Empire - User contributions [en]

New player schedule

2025-09-10T17:30:44Z

Gamma3000: Slightly more consistent formatting

{{CaptionedImage|file=D-72.jpg|align=right|width=450}}
==Overview==
At event we run a series of sessions designed to provide support for players new to the game or new to different areas of the game or after a refresher on an area. All of these sessions with two exceptions are open to all players who wish to attend. The New Player Meeting in the Hub and the New Player Skirmish on the Skirmish Field are available only to players at their first or second games.

These sessions are run by members of crew or volunteers from the player base who have experience in the area of the game.

Because of the number of different sessions available and time available some of the sessions clash with their timings, You are welcome to attend sessions at different events as you choose.

==Thursday==
OOC Social - meet and greet and general chat (in the Senate building): 8pm onwards

This is an informal session where members of the Player Support Team are in the Senate to chat about the game with anyone new or newish who would like to chat. It’s a good opportunity to meet other new players and ask questions.

==Friday==

* '''Midday – Hall of Worlds – LGBTQ+ New Players Meeting Brief'''
** '''12:00pm – 12:30pm''' – New players only, discussion and questions on roleplaying in a world that is blind to gender identity and sexuality. Examples of representation.
** '''12:30pm – 13:30pm''' – Wider invite to PD’s LGBTQ+ community. A place to meet others in the community, celebrate highlights from previous years and find a support network. Please bring along any snacks and refreshments to give a bit of a social ‘fuddle’ atmosphere. A good place for people to show off their pronoun badges!

* '''Midday – Hub – New Player Meeting''' – This is a talk with some opportunity for questions after as time allows touching on many aspects of the game including and not limited to the Agencies of State and how to interact with them, NPCs and what are they for, looking after yourself, what to do if things go wrong, weapons checking and anything else we can think of and fit in or people ask about!

* '''1pm – Skirmish Field – Combat Brief''' – This session introduce the basics of LARP combat and combat at Empire. These sessions will include a brief rundown of the combat rules, how battles work, safety in combat, cinematic roleplay in combat, and some pointers on how to fight safely and enjoyably.
* '''1pm – Military Council Tent – Public Speaking Class''' – this is a session providing useful advice and tips on improving your confidence and skill speaking to groups and crowds of people.

* '''1:30pm – Hall of Worlds – PoC Player Meeting''' – An open, welcoming place for PoC players new and old to make friends, talk about experiences on and off the field, and find a sense of community with others who may share in the same culture. A social event with opportunity for discussion, questions and player advice and support.

* '''2pm – Hub – New Player Meeting''' – This is a talk with some opportunity for questions after as time allows touching on many aspects of the game including and not limited to the Agencies of State and how to interact with them, NPCs and what are they for, looking after yourself, what to do if things go wrong, weapons checking and anything else we can think of and fit in or people ask about!

* '''3pm – Hall of Worlds – Introduction to the Synod''' – This session will be talk (with Q&A) explaining synod works, legal powers of priests, how to vote and raise judgements, inquisitions and the priest skills.
* '''3pm – Skirmish Field – Archery brief''' – This session will cover the basics of shooting a LARP bow, how to pick your target, shooting into melee, how to check an arrow, and what is acceptable use on the battlefield. Again, this is aimed at new players, those taking Marksman as a skill, and those who may fancy a refresh. It will also give you the chance to ask questions of players who use a bow regularly.
* '''3pm – Skirmish Field – Combat Brief''' – This session introduce the basics of LARP combat and combat at Empire. These sessions will include a brief rundown of the combat rules, how battles work, safety in combat, cinematic roleplay in combat, and some pointers on how to fight safely and enjoyably.
*'''3pm – Senate Building – How to work game levers''' – This session introduces the basics of LARP politics at Empire, explaining how to make change in the world, how the powers of the Great Houses of State can help, how to advocate for your plans.

* '''4pm – Hall of Worlds – Introduction to Apothecary''' – During this session, you can learn about, Common Imperial Herbs - Effects, Rules, Phys-Reps, Potions & Poisons - Effects, Rules & Phys-Reps, Brewing & Identifying Potions & Poisons, Apothecary Skill, Chirurgeon Skill, Physick Skill Appropriate Roleplaying Plus brief primers on Imperial lore & censure, uncommon herbs & mysterious potions!
* ''' 4pm – Skirmish Field – New Player Skirmish''' – This is an opportunity to try out your weapons and costume in a series of small skirmishes run by a number of crew and players in a controlled environment. It’s an opportunity to try the rules in action, learn what suits you, hit and get hit to judge your levels of comfort in a space where you’re character isn’t at risk and with the intention of helping you learn in a low pressure situation!

* ''' 5pm – Hub – New Player Meeting''' – This is a talk with some opportunity for questions after as time allows touching on many aspects of the game including and not limited to the Agencies of State and how to interact with them, NPCs and what are they for, looking after yourself, what to do if things go wrong, weapons checking and anything else we can think of and fit in or people ask about!
* ''' 5pm – Hall of Worlds – Introduction to Magic''' – this is a session to talk about combat magic, ritual magic and the Conclave.

* ''' 6pm – Time in!'''

New player schedule

2025-09-10T17:27:07Z

Gamma3000: /* Friday */ Clarify LGBTQ+ meeting times

{{CaptionedImage|file=D-72.jpg|align=right|width=450}}
==Overview==
At event we run a series of sessions designed to provide support for players new to the game or new to different areas of the game or after a refresher on an area. All of these sessions with two exceptions are open to all players who wish to attend. The New Player Meeting in the Hub and the New Player Skirmish on the Skirmish Field are available only to players at their first or second games.

These sessions are run by members of crew or volunteers from the player base who have experience in the area of the game.

Because of the number of different sessions available and time available some of the sessions clash with their timings, You are welcome to attend sessions at different events as you choose.

==Thursday==
OOC Social - meet and greet and general chat (in the Senate building): 8pm onwards

This is an informal session where members of the Player Support Team are in the Senate to chat about the game with anyone new or newish who would like to chat. It’s a good opportunity to meet other new players and ask questions.

==Friday==

* '''Midday – Hall of Worlds – LGBTQ+ New Players Meeting Brief'''
** '''12:00 – 12:30''' New players only, discussion and questions on roleplaying in a world that is blind to gender identity and sexuality. Examples of representation.
** '''12:30 – 13:30''' – Wider invite to PD’s LGBTQ+ community. A place to meet others in the community, celebrate highlights from previous years and find a support network. Please bring along any snacks and refreshments to give a bit of a social ‘fuddle’ atmosphere. A good place for people to show off their pronoun badges!

* '''Midday – Hub – New Player Meeting''' – This is a talk with some opportunity for questions after as time allows touching on many aspects of the game including and not limited to the Agencies of State and how to interact with them, NPCs and what are they for, looking after yourself, what to do if things go wrong, weapons checking and anything else we can think of and fit in or people ask about!

* '''1pm – Skirmish Field - Combat Brief''' – This session introduce the basics of LARP combat and combat at Empire. These sessions will include a brief rundown of the combat rules, how battles work, safety in combat, cinematic roleplay in combat, and some pointers on how to fight safely and enjoyably.
* '''1pm - Military Council Tent - Public Speaking Class''' - this is a session providing useful advice and tips on improving your confidence and skill speaking to groups and crowds of people.

* '''1:30pm - Hall of Worlds - PoC Player Meeting''' - An open, welcoming place for PoC players new and old to make friends, talk about experiences on and off the field, and find a sense of community with others who may share in the same culture. A social event with opportunity for discussion, questions and player advice and support.

* '''2pm – Hub – New Player Meeting''' - This is a talk with some opportunity for questions after as time allows touching on many aspects of the game including and not limited to the Agencies of State and how to interact with them, NPCs and what are they for, looking after yourself, what to do if things go wrong, weapons checking and anything else we can think of and fit in or people ask about!

* '''3pm – Hall of Worlds – Introduction to the Synod''' – This session will be talk (with Q&A) explaining synod works, legal powers of priests, how to vote and raise judgements, inquisitions and the priest skills.
* '''3pm - Skirmish Field - Archery brief''' – This session will cover the basics of shooting a LARP bow, how to pick your target, shooting into melee, how to check an arrow, and what is acceptable use on the battlefield. Again, this is aimed at new players, those taking Marksman as a skill, and those who may fancy a refresh. It will also give you the chance to ask questions of players who use a bow regularly.
* '''3pm – Skirmish Field – Combat Brief''' - This session introduce the basics of LARP combat and combat at Empire. These sessions will include a brief rundown of the combat rules, how battles work, safety in combat, cinematic roleplay in combat, and some pointers on how to fight safely and enjoyably.
*'''3pm – Senate Building – How to work game levers''' - This session introduces the basics of LARP politics at Empire, explaining how to make change in the world, how the powers of the Great Houses of State can help, how to advocate for your plans.

* '''4pm – Hall of Worlds – Introduction to Apothecary''' - During this session, you can learn about, Common Imperial Herbs - Effects, Rules, Phys-Reps, Potions & Poisons - Effects, Rules & Phys-Reps, Brewing & Identifying Potions & Poisons, Apothecary Skill, Chirurgeon Skill, Physick Skill Appropriate Roleplaying Plus brief primers on Imperial lore & censure, uncommon herbs & mysterious potions!
* ''' 4pm – Skirmish Field – New Player Skirmish''' – This is an opportunity to try out your weapons and costume in a series of small skirmishes run by a number of crew and players in a controlled environment. It’s an opportunity to try the rules in action, learn what suits you, hit and get hit to judge your levels of comfort in a space where you’re character isn’t at risk and with the intention of helping you learn in a low pressure situation!

* ''' 5pm – Hub – New Player Meeting''' - This is a talk with some opportunity for questions after as time allows touching on many aspects of the game including and not limited to the Agencies of State and how to interact with them, NPCs and what are they for, looking after yourself, what to do if things go wrong, weapons checking and anything else we can think of and fit in or people ask about!
* ''' 5pm – Hall of Worlds – Introduction to Magic''' - this is a session to talk about combat magic, ritual magic and the Conclave.

* ''' 6pm - Time in!'''

Wiki Updates

2025-09-06T12:55:05Z

Gamma3000: /* Walls of Holberg */ tyop

[[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 it may be 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 [[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.

==Sodality Limitations==
* '''05/09/2025'''
We have changed the [[Imperial_sodality#Limitations|limitations on titles appointed by Imperial sodalities]]. If they elect a national position it must be revocable by the relevant national assembly.

==Walls of Holberg==
* '''23/08/2025'''
We've fixed an error in the database for the location of the Walls of Holberg. The city of Holberg is in the region of Holfried - which is where the walls are canonically - not neighbouring Holmauer (which was once walled, but the walls were long since destroyed by the Druj).

==Detect Magic==
* '''07/08/2025'''
We've changed the Discern Arcane Mark effect of [[detect magic]] to instead be [[Detect_magic#Discern_Mark|Discern Mark]]. We have made clear that it also functions to identify when the casting magician shares a [[Mark of Fellowship]] with the target.
==Rewarding==
* '''20/07/2025'''
We've made some updates to the [[judgement]] of [[Rewarding]]. It explains how the virtue fund relates to wains of mithril, weirwood, and white granite and discusses more ways the judgement can be used.
==Rule of Risk and Reward==
* '''16/07/2025'''
As referenced in the '''[[Beat of your drum#Lyceum|Beat of your drum]]''' wind of fortune, researchers at the Lyceum have discovered a way to add additional targets to this ritual.
==Sum of the Parts==
* '''16/07/2025'''
As referenced in the '''[[Beat of your drum#Lyceum|Beat of your drum]]''' wind of fortune, it is not necessary when casting [[Sum of the Parts]] for the three additional participants to take damage. Supporting the target with words of encouragement or similar roleplaying is sufficient to power the ritual effect.
==Sun Chamber==
* '''14/07/2025'''
We have added a new sodality - the [[Sun Chamber]] to the game. This is a powerful [[Imperial sodality]] whose membership is restricted to citizens aged 14-18. The aim is to directly address the fact that Empire can be a very inaccessible game for players before they turn twenty. The new sodality exists to help members gain positions of power and influence in the Empire and encourage members to approach existing problems in new ways.

==Secrets of the Empty Heart==
* '''25/06/2025'''
We've updated the ritual [[Secrets of the Empty Heart]] to make it explicit that you can use the special ability granted by the [[enchantment]] even if you are under the effect of [[Calls#WEAKNESS|weakness]], [[Combat#Dying|dying]], or [[Combat#Terminal|terminal]]. This is a special case where an active ability can be used when in a state where it would normally not be possible.
==Navarr Wayhouse==
* '''21/06/2025'''
We have created a new page that contains all the rules for a [[Navarr wayhouse]] [[commission]]. Most of the details are based on the information we provided in the original wind of fortune, but where we have made some changes, these new rules will not affect any motions passed at the Spring Equinox or earlier. The [[387YE_Spring_Equinox_Senate_sessions#Construct_Wayhouse_in_Ossium|wayhouse in Ossium]] is fine to be built with [[mithril]] and produce [[Game_items#Mana_Crystals|mana crystals]]. Any new wayhouses will all have to follow the new rules and can only be built using a Senate motion or an Imperial title with the power to commission a wayhouse.

We've stubbed the new page for the next few days, while we finalise any changes for new wayhouses. We'll remove the stub once that process is complete.

==Historical Researchers==
* '''09/06/2025'''
We've added an [[Historical_research#Ser_Eddard_d'Argenteux|additional researcher]] to the list of senior historical researchers. This is to cover historical research into topics for which research into songs, stories, legends, and myth might be the most appropriate avenue of inquiry.

==Colleges and Runeforges==
* '''4/06/2025'''
We've updated the upkeep for a [[college of magic]] and for a [[runeforge]], and introduced a new rule on the maximum number of such facilities that the Empire can support. The old rules for upkeep were somewhat incomprehensible, the new rules are much easier to understand and make it much easier for us to run plot around these important commissions. There is more detail on the update on the [[Rules_update_2025#Colleges_and_Runeforges|rules update wiki page]] explaining the changes, the impacts and the reasoning for them.

==Senate==
* '''2/06/2025'''
We've updated several pages on the running of Senate. We've extended the description of [[Senate_session#Expert_Witness|expert witnesses]] to match how it is working in practice and included a copy of the Civil Service's guidance for expert witnesses. As part of this, there is a new rule that senators [[Senator#Limitations|can't act as expert witnesses]] themselves.

We also updated the page on [[Senate_session#Sunday_session |Senate sessions]], introducing stricter plans on Sunday to help the session finish promptly.

==Ritual Theory==
* '''29/05/2025'''
We've updated the [[ritual theory]] page. It was already huge, so we've split some of the content up into logical chunks on new pages, creating a page for the [[limits of magic]] as well as one on the [[laws of magic]]. We've significantly overhauled the content on [[eternals and rituals]] and created a new page for that also - there is a lot of additional information there now for players whose characters are involved with ritual magic.

We've also added a page on [[war magic]] which discusses the possibilities and potential of using the realms to enchant armies, military units and fleets. This page reflects the changes we've made earlier this year, but brings a lot of the key information together, so that it is one place.

==Herbal==
* '''16/05/2025'''
We've added the details for a [[Potion#Herbal|herbal]]; something similar to a [[Magic_items#Schema|schema]], but for one or more potions. The entry shows how they are made, how they can be added to Imperial lore, and how they can be destroyed.

==Towerjacks==
* '''14/05/2025'''
We've edited the ''dig in'' order of the [[Army qualities#Engineer|engineer]] quality to exclude the mustering of [[Imperial army|armies]] and [[Imperial navy|navies]] from their ability to speed up a [[commission]].

==New Characters and Conquered Territories==
* '''14/05/2025'''
We've updated the system so that it is no longer possible for players to create new characters in territories that have been completely conquered - that is, territories which are receiving the [[Resource#Conquered_Territories|conquered territory]] penalty. This is partly done to ensure new players unfamiliar with the state of the campaign do not make the mistake of starting in a territory where they will face significant additional challenges.

==Citadels==
* '''13/05/2025'''
We've added a page for [[citadel|citadels]], the new commission type from the '''[[The_war_of_thorns_and_flowers#All_Along_the_Watchtower|The war of thorns and flowers]]''' wind of fortune

==Vines and Symbols==
* '''03/05/2025'''
We've added a note to the [[Vine#Costume|costume]] section of the Vine page to make clear that it is not appropriate to use a square red diamond on its own as part of costume, to avoid accidentally breaching the Geneva Convention by using a symbol of the [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/International_Red_Cross_and_Red_Crescent_Movement International Red Cross and Red Crescent Movement].

==Arcane Projections==
* '''03/05/2025'''
We've made a change to the [[Arcane_projection#Preparing_an_Arcane_Projection|deadline for submission]] of [[arcane projection|arcane projections]]. Rather than the late booking deadline, the deadline for the Spring Equinox will be the early booking deadline, and after that the deadline will permanently shift to the close of downtime. You can read more about it in the [[387YE_Spring_Equinox_interlude#Arcane_Projections|Spring Equinox interlude]].

==Colleges and Runeforges==
* '''03/05/2025'''
We've changed the email address for players who run a [[college of magic]] or [[runeforge]] to send their submissions to. Rather than rules, they should now be sent to {{plot}}. The deadline for submissions (the end of downtime) remains unchanged.

==Glossary==
* '''11/04/2025'''
We have added a [[glossary]] page to the wiki with some more information on common terms used in Empire and LRP as a whole. We expect this to be updated on a semi-regular basis as more terms come to light. Any queries or suggestions can be sent to [mailto:wiki@profounddecisions.co.uk wiki@profounddecisions.co.uk].

==Dreamcatchers==
* '''07/04/2025'''
[https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Dreamcatcher Dreamcatchers] will be inappropriate for use in [[costume]] at Empire from event three this year onwards. We want to avoid using items that are culturally sacred in real life because it is more difficult to ignore their real world significance and we don't want to disrespect people's beliefs. We've managed to speak to some of the players affected already, and everyone has responded very positively, but we realise we haven't been able to speak to everyone about this change - hence the reason for two events' grace to allow players to make any changes needed to their costume.

==League Look and Feel==
* '''07/04/2025'''
We have rewritten [[the League look and feel]] to move beyond from the more restrictive costume options presented by the original brief. We do want the League to have a really clear visual look that defines the nation, but we want to ensure that it includes garments that everyone can feel confident wearing.

==Combat==
* '''07/04/2025'''
We have update the combat rules for Empire to say that head hits will not be allowed at any events in 2025. We are trialling the new rules, so please see the [[Rules_update_2025#Combat|rules update page]] for more details.

==Alignment==
* '''28/03/2025'''
We've added a fourth option to the [[declaration]] of [[alignment]], that of [[alignment#Acceptance|Acceptance]], as a result of opportunities created by plot over the last year or so. This allows the Conclave to accept or refuse an offer from an eternal, in a manner that the Archmage of the appropriate realm can also use.

==Army Enchantments==
* '''25/03/2025'''
We've made several changes to rituals that [[enchantment|enchant]] an [[Imperial army]]. Almost every army enchantment ritual has changed in some fashion. It is no longer possible to change the [[Army qualities|quality]] of an army with magic, and the resonant effects for each realm have been much more clearly defined. You can find out more about these changes in the accompanying [[rules update]].
* [[Swords in the Noonday Sun]] ([[Urizen lore]]; Summer 80): now fills soldiers with supernatural prowess, increasing the strength of an army by the equivalent of 1000 extra warriors. It's also gained an option for additional targets. The roleplaying associated with it has also changed, meaning it is no longer considered a ritual that uses savagery to create its effect.
* [[Find the Best Path]] (Autumn 80): Now grants a campaign army the ability to move through an additional territory, rather than granting the [[Army qualities#Fast|fast]] quality. The magnitude has been lowered to 80, and an option to include additional targets has been added.
* [[Quickening Cold Meat]] (Winter 120): We've reduced the magnitude of the ritual and been significantly clearer about the unpredictable dangers associated with the ritual.
* [[Machines of Destruction]] (Autumn 135): No longer offered by [[Estavus]] and removed from the [[Mystic scrolls of Estavus]] page.
* [[Loosen the Shackles]] ([[Urizen lore]]) Winter 120): now gives an enchanted army the equivalent of 4,000 extra soldiers but only for purposes of inflicting casualties on an enemy. The magnitude has increased to 120. It still draws on the forbidden power of [[Agramant]].
* [[Why Sulemaine Walked Away From The Baker]] (Winter 80): The effects of the ritual have been increased. In addition to making the army more resistant to effects related to poison and venom, it also reduces damage suffered from other means.
* [[Bound by Common Cause]] (Autumn 80): has had its effect completely redesigned and now reduces the upkeep of an army while providing potential narrative bonuses.
* [[Fire on the Water]] and [[Eyes of the Hills]] cannot currently be cast; we are still deciding how to deal with them.

The change has also affected some non-enchantment rituals.
* [[Eyes of the Sun and Moon]] (Day 14): now provides information about enchantments on armies and fortifications in the territory scried.
* [[Eye of the High Places]] (Day 14): now provides information about large-scale effects on a territory.
* [[Dreams in the Witch House]] (Night 14): has been reworked to make it better reflect the way the ritual had evolved in play and to widen the kind of information it provides. The magnitude has increased to 14, bringing it into line with similar divinations.

==Fleet Enchantments==
* '''24/03/2025'''
In conjunction with our [[#Military Unit Enchantments|changes to military units]], we've also updated the way a [[fleet]] acts in [[downtime]]. As with military units, we've streamlined the actions that can be taken by a fleet captain, and how they interact with [[enchantment]] rituals. We've introduced several new actions that any fleet captain can take, and defined others more closely. These changes will take effect in the downtime following the Winter Solstice.

The main change to rituals has been to better define which action each ritual supports. One of our goals has been to ensure that each ritual affects only one kind of action, and where possible to strengthen the themes of the individual realms as part of a wider update. The magnitudes of rituals have not changed, nor has the amount of benefit they provide; we've just defined what action that benefit applies to more clearly.

Rituals affected include [[Blood and Salt]] (supports raiding), [[Winds of Fortune]] (supports trading), [[The Lure of Distant Shores]] (supports trading), [[Sular's Promise]] (supports trading), [[Golden Voyage]] (supports questing), [[Muffled Oar]] (supports scouting), and [[Piranhas Devour the Kraken]] (supports campaigning). The ritual ''Shroud of Rolling Fog'', which is not in Imperial lore, has likewise been adjusted to support a single category of fleet action.

We've also added a new ritual to Imperial Lore: [[Wolves of the Hungry Sea]] (Winter 12) that is used to support guarding actions.

As always, if your character has mastered a ritual that has changed you can email [mailto:admin@profounddecisions.co.uk admin@profounddecisions.co.uk] and we'll free up the mastered ritual slot for you.

==Imperial Sodalities==
* '''18/03/2025'''
We've made several significant changes to the procedures and benefits of creating an [[Imperial sodality]]. Key among them is the idea that a truly Imperial sodality is capable of wielding legal powers and appointing titles; that anyone can become a voting member of an Imperial sodality simply by receiving a ritual mark; that one can only be a voting member of a single Imperial sodality; and that their creation and upkeep are now much more clearly defined. This has also involved an addition to the powers of [[The Throne#The Great Councils|the Throne]], [[Powers of the Imperial Senate#Imperial Sodalities|Powers of the Imperial Senate]], and [[New_Imperial_titles#Well_Worn_Paths|New Imperial titles]]. There's also a new ritual in Imperial Lore - [[Mark of Fellowship]] - that supports membership of an Imperial Sodality.

We've also written a [[Rules update 2025#Imperial Sodalities|Rules Update]] discussing the changes.

==Runa's Gift==
* '''14/03/2025'''
We have added a page for [[Runa's Gift]] to the wiki and the recipe list is now available for [[Surgical_skills#Apothecary|apothecaries]] to learn. These potions come as a result of the [[Yerende]] joining the [[Imperial Orcs]] and use [[realmsroot]]. Anyone who has the necessary ingredients in their inventory and has learned the recipe list can email [mailto:plot@profounddecisions.co.uk plot@profounddecisions.co.uk] before the '''1<sup>st</sup> of April''' to mix potions from this recipe list before the event.

==Military Unit Enchantments==
* '''14/03/2025 '''
We've overhauled the way [[military unit|military units]] act in [[downtime]]. The focus has been on streamlining the actions that can be taken by a player with that resource, and how they interact with [[enchantment]] rituals. We've introduced several new actions that any military unit can take (such as mercenary work or seeking glory) as well as a small number of adventures available to specific nations or archetypes. These changes will take effect in the downtime following the Winter Solstice.

The main change to rituals has been to better define which action each ritual supports, and to remove rituals that supported multiple actions. Some magnitudes have shifted up or down as well. One of our goals has been to ensure that each ritual affects only one kind of action, and where possible to strengthen the themes of the individual realms as part of a wider update.

Rituals affected include [[Merciless Wrath of the Reaver]] (supports raiding), [[Raise the Standard of War]] (supports campaigning), [[Clarion Call of Ivory and Dust]] (supports campaigning and has also gained an [[#Assurances|assurance]]), [[Shroud of Mist and Shadow]] (supports raiding, magnitude lowered), [[Clad in Golden Raiment]] (supports campaigning and the magnitude has increased to 6), [[Sharp Eyes of the Corsair]] (supports scouting), [[Lions of Phoenix Reach]] (supports campaigning), [[Carve the Crystal Guardian]] (supports campaigning), and [[Conclave of Trees and Shadow]] (supports scouting).

As well as rituals in Imperial Lore, there have also been changes to these [[Urizen lore]] rituals: [[Aspect of the Mountain]], [[Peregrine and Ichimos]], and [[Raise the Dragonsworn Cohort]] (all now explicitly support the guarding action), [[Unleash the Beasts Within]] (the magnitude has increased to 16, and the enchantment now supports the campaigning action).

These changes have also affected a few rituals that are not in either Imperial lore or Urizen lore. Specifically, [[Accoutrements of War]] (supports campaigning, no longer provides green iron), and ''Weaver at the Web'' (supports scouting actions).

We've also introduced a new ritual, [[Feast of Heroes]], a [[Summer magic]] enchantment that supports military units taking a [[Military unit#Questing|questing]] action.

As always, if your character has mastered a ritual that has changed you can email [mailto:admin@profounddecisions.co.uk admin@profounddecisions.co.uk] and we'll free up the mastered ritual slot for you.

==Assurances==
* '''13/03/2025'''
* '''Updated 26/03/2025'''
We have added [[Ritual_theory#Agreement|assurances]] and [[eternal|eternals]] to the pages of a number of rituals. This is a result of the [[Unfettered Mind]] having been instructed to [[385YE_Summer_Solstice_Conclave_sessions#Concord_:_Study_Rituals|investigate]] the ritual [[Dripping Echoes of the Fen]] by the Imperial Conclave, and the continuation of the order's efforts. Any member of the order can roleplay that they were part of this research; appropriate stories might involve tracking across the Empire, careful discussion with scholars, or negotiations with isolated covens for snippets of information.
{{div col|colwidth=30em}}
*[[Balanced Scales of Lann]]
*[[Carve the Crystal Guardian]]
*[[Challenge the Iron Duke]]
*[[Clarion Call of Ivory and Dust]]
*[[Conclave of Trees and Shadow‎‎]]
*[[Crystaline Focus of Aesh]]
*[[Dripping Echoes of the Fen]]
*[[Ephisis' Scale]]
*[[Fire in the Blood]]
*[[Forge the Wooden Fastness]]
*[[Frozen Citadel of Cathan Canae]]
*[[Gift of Knowledge]]
*[[Kimus' Glaring Eye]]
*[[Lions of Phoenix Reach]]
*[[Prowess of the Golden Magician]]
*[[Pallid Flesh of the Dead King]]
*[[Quickening Cold Meat]]
*[[Sift the Dreamscape's Sands]]
*[[Sorin's Chastising Touch]]
*[[Sorin's Rite of Agony]]
*[[Swim Leviathan's Depth]]
*[[The Basalt Citadel]]
*[[Tribute to the Thrice-Cursed Court]]
*[[Whispering Shadow Courtiers]]</div>

==Realms and their Inhabitants==
* '''25/01/2025'''
We've done an overhaul of the [[realm]] and [[eternal]] pages adding examples and further details about each of the realms and the powers and restrictions of eternals. We have also added the [[Inhabitants of the realms]] page which goes into detail about the various creatures that live in each of the realms.

==Links on the Tactical Map==
* '''29/12/2024'''
We've added links to each territory - and some important areas like the Semmerlak or the Bay of Catazar - to the [[Map - Coloured Territories|coloured territories]] map page. It is now possible to click on an area of the map to be taken to the specific territory's page.

==Names of the Chain==
* '''05/12/2024'''
We've swapped the names of star #1 and star #5 on [[the Chain]]. The writer had confused his left and right and got the anchor at the wrong end of the constellation.

==Arcane Gambit and Ilium==
* '''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.

==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]].

==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.

==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.

==Proxies and Resigning==
* '''22/08/2024'''
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.

==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 network|spy networks]] would need to be constructed and [[Military_unit#Scout_an_Area|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 [[fleet|fleets]] can only be built in a region with the coastal [[Region qualities|quality]].

==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.

==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 [[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.

==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 [[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.

==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 [[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.

==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 [mailto:plot@profounddecisions.co.uk 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 [[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.

==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_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.

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 :
* [[Hold Back Frozen Hunger]]
* [[Retreat to the White Caves]]
* [[There Is No Welcome Here]]
* [[Wardens of the Black Waste]]

==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.

As part of the change we've made a number of updates to several League pages:
* [[The League|Introduction]]
* [[The League people|The people]]
* [[The League culture and customs|Culture and customs]]
* [[The League look and feel|Look and feel]]
* [[The League history|History]]
* [[The League religious beliefs|Religious beliefs]]
* [[The League magical traditions|Magical traditions]]

==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 [[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.

==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 [[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.
==Tisanes of the Labyrinth==
* '''17/02/2024'''
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.

==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 [[Aspect_magic#Beast_Magic|beast magic]] rather than ''spirit animals''.

==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.

==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.

==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 [[Veto#Timing|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 [[: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>

''Mithril Shirt'' is now [[Bloodamber Hauberk]]<br>
''Tombsteel Guardian'' is now [[Tombshroud Guardian]]<br>
''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]]

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 [[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.

==Runesmith's Law==
* '''3/1/2023'''
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.

==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.

==Spiral Strategy==
* '''24/07/2023'''
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.

==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 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.

==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 [[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.

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 [[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.

==Haunted Quality==
* '''03/06/2023'''
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.

==Farm Diversification==
* '''31/05/2023'''
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 affect 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]].

==Throne Election==
* '''05/05/2023'''
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==
* '''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.

==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 [[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.

==Endorsement==
* '''08/04/2023'''
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.

==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 2023#Divination Ritual Updates|Rules update]] page.
==Shuttle Service==
* '''06/04/2023'''
We have taken the decision not to charge for the [[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.

==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 [[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]].

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 [[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]].

==Venom==
* '''31/03/2023'''
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.

==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 [[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]].

==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#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, Military 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.

==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 [[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.

==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 [[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..

==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 [[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.

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]].

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.

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 [[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.

==Parliament of Owls==
* '''04/09/2022'''
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.

==Briar Bark==
* '''04/09/2022'''
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 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.

==Concedendce==
* '''29/7/2022'''
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.

==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 [[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.

==Abrogation==
* '''13/07/2022'''
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.

==Preaching and Virtue==
* '''13/07/2022'''
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.
==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 [[Costume|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 [[Naga#Scaled_Skin|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 [[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.

==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.

==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.


==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_2021#Conduct_Overhaul|rules update 2022]] page.

==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.

==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]].

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 [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.

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 [[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.

==Battle Safety==
* '''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]].

==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]].

==Finalised 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.

==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.

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 [[Merrow#Blue-green Hair|blue-green hair]] from being a minor trapping to being an "[[Merrow#Other_trappings|other trapping]]".

==Distil the Serpent's Stone==
* '''21/04/2021'''
We've corrected the magnitude on the [[Distil 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 [[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]]

==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_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.

==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 [[the Brass Coast|Freeborn]] scholar Bakar i Erigo (Tomas Marchington).

Sound and vision

2025-07-24T21:36:01Z

Gamma3000: /* Shadow Empire (Casinea) */ Correct RAT misnaming

[[Category:Winds of Fortune]][[Category:387YE Summer]][[Category:Recent History]][[Category:Winds of Magic]]
<ic>"When Holberg and Reikos were held by our Foes, T’was Gabriel Barossa that freed ‘em, Through their army was huge, he baited the Druj, And used their own tactics to bleed ‘em!"

Jonty slammed his tankard down on the table and groaned. "Not that fucking song again. Doesn't that troubadour know anything else?"

"What ya complaining about?" argued Dina. "It's catchy - and at least this Barossa fella's still alive. It's this or that one about the doomed lover who throws themselves in the Barren Sea five hundred years ago. This is topical. And it's about beating up the Druj. Oh, Ho! Gabriel Barossa!" the last part was shouted, as was now traditional, along with half the tavern.

"It's trite is what it is. It doesn't scan properly. It's doggerel."

"Oh right, yeah... This from the man whose only contribution to art is finger painting crude drawings on latrine walls. Going to give up woodcutting and become a troubadour are we?" Dina grinned at her drinking partner enjoying his foul mood.

"Oh, Ho! Gabriel Barossa!" shouted the crowd.

Jonty just scowled and mumbled to himself "Death by the Druj would be better than this... If I ever see this Barossa fella, I'll give him what-for..."
</ic>
<div style="float:left; width: 400px; clear: right;">{{CaptionedImage|file=Sound and vision.jpg|align=left|width=400}}</div>
==Overview==
There is magic across the Empire. In the weavings of the cabalists. In the lore of the weavers. In the craft of the witches, and the arts of artisans. There is also magic in the world itself, serendipity and spirits, constellations and confluences, in the sky and in the salt. Some magic ripples out from the workings of orcs and humans, some rains from the heavens, some rises from the earth and stone.

This season events that relate specifically to the [[eternal|eternals]] is discussed in more detail in '''[[The prettiest star]]''' wind of fortune.
==Silver Earworms==
* '''Heralds of Jaheris have been paying bards, scops, stenza, sutanir, mountebanks, troubadours, and mummers to perform 'Grinning General Gabriel' across the Empire'''
For reasons known only to the ''[[Jaheris|Unicorn Prince]]'', the Lord of the Forest of Arden has taken it up themselves to promote a new poem extolling the apparently limitless Virtues of the General '''Gabriel Barossa'''. They are apparently determined to ensure that this piece is heard as far and wide as possible, possibly because they want to let everyone know how much they like the general or maybe just because they want his name to life in infamy, it's hard to be sure.

Bards and anyone who might be a regular performer is being asked to consider reciting the poem at any opportunity. [[Scop|scops]], [[stzena]], [[sutannir]], [[mountebank|mountebanks]], [[troubadour|troubadours]] and even [[mummer|mummers]] have been offered a few rings if they will add the piece to their repertoire and given free rein to change the words, set it to music or include it in a play. Provided it is performed far and wide, the servants of the ''Moonsilver Prince'' are content.
====Participation: Performers====
<div style="max-width: 400px; width: 50%; float: right;>
<box>
====Grinning General Gabriel====
<div class="mw-collapsible mw-collapsed">
<pre>
Gabriel Barossa has fashionable clothes,
Two blue eyes that are always a-smoulder,
And a fantastic hat,
but despite all of that,
I assure you he’s really a soldier.

When Holberg and Reikos were held by our Foes,
T’was Gabriel Barossa that freed ‘em,
Through their army was huge,
he baited the Druj,
And used their own tactics to bleed ‘em!

Oh, Ho! Gabriel Barossa,
Jaheris’s contest he swiftly did win,
Beat a Jotun Warlord without touching a sword,
All while wearing a shit-eating grin.

Zakalwe sponsors his tactical college,
Gabriel’s military thinking’s so stellar,
And for various crimes,
he’s been cursed twenty times,
So you know he’s a popular feller.

The Whispering Gallery hated his knowledge,
They sent five Assassins most able.
At his own wedding ball,
Gabriel best them all,
(With the help of a small picnic table.)

Oh, Ho! Gabriel Barossa,
Jaheris says he is the best of the lot,
And considering the rest
that have claimed to be best,
Who are we then to say he is not?

As a dancer he’s graceful, his feet are so swift,
The Grendel did not stand a chance,
A three minute defeat,
while they clapped to the beat,
When he led his League troupes out to Dance

Now he and his wife have a contest of gifts,
A rivalry constant and heated.
So nobody can
(but his dear Viviane),
Say they’ve ever had Gabriel defeated!

Oh, Ho! Gabriel Barossa,
Jaheris says he is the best in the show,
Truly out at the Fore,
both in Love and in War…
Who are we then to say it ain’t so!
</pre>
</div>
</box>
</div>

Anyone who plays a character who regularly performs in anyway will have been approached by servants of the ''Moonsilver Prince'' and asked to perform the poem. If you would have taken the Prince's ring, you can let the crew in GOD know and exchange the eighteen rings income for a crown when you collect your pack '''by visiting the lost property desk before you leave GOD'''. You will have been encouraged to perform the poem far and wide and given license to adapt it however you wished. The words of the poem are shown right.

If you perform the poem at Anvil during the summit in front of a substantial audience of a dozen or more people, you will receive a boon from Jaheris. You will experience a '''roleplaying effect'''. ''You feel joy in the power of poetry and music to entertain, bedevil and cause trouble. You feel an urge to perform disconcerting pieces at any opportunity.''

In addition, you have one additional hero point for the duration of the event. You can only increase your maximum number of hero points by one in this manner, but if you have expended this hero point then it is regained whenever you perform the poem in front of a substantial audience in Anvil.
<div style="float:right; width: 500px; clear: left;">{{CaptionedImage|file=Icebarn.png|align=left|caption=The great icy creatures known as artoks emerge from the endless storm to tread fixed paths across Wintermark before they head back into the ice.|width=500}}</div>
==Anchoring an Artok==
* '''Mystics of Wintermark have heeded the call of the Conclave to find a way to bind ''Little Icebarn'''''
* '''Control over the artok can be extended at the cost of increasing amounts of mana crystals'''
Last season, [[Mystic|Mystics]] from the [[Raven Seer|Aviary of Ishal]] discovered [[Stars_and_sigils#Ravens_and_Giants|previously unknown writings]] regarding the binding of [[Wintermark_magical_traditions#Artok|Artok]]. An opportunity to discover the methods was presented to the Raven Seer, but the decision was made to instead seek the truth behind the animal attacks across Sermersuaq and the north-western Empire. A mystery half-solved? Not if the Empire has anything to do with it. The [[Grandmaster]] of the [[Silver Chalice]] issued a declaration to Conclave calling for interested parties to [[387YE_Spring_Equinox_Conclave_sessions#Concord:_Storm's_Folly_and_Artok|research the writings of Storm's Folly]]. A lateral move, but one that many Mystics speak of approvingly. There are often many routes to the same destination, and the magicians of Anvil have identified one.

It is not a flood of scholars who arrive at the isolated Hall in [[Sermersuaq#Suaq_Fount|Suaq Fount]]. More like a trickle, a thin rivulet of curious people, all Winterfolk. This is not the might of a directed order, but a few interested parties. The people of the Empire know very well the power of a small but determined band of experts with time on their hands. And sure enough, just before the Summer Solstice, the researchers present their findings. They have no formal presentation, no context, no historical research. They have gone through the ancient writings and identified only those parts that related to their goal, ignoring everything else. The story of Storm's Folly and their place in the wider history of the artoks will be for others to research, should they be of a mind. But their methods? Those are now in the Empire's hands.

Artoks are strange and unpredictable beings, guided by some mysterious force that the Empire does not know. The same methods will not work on all of them, and worse they become more difficult over time, as the artok's urge to resume its original path grows stronger. But ''Little Icebarn'', it seems, is susceptible to this control. The researchers are confident that they could use twenty mana crystals to bind the artok to work at the [[Pride of Ikka's Tears]] for another year. This is not even a one-off thing - the process could be repeated, albeit at greater cost. To bind Little Icebarn for a second year would cost 40 mana crystals, then 80 for a third year, 160 for a fourth, and so on. The required quantity would double every time so Little Icebarn could never be bound forever, but the only limits are the mana crystals available.

All it would take is for the Custodian of the Pride of Ikka's Tears, currently '''Æðelric Dagursson''', to acquire the mana crystals and have them delivered to the mine for use ('''OOC Note:''' The Custodian of the Pride of Ikka's Tears should hand-in mana crystals at the end of the event and email {{plot}} before downtime closes.)
<div style="float:right; width: 200px; clear: left;">{{CaptionedImage|file=Feresh.png|align=left|width=200}}</div>
==A Mountain Rises (Zenith)==
* '''Mount Polus has risen to be the tallest mountain in the Empire'''
* '''Urizen could build an edifice to found a new spire on the mountain'''
Last season, [[Meraud]] [[Eat_like_kings#Obligations|provided the Golden Chalice]] with an arcane projection in recognition of their aid in his restoration. ''The Hands that Shake the Heavens'' was performed during the summit by the '''Ashen Flame''' coven of Urizen, targeting [[Zenith#Occursion|Occursion]] in Zenith. The first of the tremors was felt shortly after the equinox, with subjects of the Lord of the Silver Tower visiting spires to warn them before the earthquake that followed. One of the mountains of Occursion, Mount Polus, began to rise as the tremors continued. Shortly before the summit, the last of the tremors is felt, and the region seems to breathe a sigh of relief. Just one day later, an overwhelming crunch is heard as far away as [[Custodian_of_the_Storm_Vault#The_Storm_Vault|the Storm Vault]]. A crevasse has opened near the base of Mount Polus, which seems to beckon for adventure.
<div style="width: 400px; float: right; clear: right; margin-left:10px;">
<table class="mw-collapsible mw-collapsed"><tr><td style="background-color: LightBlue;">'''Mount Polus'''</tr>
<tr><td>'''Commission Type:''' Edifice</td></tr>
<tr><td>'''Location:''' [[Zenith#Occursion|Occursion]]</td></tr>
<tr><td>'''Cost:''' '''Minimum:''' 10 white granite, 300 crowns in labour</td></tr>
<tr><td>'''Time:''' 1 season</td></tr>
<tr><td>'''Effect:''' Founds a new spire allowing any Urizeni character to take a new resource in that territory for free in the season it is completed</td></tr>
<tr><td>'''Special:''' The Architect of the Crucible could redirect the Crucible from the Brilliant Star to the edifice to reduce the costs for the spire to regular costs</td></tr>
<tr><td>'''Availability:''' Opportunity ends in a year's time</td></tr>
</table>
</div>
It is too soon to know for sure what might be found in the crevasse, but local spires and citadels are incredibly interested in what might be uncovered in this new unknown. The ''Citadel of the Empty Sword'', sentinels who maintain a watch over the southern pass into [[Spiral]], have suggested that an army could be used to explore the crevasse... once the Druj are pushed from the territory, of course. The [[Narwhal's Spear]], the [[Seventh Wave]], or the [[Wolves of War]] (hiring the appropriate mercenaries), or an Imperial army enchanted with [[Bound by Common Cause]] could take a defensive order to fully explore the crevasse. The general would likely receive a sample of what might be found in the crevasse, and the civil service would publish a report of what was uncovered, and how best it might be exploited for the Empire.
<div style="width: 400px; float: right; clear: right; margin-left:10px;">
<table class="mw-collapsible mw-collapsed"><tr><td style="background-color: LightBlue;">'''The Eye of the Heavens'''</tr>
<tr><td>'''Commission Type:''' [[Edifice]]</td></tr>
<tr><td>'''Location:''' Occursion in Zenith</td></tr>
<tr><td>'''Cost:''' 30 mithril, 20 white granite, 10 weirwood and 225 thrones, six months</td></tr>
<tr><td>'''Time:''' 2 seasons</td></tr>
<tr><td>'''Effect:'''
* Creates an observatory to enable study of the stars, the conjunctions and astronomancy to rival the proposed school of dramaturgy in Spiral
* Founds a new spire allowing any Urizeni character to take a new resource in that territory for free in the season it is completed</td></tr>
<tr><td>'''Special:''' The Architect of the Crucible could redirect the Crucible from the Brilliant Star to the Eyes of the Heavens for two seasons to reduce the labour costs to 180 crowns</td></tr>
<tr><td>'''One-off Benefit:''' 100 crystal mana spread through businesses in the Brass Coast</td></tr>
<tr><td>'''Availability:''' Opportunity ends in a year's time</td></tr>
</table></div>
Of course, impossibly tall mountains whose peak is way above the clouds could be the perfect place to found a new spire. Just as [[Daybreak_in_Spiral|the proposal for the Omphalos in Spiral]], the nation would need to commission an edifice to serve as the focal point of the Dreaming Spire. It would need at least ten white granite, but it could be bigger than that if there was sufficient desire to ensure the new spire had sufficient grandeur to meet the moment.

