Ossium Opportunity

  • 31/08/2023

We've made a slight alteration to the Culling the threat wind of fortune in the section about creating a permanent magical fortress in the Drownbark Forest. We've made it clear that the "no upkeep" element of the permanent magical fortress is part of the opportunity, and not a standard part of making a magical fortress permanent. The precise mechanics of creating a permanent magical fortress would be determined on case by case basis.

Appraisal

  • 08/08/2023

Now the Imperial Senate can perform two appraisals each season, we've added a note to the power as to how the Imperial Auditor will proceed if both name the same researcher.

Recognition

  • 25/07/2023

We have added a new use for the judgement of Recognition; allowing the General Assembly to recognise someone as an explicitly false exemplar or paragon. A judgement of recognition used in this way can only be raised in the General Assembly and always requires a greater majority to pass.

Spiral Strategy

  • 24/07/2023

The Spiral page has been tweaked slightly, naming the Apulian Way as the connection between the territory and the Grendel nation, and adding a Strategic Considerations section that summarizes the geographical complications in the territory. Apart from naming the southern pass, nothing has actually changed we've just made it more explicit.

Imperial Inquisitor

  • 0707/2023

We've made a slight amendment to the responsibilities of the Imperial Inquisitor to make clear that they are part of the inquisitorial court.

Thief's Arcane Gambit

  • 04/07/2023

We've added a line to Thief's Arcane Gambit that specifies that the "legitimate target" for the ritual is also affected by any specific restrictions around willingness in the original enchantment. If the original enchantment can only be used on a willing target, it can only be moved to a willing target.

Inspirational Locations

  • 02/07/2023

We have replaced the old rules for inspirational tombs with some new rules for inspirational locations. The new rules cover using true liao to create inspirational memorials for exemplars and paragons as well as using it to consecrate a sacred sites like the Kallavesa Marshes. The new rules provide a detailed framework that lays out how characters do this - what steps are needed in-character and what the outcome will be at each stage. We've provided more explanation for the changes and why we've made them in the rules update 2023 page.

Sentinel Gate

  • 01/07/2023

We have removed references to getting a traumatic wound if you travel back too late through the sentinel gate. Implementation of this rule was always spotty at best and it violated some of our core design principles in the way it confused in-character and out-of-character objectives. We don't want players to return through the gate late, because it plays havoc with the schedule that everyone, players and ourselves, are relying on. Most participants implicitly appreciate this and make the best effort possible to return to Anvil before the gate begins to close. Traumatic wounds are intended to lead to further roleplaying for the participants who receive them, they are not meant to punish participants for taking the wrong action. Empire tries as hard as possible to avoid mixing in-character and out-of-character consequences in that way.

FIRST AID

  • 01/07/2023

We've changed the MAN DOWN call to FIRST AID. We've made this change for two reasons, one is that we and many of our players are no longer comfortable with such a clearly gendered call. The other reason is that over the years, a few players have developed a bad habit of using the call in-character when someone gets wounded. We've replaced the call with FIRST AID - a clear call asking for the first aid team to provide assistance.

We understand that many of participants will continue to use MAN DOWN in emergency situations, precisely because it is the instinctive thing to shout in an emergency. That is absolutely fine, and everyone should treat the call exactly as if they had called FIRST AID. We expect it to take some years to drop the old call in favour of the new one and we would much rather participants shouted either call quickly than pause to think. The hobby has been using the man down call for decades and we do not want to compromise safety while we transition away from its use at Empire.

Searching

  • 29/06/2023

We have removed the option in the rules to carry out a real search when searching a character. Previously it was possible to do a real search, but only if both parties agreed. We've removed this option as it's not compatible with the wider system where we discourage this kind of physical contact.

Art of the Deal

  • 22/06/2023

We've changed the name of the Art of the Deal ritual to Winds of Fortune. Art of the Deal is still an alternate name for the ritual, but the main entry and all references on magic items use the new name.

Golden Ramparts

  • 21/06/2023

We've updated the Golden Ramparts with an assurance, related to the Rod and Shield, that has been helpfully uncovered by a scholar at the Icy Crag of the Eternal Sun.

Druj Miasma

  • 16/06/2023

We've updated the Druj miasma page, especially with reference to miasma pillars, so that it is less focused on information gained after the liberation of Reikos.

Cruelty

  • 14/06/2023

Building on the commentary we added to the Iron Helms army page on cruelty, we added the word "needless" to the what the Varushkans are not section on the Varushka page.

