PD Crew Wiki - User contributions [en-gb]

NPC guidelines

2025-08-07T16:15:02Z

Spoondog:

==Overview==
Every LRP system has its own idea on what it expects from NPCs, how best to play parts you are given. This is a short guide on what we want from our NPC’s and some hints and tips for making game on Plot’s front line.

==Before Hitting the Field==
* Make sure that you turn up in plenty of time for make-up / briefings. If you are waiting for a role, wait in the chill out area near Plot Support, rather than outside or in the Crew Welfare hut.
* Before you leave on your role – make sure you have read and understood the brief, if the brief contains anything you don't understand, please ask! We do expect you to know the basics of Empire – make sure you know the basics of magic calls, Anvil’s laws, game rules, etc... Share your knowledge of nations and groups with others it can make a huge differences for fellow NPC’s going out.
* If going out with a group, talk to each other before going out. This allows you to work out characterisation, IC relationships and what your role in the encounter is going to be. This allows a much more cohesive and interesting encounter both for you and the players. Remember their IC names!

==On the field==
* There are two key things for all NPC’s to remember – stay in character and stick to the brief.
* When on the IC field – stay in character. If you are not sure how something works, get a ref. Even if the players drop character occasionally, we expect you to remain in character for the entire time you are on the field.
* While we want you to improvise emotion, invest in the personality and make your character real - DON'T ‘add’ to the plot, the world, or create information about eternals / other characters – basically “Don't make shit up”!
* When you are asked questions you don't have an answer to - you can say that you ‘don’t know’ – you CAN SAY NO.
* See if your Plot has a ‘get out’ for the character. (i.e. pigheaded, will only talk to John Smith )
* Never ever give a player the impression they are going to get to do something in downtime unless the brief explicitly tells you to do so. We don’t have a free text downtime at Empire.
* We encourage taking IC notes. Many briefs can be complicated and remembering the names of players met over a long trip to Anvil can be very difficult.
* Make sure you stay IC when you take notes.
* Remember to get the names of characters and groups that you interact with. Make sure they’re spelt correctly!
* Don’t collect OC information like PID’s, if we have the name and group, we can find them.
* Many players are keen to make deals with NPC’s. If that is not part of your brief, don’t make any deals! If it is part of your plot; the numbers involved in a plot that contains elements of buying or selling will be based on a number of factors. When your role involves buying or selling something, look carefully at the requirements for minimum and maximum prices. If in doubt – ask your Plot Writer.

==No Surrender!==
* '''Don't compromise on your IC position - stand your ground'''
NPCs are very susceptible to compromising on their IC position to make game - players will work ''really'' hard to get you to move from the IC position you have been briefed to take. They are highly motivated to get you to compromise and back down on whatever you're saying or trying to do. It's really important to stand your ground - because if you do back down - then the plot is usually over and often has to be dumped. A lot of NPCs assume "player-led" == "players=win" - they assume it's their job to hand over their stuff to the players. In Empire your job as an NPC is usually to make life difficult for the players - to make it challenging - if you're a field NPC, it's the talkie equivalent of being one of the orc monsters on the battlefield - when you back down it's like a monster deciding not to fight. It means the players win... for sure... but it doesn't improve the game.

If you are supposed to have a degree of compromise, then that should be discussed with you when you get the brief (e.g. you want this, but you'll accept that, try for this... settle for that). Again, with a brief like this, don't immediately fall back on the compromise position - the longer you can hold out and the harder you push the players - the more fun they will have. If you are absolutely convinced you should compromise more than the brief says, then discuss that with a member of plot team first if humanly possible.

==More Hints and Tips==
* Don't spoon feed the players - if they don't get it, they don't get it. (Exception - quest hooks)
* Don't offer to return to the field - unless it says so in the brief, assume that you will /never play this role again.
* Don't believe the players. They may be wrong or just lying. Don't let them doubt your brief. (But do make a note in your debrief what you believe they think)
* PCs have the power to send letters to NPCs, but it is *intentionally* expensive. So many of them will try to find any excuse to get round that cost

==Returning to Monster==
* DEBRIEF! Seriously – please always debrief, and don’t go out on another role until you have.
* Always write the names of the NPC’s that went on the plot.
* Feel free to use bullet points. (You can do this by putting "* " (remember the space) at the start of the line.)

==And Finally...==
* Have fun! Seriously, you are giving up your time to help this game. If you are not having fun, have a word with the folk on the plot desk and we'll see what else we can do for you.

[[Category: NPC]]

NPC guidelines

2025-08-07T14:51:57Z

Spoondog:

==Overview==
Every LRP system has its own idea on what it expects from NPCs, how best to play parts you are given. This is a short guide on what we want from our NPC’s and some hints and tips for making game on Plot’s front line.

==Before Hitting the Field==
* Make sure that you turn up in plenty of time for make-up / briefings. If you are waiting for a role, wait in the chill out area near Plot Support, rather than outside or in the Crew Welfare hut.
* Before you leave on your role – make sure you have read and understood the brief, if the brief contains anything you don't understand, please ask! We do expect you to know the basics of Empire – make sure you know the basics of magic calls, Anvil’s laws, game rules, etc... Share your knowledge of nations and groups with others it can make a huge differences for fellow NPC’s going out.
* If going out with a group, talk to each other before going out. This allows you to work out characterisation, IC relationships and what your role in the encounter is going to be. This allows a much more cohesive and interesting encounter both for you and the players. Remember their IC names!

==On the field==
* There are two key things for all NPC’s to remember – stay in character and stick to the brief.
* When on the IC field – stay in character. If you are not sure how something works, get a ref. Even if the players drop character occasionally, we expect you to remain in character for the entire time you are on the field.
* While we want you to improvise emotion, invest in the personality and make your character real - DON'T ‘add’ to the plot, the world, or create information about eternals / other characters – basically “Don't make shit up”!
* When you are asked questions you don't have an answer to - you can say that you ‘don’t know’ – you CAN SAY NO.
* See if your Plot has a ‘get out’ for the character. (i.e. pigheaded, will only talk to John Smith )
* Never ever give a player the impression they are going to get to do something in downtime unless the brief explicitly tells you to do so. We don’t have a free text downtime at Empire.
* We encourage taking IC notes. Many briefs can be complicated and remembering the names of players met over a long trip to Anvil can be very difficult.
* Make sure you stay IC when you take notes.
* Remember to get the names of characters and groups that you interact with. Make sure they’re spelt correctly!
* Don’t collect OC information like PID’s, if we have the name and group, we can find them.
* Many players are keen to make deals with NPC’s. If that is not part of your brief, don’t make any deals! If it is part of your plot; the numbers involved in a plot that contains elements of buying or selling will be based on a number of factors. When your role involves buying or selling something, look carefully at the requirements for minimum and maximum prices. If in doubt – ask your Plot Writer or Plot Support.

==No Surrender!==
* '''Don't compromise on your IC position - stand your ground'''
NPCs are very susceptible to compromising on their IC position to make game - players will work ''really'' hard to get you to move from the IC position you have been briefed to take. They are highly motivated to get you to compromise and back down on whatever you're saying or trying to do. It's really important to stand your ground - because if you do back down - then the plot is usually over and often has to be dumped. A lot of NPCs assume "player-led" == "players=win" - they assume it's their job to hand over their stuff to the players. In Empire your job as an NPC is usually to make life difficult for the players - to make it challenging - if you're a field NPC, it's the talkie equivalent of being one of the orc monsters on the battlefield - when you back down it's like a monster deciding not to fight. It means the players win... for sure... but it doesn't improve the game.