The problem here would be how on earth to drag the materials all the way up the side of the tallest mountain in the Empire. Regular ushabti are not designed for that work, so the labour costs would be ten times the normal rates, 300 crowns for a ten wain edifice, more if the territory decided to build something bigger. What is needed are specialist ushabti built just for this purpose - with the right constructs, the costs could return to normal (30 crowns for a ten wain edifice).

Fortunately Zenith is the home of the [[Fate_and_function|Crucible of Fate]], the extraordinary foundry, with accompany forges and workshops that allow the [[Architect of the Crucible]] to oversee the creation of specialised Ushabti. Currently the focus of that work is on the specialist ushabti needed to maximise production of mithril for the [[Brilliant Star]] but they could be [[Architect_of_the_Crucible#Miracle_And_Wonder|redirected for a season to support the construction of the new spire by the usual method]]. If that happened then the costs for ''any'' commission on the mountain-top would return to normal.

Of course those are just the technical problems - the spire would need a name - and ideally a purpose. One possible choice might be to study the stars - Zenith was once renowned for its [[astronomancy|astronomancers]]. The Arch of the Sky was a collection of spires on the tallest mountains in Zenith where [[stargazer|stargazers]] and masters of celestial magic would come to observe the night skies. It was destroyed when the Druj invaded Zenith and has never been rebuilt. It could be anything however; if the edifice is commissioned, that is the perfect opportunity to set the name and direction of the new spire.

When the Crucible of Fate it beat out a [[Write_your_own_ending#The_Eye_of_the_Heavens|proposal by ''Delius of the Night Spire'']], to make Zenith the indisputable home of astronomancy throughout the Empire. Her proposal was five separate observatories spaced out across the territory to mirror the positions of [[The Key and The Lock]]. However the opportunity presented by Mount Polus offers the stargazer a chance to shake off those plans and repropose them. It is well known among dedicated astronomers, that the higher an observatory is positioned, the easier it is to read the stars. This is hardly surprising, since you are considerably closer to the stars on top of a tall mountain! So rather than five small observatories, why not create one enormous one, a spire close enough to touch the heavens?

The proposal is hardly cheap, but building the Eye of the Heavens was never going to be easy. It wouldn't change the essential nature of Zenith, it will always be renowned as a territory whose people were masters of their own fate. But it would be the perfect way to restore the legacy of the Arch of the Sky and also create an observatory that would be an unrivalled centre of the study of astronomancy in the Empire. The perfect way to show those [[The_play_that_came_to_Apulian#Curiouser_and_Curiouser|actors in Apulian]] what real magical study looks like!
==A Gate of Mist and Shadow (Lyceum)==
<div style="float:right; width: 250px; clear: right;">[[file:Sadogua001d.webp|align=right|width=250]]</div>
* '''The meeting between the Brother of Wizards and the Unfettered Mind seems to have borne fruit
* '''Two possible plans for restoring contact between the Empire and the Lyceum are being explored
Last season, a [[Speak_to_me#Father_of_Bats|plenipotentiary meeting]] was arranged between the [[Sadogua|Brother of Wizards]] and members of the [[Unfettered Mind]]. The discussion about how to solve the problem of [[Dean_of_the_Lyceum#The_Lyceum|the Lyceum]] being stuck behind a mostly impenetrable wall of magical mist ranged far and wide but in the end some potential solutions were settled upon.
===A Gate of Mists===
* '''A specialist Night magic ritual designed to enchant a fleet could be developed that would be "recognised" by the wards
* '''The ritual would need to be placed in Imperial Lore
* '''There is a risk that enemies of the Empire might be able to get hold of or duplicate the ritual enchantment
The first apparently involves a scheme to create a specific ritual of [[Night magic]] that, among other things, would allow a [[fleet]] to pass through the wall of mist (and also avoid being eaten by the dangerous [[inhabitants of the realms#Guardians|guardians]] the Father of Bats has apparently unleashed into the area). With the help of the eternal, the wards would be modified to allow any ship bearing that specifically crafted enchantment to pass freely.

For this plan to work, the ritual would need to be codified and then made part of Imperial Lore. Once that were done, Imperial ships would be able to reach the Lyceum again. This is convenient, but also risky. The ''Globbersnotch'' warns that if the wards are attuned to a ritual they allow ''anyone'' through to the Lyceum island. While the Empire might be able to control access to such a ritual, it would still be possible for enemy magicians to work out the details of that ritual and potentially create their own "key" to the lock protecting the college of magic.
<div style="width: 400px; float: right; clear: right; margin-left:10px;">
<table class="mw-collapsible mw-collapsed"><tr><td style="background-color: LightBlue;">'''Gates of Shadow'''</tr>
<tr><td>'''Commission Type:''' Edifice</td></tr>
<tr><td>'''Location:''' Siroc Bayou, Madruga or Oranseri, Feroz</td></tr>
<tr><td>'''Cost:''' 15 wains of ''either [[white granite]] or [[weirwood]]; 5 rings of ilium; base 45 crowns labour costs</td></tr>
<tr><td>'''Time:''' 3 Monthsr</td></tr>
<tr><td>'''Availability: Open-ended</td></tr>
<tr><td>'''Effects:'''
* Restores connection between the region where the gates are built and the Lyceum
</table>
</div>
===A Course of Shadows===
* '''A pair of gates based on the Paths of Lan Thúven could allow ships to sail safely back and forth between the mainland and the Lyceum
* '''The risk is that if the region where the gate stood on the mainland were captured by enemies they would be able to access the Lyceum instead
* '''The gate would be built at Siroc Bayou or Oranseri
The other possibility is to draw on the inspiration of the old [[Liathaven#Paths_of_Lan_Thúven_(Gone)|Paths of Lan Thúven]]. Discovered in the depths of the (then) vallorn dominated western Liathaven, the paths were a specific route woven with [[night magic]] that allowed Navarr armies to pass ''through'' vallorn controlled [[Liathaven#West Ranging|West Ranging]]. With the help of the ''Toad King'' a similar structure could be put in place connecting [[the Brass Coast]] mainland to the Lyceum island. This would allow any ship to sail safely through the mists - and also incidentally avoid any ''other'' threat along the route.

There is of course a weakness to this plan as well. The "entrance" to the magical path would need to be built in either [[Madruga#Siroc_Bayou|Siroc Bayou]] (which is not currently part of the Empire, and is also tricky to build in), or in [[Feroz#Oranseri|Oranseri]] (most likely as part of the docks at [[Feroz#Oran|Oran]]). The problem here is that if enemies capture the region where the mainland end of the gate stands they would be able to sail as many ships as they wanted to up to the Lyceum and raid or destroy the college.

Sadogua has provided plans for the required gates however. The eternal says that with his help, the magicians on the island will be more than capable of cannibalising the resources they need to build their end, at least in the short term. Once the gate opens, the first ships will be able to bring the last few resources in to anchor the "course of shadows". The plans the eternal has provided represent an [[edifice]] requiring 15 wains of ''either'' weirwood or mithril (but not both), and 5 rings of [[ilium]]. Construction will require a base 45 crowns (more if they are [[Commission#Marshes|built in the marshes]] of Siroc Bayou). Once complete, Imperial ships will once again be able to reach the Lyceum, allowing the magicians trapped there to leave and new students and faculty to reach the island.

The ''Wyrm-lord'' is always angling for magicians to gain additional power, and points out that the Senate could amend the title of [[Arcane Architect]] to allow them to build edifices, a useful ability that would be of value not only to eternals from all realms but also to Imperial magicians who need something built for magical purposes. He can't do much himself, but he does point out that there are probably forces in the other lesser realms (perhaps the [[Realms#Autumn|Iron Labyrinth]]) that are more focused on material concerns. They might be convinced to support the Arcane Architect if they had a wider remit than just "mana and vis sinecures", perhaps even going so far as to free them from the need to work with the mundane civil service and Senate when commissioning a structure in a similar way to the [[Master of the Koboldi]] (but with fewer koboldi).
<div style="float:right; width: 250px; clear: left;">{{CaptionedImage|file=PhoenixIllustrationInk.JPG|caption=What is written in the firmament can be read from the earth.|align=right|width=250}}</div>

==Shadow Empire (Casinea)==
* '''Residents of Casinea have reported strange dreams'''
* '''Anyone enchanted with ''Ride the Noble Steed'' can request a vision from the Regio or the Referee Access Tent'''
As the Summer Solstice approaches, people across [[Casinea]] awaken having experienced strange dreams with peculiar spires and palatial, shadowed spaces. Often these dreams involve being surrounded by others - some they recognise, most they don't - all in hushed silence. The atmosphere in these dreams is heavy with expectation, tinged with an edge of the unreal - of a brief, discomfiting blurring between the dreamer and the dream at the moment of waking that lingers for hours long beyond the persistence of memory.

Budding oneiromancers dwell upon these somniations at length before [[Clear_Counsel_of_the_Everflowing_River|turning to]] the ''[[Sung|Rainbow Serpent]]'' to decipher its mysteries. Her response is delivered with that eternal's usual mystique: these dreams, it would seem, are a celebration of sorts - a gift formed from the contribution of several Night eternals. The ''Whispering Wind'' goes on to hint at a further invitation for those who seek the mysteries of their dreams that can be found by "''<span style="color:#800080">seeing through the eye of the magpie and taking tack and bridle to ride beyond the veil of sleep</span>''". All other questions on the matter return only silence.

It is soon discovered that those affected by [[Ride the Noble Steed]] within Casinea experience an especially vivid dream of riding far - through foreign lands, blurred by night - making for a distant point of light. When they awaken they are filled with a certainty that they have begun to undertake a journey - though towards what, the dream offers no answers.

<big>'''Participation''':</big><br>
If your character has slept overnight in Casinea in the last season (or indeed after sleeping in Anvil during the event), they may roleplay having experienced this strange dream. Any character who is the target of [[Ride the Noble Steed]] may request to receive additional information about the dream of travel from the Regio or the Referee Access Tent.

==The Littlest College==
* '''Access to the Loom of Spells will be auctioned at 14:00 on Sunday at the Imperial Regio'''
* '''The Loom of Spells continues to be controlled by the Church of The Little Mother'''
The Church of The Little Mother is continuing the practice of auctioning access to the Loom of Spells. A [[bishop]] of the Church will attend the Imperial regio at 14:00 on Sunday of the summit, where the auction will take place. Bids are to be given in ingots and measures. It does not matter which materials are given, and bids may include a mixture. The only thing that matters is the raw quantity.

They remind potential bidders that the Loom can only codify rituals of up to the tenth magnitude, but have established that the ritual [[Quick Study]], which is part of Urizen lore, will work. The bishop taking the bids has been assigned as head of the work crews on the Loom this season, and may be targeted by this ritual if needed, though they will expect any bidders who require such a thing to have arranged their own casting and to be ready to cast it as soon as their bid is declared successful.

==Lights in the Sky (Feroz)==
* '''A colourful display is in effect in the night sky of Feroz'''
* '''It is clear to anyone in the territory that this is the result of Summer magic'''
After the Spring Equinox, a majestic vision starts appearing in the night skies over [[Feroz]]. The vision repeats each night although the details are sometimes different. As the months roll on the light becomes less pronounced, and several nights may pass between appearances. About a fortnight before the Summer Solstice, the last lights are seen and then the effect ends.

A bag bound in chains, set within a cage formed of magnificent light, emerges from what appears to be a hole in the sky. Two figures follow; the first an Urizen changeling, clad in a robe of falling stars. In his hand, he holds a gilded staff topped with a blue crystal. Soon after, a Navarr man follows, adorned in moonlight. The two figures share a glance before they seem to survey the land beneath them. Linking hands, they produce a gilded key, and they walk towards the locked bag. As they unlock the bag, it explodes into a starburst of multiple colours, which settle into the forms of creatures dancing in the sky. After a few minutes, there is a flash of light, and the apparition repeats itself anew.

The effects are clearly the result of a powerful Summer enchantment. There is a little grumbling from the folk of Feroz about the amount of mana the images must have required and how they might have been better spent.

==Koboldi in the Barrens==
* '''A group of koboldi have appeared in the Barrens looking to build a statue'''
* '''They are apparently waiting for further direction on what they should build'''
Shortly after the Spring Equinox a large group of excitable ''koboldi'' appear in Murderdale in the Barrens. They are apparently here to raise a new statue, something grand and impressive, as part of an agreement with the [[Adamant|''King under the Mountain'']]. They were expecting to meet with Dawnish magicians from the Phoenix Rising coven who could tell them what needed to be built, so they are somewhat non-plussed to find nobody waiting to greet them.
<div style="width: 400px; float: right; clear: right; margin-left:10px;">
<table class="mw-collapsible mw-collapsed"><tr><td style="background-color: LightBlue;">'''Palace of the Moon'''</tr>
<tr><td>'''Commission Type:''' Edifice</td></tr>
<tr><td>'''Location:''' Murderdale, The Barrens</td></tr>
<tr><td>'''Cost:''' 500 white granite but no labour costs</td></tr>
<tr><td>'''Time:''' 3 years</td></tr>
<tr><td>'''Effect:''' Creates the most grandiose personal dwelling in the Empire, rivalling the Castle of Thorns for size and splendour</td></tr>
<tr><td>'''Availability:''' Opportunity ends once the koboldi receive instructions for a statue</td></tr>
</table>
</div>

The koboldi are delighted to discover there is nobody here to direct them. They've been sent here by King Adamant to build the state as directed by the Phoenix Rising and while they are eagerly looking forward to the chance to get to work, they're equally delighted to be contractually forced to do nothing. Of course they are all going to be in enormous trouble with the King once he discovers they've spent all season doing nothing when they should have been hard at work building, but that's a problem for tomorrow.

They spend the season causing a minor nuisance in the area by suggesting a series of increasingly ludicrous building endeavours. As an example, they offer to turn the modest wooden dwelling of Hafton, a yeofolk from Drycastle into an enormous palace, "the size of the moon", if he can just find them five hundred wains of white granite. When Hafton explains he doesn't have five wains, let alone five hundred, the disappointed koboldi attempt to hawk the plans around various wealthy nobles in the area.

As much as they are enjoying themselves, Adamant is bound to discover that they have absconded from work eventually, and order them back to it. If they are given direction by a member of the Phoenix Rising coven before the start of the Autumn Equinox ({{plot}}) then they will build a statue as required. Otherwise they will keep making a nuisance of themselves suggesting ridiculous commissions until Adamant notices, at which point they will sculpt a large stone bust depicting the noble demeanour of the most glorious King under the Mountain and depart.
<div style="float:right; width: 200px; clear: right;">{{CaptionedImage|file=ClawIllustrationInk.JPG||align=right|width=200}}</div>
==A Cry in the Night==
* '''The constellation of the Claw has become clearer and is exerting odd influence'''
* '''Magicians drawing on the Claw in their magic may experience a roleplaying effect'''
* '''Drawing on the Claw to empower the casting of rituals by shedding blood has been interdicted'''
The four stars that make up the constellation of [[the Claw]] remain clear and pronounced despite any amount of obfuscation of the sky. Since the Winter Solstice, those who know where it is find their eyes are drawn to it whenever they see the night sky. The sensation of gazing on the Claw makes sensitive people (especially [[naga]] or [[merrow]]) feel uncomfortable. If it is invoked in an [[astronomancy|astronomantic]] ritual, any [[Rituals#Contributors|contributors]] to that ritual feel its power particularly strong and immediate. Anyone participating in such a ritual may experience the [[roleplaying effect]]: ''you feel an urge to assert your dominance over anyone who challenges you, or seek a physical confrontation with anyone you feel has wronged you. Violence seems easy and satisfying.'' This effect lasts for at least half an hour if a player chooses to embrace it.

In addition, the Claw continues to exert the [[Stars_and_sigils#Wyrm_Coils_Around_Mountain|powerful influence]] observed at the Spring Equinox. If the Claw is invoked while performing certain ritual enchantments, their power is enhanced. The first time each day that a contributor calls on the Claw, they can choose to spill their own blood to empower the ritual. They can spend up to three hits by cutting themselves or other willing contributors, and each hit lost counts as one mana toward the performance of the ritual. The hits lost during the performance of the ritual cannot be restored until the ritual is completed or abandoned. A contributor can reduce themselves to 0 hits during a ritual, but they will be able to complete the performance before collapsing and beginning to [[Combat#Dying|bleed to death]]. Each magician can only use this ability once per day, and the ''roleplaying effect'' invoking the Claw creates will last for at least an hour and be much more pronounced.

The rituals this peculiar [[blood magic]] will enhance seem to be a selection of those particularly associated with violence and conflict:
* The personal enchantments [[Forest Remains]], [[Call Down Lightning's Wrath]], [[Might of the Myrmidon]], [[Talon of the Gryphon]], [[Swift Leaping Hare]], [[Swan's Cruel Wing]], [[Hammer of Thunder]], and [[Hook of the Hoarfrost Guardian]]
* The resource enchantments [[Merciless Wrath of the Reaver]] and [[Blood and Salt]]
* And these rituals which are not part of Imperial or Urizen lore ''Heaven's Spear Sunders the Mountain'', and ''Ironwind's Pride''
However, the [[Imperial Conclave]] has chosen to [[387YE_Spring_Equinox_Conclave_sessions#Interdiction:_Shedding_Blood_for_Claw_Rituals|outlaw this practice]]. The [[Arbiter of the Rogue Declaration]] '''Lights Aliss''' brought a [[declaration]] of [[Interdiction]] that was upheld by the magicians of the Empire. It is now a crime for any magician to call on the power of the Claw and shed blood instead of mana. The ability to use the Claw in this way remains available, but in addition to any physical or magical consequences there are now also legal consequences for drawing on it.

==Wyrm Pulls the Sailor Down==
<div style="float:right; width: 300px; clear: left;">{{CaptionedImage|file=GreatWyrmnowingsIllustrationInk.JPG|caption=The Great Wyrm is the emblem of transformation and transfiguration.|align=right|width=300}}</div>
* '''The grand conjunction of the Great Wyrm and the Mountain is drawing to an end'''
* '''The Great Wyrm is moving into a grand conjunction with the Drowned Man'''
Since the Winter Solstice, Imperial [[astronomancy|astronomancers]] have been aware of a rare ''grand conjunction'' of [[the Great Wyrm]] and [[the Mountain]] in the skies above the Empire. The impact of this conjunction has already been felt by magicians, with seismic changes to the way certain types of magic, specifically those associated with warfare, function. This has led to permanent alterations to the way [[Imperial army|armies]], [[military unit|warbands]], and [[fleet|ships]] are [[enchantment|enchanted]], and to how certain divinations work. The power of the conjunction appeared to [[Stars_and_sigils#Wyrm_Coils_Around_Mountain|reach its zenith]] during the Spring Equinox. It is now in decline, the powerful magical effects observed last season having entirely faded.

However, the chaos in the stars is not over. Astronomancers have noted that [[the Drowned Man]] has been [[Stars_and_sigils#The_Drowned_Man|shifting into alignment]] with the Great Wyrm and it appears another grand conjunction is imminent. The Hanged Man is quite a dangerous constellation, often used in magic that creates [[curse|curses]] or destruction, leading some astronomancers to become quite nervous.
<div style="float:right; width: 200px; clear: right;">{{CaptionedImage|file=DrownedManIllustrationInk.JPG|caption=The Drowned Man is a constellation of curses and the end of things.|align=right|width=200}}</div>

==The Unravelling==
* '''Arcane projections created before Winter 386YE that enchant armies, navies, military units, or fleets no longer work'''
* '''Such arcane projections are unravelling and may be exchanged for crystal mana'''
* '''The ability to exchange an arcane projection lasts until the end of the Autumn Equinox 387YE'''
* '''The inability to cast these arcane projections is permanent'''
* '''It is currently impossible to create arcane projections that curse an individual'''
The Unfettered Mind were also the first people to spot the peculiar phenomenon that coincided with this Grand Conjunction. Dubbed ''the Unravelling'' in some parts of the Empire, it means that any arcane projection issued before E1-2025 that attempts to [[enchantment|enchant]] an [[Imperial army|army]] or [[Imperial navy|navy]] can no longer be cast. Likewise, arcane projections that involve enchanting a [[military unit]] or [[fleet]] no longer function. The Grand Conjunction appears to have scrambled the magic bound into the projections themselves.

Any of these arcane projections that no longer function can be brought to GOD and exchanged for 10 crystal mana. This either represents someone intentionally speeding the unravelling process along to reclaim the mana invested in the projection, or might mean that in-character a valued projection (that the player no longer wants OOC) has fallen apart despite their best efforts. The ability to exchange defunct arcane projections for mana in this way will persist until the end of the Autumn Equinox 387YE.

While the Drowned Man is not yet part of a Grand Conjunction, astronomancers have indicated that they believe such a thing is imminent. It is still not possible to create an [[arcane projection]] that creates a personal [[curse]] - a curse that targets an individual. Such arcane projections that already exist can still be cast, but magicians of the Unfettered Mind theorise that it is only a matter of time before the same conjunctional effect that has diminished the power of warlike arcane projections will affect arcane projections based around curses.

'''OOC Note:''' You'll need to hand the arcane projection phys-rep over so we can mark it as inactive on our systems. We don't plan to reprint lost arcane projections for the event; if you have lost an arcane projection in downtime you can e-mail [mailto:plot@profounddecisions.co.uk plot@profounddecisions.co.uk] after the event with the details of the missing projection and we'll do our best to replace it in time for the Autumn Equinox.
{{CaptionedImage|file=Lock&KeyIllustrationInk.JPG||align=right|width=250}}
==Lock and Key==
* '''A hitherto unknown tulpa of the Wanderer has apparently begun to move towards Anvil
* '''It is expected in both the Highborn and Freeborn camps at 16:00 on Saturday
As well as the conjunctions of the stars involving the Great Wyrm, the Claw, and the Drowned Man there is another peculiar celestial phenomenon that might be worth noting. Since the Spring Equinox [[the Wanderer]] has moved through first [[the Lock]] and then [[the Key]]. In both cases the baleful red star that heralds plans going awry seemed to hang between the existing stars of the constellations making it appear to the uninitiated that they had each spawned an extra star.

The conjunction appears relatively minor, but astronomancers have warned that it appears to have spawned an unfamiliar [[tulpa]] of the Wanderer. The entity is in Casinea, and its not clear where it came from. It's also not clear if it is a "pure" tulpa, or a magician who has touched the stars a little too closely and become "ridden" by the power of the stars. It is apparently called the "Pilgrim Flame" and has enough personality to hold conversations, reinforcing the idea it might be a magician under the influence of a star (although that said, the tulpas of the Wanderer, more than most other star-spawn, have proved capable of communicating with mortals, albeit in unpredictable and often incomprehensible ways). It intends, apparently, to visit [[Highguard]] and [[the Brass Coast]] at four in the afternoon on Saturday.

==Written in the Stars==
* '''There have been odd 'constellations' spotted in the night sky where the Penumbral Veil has been drawn
* '''It's not clear what these constellations are but anyone who peers at them for long gains an inkling of their name and meaning
And on the subject of constellations... much of the Empire has had the [[Drawing the Penumbral Veil|penumbral veil]] drawn over it for several seasons now. With the notable exceptions of [[astronomancy|astronomancers]] and stargazers, most citizens have come to treat the occasional strangely shifting shapes and lights in the night sky as unremarkable oddities.

This past season, however, one [[Urizen]] Spire claims to have spotted a pattern in the odd lights that sometimes appear in the veiled night sky. Members of the ''Spire of Shadowed Glass'' have travelled across the Empire, cataloguing what they see each night. They have found that some areas of the Empire seem to be repeatedly visited by the same odd stars. These pseudo-constellations are not visible elsewhere, and it is notable that people living within these areas have been having odd dreams associated with them. Even more unusual, people who see these stars seem inclined to draw the same shapes between them and call them by the same names - even if they have never talked about them with anyone else.

<box> Any character who lives or has spent time travelling in any of the following territories may choose to experience the associated roleplaying effect during the event. The effect may ebb and flow at player discretion, and is entirely opt-in. If you choose not to have been effected by it, you cannot start being effected by it during the event. </box>
<div style="float:right; width: 250px; clear: left;">{{CaptionedImage|file=The Trident and The Serpent Sheds its Skin.webp.png|align=left|width=250}}</div>
* '''The Trident - Skarsind'''
This is a patterns of stars - or star-like objects - often seen over Skarsind. People in this area seem to be experiencing a boon of creativity, and frequently dream of boat voyages or being caught in a great net and ripped from their home.

Those who spend significant time in the territory may find themselves under the following roleplay effect:

''Roleplay effect: You are drawn to new ideas, concepts and sources of inspiration. When viewing art, you are overcome with an urge to transform it in some way to make something new.''
* '''The Serpent Sheds its Skin - Mournwold'''
The Serpent winds across the skies of the Mourn, seeming to draw the attention of people already feeling an urge to change something about themselves or their life. The territory is not short on people unhappy with their situation, and the serpent is becoming a popular topic of tales, songs and artistry.

Those who spend significant time in the territory may find themselves under the following roleplay effect:

''Roleplay effect: You are keenly aware of how negative experiences have caused you to transform and change. You feel a deep urge to continually reform yourself in new and exciting ways.''
<div style="float:right; width: 250px; clear: left;">{{CaptionedImage|file=The Golden Ferret.png|align=left|width=250}}</div>
* '''The Golden Ferret - Tassato'''
It's difficult to say how anything about the collection of stars rising over Tassato resembles a ferret, let alone a golden one. And yet somehow Mestra and Regario are in complete agreement that they couldn't be anything else. Unfortunately, those who spend long enough gazing at the stars only seem to become more passionate about the rivalry between the two halves of the city.

Those who spend significant time in the territory may find themselves under the following roleplay effect:

''Roleplay effect: You feel an urge to act on your deepest desires and take what is rightfully yours. Adorning yourself in your achievements and the fruits of your labour gives you an immense sense of satisfaction.''

* '''The Woven Banner - Necropolis'''
In Necropolis, the diamond of stars stretching across the sky is viewed mostly with suspicion. Chapters come together to view it on the tallest hills, debating the risks it may pose. A network of archivists begins to document the movement of the stars, and any possible effects they may be having on the area, but they struggle to come up with any reliable findings.
<div style="float:right; width: 200px; clear: left;">{{CaptionedImage|file=The woven banner.png|align=left|width=250}}</div>
Those who spend significant time in the territory may find themselves under the following roleplay effect:

''Roleplay effect: You are keenly aware of the power of working together with others. You feel an urge to connect with others to create things greater than the sum of their parts.''

==Never Get Old (Falconer)==
* '''The Cult of the Falconer continues to expand its influence'''
* '''The Assembly of Nine directed the Silent Bell to investigate the Cult of the Falconer'''
* '''The Cardinal of Vigilance will receive a report at the upcoming summit'''
The Cult of the Falconer has expanded even further in the last few months. Across the north-west of the Empire, there are illicit meetings between would-be adherents of the powerful creature, where they boast of what they have done to prove themselves the strongest and worthiest. The [[Cardinal of Vigilance]], '''Gaelen Embercast''', raised a statement of principle in the Assembly of Nine that called on the [[Silent Bell (Sodality)|Silent Bell]] to investigate the cult. There is little word from the members of the sodality before the summit, other than confirmation that the cardinal will receive their report. The Assembly of Nine upheld a statement of principle, raised by '''Skywise Tulva''', [[387YE_Spring_Equinox_Synod_judgements#Judgement_181|condemning]] the cult as idolatrous, but it appears to have done nothing to sway those who have pledged themselves to this inhuman entity.

In [[Sermersuaq]], the cult grows. There are rumours from Atalaq to Wreck of pillars being raised in the wilds, though few have seen one and no-one admits to having a hand in their creation.
===Falconer Cultists===
* '''At least two groups of followers of the Falconer are coming to Anvil'''
* '''They are expected to arrive on Friday or perhaps early Saturday'''
* '''It's not clear why they are coming to Anvil'''
In [[Wish_you_were_here#Kaisa's_Invitation|Winter]] and in [[Mistaken_for_strangers#Falcons_and_Roses|Spring]], representatives of the ''Chosen of the Flaconer'' have visited [[Anvil]]. They have spoken to any number of people of many nations and it is widely suspected they are connected to the strange magical influence spreading across the north-western Empire. Perhaps they are taking advantage of the odd conjunction of [[the Claw]]; some more excitable types argue they may actually be ''causing'' it somehow.

At least two groups of these "chosen" are apparently planning to return to Anvil this season. They have been seen travelling along the roads from Wintermark, and most sensible fellow-travellers give them a wide berth. There has been talk of trouble at some wayhouses along their route - brawling and angry words rather than anything more seriously. They are anticipated to arrive either Friday night or perhaps early Saturday morning. They aren't being open about their reasons for attending the summit, so citizens are warned to exercise caution. The magistrates are however at pains to remind anyone who asks that these people are still Imperial citizens, and membership of their group is not illegal. Violence against them will be viewed just as seriously as violence against any other citizen of the Empire.
===Painted (Miekarova)===
* '''Alleged cultists are apparently sacrificing one of their own in the name of the Falconer'''
* '''There are reports of wild beasts in the vicinity'''
* '''This skirmish is a [[Accessibility#Combat_Highly_Likely|combat highly likely]] encounter'''
* '''The ''Senator for Miekarova'' is [[Sentinel_Gate#Prognostication|responsible]] for defeating the cultists'''
{{NoInnocentsPresent}}
Deep in the wilds of Miekarova, not too far from the [[Night Quarry]], stands the Painted Clearing. The clearing lies in the middle of some of the wild woods of Mieriada, and was created as a place of beauty to represent the importance of the [[Miekarova#The_Painted_Caves|Painted Caves]]. The beauty was shattered over the season with the apparent arrival of the cult of the Falconer. The supposed cult has kept moving in the forests of Miekarova, avoiding the garrison of Grimhold, whilst striking at travellers and threatening outposts.

The woods around the Painted Clearing are not only possibly inhabited by the cult, dangerous and wild beasts also stalk the woodlands. The pervasive feeling of short-temperedness and anger is now common in the woods, and locals have seen a significant increase in attacks from the wildlife.

The alleged cultists are planning ''something''. For the past few days they have been quiet, after a frenzied period of attacks. Rumours abound of what they are planning, with worry that they might be preparing to unleash havoc on Olodny. It is the responsibility of the [[Miekarova|Senator for Miekarova]], '''Vaclav Mladenovich Kosti''', to defeat the alleged cultists and any nearby beasts who might object to the intrusion on their land.

===Herding (Skarsind)===
* '''Cultists are threatening the great herd of Skarsind'''
* '''There are rumours of vicious beasts in the area '''
* '''This skirmish is a [[Accessibility#Combat_Highly_Likely|combat highly likely]] encounter'''
* '''The ''Shepherd of the Great Herd'' is [[Sentinel_Gate#Prognostication|responsible]] for defeating the cultists'''
{{NoInnocentsPresent}}
In [[Skarsind]], in the woods of eastern [[Skarsind#|Estermark]], rest some of the cattle of the [[Shepherd_of_the_Great_Herd#The_Great_Herd|Great Herd]]. Here, too, are adherents of the Cult of the Falconer. Reports from locals are that the cultists have been launching attacks on travellers - butchering them as they go. Where corpses have been found, they have almost always been missing some limb or another, methodically lopped off with repeated blows of a keen edge.

Whether this has something to do with the rumours of vicious beasts in the area is a matter of some debate, but the trail of corpses does continue towards the Great Herd. The cult may be planning on trying to lead and goad a vicious beast into devouring the cows of the Great Herd. Given the threat it represents, it is the responsibility of the [[Shepherd of the Great Herd]], '''Sand Viper Idra''', to defeat the cultists and any vicious beasts in the surrounding area.

===Corpse (Hahnmark)===
* '''Cultists have tied up a victim to draw in wild beasts'''
* '''There are reports of cultists in the vicinity'''
* '''This skirmish is a [[Accessibility#Combat_Highly_Likely|combat highly likely]] encounter'''
* '''The ''Senator for Hahnmark'' is [[Sentinel_Gate#Prognostication|responsible]] for defeating the cultists'''
{{InnocentPeoplePresent}}
In Valasmark, south-west [[Hahnmark]], is the Dunhall Copse, rumoured to be named after one of the Great Dun's progeny who turned aside from the rest of their kin and tried to make a home for themselves away from struggle and strife. They failed, and their name has been lost by the generations that have passed. The copse is all that remains of a vast forest that was once their home, and now it is haunted by the wails of the dying. Cultists of the Falconer have been spotted in the area, stringing up their prey and leaving them to bleed out in reverence to their strange, misguided faith.

The [[Hahnmark|Senator for Hahnmark]], '''Runa Whiteoak''', is responsible for freeing the victim, and dealing with any beasts or cultists that might be in the surrounding area.

==Something Stirs (Coral Husks) (Conjunctions)==
* '''The coral husks from the Gullet have continued to be a problem'''

Just before the Winter Solstice, there was a [[Rumblings in the Gullet|small earthquake]] centred on the Gullet but felt all around it. The tremors lasted for a few minutes as the ground shook, but there was little lasting damage and few thought anything of it at the time.

Sadly it now seems that the earthquake was not completely benign. There were sightings of strange creatures in the gullet which have only grown worse with time.

===Sense of Doubt (Kallavesa)===
* '''Coral husks have been attacking travellers along the Pilgrim's Trail'''
* '''This skirmish is a [[Accessibility#Combat_Highly_Likely|combat highly likely]] encounter'''
* '''The ''Crow Keeper of the Rest'' is [[Sentinel_Gate#Prognostication|responsible]] for defeating the husks'''
{{NoInnocentsPresent}}
There have been increased sightings of the strange coral husks in the marshes of Kallavesa, along [[Kallavesa#The_Pilgrim's_Trail|the Pilgrim's Trail]]. Having moved further east, into the Westmere, packs of them are spreading towards the Sovenann, sacred swamp of the Kallavesi and the rest of the Winterfolk. If the husks are not stopped, then they will continue to attack those walking the trail, potentially creating long-term issues for pilgrims who wish to walk the trail.

The ''Swampcrows'', who provide a [[Crow_Keeper_of_the_Rest#Gift_of_Infusions|gift]] of three doses of [[Goosewhisper Infusion]] each season to the [[Crow Keeper of the Rest]], have called on '''Cynerik''', the incumbent Crow Keeper, to deal with these threats. Reports from the Swampcrows indicate that the husks are somewhat spread out, in two separate groups, and that it might be possible to engage and deal with one group before the other group realises what is happening.

===Fascination===
* '''Imperial magicians are being threatened by coral husks'''
* '''This skirmish is a [[Accessibility#Combat_Suitable_For_Cadets|combat suitable for cadets]] encounter'''
* '''The ''Cadet Commander'' is [[Sentinel_Gate#Prognostication|responsible]] for rescuing the magicians and defeating the husks'''
{{InnocentPeoplePresent}}
''Robin Hopper'', a captain of the [[Strong Reeds]] has spent the last year in Bregasland. First, having to contend with the invasion of the Jotun, then the appearance of the strange coral husks, it has been a strange year. ''Robin'' reports that there are a small group of magicians that have been trapped by the coral husks and need rescuing. She has asked the cadets of the Academy to go through the Sentinel Gate and help the magicians, who were trying to uncover the secrets of these strange monsters.

''Robin'' warns that the magicians are spread out, with the husks preventing a simple route to the imperilled Imperials. Whoever is elected as the Cadet Commander is responsible for rescuing the magicians and defeating the husks.

Read the directions

2025-06-11T18:13:14Z

Gamma3000: /* Cinquefoil and Tourmaline */ Fix whitespace

[[Category:Winds of Fortune]][[Category:387YE Spring]][[Category:Recent History]]
<ic>"It's meant to be a race!" Inaya i Bylera i Riqueza threw up her hands in disgust. "We set out to win!" she bellowed, jabbing her finger at Trienus, the blue-feathered herald stood in front of her. She repeated her claim in a staccato voice, stabbing the creature in the chest with her index finger as she emphasized each word - "It's... meant... to... be... a... race..."

The bird-faced pilot blinked in alarm, clearly perturbed by this confrontation. "It is a race!" it protested. "It is all the races! Furole has guided your Empire's ships to every race in the world. We have taken you everywhere we could find dangerous currents to sail?"

Inaya's eyes narrowed as she realised that the herald was using that word rather differently than everyone onboard had assumed up to now. "You said the ship that was quickest would be the winner!" she insisted. "I've been attacked by kraken and chased by Grendel pirates. We've been pelted by hail the size of freshly baked Marcher cobs. We've seen more lightning in one night than I've seen in a lifetime at sea. The Crimson Wave is taking on water, we've lost the fore-mast ''and'' the midden-mast. And you tell me that it doesn't matter how fast we are going ''now''?"

"It's never mattered how fast you were going!" squawked Trienus, frantically backpedalling as it realised this was not the welcome news they might have hoped. "Furole said the winner would be the one who had the ''best'' time! Are you not having the ''best'' time?" they asked with what sounded like genuine concern.

Inaya hung her head in despair. She'd committed everything she had to this mad voyage. Her family had backed her, selling what they could spare to pay for the supplies they'd taken on. They'd bet it all on wining the prize... she couldn't bear the thought of letting them down.

"Yes Trienus, we're having just the ''loveliest'' time... I wouldn't miss this for the world." It was meant as withering sarcasm, but even as she said it, she realised it was truer than she had intended. Dangerous as the journey had been, she was not sure she would have done anything differently even if they did now return empty-handed. She stopped and exhaled, breathing her anger out. Finally she looked up. "Are you're telling me that nobody is going to win?" she pleaded.

Trienus grinned from ear to ear, his wings flapping in excitement. "Not at all noble captain! We have all risked our lives on this terrifying adventure - we have found danger at every turn! These are the greatest prizes the King of the Nine Tides can offer! And still glory awaits you and all your fellow captains if you can complete the final leg..."

Inaya craned her neck back to stare at the sky, seeking some new inspiration. She'd heard reports from those ships that had turned from the race to go in search of wealth... There was still time to follow them she thought, still a chance to turn a profit from Stormchaser's crazed race. But could she really turn back now... when she'd come so far?

"What's it to be captain?" called the helmsman.</ic>
<div style="float:left; width: 250px; clear: left;">{{CaptionedImage|file=Black sea, black fog.jpg|align=left|caption=The race of [[Rhianos]] enters its final stages, with those who chose to pursue mystery rather than glory finally reaching their destination, and those who sail with the hope of winning finding their toughest season so far.|width=300}}</div>
==Overview==
{{audio|link=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=j6n_n01oZec}}
The [[Famine_and_feast#Rhianos|Great Race]] began in Summer 386YE, after the [[Rhianos|Regent of the Eternal Sea]], announced that they would arrange an impossible contest to travel to the four corners of the known world. The marathon would take a year to complete - as the Spring Equinox draws to a close, the final dramatic leg of the race is about to begin.

Contestants who completed the first leg of the race were given three choices. To turn [[Roaring_plenty#Widdershins_By_Riches|widdershins by riches]] and go in search of plunder and wealth; to turn [[Roaring_plenty#Deosil To Mystery|deosil to mystery]] to sail in search of discovery and excitement; or to sail [[Roaring_plenty#Straight On For Glory|straight on for glory]] in hope of triumph and renown.

Captains were warned that decision would be critical - that it could not be changed later. Those who went in search of riches can continue to do so for as long as the race continues, but they can no longer seek the unexplored or try to win the race. Those who chose to turn deosil to mystery discovered that they must sail for a second season before they would reach the promised destination, or they could abandon the search and look for treasure but they were no longer in the running to win the victors laurels.

Only those who chose to stay the course and sail straight on for glory for the last two seasons are now in sight of the finish line. How the ''Bright Zephyr'' intends to judge who has won the race has been a mystery so far. The heralds of ''Furole'' have waved away these concerns throughout the race, expressing indifference or ignorance of the actual rules of the race. Only now, as fleets as the start of the final leg of the race draws near, are they becoming more forthcoming with those who are still doggedly sailing in search of glory.

==Don’t Follow Them==
{{CaptionedImage|file=Wyr.png|title=Rune: Wyr|align=left}}
<div style="float: right; max-width: 40%; width: 600px; margin-left: 10px;"><box>'''Deosil to Mystery'''<br>
<p>The territory pages include descriptions of strange locations in the Empire which are designed to be plot hooks that we can use at any point in the future. There is no active plot involving these locations, but we detail them so that players are aware of their existence and can respond accordingly if we do plot with them. This allows us to create new plot that builds on existing elements of the setting.</p>

<p>The locations discovered this downtime represent plot hooks that we may use at any point in the future. They are not active plot now - but at any point a writer might create a plot involving one of these locations. A plot hook may never be used, but we've kept a record of which characters went where, so '''if''' we do use one, and your character is still alive and active in the system, then your character will know where that location is found and how to reach it.</p></box></div>
* '''Characters who sailed Deosil to Mystery for two seasons have returned with a map of the lands they have visited and a pair of tourmaline eyes'''
* '''Your pack will include a short description of a unique location your character has visited'''
More than thirty Imperial captains have completed the expedition to sail deosil to mystery, setting forth in search of the great unknown, and have returned to [[Anvil]] with a unique treasure. Each captain has visited a unique location in the world, a place not known to the Empire.

The world is vast, and filled with wonder - captains might know how to navigate to the [[Principalities of Jarm]] or the [[Sarcophan Delves]] but all the great powers of the world are located on huge continents, the vast reaches of which no Imperial citizen has ever set eyes on. Some captains have discovered a previously unknown location on one of the known continents, some have found a strange island or simply a place on a smaller landmass.

In addition to visiting this unique location, each captain has gained a map showing some of the the coastline of the lands they sailed near. The heralds of the ''Endless Voyage'' claim that as the journeys of each captain has been unique, so each captain's map will likewise be unique. By working together, captains might be able to piece their maps together to produce some kind of rough atlas. That will likely be a lot of work, but then sailing half-way round the world was no easy venture! At the very least, those captains who have completed this leg of the journey are likely to have a fragment of map that will be of great interest to Imperial cartographers.

Finally, each captain has gained a pair of "tourmaline eyes" (these can be phys-repped with glass marbles). Some of the eyes are red, some are green and some are blue - but other than that they appear to be much the same.

For the captains that sailed in search of adventure, their participation in the Great Race is now complete. As promised, the heralds of ''Diving Falcon'' have enabled them to seek out new lands and discover something new, but the option to sail deosil to mystery has now ended. They may yet turn widdershins to riches for the final season, but otherwise their participation in the Great Race is over.
{{CaptionedImage|file=Pallas.png|title=Rune: Pallas|align=left}}

==Sometimes You’re Ahead==
<div style="float: right; max-width: 40%; width: 500px; margin-left: 10px;"><box>'''Widdershins by Riches'''<br>
<p>Players who chose this option are encouraged to make up a story of the exhilarating expedition they have undertaken. This time the journey has taken in one or more of the enemies of the Empire - vessels may have battled Grendel pirates in the waters of the Broken Shore, fought with Asavean marines in the waters of the distant [[Asavean_Archipelago|Archipelago]], crept on shore under cover of darkness to raid the Jotun coast or snuck up river in the Mallum to pillage a Druj treasure house.</p>

<p>The fight will have included an encounter with a single terrible foe, a spider-monster fighting alongside the Druj or a great shark called from the abyss by the Grendel, from which you and your crew have barely escaped with their lives. You have claimed great riches but much of it will have been spent repairing your vessel. Your cinquefoil brooch, the money in your pack, and your stories are all that you have left.</p></box></div>
* '''Those who have sailed Widdershins by Riches have returned home laden with wealth plundered on their voyage'''
* '''In addition, each captain has a cinquefoil brooch, which appears to have little apparent value'''
* '''Any vessel that entered the race previously or that is enchanted with Golden Voyage may sail widdershins by riches for the final time this coming season'''
This season, all those captains who turned their vessels ''widdershins by riches'' have been led into dangerous waters controlled by enemies of the Empire. Instead of sea monsters, there have been encounters with [[Elite_Jotun_troops#Skjaldir|Jotun skjaldir]] or [[Arkad#Chikad|Druj chikad]]. In place of storms and hurricanes there have been sea battles with Grendel pirates or Asavean warships.

Each captain has returned with ample plunder as well as a single cinquefoil brooch. This small silver brooch contains five empty lobes that could each hold a small jewel or tourmaline eye. The heralds claim that ''Pathtwister'' will reward any captain who is able to collect enough eyes to fill all five of the lobes. To claim the reward, a captain should call on the patronage of ''Foamfollower'' and invoke the power of the brooch to send the brooch - and up to five tourmaline eyes - to the eternal.

The Great Race is nearly done, but one final season remains. As before, ''any'' vessel that has been enchanted with [[Golden Voyage]] at any point since the race began may seek out whatever riches are on offer in the final leg of the race. All are welcome to throw caution to the winds and sail widdershins by riches.

Those that took this option previously can continue on this path for the remainder of the race if they wish, but they may '''not''' sail straight on for glory. Any ship that is enchanted with ''[[Golden Voyage]]'' at the start of downtime may also take this option, even if it has not joined the race previously. Widdershins by riches is a questing voyage, so Golden Voyage will boost the returns provided.