Magic Quality

  • 04/06/2023

We've explicitly added a note that the ritual targeting ability of an army with the magic quality can also target a region or fortification within a territory.

Haunted Quality

  • 03/06/2023

We've decided to remove the Haunted army quality. There are no armies with this quality, and after extensive discussion we don't believe we would ever allow any future army to have it, either as a quality or an enchantment.

Farm Diversification

  • 31/05/2023

Updated the diversification section on the farm page to make it clearer that "herb" means one of the standard five magical herbs. Any opportunity that grants "herbs" will always mean the herbs gathered from a standard herb garden unless it explicitly says otherwise.

Wolves of Winter

  • 26/05/2023

The magnitude of the ritual Wolves of Winter has been increased in line with our recent changes to rituals that effect the downtime campaign. The ritual is not in Imperial lore, but the database has been adjusted to reflect this change.

Whispers through the Black Gate

  • 20/05/2023

We've added a note to the special liao option on the Whispers through the Black Gate ritual to make it explicit that the option is not available to orc casters.

Throne Appointment

  • 17/05/2023

We've edited the part of the Throne appointment that talks about changing support around and when the election ends inconclusively. The previous wording was a little misleading.

Navarr Warlocks

  • 16/05/2023

We've changed the word "warlock" on the Navarr page. The word was very misleading and intended to be a synonym for "magician", which is what we have replaced it with.

Commonwealth History

  • 10/05/2023

We've changed the year of the formation of the Commonwealth from 120YE to 105YE so that it is consistent with the background of Emperor Frederick.

Throne Election

  • 05/05/2023

Appointment of a Throne is constitutional vote. We've made it more explicit that the Assembly of the Nine, as well as the General Assembly, can veto the election of the Throne. We've also added that one of the first things every Throne does is ratify their own appointment.

Marsh Commissions

  • 19/04/2023

We've added a note to the commission page to indicate that the problem of building on marshes has become permanent.

Dreams in the Witch House

  • 14/04/2023

We've added a note to Dreams in the Witch House inviting players to e-mail us before the event with information about territories they intend to scry so that we are more likely to have a response ready.

Conjunctions

  • 12/04/2023

We've updated the wiki to make it clear that characters who are nominated by the civil service to oversee a conjunction can delegate that authority to another character and that they are not expected to go on the conjunction if they don't want to do so. Any player who doesn't want to oversee a conjunction can contact plot@profounddecisions.co.uk to have the responsibility shifted to another character.

Endorsement

  • 08/04/2023

Clarified the limits of endorsing deals with eternals. An endorsement cannot support a deal made with an eternal that is under enmity at the time the deal is made. Amity or Neutrality cannot be retroactively applied.

Divination Rituals

  • 06/04/2023

We've made matching updates to Clear Counsel of the Everflowing River and Combing the Beach, Both rituals now require an effigy to perform, and that the question posed be submitted the previous night. The response to the ritual now comes when it is performed, rather than some time afterwards. You can find more details about the change on the Rules update page.

Shuttle Service

  • 06/04/2023

We have taken the decision not to charge for the [service in 2023]. We have no plans to charge for the shuttle in the future if the costs to run the service remain similar.

Regio and Portals

  • 05/04/2023

We made some adjustments to detect magic and operate portal to lay out their functionality when it comes to detecting and identifying regio and the portals that lie within them. We included in operate portal the mechanics of accessing the Hall of Worlds (copied from the regio page), given how commonly that spell effect is used by magicians.

Military Rituals

  • 31/03/2023

We've made several updates to rituals that involve armies and fortifications. The Rules Update 2023 page goes through these changes in detail. The rituals affected are Knights of Glory, Bound by Common Cause, Frozen Citadel of Cathan Canae, Forge the Wooden Fastness, Dripping Echoes of the Fen, The Basalt Citadel, Golden Ramparts and Stone's Unyielding Defiance.

We've also modified Clarity of the Master Strategist, Quickening Cold Meat, and the non-Imperial ritual Footsteps of the Fallen to change the roleplaying effects experienced by the general targeted by the enchantment.

Resources and Conquered Territories

  • 31/03/2023

We've changed the way fleets and military units interact with the conquered territory rules. Previously these two resources had been exempt from the penalty for being in a conquered territory; we've removed that exemption. You can read more about this change in the rules update.