If you are supposed to have a degree of compromise, then that should be discussed with you when you get the brief (e.g. you want this, but you'll accept that, try for this... settle for that). Again, with a brief like this, don't immediately fall back on the compromise position - the longer you can hold out and the harder you push the players - the more fun they will have. If you are absolutely convinced you should compromise more than the brief says, then discuss that with a member of plot team first if humanly possible.

==More Hints and Tips==
* Don't spoon feed the players - if they don't get it, they don't get it. (Exception - quest hooks)
* Don't offer to return to the field - unless it says so in the brief, assume that you will /never play this role again.
* Don't believe the players. They may be wrong or just lying. Don't let them doubt your brief. (But do make a note in your debrief what you believe they think)
* PCs have the power to send letters to NPCs, but it is *intentionally* expensive. So many of them will try to find any excuse to get round that cost

==Returning to Monster==
* DEBRIEF! Seriously – please always debrief, and don’t go out on another role until you have.
* Always write the names of the NPC’s that went on the plot.
* Feel free to use bullet points. (You can do this by putting "* " (remember the space) at the start of the line.)

==And Finally...==
* Have fun! Seriously, you are giving up your time to help this game. If you are not having fun, have a word with the folk on the plot desk and we'll see what else we can do for you.

[[Category: NPC]]

Supporting players

2025-03-06T18:40:29Z

Spoondog:

==Overview==
One of the primary responsibilities of all Empire crew is that you will provide some basic support for players. Although all Empire crew have different responsibilities, with some in more player-facing roles than others, players attending the event have a legitimate expectation that crew who are asked will support them if they need help. For this reason you should be ready to provide basic help in the circumstances outlined below.

In general this page complements the generic guidelines for helping players, which are laid out in our [[crew protocol]]. Those rules apply in all circumstances where a player asks you for help, but the situations below have their own, additional, requirements.

==Cheating==
* '''Please try to ensure that every report of cheating involving specific individuals is reported to Graeme Jamieson or a head referee'''
* '''Generic reports of cheating involving entire nations should be ignored'''

If you believe that you have seen a player cheating or you receive a report that a player is cheating, then please report this to Graeme Jamieson at the first available opportunity. Graeme can be contacted by radio, or is usually working in the Matt Bunker near monster.

The most effective report is a first-hand account - ideally delivered in person. If you are speaking to a participant who is reporting an incident of cheating, please try to persuade them to make the report to Graeme in person. If they do not wish to do this then ask them if you can take the report to Graeme on their behalf - either openly or anonymously.

We wish to chase up any report of cheating that involves one or more specific individuals - provided that there is some identifying information more specific than the characters' nation. It is always best to have the names of the players accused of cheating, but a description of some kind is sufficient for us to chase a matter up.

What we don't deal with is completely generic descriptions of cheating - it is extraordinarily unlikely that every single member of an entire nation of players is cheating, no matter what any individual claims. We cannot take action against an entire nation if some of their players are breaking the rules but we have no idea which ones. Be polite, ask for any identifying details and explain the difficulties involved.

==Conduct==
* '''Try to ensure that any breech of conduct is reported to Emma Woods or a member of the conduct team'''
* '''Respect the wishes of the participant you are dealing with'''

If a participant approaches you with a [https://www.profounddecisions.co.uk/empire-wiki/Reporting_discrimination_or_harassment report of harassment or discrimination], please stop what you are doing and give the person your full attention. Listen carefully to everything they say and then follow the simple guidelines laid out below:

* Ask them if you can arrange for a member of the conduct team to talk to them
* If they want to report, ask them if they have a friend who can accompany and support them (you may be the friend they are hoping will do this)

Do not try to deal with the problem yourself, in particular do not make assumptions about the severity of the situation or whether it needs to be passed on. Ask the participant you are speaking to for permission to contact the conduct team - if they give you that then contact us as quickly as humanly possible.

Please listen to the person who is talking to you and respect their wishes. If the participant does not give permission for you to contact the conduct team then you must not do so, but please consider the points laid out in the [https://www.profounddecisions.co.uk/empire-wiki/Conduct#Supporting supporting guidelines] written for all participants to see what help you can give. If a member of the hobby has chosen to approach you for help then it is likely that they will feel most comfortable with any help that you can give them.

Whatever happens, please ensure that you '''do not do any of the following:'''

* Do not pressure them for details of what happened, leave any investigation for a member of our [https://www.profounddecisions.co.uk/empire-wiki/Conduct conduct] team.
* Do not comment on anyone's state of inebriation, dress, emotional state or any other factor.
* Do not try to persuade or dissuade them from any reasonable course of action
* Do not make any promises or judgements

==Welfare==
* '''If any participant is experiencing obvious distress then you can put them in touch with Kerrie Hill, John Newton or the participant welfare team'''
* '''Respect the wishes of the player you are dealing with'''

If you encounter a participant who is experiencing obvious distress that is impacting their ability to enjoy the game then you should ask them if they wish to speak to Kerrie Hill, John Newton or another member of the [[Participant welfare team|participant welfare team]]. This is most likely to happen if someone approaches you with a [https://www.profounddecisions.co.uk/empire-wiki/Reporting_discrimination_or_harassment report of harassment or discrimination], but it is not confined to these situations.

John or another member of the team will be available on radio throughout the day. We do not currently have sufficient volunteers to provide support and help to players throughout the event, but you can encourage people experiencing problems after time-out to ask for a member of the welfare team the next morning.

The participant welfare team are there for all participants, players and crew. They are there to help any member of our crew who is experiencing distress at events and would like support and help.

==Event Experience==
* '''Please try to ensure that any negative event experience is reported to the appropriate person or to Adam or Erin in GOD'''

There are a range of possible experiences that players can have that will impact negatively on their event. If a player approaches you to describe a problem they have had or are having - or you overhear them talking about it - please encourage them to bring it to our attention.

Most problems fall into three broad areas:

* Problems with the site facilities, the toilets, the showers, etc should be reported to Alison Pennington or a senior member of the site team.
* Game problems such as plot inconsistencies or failed conjunctions should be reported to Matt Pennington (or Andy Raff or Graeme Jamieson or Clare Evans if Matt is not available).
* Administration problems such as resources missing from a pack should be reported to Erin Knott or Adam Dinwoodie in GOD.

If you are in any doubt who to report a problem to then please report it to Erin Knott or Adam Dinwoodie in GOD, who can then help ensure the right person is informed.

Crew organization

2024-11-18T11:13:43Z

Spoondog: /* Crew Welfare */

==Overview==
Welcome to the crew organisation section of the Wiki. Here you will find a list of teams for the Empire game system, listing what each team does and who is in charge. Don't hesitate to get in touch with a team leader if you are interested in volunteering for the work they do.

==Site and Safety Crew==
The set-up crew help us get the event ready by putting up tents, setting up the electrics, etc. Those who are helping with set-up need to be on site roughly two days before time-in. Those who are helping with take-down need to be on site until roughly one day after time-out. We aim to complete take-down by nightfall the day after the event.

If you are part of the set-up crew then you are encouraged to get involved and take part in crewing the rest of the event, but if you prefer to play then you are welcome to do that instead. Bear in mind though that you might be called on during the event to help with the set-up for the battles and so on.

This team includes those whose primary responsibilities are safety based - like the weapon check team.

===Site Crew Management===
* '''Team leader: Alison Pennington'''
* '''Deputy: 'Sparky' Dave Wilson'''

Alison Pennington has overall responsibility for all the teams who are part of the site crew. If a member of the site crew has a serious problem, then they should escalate it immediately to Alison.

===Site Set-up Crew===
* '''Team Leader - Morgan Wilkinson'''
* '''Trader Liaison - Tanis Kingstone'''
The site crew, or Red Caps as they are affectionately known, are responsible for overseeing all aspects of set up and take down, as well as site health and safety.