'''OOC Note:''' The player will need to provide their own phys-rep for their ''cinquefoil brooch''. Ideally this would be a brooch with five "lobes", but any piece of jewellery should be suitable.
{{CaptionedImage|file=Tykonus.png|title=Rune: Tykonus|align=left}}

==The Race is Long==
* '''Those who sailed straight on for glory have seen their vessel battered by an impossible storm '''
* '''Each captain has been given a single magical item by a herald of Rhianos and a single tourmaline eye'''
* '''These captains who wish may continue on their current course for the final season to try to claim glory in the Great Race'''
<div style="float: right; max-width: 40%; width: 500px; margin-left: 10px;"><box>'''Straight on for Glory'''<br>
<p>Players who chose this option are encouraged to create a tale of a terrible storm that they have weathered. Your vessel will have been assailed by hurricane winds and pummelled by huge waves. The ship will have been left battered and helpless, with the crew clinging to the decks as the masts shatter and the sails are ripped away.</p>

<p>At the moment when destruction seemed most certain, an awe-inspiring herald of Rhianos appeared to guide your ship through the storm to safety. The herald gave you a single treasure, a powerful talisman that bears an enchantment that will last a year before they disappeared, leaving your crew to jury rig repairs and limp back to port. Having barely survived what seemed like certain destruction you have crawled back to Anvil, certain that there is no way your vessel can possibly win a race now.</p></box></div>

Over fifty Imperial captains have doggedly sailed straight on for glory for the last two seasons, eager to claim the winner's laurels. The servants of ''Shimmergold'' have claimed that that those who stay the course will find glory, but this season the journey has brought only disaster. Those who chose this course have been assailed by monstrous storms, their vessels attacked by terrifying winds that have shredded sails and shattered masts. Most have barely stayed afloat as massive waves attempted to capsize the ship and drag it under.

Even with the help of heralds of the ''Lord of the Argent Rime'', each ship has only narrowly escaped certain destruction. Every crew has had to patch their ship as best they can, rigging a temporary mast and single sail, and limping back to port. Expensive and time-consuming repairs have consumed most of the wealth earned on this voyage, leaving little to spare. All that most have to show for their efforts is a single [[magic items|magical item]], a unique [[Magic_items#Talismans|talisman]] that will maintain its magic for the next year. This is apparently a gift from the eternal themselves; the [[Second_star#Who_You_Are|more powerful]] the personal enchantment they had cast, the more powerful their talisman will be. Along with this is a single ''tourmaline eye''. Some of these orb-like jewels are red, some are green and some are blue - but other than that they appear to be much the same.

Nobody has ever been told how the winner of the race will be determined, but given how poorly each vessel has fared this season, it has been hard for any captain to hope that their vessel might yet be victorious. However as the Spring Equinox arrives, the heralds of ''Corposant'' reveal that this brush with devastation has not yet cost anyone their place in the Great Race. They explain that the Great Race has never been about which vessel is the ''fastest''. Who can get somewhere first, is not something that ''Golden Shatterspray'' has ''any'' interest in at all. The ''Sailor on the Sunlit Seas'', is only interested in adventure! in opportunities to face and overcome danger! in providing mortals with the chance to test themselves and gain glory from completing the journey.

The Great Race, they say, is not about who will ''win'' - all those who turned aside from the race in search of wealth have found riches, while all those who have sailed in search of the unknown have found new mysteries. So it is that ''all'' those who go in search of glory are bound to find what they seek. One last adventure remains, a final chance to brave unimaginable danger - but all those who stay the course will win the glory that ''Roaring Wavefather'' promised.

As the final season of the Great Race begins, those captains who have stayed the course have one final choice to make. Now that is has been revealed that all who complete this final leg will share the laurels together, they can sail straight on for glory and claim whatever prize the ''Booming Avalanche'' is offering. Alternatively, they may abandon this dangerous quest and instead turn [[#Wish Upon A Star|widdershins to riches]] and at least claim a share of whatever wealth the ''Glimmerbreeze'' is offering to treasure seekers in the final season.

'''OOC Note:''' A suitable phys-rep for a ''tourmaline eye'' is a simple marble, ideally of the appropriate colour but in fact any small, round, glassy item will do (you may want to secure a couple of marbles of each colour, red, green, and blue - so you have suitable phys-reps for whichever tourmaline eye ribbons receive but this is by no means mandatory). Given the challenges of attaching a ribbon to a marble, you may want to carry the item in a small pouch or box that you can attach the ribbon to. The phys-rep for the ''talisman'' that Rhianos has provided ideally wants to be something you can wear - a piece of jewellery, an amulet, a mask, or something similar.

==Cinquefoil and Tourmaline==
* '''The cinquefoil brooches can be activated at the Imperial regio to send them to Rhianos, along with up to five tourmaline eyes'''
* '''Alternatively, they can be placed in an [[Ephisis' Scale|Ephisis box]] - the heralds of the City of Lead and Gold have indicated they will pay 1 crown for each brooch and each eye that they receive'''
This season, some captains have gained cinquefoil brooches enchanted with power by the Regent of the Eternal Sea. Others have gained one or two tourmaline eyes - none of which appear to have any magical powers.

Each small silver brooch contains five empty lobes, each intended to hold a single tourmaline eye. Any character can use the brooch by calling on the power of Rhianos using one of the eternal's given names and invoke the brooch's power to send it - and up to five tourmaline eyes - to the eternal.

In return for the brooch alone, the eternal will provide a single Imperial ring. If the brooch contains a red tourmaline eye then whoever invokes it will receive a crown. If the brooch contains one red tourmaline eye and either green '''or''' blue tourmaline eyes then ''Treasure Giver'' will provide the captain with one Imperial throne for each green or blue eye - to a maximum of four.

The heralds warn captains to be careful though - a brooch that contains a mixture of green and blue eyes will be worth nothing, and if there is no red eye then the captain will receive only a single ring.

[[File:Cinquefoil and Tourmaline.png]]

==Further Reading==
* [[Rhianos]]
* [[Second star]] - 386YE Autumn wind of fortune about the race
* [[Roaring plenty]] - 386YE Summer wind of fortune about the race
* [[Famine_and_feast#Rhianos|Famine and feast]] - 386YE Spring wind of fortune introducing the race

Costume

2025-04-07T22:05:36Z

Gamma3000: /* Inappropriate Costume */ specify year for dreamcatcher rules changing, because we won't remember to come back when "this year" is no longer accurate

[[Category:Rules]]
==Overview==
In a live roleplaying game, the more effort every participant makes with their costume, the better the game becomes for everybody. By costume we don't just mean your character's clothing, we mean everything your charater has - any weapons and armour, as well as any props or set dressing that you bring to the event. The more convincing these things are, and the less modern items there are visible in the game, then the more [[The_game#Immersive_and_Aspirational|immersive]] and real the event feels for everyone.

Empire is a [[The_setting#Closed_World|closed world]] which means you can't just wear whatever you like. There is a [[#Look and Feel|look and feel guide]] for each of the ten nations in Empire that provides canonical descriptions of what the costume for that nation should look like. Empire is an [[#Aspirational Game|aspirational game]], and we ask everyone involved to follow the guide for their nation and try to have the best costume they can.

We also want Empire to be [[#Inclusion|inclusive]] however and provide explicit confirmation that all items needed for accessibility are fine to use at Empire. We set basic [[#Minimum Standards|minimum standards]] for the game that are clear and easily achieved, so that people can attend with confidence.

==Minimum Standards==
* '''All participants must wear appropriate costume in the in-character area during time-in'''
* '''Obviously modern garments such as jeans, t-shirts and white trainers must not be on show'''
All participants must wear appropriate costume while in the in-character area during time-in. Most basic costume is acceptable provided it is broadly medieval in style. It is fine to wear plain, modern garments that have an in-character equivalent such as linen trousers or nondescript leggings, provided they are unobtrusive and modern elements such as zips, trouser-leg pockets, and elastic waistbands are all covered. We encourage players to be aspirational and make the best effort they can, but these minimum standards allow everyone to attend the event with absolute confidence that their costume is good enough to play the game.
{{CaptionedImage|file=League Procession.jpg|align=right|width=250|caption=Great kit adds to the event for everybody}}

==Aspirational Game==
* '''We ask everyone to get the best costume they can and then improve on it over time when possible'''
* '''We ask everyone to respect the efforts other players are making and refrain from any criticism'''
Empire is aspirational, but this doesn't mean that everyone is expected to have amazing costume. Costume is expensive and each participant has their own limits on the time and money that they can devote to a hobby. What we ask is that people commit to getting the best costume they can and [[#Continuous_Improvement|improving it over time]].

All aspirational games are at risk of appearing elitist. The fear is that participants' costume will be judged against some unknown standard, which can be intensely intimidating to new players. We want Empire to be an accessible game that anyone interested in live roleplaying can feel confident about attending. We want the game to be inclusive, to be inviting and welcoming towards everyone interested in taking part. To support this aim we provide clear [[#Minimum Standards|minimum standards]] and explicitly prohibit [[#Costume#Criticism|criticism of costume]], either online or at events.

An aspirational hobby is one where every participant aims for the best standards they can achieve - an inclusive hobby is one where those involved accept the different standards that others can achieve. In Empire every player should try their best - but no player should be concerned that their best effort might not be good enough.

==Look and Feel==
* '''Not all costume is appropriate to Empire - some costume does not fit the setting'''
* '''The look and feel page provides the ''ideal'' costume for each nation'''
{{CaptionedImage|file=A collection of mannequins.PNG|align=right|width=250|caption=Each nation has a distinct visual style}}
Your nation is the single most important thing about your character, it colours everything they are and do, especially how they dress. Because of this it is best to decide what nation you are going to play before you try to get any costume together. Once you know what nation you want to play then you can look at the look and feel guide for that nation to get advice on what costume to wear, as well as suggestions for the best colours and fabrics to use. The closer your costume resembles the ''ideal'' style set out for your nation, the better you will look at the event.

A good rule of thumb for Empire is that something doesn't have to look like an actual historical item or garment, but it should look like it ''could'' have been. While Empire is not a historically accurate setting, much of the look and feel for the nations is derived from the clothing worn in parts of historical Europe and North Africa. The underlying theme across all the nations is for armour, armaments, costumes and props to look like real items rather than the over-the-top, fantastical styles familiar from ''World of Warcraft'' or ''Final Fantasy''.

Obviously modern items, such as cans, folding chairs, or items made of plastic or similar artificial materials disrupt the visual atmosphere of the event. The impact of any individual item is small; nobody's event is ruined by seeing a coke can. But the impact is cumulative, so the less modern items there are in the game area, the more immersive the event becomes. For this reason, such items should be covered or concealed where it is practical to do so. For example, you can use a modern folding chair in the in-character area by covering it with a suitable blanket or throw.

Besides the items listed below, the look and feel page for each nation may provide information on additional pieces of costume that are ''less appropriate'' and ''inappropriate''. They are presented on the page for a specific nation, simply because that nation is where that costume is most likely to crop up, but anything that is listed as ''inappropriate'' anywhere on the wiki cannot be used at Empire events.
===Less Appropriate Costume===
* '''''Less appropriate'' costume is acceptable; it is not something to aim for but you can use it for as long as you need to'''
* '''All costume that meets our minimum standards but is not part of your nation's look and feel guide is ''less appropriate'''''
* '''This includes costume that is a part of another nation's look and feel guide rather than your own'''
* '''Don't draw attention to less appropriate costume in play'''
Costume that is ''less appropriate'' is fine to use in play. Creating a costume is always a compromise as time and money are limited. It is entirely sensible to use an existing garment or prop that you own that is ''less appropriate'' if doing so allows you to focus your efforts on improving other parts of your costume. We encourage everyone to get the ''ideal'' look for their character when they are creating or buying new costume, but you are welcome to use pieces that you already own until you are [[#Continuous Improvement|ready to replace them with something better]].

Each nation has its own distinctive look and feel that provides a broad definition of the costume that is most appropriate for that specific nation. Anything that is not part of your nation's look and feel, even if it is listed as ''ideal'' for a different Imperial nation, is always considered to be ''less appropriate'' at best. This means it is fine to use a typically [[Dawn|Dawnish]] weapon for your [[the Brass Coast|Freeborn]] character, but it is something you should aim to replace once you are in a position to do that comfortably. The exception to this is for small elements of your costume that reflect things that have happened in play - for example it's fine for your [[the League|League]] [[bravo]] to wear a Dawnish [[Dawn_hearth_magic#Favours|favour]] if it is something important that you were given by another character.

In creating the look and feel guides for Empire, we were inspired by historical sources but also by modern fantasy films like ''Lord of the Rings'' and shows like ''Game of Thrones''. Many of the costumes from these modern productions are fantastic and fit well with some nations in Empire, but it's better to try and create an overall look that is original if you can rather than copying a well known figure exactly. Many of Cersei Lannister's outfits are fantastic inspiration for Dawnish costume, but the more you look like Cersei, the more it will remind other players of ''Game of Thrones'' rather than Empire, so it's better to aim for something new rather than try to emulate it exactly.

Empire has its own unique [[runes]] instead of real world runic scripts like [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Runes Futhark] and [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ogham Ogham]. You can still use costume that is marked with these runes but they are ''less appropriate'' than those without, and have no particular meaning in the Empire world. The game has its own [[Magical_tradition|magical traditions]] embedded in the setting; this means that most occult or magical symbols from real world traditions likewise have no meaning in the game unless it is explicitly called out by the setting.

When you encounter costume that is ''less appropriate'' you should try to ignore it. Live-roleplaying games are full of compromises like this and the game works best when everyone avoids drawing attention to them. This means that you shouldn't make a piece of ''less appropriate'' costume a key part of your character's backstory or personality, or create an in-character rationale to justify why you have it. Making something an integral part of your character's story makes it harder for everyone else to ignore the compromise and it makes it harder for you to replace the item with something better when you're able to do so.
{{CaptionedImage|file=ShapedGarments.png|align=right|width=300|caption=Bodices, jerkins and close-fitting garments are fine in Empire}}
===Inappropriate Costume===
* '''Kit defined as ''inappropriate'' anywhere on the wiki cannot be used at Empire'''
* '''This includes tricorns, firearms, costume and kit from the Golden Age of Piracy, steampunk or Victorian era'''
* '''Items that are religious or sacred should not be used as props at Empire'''
* '''Anything with racist symbolism or anything that could be considered a racist caricature cannot be used at Empire'''
Where kit is explicitly identified as ''inappropriate'', that means that it cannot be worn or used at events. We have deliberately excluded costume that is too modern to use at Empire, or has real world implications that make it appropriate for use at an event.

We want people to avoid creating a silhouette using [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Golden_Age_of_Piracy Golden Age of Piracy], [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Steampunk steampunk], or [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Victorian_era Victorian] elements. These looks are very iconic and are all more modern than the influences used for any nation in the world of Empire. For this reason, [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Frock_coat frock coats], [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tailcoat tailcoats], [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tricorn tricornes]
and [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Top_hat top hats] are all ''inappropriate''.
{{CaptionedImage|file=Visible Busk.png|align=right|width=300|caption=Tabbed bottoms are a thing to be avoided as they <br>evoke 18th century Marie Antoinette vibes}}
This rule includes modern fashion corsets, such as steampunk/Victoriana style corsets or those worn to a goth club which typically have a visible busk and metal bones and are usually made of satin, brocade, PVC or leather. Many bodices, jerkins and close-fitting leather armour pieces made to fit women are often advertised as "corsets" by costume sellers. These are not excluded and sometimes form part of the iconic look of a nation. As a rule of thumb, if the same garment made to fit a man wouldn't be called a corset, it isn't a corset. Historical stays are not appropriate as outerwear, as this does not match the look of the time periods that inspired Empire's costume, but you may wear any corset or shaping garment under your costume for any reason. We appreciate the line between a corset and a heavily boned bodice is blurred and hard to define, especially with the rise of cottagecore fashion. As a rule of thumb, if there is a visible busk or it draws attention to the boning channels as a design feature, it's probably the wrong side of the line, otherwise it's probably okay.

While there are some anachronistic technologies in Empire they are explicitly [[technology|called out]] as being part of the game. Explosives such as gunpowder will never exist in Empire, so you cannot use any bomb, pistol, musket, or other firearm at an event. Weapons in Empire must be based on common historical examples found in Europe up to the early 16th century - except where other weapons are explicitly included in a nation's brief. This means that fantasy weapons like [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bat%27leth bat'leths], [https://tvtropes.org/pmwiki/pmwiki.php/Main/DoubleWeapon double-bladed swords], or over-sized weapons such as those common in anime, cannot be used at Empire. You can always [mailto:matt@profounddecisions.co.uk email us] to check if a weapon is acceptable for your nation at Empire if you are concerned.

Empire is a magical setting, so subtle elements like glowing runes on weapons are fine, but a weapon that would need magic simply to function at all is not. Flaming swords or weapons made of ice, glass or similar materials are incredibly rare in Empire, if they exist at all. You can't have such a weapon unless your character has gained it in play, in which case it will have a ribbon on it to indicate its magical nature and its history. High fantasy creations are fine as ritual props for magicians but not as weapons used by warriors on the battlefield.

Most live roleplaying games adopt costume and imagery from real-world sources, but we want to avoid using items that are culturally sacred in real life because it is more difficult to ignore their real world significance. Religious items such as a [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Crucifix crucifix], a [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mj%C3%B6lnir Mjölnir pendant], or a statue of a religious figure like [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Gautama_Buddha Buddha] or [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ganesha Ganesha] must not be used as props at Empire. Obviously it is fine to have one on your person if you are an adherent of that religion, but the real thing must not be used as a prop in the game. This prohibition also applies to specific items that are sacrosanct or have significant cultural importance like a [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/War_bonnet First Nation war bonnet] or a [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Dreamcatcher dream catcher]. (This last part is a new rule so we are giving people until event three 2025 to make any changes needed to their existing costume).

Because parts of Empire are inspired by real world costume and cultures, there are many elements of the setting that are derived from things in the real world that have cultural importance or value. We want to be honest about these inspirations, but wherever possible we want to use that inspiration to create something specific to Empire. For example, if you want to use [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Prayer_beads prayer beads] as a prop then it is best to create your own unique arrangement that builds on the seven virtues of [[the Way]] so that it is distinct from an actual [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Japamala Japamala] or a [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Rosary Rosary] or similar.

Any symbolism or kit that represents real-world racism or prejudice must not be brought to events. This means anything with a [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Swastika Swastika] or derivative symbols on it must not be brought to events. Although the [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Valknut Valknut] is a legitimate symbol used by non-racist pagans, it is also abused by racists, so items with this symbol on them must not be used as props at events. Any costume, kit or make-up that is associated with a racist caricature, such as [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Blackface blackface], must not be worn at events.

If you aren't sure if an item you're thinking of adding to your costume is covered by these rules then you are welcome to [mailto:plot@profounddecisions.co.uk email us at plot@profounddecisions.co.uk] to check. If you have a concern that another participant's costume is not suitable then you should [mailto:feedback@profounddecisions.co.uk report it to Profound Decisions]. We will judge if our guidelines have been contravened and what action is required.
<div style="float:right; width: 300px; clear: right;">{{CaptionedImage|file=Partytent.jpg|align=right|width=300px|caption=Party tents and modern-looking dome tents are [[#inappropriate costume|inappropriate]] for the in-character field}}</div>

==In-Character Tents==
* '''Tent surfaces made from nylon, polyester or similarly reflective material are ''inappropriate'' in the in-character area'''
* '''This includes all party tents and modern-looking dome tents'''
* '''Some tents made from hybrid materials like Oxford Canvas or polyhemp are usable provided they are thick enough and do not have a reflective finish'''
* '''Guidance for bell tent hire can be found [[Bell tent hire guidance|here]]'''
* '''In game, all tents in the IC area are considered to be non-flammable, and cannot be set ablaze through IC action.'''

Our events feature separate in-character and out-of-character camping areas. A tent intended for use on the in-character field must look appropriate for the setting. Modern-looking nylon dome tents, party tents, and tents that are obviously synthetic, such as those made from any material that is sufficiently plastic that it becomes glossy and reflective, cannot be used in the in-character area.

The ideal tent is made of canvas but some fabrics that are part plastic or impregnated with plastic, can be used provided that the material is thick enough and not reflective. The crucial test is that the material must look passably in-character and not have a modern or reflective appearance. The thinner plain-coloured tents such as [https://www.boutiquecamping.com/tents-c1/classic-bell-tent-oxford-p1534 the 100gsm bell tent from Oxford Boutique] look too much like modern nylon tents to be used in the in-character area at events. If in any doubt at all, then please [mailto:clare@profounddecisions.co.uk email us] for advice.

Many modern canvas tents have nylon guy ropes - these are acceptable at the event. Blue nylon guy ropes are ''less appropriate'' than other guys; if you are looking to improve that part of your kit then we recommend making your own guys from polyhemp.

Nobody attending Empire should feel they have to have an in-character tent to play the game; the field is filled with scores of tents as well as the sets and structures that Profound Decisions build. A period tent is expensive and difficult to store and transport and we recommend that new players focus on improving their kit in preference to getting a suitable in-character tent if resources are limited. Many Empire players only bring a modern tent which is fine to use in the out-of-character field where immersion is not a concern.

Large canvas tents, like garage tents, should be storm lashed wherever possible. The wind can pick up very quickly onsite and storm lashing helps prevent a problem occurring.

Tents in the IC area are considered to be non-flammable. They cannot be set ablaze through IC action.

==Inclusion==
Creating an [[The_game#Immersive_and_Aspirational|immersive environment]] helps to improve Empire for everyone, but personal accessibility and safety are more important and are prioritised accordingly. Most players instinctively understand this and will happily gloss over these elements in play, but we want to be explicit that the following practices are all fine.

===Accessibility Aids===
* '''Accessibility is more important than immersion'''
Accessibility aids are always appropriate for use at Empire. Many of our players need to use glasses, hearing aids, walking sticks, and wheelchairs made of modern materials in modern designs. They '''never''' need to be concealed or disguised in any way. While some players choose to costume their accessibility aids to make them more in-character, no one should feel any pressure to do the same. Practicality, safety, and comfort are more important when dealing with anything needed for accessibility.

===Childcare Equipment===
* '''Practicality and safety are more important than immersion'''
Childcare items are always appropriate to use at Empire. Parents with babies and toddlers often use modern baby slings, breast pumps, puddle suits, and baby changing mats. These '''never''' need to be concealed or disguised in any way. While some players choose to cover or decorate these items to make them more in-character, no one should feel any pressure to do the same.

A young child will want to play with toys. The perfect toys are ones that are passable in the setting, such as wooden farm animals but anything that isn't battery operated or obviously brightly coloured plastic is fine. Our guidelines for young players at the event can be found in the section on [[children]].

===Footwear===
* '''Comfort and safety are more important than immersion'''
The site we use for Empire is uneven and often cold, wet, and muddy. There are natural trip hazards in the battle areas and pegs and guy ropes in the main field. The priority for any footwear that you use in-character is to provide good ankle support and keep your feet dry. Dark-coloured boots are always acceptable for use at Empire, but it's fine to use similar coloured wellies when the weather makes them necessary. Modern footwear is generally [[#Less Approprtiate Costume|less appropriate]], but as long as it meets our [[#Minimum Standards|minimum standards]] then it is still acceptable.

Good in-character footwear can be a fantastic addition that makes a good costume look great. But in-character footwear is expensive to buy or make and we advise new players that paying money for in-character footwear is rarely the best way to spend a limited budget. One alternative to buying footwear is to use some appropriate-looking [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Gaiters gaiters]. These can be used to hide some of the modern details of boots or shoes without costing too much or compromising on safety for your feet and ankles.
{{CaptionedImage|file=DawnBanner.jpg|align=right|width=250|caption=Kit is much more than just costume!}}
==Continuous Improvement==
*'''Players commit to get the best kit they can given their skills and resources'''
*'''Participants commit to continual improvement of their kit between events'''

Every individual has different amounts of time, experience and resources available to them. Some players have enough disposable income to buy the costume they want to wear, some have the skills and experience to make their own, while others have been live roleplaying long enough to own many excellent pieces of kit already. Many of us are not that fortunate, our budget and skills are limited, and we may not have exactly the right costume for the game.

The best way to build a game that looks amazing but is welcoming to all is to focus on improvement over time. No costume is perfect - every costume from the simplest home-made tunic to the most expensive tailored outfit can be improved. You can add accessories to improve the overall look or replace parts of the kit with better items. Our kit includes everything we have with us in the in-character area - every element matters so the more we can eliminate even the smallest out-of-character items from our costume and our camps then the more immersive the field becomes.

By committing to continually re-examining your kit between events then you can ensure that the kit you start with improves over time. Just as with creating your kit in the first place, the time and money you can spare to improve your kit has to be your own choice, not something that anyone else can dictate.

==Criticism==
* '''Participants should not criticise other player's costume'''
As part of our [[conduct|code of conduct]], we require all Empire participants to refrain from criticising other player's costume. We encourage everyone to get the best costume they can, and always assume they are doing their best. It is fine to praise costume you like, and it is fine to respond with constructive suggestions when requested, but we don't allow people to criticise other player's costume based on their own opinions and preferences. Criticism from strangers - in person or even worse on-line - is not acceptable. A good rule of thumb is that if you haven't got anything positive to say, don't say anything at all.

If another player appears unaware of a part of the wiki which is relevant to their costume or characterisation, then it is fine to politely link the appropriate section you believe is relevant if no-one else has already done so. If you believe that someone's costume is ''[[#Inappropriate_Costume|inappropriate]]'' then you should inform a [[referee]] if you are at an event, or contact [mailto:clare@profounddecisions.co.uk Profound Decisions]. We will judge if our guidelines have been contravened and what action is required.

This rule is important because many of us are deeply self-conscious about our appearance. Costume is part of our appearance and criticism of the way people are dressed is hurtful and unproductive. The assumption that other people will judge your appearance can be hugely off-putting, especially for new players who have no experience to judge what is or is not an acceptable standard. One of the hardest challenges in live roleplaying is communicating the idea that costume is important and [[#Aspirational Game|aspirational]], without making people more worried about how well they do or how good they look. Everyone who meets our [[#Minimum Standards|minimum standards]] is welcome to roleplay at Empire without fear of being judged by other participants.

==Further Reading==
<big>'''National Look and Feel'''</big><br>
<div style="width: 1000px">
{{div col|colwidth=30em}}
* [[The Brass Coast look and feel|The Brass Coast]]
* [[Dawn look and feel|Dawn]]
* [[Highguard look and feel|Highguard]]
* [[Imperial Orcs look and feel|Imperial Orcs]]
* [[The League look and feel|The League]]
* [[The Marches look and feel|The Marches]]
* [[Navarr look and feel|Navarr]]
* [[Urizen look and feel|Urizen]]
* [[Varushka look and feel|Varushka]]
* [[Wintermark look and feel|Wintermark]]
</div></div><br>
<big>'''Costume How-Tos'''</big>
<div style="width: 1000px">
{{div col|colwidth=30em}}
* [[How to - Adapt a pattern for a high status dress|Adapt a pattern for a high status dress]]
* [[How to - Make a cote|Make a cote]]
* [[How to - Make a felt hat|Make a felt hat]]
* [[How to - Make a fur hat|Make a fur hat]]
* [[How to - Make a furred mantle|Make a furred mantle]]
* [[How to - Make a hard leather mask|Make a hard leather mask]]
* [[How to - Make a kids cloak|Make a kids cloak]]
* [[How to - Make a kirtle|Make a kirtle]]
* [[How to - Make a simple tunic|Make a simple tunic]]
* [[How to - Make a Suaq coat|Make a Suaq coat]]
* [[How to - Make a surcote|Make a surcote]]
* [[How to - Make a wizard's or monk's outfit|Make a wizard's or monk's outfit]]
* [[How to - Make cambion horns|Make cambion horns]]</div></div>

Imperial:LeftBar

2024-08-30T20:23:01Z

Gamma3000: Link to 2024 E4

<nav-list>
<nav-header>Conduct Rules</nav-header>
<nav-item>[[Conduct]]</nav-item>
<nav-item>[[Reporting a conduct problem|Reporting]]</nav-item>
<nav-header>COVID Safety</nav-header>
<nav-item>[[Entry requirements|Entry Requirements]]</nav-item>
<nav-item>[[COVID safety|Event Measures]]</nav-item>
<nav-header>The Campaign</nav-header>
<nav-item>[[386YE Autumn Equinox interlude|Interlude]]</nav-item>
<nav-item>[[386YE Autumn Equinox winds of fortune|Winds of Fortune]]</nav-item>
<nav-item>[[386YE Autumn Equinox winds of war|Winds of War]]</nav-item>
<nav-item>[[Recent history|Recent History]]</nav-item>
<nav-header>Event Information</nav-header>
<nav-item>[[Events|Events 2024]]</nav-item>
<nav-item>[[Event information|General Details]]</nav-item>
<nav-item>[[Dadford Road Campsite|Site Information]]</nav-item>
<nav-item>[[Autumn Equinox 2024|Autumn Equinox 386YE]]</nav-item>
<nav-item>[[Event schedule|Event Schedule]]</nav-item>
<nav-header>Useful Links</nav-header>
<nav-item>[[Accessibility]]</nav-item>
<nav-item>[[Photography]]</nav-item>
<nav-item>[[Wiki Updates]]</nav-item>
<nav-item>[[Rules update 2024|Rules Updates]]</nav-item>
<nav-item>[[General FAQ|FAQ]]</nav-item>
<nav-item>[[Special:RandomPage|Random page]]</nav-item>
</nav-list>
<div style="float:right; width: 100%; clear: right;"><div class="center" style="width: auto; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;">
<box>'''Rules Reminder'''<br>You should treat others with respect and assume best faith when online. See our [[Online#Treat_each_other_with_respect_and_assume_best_faith|online]] rules for more details<br><small>[[Rules reminder|Previous rules reminders]]</small></box></div></div>

Autumn Equinox 2024

2024-08-30T20:17:50Z

Gamma3000: /* IC Field */ Fix commenting

{{stub}}
==Overview==
This page lists all the details that are specific to this event. There is an additional page with [[event information]] which lists arrival and departure times and similar details that are common for all Empire events.

==COVID==
Please read the [[COVID safety]] guidelines carefully to make sure you understand what is required.

==IC News==
See the [[386YE Autumn Equinox winds of fortune|winds of fortune]] and the [[386YE Autumn Equinox winds of war|winds of war]] for all the latest in-character developments throughout the Empire. An [[Event schedule|event schedule]] that shows the timings of in-character activities common to all Empire events is also available. There is also a [[386YE Autumn Equinox Imperial elections|list of upcoming Imperial elections]]

==Battles==
At the event we will be running two large battles, one Saturday morning and one Sunday morning. The large battles will follow the normal rules for [[battles]]; you may only participate in a single battle as your character and you must monster the other battle if you decide to participate in one. The sides for the battles will be chosen by the generals in the [[Muster]] of the [[Imperial Military Council]] on Friday night.

The [[Sentinel Gate]] opens at 11:00 - regardless of whether anyone is ready or not! If you are playing then make sure you arrive in plenty of time before this so your weapons can be checked.

If you are monstering then you need to make your way to the monster area between 09:30 and 10:00 to give us time to get you into costume, made-up and briefed. If you turn up after 10:30 you will be turned away.

{{CaptionedImage|file=2024.png|title=Site Map|align=right|width=600}}
==Toilets==
Toilet blocks are marked on the map with a T symbol. The main blocks are the ones near Mhorish, near God, and in the OOC player field adjacent to the crew area. All the larger blocks of toilet and hygiene facilities that are located around the site are split into male, female and gender neutral toilets. All our participants are entitled to use the facilities that they feel most comfortable using. You must not challenge other participants when using the facilities.

==Site Map==
The site map is opposite; the [[camp planner]] for each camp will have their own layout for their camp, showing where all the tents they know about are to be pitched. If you are bringing an IC tent, please make sure you contact your camp planner before the event to let them know what you are bringing. If you do not know where you are supposed to be camping, then please speak to the [[camp planner]] on arrival at your nation's camp.

==Accessibility Camps==
The areas marked with a wheelchair are the out-of-character camps that are for use by participants with additional accessibility needs. Please let the crew know if you need to camp or park here. There are five disabled toilet facilities, one near monster, one near the showers, one near the drop-off point, one in the in-character area in the toilet blocks opposite Mhorish and one in the accessibility camp near Wintermark.

==Drop Off Point==
No vehicles are allowed on site after 18:00 on Friday as the game has started by this point. We have created a vehicle drop off point near the main entrance to the League and Navarr camp. This is purely for vehicles that are not driving onto the site, but wish to park as close to the entrance as possible so that they can unload from here. You must move your vehicle from the drop off point to the main camping/parking area once you have finished unloading your vehicle.

==Traders==
Several of our bigger traders have now moved to our new Trade Court, which you can find in the OC area near GOD with most of our caterers and our new traders. The remainder will be sited in the IC area near the bar as usual.

===Trade Court===
* [http://www.chowsemporium.co.uk/ Chows Emporium] Costume, leather gloves, products related to drinking and accessories.
* [http://www.darkbladeuk.co.uk Darkblade] Leather Stuff.
* [http://www.eldritch.com/ Eldritch] Weapons and armour.

* [http://havingalarp.com/ Having A Larp] Costume, weapons, armour and LARP accessories.
* Irregular Props - Weapons, shields and mage implements designed especially for Empire.
* [https://www.kriosphotography.com/ Krios Photography] - On-site studio set to capture beautiful portraits, ensuring everyone looks their best!
* [https://www.larpinn.co.uk/ Larp Inn] Heros are made from our wide selection of costume, leather goods, armour and weapons.


* [https://www.facebook.com/stardustlarpcraft Stardust Larpcraft] Fantasy leatherwork, costume, and accessories with a sparkle.
* Wonderlust Couture - custom made, individual jewellery and costume in various designs.

===IC Field===

* [http://www.battle-ready.com/ Battle Ready] Hand-crafted leather goods.
* [https://www.bespokepewter.com Bespoke Pewter] Empire specific and general medieval pewter badges and dress accessories.
* [http://history-explorer.co.uk/ Coelred Monger] Suppliers of replica costume and artefacts.
* [https://www.facebook.com/Craeftigan1 Craeftigan] Beautiful weapons and costume that are perfect for Empire.
* [https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100057123293760 Das Shoppe] New and second-hand costume, leatherwork, weapons, props and furniture. Trade-ins welcome.
* [https://www.larpgems.com Gem’s Trading Co] - Costumes and leatherwork. Fine quality tailored garments and LRP props. Also a wide range of hand made leather items and missile weapons supplied by Arrow Kaster available to order.
* [https://gnosisstudios.net/ Gnosis]
* Hardy & Sweet Weapons and LARP supplies
* [https://www.larpinn.co.uk/ Having A Larp] Costume, weapons, armour and LARP accessories.
* Honest Jim's Wandering Shop
* In Your Dreams FX - Weapons, armour, masks and arrows
* [http://www.lamialeather.co.uk Lamia Leather] specialise in making leather Armour, jackets, and accessories for LARP.
* [http://www.lyonleathers.co.uk/ Lyon Leathers] sell leather hides, animal furs, buckles and fittings and also a small selection of belts and other leather goods.
* [https://www.facebook.com/share/6RgY3tsXxZgxfN3y/ McSkelly Leathers] A fine range of high quality custom made leather goods.
* [https://millstreamforge.co.uk Millstream Forge]

* [https://www.instagram.com/queen_in_chain Queen of Chains]
* [https://www.facebook.com/SkianMhor Skian Mhor] Latex Weapons and props. Costume, armour, leatherwork, chainmail, tents and all types of LRP supplies and essentials.

* [https://www.facebook.com/UmbraArmoury/ Umbra Armouries] Custom leather goods.
* [http://www.velvet-glove.co.uk/ Velvet Glove Costumes] Costumes, make-up, prosthetics, jewellery with more to come!

* Mhorish Good Food
* Smokey Hole
* PD Tavern (The Forge)

===Caterers===
A full list of caterers is available from the [[Event information#Food and Drink|Food and Drink]] section of the [[Event information|General Details]] page.

[[Category:Events]]

Dadford Road Campsite

2024-07-15T20:21:28Z

Gamma3000: /* Banbury Shuttle Service */ Better map resolution

==Overview==
All our events in 2023 will be held on the land next to Dadford Road Campsite.

Now that we have had time to address the access issues on the site, the restrictions which were in place at Easter have been significantly relaxed. Please read the information below carefully.

==Queries==
For all site related queries about Profound Decisions events at Dadford Road Campsite, please [[contact Profound Decisions]], please do not attempt to contact the site.

==Arrival==
* '''The entrance to the site is marked Dadford Road campsite'''
* '''Continue on the farm track, past the buildings, until you get to the woods that is part of the event site'''
* '''There will be a temporary road for vehicles made from wood chip running through the event site'''

Our gate team will be on hand to meet you by the side of the track at the boundary of the event site. They will be able to answer any questions you have on the day and give you additional direction.

There are temporary roads made of wood chip that go through the out-of-character camp, through Anvil and back round to the farm track. Vehicles are allowed to leave the road provided the conditions are acceptable, please check with a member of crew for further details when you are on site.

===OOC Camping Fields===
* '''We have hired two additional fields for OOC camping in 2023 so that sleeping tents can be as close to the game as possible'''
{{CaptionedImage|file=2023-Site-Overview.png|align=right|width=600}}
The OOC camping fields are adjacent to the Anvil fields. There are four main out-of-character fields. There is a large field behind the woods and a second field adjacent to it for the use of Dawn and Wintermark and else who wishes to use them. There is a large field that runs alongside the farm track, half of which is allocated to participants with mobility needs. Finally there is a large field that runs along the crew strip.

===IC Camping Fields===
* '''If you want to camp in-character, then you must let your nation camp planner know'''
* '''You must follow the rules for in-character camping and vehicle access'''

Anvil is spread over the small woods and the two adjoining fields. If you wish to camp in-character, then you must let the [[camp planner]] for your nation know. There are [[Event_information#Camping|rules in place for in-character camping]], so we can only guarantee sleeping space on the IC field to people with accessibility or childcare needs.

You can bring your car onto the in-character field to set up your camp. You can drive onto the roads through IC camping fields provided that you do so before time-in at 6pm, but you can only leave the roads if the weather is dry and the ground is in good condition. Space is at a premium on site and the spot where you stop to unload is likely to be needed by someone to else to camp. For this reason, you must unload and set up your camp as quickly as you can and then move you vehicle off site as soon as you are done. You must not leave your vehicle on site over night.

During take-down there is simply not enough room for everyone to bring their car onto the site while all the tents are still up. We need participants to make room for vehicles and be off as quickly as possible, otherwise the traffic on the site becomes gridlocked and nothing can move. For this reason you must take your tent down and pack up your belongings before you bring your vehicle on site, unless you need to bring your vehicle on first for accessibility reasons (such as disability, fatigue, childcare, etc). Once everything is down and ready to be packed away, you can bring your car onto site (assuming ground conditions are reasonable), collect your stuff and go. We strongly recommend bringing a plastic sheet, tarpaulin or similar to protect your gear from any inclement weather.

This rule applies up to 7pm on Sunday - after that time participants are free to drive onto site without needing to take their tents down first. We will actively review this deadline between events and move it earlier in the day if we are confident that we can do so without the site becoming deadlocked.

All these rules apply to the IC camping areas only, there are no equivalent restrictions on vehicle movements in the OOC or crew camping areas.

===Crew Camping Fields===
* '''Camping for crew only'''
The crew camping field is for crew only. Crew may choose to camp here or in any of the player camping areas. GOD, and monster will all operate from this area.
{{CaptionedImage|file=Dadford Road Area.png|align=right|width=600}}

==Accessibility Support==
There are dedicated accessibility camps at all entrances to the site for anyone who needs to use them. We will provide additional support available where possible - email us at [mailto:accessibility@profounddecisions.co.uk accessibility@profounddecisions.co.uk] to discuss what arrangements will suit you best. We aim to make our events accessible to all and will do everything we can to help you enjoy the event.

==Site regulations==
===Ground Fires===
Fires must not be set on the ground, they must only be lit on the oil drums provided or an equivalent that keeps the fire off the ground. Existing fires should be completely extinguished each night. We are arranging firewood for the site. The site includes land that is actively farmed - so please do not throw rubbish that does not burn into campfires - particularly tins, bottles and bottle tops.

===Rubbish===
Please make sure that all your rubbish is suitably bagged and disposed of in the skip before you leave site. Do not overfill your rubbish bags - more bags are available on request from GOD at any time. The skip is located in the main OOC field. Please ask for directions if you cannot find it.

==Site Address==
Dadford Road Campsite, Dadford Road, Stowe, Silverstone, Buckinghamshire, MK18 5LH.

==Directions==
The event site is easy to get to with main roads nearby - players should find that their satnav has no problem directing them by the most sensible route. If you are having problems follow brown heritage road signs for Silverstone race track.
{{CaptionedImage|file=LogicalDirections.png|align=right|width=600}}
===From M40 North===
* Leave the motorway at J11
* Take the second exit at the roundabout marked Brackley A422
* Stay on the A422 until it meets the A43 as it goes round Brackley
* Stay on the A43 until you see the exit signed for Stowe, Dadford, Aberthorpe, and Silverstone
* Come off the A43 but continue straight on for 500m until you see a sharp right turned signed for Silverstone race track
* Continue over the A43 and straight on at the roundabout on the Dadford Road
* Stay on Dadford Road, straight over two roundabouts, past Silverstone race track
* The campsite is the third entrance on the right - it has blue signs indicating the entrance

===From M40 South===
* Leave the motorway at J10 and take the third exit the A43 signed for M1 and Northampton
* Continue on the A43 round Brackley towards Silverstone race track
* Stay on the A43 until you see the exit signed for Stowe, Dadford, Aberthorpe, and Silverstone
* Come off the A43 but continue straight on for 500m until you see a sharp right turned signed for Silverstone race track
* Continue over the A43 and straight on at the roundabout on the Dadford Road
* Stay on Dadford Road, straight over two roundabouts, past Silverstone race track
* The campsite is the third entrance on the right - it has blue signs indicating the entrance

===From M1===
* Leave the motorway at J15A and take the A43 towards Oxford & Banbury
* Stay on the A43 past Towcester
* Come off the A43 at the junction signed for Stowe, Dadford, Aberthorpe, Silverstone.
* Left at the roundabout onto Dadford Road
* Stay on Dadford Road, straight over two roundabouts, past Silverstone race track
* The campsite is the third entrance on the right - it has blue signs indicating the entrance

===By Train===
The most convenient train station is Banbury (which has good links to London Marylebone and Birmingham).

===Banbury Shuttle Service===
{{CaptionedImage|file=Coach pickup.png|align=right|width=400}}
* '''There is a coach service between Banbury and the site'''
* '''There is no charge for this service this year'''
* '''You may not eat on the coach'''
* '''There is a sign-up sheet in GOD for the Sunday shuttle'''

We operate a coach service collecting players from Banbury train station and bringing them to site and taking them back on Sunday. This will be a 49 seat coach available on Thursday and Friday and a 57 seat coach for the return journeys on Sunday. The times are

* '''Thursday:''' 14:00, 15:30, 17:30, 19:30
* '''Friday:''' 12:00, 14:00, 16:00
* '''Sunday:''' 15:45, 17:45, 19:15

At Banbury Station the pick-up point is out through the station, into the Carpark, across by the chain link fence onto Tramway Road. This is also the drop off location on Sunday. The What Three Words for this location are prove.cargo.forces

The drop off and pickup location on site at Dadford Road Farm is the hard standing turning area near the PD post box and the cottage. It is before the dip and where the concrete toilet block is. The What Three Words for this location are invent.saddens.swerving

Arriving on site from The train station is managed on a first come first served basis.

The first two coaches to leave are often heavily subscribed. There is a sign-up sheet available in GOD to ensure you have a space. We understand that people will be looking to leave to catch prebooked trains and ask that you sign up for the most appropriate coach to get you there on time. You will have to take a taxi or travel on a later coach if the earlier coach is full.

There is no charge for this service at this year.

===By Bus or Taxi===
From Banbury you may also take the Stagecoach 500 bus to Brackley which is 5 miles from the site and then use a local taxi. Taxis include Zoom Taxis (01327 765 765 ),Braxi Taxis (01280 700 600) and Direct Taxi Services (07512 929 297). Zoom Taxis in particular offer a prebook and payment service.

==Amenities==
Brackley has a large Tesco store on the southern edge of the town and a Waitrose more centrally. There are various other shops and takeaways in the centre. Silverstone Innovation park has space that can be [https://silverstone-park.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/04/WRaP-Leaflet.pdf|used for remote working].

[[Category:The Game]]
[[Category:Events]]

Dadford Road Campsite

2024-07-15T20:20:33Z

Gamma3000: /* Banbury Shuttle Service */ Clearer pickup map

==Overview==
All our events in 2023 will be held on the land next to Dadford Road Campsite.