Venom

  • 31/03/2023

We've clarified the VENOM call to make it explicit that if you are dying and have less than thirty seconds to live when you are hit by venom, then you should continue with your current count - gaining the venom condition never increases the time remaining if you were already dying.

Spring Rituals

  • 23/03/2023

The effects of Fan the Flame of New Life have been significantly changed, and we've removed the Midwife's Recourse ritual from the game. Discussion of and explanation for these changes can be found on the Rules update 2023page. We also added a medicine section to the Technology page, and a section on the healing in Empire page.

COVID Safety

  • 14/03/2023

We have updated the entry requirements and the rules for COVID safety for our events in 2023.

Bow Safety

  • 14/03/2023

We have overhauled the rules for bow safety at Empire. Please make sure you read and understand the new rules if you use a bow or crossbow at any point at the events.

Blood of the Hydra

  • 14/03/2023

Blood of the Hydra has been amended to make it explicit that it is intended for the treatment of limbs ruined by effects such as CLEAVE or the like. It cannot be used to regrow internal or damaged organs, and is only useful for traumatic wounds when explicitly called out. Damaged internal organs are very much intended to be in the purview of the physick, and regenerating or replacing them magically is a much more significant use of magic than simply repairing a limb ruined by a sword. (23/03/2023) Further discussion of this change can be found here.

Chimes of Annulment

  • 14/03/2023

We've changed the casting time on Chimes of Annulment to be 2 minutes rather than 5, to bring it in to line with other rituals.

Knight-protector Declination

  • 10/03/2023

We've added a note to the Knight-protector Imperial title about what happens if someone wins the tourney but declines to take the title.

Vital Strength of the Earth

  • 09/03/2023

We've corrected an error in Vital Strength of the Earth which had the increased magnitude for additional targets at 5, rather than 24.

Lineage in Play

  • 08/03/2023

We added some material about gaining (and losing) lineage after character creation. There's a section on the lineage page, and sections on each of the individual lineage pages in the Imperial (lineage) sections.

Liao and PLV

  • 08/03/2023

Additional information about true liao has been added to the liao page. We've also added a new page laying out the procedures and mechanics involved in having a past life vision.

Card Wording

  • 02/03/2023

We've added a line to the rules about cards pointing out that when a game itemcard and the rules on the wiki differ, the rules take precedence. Usually this is because a card was printed during an earlier iteration of the rules.

Auras

  • 01/03/2023

We've made a few updates to the aura page. Durable auras are now auras that last indefinitely unless replaced, and we've specified strong auras as being auras with a strength higher than one. We've also explicitly called out that the insight skill does not reveal which (if any) virtue or malign spiritual presence an aura is tied to. Finally, we've added a section giving some information about spontaneous auras to the page.

Booking IC Spaces

  • 28/02/2023

We've added the facility for characters to book IC spaces at the event - the Hub, Hall of Worlds, Miltiary Council and Senate - when not in use for official business. We've added a section to the page on Anvil to explain how this works and how to make a booking.

Dreams in the Witch House

  • 24/02/2023

We've edited the description of the ritual effect for Dreams in the Witch House to bring it more into line with the way the ritual is actually working in the field.

Eye of the High Places

  • 24/02/2023

We've removed the requirement for this ritual to be performed in a powerful Day regio, to bring it into line with Eyes of the Sun and Moon and Dreams in the Witch House.

Align the Celestial Net

  • 24/02/2023

We've made a slight tweak to Align the Celestial Net to bring it into line with Wind of Mundane Silence. Neither ritual can be performed by a coven that is drawing on the power of the target regio to allow them to cast the ritual.

Army Enchantments

  • 23/02/2023

We've changed the casting time of rituals that target Imperial Armies to 10 minutes, with the new rule about using the Imperial regio to reduce the casting time to 5 minutes. So far the affected rituals are Bound by Common Cause, Brotherhood of Tian, Why Sulemaine Walked Away From The Baker, Eyes of the Hills, and Machines of Destruction.This brings them into line with the other army enchantment rituals.

Longer Rituals

  • 23/02/2023

We've added an additional power to the Imperial Regio. Any ritual with a casting time of at least 10 minutes can be cast in 5 minutes instead when using the Imperial regio. We're updating existing ritual pages to include a reminder of this effect. We've added a note to the "imperial enchantments" (Bright Eyes Gleam in the Depths, Hallow of the Green World, and Wondrous Forests of the Night) to indicate that they do not have their casting time reduced by the Imperial regio.