===Security===
* '''Team Leader - Sandy Wragg'''
The security team are responsible for all aspects of site security and are on duty throughout the night.

===Set Dressing===
* '''Team Leader - Freya Wilson'''
The set dressing team are responsible for dressing the main game areas, the tavern and the senate building as well as the Hall of Worlds. Some of the set-dressing is the same each time, and the dressings need to be carefully packed away at the end of each event, but there are usually new projects to work on each time as the team strives to improve the look of one or more game areas.

===Hygiene===
* '''Team Leader - Tim Knight and Athena Wride'''
The Hygiene team keep the toilets and showers clean during the event, usually aiming to clean and restock all the toilets once a day.

===Sparkies===
* '''Team Leader - Ian Roper'''
The electricians are responsible for the on site distribution of electrical power and the off site building of new projects as well as maintenance and periodic inspection.

Whichever team you're working with, it's important that you don't plug anything in without checking with the sparkies first - we have a limited quantity of power available on site, and a major part of what we do is making sure the phases are balanced, and that we can run everything we need to without tripping the breakers.

===Vehicle Management===
* '''Team Leader - Wayne Newton'''
The vehicle management team are responsible for controlling the flow of traffic around the site before and after the event. They oversee parking and show players where they can camp.

===Weapon Check===
* '''Team Leader - Mike Hilton'''
We have a team of approved weapon checkers who are needed to check the weapons and equipment that players and traders bring to every event as well as the weapons in PD's own armoury. Mike Hilton is the head of the team, and the final authority for any weapon. Weapon checking is available throughout the event but most of the work happens before the event starts and before the big battles each day. This means that event crew on this team are able to play the game with only minor disruption if they want to do that when they are not weapon checking rather than help out in other areas.

==Event Crew==
The event crew help us to run the event, handling the logistics, administration and refereeing of the event. Event crew are welcome on site from Thursday lunch, but most do not need to arrive much before the event begins.

Most event crew are busy throughout the event.

===Event Crew Management===
* '''Management - Matthew Pennington'''
Matthew Pennington is the member of the PD management team with overall responsibility for all the work done by the event crew. If a member of the event crew has a serious problem, then they should escalate it immediately to Matt.

===Games Operation Desk===
* '''Team Leaders - Adam Dinwoodie and Erin Knott'''
The Games Operation Desk (GOD) is responsible for overseeing all player related administrative functions. This includes preparation of player packs, and dealing with lost property. They also often act as a point of contact between teams. There's more information on what GOD involves at [[GOD roles]].

===Gate===
* '''Team Leader - Mike Brereton'''
The gate team are responsible for manning the gates before and after the event, receiving participants at the site entrance and directing them around the site.

===Referees===
* '''Head Referee - Emma Woods'''
* '''Head Referee - James Crollie'''
* '''Head Referee - Sue Whitaker'''
* '''Head of Rules - Graeme Jamieson'''
The referee team normally has a staffed desk in GOD as an easy-to-find point of contact for both players and crew, while the majority of our referees roam the field looking for players who need help. We operate a wireless network across the site providing our crew with tablets so that they can access and update the game database from anywhere on site. There is always stuff to do, from simple things like helping players use magic items, to reffing plots or players carrying out surgery, rituals, or even murders!

===Conduct Team===
* '''Team Leader - Emma Woods'''

===IT===
* '''Team Leaders - Clive Evans'''
The IT team are there to set-up and maintain the servers, wireless network and resolve IT problems. The IT team are not responsible for setting up PCs and networking equipment - this is sufficiently straightforward that GOD and the plot support team are expected to manage this internally.

===Crew Welfare===
* '''Team Leader - Lou Ardent'''
We have a small crew welfare hut which is usually positioned near the monster tent and is kept supplied with food, drinks and snacks for the crew. Ensuring the hut is kept clean and well-stocked is one of the responsibilities of the crew welfare team who are based out of here during the event. It is the team's responsibility to look after the welfare of the 350 crew we have at most Empire events, providing help and support for any member of crew who needs it. Any member of crew who has a problem can go to the crew welfare team for help and advice.

===Tavern===
* '''Team Leader - Pip Hall'''
We are lucky to have a large wooden tavern building for Empire and a team of dedicated crew to run it. Team members take money and serve drinks but all of them are in-character at all times, our tavern is an in-character environment that exists to support roleplaying in the game. We try to make sure we have enough crew so that they can work the bar in shifts allowing them to socialize and enjoy the event at other times. We try to arrange bards and performances as often as possible and encourage all the players to use the tavern for any entertainment or meetings they have planned.

==Plot Crew==
The [[plot organization|plot crew]] are there to bring the IC setting to life and provide engaging encounters and challenges for the players. They include all our writers and NPCs, as well as the support team that help them get into character. The majority of the plot crew are busy throughout the event. The plot crew [[plot organization|have their own crew wiki page]] laying out the organization of the various teams within the department.

[[Category: General]]

Plot organization

2024-11-15T15:12:22Z

Spoondog: /* Make-up */

{{CaptionedImage|file=MattP1.jpg|align=right|caption=Best Anorak Wearer: Matt Pennington|width=250px}}

==Overview==
Plot is the biggest department in Empire, as it incorporates all our NPCs, our plot writers as well as characters like the bards, egregores, civil servants and magistrates and all the back room operations crew who work in costume and make-up. We've broadly split the deparment into three core activities, creative, production, and personnel. We need lots of people to help us fill out all these roles, so if you're interested in getting involved in the IC side of Empire then we're always keen to talk to you.

At events, the plot department is housed in the monster tent, a giant white marquee at the back of the crew area - and the small plot tent situated next to it.

==PD Management==
* '''Matt Pennington'''
Matt is the member of the PD management team with overall responsibility for everything that happens in the plot department - if you have a problem then Matt is your next port of call if the people in charge of your area can't sort it.

==Creative==
The creative side of plot is the [[plot team]], a group of writers who work with Andy Rafferty and Matt Pennington to develop the plot that happens at the events. Being part of the plot team is more than just writing, members of the team are responsible for ensuring their plot runs at the event, by liaising with plot logistics to ensure everything their plot needs is sorted and that their NPCs are briefed and debriefed.

If you're interested in joining the plot team, then the starting point is to read our plot [[style guide]] and then sketch out one or more plots that you would be interested in developing. Once you've done that you can [mailto:matt@profounddecisions.co.uk email Matt] to discuss your plot. If we like your plot idea, then we'll help you to develop it and run it at the event.

Andy Raff is the head of the creative side of plot, overseeing anything involved with writing or the actual content of a plot.

==Production==
Plot production incorporates all our vital support crew, the people who choose, sort, and create the costume, the people who do the same for make-up, props and SFX. It includes the people who do any event by event set-dressing (so dressing encounter tents and the battlefield). The creative side of writing plot is handled by the [[Plot team|plot writers team]] but all the logistical issues involved in creating and running plot at events, bar human resources, are all part of plot production.

Phil D'Souza is in charge of plot production - supported by Dhiamara Coulson running the costume, Rachel Durrant running the props, and Vicki Stephenson running the makeup.

===Costume===
* '''Sourcing kit for plots before the event'''
* '''Providing costume for all our NPCs'''
* '''Managing the kit wardrobe at events'''
* '''Team Leader - Dhiamara Coulson '''

The costume team dress NPCs and get them ready for encounters. The team use their knowledge of the setting and the PD wardrobe to dress NPCs for roles they are about to play, including the player volunteers for the battles. They also help them to change after an encounter and ensure used kit is put away. At the end of the event they help oversee packing away the plot room away and separate any kit that needs cleaning or repairing. The costume team also work before the events helping to plan and arrange new kit creation and purchase in preparation for upcoming plots.