Now that we have had time to address the access issues on the site, the restrictions which were in place at Easter have been significantly relaxed. Please read the information below carefully.

==Queries==
For all site related queries about Profound Decisions events at Dadford Road Campsite, please [[contact Profound Decisions]], please do not attempt to contact the site.

==Arrival==
* '''The entrance to the site is marked Dadford Road campsite'''
* '''Continue on the farm track, past the buildings, until you get to the woods that is part of the event site'''
* '''There will be a temporary road for vehicles made from wood chip running through the event site'''

Our gate team will be on hand to meet you by the side of the track at the boundary of the event site. They will be able to answer any questions you have on the day and give you additional direction.

There are temporary roads made of wood chip that go through the out-of-character camp, through Anvil and back round to the farm track. Vehicles are allowed to leave the road provided the conditions are acceptable, please check with a member of crew for further details when you are on site.

===OOC Camping Fields===
* '''We have hired two additional fields for OOC camping in 2023 so that sleeping tents can be as close to the game as possible'''
{{CaptionedImage|file=2023-Site-Overview.png|align=right|width=600}}
The OOC camping fields are adjacent to the Anvil fields. There are four main out-of-character fields. There is a large field behind the woods and a second field adjacent to it for the use of Dawn and Wintermark and else who wishes to use them. There is a large field that runs alongside the farm track, half of which is allocated to participants with mobility needs. Finally there is a large field that runs along the crew strip.

===IC Camping Fields===
* '''If you want to camp in-character, then you must let your nation camp planner know'''
* '''You must follow the rules for in-character camping and vehicle access'''

Anvil is spread over the small woods and the two adjoining fields. If you wish to camp in-character, then you must let the [[camp planner]] for your nation know. There are [[Event_information#Camping|rules in place for in-character camping]], so we can only guarantee sleeping space on the IC field to people with accessibility or childcare needs.

You can bring your car onto the in-character field to set up your camp. You can drive onto the roads through IC camping fields provided that you do so before time-in at 6pm, but you can only leave the roads if the weather is dry and the ground is in good condition. Space is at a premium on site and the spot where you stop to unload is likely to be needed by someone to else to camp. For this reason, you must unload and set up your camp as quickly as you can and then move you vehicle off site as soon as you are done. You must not leave your vehicle on site over night.

During take-down there is simply not enough room for everyone to bring their car onto the site while all the tents are still up. We need participants to make room for vehicles and be off as quickly as possible, otherwise the traffic on the site becomes gridlocked and nothing can move. For this reason you must take your tent down and pack up your belongings before you bring your vehicle on site, unless you need to bring your vehicle on first for accessibility reasons (such as disability, fatigue, childcare, etc). Once everything is down and ready to be packed away, you can bring your car onto site (assuming ground conditions are reasonable), collect your stuff and go. We strongly recommend bringing a plastic sheet, tarpaulin or similar to protect your gear from any inclement weather.

This rule applies up to 7pm on Sunday - after that time participants are free to drive onto site without needing to take their tents down first. We will actively review this deadline between events and move it earlier in the day if we are confident that we can do so without the site becoming deadlocked.

All these rules apply to the IC camping areas only, there are no equivalent restrictions on vehicle movements in the OOC or crew camping areas.

===Crew Camping Fields===
* '''Camping for crew only'''
The crew camping field is for crew only. Crew may choose to camp here or in any of the player camping areas. GOD, and monster will all operate from this area.
{{CaptionedImage|file=Dadford Road Area.png|align=right|width=600}}

==Accessibility Support==
There are dedicated accessibility camps at all entrances to the site for anyone who needs to use them. We will provide additional support available where possible - email us at [mailto:accessibility@profounddecisions.co.uk accessibility@profounddecisions.co.uk] to discuss what arrangements will suit you best. We aim to make our events accessible to all and will do everything we can to help you enjoy the event.

==Site regulations==
===Ground Fires===
Fires must not be set on the ground, they must only be lit on the oil drums provided or an equivalent that keeps the fire off the ground. Existing fires should be completely extinguished each night. We are arranging firewood for the site. The site includes land that is actively farmed - so please do not throw rubbish that does not burn into campfires - particularly tins, bottles and bottle tops.

===Rubbish===
Please make sure that all your rubbish is suitably bagged and disposed of in the skip before you leave site. Do not overfill your rubbish bags - more bags are available on request from GOD at any time. The skip is located in the main OOC field. Please ask for directions if you cannot find it.

==Site Address==
Dadford Road Campsite, Dadford Road, Stowe, Silverstone, Buckinghamshire, MK18 5LH.

==Directions==
The event site is easy to get to with main roads nearby - players should find that their satnav has no problem directing them by the most sensible route. If you are having problems follow brown heritage road signs for Silverstone race track.
{{CaptionedImage|file=LogicalDirections.png|align=right|width=600}}
===From M40 North===
* Leave the motorway at J11
* Take the second exit at the roundabout marked Brackley A422
* Stay on the A422 until it meets the A43 as it goes round Brackley
* Stay on the A43 until you see the exit signed for Stowe, Dadford, Aberthorpe, and Silverstone
* Come off the A43 but continue straight on for 500m until you see a sharp right turned signed for Silverstone race track
* Continue over the A43 and straight on at the roundabout on the Dadford Road
* Stay on Dadford Road, straight over two roundabouts, past Silverstone race track
* The campsite is the third entrance on the right - it has blue signs indicating the entrance

===From M40 South===
* Leave the motorway at J10 and take the third exit the A43 signed for M1 and Northampton
* Continue on the A43 round Brackley towards Silverstone race track
* Stay on the A43 until you see the exit signed for Stowe, Dadford, Aberthorpe, and Silverstone
* Come off the A43 but continue straight on for 500m until you see a sharp right turned signed for Silverstone race track
* Continue over the A43 and straight on at the roundabout on the Dadford Road
* Stay on Dadford Road, straight over two roundabouts, past Silverstone race track
* The campsite is the third entrance on the right - it has blue signs indicating the entrance

===From M1===
* Leave the motorway at J15A and take the A43 towards Oxford & Banbury
* Stay on the A43 past Towcester
* Come off the A43 at the junction signed for Stowe, Dadford, Aberthorpe, Silverstone.
* Left at the roundabout onto Dadford Road
* Stay on Dadford Road, straight over two roundabouts, past Silverstone race track
* The campsite is the third entrance on the right - it has blue signs indicating the entrance

===By Train===
The most convenient train station is Banbury (which has good links to London Marylebone and Birmingham).

===Banbury Shuttle Service===
{{CaptionedImage|file=Coach pickup.png|align=right}}
* '''There is a coach service between Banbury and the site'''
* '''There is no charge for this service this year'''
* '''You may not eat on the coach'''
* '''There is a sign-up sheet in GOD for the Sunday shuttle'''

We operate a coach service collecting players from Banbury train station and bringing them to site and taking them back on Sunday. This will be a 49 seat coach available on Thursday and Friday and a 57 seat coach for the return journeys on Sunday. The times are

* '''Thursday:''' 14:00, 15:30, 17:30, 19:30
* '''Friday:''' 12:00, 14:00, 16:00
* '''Sunday:''' 15:45, 17:45, 19:15

At Banbury Station the pick-up point is out through the station, into the Carpark, across by the chain link fence onto Tramway Road. This is also the drop off location on Sunday. The What Three Words for this location are prove.cargo.forces

The drop off and pickup location on site at Dadford Road Farm is the hard standing turning area near the PD post box and the cottage. It is before the dip and where the concrete toilet block is. The What Three Words for this location are invent.saddens.swerving

Arriving on site from The train station is managed on a first come first served basis.

The first two coaches to leave are often heavily subscribed. There is a sign-up sheet available in GOD to ensure you have a space. We understand that people will be looking to leave to catch prebooked trains and ask that you sign up for the most appropriate coach to get you there on time. You will have to take a taxi or travel on a later coach if the earlier coach is full.

There is no charge for this service at this year.

===By Bus or Taxi===
From Banbury you may also take the Stagecoach 500 bus to Brackley which is 5 miles from the site and then use a local taxi. Taxis include Zoom Taxis (01327 765 765 ),Braxi Taxis (01280 700 600) and Direct Taxi Services (07512 929 297). Zoom Taxis in particular offer a prebook and payment service.

==Amenities==
Brackley has a large Tesco store on the southern edge of the town and a Waitrose more centrally. There are various other shops and takeaways in the centre. Silverstone Innovation park has space that can be [https://silverstone-park.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/04/WRaP-Leaflet.pdf|used for remote working].

[[Category:The Game]]
[[Category:Events]]

File:Coach pickup.png

2024-07-15T20:19:56Z

Gamma3000: Gamma3000 moved page File:Screenshot 2024-07-15 211311.png to File:Coach pickup.png

File:Coach pickup.png

2024-07-15T20:19:44Z

Gamma3000:

GOD

2024-07-14T14:02:23Z

Gamma3000: /* First point of contact */ new section

[[Category:Rules]]
All Profound Decisions events are administered from the Games Operation Desk (GOD), the location of which is marked in each event guide. Members of the GOD crew are there to help you with any administrative or general queries that you have about the event – we might not know the answers ourselves, but we can get hold of the people who do.

==Opening times==
GOD is usually open for normal service during the times given here. Sometimes we need to close during these times – we'll put a notice up by the entrance if so.

{| class="wikitable" style="width: 50vw"
|-
! On...
! GOD is open...
! For...
|-
| Thursday<sup>[[#1|(1)]]</sup>
| 20:00–22:00
| Pack handout, limited lost property
|-
| rowspan="2" | Friday
| 13:00–16:00
| Pack handout, limited lost property
|-
| 17:00–01:00 Sat
| Normal service
|-
| Saturday
| 09:30–01:00 Sun
| Normal service
|-
| rowspan="3" | Sunday
| 09:30–12:00
| Normal service
|-
| 12:00–15:00
| Normal service, resource hand-in
|-
| 15:00–17:00
| Resource hand-in, lost property
|-
|}
#{{anchor|1}} <small>We try to start pack handout on Thursday evening, and aim to be open by 20:00. This is dependent on lots of moving (or, as is sometimes the case with the M6, non-moving) parts, so isn't guaranteed! We try to get a notice with our estimated opening time up sometime late on Thursday afternoon.</small>

==Accessibility==
* '''You can set up a proxy to come to GOD on your behalf'''
* '''If you want to come to GOD yourself, let us know your access needs and we will try to help'''
Any player can nominate one or more other players as out-of-character proxies to interact with GOD on their behalf. This includes all services, not just pack collection! Email [mailto:admin@profounddecisions.co.uk admin@profounddecisions.co.uk] with your nominated proxy's details (name and PID), and we'll register that on the system. If you've nominated another player to act as a proxy for you for this purpose then you will be able to see their details in your [https://www.profounddecisions.co.uk/account/summary summary status] on your Profound Decisions account when you log in.

This sort of proxying only affects out-of-character processes, like interacting with referees or GOD. Separately, characters with certain Imperial titles can [[proxy|appoint another character to act on their behalf in character]].

If you would prefer to come into GOD yourself, we can make a variety of accommodations. Please come directly to the lost property or potions desk and let us know if you would like support with access. Depending on the circumstances, for example, we might be able to let you bypass the main queues, provide seating while we're dealing with your queries, or take you to a quieter area. Many GOD volunteers are disabled ourselves; we can't fix everything, but we're happy to get creative about what we can offer.

==GOD services==
===First point of contact===
* '''If you're not sure where to ask a question, GOD is a good place to start'''
* '''In an emergency, find anyone with a radio; GOD or First Aid (opposite GOD) are likely to be able to help'''

If you need anything at an event and you're not sure where to go, GOD is a good place to start. Depending on what the problem is and when you come to us, we might need to get someone from another team to help you or ask you to come back later, but a key role for GOD is knowing what resources might be available and how to access them.

For example:

* If you're confused about some of the game rules, we might be able to talk you through some issues, we might be able to direct you to some of the [[New player schedule|new player meetings]] where there will be lots of other players as well as crew on hand to answer those sorts of question, or we might be able to get a [[referee]] who can go into more detail.
* If your car has broken down, we'll be able to get in touch with the [[Site crew|site infrastructure team]], who can sort out simple problems like flat batteries themselves (although if you have jump leads, getting another player nearby might be quicker still!), or we can make sure the traffic team are aware so they can direct a breakdown company to where you're parked.
* If you're struggling to have fun, we can radio the [[Participant welfare|participant welfare team]] or your nation's [[egregores]], who will be able to help you find a way to get more involved in the game.

===Character packs===
* '''You, or your proxy, can collect your character pack from GOD any time we are open'''
* '''We will need to know your PID in order to locate your pack'''
* '''If you have booked a ticket at the concessionary rate and you ''have not'' provided evidence you are entitled to a concession before the event, you will need to join the queue for the concessions desk'''
Character packs contain your character passport, and may also contain in-game resources, plot documents, and small items of lost property we've confirmed belong to you.

You or your proxy will need to visit GOD to collect your pack. From Thursday evening to shortly before time in, general pack handout takes place along both sides of the tent – the tables will be labelled with PID ranges so you can see where to go. After time in, general pack collection is from the potions desk. Please try to collect your pack early on in the event – they take up a lot of space! We start breaking down uncollected packs on Sunday morning, so if you come to collect your pack on Sunday you might need to wait while we make it up again.

We will need to know your PID to locate your pack. Your PID ''should'' be on your ticket. If your ticket shows your PID as "null", don't worry – you almost certainly do have a PID, it just didn't exist when your ticket was generated. You can check this yourself by logging into the PD website and checking the Account Summary page, or we can look it up for you! We can also look up your PID if you don't know it for any other reason – but this will take a little longer.

If you book in advance (Early, Late, and Gate bookings made before you reached the site) and have an active character, your pack should be ready for you to collect when we open.

If you buy a ticket when you arrive on site and have an active character, we will make your pack up once your booking has been processed. If you try to pick your pack up before your booking has been processed, show us your receipt and we will make it up as soon as possible. Depending on how busy we are, this might be immediate or we might need to ask you to come back later.

If you do not have an active character, no pack will be created for you. You will need to create a character (on your own device or using the [[#Player Computers|player computers]] in GOD). Once you've done this, please join the ''computer queries'' queue to let us know that we need to set your character as active and make up a pack for you. If you need another pack for a new character, because your existing character has died or you want to retire them, this also applies. Depending on how busy we are, we will either make your pack up immediately or ask you to come back later.

If you booked a ticket at the '''concession''' rate, please e-mail evidence that you're entitled to the concessionary rate (e.g. student ID, screenshot of UC account page) to [mailto:admin@profounddecisions.co.uk admin@profounddecisions.co.uk] ''before'' the event begins – this means you can join the general pack handout queue, which moves much faster and doesn't need you to wait while we faff about on the computer. If you weren't able to e-mail in proof of entitlement before the event, you will need to join the queue for the concessions desk (before time in) or queries desk (after time in) to collect your pack. You will need to show us evidence you are entitled to a concession or pay the difference between a concession and a full-price ticket in order to collect your pack. Note that you have to provide evidence that you're entitled to a concession for every booking you make – if you book three events at once you'll only have to provide proof at or before the first event, but if you book them separately you'll have to provide proof each time.

If you are a member of '''crew''', you should receive an e-mail a few days before the event letting you know whether to pick your pack up from GOD or from your head of department.

===Player Computers===
* '''There are a number of computers for players to use to check the wiki or log into the PD website'''
* '''You can also connect your own devices to the PD_PUBLIC Wi-Fi network'''
* '''The network is not connected to the Internet; only the PD servers are accessible'''
Player computers are usually located by the main entrance to GOD. You can use these to set up a new [[characters|character]], learn [[skills]], create [[bands]], and check information on the Empire wiki.

Alternatively, you can connect to the PD_PUBLIC network and visit [http://www.profounddecisions.co.uk www.profounddecisions.co.uk] to do all the same things from your own device. Note that this Wi-Fi network is connected to the PD servers in the field, but isn't connected to the Internet. That means you won't be able to check Facebook or your email, but you will be able to read this wiki and access your character account. Some phones will detect the lack of internet access and "help" by automatically disconnecting you from the Wi-Fi network so you can use mobile data; you may want to turn off mobile data to stop this happening.

If you need help with logging into your PD account (e.g. a reminder of your username or resetting your password), please join the general queries queue. The Reset Password button will not work while the servers are in the field – you'll need us to do that for you.

===Potions===
* '''To mix [[potion|potions]], go to the potions desk past the desks with computers'''
Please try to bring your character passport (so we can check what you can make without needing to go over to a computer).

It's really helpful if you have your herb cards already counted out and stacked together – e.g. if you want to make seven [[Elixir Vitae]], please have one stack of seven [[Cerulean Mazzarine|cerulean mazzarine]] and another of seven [[True Vervain|true vervain]], rather than seven pairs of one each.

===Money changing===
* '''To change money, head to the potions desk past the desks with computers'''
GOD is usually able to change [[Currency|denominations of coins]] at the potions desk. If you've got a large amount of money to change, please try to come in at a quiet time (during morning battles and after about 20:00 on Friday and Saturday are generally good!) – and if you can stack it up in nice round numbers for us that will definitely speed things up!

If you only want to change a small number of coins and have mostly come into GOD for other reasons, whoever you're talking to will probably be able to do this for you.

===Character admin===
* '''For character admin, join the queries queue for one of our volunteers at a computer'''

Character admin includes:

* Changing aspects of your character, e.g. changing your character's skills, their nation, their resource, and the spelling of their name
* Registering when young players have passed their test of citizenship
* Setting a new character to "active" and making up a character pack, if your previous character has died or been retired

For all of these, join the general queries queue. We'll need to know your PID – we can look you up if necessary but it's quicker if you already know it!

===Referee admin===
* '''For referee admin, join the queries queue for one of our volunteers at a computer'''

If you're unable to find a referee in the field or at the Referee Access Tent (RAT), GOD is also able to:
* Record [[rituals]] and [[Religious skills|ceremonies]]
* [[Create bond|create bonds]]
* [[Detect magic]]

You'll also need to come to us if you want to:
* Pick up a physical item, e.g. ribbons, area effect lammies, effigies
* Add [[iridescent gloaming]] into your account so that you can perform [[Call Winged Messenger]]

Depending on what you want to do, we'll need:
* Your PID
* Anyone else involved (or their proxy) – and their PIDs!
* For anything involving magical items, both the ribbon and the physrep
* If you are joining a [[bands|band]], you will need to demonstrate that you know the oath

For all of these, join the general queries queue.

===PD physreps===
* '''For major PD "gold ribbon" physreps, collect them from the potions desk past the desks with computers'''
* '''If you have one of these physreps you must return it by 15:30 on Sunday'''
* '''If you picked up the physrep from GOD or you have explicitly agreed with PD, you may keep the physrep between events'''
There are some significant, recognisable physreps that PD provide, such as [[Archmage]] regalia. These have [[Stealing#Gold Ribbon Items|gold ribbons]]. If you are someone who should have one of these items, there will be a note in your character pack, and you can collect the item from the potions desk.

If you have one of these items, you must return it to GOD by 15:30 on Sunday so that it can be safely stored between events.

If the item is associated with a title that you hold, you may be able to keep the item between events, for example to go to player events. If you picked up the item yourself from GOD at the start of the event, you have permission to keep hold of the item. If you acquired the item during the event, including if you were elected to the title, you must either return the item or come to GOD to let us know you want to keep hold of it between events.

===Resource hand-in===
* '''If you want to use resources in downtime, you need to hand them in to GOD'''
* '''Don't hand in resources you don't intend to use in downtime'''
* '''Complete a hand-in sheet and deposit your resources at the potions desk on Sunday between 12:00 and 17:00'''
You can hand resources in at GOD ''if you have plans to use them during [[downtime]]'' between events. We accept resource hand-ins on Sunday between 12:00 and 17:00. If you are leaving site before the end of the event, come and have a chat with us.

To hand in resources, head to the potions desk and take a hand-in slip and a clear plastic bag. Fill out the slip ''with exactly what you're handing in'' e.g. if your bag contains 2 thrones, 23 crowns and 44 rings, please write that rather than working out how many rings there are in total. Please ''don't'' hand in anything that doesn't have a space on the hand-in slip unless a member of crew has told you to – e.g. please don't try to hand in potions. Once you've filled out your slip, put it in the bag with your stuff (make sure it's properly sealed!) and drop it off in the labelled crate.

GOD is not a bank: we won't store items in your inventory during events, and in general we want to minimise the amount of stuff we have to count in and then count back out again. (Sometimes we wind up with a shortage of orichalcum, or 5 ring coins, or whatever – but if we want you to hand in things you're not expecting to use, there will be notices everywhere.)

===Lost property===
====Limited service====
Before time in on Friday, lost property is located by the exit from GOD. You can:

* Hand in items you've found
* Let us know about items you've lost ''this event''
* Collect items if
*# We have contacted you to let you know we’ve got something of yours. This will either be a stamp on your pack ("Lost property to collect" and/or "Arrows to collect"), and/or we'll have sent you a text message or e-mail. Small non-stabby items might be placed in your pack, in which case there won't be a stamp.
*# You’ve lost something since getting onto site at this event, and it's already been handed in.

====Normal service====
After time-in on Friday, lost property is by the main entrance to GOD. We aim to have all lost property, including all property that was handed in at the previous four events, accessible at or shortly after time-in on Friday. You can:

* Hand in items you've found
* Collect items we've contacted you about
* Ask us to have a look for items lost at any of the past four events
* Fill out a lost property slip for items that haven't been handed in yet, so we can get in touch with you if (and hopefully when) they show up

If GOD is closed to players but crew are in the tent, you can ask us for help if you have lost an item that is important or valuable out-of-character (e.g. ID, phones, wallets, keys, medications, mobility aids). For other kinds of items, please wait until we reopen – we'll be happy to fill out a lost property slip with you then.

===="Freecycle"====
We keep items for a year after they’ve been handed in – that is, we’ll keep something that was handed in at E2 2023 until the end of E2 2024.

On Sunday afternoon of each event we hold “Freecycle”, where anything we’ve had in lost property unclaimed for a year is laid out somewhere near GOD. A sign is put up outside GOD on Saturday night giving details for that event’s Freecycle. People queue up, choose one item, and then – if they like! – head around to the back of the queue for another item. We have limited storage space – this lets unclaimed things be used and loved.

====Between events====
If you lose an OOC valuable/important item and leave site before it is handed in, we might be able to return it by post at your expense between events. We'll confirm how much postage will cost with you before we post anything.

We're sometimes able to bring home small items (e.g. jewellery, tiny stuffed toys, ...) where we can't identify the owner. If we do, we'll put photos up in the main FB group.

Crew don't usually have access to lost property storage from the Monday after an event ends to the Wednesday before the next event begins. Please do report missing items (ideally with a photograph!) to [mailto:lostproperty@profounddecisions.co.uk lostproperty@profounddecisions.co.uk] – just be aware that we're not likely to be able to have a look in advance of the next event.



=== Everything else ===
* If you want to talk to us about practical OC issues (e.g. reporting an issue with a toilet or shower block, letting PD know about a dangerously slippery path, and similar) we'll be able to help from any desk, so just join the shortest queue. If it's urgent, skip the queue.
* If you have a question and you're not sure who to ask (or where to find them), it's our job to sort that out for you. Please join the general queries queue.
* The Sunday coach sign-up sheets are located at the lost property desk until 12:00 Sunday.
* Liao physreps are available to buy from lost property or the general queries desk.
* Packs of condoms are available to buy from the lost property desk.
* We ''sometimes'' have pronoun badges and tags for bags containing OOC medical supplies, depending on whether makers have dropped any off with us. If these are available, they will be at the lost property desk.
* We have a variety of educational pamphlets available from the lost property desk, which you can also print out yourself if you'd like (see [[#Resources|Resources]]).

==Tent layout==
{{stub}}
{{CaptionedImage|file=GOD-layout-player-map-packs.png|width=300|align=right}}
Before time in on Friday, GOD is primarily set up for pack collection, with two queues:

* Most people will need to join the '''main queue'''. Packs are arranged by PID, and you'll be directed to the correct side of the tent by our queue-wrangler.
* The queue for the '''concessions desk''' is at the right-hand side of the main entrance. You should only join this queue if you have bought a ticket at the concession rate ''and have not yet provided evidence that you are entitled to a concession''. If you have e-mailed proof in to PD and had a reply acknowledging this, join the main queue. If you received any other discount (e.g. multi-booking, referring a new player), join the main queue.
* '''Lost property''' is at the back of the tent. At this point we will only have lost property that has been lost at this event, items where we have emailed the owner, or items for people who have a note on their character pack.

<div style="clear:both;"/>
{{CaptionedImage|file=GOD-layout-player-map-normal.png|width=300|align=right}}

During normal service, we have three main queues. Please check you're in the right queue, and try to keep the queues separate: we don't want to keep you waiting any longer than necessary.

* For the '''potions desk''' go through the main entrance and past the set of tables with computers. The queue for this desk is normally short. This is where you should go to mix potions, change money, and collect packs if you did not manage to do so earlier.
* For the '''queries desk''', you want any desk with a computer. The queue can be relatively long, particularly at busy times (at the start of the event and after battles), but we try to keep it moving quickly. This is where you should go for any character or referee admin, and to collect packs if you need to show evidence for a concession.
* The '''lost property desk''' is set slightly back from the main entrance. The queue can get long, particularly after battles. You '''must''' queue for lost property, even if you can see your item: helping yourself or rummaging causes significant problems with our lost property tracking.

There may also be a queue for '''player computers''', especially after battles.

For '''resource hand-in''' at the end of the event, collect a hand-in slip and bag from the tables by the main exit, then drop your items off at the potions desk.

==Info for crew==
The crew entrance is at the end of the tent by the GOD ISO. If you've been told to collect your pack from GOD or you want to pick up a crew t-shirt, please use this entrance any time the tent is staffed (note that we can't usually hand out crew packs before we open for player pack collection on Thursday). For anything to do with playing your R&R character, please use the main entrance at the other end of the tent during our normal opening hours.

If you're picking up a radio from GOD, go to the radio charging station at the back of the tent – there will be signs up with instructions. Only take one battery – if you think you need more than one, please have a chat with us.

If you need us to do something to help keep the event running smoothly, use any entrance and grab someone in blue!

==Resources==
Of the Informational Pamphlets! Improving Literature! variety.
* Rules summary: [[Media:Rules_Guide_A5.pdf|A5 (for reading online)]] and [[Media:Rules_Guide_A4.pdf|A4 (for printing)]].
* [[Media:Resource guide-A5.pdf|Guide to coin and resin denominations]]
* [[Media:GOD-guide-to-call-winged-messenger.pdf|Guide to Call Winged Messenger]]
* [[Media:Guide-lost-property.pdf|Lost property explainer]]
* [[Media:Ritual calculation sheet.pdf|Printable ritual calculation aid]]

If you'd like to know more about what we do on this side of the hedge (or you're a member of GOD crew looking for the cheat sheets), the [https://www.profounddecisions.co.uk/crew-wiki/GOD_manual GOD manual is available on the crew wiki].

{{Player Rules Links}}

Traders

2024-06-12T17:31:32Z

Gamma3000: /* LRP Weapon Manufacturers */ Add A.J. Preece

==Guidelines for Traders==
Due to the popularity of the event, we regret that at present we are unable to accept any new requests to trade at Empire events.

All traders who attend our events are required to comply with our [[trader guidelines]].

==Costume==
* [http://www.cloakedanddaggered.com Cloak’d and Dagger’d] Historical costume for adults and children, including hats.
* [https://www.craeftigan.com/ Craeftigan] For the finer things in LaRP.
* [http://historicenterprises.com Historic Enterprises] General costume company (U.S. site).
* [http://www.jollydicey.co.uk/Home Jolly Dicey] - costumiers to the discerning.
* [http://www.medievaldesign.com/eng-prodotti.asp Medieval Design] Historic costume.
* [https://www.facebook.com/PurpleZebraCostumes?notif_t=fbpage_fan_invite Purple Zebra Costume] Bespoke costume by Empire specialists.
* [http://www.revivalclothing.com/ Revival Clothing] Medieval clothing for adults and children, including hats, boots and shoes (U.S. site).
* [http://www.facebook.com/whitestarclothing/ White Star] specialise in historical costume and bespoke clothing at reasonable prices.
* [https://www.goldenmochi.co.uk/ GoldenMochi Costumes and Designs] Makes elaborate and hard wearing couture clothing specifically to survive the British weather without losing beauty and style.

==LRP Weapon Manufacturers==
* [https://larpsupplies.co.uk/ A. J. Preece Larp Supplies] LRP weapons and leatherwork
* [http://www.eldritch.com/ Eldritch] LRP weapons, armour and props.
* [https://www.facebook.com/LightArmouries Light Armouries] LRP weapons.
* [https://www.facebook.com/Offa-Studio-Andy-Rimmer-367188530020303/ Offa Studio] Bespoke LRP weaponry, props, masks and creature costumes. Also illustration and design work undertaken.
* [https://www.facebook.com/Saxon-Violence-LRP-100898756647377/ Saxon Violence] creators of historically inspired LARP weaponry.
* [https://www.facebook.com/SkianMhor/ Skian Mhor] LRP weapons, masks, prosthetics and props. Suppliers of raw materials.

==Armour==
===Metal Specialists===
* [http://www.armchair-armoury.co.uk/ Armchair Armoury] Metal armour and raw materials.
* [https://www.facebook.com/ArmourServices Armour Services Historical] Historical plate and brigandine.
* [http://www.capapie.co.uk/ Cap-a-pie] Maille, plate and padding specialists.
* [http://www.theringlord.com/ The Ring Lord] Maille, rings and raw materials.
* [http://www.whiteroseapparel.com/ White Rose Apparel] Metal plate, brigandine and leather armour.

===Leather Specialists===
* [http://battle-ready.com/home/ Battle Ready] Male & female armour.
* [http://www.darkbladeuk.co.uk/ Darkblade] Complete LRP supplies from armour and weapons to leatherwork and accessories.
* [https://www.facebook.com/UmbraArmoury/?ref=bookmarks Umbra Armoury] Tooled leatherwork as well as props and weapons
* [http://www.lamialeather.co.uk Lamia Leather] specialise in making leather Armour, jackets, and accessories for LARP

===Polyurethane & Alternative Materials===
* [http://www.nortonarmouries.com/ Norton Armouries] Highly detailed hybrid-poly armour.

==Prosthetics and Masks==
* [http://www.facebook.com/pages/Dogbane-SFX-Larp/384699054944351 Dogbane SFX Larp]
* [http://mandalastudios.co.uk/ Mandala Studios]
* [https://www.facebook.com/Offa-Studio-Andy-Rimmer-367188530020303/ Offa Studio] Bespoke LRP weaponry, props, masks and creature costumes. Also illustration and design work undertaken.
* [http://www.skianmhor.co.uk/ Skian Mhor] LRP weapons, masks, prosthetics and props. Also supply all relevant raw materials
* [www.mindmagicstudios.com Mind Magic Studios]

==General Online Shops==
* [http://armstreet.com/ Armstreet] Chemises and undershirts (doublets not really suitable for Empire).
* [http://www.bytheswordinc.com/default.aspx By the Sword] Armour and clothing, including replica costumes from the TV series The Borgias.
* [http://www.chowsemporium.co.uk/ Chow’s Emporium] Best supplier for LARP Costumes and Accessories at reasonable price.
* [http://www.dein-larp-shop.de/de/ Dein LARP Store] has a large range of appropriate dresses, trousers and tunics. Note their page has a translate button and they ship to UK.
* [http://www.getdressedforbattle.co.uk/ Get Dressed For Battle] General armour, costume and accessories.
* [http://gemstradingco.co.uk/ Gems Trading] Quality custom tailor made costumes and armour.
* [http://www.havingalarp.com/ Having a Larp] Everything you need for Larp and some things you just want.
* [https://www.etsy.com/uk/shop/LARPARROWSUK/ In Your Dream FX]
* [http://www.theknightshop.co.uk/ The Knight Shop] Historical costume, armour and general LRP weapons and accessories.
* [http://www.larpinn.co.uk/ LARP Inn] General costumes, weapons, armour and prosthetics.
* [http://www.matuls.pl/index.php?IDP=1&Lng=en Matuls] Clothing, armour tents and camp accessories from Poland (English language website).
* [http://www.mysticum.de/ Mysticum De] German LRP shop whose products include great LRP footwear with rubber soles.
* [https://www.mytholon.com/index.php?language=en&osCsid=c3d32892e5cffd1811fba68f300c2ab5 Mytholon] General costumes, weapons, armour and prosthetics.
* [http://www.sew-mill.com Sew-mill] Medieval clothing, tents, furniture and accessories.
* [http://www.steel-guild.com.ua/index.php?route=common/home StahlGilde] General armour, costume, leatherwork and accessories.
* [http://www.velvet-glove.co.uk/index.php Velvet Glove] General costume, accessories and make-up supplies.

==Miscellaneous Items==

===Jewellery===
* [http://www.craftycelts.com Crafty Celts] - Torcs, jewellery, buckles and belts (U.S.site).
* [http://www.facebook.com/DayByDayJewellery Day by Day Jewellery] Beautiful jewellery including commissions.
* [https://www.etsy.com/uk/shop/CorvoLARPjewellery?ref=profile_header Corvo Larp Jewellery] Handmade jewellery

===Leather Accessories (including Shoes)===
* [http://www.philfraser.com/index.htm Phil Fraser]
* [http://www.re-enactment-shoes.co.uk/ Re-enactment shoes ]
* [http://www.historische-schuhe.de/epages/61580448.sf/en_GB/?ViewObjectID=102641CP-Schule Historic Shoes] German company (English language website)
* [http://ravenswoodleather.com/index.php?p=home Ravenswood Leather Items] America site. Non-historical leather items.
* [https://m.facebook.com/groups/144021344780/?ref=share McSkelly Leathers] Producers of top quality bespoke works

===Pewter and Cast Goods===
* [https://www.bespokepewter.com Bespoke Pewter] Empire Specific and general medieval pewter badges and dress accessories.
* [http://www.lionheartreplicas.co.uk/ Lionheart Replicas] Pewter goods.
* [http://www.pewterreplicas.co.uk/ Pewter Replicas] Pewter badges, household items and livery collars.

===Tents and Camping Accessories===
* [http://www.smoke-fire.com/ Smoke and Fire] American company.
* [http://www.medieval-market.com/ Medieval Market] German company (English language website) – Clothing, furniture, and other items.

===Wooden items===
* [http://www.hampshirechestnut.co.uk Hampshire Chestnut] Wood and wooden furniture

[[Category:Traders]]

Nation FAQ

2024-06-02T10:49:45Z

Gamma3000: /* Can I change nation in play? */ more info and instructions

==Introduction==
{{FAQ}}

This section of the FAQ contains questions about [[Nation_overview|nations]]. For questions about other parts of the game, please see the [[General FAQ]].

==Can I change nation in play?==
To be a member of an Imperial nation you must be accepted by the [[egregores|egregore]] of that nation. In effect, this means that an existing character who wants to change nation will need to seek out the egregore of the nation they wish to join and convince them to accept you into their nation. You should make sure you read the page on [[nationality]] so that you understand the implications of joining a new nation.

If your character changes nation, after the egregore has accepted them into the new nation, you will need to make sure your character's updated nationality is recorded. The egregore may be able to do this for you, but normally you will need to go to [[GOD]] and ask one of the crew there to update your character data.

Changing your nation does not automatically move your character's [[resource]]. If you also wish your character's resource to be located in the new nation, you will need to [[Resource#Changing resources|get a new resource in the new nation]]. If you do not do this, the resource will be subject to a [[Resource#Resources in other Nations|production penalty]]. Some [[rituals]] and some [[Senator#Appointment|elections]] will also be affected by your character having a resource that is not located in their nation nation.

==Can I play a mixed-nation character?==
All players must choose a single nation for their character. Although a character may have changed nation, the nature of the setting means that they should use the culture, costume and characterization of the nation they are a member of now. This page about [[nationality]] gives more information about why characters in Empire are from a single nation.

==Can we play a mixed-nation group?==
At the event, the main field will be split into ten distinct camping areas, one for each of the nations and one for the Imperial Orcs. Nation is your primary source of identity and the key route into all the politics of the game, so any Marcher character that spends their time hanging around in the Dawnish camp is likely to be cut out of a significant portion of the game. For this reason alone we are actively discouraging mixed-nation groups and asking players to focus on creating a group that draws from one nation.

There are significant rules penalties for mixed-nation groups. Characters take the battlefield by nation, so you cannot take the battlefield and fight together as a group. You can't be part of the same sect and gain any religious benefits and you can't be part of the same coven and work together to perform rituals. In addition you cannot participate in the politics together as the politics of Empire is segregated on national lines.

All of these elements of the game have been deliberately designed to discourage players from playing in mixed nation groups, because we believe it is much more likely that players in mixed nations groups will have a very bad time. In addition to the significant rules penalties described above, you may be ostracised by your fellow players. If that happens you risk being cut out of the roleplaying of the camp, along with your inability to participate in the battles, rituals and politics of the Empire.

It is important to point out that the nations are all part of a single Empire - they might have political differences on many issues but they are fundamentally on the same side. As such it is perfectly reasonable to begin the game having existing alliances and contacts with groups in other nations. If half your friends want to come from Varushka and half want to play Winterfolk then we would advise you make two groups - one from each nation - and put links between them in your respective backgrounds. It's normal to have close friends and allies from other nations.

==Can I play an Imperial Orc in the Marches?==
Imperial orcs are a nation - they have their own camp, their own armies, their own generals and so on. Anyone planning to play an Imperial Orc should be based out of the Imperial Orc camp. No orc character can join the Marchers (or any other Imperial nation) as the egregore is not able to bond an orc to the nation. Likewise Imperial Orcs cannot join another human nation.

While we appreciate that this would make the character unique and be a point of interest for everyone who interacted with you - what it would do ultimately is undermine the unique nature of the Marches and of the Imperial Orcs - because each camp would become less and less distinct. We have taken the decision to say no to all these requests because otherwise the game would lose all identity, the character and flavour of each camp would be lost and the net result would be that the game became more bland for everyone.

==Can Imperial Orcs change nation?==
It is not possible for a human character to join the Imperial Orcs - or for an Imperial Orc to join a human nation. The reason for this decision is to preserve the character and flavour of each nation - the orc nation would quickly be watered down by the presence of any significant number of humans in their camp. Likewise the unique character of the Imperial Orcs would quickly be lost if there were Imperial orcs in every nation.

The in-character reason why this is not possible is that the magic of the egregore rejects any attempt for an individual of a different species to join the nation. Regardless of the views of the individual egregore - and no matter how closely they attempt to follow that nation's customs - it is not possible for them to form a bond with the egregore.

==Can I be a Dawnish knight without being Dawnish?==
No. To be knighted is to be a member of a [[Dawn|Dawnish]] [[noble house]] - which means being a member of a Dawnish group - for which you must be Dawnish.
==Can a Steinr be a Stormcrow?==
Yes, any Wintermark character, whether [[Steinr]], [[Suaq]], or [[Kallavesi]] can be a [[Wintermark religious beliefs|Stormcrow]].

==Can I be more than one archetype?==
When you create your character you can choose a single character archetype from those described for the nation on the wiki. Archetypes are completely optional, you don't have to have one but it tells us a lot about what you consider to be the main role of your character, and we use them when writing '''some''' plots. For instance, if we are going to write some plot involving combat in Urizen - then we might aim that plot at players who have told us they are playing a [[sentinel]]. If we're writing plot involving ritual magic in Dawn then we'll look at who is playing an [[Earl#Enchanters|enchanter]].

It is difficult for a character to fulfil more than one role at once, though not impossible. At character creation we ask you to pick the archetype that is ''most'' relevant for your character. We ''may'' then use that information when looking for characters to involve in new plot we are writing. However archetypes are also about the setting and your characterisation, there are no game rules for them, it is simply a shorthand for how you present your character and what you tell the world about yourself. A [[Wintermark political leadership|Wintermark thane]] might also be a [[Wintermark_military_concerns#Grimnir|grimnir]]. However the social role, the vows involved, or simply the time required will often make it difficult to fully portray, or even be accepted, as more than one archetype at once.

See also a longer answer on this [[Writing_about_Empire#On_Archetypes|here]].

==What if my nationality or archetype is disputed?==
Only members of a nation may vote in that nations senatorial elections - and in some cases only members of certain archetypes or characters with elevated social status may vote. For instance in Dawn, only nobles who have passed the Test of Mettle may participate in the senatorial tourney. In most cases who is or is not a Dawnish noble is obvious to everyone present - and the assumption is that all characters will react accordingly. If however there is some genuine doubt, then characters present may dispute an individuals nationality or status.

If that happens, then the civil service will look to the nation's egregore to make a ruling on the matter. An egregore is best placed to know if a character is genuinely or who they claim to be. The election will be halted while the egregore talks privately to the character in question. If the character is able to convince the egregore that they are who they claim to be then they will be allowed to participate in the election. If the ''player'' is uncertain, perhaps because they are new to the game, then the egregore will take the time to help them to understand what is involved and work out what the correct answer is.

==What happens when different nationalities marry?==
In Empire, most marriages are assumed to be between members of the same nation. Marriages between characters from different nations are not that unusual but most weddings involving NPCs will usually see one party join the nation of the other. This isn't a requirement - but the average Navarr citizen who joins a Marcher household - stops travelling, starts working the land - is going to become a Marcher over time simply because of the way nationality works in Empire. Of course it's possible for a Navarr to marry a Marcher and carry on travelling with their striding - only seeing their spouse for a few days each season or less. But that sort of arrangement would seem as difficult and unusual to Imperial citizens as it would to us today. There are no phones in Empire, and travel takes days or weeks. So a Highborn citizen married to a Varushkan, each living in their own lands, will only be able to see each other rarely and at great cost.

For PCs, who only actually play their characters for a few days of the year when they are all together at Anvil, these issues are less obvious. None-the-less, a player should really think about what happens to their character if they get married. They have three basic options, they can roleplay that their married characters live apart but meet at Anvil and perhaps other times. A player who [[Resource#Changing_Territories|wants their character to move to live in another territory]], can do so by contacting PD to request a new resource (note that it is very expensive for an Imperial citizen to live in lands other than their own). Finally a character who wishes to change nation can speak to the egregore who will advise them on what they need to do.

==Can I play a foreigner?==
No. All player characters must be Imperial and live within the Empire.If you are'' fluent'' in one of the languages spoken in a foreign nation then you can create a character who was originally from here but who has now become a citizen of the Empire if you wish.

A character may also have foreign connections in their past, or have been born or lived for a time in a foreign country, but at time of play must be an Imperial citizen belonging to, and resident in, an Imperial nation and bonded to an egregore. If you choose to play a character with foreign connections there is no further information available to you than that which is already on the wiki. It would be sensible to take this lack of knowledge into consideration when creating your character and to find reasons for your lack of knowledge and understanding of the language to the level of your out of character ability.
[[Category:FAQ]]

Resource

2024-06-02T10:40:09Z

Gamma3000: /* Changing Resources */ Can also be done in GOD

==Personal Resource==
* '''Every PC chooses one personal resource at character creation'''
* '''Your resource determines where your character nominally lives'''
* '''You can never have more than one personal resource'''
Every character chooses one type of personal resource and what [[territory]] it is located in when their character is created. The territory becomes the character's [[territory#Home Territory|home territory]]. Most personal resources automatically produce money or items for the character’s use every event that they attend.

Personal resources have broad generic names that imply a whole category of possible options. Like income, it is up to the player to interpret the precise nature of their personal resource in a way that is appropriate to the setting and their character.

* [[Business]] - produces 9 crowns.
* [[Congregation]] - produces five doses of [[liao]] and provides 10 votes in the [[Imperial Synod]].
* [[Farm]] - produces 9 crowns.
* [[Fleet]] - can trade with [[Foreign Nations|foreigners]] to produce items or money, take part in adventures with specific rewards, or engage in [[Fleet#Take_Independent_Action|privateering]] to produce random resources.
* [[Forest]] - produces twelve measures of one rare [[Materials|material]] that are used by an [[Crafting skills#artisan|artisan]] to make magic items.
* [[Herb garden]] - produces fourteen herbs for use by a [[Surgical skills#physick|physick]] or [[Surgical skills#apothecary|apothecary]].
* [[Mana site]] - produces seven crystalized mana for use in [[spellcasting]] and [[rituals]].
* [[Military unit]] - can be used to enhance an Imperial army, take part in adventures with specific rewards, or engage in paid work to produce random resources.
* [[Mine]] - produces twelve ingots of one rare [[Materials|metal]] that are used by an [[Crafting skills#artisan|artisan]] to make magic items.

All personal resources can be upgraded to make them more productive or effective. Upgrading a personal resource requires building materials which are held in Imperial warehouses and can be [[Imperial_Bourse#Control_of_Ilium_and_Building_Materials|acquired at the Bourse.]] A personal resource may only receive one upgrade per downtime. Though there are occasionally effects that reduce the cost of the upgrading a resource it always requires a minimum of one wain.