Phial of the Sun / Bloodcloak

  • 22/02/2023

We've updated the rules text for the Phial of the Sun and Bloodcloak magic items to make it explicit that they only duplicate the effect of the five traditional magical herbs; Bladeroot, Cerulean Mazzarine, Imperial Roseweald, Marrowort, and True Vervain. While other substances might be described as herbs, they are distinct from the five herbs used by physicks that these magic items can replicate.

Navarr Are Not...

  • 15/02/2023

We've added a new bullet point to What the Navarr are not making it clear that while the Navarr are merciless toward their enemies, they are just as law abiding as any other Imperial nation.

Conclave Changes

  • 11/02/2023

We've made extensive changes to the Imperial Conclave. This touches on the way a Conclave session is organised, all the declarations, and almost all of the titles associated with the Conclave, as well as the Throne. Rather than repeat them here, you can find a summary of the changes on the Rules update 2023 page..

Advisor on the Vallorn

  • 11/02/2023

As part of the updates to the Imperial Conclave, we've removed the power of the Advisor on the Vallorn to raise a free Declaration of Interdiction.

Unstoppable and Pretending to be Dead

  • 19/01/2023

We've edited the rules for Unstoppable. We haven't change the rules, but we've tried to make the intent behind the skill use clearer. We've also rolled in some points from the Rules FAQ as having information about a skill in two places can be unhelpful.

At the same time, we've made the rule about pretending to be dead or dying more prominent by moving it to the section of the rules dealing with dying.

Operating Portals

  • 11/01/2023

We've made a few minor edits to operate portal and related effects (specifically the Ambassadorial Gatekeeper ritual) to make it clearer that you can't bring along additional living creatures even if they are dying or terminal.

We've also added a note to the Banner of the Season power of the Knight-protector Imperial title that the Summer Banner is specifically more potent than the others, as there had been some confusion around the fact the item is notably different to the other three.

Necessary Details

  • 27/09/2022

We added a note to the necessary details section on the commission page making it explicit that in the absence of details about the cost of a commission, the civil service will always assume it is the minimum size allowed for such a commission.

Accoutrements of War

  • 16/08/2022

We've added a boxout to the Accoutrements of War ritual making it clearer that the special production granted by the enchantment only applies to paid work, not to every action under the independent action dropdown.

Cardinals and Assemblies

  • 15/09/2022

We've added a note to the cardinal page in the appointment section reinforcing the idea that a cardinal must be a member of the assembly they lead. Changing assembly (perhaps through preaching in downtime) means the cardinal forfeits their title. Likewise, someone without a congregation who gains membership of an assembly through the votes granted by a sinecure cannot become cardinal because as soon as they do, they lose their former Imperial title and no longer meet the criteria to be cardinal. Both are very edge cases, but are worth bearing in mind.

Imperial Enchantments

  • 15/09/2022

We've adjusted the magnitude of the three Imperial enchantments up from 160 to 200. In-character magical scholars believe this is due to the increasing size of the Empire, and might have been heralded by a subtle conjunction of the esoteric constellations of the Key and the Lock during the Autumn Equinox. Out-of-character this is because we want to keep these rituals challenging, and the former magnitude is no longer as difficult to achieve as it was when the game began.

We also took the opportunity to change how Hallow of the Green World works. Previously the coven had to choose which herb the herb gardens would create. This is because when we first created these rituals we didn't have the ability to add random herbs to resources. Now that we do, we've update the ritual to work a little bit more like Bright Eyes Gleam in the Depths and Wondrous Forests of the Night whose bonus production is set by the base resource rather than being chosen.

Cruel Quality

  • 06/09/2022

In July, we made a change to the Cruel quality which we forgot to document at the time. Rather than an army with this quality automatically revealing it to everyone in a territory, it is only noticeable when it actively takes the Merciless Assault order. This change was made to bring the description of the quality into line with how it was actually working in terms of the downtime campaign.

Clear Lens and Shadowed Glass

  • 04/09/2022

We've removed the line "A detect magic spell may occasionally reveal if there is specific, additional information in a specific location" from both Clear Lens of the Eternal River and Shadowed Glass of Sung because it was misleading; our intention was to allow some space for plot writers to create specific results from these rituals for their plots taking place on Anvil, but this has proved to be impractical.

