Monstering

Overview

Most of our Empire events feature large battles that take place between the elite heroes of the Empire and their barbarian enemies. Everyone who attends Empire has the opportunity to play some monster roles if they wish to do so, you can volunteer to monster for any of our quests, skirmishes or battles. If you want to play your character in one of the battles then you must volunter to monster the other one - otherwise it's not possible to give anyone a challenging battle to fight.

Volunteering

The Imperial Military Council makes the decision on Friday night, which battles they are going to attempt that weekend and which nations will fight on each. This determines the battle opportunity that is available for your character - and which battle you will be expected to monster. Ideally, we hope that the Imperial generals will try to inform everyone of the decisions that have been made, but if you are unsure then ask your Egregore and they can let you know if you are fighting or monstering the next day.

Mustering for monsters begins at time-in at 10am. The intention is that those people who are monstering the battle will muster up at the monster tent rather than going in-character that morning. Please try and be as prompt as possible.

Getting More Involved

We strive to make monstering as enjoyable as possible, so much so that some players choose to monster both battles if their character is not a combatant. However live roleplaying is ultimately a hobby where much of the enjoyment flows from the act of participating - the more you put into a game - the more enjoyment you can get out of it. Turn up for a battle is the basic minimum expected of everyone - but Empire has been deliberately designed to allow participants to invest in the experience to make the most of monstering for themselves and the other players.

Playing a barbarian lists some of the things that are possible for people who want to get more involved and get the most out of monstering and explains how the game setting is set up to handle this.

What to Bring

Costume

We can provide top layers of costume themed to the battle but please bring a base layer of generic IC kit, such as a long sleeved shirt and IC trousers.

Weapons & shields

You must bring a weapon with you if you have one. If you have a choice of weapons then please bring a one-handed weapon and a generic shield if possible.

Bows

We only use a limited number of archers in each battle. You are welcome to bring a bow in case you are chosen to play one but please bring an alternative weapon if you have one.

Armour

We have plenty of resin mould breastplates but please bring any other pieces of armour - even mage armour - that you are happy to wear while monstering.

Drinks

We have crew assigned to carry water for monsters during the large battles, but it is a really useful to bring your own water skin if you have one.

Essential Monstering Rules

Roleplay, Roleplay, Roleplay

You should endeavour to roleplay your blows and injuries as much as possible. The challenge of the battle is set by the actions of the players, the choices they make and the characters set by the battle manager. Your goal is to make the battles and the fighting as atmospheric and immersive as possible, by emphasizing the roleplaying of the fights.

Roleplay Heroic Blows

Do not deliberately aim heroic blows at hands and feet, while they are valid targets under the rules, they are not credible locations for a heroic blow under the spirit of the rules. As a barbarian your goal is to emphasize the heroic nature of this blow, by aiming a suitable strike at the torso or limbs of your enemy.

Remain IC and Support Immersion

If you are unsure whether you were affected by a heroic ability or spell, then take the effect. The battle will be cooler for everyone if you react to the actions of the Imperials rather than arguing over whether an arrow hit a steel plate or leather instead.

Play the Ball, not the Man

As a barbarian your role is to provide an amazing challenge for the players who are playing their character, but it is important to stress that you are there to bring their adversaries to life, not to beat the players or kill characters. You must roleplay as a barbarian according to your brief and follow the instructions of your leaders and referees. It is up to the Imperial characters to win or lose the battle.

Pay it Forwards

Don't forget that as a barbarian you are there for the enjoyment of the Imperials as well, if you give them a great fight with amazing roleplay, they will want to do exactly the same for you.

Roleplay Warriors, not Murderers

Under no account should you use the execute call unless specifically briefed to do so by a referee. In general barbarians do not stop to execute fallen opponents while the fight is still ongoing. Forces like the Jotun in particular are noted for their honourable behaviour, allowing their enemies to withdraw if defeated and taking hostages.

If the Imperial forces engage in widespread butchery, murdering barbarians who have fallen, then we will respond accordingly by providing our dedicated NPC crew with instructions to retaliate against the murderers.

It is not helpful for player volunteers to execute player-characters under any circumstances, as this damages the trust in the volunteer system that is essential to the game.

Do not Loot the Fallen

Do not loot fallen Imperial characters unless specifically briefed to do so by a referee. In general barbarians are focussed on defeating their enemy and winning the battle, not collecting loot. In some battles specific NPCs from our dedicated monster team will be instructed to loot fallen characters for their wealth.

It is not helpful for player volunteers to loot player-characters under any circumstances, like execution, this damages the trust in the volunteer system that is essential to the game.

Non Combatants

If you are affected by health issues that limit the roles that you can portray on the battlefield, then please make sure you let someone from the Profound Decisions crew know. Everyone who plays their character on the battlefield needs to volunteer to help with another battle, but there are a wide range of different roles that are available. Everyone has a chance to get involved and help create a great battle for their fellow players.