You can never operate more than one personal resource at once. Although a group might hold more than one personal resource, each character can only own and use one personal resource. This represents the time and effort required to manage the resource.

Although Orcs cannot purchase religious skills, they can purchase a congregation. They receive liao and votes in the Synod accordingly.
Personal resources can be improved to make them more effective, those resources that produce money or items will produce more when improved.
{{CaptionedImage|file=OrcWarband.jpg|align=right|width=400}}

==Campaign Resource==
*'''Any character may be allocated control of a campaign resource'''
*'''You may control more than one campaign resource'''
*'''You may legally only hold one Imperial title or position'''
Campaign resources are similar to personal resources, but each one is unique and they can only be acquired in play. Characters do not own campaign resources, they are assigned them as a result of the actions of characters at the event. Some Imperial titles, such as General have a campaign resource associated with them. Although you may control any number of campaign resources at once, the Imperial constitution forbids an individual from holding more than one Imperial title at once.

''E.g. The Imperial title of General of the 1st Marcher Army. The character with the position has control of the accompanying army and can determine its actions between events. The Imperial constitution forbids any Imperial citizen from holding two offices simultaneously, so a Marcher senator would have to resign their position to assume this position.''

''E.g. The Lord of the Four Winds, an [[eternal]] from the realm of [[Autumn]] can choose to give control of the North Wind to a character. This campaign resource is not an Imperial title or position, so it does not affect your ability to control any other campaign resource.

Campaign resources are unique, they may produce money or items or they may present other options for your character between events.''

Examples of campaign resources include the [[Limitu Principality House of the Way]] and the [[Gloaming Road]]

==Changing Resources==
*'''It costs 2 crowns for a character to exchange their resource for a new one'''
If your existing character wishes to change their resource for a new one, either a different resource or the same resource in a different territory, then you can do so [mailto:admin@profounddecisions.co.uk by email] between events or in [[GOD]] during events. Your character will be charged 2 crowns to represent the charges they incur in changing their resource. You can only request a new resource in one of the territories that forms part of your nation. If you wish to exchange or sell your resource to another character, this also costs a total of 2 crowns.

If you are playing a brand new character and realize you have made a genuine mistake, then we will not charge your character to change their resource. If you do not have the money in your character inventory, it is possible to change the resource by creating a debt for your character which will be automatically deducted from your character's income at following events.

If a character in your group or territory dies leaving an upgraded resource and you wish to take it over in place of your own, this can be requested in the same way with the additional information of the deceased character's CID. You cannot, however, take on the resource of your own deceased character. Disputes arising during time in from such transfers will be handled IC as a [[Civil_Claims|civil claim]] (See also [[Will]]).

==Changing Territories==
* '''The Empire identifies where your character lives based on the location of their resource'''
*'''To change territory, you must obtain a new resource in a new territory'''
Imperial citizens (especially the [[Navarr]]) may move freely around the Empire as they choose, however a resource ''cannot'' move. Because of this, the game is not concerned where your character is at any given moment, instead, the location of your personal resource determines your "territory". Your territory can be important for [[rituals]] and is critical for voting in senatorial elections in some nations. This means if you want to change the territory where your character lives then you ''must'' obtain a '''new''' resource in the new territory. This follows the standard rules for [[#Resource#Changing_Resources|changing resources]] above.

The cost to change resource still applies if you own a [[military unit]] or a [[fleet]] and wish to change territory. Both these resources include the active service and involvement of a large number of Imperial citizens. These citizens have homes, families and roots in the territory they are based in - and they do not wish to change territory even though you do.

==Conquered Territories==
For the sake of simplicity, we assume the most advantageous situation reasonable applies to a resource that is in a territory being fought over. So a resource is unaffected if the territory it is based in is partially controlled by barbarians - even if the barbarians control the majority of the regions in that territory such that it is not eligible to return a senator to the [[Imperial Senate]]. However, if a territory is completely conquered by barbarians with every region controlled by them, then all resources in that territory suffer a 50% production penalty.

For example, the majority of [[Holberg]] is controlled by the [[Druj]], but there is no effect on resources here, while the Empire controls one of the regions in the territory - in this case the portion of the fortified city of Holberg that remains under their control. We assume that player resources in Holberg are in the Imperial held region - or at least close enough to enjoy the benefits thereof.

If the last region in Holberg falls to the barbarians then every resource in the territory would suffer a 50% production penalty, we assume that inventive players who are determined to hang on find some way to operate their resources and collect some portion of the wealth. How this is achieved is left to the player to decide for themselves as part of their personal story.

Resources are used by the Imperial civil service to calculate a citizen's votes in a number of cases, most notably in the Bourse and the Synod. In these cases, the number of votes received is similarly affected.

==Resources in other Nations==
If a character finds themselves owning a personal resource in another nation than their own, that resource suffers a 33% production penalty while it is under their control. This penalty reflects the natural predisposition of inhabitants of the nations of the Empire to favour trade and interaction with citizens of their nation. It affects all types of resource, including military units and fleets.

[[Category:Rules]]
[[Category:Resources]]

Rules update 2024

2024-05-29T19:31:48Z

Gamma3000: /* Martial Titles */ tyop ad -> and

==Overview==
Every year we carry out a review of some part of the game looking to see what we can improve. This page summarizes and explains the changes so that players can identify and understand the changes easily. We try to include a section after each update to explain the reasoning behind the change, as well as providing an in-character rationale for what has changed where appropriate.

==Martial Titles==
We've created a new designation of "[[martial title]]" and applied it to a small number of existing Imperial titles, the champions of virtue, and the knight protectors.

The majority of Imperial titles are concerned with matters of politics, economics, religion or strategy where it makes no sense to choose between candidates based on a character's capacity to fight or their ability to take part in battles or skirmishes. How well you can fight, or whether you take the battlefield is not relevant to most Imperial titles, even those connected to matters of strategy and war such as [[general]] or [[strategos]].

Martial titles are a specific exception to this rule. These titles have responsibilities that explicitly require them to take part in battle - and thus a character's fighting skills and willingness to engage in battle are directly relevant to their ability to do the job. Players are ''not'' required to pick the candidate who is the best fighter for a martial title, but candidates can promote themselves on that basis and characters are welcome to take it into account.

We've been conscious for some time that this is an area that urgently required clarity. We've had situations where players have misunderstood the role of generals and assumed that fighting skills were relevant to these titles - and we were concerned that these issues will come up again with the new strategos positions that were recently created. At the same time we know that players have struggled with the accessibility issues raised by champions and knight-protectors that have been painful to try to address in-character.

Our original intention when we created both the background for the champions of virtue and when we created the Dawnish knight-protector titles was that these would be positions that more martial players could aspire to, and could put themselves forward for the role of the basis of their fighting skills. We tried to promote that with the in-character text describing the titles, their responsibilities and their regalia, but in hindsight it is clear that this approach was inadequate. We apologise to everyone for failing to communicate clearly what our intent was here. Hopefully, the new designation will make it much easier for us to be clear in the future and more importantly for players to be clear with each other with any new title they create.

There is no reason that a Champion of Virtue needs to be the most virtuous warrior in sight, but we do appreciate that this rules change may change the way people perceive and elect these roles. We did consider making seven new virtue titles, positions that could be a non-martial counter-point to the champions, but in the end we decided that it was better to leave this to players to accomplish. We'd prefer players who want such titles to exist to define what they think they should do rather than us try to guess. In this specific case, players are better able to create something iconic that can play an important role in the game and feel credible and signficant than we are. A single, appropriately-worded, Senate motion could create one title for each of the seven virtues, if it passed the Senate. If anyone wants help with wording for a Senate moption they can talk to the Civil Service at the event or email us between events.

===Reasoning===
Festival LRP reflects some of the wider disablism of our society. This is particularly true of Empire LRP because core elements of the game design are intended to test the skills of the player, not the character. Because of that it is essential to ensure that the wide majority of Imperial titles are explicit that they do not allow participants to take into account a participants mobility and ability to fight when considering who to elect for a position, since none of these abilities are relevant to the position.

There is no single solution that solves accessibility challenges in LRP - we want to widen access for as many different Empire players as possible by employing different solutions in different situations. Martial titles exist to provide something to aspire to for players who enjoy fighting but find the political manoeuvring of Empire less accessible for any reason. We hope they will remove the need to discuss when it is, and when it is not, appropriate to discuss a character's fighting ability when assessing their capability for a role. This is a contentious issue and one that is difficult to resolve effectively when in-character.

We want the new martial title designation to reinforce the fact that fighting skills are ''not'' relevant for any official position in the game which isn't designated as a martial title. We have had instances with players assuming that generals ought to take the battlefield, which is incorrect. We '''do''' want players to be able to support a character to be the [[Champion of Courage]] because they are a courageous warrior who will lead the charge in battle, but we '''don't''' want players to make the same assumptions about [[general|generals]], the new [[strategos]] positions, or similar.

===IC Justification===
The Imperial civil service have identified some old guidance that was issued previously regarding the Knight-protector and champion titles that is still applicable. They have updated their official records accordingly.

==Criminal Intent==
We've added an additional page to the wiki explaining how criminal [[intent]] affects the outcome of a trial in terms of the sentencing of anyone found guilty of breaking Imperial law. The new page makes clear that the most serious punishment - execution - is reserved for crimes where the magistrate judges that accused intended to break the law. This has always been an explicit component of murder/manslaughter and a few other crimes but this update makes clear that the principle applies to all crimes committed in Empire.

===Reasoning===
Understandably, we had a lot of feedback following the dramatic confrontations in Conclave at the final event last year, following the casting of Bright Eyes Gleam in the Depths and the emergence of Cold Sun. We didn't anticipate before the event how quickly misinformation would spread about how significant and widespread the legal consequences would be. We took crude steps to correct that the next day once we realised what had gone wrong, and we've now used the winter to completely review our legal system to look at how that happened, what we can do to stop it happening again and how we can improve this part of the game.

It was clear from the feedback at the event and later, that some players didn't understand how something could be a crime if you didn't intend to break the law. People can readily understand the difference between murder and manslaughter, but because we don't have those distinctions for every crime, people assumed that we meant that intent was not a factor. Adding the new page lays out clearly how intent applies in all criminal cases and hopefully makes that clearer. It's still a crime to kill someone in Empire, even if you didn't mean to, but you won't get executed for murder unless the evidence suggests you meant to take someone's life.

It is also clear from feedback that many people didn't appreciate the design of the criminal system, what role it has in the game and what that implied for any outcomes from any trials. People talked up the worst possible outcomes in Conclave - and without clear information available in the game to indicate what the limits might be, it was understandable that people believed that might happen. The new page will help to prevent that in the future, by making the limits of any potential investigation clearer. We've provided OOC game design notes at the bottom of the new page so that people can understand the ideas behind the rules and make better assumptions about the principles involved.

===IC Explanation===
The magistrates have published the guidance on the role of intent following the situation at the Autumn Equinox where it became clear that some citizens did not understand how something could be a crime when there was no intent while other citizens did not appreciate that a demonstrable lack of intent would have a significant impact on the outcome of any trial.

==Orcs in the League==
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:
* [[The League|Introduction]]
* [[The League people|The people]]
* [[The League culture and customs|Culture and customs]]
* [[The League look and feel|Look and feel]]
* [[The League history|History]]
* [[The League religious beliefs|Religious beliefs]]
* [[The League magical traditions|Magical traditions]]
==Tribes in the Brass Coast==
We have updated the character generation system to allow Brass Coast players to pick which [[Tribe]] they belong to - [[Erigo]], [[Riqueza]], or [[Guerra]] - from a drop down when creating the character. Any Brass Coast player who wishes to update their character record can do so by email [mailto:admin@profounddecisions.co.uk admin@profounddecisions.co.uk].

==Electing senators==
We have made changes to the senatorial elections for [[Dawn leadership|Dawn]], [[Highguard leadership|Highguard]], [[Urizen leadership|Urizen]], and [[Varushka leadership|Varushka]]. In Dawn and Urizen we have removed the element of the voting that used ribboned items: favours and sigils, respectively. In all four cases we have switched the voting so that eligibility to vote is determined by your resource being in the territory in question.

This means that Dawnish senators are now elected by simple vote of the nobles whose resource is in the relevant territory. The new process for the vote is described on the page for [[Dawn leadership]] and involves noble houses entering the Glory Square one by one to pledge their support for their chosen candidate.

In Urizen, the senator is now elected by simple vote of the magicians whose resource is in that territory. In addition, we have updated the demos so that only spires who are in the territory being contested can submit a dictum for consideration.

In Varushka, the senator is now elected by simple vote of the wise ones whose resource is in that territory. In Highguard, voting is still done by strength of congregation, with voters voting against the least virtuous candidate - but now only congregations in the territory will have votes for the senator of the territory.

Dawnish and Urizeni players who possess an existing favour or sigil ribbon are welcome to continue to attach them to phys-reps, but we won't issue any new ones, as they are no longer needed.

The restriction of not being able to vote in an election until a year has passed since you were previously eligible to vote is starting for these nations from the Winter Solstice 385YE.

Anyone affected by this change can e-mail [mailto:plot@profounddecisions.co.uk plot@profounddecisions.co.uk] with your CID before the 15<small>th</small> of April to discuss moving the territory that your resource is based in.

===Reasoning===
Unfortunately, a very fundamental change to the Dawn and Urizen voting methods was required. The previous methods, involving sigils and favours, had complex political options, but they were too complex and too subject to failure. There was a well-publicized failure in the Dawn elections, as we were unable to adjudicate the election fairly, which resulted in the entire election having to be rerun. That forced us to acknowledge that this process was too complex and too likely to fail catastrophically due to our error. Therefore, we have dropped it completely.

Instead, we have elected to make the elections territorial - that means that only citizens whose resource is located in the relevant territory can register their support in the election. We've also chosen to extend this principle to Varushka and Highguard, where previously the entire nation could vote in every election. While that helps with engagement, it creates the potential for a single dominant voting block to control every election (this is the key thing the favours and sigils were aiming to avoid). One of our goals with Empire is to try to ensure a wide distribution of power and having territorial elections is one of the more effective ways to do that. If a nation is very small, it can make more sense to allow them to decide senators together, because there aren't enough players in each territory to enable a lot of political conflict between them, but as Empire has doubled in size over the last five years of play, it makes sense to move as many nations as possible to voting by territory.

For Dawn, we have attempted to create a physical process for the election that reflects its glorious nature. That is difficult to do, since elections are by their nature grubby political affairs. We've presented a new process which we hope players will support and do their best to make as glorious and filled with pomp and splendour as possible, but we welcome feedback on ways that we can make that even more of a spectacle.

===IC Explanation===
The new political systems have been introduced following change discussed between the civil service and the egregores of the respective nations. Over winter the egregores have worked with the civil service to create voting mechanisms that better reflect the spirit of the nation.

==Sinecures==
We have updated sinecures so that they no longer provide votes in the Imperial Synod. Sinecures can benefit by producing liao, but not votes in the Synod; as a result, they will not provide membership in the Imperial Synod. In most circumstances we have identified where a sinecure's nature and responsibilities warrant something, as if we were offering them as a part of an [[opportunity]]. These are similar to the items offered to the [[Guardian of the Maze of Zoria]] and the [[Master of the School of Exorcism]].

In other circumstances we have identified titles where the nature of the commission means it makes more sense for the title to receive money in addition to liao. These tend to be constructions like museums, tombs, or libraries intended to spread knowledge for a price. There are also a number of titles appointed by the Assembly of Prosperity, or the National Assemblies of the Brass Coast and the League, where the location of the sinecure also lends itself well to receiving funds in addition to liao. These titles will also gain an increase in the amount of liao they receive each season, alongside an income in rings each season.

===Reasoning===
Empire is a game of politics in which amassing and wielding power is a central theme. It is intended to support corruption and entices characters to act in their best interests. However we put some limits on the power that a character can hold - such as limiting a citizen to a single Imperial title, to keep an element of game balance. We identified some time ago that allowing players to create commissions that gave votes in Senate elections was too powerful and too distorting to the game, however we shied away from applying the same logic to Synod votes due to the scale of the challenge. Having had the winter to look at the changes needed, we're now implementing the consistent approach for Synod votes. Players can obtain a sinecure - or other title that gives them income of one form or another - but they can't create a title that grants them more votes. The option to do that has been removed because it distorts the core game too much.

We still want to encourage characters using rituals, like [[Mantle of the Golden Orator]], and particularly upgrading your personal resource to improve your congregation. The benefits that these options provide are on a different scale to those available from commissions and are much more widely accessible to characters with less political influence.

Removing votes from sinecures means that anyone with one of these titles that does not have a congregation will cease being a member of the Imperial Synod after the Winter Solstice. This is a deliberate design choice: being part of the Imperial Synod is meant to be a big deal, one that requires a significant sacrifice on the part of the character. It's no longer possible for a character to wield votes in the Synod unless they have opted to take a congregation and thus are on the same footing as all the other characters in Synod. As part of this change, anyone can email [mailto:admin@profounddecisions.co.uk admin@profounddecisions.co.uk] to change their personal resource to a congregation in a territory in their nation without the usual cost.

===Changes===

<table class="wikitable sortable">
<tr><th>Title</th><th>Previous Output</th><th>New Output</th></tr>
<tr><td>[[Armarius of the Anvil Library]]</td><td>7 vials of liao, 14 votes in the Imperial Synod</td><td>7 vials of liao and 54 rings each season<br>[[Seer's Probe]] at the Spring Equinox</td></tr>
<tr><td>[[Azure Sutannir]]</td><td>6 vials of liao, 12 votes in the Imperial Synod</td><td>9 vials of liao and 4 crowns each season</td></tr>
<tr><td>[[Captain of the Throne Guard]]</td><td>7 vials of liao, 14 votes in the Imperial Synod</td><td>8 vials of liao and three doses of [[the Sovereign Specific]] each season<br>[[Bondring]] at the Winter Solstice</td></tr>
<tr><td>[[Castellan of the Silent Sentinel]]</td><td>10 vials of liao, 20 votes in the Imperial Synod</td><td>15 vials of liao and 135 rings each season</td></tr>
<tr><td>[[Challenger in Waiting]]</td><td>6 vials of liao, 12 votes in the Imperial Synod</td><td>11 vials of liao each season<br>[[Icon of the Witness]] at the Spring Equinox</td></tr>
<tr><td>[[Claviger of the Basilica of Cora Holdfast]]</td><td>10 vials of liao, 20 votes in the Imperial Synod</td><td>15 vials of liao each season<br>[[Phial of the Sun]] at the Spring Equinox</td></tr>
<tr><td>[[Crimson Sutannir]]</td><td>7 vials of liao, 14 votes in the Imperial Synod</td><td>11 vials of liao and 4 crowns each season</td></tr>
<tr><td>[[Crow Keeper of the Rest]]</td><td>6 vials of liao, 12 votes in the Imperial Synod</td><td>8 vials of liao and 3 doses of [[Goosewhisper Infusion]] each season</td></tr>
<tr><td>[[Curator of the Blood Red River]]</td><td>8 vials of liao, 16 votes in the Imperial Synod</td><td>12 vials of liao and 5 crowns each season</td></tr>
<tr><td>[[Curator of the Printer's Guild Museum]]</td><td>6 vials of liao, 12 votes in the Imperial Synod</td><td>9 vials of liao and 4 crowns each season</td></tr>
<tr><td>[[Curator of the White City Museum]]</td><td>7 vials of liao, 14 votes in the Imperial Synod</td><td>11 vials of liao and 4 crowns each season</td></tr>
<tr><td>[[Custodian of the Imperial War Memorial]]</td><td>6 vials of liao, 12 votes in the Imperial Synod</td><td>9 vials of liao and 4 crowns each season</td></tr>
<tr><td>[[Dean of Laroc Cathedral]]</td><td>6 vials of liao, 12 votes in the Imperial Synod</td><td>9 vials of liao and 3 doses of [[Skop's Mead]] each season</td></tr>
<tr><td>[[Friar of Honour's Rest]]</td><td>7 vials of liao, 14 votes in the Imperial Synod</td><td>11 vials of liao and 4 crowns each season</td></tr>
<tr><td>[[Guardian of Britta's Memorial]]</td><td>5 vials of liao, 10 votes in the Imperial Synod</td><td>8 vials of liao and 68 rings each season</td></tr>
<tr><td>[[Guardian of Giselle's Tomb]]</td><td>5 vials of liao, 10 votes in the Imperial Synod</td><td>8 vials of liao and 68 rings each season</td></tr>
<tr><td>[[Guardian of the Maze of Zoria]]</td><td>9 vials of liao, 18 votes in the Imperial Synod</td><td>18 vials of liao each season</td></tr>
<tr><td>[[Guide to the Lost]]</td><td>6 vials of liao, 12 votes in the Imperial Synod</td><td>12 vials of liao each season</td></tr>
<tr><td>[[Keeper of the Orchard]]</td><td>11 vials of liao, 22 votes in the Imperial Synod, 2 bright red apples</td><td>15 vials of liao and 4 bright red apples each season</td></tr>
<tr><td>[[Lady of the Proffered Hand]]</td><td>6 vials of liao, 12 votes in the Imperial Synod</td><td>12 vials of liao each season</td></tr>
<tr><td>[[Patron of the Pavilion]]</td><td>10 vials of liao, 20 votes in the Imperial Synod</td><td>15 vials of liao and 135 rings each season</td></tr>
<tr><td>[[Prelate of Adelmar's Shrine]]</td><td>10 vials of liao, 20 votes in the Imperial Synod</td><td>12 vials of liao each season<br>[[Lowther's Gaze]] at the Spring Equinox<br>[[Greensteel Bracelets]] at the Summer Solstice<br>[[Alder's Edge]] at the Autumn Equinox</td></tr>
<tr><td>[[Prelate of the Little Mother]]</td><td>15 vials of liao, 30 votes in the Imperial Synod</td><td>20 vials of liao and 13 crowns each season</td></tr>
<tr><td>[[Queen's Rose]]</td><td>12 vials of liao, 24 votes in the Imperial Synod</td><td>18 vials of liao each season<br>[[Fireglass]] at the Spring Equinox</td></tr>
<tr><td>[[Speaker of the Highborn Assembly]]</td><td>10 vials of liao, 20 votes in the Imperial Synod</td><td>15 vials of liao and 135 rings each season</td></tr>
<tr><td>[[Tender of the Hearth]]</td><td>9 vials of liao, 18 votes in the Imperial Synod</td><td>16 vials of liao each season<br>[[Icon of the Pilgrim]] at the Spring Equinox</td></tr>
<tr><td>[[Voice of Barbs]]</td><td>8 vials of liao, 16 votes in the Imperial Synod</td><td>10 vials of liao and 12 random herbs each season</td></tr>
<tr><td>[[Voice of the Twin Roses]]</td><td>9 vials of liao, 18 votes in the Imperial Synod</td><td>14 vials of liao each season<br>[[Bondring]] at the Spring Equinox and Autumn Equinox</td></tr>
<tr><td>[[Watcher of Britta's Pool]]</td><td>9 vials of liao, 18 votes in the Imperial Synod</td><td>13 vials of liao and 3 [[Winterskin Tonic|Winterskin Tonics]] each season</td></tr>
<tr><td>[[Watcher of Ratibor's Torch]]</td><td>10 vials of liao, 20 votes in the Imperial Synod</td><td>15 vials of liao and 135 rings each season</td></tr>
</table>

==Great Works==
The system for calculating the benefits of a [[great work]] has been completely replaced. A great work now provides a fixed benefit to every matching resource in the territory where it is built. We have updated every existing great work to state the benefits they provide going forwards. Benefits this downtime are not affected, but all future downtime benefits will be based on the outputs now listed on the wiki.

We have removed the option to have great works that provide additional votes in the Synod.

Any existing great work opportunities that are still valid have been updated to bring them into line with the new rules.

===Reasoning===
We've elected to completely rewrite the rules for great works. The existing rules were insanely complex, so complex that almost no great work was ever built without it being a plot opportunity that laid out how much it cost and what benefits it provided. Without that clarity, it was almost impossible to tell what would happen. Worse, as the game has gone on, the rules had become so cumbersome and complex, it became impossible for us to identify what the right play balance should be for any of these opportunities.

Hence we have elected to scrap all the existing rules, and replace them with a completely new framework, one that is much simpler to understand. We can't guarantee it is simple, but it is much simpler than it was. A player can look up the level of investment in a territory, and use that lone single-digit number to work out how many wains would be needed for a great work that further raised the level of investment in the territory.

As part of this change, we have removed the ability to get votes in the Synod from a great work. Due to various factors, the number of votes it was possible to receive in this way was potentially very large, sometimes much larger than those provided by a starting congregation. That had the capacity to distort Synod politics in a way that was not positive for the game. As part of this update we have removed all votes from all great works - that will no longer be an option going forwards.

To make these changes consistent we have gone back and edited all the existing great works to bring them into line with the new rules. There will be some winners and some losers in this process - a lot of people will see the benefits their great work provides increase, some people who were lucky enough to get nearly all the benefits of a single great work previously will see those benefits slashed. While we don't want to make changes that create winners and losers where possible, that is an inevitable consequence in a situation like this where the benefits were so unevenly distributed. We apologise to everyone who is losing out, but the new system will produce a better, fairer game, where great works provide more even benefits to characters across a territory.

==Stealing==
* '''We have rewritten our rules so that entering tents and stealing game items is no longer permitted in most circumstances'''
* '''The new rules mean you cannot enter a private tent without the owner's invitation'''
* '''The new rules are designed to permit looting on battlefields and allow players to steal unique game items like the Imperial Crown'''

We have completely rewritten our rules on [[stealing]] game items at Empire. It is no longer possible to take game items without the owner's OOC knowledge, unless they are marked with a gold ribbon (indicating a unique game item). In line with these changes we have updated the rules to prohibit people from entering another participant's IC tent without their permission.

===Reasoning===
The [[The_game|core game design of Empire]] includes a major focus on player-versus-player (PvP) politics. We try to be as explicit as possible that Empire is a PvP game, that the primary source of conflict derives from the tension between different players' ambitions. We want inter-personal rivalries and clashing political agendas to form the mainstay of the plot for each event.

That conflict includes the possibility for [[Crime_and_criminality|criminality]] but Empire deliberately aims to discourage PvP combat. The conflict between characters is intended to be social and political in nature - you can defeat a rival in many different ways, none of which require violence. The explicit social contract for the game is that murder is allowed, provided it is the absolute last resort for any character.

We took the decision to adopt that approach because we weren't interested in supporting PvP combat in Empire. Our experience from previous games was that PvP combat can be deeply unsatisfying unless it is carefully managed. It is often over incredibly quickly and usually because one side is attacking with surprise and overwhelming numbers. It also tends to be overwhelmingly fatal - involving one side wiping out the other. In summary, it often involves only the most limited interactions that are utterly one-sided and very rarely enjoyable for the loser. We realised that we were simply not interested in creating a game that provides experiences that we no longer think the majority of our players are going to enjoy.

There are undoubtedly live roleplayers who enjoy being the victim of a clever theft but that is not the game many people come to Empire wanting to play. They simply don't enjoy returning to their tent to find it has been robbed and that everything of value they spent years working to accumulate is gone. There are rarely any interactions between the thieves and their victims. IC theft can be fun for the thieves, but it can be a really miserable experience for the people who get robbed. It is not consistent with the broader game design of Empire to support something that the majority of our players don't enjoy.

Previously we have shied away from the logical conclusions of this line of thinking because there are some types of theft that we do want to support - the idea of the clever confidence trick is an integral part of the League brief, so trickery and deception have to be supported in the game. Likewise, we want to allow players to loot characters while they are on skirmishes and battles or other encounters outside Anvil, so we need that to still be possible. We also want people to be able to steal unique game items - such as the archmage regalia. For a long time we were stymied by the apparent difficulty in creating a single definitive rule that would rule out the kinds of petty theft that add nothing to the game, but still leave room for this, and still allow the overwhelming majority of players to play the game without intrusive restrictions.

Over the years we have tried to tighten up the rules in specific ways to make theft more difficult, by introducing rules for locked boxes and rules for sealed tents. The latter in particular was especially important, as there are many people sleeping in in-character tents who find the idea of anyone coming into them deeply unpleasant, especially when there are children sleeping in the field. In practice, we've no doubt that nobody engaged in IC theft wanted to be entering a tent with anyone in it, but just the potential for it to happen was unpleasant for many.

Having spent some time examining our rules over winter, we've decided that the best way to support our desired approach is to simply write the best set of rules we can that support the game we ''want'' to run and then supplement that by trying to clearly spell out how we want people to play Empire. All our experience shows that having a clear social contract of what the game is one of the best ways to get a vision on how to play the game and what you can expect that is shared between everyone who plays Empire.

We have to recognise that any rules we create for this won't be perfect. There are bound to be questions and edge cases and with broad rules such as these that include an element of judgement. We want to allow looting on the battlefields - that is important - but we don't want players mugging each other for their lose change. Empire is a game of grand politics in which the great and the good come together to make crucial decisions about the future of the Empire. That's the game we want to run, that's what we want people to play. Larceny, muggings, and random murders are not part of what we want players at Empire to do. In theory we could prohibit mugging but we can't see how to do that without making it impossible for characters to threaten and cajole others in negotiations. But we hope that by clearly communicating the kinds of roleplaying that Empire does and does not encourage, participants will be able to identify the spirit of the rules and be able to pursue that when playing at events.

In theory there is a risk that people might cheat and steal game items and then claim they were lost property. In practice very few people come to GOD to cheat, but again this is another compromise. Lost property frequently includes things that are important out-of-character, like credit cards, a phone, or personal medicines. Our overwhelming priority is to ensure it gets back to the rightful owner by the quickest route possible. So we write our rules to support that goal and try to explain why we want to reward players for bringing lost property to GOD as quickly as possible.

Of course these new rules won't stop all IC thefts at events, because there are players that will cheat, so securing your IC valuables is still the best course of action. However it does mean that if your tent has been robbed while you were out, then you should report it to the referee desk so that they can take note of it. From this point on, stealing items in this way is cheating, and will be treated as such when it happens.

==Rough Music==
* '''Rough music is only for Imperial institutions like the Senate or large national groups like the Brands or the Earls' Council'''
* '''You must get a referee to accompany you before the rough music begins'''
* '''It starts with a riotous procession that moves through Anvil and ends within a minute or two of arriving at the destination'''
* '''Leave plenty of room between you and the targets; do not loom over people or physically intimidate them with your size'''
* '''Do not enter their building or tent'''
* '''Leave enough room for them to flee if they want to; do not shout at or pursue anyone who is leaving the scene'''
We have changed [[The_Marches_culture_and_customs#Rough_music|rough music]] so that it now consists of a loud procession through Anvil that ''culminates'' at the target's location, rather than the racket beginning there. We have added extra emphasis to the previous in-character rules for rough music that always existed, but were rarely followed in practice. We have added a third rule insisting that the target is allowed to flee the scene if they find the confrontation too overwhelming for any reason. We have also included guidance on when rough music can be used.

===Reasoning===
Empire is an avowedly political game, one where the decisions that people make are crucial to what happens because they have profound consequences. It's not possible to have a game in which the decisions players make are important yet have no consequences. However we want those decisions to result in in-character confrontations that are filled with drama and tension, not out-of-character unpleasantness. The point of rough music is to highlight important decisions that have been taken, to draw attention to them and emphasize the drama and impact they have had. Participants must take active steps to avoid their actions becoming so daunting that they make other players feel out-of-character punished or intimidated.

The existing information already presented clear rules for rough music, like not attacking the targets and not entering their house. There have been a number of occasions at recent events where that IC guidance has been ignored. So we have updated the wiki entry to make it clear in-character why these rules exist but also to state clearly that we require participants to treat these as part of the out-of-character rules of the game. If you engage in rough music you ''must'' follow the three golden rules for everyone's benefit.

We've changed rough music to emphasize a procession that ends at the target, so that players can maximise the drama of what they are doing. The rough music ''must'' end within a few minutes of arriving at the destination: it achieves very little in-character to prolong the racket at that point, it simply makes it more out-of-character unpleasant. Starting the rough music early and as part of a procession to the destination means that people can still make a hullabaloo and get everyone's attention, but should prevent any single group of players from being on the receiving end of the noise for too long.

We know that Marcher players enjoy engaging in rough music, but the best way to roleplay at Empire is to make the things you do enjoyable for other players as well as yourself. We don't want the Marchers to have a reputation as bullies, so rough music must be a dramatic, climactic confrontation not a ''punishment''.

===IC Explanation===
As the guardians of Marcher culture, the egregores have taken steps to remind all Marchers of the importance of following the rules when engaging in rough music. Having spoken with Marchers throughout the nation, they've collated the wisdom of the Marches to provide some best practices that they expect everyone to follow.

==Weakness==
We have updated the rules to make absolutely explicit that you cannot make any calls while under the effects of [[Calls#WEAKNESS|WEAKNESS]] (this includes EXECUTE). We have also added [[religious skills]] to the list of skills you cannot use while suffering from weakness. We've simplified the rules wording to make it clear that you can't cast any spells or contribute to any rituals while under the effects of weakness.

===Reasoning===
The previous rules implied you couldn't make any calls by listing all the sources of power that you couldn't use while suffering from weakness. That left room for an interpretation that said you could make a call if it was from some source that wasn't mentioned in the list. That was never our intention - one of the primary things that weakness does is stop you making any calls. We've rewritten the rules to make it clear that that is always the case.

We've also added religious skills to the list of skills you cannot use while suffering from weakness. You have never been able to use heroic skills or cast spells or rituals while under the effect. Omitting religious skills was an oversight on our part that suggested that these skills weren't as taxing or important as heroic or magical skills. That's not the case - and we've added religious skills to list of skills that prohibited by by the weakness condition.

==Writ of Consecration==
We've added the rules for the new Synod judgement for a [[writ of consecration]] to the wiki. This follows the decision of the Imperial Senate to use a motion to create a new law requiring such a writ before any citizen can use true liao to create an [[inspirational location]] dedicated to a paragon, exemplar or other inspirational location. The appropriate virtue assembly must raise the writ of consecration and pass it with a greater majority. If that happens, then the Imperial civil service prognosticators will produce a report on the options available to the Synod and the likely outcomes of each - it will create a plot [[opportunity]] that is published as a wind of fortune or as part of another wind of fortune. The report will provide one or more possible competing mandates for the Synod to consider at the following summit.

These mandates will be available for a single season. Any opportunities to create inspirational locations that have not been previously taken up have now expired, as the new law represents a significant change in circumstances.

===Reasoning===
For the most part this is a small wiki update to reflect the changes made by players, however we have included it here because we have made some tweaks to the process as part of our rules review over winter. We've changed the timing of the various parts of the writ, so that we have time to produce a wind of fortune laying out all the consequences of a decision before the General Assembly makes its decision. That means we can ensure that players can make an informed decision based on the consequences rather than having to guess what the outcome will be. We've also made it so that any options will be accessed using a mandate that a priest has to raise in the General Assembly, rather than being automatically raised by the Tribune. We've done this because there are likely to be options to pick between and because we want the mandate to name the priest who will carry out the true liao consecration.

Previously the options presented by these kind of winds of fortune have often been open-ended, so that players can take as long as they wish to decide if they want to take them up. That tends to leave a history of open options that can be a problem to deal with later when circumstances change. Given the involvement of the virtue assembly in creating the original writ, the new process means that they will have to reaffirm that is their wish (by passing a new writ) if any opportunity it produces is not taken up at the following summit.

===IC Explanation===
The Imperial civil service have issued guidance for the new writ of consecration. The guidance has been amended to allow the civil service to provide the maximum possible information to the Synod before they make their final decision. The civil service have also submitted an administrative motion to the Imperial Senate to ask them to consider if the new writ should also cover the use of true liao to create sacred sites as well as memorials to inspirational figures. The civil service recommend this change - as it will significantly simplify Imperial governance - but are cognizant of the fact that the Imperial Senate may have wanted to deliberately exclude sacred sites from the new law.

==Tally of the Votes==
We've changed [[Tally of the Votes]] so that all players who are eligible to vote will receive a single voting slip in their pack at the start of the event. The bond will give the character's name, the in-character date of the summit and list all titles that are elected by Tally of the Votes that season. Bonds are only valid at the summit they are issued on. Elections will take place in the nation camps on Saturday afternoon; the winner is whoever presents the most votes to support their claim to the position.

Each bond can be used by a single successful candidate. The votes of the winner will be destroyed; anyone who has not won the election is entitled to keep their votes. Voting will then proceed to any remaining titles. This means that if more than one title is being elected, then any citizen who is unsuccessful can use the votes they hold for a subsequent election, if they wish to do so.

A small number of Imperial titles have had their election season shifted to provide the best balance of limiting election administration and maximising interaction between players. Where a title has been shifted, there will be a short election in 2024 at the old date to bring the election cycle into line, and then the next election will be at the new date.

===Reasoning===
The new rules will enable more electioneering because candidates will be able to seek out potential supporters and ask for their votes directly. Rather than ask them to go to the hub to vote, a process that can be bureaucratic and burdensome for some players, a candidate can ask an eligible voter to show their support by giving them their bond. By putting the bonds in the packs of every player, we make it easier for players, especially new players, to be more aware that they have votes and what they can vote on.

In situations where more than one title is being voted on, it will be much harder for a single powerful voting block to ensure they win all the elections - the new system will support rival groups vying for power to get something even if they can't get the title they wanted. The new process should also make it simpler for our civil service who will no longer need to record each individual vote, just identify the winners.

===IC Explanation===
With the number of Bourse elections continuing to increase, the Imperial Civil Service have been forced to make some changes to the election protocols to ensure that they can continue to fairly assess the will of the nations in these matters.

===New Election Schedule===
The schedule below shows the titles elected by Tally of the Votes and the order and season they will now be elected. Titles will be elected in the order listed below. Titles shown in italics have had their election season shifted.

<table>
<tr><th>Nation</th><th>Winter</th><th>Spring</th><th>Summer</th><th>Autumn</th></tr>
<tr><td>Brass Coast</td><td>''[[Vizier of the Incarnadine Satchel]]<br>[[Marracossa Sendito]]''</td><td>[[Cerevado Nets]]</td><td>[[Hakima of Salt and Sand]]<br>[[Mistress of the Glass Parador]]</td><td>[[Dhomiro of the Cinnabar Hills]]<br>[[Mistress of the Dust Parador]]</td></tr>
<tr><td>Dawn</td><td></td><td></td><td></td><td>[[Castellan of Spiral Castle]]<br>''[[Reeve of Boar's Market]]''</td></tr>
<tr><td>Highguard</td><td></td><td>[[Bursar of the House of Spirits]]</td><td>[[Vigilant Swan]]<br>[[Cinderpath Custodian]]</td><td></td></tr>
<tr><td>Imperial Orcs</td><td>[[Four Seasons' Boneweaver]]<br>''[[Steward of the Mines of Gulhule]]''</td><td>[[Steel Fist]]<br>[[Bonesetter of Torfast Trading Post]]</td><td></td><td>[[Legion Engineer]]<br>''[[Preceptor of the Skarsind College of Warcasting]]''</td></tr>
<tr><td>The League</td><td>''[[Master of Rings]]''<br>[[Chair of the Wolf]]</td><td>[[Tassatan Hills]]<br>[[Custodian of the Assayer's Guild]]</td><td>[[Northbound Trademaster]]<br>[[Keeper of the Tome]]</td><td></td></tr>
<tr><td>The Marches</td><td>[[Steward of Good Leaf Gardens]]<br>[[Bailiff of the Grand Market]]</td><td></td><td></td><td>[[Singing Caves]]<br>''[[Master of the Root and Stem]]''</td></tr>
<tr><td>Navarr</td><td>[[Thimble]]<br>[[Broker of the Invisible Cord]]</td><td></td><td>[[Broker of Treji Wayhouse]]</td><td></td></tr>
<tr><td>Urizen</td><td></td><td></td><td>''[[Quaymaster of the Elosian Docks]]''<br>[[Architect of the Crucible]]</td><td>[[Brilliant Star]]</td></tr>
<tr><td>Varushka</td><td>[[Overseer of the Westward Road]]<br>[[Warden of the Trees and Hills]]<br>[[Harbourmaster of the Semmerlak]]<br>[[Eagle of Triosk]]</td><td>[[Gift of the Dwindling Star]]<br>[[Merchant Boyar of the Bittershore]]<br>[[Custodian of Ivarsgard Docks]]</td><td>[[Granites of Veltsgorsk]]<br>[[Burgher of Ketsov]]<br>''[[Boyar of the Iron Roads]]''</td><td>[[Eternal Shafts of Time]]<br>[[Bargainer of the Iron Tower]]<br>[[Tolvoli Butcher]]</td></tr>
<tr><td>Wintermark</td><td></td><td>[[Mediator of Wreck]]<br>[[Talon of Kauppahall]]</td><td></td><td>[[Pride of Ikka's Tears]]<br>''[[Kalpaheim Tradeholder]]''</td></tr>
</table>

===Moved Titles===
* [[Vizier of the Incarnadine Satchel]] will be elected for three seasons at Spring
* [[Marracossa Sendito]] will be elected for three seasons at Spring
* [[Reeve of Boar's Market]] will be elected for three seasons at Winter
* [[Steward of the Mines of Gulhule]] will be elected for three seasons at Spring
* [[Preceptor of the Skarsind College of Warcasting]] will be elected for two seasons at Spring
* [[Master of Rings]] will be elected for two seasons at Summer
* [[Master of the Root and Stem]] will be elected for one season at Summer
* [[Quaymaster of the Elosian Docks]] will be elected for one season at Spring
* [[Boyar of the Iron Roads]] will be elected for the first time for two seasons at Winter
* [[Kalpaheim Tradeholder]] will be elected for one season at Summer


==Artificial Intelligence==
* '''Content generated using Artificial Intelligence cannot be used at Empire events'''

Content that is made using generative-AI tools (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Generative_artificial_intelligence) cannot be used in the field at Empire. It is fine for digital artists to use procedural tools to create art for the game, but images manufactured by AI art engines [[Playing_the_game#Artificial_Intelligence_and_Recorded_Music|must not be used in-character]]. Likewise, writers can use modern tools to proof their writing, but any substantial block of prose that is generated using a large-language model or any equivalent AI tool must not be used in-character. We also ask people not to post images, video or text created using generative-AI to our forums or Facebook groups.

===Reasoning===
Empire is a game of hard skills by design - we want success in Empire to derive primarily from your abilities as a player to a large extent. This is why we have always asked people not to play recorded music at events: we want to highlight the role of the many skilled IC musicians in Anvil.

To be consistent with that approach we've decided to ban the use of all AI generated content in-character. Human creativity is at the heart of Empire - we want our game to showcase the abilities of the artists and writers who create art for the game - we're not interested in creating events for machines to attend.

We've also chosen to prohibit the posting of generative-AI content on our forum and in our Facebook groups. These groups are very busy already and generative content adds little value. It is also ethically contentious and invariably leads to unproductive arguments about the use of AI, rather than positive discussions about Empire. This is not a conduct issue; players are welcome to post Empire content that is generated using AI to their own walls. This rule only limits what is used at events and what is posted in our social media spaces.

{{Rules Updates}}

GOD

2024-04-10T19:51:49Z

Gamma3000: /* Tent layout */ Restructure

All Profound Decisions events are administered from the Games Operation Desk (GOD), the location of which is marked in each event guide. Members of the GOD crew are there to help you with any administrative or general queries that you have about the event – we might not know the answers ourselves, but we can get hold of the people who do.

==Opening times==

GOD is usually open for normal service during the times given here. Sometimes we need to close during these times – we'll put a notice up by the entrance if so.

{| class="wikitable" style="width: 50vw"
|-
! On...
! GOD is open...
! For...
|-
| Thursday*
| 20:00–22:00
| Pack handout, limited lost property
|-
| rowspan="2" | Friday
| 13:00–16:00
| Pack handout, limited lost property
|-
| 17:00–01:00 Sat
| Normal service
|-
| Saturday
| 09:30–01:00 Sun
| Normal service
|-
| rowspan="3" | Sunday
| 09:30–12:00
| Normal service
|-
| 12:00–15:00
| Normal service, resource hand-in
|-
| 15:00–17:00
| Resource hand-in, lost property
|-
|}

<small><nowiki>*</nowiki> We try to start pack handout on Thursday evening, and aim to be open by 8 p.m. This is dependent on lots of moving (or, as is sometimes the case with the M6, non-moving) parts, so isn't guaranteed! We try to get a notice with our estimated opening time up sometime late on Thursday afternoon.</small>

==Accessibility==

* '''You can set up a proxy to come to GOD on your behalf'''
* '''If you want to come to GOD yourself, let us know your access needs and we will try to help'''

Any player can nominate one or more other players as out-of-character proxies to interact with GOD on their behalf. This includes all services, not just pack collection! [mailto:admin@profounddecisions.co.uk E-mail us] with your nominated proxy's details (name and, ideally, PID), and we'll make a record of that on the system. If you've nominated another player to act as a proxy for you for this purpose, then you'll be able to see their details in your [https://www.profounddecisions.co.uk/account/summary summary status] on your Profound Decisions account when you log in.