Parliament of Owls

  • 04/09/2022

We've updates the Parliament of Owls power of the Raven Seer to make it clear there is only one copy of this ritual text and the Raven Seer is expected to hand it to their successor.

Briar Bark

  • 04/09/2022

We've made a slight update to patches of bark on the briar page. "While tree bark can come in a variety of colours and textures, briar bark is rough, and predominantly brown."

Shroud of Fog and Ravens

  • 19/08/2022

As noted in the Of earth and sky wind of war, we're removing the ritual Shroud of Fog and Ravens from the game. Unfortunately, this ritual is completely incompatible with Empire's magic theory and was a remnant from the very first years of the game before we had nailed down all these elements. As a consequence we are removing this ritual. Any character who has it mastered will now have an empty "slot" for mastering new rituals. The in-character explanation is that the recent conjunction of the Lock has rendered the ritual unworkable, taking away whatever strange power it relied on. We will continue to reject attempts to create similar effects in this realm using arcane projections; it is not possible to to enchant armies in this way with Night magic.

Bright Lantern of Ophis

  • 11/08/2022

We've added an additional line to the performing the ritual section of Bright Lantern of Ophis to make it more clear that the ritual cannot be used to target other territories using the Anvil regio.

Castellan of Spiral Castle

  • 10/08/2022

We've corrected an error around the election of Castellan of Spiral Castle which suggested it would be appointed in Winter when the text indicates the appointment is (correctly) Autumn.

Improving Opportunities

  • 07/08/2022

We added a section to the page on opportunities explaining that it's rarely possible to simply improve a commission gained via an opportunity.

Visions

  • 03/08/2022

We've made it explicit that the visions received from Goosewhisper Infusion and Signs and Portents are the same. If you experience one, you get the same vision from all other incidences of these kinds of visions for the rest of the event.

Concedendce

  • 29/7/2022

The Constitutional Court have issued new guidance on the use of concedence by the Imperial Senate. The new guidance grants national assemblies the right to veto a motion that cedes a region or territory assigned to that nation. This new guidance does not cover any concedence already passed by the Imperial Senate, it is not a retrospective change, it applies to any motion of Concedence passed by the Imperial Senate from Summer 384YE and onwards.

Raising an Army

  • 29/07/2022

We've amended the rules to make clear that you can only raise an army in a territory of that nation. Nobody has ever tried to raise an army somewhere else, but we wanted to be clear that that is not possible.

Consecration

  • 20/07/2022

We've updated the performance section of the consecration skill to make it clearer that "letting a referee know in advance" means "during an event" rather than "prior to the event."

Challenge the Iron Duke

  • 14/07/2022

We've added a paragraph to the out-of-character section of Challenge the Iron Duke to help players better manage their expectation of the kind of challenge or boon the ritual might provide.

Abrogation

  • 13/07/2022

We've updated the abrogation power of the Senate to make it clearer that when a commission is abrogated the exact effects depend on the nature of the structure affected, but generally result in the loss of any production following the summit where the motion is passed.

Preaching and Virtue

  • 13/07/2022

The Imperial Senate voted during the Spring Equinox to change how membership of a Virtue Assembly was determined from relying solely on dedication to use of the new preach downtime option. We've updated the congregation and Assembly pages appropriately, as well as adding additional information to history of the Imperial Synod, Imperial Orcs religious beliefs and preachers pages.There are also a number of minor edits to other pages talking about the Virtue assemblies to reflect the changes.

IC Tents

  • 12/07/2022

We have discovered that the range of tents marketed as Oxford Canvas has grown to include a small number of tents that don't meet our minimum requirements for the in-character field because the colour and thickness of the material they are made from looks too much like plastic. We've clarified the rules to make clear that these types of tent are not allowed because of this.

We do understand that the tents are appealing because they are cheap and light, but we have to have a cut-off at some point otherwise we would have to allow any tent in the IC area.

We've created an amnesty to allow these ultra-light sandstone bell tents to be used for the remainder of 2022 to remove any immediate need to change.

Naga Scales

  • 06/07/2022

We've added a line to scaled skin under naga reminding players to be sensitive to real-world considerations when choosing the colour scheme for their scales.

Artisan's Oil

  • 05/07/2022

We've changed the time required to use Artisan's Oil to ten seconds on the wiki, to bring it in line with what the majority of the item cards say.

Ephisis' Scale

  • 24/06/2022

We've made a few tweaks to Ephisis' Scale, primarily around managing expectations and being more explicit about what will, and will not, be considered by the ritual effect.