===Props===
* '''Sourcing props for plots before the event'''
* '''Managing the prop store at events'''
* '''Team Leader - Paul Cope'''

In addition to boxes of generic props, we have large numbers of unique props for specific game items - such as the Empress' Crown. The Props team help to keep these props organized, so that they are available when needed. They also work to source props between events and give advice on the availability of unassigned or generic props in the existing store.

===Make-up===
* '''Applying and removing make-up and prosthetics for all our NPCs'''
* '''Team Leader - Ellie Nye'''
The makeup team are essential for any roles that require make-up or prosthetics. These include orcs and characters with lineage, but they also include eternals and their heralds. The makeup team plan complex make-up arrangements in advance so that convincing effects can be created quickly in the field. They also help player volunteers don and remove make-up before and after battles. The make-up team work before the events helping to plan and arrange new make-up and prosthetic purchase in preparation for upcoming plots.

===SFX===
* '''Team Leader - Phil D'Souza'''

===Encounter tents===
* '''Team Leader - Jessica Simpson'''

==Personnel==
The majority of the people in the plot room are NPCs, volunteers whose main responsibility is to play NPC roles throughout the weekend. The NPCs are divided into three main groups, described below. You don't have to be a member of one of these teams to play a role, we always need more NPCs so crew who want to take a break from their existing duties and play some roles are always welcome.

Beth Charlton is in charge of plot personnel - and in particular the NPC team. If you need NPCs for a plot then she is your first point of contact.

===Field NPC Team===
* '''Civil Service Team Leader - Jonathan Kidger'''
* '''Egregores and Bards Team Leader - Clare Evans'''
* '''Magistrates Team Leader - Jon Creek'''
We have a number of NPCs who play a single recurring role based in Anvil throughout the weekend. These roles are highly specialized with a clear focus on providing support and assistance to the game and the players. The civil service support the main political structures of the Empire, providing logistical support to the players to run the Empire. The [[magistrates]] operate the Empire's legal system directing the player militia as they follow up crimes that have taken place. Our [[egregores]] are based in the nations themselves with a remit to support the feel of the nation and encourage the roleplaying in the camp. The bards of the Three Refrains are based from a tent in the centre of Anvil with a remit to visit the nations as they need. Each group of NPCs has their own team leader.

===Plot NPC Team===
* '''Playing NPCs on the field'''
* '''Playing eternals and heralds in off-field encounters'''
* '''Team Leader - Beth Charlton'''
Our NPC team play the roles that have been created and written by the plot writers that happen on the field and in the Hall of Worlds. Members of the team may portray minor Imperial NPCs, eternals and their heralds and representatives of other foreign or barbarian powers.

When you join the Plot NPC team, we'll ask you for some details about the kind of parts you are comfortable playing, as well as the parts you'd like to play and the parts you'd prefer not to play. This helps us build up a picture of our crew so that we can try to give them the parts they will enjoy at events.

===Skirmish NPC Team===
* '''Running NPCs on quests, skirmishes and battles'''
* '''Team Leaders - Faith Elisabeth Lilley, Chira Roberts, Rook Glanten'''
Our [[The Hundred|skirmish team]] are the dedicated crew whose responsibility is to bring to life the battles, skirmishes and quests that the players choose to fight. There is a great team spirit among those who enjoy being part of what is effectively our monster faction. We aim to run all our fights using IC leadership and commands, so there are a range of roles for people.

Many members of our NPC team enjoy a good fight, but if you are writing a quest that involves a fight with a significant number of combatants, then you will need members of the Skirmish Crew to bring that to life. Faith, Chira, and Rook are the team leaders who can provide you with the people you need if given enough advance warning.

{{Plot Further Reading}}

Plot organization

2024-11-15T15:11:37Z

Spoondog: /* Field NPC Team */

{{CaptionedImage|file=MattP1.jpg|align=right|caption=Best Anorak Wearer: Matt Pennington|width=250px}}

==Overview==
Plot is the biggest department in Empire, as it incorporates all our NPCs, our plot writers as well as characters like the bards, egregores, civil servants and magistrates and all the back room operations crew who work in costume and make-up. We've broadly split the deparment into three core activities, creative, production, and personnel. We need lots of people to help us fill out all these roles, so if you're interested in getting involved in the IC side of Empire then we're always keen to talk to you.

At events, the plot department is housed in the monster tent, a giant white marquee at the back of the crew area - and the small plot tent situated next to it.

==PD Management==
* '''Matt Pennington'''
Matt is the member of the PD management team with overall responsibility for everything that happens in the plot department - if you have a problem then Matt is your next port of call if the people in charge of your area can't sort it.

==Creative==
The creative side of plot is the [[plot team]], a group of writers who work with Andy Rafferty and Matt Pennington to develop the plot that happens at the events. Being part of the plot team is more than just writing, members of the team are responsible for ensuring their plot runs at the event, by liaising with plot logistics to ensure everything their plot needs is sorted and that their NPCs are briefed and debriefed.

If you're interested in joining the plot team, then the starting point is to read our plot [[style guide]] and then sketch out one or more plots that you would be interested in developing. Once you've done that you can [mailto:matt@profounddecisions.co.uk email Matt] to discuss your plot. If we like your plot idea, then we'll help you to develop it and run it at the event.

Andy Raff is the head of the creative side of plot, overseeing anything involved with writing or the actual content of a plot.

==Production==
Plot production incorporates all our vital support crew, the people who choose, sort, and create the costume, the people who do the same for make-up, props and SFX. It includes the people who do any event by event set-dressing (so dressing encounter tents and the battlefield). The creative side of writing plot is handled by the [[Plot team|plot writers team]] but all the logistical issues involved in creating and running plot at events, bar human resources, are all part of plot production.

Phil D'Souza is in charge of plot production - supported by Dhiamara Coulson running the costume, Rachel Durrant running the props, and Vicki Stephenson running the makeup.

===Costume===
* '''Sourcing kit for plots before the event'''
* '''Providing costume for all our NPCs'''
* '''Managing the kit wardrobe at events'''
* '''Team Leader - Dhiamara Coulson '''

The costume team dress NPCs and get them ready for encounters. The team use their knowledge of the setting and the PD wardrobe to dress NPCs for roles they are about to play, including the player volunteers for the battles. They also help them to change after an encounter and ensure used kit is put away. At the end of the event they help oversee packing away the plot room away and separate any kit that needs cleaning or repairing. The costume team also work before the events helping to plan and arrange new kit creation and purchase in preparation for upcoming plots.

===Props===
* '''Sourcing props for plots before the event'''
* '''Managing the prop store at events'''
* '''Team Leader - Paul Cope'''

In addition to boxes of generic props, we have large numbers of unique props for specific game items - such as the Empress' Crown. The Props team help to keep these props organized, so that they are available when needed. They also work to source props between events and give advice on the availability of unassigned or generic props in the existing store.

===Make-up===
* '''Applying and removing make-up and prosthetics for all our NPCs'''
* '''Team Leader - Vicki Stevenson'''
The makeup team are essential for any roles that require make-up or prosthetics. These include orcs and characters with lineage, but they also include eternals and their heralds. The makeup team plan complex make-up arrangements in advance so that convincing effects can be created quickly in the field. They also help player volunteers don and remove make-up before and after battles. The make-up team work before the events helping to plan and arrange new make-up and prosthetic purchase in preparation for upcoming plots.