This sort of proxying only affects out-of-character processes, like interacting with referees or GOD. Separately, characters with certain Imperial titles can [[proxy|appoint another character to act on their behalf in character]].

If you would prefer to come into GOD yourself, we can make a variety of accommodations. Please come directly to the lost property or potions desk and let us know you'd like support with access. Depending on the circumstances, for example, we might be able to let you bypass the main queues, provide seating while we're dealing with your queries, or take you to a quieter area. Many GOD volunteers are disabled ourselves; we can't fix everything, but we're happy to get creative about what we can offer.

==GOD services==
===Character packs===

* '''You, or your proxy, can collect your character pack from GOD any time we are open'''
* '''We will need to know your PID in order to locate your pack'''
* '''If you have booked a ticket at the concessionary rate and you ''have not'' provided evidence you are entitled to a concession before the event, you will need to join the queue for the concessions desk'''

Character packs always contain your character passport, and may also contain in-game resources, plot documents, and small items of lost property we've confirmed belong to you.

You or your proxy will need to visit GOD to collect your pack. From Thursday evening to shortly before time in, general pack handout takes place along both sides of the tent – the tables will be labelled with PID ranges so you can see where to go. After time in, general pack collection is from the potions desk. Please try to collect your pack early on in the event – they take up a lot of space! We start breaking down uncollected packs on Sunday morning, so if you come to collect your pack on Sunday you might need to wait while we make it up again.

We will need to know your PID to locate your pack. Your PID ''should'' be on your ticket. If your ticket shows your PID as "null", don't worry – you almost certainly do have a PID, it just didn't exist when your ticket was generated. You can check this yourself by logging into the PD website and checking the Account Summary page, or we can look it up for you! We can also look up your PID if you don't know it for any other reason – but this will take a little longer.

If you book in advance (Early, Late and Gate bookings made before you reached site) and have an active character, your pack should be ready for you to collect when we open.

If you buy a ticket when you arrive on site and have an active character, we will make your pack up once your booking has been processed. If you try to pick your pack up before your booking has been processed, show us your receipt and we will make it up as soon as possible. Depending on how busy we are, this might be immediate or we might need to ask you to come back later.

If you do not have an active character, no pack will be created for you. You will need to create a character (on your own device or using the player PCs in GOD). Once you've done this, please join the ''computer queries'' queue to let us know that we need to set your character as active and make up a pack for you. If you need another pack for a new character, because your existing character has died or you want to retire them, this also applies. Depending on how busy we are, we will either make your pack up immediately or ask you to come back later.

If you booked a ticket at the '''concession''' rate, if possible (we know it isn't for everybody!) please e-mail evidence that you're entitled to the concessionary rate (e.g. student ID, screenshot of UC account page) to [mailto:admin@profounddecisions.co.uk admin@profounddecisions.co.uk] ''before'' the event begins – this means you can join the general pack handout queue, which moves much faster and doesn't need you to wait while we faff about on the computer. If you weren't able to e-mail in proof of entitlement before the event, you will need to join the queue for the concessions desk (before time in) or queries desk (after time in) to collect your pack. You will need to show us evidence you are entitled to a concession or pay the difference between a concession and a full-price ticket in order to collect your pack. Note that you have to provide evidence that you're entitled to a concession for every booking you make – if you book 3 events at once you'll only have to provide proof at or before the first event, but if you book them separately you'll have to provide proof each time.

If you are a member of '''crew''', you should receive an e-mail a few days before the event letting you know whether to pick your pack up from GOD or from your head of department.

===Player PCs===

* '''There are a number of PCs for players to use to check the wiki or log into the PD website'''
* '''You can also connect your own devices to the PD_PUBLIC Wi-Fi network'''
* '''The network is not connected to the Internet; only the PD servers are accessible'''
*
Player PCs are usually located by the main entrance to GOD. You can use these PCs to set up a new [[characters|character]], learn [[skills]], set up [[bands]], and check information on the Empire wiki.

Alternatively, you can connect to the PD_PUBLIC network and visit [http://www.profounddecisions.co.uk www.profounddecisions.co.uk] to do all the same things from your own device. Note that this Wi-Fi network is connected to the PD servers in the field, but isn't connected to the Internet. That means you won't be able to (say) check Facebook or your email, but you will be able to read this wiki and access your character account. Some phones will detect the lack of internet access and "help" by automatically disconnecting you from the Wi-Fi network so you can use mobile data; you may want to turn off mobile data to stop this happening.

If you need help with logging into your PD account (e.g. a reminder of your username or resetting your password), please join the general queries queue. The Reset Password button will not work while the servers are in the field – you'll need us to do that for you.

===Potions===

* '''To mix [[potion]]s, head to the potions desk past the desks with computers'''

Please try to bring your character passport (so we can check what you can make without needing to go over to a computer).

It's really helpful if you have your herb cards already counted out and stacked together – e.g. if you want to make 7 Elixir Vitae, please have one stack of 7 Cerulean Mazzarine and another of 7 True Vervain, instead of 7 pairs of one each.

===Money changing===

* '''To change money, head to the potions desk past the desks with computers'''

GOD is usually able to change [[Currency|denominations of coins]] at the potions desk. If you've got a large amount of money to change, please try to come in at a quiet time (during morning battles and after about 8 p.m. on Friday and Saturday are generally good!) – and if you can stack it up in nice round numbers for us that definitely speeds things up!

If you only want to change a small number of coins and have mostly come into GOD for other reasons, whoever you're talking to will probably be able to do this for you.

===Character admin===

* '''For character admin, join the queries queue for one of our volunteers at a computer'''

Character admin includes:

* changing aspects of your character, e.g. changing your character's skills, their nation, their resource, and the spelling of their name
* registering when young players have passed their test of citizenship
* setting a new character to "active" and making up a character pack, if your previous character has died or been retired

For all of these, join the general queries queue. We'll need to know your PID – we can look you up if necessary but it's quicker if you already know it!

===Referee admin===

* '''For referee admin, join the queries queue for one of our volunteers at a computer'''

If you're unable to find a referee in the field or at the Referee Access Tent (RAT), GOD is also able to:
* Record [[rituals]] and [[Religious skills|ceremonies]]
* [[Create bond|create bonds]]
* [[Detect magic]]

You'll also need to come to us if you want to:
* pick up a physical item, e.g. ribbons, area effect lammies, effigies
* pay Iridescent Gloaming into your account to perform [[Call Winged Messenger]]

Depending on what you want to do, we'll need:
* your PID
* anyone else involved (or their proxy) – and their PIDs!
* for anything involving magical items, both the ribbon and the physrep (we may be able to make exceptions if e.g. the physrep is heavy armour)
* if you are joining a [[bands|band]], you will need to demonstrate that you know the oath

For all of these, join the general queries queue.

===PD physreps===

* '''For major PD "gold ribbon" physreps, collect them from the potions desk past the desks with computers'''
* '''If you have one of these physreps you must return it by 3:30pm on Sunday'''
* '''If you picked up the physrep from GOD or you have explicitly agreed with PD, you may keep the physrep between events'''

There are some significant, recognisable physreps that PD provide, such as [[Archmage]] regalia. These have [[Stealing#Gold Ribbon Items|gold ribbons]]. If you are someone who should have one of these items, there will be a note in your character pack, and you can collect the item from the potions desk.

If you have one of these items, you must return it to GOD by 3:30pm on Sunday so that it can be safely stored between events.

If the item is associated with a title that you hold, you may be able to keep the item between events, for example to go to player events. If you picked up the item yourself from GOD at the start of the event, you have permission to keep hold of the item. If you acquired the item during the event, including if you were elected to the title, you must either return the item or come to GOD to let us know you want to keep hold of it between events.

===Resource hand-in===

* '''If you want to use resources in downtime, you need to hand them in to GOD'''
* '''Don't hand in resources you don't intend to use in downtime'''
* '''Complete a hand-in sheet and deposit your resources at the potions desk on Sunday between 12 noon and 5 p.m.'''

You can hand resources in at GOD ''if you have plans to use them during [[downtime]]'' between events. We accept resource hand-ins on Sunday between noon and 5 p.m. If you are leaving site before the end of the event, come and have a chat with us.

To hand in resources, head to the potions desk and take a hand-in slip and a clear plastic bag. Fill out the slip ''with exactly what you're handing in'' e.g. if your bag contains 2 thrones, 23 crowns and 44 rings, please write that rather than working out how many thrones there are in total. Please ''don't'' hand in anything that doesn't have a space on the hand-in slip unless a member of crew has told you to – e.g. please don't try to hand in potions. Once you've filled out your slip, put it in the bag with your stuff (make sure it's properly sealed!) and drop it off in the labelled crate.

GOD Is Not A Bank: we won't store items in your inventory during events, and in general we want to minimise the amount of stuff we have to count in and then count back out again. (Sometimes PD winds up with a shortage of orichalcum, or 5 ring coins, or whatever – but if we want you to hand in things you're not expecting to use, there will be notices everywhere.)

===Lost property===

====Limited service====

Before time in on Friday, lost property is located by the exit from GOD. You can:

* hand in items you've found
* let us know about items you've lost ''this event''
* collect items if
*# we’ve contacted you to let you know we’ve got something of yours. This will either be a stamp on your pack ("Lost property to collect" and/or "Arrows to collect"), and/or we'll have sent you a text message or e-mail. Small non-stabby items might be placed in your pack, in which case there won't be a stamp.
*# you’ve lost something since getting onto site at this event, and it's already been handed in.

====Normal service====

After time-in on Friday, lost property is by the main entrance to GOD. We aim to have all lost property, including all property that was handed in at the previous four events, accessible at or shortly after time-in on Friday. You can:

* hand in items you've found
* collect items we've contacted you about
* ask us to have a look for items lost at any of the past four events
* fill out a lost property slip for items that haven't been handed in yet, so we can get in touch with you if (and hopefully when) they show up

If GOD is closed to players but crew are in the tent, you can ask us for help if you have lost an item that is important or valuable out-of-character (e.g. ID, phones, wallets, keys, medications, mobility aids). For other kinds of items, please wait until we reopen – we'll be happy to fill out a lost property slip with you then.

===="Freecycle"====

We keep items for a year after they’ve been handed in – that is, we’ll keep something that was handed in at E2 2023 until the end of E2 2024.

On Sunday afternoon of each event we hold “Freecycle”, where anything we’ve had in lost property unclaimed for a year is laid out somewhere near GOD. A sign is put up outside GOD on Saturday night giving details for that event’s Freecycle. People queue up, choose one item, and then – if they like! – head around to the back of the queue for another item. We have limited storage space – this lets unclaimed things be used and loved.

====Between events====

If you lose an OOC valuable/important item and leave site before it is handed in, we might be able to return it by post at your expense between events. We'll confirm how much postage will cost with you before we post anything.

We're sometimes able to bring home small items (e.g. jewelry, tiny stuffed toys, ...) where we can't identify the owner. If we do, we'll put photos up in the main FB group.

Crew don't usually have access to lost property storage from the Monday after an event ends to the Wednesday before the next event begins. Please do report missing items (ideally with a photograph!) to [mailto:lostproperty@profounddecisions.co.uk lostproperty@profounddecisions.co.uk] – just be aware that we're not likely to be able to have a look in advance of the next event.



=== Everything else ===

* If you want to talk to us about practical OC issues (e.g. reporting a issue with a toilet or shower block, letting PD know about a dangerously slippery path, and similar) we'll be able to help from any desk, so just join the shortest queue. If it's urgent, skip the queue.
* If you have a question and you're not sure who to ask (or where to find them), it's our job to sort that out for you. Please join the general queries queue.
* The Sunday coach sign-up sheets are located at the lost property desk until around lunchtime on Sunday.
* Liao physreps are available to buy from lost property or the general queries desk.
* Packs of condoms are available to buy from the lost property desk.
* We ''sometimes'' have pronoun badges and tags for bags containing OOC medical supplies, depending on whether makers have dropped any off with us. If these are available, they will be at the lost property desk.
* We have a variety of educational pamphlets available from the lost property desk, which you can also print out yourself if you'd like (see [[Draft:GOD#Resources|Resources]]).

==Tent layout==

{{CaptionedImage|file=GOD-layout-player-map-packs.png|width=300|align=right}}

Before time in on Friday, GOD is primarily set up for pack collection, with two queues:

* Most people will need to join the '''main queue'''. Packs are arranged by PID, and you'll be directed to the correct side of the tent by our queue-wrangler.
* The queue for the '''concessions desk''' is at the right-hand side of the main entrance. You should only join this queue if you have bought a ticket at the concession rate ''and have not yet provided evidence that you are entitled to a concession''. If you have e-mailed proof in to PD and had a reply acknowledging this, join the main queue. If you received any other discount (e.g. multi-booking, referring a new player), join the main queue.
* '''Lost property''' is at the back of the tent. At this point we will only have lost property that has been lost at this event, items where we have emailed the owner, or items for people who have a note on their character pack.

<div style="clear:both;"/>
{{CaptionedImage|file=GOD-layout-player-map-normal.png|width=300|align=right}}

During normal service, we have three main queues. Please check you're in the right queue, and try to keep the queues separate: we don't want to keep you waiting any longer than necessary.

* For the '''potions desk''' go through the main entrance and past the set of tables with computers. The queue for this desk is normally short. This is where you should go to mix potions, change money, and collect packs if you did not manage to do so earlier.
* For the '''queries desk''', you want any desk with a computer. The queue can be relatively long, particularly at busy times (at the start of the event and after battles), but we try to keep it moving quickly. This is where you should go for any character or referee admin, and to collect packs if you need to show evidence for a concession.
* The '''lost property desk''' is set slightly back from the main entrance. The queue can get long, particularly after battles. You '''must''' queue for lost property, even if you can see your item: helping yourself or rummaging causes significant problems with our lost property tracking.

There may also be a queue for '''player PCs''', especially after battles.

For '''resource hand-in''' at the end of the event, collect a hand-in slip and bag from the tables by the main exit, then drop your items off at the potions desk.

==Info for crew==

The crew entrance is at the end of the tent by the GOD ISO. If you've been told to collect your pack from GOD or you want to pick up a crew t-shirt, please use this entrance any time the tent is staffed (note that we can't usually hand out crew packs before we open for player pack collection on Thursday). For anything to do with playing your R&R character, please use the main entrance at the other end of the tent during our normal opening hours.

If you're picking up a radio from GOD, go to the radio charging station at the back of the tent – there will be signs up with instructions. Only take one battery – if you think you need more than one, please have a chat with us.

If you need us to do something to help keep the event running smoothly, use any entrance and grab someone in blue!

==Resources==

Of the Informational Pamphlets! Improving Literature! variety.

* New player guide
* [[Media:Resource guide-A5.pdf|Guide to coin and resin denominations]]
* [[Media:GOD-guide-to-call-winged-messenger.pdf|Guide to Call Winged Messenger]]
* [[Media:Guide-lost-property.pdf|Lost property explainer]]
* [[Media:Ritual calculation sheet.pdf|Printable ritual calculation aid]]

GOD

2024-04-10T19:20:44Z

Gamma3000: Restructure

All Profound Decisions events are administered from the Games Operation Desk (GOD), the location of which is marked in each event guide. Members of the GOD crew are there to help you with any administrative or general queries that you have about the event – we might not know the answers ourselves, but we can get hold of the people who do.

==Opening times==

GOD is usually open for normal service during the times given here. Sometimes we need to close during these times – we'll put a notice up by the entrance if so.

{| class="wikitable" style="width: 50vw"
|-
! On...
! GOD is open...
! For...
|-
| Thursday*
| 20:00–22:00
| Pack handout, limited lost property
|-
| rowspan="2" | Friday
| 13:00–16:00
| Pack handout, limited lost property
|-
| 17:00–01:00 Sat
| Normal service
|-
| Saturday
| 09:30–01:00 Sun
| Normal service
|-
| rowspan="3" | Sunday
| 09:30–12:00
| Normal service
|-
| 12:00–15:00
| Normal service, resource hand-in
|-
| 15:00–17:00
| Resource hand-in, lost property
|-
|}

<small><nowiki>*</nowiki> We try to start pack handout on Thursday evening, and aim to be open by 8 p.m. This is dependent on lots of moving (or, as is sometimes the case with the M6, non-moving) parts, so isn't guaranteed! We try to get a notice with our estimated opening time up sometime late on Thursday afternoon.</small>

==Accessibility==

* '''You can set up a proxy to come to GOD on your behalf'''
* '''If you want to come to GOD yourself, let us know your access needs and we will try to help'''

Any player can nominate one or more other players as out-of-character proxies to interact with GOD on their behalf. This includes all services, not just pack collection! [mailto:admin@profounddecisions.co.uk E-mail us] with your nominated proxy's details (name and, ideally, PID), and we'll make a record of that on the system. If you've nominated another player to act as a proxy for you for this purpose, then you'll be able to see their details in your [https://www.profounddecisions.co.uk/account/summary summary status] on your Profound Decisions account when you log in.

This sort of proxying only affects out-of-character processes, like interacting with referees or GOD. Separately, characters with certain Imperial titles can [[proxy|appoint another character to act on their behalf in character]].

If you would prefer to come into GOD yourself, we can make a variety of accommodations. Please come directly to the lost property or potions desk and let us know you'd like support with access. Depending on the circumstances, for example, we might be able to let you bypass the main queues, provide seating while we're dealing with your queries, or take you to a quieter area. Many GOD volunteers are disabled ourselves; we can't fix everything, but we're happy to get creative about what we can offer.

==GOD services==
===Character packs===

* '''You, or your proxy, can collect your character pack from GOD any time we are open'''
* '''We will need to know your PID in order to locate your pack'''
* '''If you have booked a ticket at the concessionary rate and you ''have not'' provided evidence you are entitled to a concession before the event, you will need to join the queue for the concessions desk'''

Character packs always contain your character passport, and may also contain in-game resources, plot documents, and small items of lost property we've confirmed belong to you.

You or your proxy will need to visit GOD to collect your pack. From Thursday evening to shortly before time in, general pack handout takes place along both sides of the tent – the tables will be labelled with PID ranges so you can see where to go. After time in, general pack collection is from the potions desk. Please try to collect your pack early on in the event – they take up a lot of space! We start breaking down uncollected packs on Sunday morning, so if you come to collect your pack on Sunday you might need to wait while we make it up again.

We will need to know your PID to locate your pack. Your PID ''should'' be on your ticket. If your ticket shows your PID as "null", don't worry – you almost certainly do have a PID, it just didn't exist when your ticket was generated. You can check this yourself by logging into the PD website and checking the Account Summary page, or we can look it up for you! We can also look up your PID if you don't know it for any other reason – but this will take a little longer.

If you book in advance (Early, Late and Gate bookings made before you reached site) and have an active character, your pack should be ready for you to collect when we open.

If you buy a ticket when you arrive on site and have an active character, we will make your pack up once your booking has been processed. If you try to pick your pack up before your booking has been processed, show us your receipt and we will make it up as soon as possible. Depending on how busy we are, this might be immediate or we might need to ask you to come back later.

If you do not have an active character, no pack will be created for you. You will need to create a character (on your own device or using the player PCs in GOD). Once you've done this, please join the ''computer queries'' queue to let us know that we need to set your character as active and make up a pack for you. If you need another pack for a new character, because your existing character has died or you want to retire them, this also applies. Depending on how busy we are, we will either make your pack up immediately or ask you to come back later.

If you booked a ticket at the '''concession''' rate, if possible (we know it isn't for everybody!) please e-mail evidence that you're entitled to the concessionary rate (e.g. student ID, screenshot of UC account page) to [mailto:admin@profounddecisions.co.uk admin@profounddecisions.co.uk] ''before'' the event begins – this means you can join the general pack handout queue, which moves much faster and doesn't need you to wait while we faff about on the computer. If you weren't able to e-mail in proof of entitlement before the event, you will need to join the queue for the concessions desk (before time in) or queries desk (after time in) to collect your pack. You will need to show us evidence you are entitled to a concession or pay the difference between a concession and a full-price ticket in order to collect your pack. Note that you have to provide evidence that you're entitled to a concession for every booking you make – if you book 3 events at once you'll only have to provide proof at or before the first event, but if you book them separately you'll have to provide proof each time.

If you are a member of '''crew''', you should receive an e-mail a few days before the event letting you know whether to pick your pack up from GOD or from your head of department.

===Player PCs===

* '''There are a number of PCs for players to use to check the wiki or log into the PD website'''
* '''You can also connect your own devices to the PD_PUBLIC Wi-Fi network'''
* '''The network is not connected to the Internet; only the PD servers are accessible'''
*
Player PCs are usually located by the main entrance to GOD. You can use these PCs to set up a new [[characters|character]], learn [[skills]], set up [[bands]], and check information on the Empire wiki.

Alternatively, you can connect to the PD_PUBLIC network and visit [http://www.profounddecisions.co.uk www.profounddecisions.co.uk] to do all the same things from your own device. Note that this Wi-Fi network is connected to the PD servers in the field, but isn't connected to the Internet. That means you won't be able to (say) check Facebook or your email, but you will be able to read this wiki and access your character account. Some phones will detect the lack of internet access and "help" by automatically disconnecting you from the Wi-Fi network so you can use mobile data; you may want to turn off mobile data to stop this happening.

If you need help with logging into your PD account (e.g. a reminder of your username or resetting your password), please join the general queries queue. The Reset Password button will not work while the servers are in the field – you'll need us to do that for you.

===Potions===

* '''To mix [[potion]]s, head to the potions desk past the desks with computers'''

Please try to bring your character passport (so we can check what you can make without needing to go over to a computer).

It's really helpful if you have your herb cards already counted out and stacked together – e.g. if you want to make 7 Elixir Vitae, please have one stack of 7 Cerulean Mazzarine and another of 7 True Vervain, instead of 7 pairs of one each.

===Money changing===

* '''To change money, head to the potions desk past the desks with computers'''

GOD is usually able to change [[Currency|denominations of coins]] at the potions desk. If you've got a large amount of money to change, please try to come in at a quiet time (during morning battles and after about 8 p.m. on Friday and Saturday are generally good!) – and if you can stack it up in nice round numbers for us that definitely speeds things up!

If you only want to change a small number of coins and have mostly come into GOD for other reasons, whoever you're talking to will probably be able to do this for you.

===Character admin===

* '''For character admin, join the queries queue for one of our volunteers at a computer'''

Character admin includes:

* changing aspects of your character, e.g. changing your character's skills, their nation, their resource, and the spelling of their name
* registering when young players have passed their test of citizenship
* setting a new character to "active" and making up a character pack, if your previous character has died or been retired

For all of these, join the general queries queue. We'll need to know your PID – we can look you up if necessary but it's quicker if you already know it!

===Referee admin===

* '''For referee admin, join the queries queue for one of our volunteers at a computer'''

If you're unable to find a referee in the field or at the Referee Access Tent (RAT), GOD is also able to:
* Record [[rituals]] and [[Religious skills|ceremonies]]
* [[Create bond|create bonds]]
* [[Detect magic]]

You'll also need to come to us if you want to:
* pick up a physical item, e.g. ribbons, area effect lammies, effigies
* pay Iridescent Gloaming into your account to perform [[Call Winged Messenger]]

Depending on what you want to do, we'll need:
* your PID
* anyone else involved (or their proxy) – and their PIDs!
* for anything involving magical items, both the ribbon and the physrep (we may be able to make exceptions if e.g. the physrep is heavy armour)
* if you are joining a [[bands|band]], you will need to demonstrate that you know the oath

For all of these, join the general queries queue.

===PD physreps===

* '''For major PD "gold ribbon" physreps, collect them from the potions desk past the desks with computers'''
* '''If you have one of these physreps you must return it by 3:30pm on Sunday'''
* '''If you picked up the physrep from GOD or you have explicitly agreed with PD, you may keep the physrep between events'''

There are some significant, recognisable physreps that PD provide, such as [[Archmage]] regalia. These have [[Stealing#Gold Ribbon Items|gold ribbons]]. If you are someone who should have one of these items, there will be a note in your character pack, and you can collect the item from the potions desk.

If you have one of these items, you must return it to GOD by 3:30pm on Sunday so that it can be safely stored between events.

If the item is associated with a title that you hold, you may be able to keep the item between events, for example to go to player events. If you picked up the item yourself from GOD at the start of the event, you have permission to keep hold of the item. If you acquired the item during the event, including if you were elected to the title, you must either return the item or come to GOD to let us know you want to keep hold of it between events.

===Resource hand-in===

* '''If you want to use resources in downtime, you need to hand them in to GOD'''
* '''Don't hand in resources you don't intend to use in downtime'''
* '''Complete a hand-in sheet and deposit your resources at the potions desk on Sunday between 12 noon and 5 p.m.'''

You can hand resources in at GOD ''if you have plans to use them during [[downtime]]'' between events. We accept resource hand-ins on Sunday between noon and 5 p.m. If you are leaving site before the end of the event, come and have a chat with us.

To hand in resources, head to the potions desk and take a hand-in slip and a clear plastic bag. Fill out the slip ''with exactly what you're handing in'' e.g. if your bag contains 2 thrones, 23 crowns and 44 rings, please write that rather than working out how many thrones there are in total. Please ''don't'' hand in anything that doesn't have a space on the hand-in slip unless a member of crew has told you to – e.g. please don't try to hand in potions. Once you've filled out your slip, put it in the bag with your stuff (make sure it's properly sealed!) and drop it off in the labelled crate.

GOD Is Not A Bank: we won't store items in your inventory during events, and in general we want to minimise the amount of stuff we have to count in and then count back out again. (Sometimes PD winds up with a shortage of orichalcum, or 5 ring coins, or whatever – but if we want you to hand in things you're not expecting to use, there will be notices everywhere.)

===Lost property===

====Limited service====

Before time in on Friday, lost property is located by the exit from GOD. You can:

* hand in items you've found
* let us know about items you've lost ''this event''
* collect items if
*# we’ve contacted you to let you know we’ve got something of yours. This will either be a stamp on your pack ("Lost property to collect" and/or "Arrows to collect"), and/or we'll have sent you a text message or e-mail. Small non-stabby items might be placed in your pack, in which case there won't be a stamp.
*# you’ve lost something since getting onto site at this event, and it's already been handed in.

====Normal service====

After time-in on Friday, lost property is by the main entrance to GOD. We aim to have all lost property, including all property that was handed in at the previous four events, accessible at or shortly after time-in on Friday. You can:

* hand in items you've found
* collect items we've contacted you about
* ask us to have a look for items lost at any of the past four events
* fill out a lost property slip for items that haven't been handed in yet, so we can get in touch with you if (and hopefully when) they show up

If GOD is closed to players but crew are in the tent, you can ask us for help if you have lost an item that is important or valuable out-of-character (e.g. ID, phones, wallets, keys, medications, mobility aids). For other kinds of items, please wait until we reopen – we'll be happy to fill out a lost property slip with you then.

===="Freecycle"====

We keep items for a year after they’ve been handed in – that is, we’ll keep something that was handed in at E2 2023 until the end of E2 2024.

On Sunday afternoon of each event we hold “Freecycle”, where anything we’ve had in lost property unclaimed for a year is laid out somewhere near GOD. A sign is put up outside GOD on Saturday night giving details for that event’s Freecycle. People queue up, choose one item, and then – if they like! – head around to the back of the queue for another item. We have limited storage space – this lets unclaimed things be used and loved.

====Between events====

If you lose an OOC valuable/important item and leave site before it is handed in, we might be able to return it by post at your expense between events. We'll confirm how much postage will cost with you before we post anything.

We're sometimes able to bring home small items (e.g. jewelry, tiny stuffed toys, ...) where we can't identify the owner. If we do, we'll put photos up in the main FB group.

Crew don't usually have access to lost property storage from the Monday after an event ends to the Wednesday before the next event begins. Please do report missing items (ideally with a photograph!) to [mailto:lostproperty@profounddecisions.co.uk lostproperty@profounddecisions.co.uk] – just be aware that we're not likely to be able to have a look in advance of the next event.



=== Everything else ===

* If you want to talk to us about practical OC issues (e.g. reporting a issue with a toilet or shower block, letting PD know about a dangerously slippery path, and similar) we'll be able to help from any desk, so just join the shortest queue. If it's urgent, skip the queue.
* If you have a question and you're not sure who to ask (or where to find them), it's our job to sort that out for you. Please join the general queries queue.
* The Sunday coach sign-up sheets are located at the lost property desk until around lunchtime on Sunday.
* Liao physreps are available to buy from lost property or the general queries desk.
* Packs of condoms are available to buy from the lost property desk.
* We ''sometimes'' have pronoun badges and tags for bags containing OOC medical supplies, depending on whether makers have dropped any off with us. If these are available, they will be at the lost property desk.
* We have a variety of educational pamphlets available from the lost property desk, which you can also print out yourself if you'd like (see [[Draft:GOD#Resources|Resources]]).

==Tent layout==

{{CaptionedImage|file=GOD-layout-player-map-packs.png|width=300|align=right}}

Before time in on Friday, GOD is primarily set up for pack collection, with two queues.

Most people will need to join the '''main queue'''. Packs are arranged by PID, and you'll be directed to the correct side of the tent by our queue-wrangler.

The queue for the '''concessions desk''' is at the right-hand side of the main entrance. You should only join this queue if you have bought a ticket at the concession rate ''and have not yet provided evidence that you are entitled to a concession''. If you have e-mailed proof in to PD and had a reply acknowledging this, join the main queue. If you received any other discount (e.g. multi-booking, referring a new player), join the main queue.

<div style="clear:both;"></div>
{{CaptionedImage|file=GOD-layout-player-map-normal.png|width=300|align=right}}

During normal service, we have three main queues.

To queue for the '''potions desk''', go through the main entrance and past the set of tables with computers. This queue is usually fairly short – you will usually be able to come right into the tent, past the main queue. The potions desk is where you should go to mix potions, change money, and collect packs.

The queue for the '''queries desk''' passes through the right-hand side of the main entrance and then wraps around the tent. The queries desk is where you should go in order to do character admin and ref admin, and to collect your pack if you still need to provide evidence that you are entitled to the concession rate.

The '''lost property desk''' is set slightly back from the main entrance. The queue begins directly in front of the desk, passes between of the tent wall poles, and wraps around along the side of the tent away from the main entrance.

There may also be a queue for '''player PCs''', especially after battles. Please try to keep this separate from the queue for the queries desk.

For '''resource hand-in''', collect a hand-in slip and bag from the tables by the main exit, then drop your items off at the potions desk.

==Info for crew==

The crew entrance is at the end of the tent by the GOD ISO. If you've been told to collect your pack from GOD or you want to pick up a crew t-shirt, please use this entrance any time the tent is staffed (note that we can't usually hand out crew packs before we open for player pack collection on Thursday). For anything to do with playing your R&R character, please use the main entrance at the other end of the tent during our normal opening hours.

If you're picking up a radio from GOD, go to the radio charging station at the back of the tent – there will be signs up with instructions. Only take one battery – if you think you need more than one, please have a chat with us.

If you need us to do something to help keep the event running smoothly, use any entrance and grab someone in blue!

==Resources==

Of the Informational Pamphlets! Improving Literature! variety.

* New player guide
* [[Media:Resource guide-A5.pdf|Guide to coin and resin denominations]]
* [[Media:GOD-guide-to-call-winged-messenger.pdf|Guide to Call Winged Messenger]]
* [[Media:Guide-lost-property.pdf|Lost property explainer]]
* [[Media:Ritual calculation sheet.pdf|Printable ritual calculation aid]]

GOD

2024-04-10T18:31:20Z

Gamma3000: /* Tent layout */ Clear before image

All Profound Decisions events are administered from the Games Operation Desk (GOD), the location of which is marked in each event guide. Members of the GOD crew are there to help you with any administrative or general queries that you have about the event – we might not know the answers ourselves, but we can get hold of the people who do.

=Vital statistics=

==Opening times==
GOD is usually open for normal service during the times given here. Sometimes we need to close during these times – we'll put a notice up by the entrance if so.

{| class="wikitable" style="width: 50vw"
|-
! On... !! GOD is open... !! For...
|-
| Thursday* || 20:00–22:00 || Pack handout, limited lost property
|-
| Friday || 13:00–16:00<br>17:00–01:00 Sat || Pack handout, limited lost property<br>Normal service
|-
| Saturday || 09:30–01:00 Sun || Normal service
|-
| Sunday || 09:30–12:00<br>12:00–15:00<br>15:00–17:00 || Normal service<br>Normal service, resource hand-in<br>Resource hand-in, lost property
|-
|}

<small><nowiki>*</nowiki> We try to start pack handout on Thursday evening, and aim to be open by 8 p.m. This is dependent on lots of moving (or, as is sometimes the case with the M6, non-moving) parts, so isn't guaranteed! We try to get a notice with our estimated opening time up sometime late on Thursday afternoon.</small>

==Tent layout==

{{CaptionedImage|file=GOD-layout-player-map-packs.png|width=300|align=right}}

Before time in on Friday, GOD is primarily set up for pack collection, with two queues.

Most people will need to join the '''main queue'''. Packs are arranged by PID, and you'll be directed to the correct side of the tent by our queue-wrangler.

The queue for the '''concessions desk''' is at the right-hand side of the main entrance. You should only join this queue if you have bought a ticket at the concession rate ''and have not yet provided evidence that you are entitled to a concession''. If you have e-mailed proof in to PD and had a reply acknowledging this, join the main queue. If you received any other discount (e.g. multi-booking, referring a new player), join the main queue.

<div style="clear:both;"></div>
{{CaptionedImage|file=GOD-layout-player-map-normal.png|width=300|align=right}}

During normal service, we have three main queues.

To queue for the '''potions desk''', go through the main entrance and past the set of tables with computers. This queue is usually fairly short – you will usually be able to come right into the tent, past the main queue. The potions desk is where you should go to mix potions, change money, and collect packs.

The queue for the '''queries desk''' passes through the right-hand side of the main entrance and then wraps around the tent. The queries desk is where you should go in order to do character admin and ref admin, and to collect your pack if you still need to provide evidence that you are entitled to the concession rate.

The '''lost property desk''' is set slightly back from the main entrance. The queue begins directly in front of the desk, passes between of the tent wall poles, and wraps around along the side of the tent away from the main entrance.

There may also be a queue for '''player PCs''', especially after battles. Please try to keep this separate from the queue for the queries desk.

For '''resource hand-in''', collect a hand-in slip and bag from the tables by the main exit, then drop your items off at the potions desk.

==Accessibility==

* '''Proxies:''' any player can nominate one or more other players as out-of-character proxies to interact with GOD on their behalf. This includes all services, not just pack collection! [mailto:admin@profounddecisions.co.uk E-mail us] with your nominated proxy's details (name and, ideally, PID), and we'll make a record of that on the system. If you've nominated another player to act as a proxy for you for this purpose, then you'll be able to see their details in your [https://www.profounddecisions.co.uk/account/summary?14 summary status] on your Profound Decisions account when you log in. (This sort of proxying only affects out-of-character processes, like interacting with referees or GOD. Separately, characters with certain Imperial titles can [[proxy|appoint another character to act on their behalf]].)
* If you would prefer to come into GOD yourself, we can make a variety of accommodations. Please come directly to the lost property or potions desk and let us know you'd like support with access. For example, we might be able to let you bypass the main queues; provide seating while we're dealing with your queries; and take you to a quieter area. Many GOD volunteers are disabled ourselves – we can't fix everything, but we're happy to get creative about what we can offer.

=GOD services=

==Miscellaneous==

* If you want to talk to us about practical OC issues (e.g. reporting a issue with a toilet or shower block, letting PD know about a dangerously slippery path, and similar) we'll be able to help from any desk, so just join the shortest queue. If it's urgent, skip the queue.
* If you have a question and you're not sure who to ask (or where to find them), it's our job to sort that out for you. Please join the general queries queue.
* The Sunday coach sign-up sheets are located at the lost property desk until around lunchtime on Sunday.
* Liao physreps are available to buy from lost property or the general queries desk.
* Packs of condoms are available to buy from the lost property desk.
* We ''sometimes'' have pronoun badges and tags for bags containing OOC medical supplies, depending on whether makers have dropped any off with us. If these are available, they will be at the lost property desk.
* We have a variety of educational pamphlets available from the lost property desk, which you can also print out yourself if you'd like (see [[Draft:GOD#Resources|Resources]]).

==Character packs==

* '''You, or your proxy, can collect your character pack from GOD any time we are open'''
* '''We will need to know your PID in order to locate your pack'''
* '''If you have booked a ticket at the concessionary rate and you ''have not'' provided evidence you are entitled to a concession before the event, you will need to join the queue for the concessions desk'''

Character packs always contain your character passport, and may also contain in-game resources, plot documents, and small items of lost property we've confirmed belong to you.

You or your proxy will need to visit GOD to collect your pack. From Thursday evening to shortly before time in, general pack handout takes place along both sides of the tent – the tables will be labelled with PID ranges so you can see where to go. After time in, general pack collection is from the potions desk. Please try to collect your pack early on in the event – they take up a lot of space! We start breaking down uncollected packs on Sunday morning, so if you come to collect your pack on Sunday you might need to wait while we make it up again.

We will need to know your PID to locate your pack. Your PID ''should'' be on your ticket. If your ticket shows your PID as "null", don't worry – you almost certainly do have a PID, it just didn't exist when your ticket was generated. You can check this yourself by logging into the PD website and checking the Account Summary page, or we can look it up for you! We can also look up your PID if you don't know it for any other reason – but this will take a little longer.

If you book in advance (Early, Late and Gate bookings made before you reached site) and have an active character, your pack should be ready for you to collect when we open.

If you buy a ticket when you arrive on site and have an active character, we will make your pack up once your booking has been processed. If you try to pick your pack up before your booking has been processed, show us your receipt and we will make it up as soon as possible. Depending on how busy we are, this might be immediate or we might need to ask you to come back later.

If you do not have an active character, no pack will be created for you. You will need to create a character (on your own device or using the player PCs in GOD). Once you've done this, please join the ''computer queries'' queue to let us know that we need to set your character as active and make up a pack for you. If you need another pack for a new character, because your existing character has died or you want to retire them, this also applies. Depending on how busy we are, we will either make your pack up immediately or ask you to come back later.

===Concessions===
If you booked a ticket at the '''concession''' rate, if possible (we know it isn't for everybody!) please e-mail evidence that you're entitled to the concessionary rate (e.g. student ID, screenshot of UC account page) to [mailto:admin@profounddecisions.co.uk admin@profounddecisions.co.uk] ''before'' the event begins – this means you can join the general pack handout queue, which moves much faster and doesn't need you to wait while we faff about on the computer. If you weren't able to e-mail in proof of entitlement before the event, you will need to join the queue for the concessions desk (before time in) or queries desk (after time in) to collect your pack. You will need to show us evidence you are entitled to a concession or pay the difference between a concession and a full-price ticket in order to collect your pack. Note that you have to provide evidence that you're entitled to a concession for every booking you make – if you book 3 events at once you'll only have to provide proof at or before the first event, but if you book them separately you'll have to provide proof each time.

===Crew===
If you are a member of '''crew''', you should receive an e-mail a few days before the event letting you know whether to pick your pack up from GOD or from your head of department.

==Resource hand-in==

* '''If you want to use resources in downtime, you need to hand them in to GOD'''
* '''Don't hand in resources you don't intend to use in downtime'''
* '''Complete a hand-in sheet and deposit your resources at the potions desk on Sunday between 12 noon and 5 p.m.'''

You can hand resources in at GOD ''if you have plans to use them during [[downtime]]'' between events. We accept resource hand-ins on Sunday between noon and 5 p.m. If you are leaving site before the end of the event, come and have a chat with us.

To hand in resources, head to the potions desk and take a hand-in slip and a clear plastic bag. Fill out the slip ''with exactly what you're handing in'' e.g. if your bag contains 2 thrones, 23 crowns and 44 rings, please write that rather than working out how many thrones there are in total. Please ''don't'' hand in anything that doesn't have a space on the hand-in slip unless a member of crew has told you to – e.g. please don't try to hand in potions. Once you've filled out your slip, put it in the bag with your stuff (make sure it's properly sealed!) and drop it off in the labelled crate.

GOD Is Not A Bank: we won't store items in your inventory during events, and in general we want to minimise the amount of stuff we have to count in and then count back out again. (Sometimes PD winds up with a shortage of orichalcum, or 5 ring coins, or whatever – but if we want you to hand in things you're not expecting to use, there will be notices everywhere.)

==Player PCs==

Player PCs are usually located by the main entrance to GOD. You can use these PCs to set up a new [[characters|character]], learn [[skills]], set up [[bands]], and check information on the Empire wiki.

Alternatively, you can connect to the PD_PUBLIC network and visit [http://www.profounddecisions.co.uk www.profounddecisions.co.uk] to do all the same things from your own device. Note that this Wi-Fi network is connected to the PD servers in the field, but isn't connected to the Internet. That means you won't be able to (say) check Facebook or your email, but you will be able to read this wiki and access your character account. Some phones will detect the lack of internet access and "help" by automatically disconnecting you from the Wi-Fi network so you can use mobile data; you may want to turn off mobile data to stop this happening..

If you need help with logging into your PD account (e.g. a reminder of your username or resetting your password), please join the general queries queue. The Reset Password button will not work while the servers are in the field – you'll need us to do that for you.

==Potions==

* '''To mix [[Potion|potions]], head to the potions desk'''

Please try to bring your character passport (so we can check what you can make without needing to go over to a computer).

It's really helpful if you have your herb cards already counted out and stacked together – e.g. if you want to make 7 Elixir Vitae, please have one stack of 7 Cerulean Mazzarine and another of 7 True Vervain, instead of 7 pairs of one each.

==Money changing==

* '''To change money, head to the potions desk'''

GOD is usually able to change [[Currency|denominations of coins]] at the potions desk. If you've got a large amount of money to change, please try to come in at a quiet time (during morning battles and after about 8 p.m. on Friday and Saturday are generally good!) – and if you can stack it up in nice round numbers for us that definitely speeds things up!

If you only want to change a small number of coins and have mostly come into GOD for other reasons, whoever you're talking to will probably be able to do this for you.

==Character admin==

* '''For character admin, join the queries queue'''

Character admin includes:

* changing aspects of your character, e.g. changing your character's skills, their nation, their resource, and the spelling of their name
* registering when young players have passed their test of citizenship
* setting a new character to "active" and making up a character pack, if your previous character has died or been retired

For all of these, join the general queries queue. We'll need to know your PID – we can look you up if necessary but it's quicker if you already know it!

==Referee admin==

* '''For referee admin, join the queries queue'''

If you're unable to find a referee in the field or at the Referee Access Tent (RAT), GOD is also able to:
* record [[rituals]] and [[Religious skills|ceremonies]]
* [[Create bond|create bonds]]
* [[detect magic]]

You'll also need to come to us if you want to:
* pick up a physical item, e.g. ribbons, area effect lammies, effigies
* pay Iridescent Gloaming into your account to perform [[Call Winged Messenger]]

Depending on what you want to do, we'll need:
* your PID
* anyone else involved (or their proxy) – and their PIDs!
* for anything involving magical items, both the ribbon and the physrep (we may be able to make exceptions if e.g. the physrep is heavy armour)
* if you are joining a [[bands|band]], you will need to demonstrate that you know the oath

==PD physreps==

* '''For PD physreps, head to the potions desk'''

Some positions (e.g. [[Archmage]]) have associated PD physreps. If you need to collect a PD physrep, there will be a note in your character pack. Please head to the potions desk and show this note to a member of GOD crew.

If you want to drop PD physreps off for storage between events, you must bring them back to the potions desk before 3.30 p.m. on Sunday.

==Lost property==

===Limited service===

Before time in on Friday, lost property is located by the exit from GOD. You can:

* hand in items you've found
* let us know about items you've lost ''this event''
* collect items if
*# we’ve contacted you to let you know we’ve got something of yours. This will either be a stamp on your pack ("Lost property to collect" and/or "Arrows to collect"), and/or we'll have sent you a text message or e-mail. Small non-stabby items might be placed in your pack, in which case there won't be a stamp.
*# you’ve lost something since getting onto site at this event, and it's already been handed in.

===Normal service===

After time-in on Friday, lost property is by the main entrance to GOD. We aim to have all lost property, including all property that was handed in at the previous four events, accessible at or shortly after time-in on Friday. You can:

* hand in items you've found
* collect items we've contacted you about
* ask us to have a look for items lost at any of the past four events
* fill out a lost property slip for items that haven't been handed in yet, so we can get in touch with you if (and hopefully when) they show up

If GOD is closed to players but crew are in the tent, you can ask us for help if you have lost an item that is important or valuable out-of-character (e.g. ID, phones, wallets, keys, medications, mobility aids). For other kinds of items, please wait until we reopen – we'll be happy to fill out a lost property slip with you then.