Mage Armour Masks

  • 22/06/2022

We've added "mask" to the standard pieces that count toward a suit of mage armour.

Plenipotentiary

  • 22/06/2022

We've added a line to the archmage power of plenipotentiary to make it clearer that the more specific a message is, the more likely it is to result in parley.

Drawing the Penumbral Veil

  • 10/06/2022

We've updated the Piercing Light of Revelation ritual to make it explicit that the ritual does not automatically reveal the magnitude of a shroud on a territory.

Fane

  • 03/06/2022

We added a note that the new fane commission can currently be built only by the Senate or a title that can commission anything. This is both because it is a specific, new kind of commission, and because it uses the Senate power of concedence.

Penumbral Watcher

  • 03/06/2022

We've changed the Shadow Well power of the Penumbral Watcher so that it is a "magical effect" that targets an allied spy network rather than a "territory enchantment" to better reflect how it actually works. If it was an enchantment on the territory, it would be obvious to the Empire's enemies, and could be removed with any territory enchantment they cared to place themselves.

Brass Coast Tally

  • 01/06/2022

Following on from a statement of principle in the Brass Coast National Assembly, we've changed how the Tally of the Votes is done for Brass Coast national positions appointed through the Bourse. It's no longer required that a character engage in privateering to vote for such titles; ownership of a fleet resource is sufficient.

Anointing and informed consent

  • 01/06/2022

We've (again) updated anointing. A target does not need to be aware of what virtue they are being anointed with, but they must be aware that your ceremony is an anointing that will create a personal aura on them.

Vallornspawn Husk Insight

  • 29/05/2022

We've added a section to the vallornspawn husk page relating to use of the insight ceremony. It talks about the contradictory results received when using the ceremony on bodies animated by the vallorn.

Election Schedule

  • 25/05/2022

We've updated the wiki to make clear that the civil service set what event a title is elected on, if the title is reappointed each year. In practice titles have usually worked this way anyway - for example Bourse seats are all done together and so forth, but we have made clear that new Imperial titles are subject to this rule in all cases. We've done this because we need to be able to spread elections out through the year for the smooth running of the game.

Sinecure

  • 13/05/2022

Added a small section to the sinecure page explaining how production of resources works.

Titles, Tenure, and Ownership

  • 12/05/2022

We've made some edits to the way tenure works for Imperial titles, along with a short box-out explaining the reasons for the change. We've also added a new section called ownership which is intended to help manage the expectation of players who gain Imperial titles during the game.

Dedication

  • 11/05/2022

We've updated the overview of the dedication page to remove an incorrect reference to only priests who are undedicated being able to remove a dedication.

Imperial Orc Wayleave

  • 18/04/2022

Fixed the error on the Imperial Orc Wayleave that had them only able to commission once a year. While the title is appointed in the Autumn Equinox it can announce one commission each season.

Foam and Trees

  • 17/04/2022

We've added the line "The civilian population of a territory will certainly be affected by this ritual" to both Foam and Spittle of the Furious Sea and Thunderous Tread of the Trees.

Mountain Remembers Its Youth

  • 17/04/2022

We've made it clearer that Mountain Remembers Its Youth affects fortifications alongside Imperial armies as this wasn't clear from the effect text.

Rivers Run Red / Rivers of Life

  • 14/04/2022

We've added a line "The civilian population of a territory will certainly be affected by this ritual." to the Rivers Run Red and Rivers of Life rituals to make it clear that these rituals will have an effect on the civilian population of a territory, not only the Imperial armies there.

Hand of the Maker and Stamps

  • 13/04/2022

We've updated Hand of the Maker to make it explicit that the special message used with Call Winged Messenger can be evaluated with this ritual as it has a Profound Decisions ID number.

COVID Safety

  • 24/03/2022

We've updated the wiki with our COVID safety measures for our events this year. Our plan is to review these measures and update many of them on the run up to each event on the basis of current conditions.

Sinecure Production

  • 23/03/2022

We've updated the sinecure page to make it clear that you still gain the production even if you didn't attend the event.

Conduct Overhaul

  • 20/03/2022

We have rewritten the Profound Decisions conduct policy. The page on conduct defines the rules that we expect all participants to follow, reporting a conduct problem provides information on the process for reporting any issue you have, and sanctions describes the steps we can take in response. We have also updated the text for the must-avoid policy to reflect the new changes. There is a description of the key changes and some of the reasoning on our rules update 2022 page.