===SFX===
* '''Team Leader - Phil D'Souza'''

===Encounter tents===
* '''Team Leader - Jessica Simpson'''

==Personnel==
The majority of the people in the plot room are NPCs, volunteers whose main responsibility is to play NPC roles throughout the weekend. The NPCs are divided into three main groups, described below. You don't have to be a member of one of these teams to play a role, we always need more NPCs so crew who want to take a break from their existing duties and play some roles are always welcome.

Beth Charlton is in charge of plot personnel - and in particular the NPC team. If you need NPCs for a plot then she is your first point of contact.

===Field NPC Team===
* '''Civil Service Team Leader - Jonathan Kidger'''
* '''Egregores and Bards Team Leader - Clare Evans'''
* '''Magistrates Team Leader - Jon Creek'''
We have a number of NPCs who play a single recurring role based in Anvil throughout the weekend. These roles are highly specialized with a clear focus on providing support and assistance to the game and the players. The civil service support the main political structures of the Empire, providing logistical support to the players to run the Empire. The [[magistrates]] operate the Empire's legal system directing the player militia as they follow up crimes that have taken place. Our [[egregores]] are based in the nations themselves with a remit to support the feel of the nation and encourage the roleplaying in the camp. The bards of the Three Refrains are based from a tent in the centre of Anvil with a remit to visit the nations as they need. Each group of NPCs has their own team leader.

===Plot NPC Team===
* '''Playing NPCs on the field'''
* '''Playing eternals and heralds in off-field encounters'''
* '''Team Leader - Beth Charlton'''
Our NPC team play the roles that have been created and written by the plot writers that happen on the field and in the Hall of Worlds. Members of the team may portray minor Imperial NPCs, eternals and their heralds and representatives of other foreign or barbarian powers.

When you join the Plot NPC team, we'll ask you for some details about the kind of parts you are comfortable playing, as well as the parts you'd like to play and the parts you'd prefer not to play. This helps us build up a picture of our crew so that we can try to give them the parts they will enjoy at events.

===Skirmish NPC Team===
* '''Running NPCs on quests, skirmishes and battles'''
* '''Team Leaders - Faith Elisabeth Lilley, Chira Roberts, Rook Glanten'''
Our [[The Hundred|skirmish team]] are the dedicated crew whose responsibility is to bring to life the battles, skirmishes and quests that the players choose to fight. There is a great team spirit among those who enjoy being part of what is effectively our monster faction. We aim to run all our fights using IC leadership and commands, so there are a range of roles for people.

Many members of our NPC team enjoy a good fight, but if you are writing a quest that involves a fight with a significant number of combatants, then you will need members of the Skirmish Crew to bring that to life. Faith, Chira, and Rook are the team leaders who can provide you with the people you need if given enough advance warning.

{{Plot Further Reading}}

Crew organization

2024-11-15T15:03:14Z

Spoondog:

==Overview==
Welcome to the crew organisation section of the Wiki. Here you will find a list of teams for the Empire game system, listing what each team does and who is in charge. Don't hesitate to get in touch with a team leader if you are interested in volunteering for the work they do.

==Site and Safety Crew==
The set-up crew help us get the event ready by putting up tents, setting up the electrics, etc. Those who are helping with set-up need to be on site roughly two days before time-in. Those who are helping with take-down need to be on site until roughly one day after time-out. We aim to complete take-down by nightfall the day after the event.

If you are part of the set-up crew then you are encouraged to get involved and take part in crewing the rest of the event, but if you prefer to play then you are welcome to do that instead. Bear in mind though that you might be called on during the event to help with the set-up for the battles and so on.

This team includes those whose primary responsibilities are safety based - like the weapon check team.

===Site Crew Management===
* '''Team leader: Alison Pennington'''
* '''Deputy: 'Sparky' Dave Wilson'''

Alison Pennington has overall responsibility for all the teams who are part of the site crew. If a member of the site crew has a serious problem, then they should escalate it immediately to Alison.

===Site Set-up Crew===
* '''Team Leader - Morgan Wilkinson'''
* '''Trader Liaison - Tanis Kingstone'''
The site crew, or Red Caps as they are affectionately known, are responsible for overseeing all aspects of set up and take down, as well as site health and safety.

===Security===
* '''Team Leader - Sandy Wragg'''
The security team are responsible for all aspects of site security and are on duty throughout the night.

===Set Dressing===
* '''Team Leader - Freya Wilson'''
The set dressing team are responsible for dressing the main game areas, the tavern and the senate building as well as the Hall of Worlds. Some of the set-dressing is the same each time, and the dressings need to be carefully packed away at the end of each event, but there are usually new projects to work on each time as the team strives to improve the look of one or more game areas.

===Hygiene===
* '''Team Leader - Tim Knight and Athena Wride'''
The Hygiene team keep the toilets and showers clean during the event, usually aiming to clean and restock all the toilets once a day.

===Sparkies===
* '''Team Leader - Ian Roper'''
The electricians are responsible for the on site distribution of electrical power and the off site building of new projects as well as maintenance and periodic inspection.

Whichever team you're working with, it's important that you don't plug anything in without checking with the sparkies first - we have a limited quantity of power available on site, and a major part of what we do is making sure the phases are balanced, and that we can run everything we need to without tripping the breakers.

===Vehicle Management===
* '''Team Leader - Wayne Newton'''
The vehicle management team are responsible for controlling the flow of traffic around the site before and after the event. They oversee parking and show players where they can camp.

===Weapon Check===
* '''Team Leader - Mike Hilton'''
We have a team of approved weapon checkers who are needed to check the weapons and equipment that players and traders bring to every event as well as the weapons in PD's own armoury. Mike Hilton is the head of the team, and the final authority for any weapon. Weapon checking is available throughout the event but most of the work happens before the event starts and before the big battles each day. This means that event crew on this team are able to play the game with only minor disruption if they want to do that when they are not weapon checking rather than help out in other areas.

==Event Crew==
The event crew help us to run the event, handling the logistics, administration and refereeing of the event. Event crew are welcome on site from Thursday lunch, but most do not need to arrive much before the event begins.

Most event crew are busy throughout the event.

===Event Crew Management===
* '''Management - Matthew Pennington'''
Matthew Pennington is the member of the PD management team with overall responsibility for all the work done by the event crew. If a member of the event crew has a serious problem, then they should escalate it immediately to Matt.

===Games Operation Desk===
* '''Team Leaders - Adam Dinwoodie and Erin Knott'''
The Games Operation Desk (GOD) is responsible for overseeing all player related administrative functions. This includes preparation of player packs, and dealing with lost property. They also often act as a point of contact between teams. There's more information on what GOD involves at [[GOD roles]].

===Gate===
* '''Team Leader - Mike Brereton'''
The gate team are responsible for manning the gates before and after the event, receiving participants at the site entrance and directing them around the site.

===Referees===
* '''Head Referee - Emma Woods'''
* '''Head Referee - James Crollie'''
* '''Head Referee - Sue Whitaker'''
* '''Head of Rules - Graeme Jamieson'''
The referee team normally has a staffed desk in GOD as an easy-to-find point of contact for both players and crew, while the majority of our referees roam the field looking for players who need help. We operate a wireless network across the site providing our crew with tablets so that they can access and update the game database from anywhere on site. There is always stuff to do, from simple things like helping players use magic items, to reffing plots or players carrying out surgery, rituals, or even murders!

===Conduct Team===
* '''Team Leader - Emma Woods'''

===IT===
* '''Team Leaders - Clive Evans'''
The IT team are there to set-up and maintain the servers, wireless network and resolve IT problems. The IT team are not responsible for setting up PCs and networking equipment - this is sufficiently straightforward that GOD and the plot support team are expected to manage this internally.