==="Freecycle"===

We keep items for a year after they’ve been handed in – that is, we’ll keep something that was handed in at E2 2023 until the end of E2 2024.

On Sunday afternoon of each event we hold “Freecycle”, where anything we’ve had in lost property unclaimed for a year is laid out somewhere near GOD. A sign is put up outside GOD on Saturday night giving details for that event’s Freecycle. People queue up, choose one item, and then – if they like! – head around to the back of the queue for another item. We have limited storage space – this lets unclaimed things be used and loved.

===Between events===

If you lose an OOC valuable/important item and leave site before it is handed in, we might be able to return it by post at your expense between events. We'll confirm how much postage will cost with you before we post anything.

We're sometimes able to bring home small items (e.g. jewelry, tiny stuffed toys, ...) where we can't identify the owner. If we do, we'll put photos up in the main FB group.

Crew don't usually have access to lost property storage from the Monday after an event ends to the Wednesday before the next event begins. Please do report missing items (ideally with a photograph!) to [mailto:lostproperty@profounddecisions.co.uk lostproperty@profounddecisions.co.uk] – just be aware that we're not likely to be able to have a look in advance of the next event.

===Behind the scenes===

We know that from the outside lost property often looks like a chaotic jumble – so we want to tell you a bit more about how the system works!

When you tell us you've lost something, the first thing we do is look through items we've had handed in. These are organised by the event they were lost at and the type of item – if you lost a goblet two events ago, we'll grab the box of drinking vessels that were handed in two events ago and go through it with you. We'll also double-check the boxes from more recent events, because items sometimes get found in the woods/other people's kit bags/the Academy storage container quite a while after they went missing!

If we don't have your item, we'll ask you to fill out a lost property form with us, even if you don't think it's worth it – it's incredibly frustrating to have something handed in and realise we know ''exactly'' who it belongs to, but didn't get them to leave their details! We keep these reports for a full year.

When items are handed in, we check whether we can ID their owner. This means that we look for a PID, name, or contact details, or even initials – in normal light and using a UV torch. We also check whether they seem like any of the lost property reports we have on record. If we find a match, we'll get in touch (via a text message from a PD phone, or e-mail) as soon as we can. This does sometimes take a while and we don't always realise when something that's been handed in matches a description, so even if we haven't contacted you, please do feel free to swing by to check any time when full lost property service is open!

In addition to matching up missing property reports with lost items during events, we are sometimes able to spend a few days before an event sorting through lost property. This lets us thoroughly double-check everything we have in storage against all lost property reports from the last four events – this means that we try to check every single piece of lost property from each event at least four separate times. If we find something we think belongs to you, we'll do our best to let you know by e-mail, and we'll stamp a reminder that there's something for you to collect (or inspect) on your character pack. Again, if we don't get in touch it doesn't mean we definitely don't have your stuff – it just means we haven't recognised it!

When we return an item, if it's not already got your details on we'll encourage you to label it with identifying information, e.g. your PID or your name. If it comes in again, we'll be able to get it back to you faster.

===How you can help us===

* If you want to check lost property, please come to the front desk and wait for someone in blue! We can make sure you're looking in the right place and our system stays intact.
* Write something we can use to identify you on your items. Your PID, wallet name, character name and phone number are all useful. You can use UV security marker – we check incoming lost property with a UV torch.
* Add your mobile phone number, if you have one, to your PD account. Only a small number of senior crew will be able to see your number. GOD will only use your number to text you if something that belongs to you is handed in.
* When we fill out a lost property form, please give us as much detail as you can – sketches are really helpful, and so is info like “the gold’s wearing off on the back”!
* If you have any photos of an item you’ve lost, even if they’re not very good, please e-mail them in to [mailto:lostproperty@profounddecisions.co.uk lostproperty@profounddecisions.co.uk].
* ''Especially'' if you're an archer, please do your best to swing by GOD last thing before you leave site – we have really limited storage space between events and arrows take up an astonishing amount of room.
* Let us know when things turn up! It makes us happy for you, and it means we can stop hunting :)

=Info for crew=

The crew entrance is at the end of the tent by the GOD ISO. If you've been told to collect your pack from GOD or you want to pick up a crew t-shirt, please use this entrance any time the tent is staffed (note that we can't usually hand out crew packs before we open for player pack collection on Thursday). For anything to do with playing your R&R character, please use the main entrance at the other end of the tent during our normal opening hours.

If you're picking up a radio from GOD, go to the radio charging station at the back of the tent – there will be signs up with instructions. Only take one battery – if you think you need more than one, please have a chat with us.

If you need us to do something to help keep the event running smoothly, use any entrance and grab someone in blue!

=Resources=

Of the Informational Pamphlets! Improving Literature! variety.

* New player guide
* [[Media:Resource guide-A5.pdf|Guide to coin and resin denominations]]
* [[Media:GOD-guide-to-call-winged-messenger.pdf|Guide to Call Winged Messenger]]
* [[Media:Guide-lost-property.pdf|Lost property explainer]]
* [[Media:Ritual calculation sheet.pdf|Printable ritual calculation aid]]

File:GOD layout combined.png

2024-04-10T18:29:17Z

Gamma3000:

GOD

2024-04-10T18:09:57Z

Gamma3000: en dashes

All Profound Decisions events are administered from the Games Operation Desk (GOD), the location of which is marked in each event guide. Members of the GOD crew are there to help you with any administrative or general queries that you have about the event – we might not know the answers ourselves, but we can get hold of the people who do.

=Vital statistics=

==Opening times==
GOD is usually open for normal service during the times given here. Sometimes we need to close during these times – we'll put a notice up by the entrance if so.

{| class="wikitable" style="width: 50vw"
|-
! On... !! GOD is open... !! For...
|-
| Thursday* || 20:00–22:00 || Pack handout, limited lost property
|-
| Friday || 13:00–16:00<br>17:00–01:00 Sat || Pack handout, limited lost property<br>Normal service
|-
| Saturday || 09:30–01:00 Sun || Normal service
|-
| Sunday || 09:30–12:00<br>12:00–15:00<br>15:00–17:00 || Normal service<br>Normal service, resource hand-in<br>Resource hand-in, lost property
|-
|}

<small><nowiki>*</nowiki> We try to start pack handout on Thursday evening, and aim to be open by 8 p.m. This is dependent on lots of moving (or, as is sometimes the case with the M6, non-moving) parts, so isn't guaranteed! We try to get a notice with our estimated opening time up sometime late on Thursday afternoon.</small>

==Tent layout==

{{CaptionedImage|file=GOD-layout-player-map-packs.png|width=300|align=right}}

Before time in on Friday, GOD is primarily set up for pack collection, with two queues.

Most people will need to join the '''main queue'''. Packs are arranged by PID, and you'll be directed to the correct side of the tent by our queue-wrangler.

The queue for the '''concessions desk''' is at the right-hand side of the main entrance. You should only join this queue if you have bought a ticket at the concession rate ''and have not yet provided evidence that you are entitled to a concession''. If you have e-mailed proof in to PD and had a reply acknowledging this, join the main queue. If you received any other discount (e.g. multi-booking, referring a new player), join the main queue.

{{CaptionedImage|file=GOD-layout-player-map-normal.png|width=300|align=right}}

During normal service, we have three main queues.

To queue for the '''potions desk''', go through the main entrance and past the set of tables with computers. This queue is usually fairly short – you will usually be able to come right into the tent, past the main queue. The potions desk is where you should go to mix potions, change money, and collect packs.

The queue for the '''queries desk''' passes through the right-hand side of the main entrance and then wraps around the tent. The queries desk is where you should go in order to do character admin and ref admin, and to collect your pack if you still need to provide evidence that you are entitled to the concession rate.

The '''lost property desk''' is set slightly back from the main entrance. The queue begins directly in front of the desk, passes between of the tent wall poles, and wraps around along the side of the tent away from the main entrance.

There may also be a queue for '''player PCs''', especially after battles. Please try to keep this separate from the queue for the queries desk.

For '''resource hand-in''', collect a hand-in slip and bag from the tables by the main exit, then drop your items off at the potions desk.

==Accessibility==

* '''Proxies:''' any player can nominate one or more other players as out-of-character proxies to interact with GOD on their behalf. This includes all services, not just pack collection! [mailto:admin@profounddecisions.co.uk E-mail us] with your nominated proxy's details (name and, ideally, PID), and we'll make a record of that on the system. If you've nominated another player to act as a proxy for you for this purpose, then you'll be able to see their details in your [https://www.profounddecisions.co.uk/account/summary?14 summary status] on your Profound Decisions account when you log in. (This sort of proxying only affects out-of-character processes, like interacting with referees or GOD. Separately, characters with certain Imperial titles can [[proxy|appoint another character to act on their behalf]].)
* If you would prefer to come into GOD yourself, we can make a variety of accommodations. Please come directly to the lost property or potions desk and let us know you'd like support with access. For example, we might be able to let you bypass the main queues; provide seating while we're dealing with your queries; and take you to a quieter area. Many GOD volunteers are disabled ourselves – we can't fix everything, but we're happy to get creative about what we can offer.

=GOD services=

==Miscellaneous==

* If you want to talk to us about practical OC issues (e.g. reporting a issue with a toilet or shower block, letting PD know about a dangerously slippery path, and similar) we'll be able to help from any desk, so just join the shortest queue. If it's urgent, skip the queue.
* If you have a question and you're not sure who to ask (or where to find them), it's our job to sort that out for you. Please join the general queries queue.
* The Sunday coach sign-up sheets are located at the lost property desk until around lunchtime on Sunday.
* Liao physreps are available to buy from lost property or the general queries desk.
* Packs of condoms are available to buy from the lost property desk.
* We ''sometimes'' have pronoun badges and tags for bags containing OOC medical supplies, depending on whether makers have dropped any off with us. If these are available, they will be at the lost property desk.
* We have a variety of educational pamphlets available from the lost property desk, which you can also print out yourself if you'd like (see [[Draft:GOD#Resources|Resources]]).

==Character packs==

* '''You, or your proxy, can collect your character pack from GOD any time we are open'''
* '''We will need to know your PID in order to locate your pack'''
* '''If you have booked a ticket at the concessionary rate and you ''have not'' provided evidence you are entitled to a concession before the event, you will need to join the queue for the concessions desk'''

Character packs always contain your character passport, and may also contain in-game resources, plot documents, and small items of lost property we've confirmed belong to you.

You or your proxy will need to visit GOD to collect your pack. From Thursday evening to shortly before time in, general pack handout takes place along both sides of the tent – the tables will be labelled with PID ranges so you can see where to go. After time in, general pack collection is from the potions desk. Please try to collect your pack early on in the event – they take up a lot of space! We start breaking down uncollected packs on Sunday morning, so if you come to collect your pack on Sunday you might need to wait while we make it up again.

We will need to know your PID to locate your pack. Your PID ''should'' be on your ticket. If your ticket shows your PID as "null", don't worry – you almost certainly do have a PID, it just didn't exist when your ticket was generated. You can check this yourself by logging into the PD website and checking the Account Summary page, or we can look it up for you! We can also look up your PID if you don't know it for any other reason – but this will take a little longer.

If you book in advance (Early, Late and Gate bookings made before you reached site) and have an active character, your pack should be ready for you to collect when we open.

If you buy a ticket when you arrive on site and have an active character, we will make your pack up once your booking has been processed. If you try to pick your pack up before your booking has been processed, show us your receipt and we will make it up as soon as possible. Depending on how busy we are, this might be immediate or we might need to ask you to come back later.

If you do not have an active character, no pack will be created for you. You will need to create a character (on your own device or using the player PCs in GOD). Once you've done this, please join the ''computer queries'' queue to let us know that we need to set your character as active and make up a pack for you. If you need another pack for a new character, because your existing character has died or you want to retire them, this also applies. Depending on how busy we are, we will either make your pack up immediately or ask you to come back later.

===Concessions===
If you booked a ticket at the '''concession''' rate, if possible (we know it isn't for everybody!) please e-mail evidence that you're entitled to the concessionary rate (e.g. student ID, screenshot of UC account page) to [mailto:admin@profounddecisions.co.uk admin@profounddecisions.co.uk] ''before'' the event begins – this means you can join the general pack handout queue, which moves much faster and doesn't need you to wait while we faff about on the computer. If you weren't able to e-mail in proof of entitlement before the event, you will need to join the queue for the concessions desk (before time in) or queries desk (after time in) to collect your pack. You will need to show us evidence you are entitled to a concession or pay the difference between a concession and a full-price ticket in order to collect your pack. Note that you have to provide evidence that you're entitled to a concession for every booking you make – if you book 3 events at once you'll only have to provide proof at or before the first event, but if you book them separately you'll have to provide proof each time.

===Crew===
If you are a member of '''crew''', you should receive an e-mail a few days before the event letting you know whether to pick your pack up from GOD or from your head of department.

==Resource hand-in==

* '''If you want to use resources in downtime, you need to hand them in to GOD'''
* '''Don't hand in resources you don't intend to use in downtime'''
* '''Complete a hand-in sheet and deposit your resources at the potions desk on Sunday between 12 noon and 5 p.m.'''

You can hand resources in at GOD ''if you have plans to use them during [[downtime]]'' between events. We accept resource hand-ins on Sunday between noon and 5 p.m. If you are leaving site before the end of the event, come and have a chat with us.

To hand in resources, head to the potions desk and take a hand-in slip and a clear plastic bag. Fill out the slip ''with exactly what you're handing in'' e.g. if your bag contains 2 thrones, 23 crowns and 44 rings, please write that rather than working out how many thrones there are in total. Please ''don't'' hand in anything that doesn't have a space on the hand-in slip unless a member of crew has told you to – e.g. please don't try to hand in potions. Once you've filled out your slip, put it in the bag with your stuff (make sure it's properly sealed!) and drop it off in the labelled crate.

GOD Is Not A Bank: we won't store items in your inventory during events, and in general we want to minimise the amount of stuff we have to count in and then count back out again. (Sometimes PD winds up with a shortage of orichalcum, or 5 ring coins, or whatever – but if we want you to hand in things you're not expecting to use, there will be notices everywhere.)

==Player PCs==

Player PCs are usually located by the main entrance to GOD. You can use these PCs to set up a new [[characters|character]], learn [[skills]], set up [[bands]], and check information on the Empire wiki.

Alternatively, you can connect to the PD_PUBLIC network and visit [http://www.profounddecisions.co.uk www.profounddecisions.co.uk] to do all the same things from your own device. Note that this Wi-Fi network is connected to the PD servers in the field, but isn't connected to the Internet. That means you won't be able to (say) check Facebook or your email, but you will be able to read this wiki and access your character account. Some phones will detect the lack of internet access and "help" by automatically disconnecting you from the Wi-Fi network so you can use mobile data; you may want to turn off mobile data to stop this happening..

If you need help with logging into your PD account (e.g. a reminder of your username or resetting your password), please join the general queries queue. The Reset Password button will not work while the servers are in the field – you'll need us to do that for you.

==Potions==

* '''To mix [[Potion|potions]], head to the potions desk'''

Please try to bring your character passport (so we can check what you can make without needing to go over to a computer).

It's really helpful if you have your herb cards already counted out and stacked together – e.g. if you want to make 7 Elixir Vitae, please have one stack of 7 Cerulean Mazzarine and another of 7 True Vervain, instead of 7 pairs of one each.

==Money changing==

* '''To change money, head to the potions desk'''

GOD is usually able to change [[Currency|denominations of coins]] at the potions desk. If you've got a large amount of money to change, please try to come in at a quiet time (during morning battles and after about 8 p.m. on Friday and Saturday are generally good!) – and if you can stack it up in nice round numbers for us that definitely speeds things up!

If you only want to change a small number of coins and have mostly come into GOD for other reasons, whoever you're talking to will probably be able to do this for you.

==Character admin==

* '''For character admin, join the queries queue'''

Character admin includes:

* changing aspects of your character, e.g. changing your character's skills, their nation, their resource, and the spelling of their name
* registering when young players have passed their test of citizenship
* setting a new character to "active" and making up a character pack, if your previous character has died or been retired

For all of these, join the general queries queue. We'll need to know your PID – we can look you up if necessary but it's quicker if you already know it!

==Referee admin==

* '''For referee admin, join the queries queue'''

If you're unable to find a referee in the field or at the Referee Access Tent (RAT), GOD is also able to:
* record [[rituals]] and [[Religious skills|ceremonies]]
* [[Create bond|create bonds]]
* [[detect magic]]

You'll also need to come to us if you want to:
* pick up a physical item, e.g. ribbons, area effect lammies, effigies
* pay Iridescent Gloaming into your account to perform [[Call Winged Messenger]]

Depending on what you want to do, we'll need:
* your PID
* anyone else involved (or their proxy) – and their PIDs!
* for anything involving magical items, both the ribbon and the physrep (we may be able to make exceptions if e.g. the physrep is heavy armour)
* if you are joining a [[bands|band]], you will need to demonstrate that you know the oath

==PD physreps==

* '''For PD physreps, head to the potions desk'''

Some positions (e.g. [[Archmage]]) have associated PD physreps. If you need to collect a PD physrep, there will be a note in your character pack. Please head to the potions desk and show this note to a member of GOD crew.

If you want to drop PD physreps off for storage between events, you must bring them back to the potions desk before 3.30 p.m. on Sunday.

==Lost property==

===Limited service===

Before time in on Friday, lost property is located by the exit from GOD. You can:

* hand in items you've found
* let us know about items you've lost ''this event''
* collect items if
*# we’ve contacted you to let you know we’ve got something of yours. This will either be a stamp on your pack ("Lost property to collect" and/or "Arrows to collect"), and/or we'll have sent you a text message or e-mail. Small non-stabby items might be placed in your pack, in which case there won't be a stamp.
*# you’ve lost something since getting onto site at this event, and it's already been handed in.

===Normal service===

After time-in on Friday, lost property is by the main entrance to GOD. We aim to have all lost property, including all property that was handed in at the previous four events, accessible at or shortly after time-in on Friday. You can:

* hand in items you've found
* collect items we've contacted you about
* ask us to have a look for items lost at any of the past four events
* fill out a lost property slip for items that haven't been handed in yet, so we can get in touch with you if (and hopefully when) they show up

If GOD is closed to players but crew are in the tent, you can ask us for help if you have lost an item that is important or valuable out-of-character (e.g. ID, phones, wallets, keys, medications, mobility aids). For other kinds of items, please wait until we reopen – we'll be happy to fill out a lost property slip with you then.

==="Freecycle"===

We keep items for a year after they’ve been handed in – that is, we’ll keep something that was handed in at E2 2023 until the end of E2 2024.

On Sunday afternoon of each event we hold “Freecycle”, where anything we’ve had in lost property unclaimed for a year is laid out somewhere near GOD. A sign is put up outside GOD on Saturday night giving details for that event’s Freecycle. People queue up, choose one item, and then – if they like! – head around to the back of the queue for another item. We have limited storage space – this lets unclaimed things be used and loved.

===Between events===

If you lose an OOC valuable/important item and leave site before it is handed in, we might be able to return it by post at your expense between events. We'll confirm how much postage will cost with you before we post anything.

We're sometimes able to bring home small items (e.g. jewelry, tiny stuffed toys, ...) where we can't identify the owner. If we do, we'll put photos up in the main FB group.

Crew don't usually have access to lost property storage from the Monday after an event ends to the Wednesday before the next event begins. Please do report missing items (ideally with a photograph!) to [mailto:lostproperty@profounddecisions.co.uk lostproperty@profounddecisions.co.uk] – just be aware that we're not likely to be able to have a look in advance of the next event.

===Behind the scenes===

We know that from the outside lost property often looks like a chaotic jumble – so we want to tell you a bit more about how the system works!

When you tell us you've lost something, the first thing we do is look through items we've had handed in. These are organised by the event they were lost at and the type of item – if you lost a goblet two events ago, we'll grab the box of drinking vessels that were handed in two events ago and go through it with you. We'll also double-check the boxes from more recent events, because items sometimes get found in the woods/other people's kit bags/the Academy storage container quite a while after they went missing!

If we don't have your item, we'll ask you to fill out a lost property form with us, even if you don't think it's worth it – it's incredibly frustrating to have something handed in and realise we know ''exactly'' who it belongs to, but didn't get them to leave their details! We keep these reports for a full year.

When items are handed in, we check whether we can ID their owner. This means that we look for a PID, name, or contact details, or even initials – in normal light and using a UV torch. We also check whether they seem like any of the lost property reports we have on record. If we find a match, we'll get in touch (via a text message from a PD phone, or e-mail) as soon as we can. This does sometimes take a while and we don't always realise when something that's been handed in matches a description, so even if we haven't contacted you, please do feel free to swing by to check any time when full lost property service is open!

In addition to matching up missing property reports with lost items during events, we are sometimes able to spend a few days before an event sorting through lost property. This lets us thoroughly double-check everything we have in storage against all lost property reports from the last four events – this means that we try to check every single piece of lost property from each event at least four separate times. If we find something we think belongs to you, we'll do our best to let you know by e-mail, and we'll stamp a reminder that there's something for you to collect (or inspect) on your character pack. Again, if we don't get in touch it doesn't mean we definitely don't have your stuff – it just means we haven't recognised it!

When we return an item, if it's not already got your details on we'll encourage you to label it with identifying information, e.g. your PID or your name. If it comes in again, we'll be able to get it back to you faster.

===How you can help us===

* If you want to check lost property, please come to the front desk and wait for someone in blue! We can make sure you're looking in the right place and our system stays intact.
* Write something we can use to identify you on your items. Your PID, wallet name, character name and phone number are all useful. You can use UV security marker – we check incoming lost property with a UV torch.
* Add your mobile phone number, if you have one, to your PD account. Only a small number of senior crew will be able to see your number. GOD will only use your number to text you if something that belongs to you is handed in.
* When we fill out a lost property form, please give us as much detail as you can – sketches are really helpful, and so is info like “the gold’s wearing off on the back”!
* If you have any photos of an item you’ve lost, even if they’re not very good, please e-mail them in to [mailto:lostproperty@profounddecisions.co.uk lostproperty@profounddecisions.co.uk].
* ''Especially'' if you're an archer, please do your best to swing by GOD last thing before you leave site – we have really limited storage space between events and arrows take up an astonishing amount of room.
* Let us know when things turn up! It makes us happy for you, and it means we can stop hunting :)

=Info for crew=

The crew entrance is at the end of the tent by the GOD ISO. If you've been told to collect your pack from GOD or you want to pick up a crew t-shirt, please use this entrance any time the tent is staffed (note that we can't usually hand out crew packs before we open for player pack collection on Thursday). For anything to do with playing your R&R character, please use the main entrance at the other end of the tent during our normal opening hours.

If you're picking up a radio from GOD, go to the radio charging station at the back of the tent – there will be signs up with instructions. Only take one battery – if you think you need more than one, please have a chat with us.

If you need us to do something to help keep the event running smoothly, use any entrance and grab someone in blue!

=Resources=

Of the Informational Pamphlets! Improving Literature! variety.

* New player guide
* [[Media:Resource guide-A5.pdf|Guide to coin and resin denominations]]
* [[Media:GOD-guide-to-call-winged-messenger.pdf|Guide to Call Winged Messenger]]
* [[Media:Guide-lost-property.pdf|Lost property explainer]]
* [[Media:Ritual calculation sheet.pdf|Printable ritual calculation aid]]

GOD

2024-04-08T19:25:40Z

Gamma3000: /* Resources */ Link to ritual calculation tool

All Profound Decisions events are administered from the Games Operation Desk (GOD), the location of which is marked in each event guide. Members of the GOD crew are there to help you with any administrative or general queries that you have about the event -- we might not know the answers ourselves, but we can get hold of the people who do.

=Vital statistics=

==Opening times==
GOD is usually open for normal service during the times given here. Sometimes we need to close during these times -- we'll put a notice up by the entrance if so.

{| class="wikitable" style="width: 50vw"
|-
! On... !! GOD is open... !! For...
|-
| Thursday* || 20:00–22:00 || Pack handout, limited lost property
|-
| Friday || 13:00–16:00<br>17:00–01:00 Sat || Pack handout, limited lost property<br>Normal service
|-
| Saturday || 09:30–01:00 Sun || Normal service
|-
| Sunday || 09:30–12:00<br>12:00–15:00<br>15:00–17:00 || Normal service<br>Normal service, resource hand-in<br>Resource hand-in, lost property
|-
|}

<small><nowiki>*</nowiki> We try to start pack handout on Thursday evening, and aim to be open by 8 p.m. This is dependent on lots of moving (or, as is sometimes the case with the M6, non-moving) parts, so isn't guaranteed! We try to get a notice with our estimated opening time up sometime late on Thursday afternoon.</small>

==Tent layout==

{{CaptionedImage|file=GOD-layout-player-map-packs.png|caption=Before time in on Friday, GOD is primarily set up for pack collection.|width=300}} {{CaptionedImage|file=GOD-layout-player-map-normal.png|caption=During normal service, we have separate queues for each desk.|width=300}}

==Accessibility==

* '''Proxies:''' any player can nominate one or more other players as out-of-character proxies to interact with GOD on their behalf. This includes all services, not just pack collection! [mailto:admin@profounddecisions.co.uk E-mail us] with your nominated proxy's details (name and, ideally, PID), and we'll make a record of that on the system. If you've nominated another player to act as a proxy for you for this purpose, then you'll be able to see their details in your [https://www.profounddecisions.co.uk/account/summary?14 summary status] on your Profound Decisions account when you log in. (This sort of proxying only affects out-of-character processes, like interacting with referees or GOD. Separately, characters with certain Imperial titles can [[proxy|appoint another character to act on their behalf]].)
* If you would prefer to come into GOD yourself, we can make a variety of accommodations. Please come directly to the lost property or potions desk and let us know you'd like support with access. For example, we might be able to let you bypass the main queues; provide seating while we're dealing with your queries; and take you to a quieter area. Many GOD volunteers are disabled ourselves -- we can't fix everything, but we're happy to get creative about what we can offer.

=GOD services=

==Miscellaneous==

* If you want to talk to us about practical OC issues (e.g. reporting a issue with a toilet or shower block, letting PD know about a dangerously slippery path, and similar) we'll be able to help from any desk, so just join the shortest queue. If it's urgent, skip the queue.
* If you have a question and you're not sure who to ask (or where to find them), it's our job to sort that out for you. Please join the general queries queue.
* The Sunday coach sign-up sheets are located at the lost property desk until around lunchtime on Sunday.
* Liao physreps are available to buy from lost property or the general queries desk.
* Packs of condoms are available to buy from the lost property desk.
* We ''sometimes'' have pronoun badges and tags for bags containing OOC medical supplies, depending on whether makers have dropped any off with us. If these are available, they will be at the lost property desk.
* We have a variety of educational pamphlets available from the lost property desk, which you can also print out yourself if you'd like (see [[Draft:GOD#Resources|Resources]]).

==Character packs==

* '''You, or your proxy, can collect your character pack from GOD any time we are open'''
* '''We will need to know your PID in order to locate your pack'''
* '''If you have booked a ticket at the concessionary rate and you ''have not'' provided evidence you are entitled to a concession before the event, you will need to join the queue for the concessions desk'''

Character packs always contain your character passport, and may also contain in-game resources, plot documents, and small items of lost property we've confirmed belong to you.

You or your proxy will need to visit GOD to collect your pack. From Thursday evening to shortly before time in, general pack handout takes place along both sides of the tent -- the tables will be labelled with PID ranges so you can see where to go. After time in, general pack collection is from the potions desk. Please try to collect your pack early on in the event -- they take up a lot of space! We start breaking down uncollected packs on Sunday morning, so if you come to collect your pack on Sunday you might need to wait while we make it up again.

We will need to know your PID to locate your pack. Your PID ''should'' be on your ticket. If your ticket shows your PID as "null", don't worry -- you almost certainly do have a PID, it just didn't exist when your ticket was generated. You can check this yourself by logging into the PD website and checking the Account Summary page, or we can look it up for you! We can also look up your PID if you don't know it for any other reason -- but this will take a little longer.

If you book in advance (Early, Late and Gate bookings made before you reached site) and have an active character, your pack should be ready for you to collect when we open.

If you buy a ticket when you arrive on site and have an active character, we will make your pack up once your booking has been processed. If you try to pick your pack up before your booking has been processed, show us your receipt and we will make it up as soon as possible. Depending on how busy we are, this might be immediate or we might need to ask you to come back later.

If you do not have an active character, no pack will be created for you. You will need to create a character (on your own device or using the player PCs in GOD). Once you've done this, please join the ''computer queries'' queue to let us know that we need to set your character as active and make up a pack for you. If you need another pack for a new character, because your existing character has died or you want to retire them, this also applies. Depending on how busy we are, we will either make your pack up immediately or ask you to come back later.

===Concessions===
If you booked a ticket at the '''concession''' rate, if possible (we know it isn't for everybody!) please e-mail evidence that you're entitled to the concessionary rate (e.g. student ID, screenshot of UC account page) to [mailto:admin@profounddecisions.co.uk admin@profounddecisions.co.uk] ''before'' the event begins -- this means you can join the general pack handout queue, which moves much faster and doesn't need you to wait while we faff about on the computer. If you weren't able to e-mail in proof of entitlement before the event, you will need to join the queue for the concessions desk (before time in) or queries desk (after time in) to collect your pack. You will need to show us evidence you are entitled to a concession or pay the difference between a concession and a full-price ticket in order to collect your pack. Note that you have to provide evidence that you're entitled to a concession for every booking you make -- if you book 3 events at once you'll only have to provide proof at or before the first event, but if you book them separately you'll have to provide proof each time.

===Crew===
If you are a member of '''crew''', you should receive an e-mail a few days before the event letting you know whether to pick your pack up from GOD or from your head of department.

==Resource hand-in==

You can hand resources in at GOD ''if you have plans to use them during [[downtime]]'' between events. We accept resource hand-ins on Sunday between noon and 5 p.m. If you are leaving site before the end of the event, come and have a chat with us.

To hand in resources, head to the potions desk and take a hand-in slip and a clear plastic bag. Fill out the slip ''with exactly what you're handing in'' e.g. if your bag contains 2 thrones, 23 crowns and 44 rings, please write that rather than working out how many thrones there are in total. Please ''don't'' hand in anything that doesn't have a space on the hand-in slip unless a member of crew has told you to -- e.g. please don't try to hand in potions. Once you've filled out your slip, put it in the bag with your stuff (make sure it's properly sealed!) and drop it off in the labelled crate.

GOD Is Not A Bank: we won't store items in your inventory during events, and in general we want to minimise the amount of stuff we have to count in and then count back out again. (Sometimes PD winds up with a shortage of orichalcum, or 5 ring coins, or whatever -- but if we want you to hand in things you're not expecting to use, there will be notices everywhere.)

==Player PCs==

Player PCs are usually located by the main entrance to GOD. You can use these PCs to set up a new [[characters|character]], learn [[skills]], set up [[bands]], and check information on the Empire wiki.

Alternatively, you can connect to the PD_PUBLIC network and visit [http://www.profounddecisions.co.uk www.profounddecisions.co.uk] to do all the same things from your own device. Note that this Wi-Fi network is connected to the PD servers in the field, but isn't connected to the Internet. That means you won't be able to (say) check Facebook or your email, but you will be able to read this wiki and access your character account. Some phones will detect the lack of internet access and "help" by automatically disconnecting you from the Wi-Fi network so you can use mobile data; you may want to turn off mobile data to stop this happening..

If you need help with logging into your PD account (e.g. a reminder of your username or resetting your password), please join the general queries queue. The Reset Password button will not work while the servers are in the field -- you'll need us to do that for you.

==Potions==

To mix [[Potion|potions]], head to the potions desk.

Please try to bring your character passport (so we can check what you can make without needing to go over to a computer).

It's really helpful if you have your herb cards already counted out and stacked together -- e.g. if you want to make 7 Elixir Vitae, please have one stack of 7 Cerulean Mazzarine and another of 7 True Vervain, instead of 7 pairs of one each.

==Money changing==

GOD is usually able to change [[Currency|denominations of coins]] at the potions desk. If you've got a large amount of money to change, please try to come in at a quiet time (during morning battles and after about 8 p.m. on Friday and Saturday are generally good!) -- and if you can stack it up in nice round numbers for us that definitely speeds things up!

If you only want to change a small number of coins and have mostly come into GOD for other reasons, whoever you're talking to will probably be able to do this for you.

==Character admin==

Character admin includes:

* changing aspects of your character, e.g. changing your character's skills, their nation, their resource, and the spelling of their name
* registering when young players have passed their test of citizenship
* setting a new character to "active" and making up a character pack, if your previous character has died or been retired

For all of these, join the general queries queue. We'll need to know your PID -- we can look you up if necessary but it's quicker if you already know it!

==Referee admin==

If you're unable to find a referee in the field or at the Referee Access Tent (RAT), GOD is also able to:
* record [[rituals]] and [[Religious skills|ceremonies]]
* [[Create bond|create bonds]]
* [[detect magic]]

You'll also need to come to us if you want to:
* pick up a physical item, e.g. ribbons, area effect lammies, effigies
* pay Iridescent Gloaming into your account to perform [[Call Winged Messenger]]

Depending on what you want to do, we'll need:
* your PID
* anyone else involved (or their proxy) -- and their PIDs!
* for anything involving magical items, both the ribbon and the physrep (we may be able to make exceptions if e.g. the physrep is heavy armour)
* if you are joining a [[bands|band]], you will need to demonstrate that you know the oath

==PD physreps==

Some positions (e.g. [[Archmage]]) have associated PD physreps. If you need to collect a PD physrep, there will be a note in your character pack. Please head to the potions desk and show this note to a member of GOD crew.

If you want to drop PD physreps off for storage between events, you must bring them back to the potions desk before 3.30 p.m. on Sunday.

==Lost property==

===Limited service===

Before time in on Friday, lost property is located by the exit from GOD. You can:

* hand in items you've found
* let us know about items you've lost ''this event''
* collect items if
*# we’ve contacted you to let you know we’ve got something of yours. This will either be a stamp on your pack ("Lost property to collect" and/or "Arrows to collect"), and/or we'll have sent you a text message or e-mail. Small non-stabby items might be placed in your pack, in which case there won't be a stamp.
*# you’ve lost something since getting onto site at this event, and it's already been handed in.

===Normal service===

After time-in on Friday, lost property is by the main entrance to GOD. We aim to have all lost property, including all property that was handed in at the previous four events, accessible at or shortly after time-in on Friday. You can:

* hand in items you've found
* collect items we've contacted you about
* ask us to have a look for items lost at any of the past four events
* fill out a lost property slip for items that haven't been handed in yet, so we can get in touch with you if (and hopefully when) they show up

If GOD is closed to players but crew are in the tent, you can ask us for help if you have lost an item that is important or valuable out-of-character (e.g. ID, phones, wallets, keys, medications, mobility aids). For other kinds of items, please wait until we reopen -- we'll be happy to fill out a lost property slip with you then.

==="Freecycle"===

We keep items for a year after they’ve been handed in – that is, we’ll keep something that was handed in at E2 2023 until the end of E2 2024.

On Sunday afternoon of each event we hold “Freecycle”, where anything we’ve had in lost property unclaimed for a year is laid out somewhere near GOD. A sign is put up outside GOD on Saturday night giving details for that event’s Freecycle. People queue up, choose one item, and then – if they like! – head around to the back of the queue for another item. We have limited storage space – this lets unclaimed things be used and loved.

===Between events===

If you lose an OOC valuable/important item and leave site before it is handed in, we might be able to return it by post at your expense between events. We'll confirm how much postage will cost with you before we post anything.

We're sometimes able to bring home small items (e.g. jewelry, tiny stuffed toys, ...) where we can't identify the owner. If we do, we'll put photos up in the main FB group.

Crew don't usually have access to lost property storage from the Monday after an event ends to the Wednesday before the next event begins. Please do report missing items (ideally with a photograph!) to [mailto:lostproperty@profounddecisions.co.uk lostproperty@profounddecisions.co.uk] -- just be aware that we're not likely to be able to have a look in advance of the next event.

===Behind the scenes===

We know that from the outside lost property often looks like a chaotic jumble -- so we want to tell you a bit more about how the system works!

When you tell us you've lost something, the first thing we do is look through items we've had handed in. These are organised by the event they were lost at and the type of item -- if you lost a goblet two events ago, we'll grab the box of drinking vessels that were handed in two events ago and go through it with you. We'll also double-check the boxes from more recent events, because items sometimes get found in the woods/other people's kit bags/the Academy storage container quite a while after they went missing!

If we don't have your item, we'll ask you to fill out a lost property form with us, even if you don't think it's worth it -- it's incredibly frustrating to have something handed in and realise we know ''exactly'' who it belongs to, but didn't get them to leave their details! We keep these reports for a full year.

When items are handed in, we check whether we can ID their owner. This means that we look for a PID, name, or contact details, or even initials -- in normal light and using a UV torch. We also check whether they seem like any of the lost property reports we have on record. If we find a match, we'll get in touch (via a text message from a PD phone, or e-mail) as soon as we can. This does sometimes take a while and we don't always realise when something that's been handed in matches a description, so even if we haven't contacted you, please do feel free to swing by to check any time when full lost property service is open!

In addition to matching up missing property reports with lost items during events, we are sometimes able to spend a few days before an event sorting through lost property. This lets us thoroughly double-check everything we have in storage against all lost property reports from the last four events -- this means that we try to check every single piece of lost property from each event at least four separate times. If we find something we think belongs to you, we'll do our best to let you know by e-mail, and we'll stamp a reminder that there's something for you to collect (or inspect) on your character pack. Again, if we don't get in touch it doesn't mean we definitely don't have your stuff -- it just means we haven't recognised it!

When we return an item, if it's not already got your details on we'll encourage you to label it with identifying information, e.g. your PID or your name. If it comes in again, we'll be able to get it back to you faster.

===How you can help us===

* If you want to check lost property, please come to the front desk and wait for someone in blue! We can make sure you're looking in the right place and our system stays intact.
* Write something we can use to identify you on your items. Your PID, wallet name, character name and phone number are all useful. You can use UV security marker – we check incoming lost property with a UV torch.
* Add your mobile phone number, if you have one, to your PD account. Only a small number of senior crew will be able to see your number. GOD will only use your number to text you if something that belongs to you is handed in.
* When we fill out a lost property form, please give us as much detail as you can – sketches are really helpful, and so is info like “the gold’s wearing off on the back”!
* If you have any photos of an item you’ve lost, even if they’re not very good, please e-mail them in to [mailto:lostproperty@profounddecisions.co.uk lostproperty@profounddecisions.co.uk].
* ''Especially'' if you're an archer, please do your best to swing by GOD last thing before you leave site -- we have really limited storage space between events and arrows take up an astonishing amount of room.
* Let us know when things turn up! It makes us happy for you, and it means we can stop hunting :)

=Info for crew=

The crew entrance is at the end of the tent by the GOD ISO. If you've been told to collect your pack from GOD or you want to pick up a crew t-shirt, please use this entrance any time the tent is staffed (note that we can't usually hand out crew packs before we open for player pack collection on Thursday). For anything to do with playing your R&R character, please use the main entrance at the other end of the tent during our normal opening hours.

If you're picking up a radio from GOD, go to the radio charging station at the back of the tent -- there will be signs up with instructions. Only take one battery -- if you think you need more than one, please have a chat with us.

If you need us to do something to help keep the event running smoothly, use any entrance and grab someone in blue!

=Resources=

Of the Informational Pamphlets! Improving Literature! variety.

* New player guide
* [[Media:Resource guide-A5.pdf|Guide to coin and resin denominations]]
* [[Media:GOD-guide-to-call-winged-messenger.pdf|Guide to Call Winged Messenger]]
* [[Media:Guide-lost-property.pdf|Lost property explainer]]
* [[Media:Ritual calculation sheet.pdf|Printable ritual calculation aid]]

File:Ritual calculation sheet.pdf

2024-04-08T19:23:25Z

Gamma3000: Printable ritual calculation aid

== Summary ==
Printable ritual calculation aid

GOD

2024-04-08T18:24:37Z

Gamma3000: /* Player PCs */

All Profound Decisions events are administered from the Games Operation Desk (GOD), the location of which is marked in each event guide. Members of the GOD crew are there to help you with any administrative or general queries that you have about the event -- we might not know the answers ourselves, but we can get hold of the people who do.

=Vital statistics=

==Opening times==
GOD is usually open for normal service during the times given here. Sometimes we need to close during these times -- we'll put a notice up by the entrance if so.

{| class="wikitable" style="width: 50vw"
|-
! On... !! GOD is open... !! For...
|-
| Thursday* || 20:00–22:00 || Pack handout, limited lost property
|-
| Friday || 13:00–16:00<br>17:00–01:00 Sat || Pack handout, limited lost property<br>Normal service
|-
| Saturday || 09:30–01:00 Sun || Normal service
|-
| Sunday || 09:30–12:00<br>12:00–15:00<br>15:00–17:00 || Normal service<br>Normal service, resource hand-in<br>Resource hand-in, lost property
|-
|}

<small><nowiki>*</nowiki> We try to start pack handout on Thursday evening, and aim to be open by 8 p.m. This is dependent on lots of moving (or, as is sometimes the case with the M6, non-moving) parts, so isn't guaranteed! We try to get a notice with our estimated opening time up sometime late on Thursday afternoon.</small>

==Tent layout==

{{CaptionedImage|file=GOD-layout-player-map-packs.png|caption=Before time in on Friday, GOD is primarily set up for pack collection.|width=300}} {{CaptionedImage|file=GOD-layout-player-map-normal.png|caption=During normal service, we have separate queues for each desk.|width=300}}

==Accessibility==

* '''Proxies:''' any player can nominate one or more other players as out-of-character proxies to interact with GOD on their behalf. This includes all services, not just pack collection! [mailto:admin@profounddecisions.co.uk E-mail us] with your nominated proxy's details (name and, ideally, PID), and we'll make a record of that on the system. If you've nominated another player to act as a proxy for you for this purpose, then you'll be able to see their details in your [https://www.profounddecisions.co.uk/account/summary?14 summary status] on your Profound Decisions account when you log in. (This sort of proxying only affects out-of-character processes, like interacting with referees or GOD. Separately, characters with certain Imperial titles can [[proxy|appoint another character to act on their behalf]].)
* If you would prefer to come into GOD yourself, we can make a variety of accommodations. Please come directly to the lost property or potions desk and let us know you'd like support with access. For example, we might be able to let you bypass the main queues; provide seating while we're dealing with your queries; and take you to a quieter area. Many GOD volunteers are disabled ourselves -- we can't fix everything, but we're happy to get creative about what we can offer.

=GOD services=

==Miscellaneous==

* If you want to talk to us about practical OC issues (e.g. reporting a issue with a toilet or shower block, letting PD know about a dangerously slippery path, and similar) we'll be able to help from any desk, so just join the shortest queue. If it's urgent, skip the queue.
* If you have a question and you're not sure who to ask (or where to find them), it's our job to sort that out for you. Please join the general queries queue.
* The Sunday coach sign-up sheets are located at the lost property desk until around lunchtime on Sunday.
* Liao physreps are available to buy from lost property or the general queries desk.
* Packs of condoms are available to buy from the lost property desk.
* We ''sometimes'' have pronoun badges and tags for bags containing OOC medical supplies, depending on whether makers have dropped any off with us. If these are available, they will be at the lost property desk.
* We have a variety of educational pamphlets available from the lost property desk, which you can also print out yourself if you'd like (see [[Draft:GOD#Resources|Resources]]).

==Character packs==

* '''You, or your proxy, can collect your character pack from GOD any time we are open'''
* '''We will need to know your PID in order to locate your pack'''
* '''If you have booked a ticket at the concessionary rate and you ''have not'' provided evidence you are entitled to a concession before the event, you will need to join the queue for the concessions desk'''

Character packs always contain your character passport, and may also contain in-game resources, plot documents, and small items of lost property we've confirmed belong to you.

You or your proxy will need to visit GOD to collect your pack. From Thursday evening to shortly before time in, general pack handout takes place along both sides of the tent -- the tables will be labelled with PID ranges so you can see where to go. After time in, general pack collection is from the potions desk. Please try to collect your pack early on in the event -- they take up a lot of space! We start breaking down uncollected packs on Sunday morning, so if you come to collect your pack on Sunday you might need to wait while we make it up again.

We will need to know your PID to locate your pack. Your PID ''should'' be on your ticket. If your ticket shows your PID as "null", don't worry -- you almost certainly do have a PID, it just didn't exist when your ticket was generated. You can check this yourself by logging into the PD website and checking the Account Summary page, or we can look it up for you! We can also look up your PID if you don't know it for any other reason -- but this will take a little longer.

If you book in advance (Early, Late and Gate bookings made before you reached site) and have an active character, your pack should be ready for you to collect when we open.

If you buy a ticket when you arrive on site and have an active character, we will make your pack up once your booking has been processed. If you try to pick your pack up before your booking has been processed, show us your receipt and we will make it up as soon as possible. Depending on how busy we are, this might be immediate or we might need to ask you to come back later.