Sutannir

  • 17/03/2022

We have added a new wiki page devoted to the sutannir, archetypal Freeborn priest who focuses on encouraging celebration and festivities. We've also updated the Brass Coast religious beliefs page with new information to complement the updates to the sutannir page.

Public Auction

  • 24/02/2022

We've significantly reduced the scale and scope of the public auctions carried out by civil servants at events. From now on, the auction will be restricted to lots of bourse resources, the bourse seats themselves, and a dose of true liao. A more detailed explanation of the changes and reasoning are presented here.

Sanctioned Events

  • 07/02/2022

We've made several edits to our sanctioned events page, splitting some of the information onto a separate Sanctioned event advice page aimed at organisers. The main changes are around the definitions of sanctioned event styles, and the rule that all sanctioned events take place in the same chronological order in-character that they do out-of-character.

Downtime Roleplaying and Coronavirus

  • 27/01/2022

We removed the relaxed rules about online roleplaying during lockdown from the wiki, and edited references to them. The normal rules about roleplaying online and in downtime are now back in full effect.

Wind of Mundane Silence

  • 26/01/2022

We've removed the idea that the Wind of Mundane Silence can only be used to affect a powerful regio. The ritual will destroy any regio it is performed at.

Fish People

  • 16/01/2022

We've added a note to the Merrow page under "what they are not" to indicate that they are not fish people.

Emphasising Agramant

  • 13/01/2022

We’ve made a change to the setting we want to let you know about. From this point forward, the eternal who has been primarily known by the name Wendigo will be more commonly known as Agramant. Likewise we're changing the name of the Wendigo's Bargain item to Agramant's Bargain.

We are not changing anything else about the character or tendencies of this eternal, but we are de-emphasising the name Wendigo. Agramant has always been one of Wendigo's names - so we've chosen to emphasise it as the "preferred" name for the eternal on the wiki from now on.

We've done this for several reasons. We've been aware for a while of some concerns about the origin of the name, and what that implies for our use of the eternal. We’ve reflected on that feedback and noted that while many of the other eternals make references (at variable subtlety levels) to literary, mythological, or gaming sources, Wendigo was the only one we know of with a name that is directly featured in a real-world belief system. There are no eternals called Hades, Hel, or Balor for example.

For the time being, the name Wendigo will remain one of Agramant’s less-widely used sobriquets. We'd like people to adopt this de-emphasising approach over time rather than treating this as a retcon or sudden break - for example, we know that many characters have written a lot of material about this eternal. It isn't suddenly off brief or wrong to use the original name, and there's no need to reprint IC booklets that use the name Wendigo. The name will remain one of Agramant's less widely used soubriquets. From this point forward, the eternal who has been primarily known by the name Wendigo will be more commonly known as Agramant.

Archiving Wiki Updates

  • 12/02/2022

We archived wiki updates prior to 2019. The page had long since become unwieldy due to the sheer volume of entries, and in several cases the page listed updates that were out of date or superseded by later updates. Wiki updates prior to 2019 are now held on the previous wiki updates page in the Archive namespace.

Frequently Asked Questions

  • 11/01/2022

We've made some edits to the General FAQ, and deleted both the obscure questions and new player FAQ pages. Most of the questions covered by those pages have been folded into the remaining sections.

Calls and Blows

  • 03/11/2021

We've added some words to Calls to make it clear that you can only make one call with each blow you strike.

Iron Qanat

  • 26/10/2021

We've updated the Segura page to include the presence of the Iron Qanat; this has also required a note on the Construct Iron Qanat II Senate motion that the great work is in Sobral Grasses not Yellow Chase.

Battle Safety

  • 22/10/2021

We've made some edits to streamline the Battle Safety section on the Event safety page.

Heroic Skills

  • 22/10/2021

We've added a line to the heroic skills overview reiterating that skills such as cleaving strike, mortal blow or mighty strikedown cannot be used with mage implements.

Illegal Orders

  • 22/10/2021

We've added a short section to the general page about army orders that are in-character illegal and how they are handled.

Orders that Break the Rules

  • 22/10/2021

We've added a clarification to the army orders page about what happens if a general accidentally submits a set of orders that break the rules on war.