===Crew Welfare===
* '''Team Leader - Louise Ardent'''
We have a small crew welfare hut which is usually positioned near the monster tent and is kept supplied with food, drinks and snacks for the crew. Ensuring the hut is kept clean and well-stocked is one of the responsibilities of the crew welfare team who are based out of here during the event. It is the team's responsibility to look after the welfare of the 350 crew we have at most Empire events, providing help and support for any member of crew who needs it. Any member of crew who has a problem can go to the crew welfare team for help and advice.

===Tavern===
* '''Team Leader - Pip Hall'''
We are lucky to have a large wooden tavern building for Empire and a team of dedicated crew to run it. Team members take money and serve drinks but all of them are in-character at all times, our tavern is an in-character environment that exists to support roleplaying in the game. We try to make sure we have enough crew so that they can work the bar in shifts allowing them to socialize and enjoy the event at other times. We try to arrange bards and performances as often as possible and encourage all the players to use the tavern for any entertainment or meetings they have planned.

==Plot Crew==
The [[plot organization|plot crew]] are there to bring the IC setting to life and provide engaging encounters and challenges for the players. They include all our writers and NPCs, as well as the support team that help them get into character. The majority of the plot crew are busy throughout the event. The plot crew [[plot organization|have their own crew wiki page]] laying out the organization of the various teams within the department.

[[Category: General]]

Supporting players

2023-08-14T15:38:47Z

Spoondog:

==Overview==
One of the primary responsibilities of all Empire crew is that you will provide some basic support for players. Although all Empire crew have different responsibilities, with some in more player-facing roles than others, players attending the event have a legitimate expectation that crew who are asked will support them if they need help. For this reason you should be ready to provide basic help in the circumstances outlined below.

In general this page complements the generic guidelines for helping players, which are laid out in our [[crew protocol]]. Those rules apply in all circumstances where a player asks you for help, but the situations below have their own, additional, requirements.

==Cheating==
* '''Please try to ensure that every report of cheating involving specific individuals is reported to Graeme Jamieson or a head referee'''
* '''Generic reports of cheating involving entire nations should be ignored'''

If you believe that you have seen a player cheating or you receive a report that a player is cheating, then please report this to Graeme Jamieson at the first available opportunity. Graeme can be contacted by radio, or is usually working in the Matt Bunker near monster.

The most effective report is a first-hand account - ideally delivered in person. If you are speaking to a participant who is reporting an incident of cheating, please try to persuade them to make the report to Graeme in person. If they do not wish to do this then ask them if you can take the report to Graeme on their behalf - either openly or anonymously.

We wish to chase up any report of cheating that involves one or more specific individuals - provided that there is some identifying information more specific than the characters' nation. It is always best to have the names of the players accused of cheating, but a description of some kind is sufficient for us to chase a matter up.

What we don't deal with is completely generic descriptions of cheating - it is extraordinarily unlikely that every single member of an entire nation of players is cheating, no matter what any individual claims. We cannot take action against an entire nation if some of their players are breaking the rules but we have no idea which ones. Be polite, ask for any identifying details and explain the difficulties involved.

==Conduct==
* '''Try to ensure that any breech of conduct is reported to Emma Woods or a member of the conduct team'''
* '''Respect the wishes of the participant you are dealing with'''

If a participant approaches you with a [https://www.profounddecisions.co.uk/empire-wiki/Reporting_discrimination_or_harassment report of harassment or discrimination], please stop what you are doing and give the person your full attention. Listen carefully to everything they say and then follow the simple guidelines laid out below:

* Ask them if you can arrange for a member of the conduct team to talk to them
* If they don't want to report, ask them if you can report the matter on their behalf, either anonymously or in their name
* If they want to report, ask them if they have a friend who can accompany and support them (you may be the friend they are hoping will do this)

Do not try to deal with the problem yourself, in particular do not make assumptions about the severity of the situation or whether it needs to be passed on. Ask the participant you are speaking to for permission to contact the conduct team - if they give you that then contact us as quickly as humanly possible.

Please listen to the person who is talking to you and respect their wishes. If the participant does not give permission for you to contact the conduct team then you must not do so, but please consider the points laid out in the [https://www.profounddecisions.co.uk/empire-wiki/Conduct#Supporting supporting guidelines] written for all participants to see what help you can give. If a member of the hobby has chosen to approach you for help then it is likely that they will feel most comfortable with any help that you can give them.

Whatever happens, please ensure that you '''do not do any of the following:'''

* Do not pressure them for details of what happened, leave any investigation for a member of our [https://www.profounddecisions.co.uk/empire-wiki/Conduct conduct] team.
* Do not comment on anyone's state of inebriation, dress, emotional state or any other factor.
* Do not try to persuade or dissuade them from any reasonable course of action
* Do not make any promises or judgements

==Welfare==
* '''If any participant is experiencing obvious distress then you can put them in touch with Kerrie Hill, John Newton or the participant welfare team'''
* '''Respect the wishes of the player you are dealing with'''

If you encounter a participant who is experiencing obvious distress that is impacting their ability to enjoy the game then you should ask them if they wish to speak to Kerrie Hill, John Newton or another member of the [[Participant welfare team|participant welfare team]]. This is most likely to happen if someone approaches you with a [https://www.profounddecisions.co.uk/empire-wiki/Reporting_discrimination_or_harassment report of harassment or discrimination], but it is not confined to these situations.

John or another member of the team will be available on radio throughout the day. We do not currently have sufficient volunteers to provide support and help to players throughout the event, but you can encourage people experiencing problems after time-out to ask for a member of the welfare team the next morning.

The participant welfare team are there for all participants, players and crew. They are there to help any member of our crew who is experiencing distress at events and would like support and help.

==Event Experience==
* '''Please try to ensure that any negative event experience is reported to the appropriate person or to Adam or Erin in GOD'''

There are a range of possible experiences that players can have that will impact negatively on their event. If a player approaches you to describe a problem they have had or are having - or you overhear them talking about it - please encourage them to bring it to our attention.

Most problems fall into three broad areas:

* Problems with the site facilities, the toilets, the showers, etc should be reported to Alison Pennington or a senior member of the site team.
* Game problems such as plot inconsistencies or failed conjunctions should be reported to Matt Pennington (or Andy Raff or Graeme Jamieson or Clare Evans if Matt is not available).
* Administration problems such as resources missing from a pack should be reported to Erin Knott or Adam Dinwoodie in GOD.

If you are in any doubt who to report a problem to then please report it to Erin Knott or Adam Dinwoodie in GOD, who can then help ensure the right person is informed.

Participant welfare team

2023-08-14T15:36:51Z

Spoondog:

== Overview ==
The participant welfare team exists to help event participants who are unable to enjoy the event due to mental health issues or emotional distress. When crew members in other teams need support for participants in emotional distress that exceeds their capability to provide help, they can request welfare team support via radio. Crew members who are experiencing distress themselves can contact welfare by radio.

Since emotional distress often accompanies other problems, the welfare team will frequently give and receive referrals with other teams. Welfare team support may be one side of a larger picture, and there may sometimes be a “revolving door” pattern to interactions between the welfare team and other specialised teams within the PD structure. The recurring nature of welfare situations makes it important to track information about the history of interaction with participants to enable effective work by later team members, while maintaining the privacy of the individuals involved.

Members of the welfare team may have skills and experience in counselling, psychotherapy, or similar backgrounds. It is important to recognise, however, that the work of the welfare team at events does not aim to be therapeutic. Event participants and visitors to the welfare tent are not our clients or patients, and our work is closer to that of crisis helpline counsellors or of a good friend than that of a professional counsellor or psychotherapist. The goal of the welfare team is to assist participants move through the distress and help them attain a state where they can go back into the field and enjoy the event again, as quickly and as smoothly as possible. If that is not possible, and the best thing for them would be to go home, then the welfare team can call other teams to assist them in leaving site.

== Guiding Principles ==
There are five principles that guide the work that the welfare team does.

=== Treat People as Individuals ===
It is all too easy to assign individuals to categories and then make generalisations and assumptions about them. This is to be avoided as it can lead to mistakes and oversights. Instead, treat the person in front of you as a unique individual, not just as ''a'' human being, but as ''this'' specific human being. By starting with the assumption that you know nothing about them, you will find yourself paying more attention to everything they choose to share.

=== Non-judgemental Acceptance ===
It is likely that someone suffering from emotional distress may have compounded their problems by doing something foolish. It is not the welfare team’s place to judge them for their past actions. Accepting a person for who they are means forgetting questions of right and wrong and instead focusing on what is real. This does not prevent us from having opinions about people’s behaviour, if we can ensure that criticism of behaviour is not misinterpreted as criticism of the person.

=== Focus on Needs ===
Everybody has both physical and emotional needs. When any of these needs are unmet, or our usual method of attaining them become unusable, we experience emotional distress. When all our needs are met, we feel good. While the conversation may wander in various directions, and the participant may want to talk about their experiences or history, the welfare team member should aim to focus on the question of needs. Which needs are being met? Which needs are not being met? Then the conversation can naturally progress to forming a plan of action that will help the participant achieve their unmet needs. It is important not to forget the basic physical needs; if someone is cold, wet and miserable then getting them warm and dry will often be the most effective means of improving their experience.

=== Autonomy ===
We all need a sense of control over what happens to us and the freedom to make our own decisions and choices, which helps us to feel in charge of ourselves rather than overwhelmed by life. Sometimes, people really want you to take their agency: decide for them; reinforce a prior decision; fix their problem. Members of the welfare team should, wherever practically possible, encourage participants to think for themselves and choose their own course of action. We can help by offering options and making recommendations, but the final decision must remain with the participant. We are not there to solve their problems for them.

=== Confidentiality ===
Except for the specific circumstances noted below, any information that is shared with a member of the welfare team must be kept confidential and not shared with anyone outside the team, either during the event or afterwards. You should therefore ask participants if it is ok for their whereabouts to be shared with concerned friends who come looking for them.

Information may be shared within the welfare team in case the participant returns when the original team member is unavailable. Discussion between team members can also help us evaluate and improve our methods, and act as a way for team members to release any emotional distress they themselves may be experiencing because of interaction with participants.

If a member of the team receives information that leads them to believe that a child is being neglected, abused or at risk of harm then this must be reported to a member of the management team and a missing child must be reported to security. Similarly, information about any other participant who is at risk of serious harm must be reported to first aid and/or security. If a participant informs the welfare team that they have been the victim of sexual harassment or assault at an event, then they should be gently encouraged to make a report to the conduct team. If they do not wish to make an official complaint, then the welfare team may make an anonymous report on their behalf.

There are also legal obligations that require disclosure of confidential information concerning serious crimes, particularly regarding the prevention of terrorism; members of the welfare team may disclose information to the appropriate authorities if it is required by law.

The circumstances noted above do not require permission to breach confidentiality. If a welfare team member believes that any other information should be shared outside the team then they must first obtain permission from either the participant who told them or from the head of the welfare team. Failure to follow this policy will result in removal from the welfare team.

== Process and Techniques ==
While every situation is unique, the welfare team member should remember that the aim is always to get the participant to a state where they can go back into the field and enjoy the event. The methods listed in this section will be useful in most, if not all, situations.

=== Calm ===
Individuals undergoing overstimulation or emotional crisis often reach out toward anything they see as "solid" to reorient themselves with the world. Calm people with your presence and actions and example, not by telling them to calm down. It is hard to get people to calm down if you are acting anxious or angry. Never tell anyone to calm down. A useful warning sign is if you or the participant are starting to repeat yourselves. This may indicate something has gone wrong in the communication cycle. The speaker may feel misunderstood, or you may be getting overwhelmed or over-involved. If this happens, take a breath, slow down and ask different questions, or request help from another member of crew.

=== Building Rapport ===
Your communication can be effective only when received in a language the receivers can understand. You need to speak not in your own language or style of thinking but in the language and style of thinking of the receivers. The greater the matching of behaviours between two people, the more likely they are to feel themselves in emotional rapport, to like each other and be interested in what each other is saying.

=== Empathy, Not Sympathy ===
Empathy is a respectful understanding of what others are experiencing. The presence that empathy requires is not easy to maintain. Instead of empathy, we tend to have a strong urge to give advice or reassurance and to explain our own position or feeling. Empathy, on the other hand, requires focusing full attention on the other person's message. We give to others the time and space they need to express themselves fully and to feel understood. The key ingredient of empathy is presence: we are wholly present with the other party and what they are experiencing. This quality of presence distinguishes empathy from either mental understanding or sympathy. While we may choose at times to sympathise with others by feeling their feelings, it is helpful to be aware that during the moment we are offering sympathy, we are not empathising. Other common behaviours that prevent us from being sufficiently present to connect empathically with others include: advising, educating, consoling, diagnosing, and explaining.

=== Attentive Listening ===
Listen. Do not interrupt. Wait until the end of a story or a pause in the conversation to ask a question, clarify a point, or consolidate information. People in emotional crisis often want an opportunity to talk at length about what they are thinking and feeling. Give them the time. Be aware of body language and gesture; this can provide important clues to a participant's actual state of mind. Be open, but not coercive or overtly directive. Let them tell the story in their own time and style.

People in crisis often have an acutely keen sense for immediacy and sincerity. The simple fact that someone safe, sane, and sensible is paying close attention to them provides a powerful anchor in their internal turbulence. You need to bring your full authentic presence and focus to the situation. It can be hard to remain focused there, but compassion and patience are critical. You may not see the effect of your compassionate presence in their immediate presentation, but we are social creatures, and do not fail to notice when another human gives us their focused attention. If that attention is genuine and benevolent without attempting control, the internal effect can be powerfully reassuring.

Of course, your first goal in listening is to provide emotional support to the participant. But another important goal is to gather information that may be helpful as we figure out how to care for them. This could include information like what happened, who else was involved, where they are camped, whether they have friends on site, and pre-existing medical or psychological conditions, etc. Some of these things you may be able to verify, some you probably will not. If necessary, take notes so that this information can be shared with other team members.

Reflect thoughts, feelings, and behaviour. Reflection here means re-stating what a person has said using their own words and phrases. Reflection tells the participant that you are listening and care, giving them permission to discuss sensitive topics; it allows the participant to listen to their own thought processes and stories, heightening their self-awareness; and it allows the participant to confirm, correct, or amplify upon your understanding of what you have heard and seen.

=== Finding Solutions ===
Having built rapport and obtained information about the participant’s current situation, the next essential step is to ask the participant what their objectives are. When asking what they want, it is important to get the participant to think of goals which can be expressed positively and are specific, realistic, and achievable. Identify the first steps toward the goal and discuss how this might be achieved. If the participant has more than one problem, tackle the problems in order of their perceived importance to them.

Involve participants in the decisions of what to do whenever you can: if they have chosen something, then they are in control of at least part of their lives. Guiding them to choices that are helpful is better than making those choices for them. Leave them space to be humans with self-respect, without encouraging them toward any further danger.