Imperial Enchantments

  • 13/10/2021

We've made some adjustments to the Imperial enchantments - Wondrous Forests of the Night, Hallow of the Green World, and Bright Eyes Gleam in the Depths. The main change is to modify the effect of these rituals to better reflect how they actually operate - that they create powerful but unpredictable secondary effects as well as the more predictable effect on production of resources. We've also expanded their history a little in the description sections in the wake of the recent Urizen update.

Finalized Urizen Update

  • 28/09/2021

We've finalised the Urizen update. Mostly this has meant removing the stubs from the pages but we've made a small number of changes to the content based on player feedback.

Privateering and Piracy

  • 09/09/2021

We have added a note to the box-out about the privateering action on the fleet page to remind players that they cannot use this action to commit piracy against people the Empire is not at war with due to the Civil Service observers.

Armour Coverage

  • 09/09/2021

We have updated the armour rules to make clear that a full breastplate that covers the front only is sufficient to be classed as "covering the majority of the torso". This means it will provide extra hits provided your armour also covers one other location.

Urizen Politics Update

  • 07/09/2021

As part of our review of Urizen, we've changed the way the nation appoints senators. You can read about the changes here and a discussion of the reasons and in-character explanation for them can be found here

Urizen Culture Update

  • 07/09/2021

We've undertaken an extensive review of the Urizen pages on the wiki. Almost all the pages that form part of the Urizen brief have been updated. You can learn more about the reasoning for this and the way the changes are being handled in the Rules Update. A brief summary of the changes follows here.

Some tweaks have been made (or are in the process of being made) to various pages that are connected to these changes.

Costume

  • 07/09/2021

We've completed rewritten the costume page to lay out clearer guidelines for the various ways costume is used at Empire.

Vallorn Miasma

  • 20/08/2021

Added a line of OOC explanation to the Vallorn miasma section of the vallorn page to make it explicit how exposure to the miasma works.

Armour

  • 2/7/2021

We have changed the classification and benefits provided by armour and introduced the dreadnought skill. Please see the 2021 rules update for the explanation and reasoning behind the changes.

Others Languages

  • 28/06/2021

We've added a section to languages giving guidance on languages other than those currently placed in the setting which you can find here.

Regio at Sanctioned Events

  • 28/06/2021

We've added a section to the Sanctioned events guidance about regio which you can find here.

Lineage Review

  • 06/05/2021

We've completed the first stage of a review of the lineage pages. This stage has been largely cosmetic, removing bullet points and replacing them with linkable headings on the briar, cambion, changeling, draughir, merrow and naga pages.

One more significant change is that we have moved the "demeanour" trappings from the "physical trappings" section of each of the pages to the roleplaying secction. This is in line with the requirement that to have lineage you must have a physical trapping.

In the case of merrow, we have also moved blue-green hair from being a minor trapping to being an "other trapping".

Distill the Serpent's Stone

  • 21/04/2021

We've corrected the magnitude on the Distill the Serpent's Stone page to match the correct magnitude on the database and in the rituals list. It should have been magnitude 100 rather than magnitude 70.

Icons and Artistry

  • 01/03/2021

We've removed the "Icons and Artistry" pages for each nation, and rolled that information into the individual Culture and Customs pages. In some cases this has meant moving some information from Look and Feel as well, or altering the layout of the page (for example we've reordered the information about art and history on the Wintermark culture and customs page to create two new subsections of Scops and Riddles while moving the discussion of music to the new Icons and Artistry section).

Erawayugot and Skaftafell

  • 23/02/2021

We've corrected an error with the regions of Otkodov where we'd erroneously labelled both a region of Verthandi and a region of Nithoggir as "Erawayugot". Bringing the wiki into line with the database, we've changed the name of the Erawayugot in Verthandi to Skaftafell and will update the maps appropriately.

Military Units, Army Orders, and Enchantments

  • 17/02/2021

We've added a line to Military units to make it more obvious how their strength interacts with orders given to, and enchantments placed on, the armies they support.

Still Waters, Running Deep

  • 10/02/2021

We've adjusted the magnitude of the Still Waters, Running Deep ritual to be correct as near as we can tell. We have no idea why the magnitude was recorded in error.

Burning Falcon

  • 05/02/2021

We've adjusted the date of the destruction of the Burning Falcon army from 247YE to 248YE to remove a conflict with details of the campaigns of Emperor Guntherm. In-character this correction comes as result of some research performed by Freeborn scholar Bakar i Erigo (Tomas Marchington).

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