Often, participants will solve their own problems. As you explore viable solutions with participants, you can have them rehearse a scenario of what each solution might look like. Be generous but truthful as to your own opinions regarding these solutions. Always ask the participant about what they realistically think the outcome of their proposed action will be, and whether it will be helpful to the situation at hand. If the participant doesn't know what to do about their situation, suggest some possibilities or engage in a little brainstorming. Remember, we are trying above all to help identify options for them, so they can solve their own problems.

If the participant suggests behaviour or solutions that are bizarre, detrimental, or violent then don't disagree; instead ask them what the chain of consequences from the proposed behaviour might be, and whether it will really solve their problems or improve their situation. Be patient, even if the participant rambles. Rambling is common as they are using the time to organise and process events, emotions, and memories. There is often substantial iterative mental processing going on, which does not necessarily lend itself to coherent, linear trains of thought.

=== Closure ===
Close the process with the participant themselves: re-narrate your understanding of their situation in brief terms to them as part of your farewell. They may have trouble tracking the whole thread of the crisis on their own - this wrap-up gives them a stable transition and helps frame how they will look back on it.

When handing off with other teams, give a concise summary, and expect the same when receiving a handoff. Start with the basics, even if they could see them for themselves, then proceed to the most important nuggets of information, including anything practical you have done for them, and keep it short and focused. That kind of focused communication is not only good for the participant, it builds respect and trust between teams.

Decompress - these can be emotionally intense experiences and swallowing them all alone is more foolish than heroic. We all have friends, and crew we respect, and the welfare team are happy to help volunteers find their own inner footing before it becomes a crisis. Give yourself time to sit down and run through the parts that bug you with someone else. Don’t do all that work alone. We all get into tough calls from time to time and are there to help each other back into our various grooves when we come out the other side of them. Respect the work you’ve done and allow yourself some support.

== Joining the Team ==
Current members of crew are welcome to apply to join the participant welfare team if they have experience of helping others using techniques similar to those above, are able to be emotionally empathetic to strangers, and can remain logical and objective in the presence of high emotion. If you have the relevant skills but wish to remain a member of another crew team then it may be possible to be a casual member of the welfare team, who we can call on as and when needed. As with all crew members, you will be expected to be familiar with [[crew protocol]], the guidelines on [[supporting players]] and PD's [https://www.profounddecisions.co.uk/empire-wiki/Child_protection_information child protection information]. For further information, please speak with the head of the participant welfare team, John Newton. [[File:John.jpg|200px|thumb|left|Head of Participant Welfare: John Newton]]

New Player Email

2022-04-18T20:20:48Z

Spoondog:

Hello there

Welcome to Empire!

If you've received this email you've indicated that you're new to lrping or at least new to fest lrping and we just want to welcome you to the game and give you a couple of pointers for your first event.

Empire have a Player Support Team who are there to offer you support and any advice or guidance you might want from us.</>

We're running three new player sessions in the Hub - this is a big white tent towards the bottom of the field of the field , down the main drag from the God tent and on the left. Anyone with a radio will give you directions if you can't find us. This will be out-of-character. Please come and join us. We're there to give a brief overview of things, answer any questions and give you any advice or help you might want.

In fact there’s a whole raft of sessions geared towards people who want to know more about areas of the game, including magic, the Synod, combat, apothecary and archery. Also there is a Public Speaking Class running and an LGBTQ+ meet up. All the timings and information for these can be found here - <li><a href="New player schedule - Empire (profounddecisions.co.uk)</a></li> We've had to cram all this into quite a short time period but are planning on running these at the next event too so if you miss something you're welcome to attend then!

On Thursday night if you're around the Player Support team are going to be hanging out in the Senate building from about 8. Please drop in if you want to meet us, we're just having informal chats. If you're at a loose end come see us.

Over the weekend we're also available, your egregore can contact us for you or please ask in GOD (the white tent near the main gate into the field where games operations run from) and they can contact us for you. It's what we're here for; if you want any help or are just a bit lost please come and find us!

There are plenty of places to start with Empire and you can have a great weekend, doing almost anything you want.

In camp somewhere will be your national egregore, most of the nations have more than one, these are characters placed by us in each nation whose purpose is to uphold the national identity and offer support to all in a nation. They aren't your ruler or leader, you don't have to interact with them if you don't want to but they can point you to other players with similar interests, advise on matters of national interest and probably have ideas about plots and missions going on. Try and find them, they are very useful!

The civil service aren't player characters, they exist to carry out the functionary work for the nation so the important people - you! - can get on with being heroes! They are mainly based in The Hub; this is a big white tent full of people near the Senate. This has plenty of notice boards in it which are full of information about different things going on, senate motions, the Conclave meetings, Synod and Bourse details. Go peruse, chat!

The Senate is another solid structure near the centre of the fields, here the Senators meet to discuss and pass motions. There's a public gallery at the side, go watch a Senate meeting, find your senators and see if they're doing a good job for your nation! The times will be up in The Hub, get there early to get a good view!

Magicians can get to the Hall of Worlds and mix with other mages, join orders, vote in the Conclave and bump into heralds of eternals who use it as a gateway to get to our world.

I also recommend people interested in healing drop into the <a href="https://www.profounddecisions.co.uk/empire-wiki/Anvil_Hospital_%26_Imperial_School_of_Medicine">Anvil Field Hospital</a>. It's player run and located by the Sentinel Gate, I suspect almost anyone on the field will be able to give you directions there!

The Anvil Library is a good place to drop in a have a read and find things out. They're all always ready to chat and discuss anything to do with the world.

You can also visit the <a href="https://www.profounddecisions.co.uk/empire-wiki/Imperial_Offices">Imperial Offices</a> recently establised by the Throne. The Empress is a player-character just like you - though she just might be the busiest character in the whole game! But there are plenty of her advisors here who can help you provided you are looking to serve the Empire.

There's a vibrant social scene too, check out the various taverns in the nations. There are a lot of tea shops, eateries, sweet shops, theatres and traders, all offering you myriad ways to spend your hard earned rings. Take a stroll down the League high street and see who tries to hawk you what.

Check out the player run newspapers for IC gossip, amongst others The Oathwright running out of Wintermark and The Pledge and Looking Glass running out of The League. Though remember players run them, with all and any associated agendas they may be pushing!

For the latest IC information from the past season from PD check here:

<ul>
<li><a href="383YE Winter Solstice winds of fortune - Empire (profounddecisions.co.uk)">Winds Of Fortune</a></li>
<li><a href="383YE Winter Solstice winds of war - Empire (profounddecisions.co.uk)">Winds of War</a></li>
</ul>

Important OOC information about this event can be found here:

<ul>
<li><a href="https://www.profounddecisions.co.uk/empire-wiki/Event_information">General Information</a></li>
<li><a href="Winter Solstice 2022 - Empire (profounddecisions.co.uk)">Winter 2022</a></li>
</ul>

If you want to ask any questions feel free to contact us on <a href="mailto:new.player@profounddecisions.co.uk">new.player@profounddecisions.co.uk</a> or <a href="mailto:admin@profounddecision.co.uk">admin@profounddecision.co.uk</a>.

You can also check out the wiki. The wiki can be intimidating large, but don't be put off - it's full of information you will find useful. Here are a few links that may help to get you started:

<ul>
<li><a href="http://www.profounddecisions.co.uk/empire-wiki/Introduction_to_LRP">Introduction to LRP</a></li>
<li><a href="http://www.profounddecisions.co.uk/empire-wiki/Questions_frequently_asked_by_new_players">Frequently asked questions by new players</a></li>
<li><a href="http://www.profounddecisions.co.uk/empire-wiki/Empire_overview">Empire Overview</a></li>
</ul>

Work out from there, read as much or as little as you like. We really hope you enjoy the event and look forward to seeing you there and hearing about your exploits!

Clare Evans Profound Decisions Player Support Team