If you do not have an active character, no pack will be created for you. You will need to create a character (on your own device or using the player PCs in GOD). Once you've done this, please join the ''computer queries'' queue to let us know that we need to set your character as active and make up a pack for you. If you need another pack for a new character, because your existing character has died or you want to retire them, this also applies. Depending on how busy we are, we will either make your pack up immediately or ask you to come back later.

===Concessions===
If you booked a ticket at the '''concession''' rate, if possible (we know it isn't for everybody!) please e-mail evidence that you're entitled to the concessionary rate (e.g. student ID, screenshot of UC account page) to [mailto:admin@profounddecisions.co.uk admin@profounddecisions.co.uk] ''before'' the event begins -- this means you can join the general pack handout queue, which moves much faster and doesn't need you to wait while we faff about on the computer. If you weren't able to e-mail in proof of entitlement before the event, you will need to join the queue for the concessions desk (before time in) or queries desk (after time in) to collect your pack. You will need to show us evidence you are entitled to a concession or pay the difference between a concession and a full-price ticket in order to collect your pack. Note that you have to provide evidence that you're entitled to a concession for every booking you make -- if you book 3 events at once you'll only have to provide proof at or before the first event, but if you book them separately you'll have to provide proof each time.

===Crew===
If you are a member of '''crew''', you should receive an e-mail a few days before the event letting you know whether to pick your pack up from GOD or from your head of department.

==Resource hand-in==

You can hand resources in at GOD ''if you have plans to use them during [[downtime]]'' between events. We accept resource hand-ins on Sunday between noon and 5 p.m. If you are leaving site before the end of the event, come and have a chat with us.

To hand in resources, head to the potions desk and take a hand-in slip and a clear plastic bag. Fill out the slip ''with exactly what you're handing in'' e.g. if your bag contains 2 thrones, 23 crowns and 44 rings, please write that rather than working out how many thrones there are in total. Please ''don't'' hand in anything that doesn't have a space on the hand-in slip unless a member of crew has told you to -- e.g. please don't try to hand in potions. Once you've filled out your slip, put it in the bag with your stuff (make sure it's properly sealed!) and drop it off in the labelled crate.

GOD Is Not A Bank: we won't store items in your inventory during events, and in general we want to minimise the amount of stuff we have to count in and then count back out again. (Sometimes PD winds up with a shortage of orichalcum, or 5 ring coins, or whatever -- but if we want you to hand in things you're not expecting to use, there will be notices everywhere.)

==Player PCs==

Player PCs are usually located by the main entrance to GOD. You can use these PCs to set up a new [[characters|character]], learn [[skills]], set up [[bands]], and check information on the Empire wiki.

Alternatively, you can connect to the PD_PUBLIC network and visit [http://www.profounddecisions.co.uk www.profounddecisions.co.uk] to do all the same things from your own device. Note that this Wi-Fi network is connected to the PD servers in the field, but isn't connected to the Internet. That means you won't be able to (say) check Facebook or your email, but you will be able to read this wiki and access your character account. Some phones will detect the lack of internet access and "help" by automatically disconnecting you from the Wi-Fi network so you can use mobile data; you may want to turn off mobile data to stop this happening..

If you need help with logging into your PD account (e.g. a reminder of your username or resetting your password), please join the general queries queue. The Reset Password button will not work while the servers are in the field -- you'll need us to do that for you.

==Potions==

To mix [[Potion|potions]], head to the potions desk.

Please try to bring your character passport (so we can check what you can make without needing to go over to a computer).

It's really helpful if you have your herb cards already counted out and stacked together -- e.g. if you want to make 7 Elixir Vitae, please have one stack of 7 Cerulean Mazzarine and another of 7 True Vervain, instead of 7 pairs of one each.

==Money changing==

GOD is usually able to change [[Currency|denominations of coins]] at the potions desk. If you've got a large amount of money to change, please try to come in at a quiet time (during morning battles and after about 8 p.m. on Friday and Saturday are generally good!) -- and if you can stack it up in nice round numbers for us that definitely speeds things up!

If you only want to change a small number of coins and have mostly come into GOD for other reasons, whoever you're talking to will probably be able to do this for you.

==Character admin==

Character admin includes:

* changing aspects of your character, e.g. changing your character's skills, their nation, their resource, and the spelling of their name
* registering when young players have passed their test of citizenship
* setting a new character to "active" and making up a character pack, if your previous character has died or been retired

For all of these, join the general queries queue. We'll need to know your PID -- we can look you up if necessary but it's quicker if you already know it!

==Referee admin==

If you're unable to find a referee in the field or at the Referee Access Tent (RAT), GOD is also able to:
* record [[rituals]] and [[Religious skills|ceremonies]]
* [[Create bond|create bonds]]
* [[detect magic]]

You'll also need to come to us if you want to:
* pick up a physical item, e.g. ribbons, area effect lammies, effigies
* pay Iridescent Gloaming into your account to perform [[Call Winged Messenger]]

Depending on what you want to do, we'll need:
* your PID
* anyone else involved (or their proxy) -- and their PIDs!
* for anything involving magical items, both the ribbon and the physrep (we may be able to make exceptions if e.g. the physrep is heavy armour)
* if you are joining a [[bands|band]], you will need to demonstrate that you know the oath

==PD physreps==

Some positions (e.g. [[Archmage]]) have associated PD physreps. If you need to collect a PD physrep, there will be a note in your character pack. Please head to the potions desk and show this note to a member of GOD crew.

If you want to drop PD physreps off for storage between events, you must bring them back to the potions desk before 3.30 p.m. on Sunday.

==Lost property==

===Limited service===

Before time in on Friday, lost property is located by the exit from GOD. You can:

* hand in items you've found
* let us know about items you've lost ''this event''
* collect items if
*# we’ve contacted you to let you know we’ve got something of yours. This will either be a stamp on your pack ("Lost property to collect" and/or "Arrows to collect"), and/or we'll have sent you a text message or e-mail. Small non-stabby items might be placed in your pack, in which case there won't be a stamp.
*# you’ve lost something since getting onto site at this event, and it's already been handed in.

===Normal service===

After time-in on Friday, lost property is by the main entrance to GOD. We aim to have all lost property, including all property that was handed in at the previous four events, accessible at or shortly after time-in on Friday. You can:

* hand in items you've found
* collect items we've contacted you about
* ask us to have a look for items lost at any of the past four events
* fill out a lost property slip for items that haven't been handed in yet, so we can get in touch with you if (and hopefully when) they show up

If GOD is closed to players but crew are in the tent, you can ask us for help if you have lost an item that is important or valuable out-of-character (e.g. ID, phones, wallets, keys, medications, mobility aids). For other kinds of items, please wait until we reopen -- we'll be happy to fill out a lost property slip with you then.

==="Freecycle"===

We keep items for a year after they’ve been handed in – that is, we’ll keep something that was handed in at E2 2023 until the end of E2 2024.

On Sunday afternoon of each event we hold “Freecycle”, where anything we’ve had in lost property unclaimed for a year is laid out somewhere near GOD. A sign is put up outside GOD on Saturday night giving details for that event’s Freecycle. People queue up, choose one item, and then – if they like! – head around to the back of the queue for another item. We have limited storage space – this lets unclaimed things be used and loved.

===Between events===

If you lose an OOC valuable/important item and leave site before it is handed in, we might be able to return it by post at your expense between events. We'll confirm how much postage will cost with you before we post anything.

We're sometimes able to bring home small items (e.g. jewelry, tiny stuffed toys, ...) where we can't identify the owner. If we do, we'll put photos up in the main FB group.

Crew don't usually have access to lost property storage from the Monday after an event ends to the Wednesday before the next event begins. Please do report missing items (ideally with a photograph!) to [mailto:lostproperty@profounddecisions.co.uk lostproperty@profounddecisions.co.uk] -- just be aware that we're not likely to be able to have a look in advance of the next event.

===Behind the scenes===

We know that from the outside lost property often looks like a chaotic jumble -- so we want to tell you a bit more about how the system works!

When you tell us you've lost something, the first thing we do is look through items we've had handed in. These are organised by the event they were lost at and the type of item -- if you lost a goblet two events ago, we'll grab the box of drinking vessels that were handed in two events ago and go through it with you. We'll also double-check the boxes from more recent events, because items sometimes get found in the woods/other people's kit bags/the Academy storage container quite a while after they went missing!

If we don't have your item, we'll ask you to fill out a lost property form with us, even if you don't think it's worth it -- it's incredibly frustrating to have something handed in and realise we know ''exactly'' who it belongs to, but didn't get them to leave their details! We keep these reports for a full year.

When items are handed in, we check whether we can ID their owner. This means that we look for a PID, name, or contact details, or even initials -- in normal light and using a UV torch. We also check whether they seem like any of the lost property reports we have on record. If we find a match, we'll get in touch (via a text message from a PD phone, or e-mail) as soon as we can. This does sometimes take a while and we don't always realise when something that's been handed in matches a description, so even if we haven't contacted you, please do feel free to swing by to check any time when full lost property service is open!

In addition to matching up missing property reports with lost items during events, we are sometimes able to spend a few days before an event sorting through lost property. This lets us thoroughly double-check everything we have in storage against all lost property reports from the last four events -- this means that we try to check every single piece of lost property from each event at least four separate times. If we find something we think belongs to you, we'll do our best to let you know by e-mail, and we'll stamp a reminder that there's something for you to collect (or inspect) on your character pack. Again, if we don't get in touch it doesn't mean we definitely don't have your stuff -- it just means we haven't recognised it!

When we return an item, if it's not already got your details on we'll encourage you to label it with identifying information, e.g. your PID or your name. If it comes in again, we'll be able to get it back to you faster.

===How you can help us===

* If you want to check lost property, please come to the front desk and wait for someone in blue! We can make sure you're looking in the right place and our system stays intact.
* Write something we can use to identify you on your items. Your PID, wallet name, character name and phone number are all useful. You can use UV security marker – we check incoming lost property with a UV torch.
* Add your mobile phone number, if you have one, to your PD account. Only a small number of senior crew will be able to see your number. GOD will only use your number to text you if something that belongs to you is handed in.
* When we fill out a lost property form, please give us as much detail as you can – sketches are really helpful, and so is info like “the gold’s wearing off on the back”!
* If you have any photos of an item you’ve lost, even if they’re not very good, please e-mail them in to [mailto:lostproperty@profounddecisions.co.uk lostproperty@profounddecisions.co.uk].
* ''Especially'' if you're an archer, please do your best to swing by GOD last thing before you leave site -- we have really limited storage space between events and arrows take up an astonishing amount of room.
* Let us know when things turn up! It makes us happy for you, and it means we can stop hunting :)

=Info for crew=

The crew entrance is at the end of the tent by the GOD ISO. If you've been told to collect your pack from GOD or you want to pick up a crew t-shirt, please use this entrance any time the tent is staffed (note that we can't usually hand out crew packs before we open for player pack collection on Thursday). For anything to do with playing your R&R character, please use the main entrance at the other end of the tent during our normal opening hours.

If you're picking up a radio from GOD, go to the radio charging station at the back of the tent -- there will be signs up with instructions. Only take one battery -- if you think you need more than one, please have a chat with us.

If you need us to do something to help keep the event running smoothly, use any entrance and grab someone in blue!

=Resources=

Of the Informational Pamphlets! Improving Literature! variety.

* New player guide
* [[Media:Resource guide-A5.pdf|Guide to coin and resin denominations]]
* [[Media:GOD-guide-to-call-winged-messenger.pdf|Guide to Call Winged Messenger]]
* [[Media:Guide-lost-property.pdf|Lost property explainer]]
* Ritual calculations sheet

GOD

2024-04-08T18:22:24Z

Gamma3000: /* Miscellaneous */

All Profound Decisions events are administered from the Games Operation Desk (GOD), the location of which is marked in each event guide. Members of the GOD crew are there to help you with any administrative or general queries that you have about the event -- we might not know the answers ourselves, but we can get hold of the people who do.

=Vital statistics=

==Opening times==
GOD is usually open for normal service during the times given here. Sometimes we need to close during these times -- we'll put a notice up by the entrance if so.

{| class="wikitable" style="width: 50vw"
|-
! On... !! GOD is open... !! For...
|-
| Thursday* || 20:00–22:00 || Pack handout, limited lost property
|-
| Friday || 13:00–16:00<br>17:00–01:00 Sat || Pack handout, limited lost property<br>Normal service
|-
| Saturday || 09:30–01:00 Sun || Normal service
|-
| Sunday || 09:30–12:00<br>12:00–15:00<br>15:00–17:00 || Normal service<br>Normal service, resource hand-in<br>Resource hand-in, lost property
|-
|}

<small><nowiki>*</nowiki> We try to start pack handout on Thursday evening, and aim to be open by 8 p.m. This is dependent on lots of moving (or, as is sometimes the case with the M6, non-moving) parts, so isn't guaranteed! We try to get a notice with our estimated opening time up sometime late on Thursday afternoon.</small>

==Tent layout==

{{CaptionedImage|file=GOD-layout-player-map-packs.png|caption=Before time in on Friday, GOD is primarily set up for pack collection.|width=300}} {{CaptionedImage|file=GOD-layout-player-map-normal.png|caption=During normal service, we have separate queues for each desk.|width=300}}

==Accessibility==

* '''Proxies:''' any player can nominate one or more other players as out-of-character proxies to interact with GOD on their behalf. This includes all services, not just pack collection! [mailto:admin@profounddecisions.co.uk E-mail us] with your nominated proxy's details (name and, ideally, PID), and we'll make a record of that on the system. If you've nominated another player to act as a proxy for you for this purpose, then you'll be able to see their details in your [https://www.profounddecisions.co.uk/account/summary?14 summary status] on your Profound Decisions account when you log in. (This sort of proxying only affects out-of-character processes, like interacting with referees or GOD. Separately, characters with certain Imperial titles can [[proxy|appoint another character to act on their behalf]].)
* If you would prefer to come into GOD yourself, we can make a variety of accommodations. Please come directly to the lost property or potions desk and let us know you'd like support with access. For example, we might be able to let you bypass the main queues; provide seating while we're dealing with your queries; and take you to a quieter area. Many GOD volunteers are disabled ourselves -- we can't fix everything, but we're happy to get creative about what we can offer.

=GOD services=

==Miscellaneous==

* If you want to talk to us about practical OC issues (e.g. reporting a issue with a toilet or shower block, letting PD know about a dangerously slippery path, and similar) we'll be able to help from any desk, so just join the shortest queue. If it's urgent, skip the queue.
* If you have a question and you're not sure who to ask (or where to find them), it's our job to sort that out for you. Please join the general queries queue.
* The Sunday coach sign-up sheets are located at the lost property desk until around lunchtime on Sunday.
* Liao physreps are available to buy from lost property or the general queries desk.
* Packs of condoms are available to buy from the lost property desk.
* We ''sometimes'' have pronoun badges and tags for bags containing OOC medical supplies, depending on whether makers have dropped any off with us. If these are available, they will be at the lost property desk.
* We have a variety of educational pamphlets available from the lost property desk, which you can also print out yourself if you'd like (see [[Draft:GOD#Resources|Resources]]).

==Character packs==

* '''You, or your proxy, can collect your character pack from GOD any time we are open'''
* '''We will need to know your PID in order to locate your pack'''
* '''If you have booked a ticket at the concessionary rate and you ''have not'' provided evidence you are entitled to a concession before the event, you will need to join the queue for the concessions desk'''

Character packs always contain your character passport, and may also contain in-game resources, plot documents, and small items of lost property we've confirmed belong to you.

You or your proxy will need to visit GOD to collect your pack. From Thursday evening to shortly before time in, general pack handout takes place along both sides of the tent -- the tables will be labelled with PID ranges so you can see where to go. After time in, general pack collection is from the potions desk. Please try to collect your pack early on in the event -- they take up a lot of space! We start breaking down uncollected packs on Sunday morning, so if you come to collect your pack on Sunday you might need to wait while we make it up again.

We will need to know your PID to locate your pack. Your PID ''should'' be on your ticket. If your ticket shows your PID as "null", don't worry -- you almost certainly do have a PID, it just didn't exist when your ticket was generated. You can check this yourself by logging into the PD website and checking the Account Summary page, or we can look it up for you! We can also look up your PID if you don't know it for any other reason -- but this will take a little longer.

If you book in advance (Early, Late and Gate bookings made before you reached site) and have an active character, your pack should be ready for you to collect when we open.

If you buy a ticket when you arrive on site and have an active character, we will make your pack up once your booking has been processed. If you try to pick your pack up before your booking has been processed, show us your receipt and we will make it up as soon as possible. Depending on how busy we are, this might be immediate or we might need to ask you to come back later.

If you do not have an active character, no pack will be created for you. You will need to create a character (on your own device or using the player PCs in GOD). Once you've done this, please join the ''computer queries'' queue to let us know that we need to set your character as active and make up a pack for you. If you need another pack for a new character, because your existing character has died or you want to retire them, this also applies. Depending on how busy we are, we will either make your pack up immediately or ask you to come back later.

===Concessions===
If you booked a ticket at the '''concession''' rate, if possible (we know it isn't for everybody!) please e-mail evidence that you're entitled to the concessionary rate (e.g. student ID, screenshot of UC account page) to [mailto:admin@profounddecisions.co.uk admin@profounddecisions.co.uk] ''before'' the event begins -- this means you can join the general pack handout queue, which moves much faster and doesn't need you to wait while we faff about on the computer. If you weren't able to e-mail in proof of entitlement before the event, you will need to join the queue for the concessions desk (before time in) or queries desk (after time in) to collect your pack. You will need to show us evidence you are entitled to a concession or pay the difference between a concession and a full-price ticket in order to collect your pack. Note that you have to provide evidence that you're entitled to a concession for every booking you make -- if you book 3 events at once you'll only have to provide proof at or before the first event, but if you book them separately you'll have to provide proof each time.

===Crew===
If you are a member of '''crew''', you should receive an e-mail a few days before the event letting you know whether to pick your pack up from GOD or from your head of department.

==Resource hand-in==

You can hand resources in at GOD ''if you have plans to use them during [[downtime]]'' between events. We accept resource hand-ins on Sunday between noon and 5 p.m. If you are leaving site before the end of the event, come and have a chat with us.

To hand in resources, head to the potions desk and take a hand-in slip and a clear plastic bag. Fill out the slip ''with exactly what you're handing in'' e.g. if your bag contains 2 thrones, 23 crowns and 44 rings, please write that rather than working out how many thrones there are in total. Please ''don't'' hand in anything that doesn't have a space on the hand-in slip unless a member of crew has told you to -- e.g. please don't try to hand in potions. Once you've filled out your slip, put it in the bag with your stuff (make sure it's properly sealed!) and drop it off in the labelled crate.

GOD Is Not A Bank: we won't store items in your inventory during events, and in general we want to minimise the amount of stuff we have to count in and then count back out again. (Sometimes PD winds up with a shortage of orichalcum, or 5 ring coins, or whatever -- but if we want you to hand in things you're not expecting to use, there will be notices everywhere.)

==Player PCs==

Player PCs are usually located by the main entrance to GOD. You can use these PCs to set up a new [[characters|character]], learn [[skills]], set up [[bands]], and check information on the Empire wiki.

Alternatively, you can connect to the PD_PUBLIC network and visit [http://www.profounddecisions.co.uk www.profounddecisions.co.uk] to do all the same things from your own device. Note that this wifi network is local only -- it doesn't talk to the real internet.

If you need help with logging into your PD account (e.g. a reminder of your username or resetting your password), please join the general queries queue. The Reset Password button will not work while the servers are in the field -- you'll need us to do that for you.

==Potions==

To mix [[Potion|potions]], head to the potions desk.

Please try to bring your character passport (so we can check what you can make without needing to go over to a computer).

It's really helpful if you have your herb cards already counted out and stacked together -- e.g. if you want to make 7 Elixir Vitae, please have one stack of 7 Cerulean Mazzarine and another of 7 True Vervain, instead of 7 pairs of one each.

==Money changing==

GOD is usually able to change [[Currency|denominations of coins]] at the potions desk. If you've got a large amount of money to change, please try to come in at a quiet time (during morning battles and after about 8 p.m. on Friday and Saturday are generally good!) -- and if you can stack it up in nice round numbers for us that definitely speeds things up!

If you only want to change a small number of coins and have mostly come into GOD for other reasons, whoever you're talking to will probably be able to do this for you.

==Character admin==

Character admin includes:

* changing aspects of your character, e.g. changing your character's skills, their nation, their resource, and the spelling of their name
* registering when young players have passed their test of citizenship
* setting a new character to "active" and making up a character pack, if your previous character has died or been retired

For all of these, join the general queries queue. We'll need to know your PID -- we can look you up if necessary but it's quicker if you already know it!

==Referee admin==

If you're unable to find a referee in the field or at the Referee Access Tent (RAT), GOD is also able to:
* record [[rituals]] and [[Religious skills|ceremonies]]
* [[Create bond|create bonds]]
* [[detect magic]]

You'll also need to come to us if you want to:
* pick up a physical item, e.g. ribbons, area effect lammies, effigies
* pay Iridescent Gloaming into your account to perform [[Call Winged Messenger]]

Depending on what you want to do, we'll need:
* your PID
* anyone else involved (or their proxy) -- and their PIDs!
* for anything involving magical items, both the ribbon and the physrep (we may be able to make exceptions if e.g. the physrep is heavy armour)
* if you are joining a [[bands|band]], you will need to demonstrate that you know the oath

==PD physreps==

Some positions (e.g. [[Archmage]]) have associated PD physreps. If you need to collect a PD physrep, there will be a note in your character pack. Please head to the potions desk and show this note to a member of GOD crew.

If you want to drop PD physreps off for storage between events, you must bring them back to the potions desk before 3.30 p.m. on Sunday.

==Lost property==

===Limited service===

Before time in on Friday, lost property is located by the exit from GOD. You can:

* hand in items you've found
* let us know about items you've lost ''this event''
* collect items if
*# we’ve contacted you to let you know we’ve got something of yours. This will either be a stamp on your pack ("Lost property to collect" and/or "Arrows to collect"), and/or we'll have sent you a text message or e-mail. Small non-stabby items might be placed in your pack, in which case there won't be a stamp.
*# you’ve lost something since getting onto site at this event, and it's already been handed in.

===Normal service===

After time-in on Friday, lost property is by the main entrance to GOD. We aim to have all lost property, including all property that was handed in at the previous four events, accessible at or shortly after time-in on Friday. You can:

* hand in items you've found
* collect items we've contacted you about
* ask us to have a look for items lost at any of the past four events
* fill out a lost property slip for items that haven't been handed in yet, so we can get in touch with you if (and hopefully when) they show up

If GOD is closed to players but crew are in the tent, you can ask us for help if you have lost an item that is important or valuable out-of-character (e.g. ID, phones, wallets, keys, medications, mobility aids). For other kinds of items, please wait until we reopen -- we'll be happy to fill out a lost property slip with you then.

==="Freecycle"===

We keep items for a year after they’ve been handed in – that is, we’ll keep something that was handed in at E2 2023 until the end of E2 2024.

On Sunday afternoon of each event we hold “Freecycle”, where anything we’ve had in lost property unclaimed for a year is laid out somewhere near GOD. A sign is put up outside GOD on Saturday night giving details for that event’s Freecycle. People queue up, choose one item, and then – if they like! – head around to the back of the queue for another item. We have limited storage space – this lets unclaimed things be used and loved.

===Between events===

If you lose an OOC valuable/important item and leave site before it is handed in, we might be able to return it by post at your expense between events. We'll confirm how much postage will cost with you before we post anything.

We're sometimes able to bring home small items (e.g. jewelry, tiny stuffed toys, ...) where we can't identify the owner. If we do, we'll put photos up in the main FB group.

Crew don't usually have access to lost property storage from the Monday after an event ends to the Wednesday before the next event begins. Please do report missing items (ideally with a photograph!) to [mailto:lostproperty@profounddecisions.co.uk lostproperty@profounddecisions.co.uk] -- just be aware that we're not likely to be able to have a look in advance of the next event.

===Behind the scenes===

We know that from the outside lost property often looks like a chaotic jumble -- so we want to tell you a bit more about how the system works!

When you tell us you've lost something, the first thing we do is look through items we've had handed in. These are organised by the event they were lost at and the type of item -- if you lost a goblet two events ago, we'll grab the box of drinking vessels that were handed in two events ago and go through it with you. We'll also double-check the boxes from more recent events, because items sometimes get found in the woods/other people's kit bags/the Academy storage container quite a while after they went missing!

If we don't have your item, we'll ask you to fill out a lost property form with us, even if you don't think it's worth it -- it's incredibly frustrating to have something handed in and realise we know ''exactly'' who it belongs to, but didn't get them to leave their details! We keep these reports for a full year.

When items are handed in, we check whether we can ID their owner. This means that we look for a PID, name, or contact details, or even initials -- in normal light and using a UV torch. We also check whether they seem like any of the lost property reports we have on record. If we find a match, we'll get in touch (via a text message from a PD phone, or e-mail) as soon as we can. This does sometimes take a while and we don't always realise when something that's been handed in matches a description, so even if we haven't contacted you, please do feel free to swing by to check any time when full lost property service is open!

In addition to matching up missing property reports with lost items during events, we are sometimes able to spend a few days before an event sorting through lost property. This lets us thoroughly double-check everything we have in storage against all lost property reports from the last four events -- this means that we try to check every single piece of lost property from each event at least four separate times. If we find something we think belongs to you, we'll do our best to let you know by e-mail, and we'll stamp a reminder that there's something for you to collect (or inspect) on your character pack. Again, if we don't get in touch it doesn't mean we definitely don't have your stuff -- it just means we haven't recognised it!

When we return an item, if it's not already got your details on we'll encourage you to label it with identifying information, e.g. your PID or your name. If it comes in again, we'll be able to get it back to you faster.

===How you can help us===

* If you want to check lost property, please come to the front desk and wait for someone in blue! We can make sure you're looking in the right place and our system stays intact.
* Write something we can use to identify you on your items. Your PID, wallet name, character name and phone number are all useful. You can use UV security marker – we check incoming lost property with a UV torch.
* Add your mobile phone number, if you have one, to your PD account. Only a small number of senior crew will be able to see your number. GOD will only use your number to text you if something that belongs to you is handed in.
* When we fill out a lost property form, please give us as much detail as you can – sketches are really helpful, and so is info like “the gold’s wearing off on the back”!
* If you have any photos of an item you’ve lost, even if they’re not very good, please e-mail them in to [mailto:lostproperty@profounddecisions.co.uk lostproperty@profounddecisions.co.uk].
* ''Especially'' if you're an archer, please do your best to swing by GOD last thing before you leave site -- we have really limited storage space between events and arrows take up an astonishing amount of room.
* Let us know when things turn up! It makes us happy for you, and it means we can stop hunting :)

=Info for crew=

The crew entrance is at the end of the tent by the GOD ISO. If you've been told to collect your pack from GOD or you want to pick up a crew t-shirt, please use this entrance any time the tent is staffed (note that we can't usually hand out crew packs before we open for player pack collection on Thursday). For anything to do with playing your R&R character, please use the main entrance at the other end of the tent during our normal opening hours.

If you're picking up a radio from GOD, go to the radio charging station at the back of the tent -- there will be signs up with instructions. Only take one battery -- if you think you need more than one, please have a chat with us.

If you need us to do something to help keep the event running smoothly, use any entrance and grab someone in blue!

=Resources=

Of the Informational Pamphlets! Improving Literature! variety.

* New player guide
* [[Media:Resource guide-A5.pdf|Guide to coin and resin denominations]]
* [[Media:GOD-guide-to-call-winged-messenger.pdf|Guide to Call Winged Messenger]]
* [[Media:Guide-lost-property.pdf|Lost property explainer]]
* Ritual calculations sheet

GOD

2024-04-08T18:19:35Z

Gamma3000: "whose location" -> "the location of which"

All Profound Decisions events are administered from the Games Operation Desk (GOD), the location of which is marked in each event guide. Members of the GOD crew are there to help you with any administrative or general queries that you have about the event -- we might not know the answers ourselves, but we can get hold of the people who do.

=Vital statistics=

==Opening times==
GOD is usually open for normal service during the times given here. Sometimes we need to close during these times -- we'll put a notice up by the entrance if so.

{| class="wikitable" style="width: 50vw"
|-
! On... !! GOD is open... !! For...
|-
| Thursday* || 20:00–22:00 || Pack handout, limited lost property
|-
| Friday || 13:00–16:00<br>17:00–01:00 Sat || Pack handout, limited lost property<br>Normal service
|-
| Saturday || 09:30–01:00 Sun || Normal service
|-
| Sunday || 09:30–12:00<br>12:00–15:00<br>15:00–17:00 || Normal service<br>Normal service, resource hand-in<br>Resource hand-in, lost property
|-
|}

<small><nowiki>*</nowiki> We try to start pack handout on Thursday evening, and aim to be open by 8 p.m. This is dependent on lots of moving (or, as is sometimes the case with the M6, non-moving) parts, so isn't guaranteed! We try to get a notice with our estimated opening time up sometime late on Thursday afternoon.</small>

==Tent layout==

{{CaptionedImage|file=GOD-layout-player-map-packs.png|caption=Before time in on Friday, GOD is primarily set up for pack collection.|width=300}} {{CaptionedImage|file=GOD-layout-player-map-normal.png|caption=During normal service, we have separate queues for each desk.|width=300}}

==Accessibility==

* '''Proxies:''' any player can nominate one or more other players as out-of-character proxies to interact with GOD on their behalf. This includes all services, not just pack collection! [mailto:admin@profounddecisions.co.uk E-mail us] with your nominated proxy's details (name and, ideally, PID), and we'll make a record of that on the system. If you've nominated another player to act as a proxy for you for this purpose, then you'll be able to see their details in your [https://www.profounddecisions.co.uk/account/summary?14 summary status] on your Profound Decisions account when you log in. (This sort of proxying only affects out-of-character processes, like interacting with referees or GOD. Separately, characters with certain Imperial titles can [[proxy|appoint another character to act on their behalf]].)
* If you would prefer to come into GOD yourself, we can make a variety of accommodations. Please come directly to the lost property or potions desk and let us know you'd like support with access. For example, we might be able to let you bypass the main queues; provide seating while we're dealing with your queries; and take you to a quieter area. Many GOD volunteers are disabled ourselves -- we can't fix everything, but we're happy to get creative about what we can offer.

=GOD services=

==Miscellaneous==

* If you want to talk to us about practical OC issues (e.g. reporting a issue with a toilet or shower block, letting PD know about a dangerously slippery path, and similar) you can approach any member of GOD crew -- go to the desk with the shortest queue.
* If you have a question and you're not sure who to ask (or where to find them), it's our job to sort that out for you. Please join the general queries queue.
* The Sunday coach sign-up sheets are located at the lost property desk until around lunchtime on Sunday.
* Liao physreps are available to buy from lost property or the general queries desk.
* Packs of condoms are available to buy from the lost property desk.
* We ''sometimes'' have pronoun badges and tags for bags containing OOC medical supplies, depending on whether makers have dropped any off with us. If these are available, they will be at the lost property desk.
* We have a variety of educational pamphlets available from the lost property desk, which you can also print out yourself if you'd like (see [[Draft:GOD#Resources|Resources]]).

==Character packs==

* '''You, or your proxy, can collect your character pack from GOD any time we are open'''
* '''We will need to know your PID in order to locate your pack'''
* '''If you have booked a ticket at the concessionary rate and you ''have not'' provided evidence you are entitled to a concession before the event, you will need to join the queue for the concessions desk'''

Character packs always contain your character passport, and may also contain in-game resources, plot documents, and small items of lost property we've confirmed belong to you.

You or your proxy will need to visit GOD to collect your pack. From Thursday evening to shortly before time in, general pack handout takes place along both sides of the tent -- the tables will be labelled with PID ranges so you can see where to go. After time in, general pack collection is from the potions desk. Please try to collect your pack early on in the event -- they take up a lot of space! We start breaking down uncollected packs on Sunday morning, so if you come to collect your pack on Sunday you might need to wait while we make it up again.

We will need to know your PID to locate your pack. Your PID ''should'' be on your ticket. If your ticket shows your PID as "null", don't worry -- you almost certainly do have a PID, it just didn't exist when your ticket was generated. You can check this yourself by logging into the PD website and checking the Account Summary page, or we can look it up for you! We can also look up your PID if you don't know it for any other reason -- but this will take a little longer.

If you book in advance (Early, Late and Gate bookings made before you reached site) and have an active character, your pack should be ready for you to collect when we open.

If you buy a ticket when you arrive on site and have an active character, we will make your pack up once your booking has been processed. If you try to pick your pack up before your booking has been processed, show us your receipt and we will make it up as soon as possible. Depending on how busy we are, this might be immediate or we might need to ask you to come back later.

If you do not have an active character, no pack will be created for you. You will need to create a character (on your own device or using the player PCs in GOD). Once you've done this, please join the ''computer queries'' queue to let us know that we need to set your character as active and make up a pack for you. If you need another pack for a new character, because your existing character has died or you want to retire them, this also applies. Depending on how busy we are, we will either make your pack up immediately or ask you to come back later.

===Concessions===
If you booked a ticket at the '''concession''' rate, if possible (we know it isn't for everybody!) please e-mail evidence that you're entitled to the concessionary rate (e.g. student ID, screenshot of UC account page) to [mailto:admin@profounddecisions.co.uk admin@profounddecisions.co.uk] ''before'' the event begins -- this means you can join the general pack handout queue, which moves much faster and doesn't need you to wait while we faff about on the computer. If you weren't able to e-mail in proof of entitlement before the event, you will need to join the queue for the concessions desk (before time in) or queries desk (after time in) to collect your pack. You will need to show us evidence you are entitled to a concession or pay the difference between a concession and a full-price ticket in order to collect your pack. Note that you have to provide evidence that you're entitled to a concession for every booking you make -- if you book 3 events at once you'll only have to provide proof at or before the first event, but if you book them separately you'll have to provide proof each time.

===Crew===
If you are a member of '''crew''', you should receive an e-mail a few days before the event letting you know whether to pick your pack up from GOD or from your head of department.

==Resource hand-in==

You can hand resources in at GOD ''if you have plans to use them during [[downtime]]'' between events. We accept resource hand-ins on Sunday between noon and 5 p.m. If you are leaving site before the end of the event, come and have a chat with us.

To hand in resources, head to the potions desk and take a hand-in slip and a clear plastic bag. Fill out the slip ''with exactly what you're handing in'' e.g. if your bag contains 2 thrones, 23 crowns and 44 rings, please write that rather than working out how many thrones there are in total. Please ''don't'' hand in anything that doesn't have a space on the hand-in slip unless a member of crew has told you to -- e.g. please don't try to hand in potions. Once you've filled out your slip, put it in the bag with your stuff (make sure it's properly sealed!) and drop it off in the labelled crate.

GOD Is Not A Bank: we won't store items in your inventory during events, and in general we want to minimise the amount of stuff we have to count in and then count back out again. (Sometimes PD winds up with a shortage of orichalcum, or 5 ring coins, or whatever -- but if we want you to hand in things you're not expecting to use, there will be notices everywhere.)

==Player PCs==

Player PCs are usually located by the main entrance to GOD. You can use these PCs to set up a new [[characters|character]], learn [[skills]], set up [[bands]], and check information on the Empire wiki.

Alternatively, you can connect to the PD_PUBLIC network and visit [http://www.profounddecisions.co.uk www.profounddecisions.co.uk] to do all the same things from your own device. Note that this wifi network is local only -- it doesn't talk to the real internet.

If you need help with logging into your PD account (e.g. a reminder of your username or resetting your password), please join the general queries queue. The Reset Password button will not work while the servers are in the field -- you'll need us to do that for you.

==Potions==

To mix [[Potion|potions]], head to the potions desk.

Please try to bring your character passport (so we can check what you can make without needing to go over to a computer).

It's really helpful if you have your herb cards already counted out and stacked together -- e.g. if you want to make 7 Elixir Vitae, please have one stack of 7 Cerulean Mazzarine and another of 7 True Vervain, instead of 7 pairs of one each.

==Money changing==

GOD is usually able to change [[Currency|denominations of coins]] at the potions desk. If you've got a large amount of money to change, please try to come in at a quiet time (during morning battles and after about 8 p.m. on Friday and Saturday are generally good!) -- and if you can stack it up in nice round numbers for us that definitely speeds things up!

If you only want to change a small number of coins and have mostly come into GOD for other reasons, whoever you're talking to will probably be able to do this for you.

==Character admin==

Character admin includes:

* changing aspects of your character, e.g. changing your character's skills, their nation, their resource, and the spelling of their name
* registering when young players have passed their test of citizenship
* setting a new character to "active" and making up a character pack, if your previous character has died or been retired

For all of these, join the general queries queue. We'll need to know your PID -- we can look you up if necessary but it's quicker if you already know it!

==Referee admin==

If you're unable to find a referee in the field or at the Referee Access Tent (RAT), GOD is also able to:
* record [[rituals]] and [[Religious skills|ceremonies]]
* [[Create bond|create bonds]]
* [[detect magic]]

You'll also need to come to us if you want to:
* pick up a physical item, e.g. ribbons, area effect lammies, effigies
* pay Iridescent Gloaming into your account to perform [[Call Winged Messenger]]

Depending on what you want to do, we'll need:
* your PID
* anyone else involved (or their proxy) -- and their PIDs!
* for anything involving magical items, both the ribbon and the physrep (we may be able to make exceptions if e.g. the physrep is heavy armour)
* if you are joining a [[bands|band]], you will need to demonstrate that you know the oath

==PD physreps==

Some positions (e.g. [[Archmage]]) have associated PD physreps. If you need to collect a PD physrep, there will be a note in your character pack. Please head to the potions desk and show this note to a member of GOD crew.

If you want to drop PD physreps off for storage between events, you must bring them back to the potions desk before 3.30 p.m. on Sunday.

==Lost property==

===Limited service===

Before time in on Friday, lost property is located by the exit from GOD. You can:

* hand in items you've found
* let us know about items you've lost ''this event''
* collect items if
*# we’ve contacted you to let you know we’ve got something of yours. This will either be a stamp on your pack ("Lost property to collect" and/or "Arrows to collect"), and/or we'll have sent you a text message or e-mail. Small non-stabby items might be placed in your pack, in which case there won't be a stamp.
*# you’ve lost something since getting onto site at this event, and it's already been handed in.

===Normal service===

After time-in on Friday, lost property is by the main entrance to GOD. We aim to have all lost property, including all property that was handed in at the previous four events, accessible at or shortly after time-in on Friday. You can:

* hand in items you've found
* collect items we've contacted you about
* ask us to have a look for items lost at any of the past four events
* fill out a lost property slip for items that haven't been handed in yet, so we can get in touch with you if (and hopefully when) they show up

If GOD is closed to players but crew are in the tent, you can ask us for help if you have lost an item that is important or valuable out-of-character (e.g. ID, phones, wallets, keys, medications, mobility aids). For other kinds of items, please wait until we reopen -- we'll be happy to fill out a lost property slip with you then.

==="Freecycle"===

We keep items for a year after they’ve been handed in – that is, we’ll keep something that was handed in at E2 2023 until the end of E2 2024.

On Sunday afternoon of each event we hold “Freecycle”, where anything we’ve had in lost property unclaimed for a year is laid out somewhere near GOD. A sign is put up outside GOD on Saturday night giving details for that event’s Freecycle. People queue up, choose one item, and then – if they like! – head around to the back of the queue for another item. We have limited storage space – this lets unclaimed things be used and loved.

===Between events===

If you lose an OOC valuable/important item and leave site before it is handed in, we might be able to return it by post at your expense between events. We'll confirm how much postage will cost with you before we post anything.

We're sometimes able to bring home small items (e.g. jewelry, tiny stuffed toys, ...) where we can't identify the owner. If we do, we'll put photos up in the main FB group.

Crew don't usually have access to lost property storage from the Monday after an event ends to the Wednesday before the next event begins. Please do report missing items (ideally with a photograph!) to [mailto:lostproperty@profounddecisions.co.uk lostproperty@profounddecisions.co.uk] -- just be aware that we're not likely to be able to have a look in advance of the next event.

===Behind the scenes===

We know that from the outside lost property often looks like a chaotic jumble -- so we want to tell you a bit more about how the system works!

When you tell us you've lost something, the first thing we do is look through items we've had handed in. These are organised by the event they were lost at and the type of item -- if you lost a goblet two events ago, we'll grab the box of drinking vessels that were handed in two events ago and go through it with you. We'll also double-check the boxes from more recent events, because items sometimes get found in the woods/other people's kit bags/the Academy storage container quite a while after they went missing!

If we don't have your item, we'll ask you to fill out a lost property form with us, even if you don't think it's worth it -- it's incredibly frustrating to have something handed in and realise we know ''exactly'' who it belongs to, but didn't get them to leave their details! We keep these reports for a full year.

When items are handed in, we check whether we can ID their owner. This means that we look for a PID, name, or contact details, or even initials -- in normal light and using a UV torch. We also check whether they seem like any of the lost property reports we have on record. If we find a match, we'll get in touch (via a text message from a PD phone, or e-mail) as soon as we can. This does sometimes take a while and we don't always realise when something that's been handed in matches a description, so even if we haven't contacted you, please do feel free to swing by to check any time when full lost property service is open!

In addition to matching up missing property reports with lost items during events, we are sometimes able to spend a few days before an event sorting through lost property. This lets us thoroughly double-check everything we have in storage against all lost property reports from the last four events -- this means that we try to check every single piece of lost property from each event at least four separate times. If we find something we think belongs to you, we'll do our best to let you know by e-mail, and we'll stamp a reminder that there's something for you to collect (or inspect) on your character pack. Again, if we don't get in touch it doesn't mean we definitely don't have your stuff -- it just means we haven't recognised it!

When we return an item, if it's not already got your details on we'll encourage you to label it with identifying information, e.g. your PID or your name. If it comes in again, we'll be able to get it back to you faster.

===How you can help us===

* If you want to check lost property, please come to the front desk and wait for someone in blue! We can make sure you're looking in the right place and our system stays intact.
* Write something we can use to identify you on your items. Your PID, wallet name, character name and phone number are all useful. You can use UV security marker – we check incoming lost property with a UV torch.
* Add your mobile phone number, if you have one, to your PD account. Only a small number of senior crew will be able to see your number. GOD will only use your number to text you if something that belongs to you is handed in.
* When we fill out a lost property form, please give us as much detail as you can – sketches are really helpful, and so is info like “the gold’s wearing off on the back”!
* If you have any photos of an item you’ve lost, even if they’re not very good, please e-mail them in to [mailto:lostproperty@profounddecisions.co.uk lostproperty@profounddecisions.co.uk].
* ''Especially'' if you're an archer, please do your best to swing by GOD last thing before you leave site -- we have really limited storage space between events and arrows take up an astonishing amount of room.
* Let us know when things turn up! It makes us happy for you, and it means we can stop hunting :)

=Info for crew=

The crew entrance is at the end of the tent by the GOD ISO. If you've been told to collect your pack from GOD or you want to pick up a crew t-shirt, please use this entrance any time the tent is staffed (note that we can't usually hand out crew packs before we open for player pack collection on Thursday). For anything to do with playing your R&R character, please use the main entrance at the other end of the tent during our normal opening hours.

If you're picking up a radio from GOD, go to the radio charging station at the back of the tent -- there will be signs up with instructions. Only take one battery -- if you think you need more than one, please have a chat with us.

If you need us to do something to help keep the event running smoothly, use any entrance and grab someone in blue!

=Resources=

Of the Informational Pamphlets! Improving Literature! variety.

* New player guide
* [[Media:Resource guide-A5.pdf|Guide to coin and resin denominations]]
* [[Media:GOD-guide-to-call-winged-messenger.pdf|Guide to Call Winged Messenger]]
* [[Media:Guide-lost-property.pdf|Lost property explainer]]
* Ritual calculations sheet

GOD

2024-04-08T18:17:29Z

Gamma3000: en dashes

All Profound Decisions events are administered from the Games Operation Desk (GOD), whose location is marked in each event guide. Members of the GOD crew are there to help you with any administrative or general queries that you have about the event -- we might not know the answers ourselves, but we can get hold of the people who do.

=Vital statistics=

==Opening times==
GOD is usually open for normal service during the times given here. Sometimes we need to close during these times -- we'll put a notice up by the entrance if so.

{| class="wikitable" style="width: 50vw"
|-
! On... !! GOD is open... !! For...
|-
| Thursday* || 20:00–22:00 || Pack handout, limited lost property
|-
| Friday || 13:00–16:00<br>17:00–01:00 Sat || Pack handout, limited lost property<br>Normal service
|-
| Saturday || 09:30–01:00 Sun || Normal service
|-
| Sunday || 09:30–12:00<br>12:00–15:00<br>15:00–17:00 || Normal service<br>Normal service, resource hand-in<br>Resource hand-in, lost property
|-
|}

<small><nowiki>*</nowiki> We try to start pack handout on Thursday evening, and aim to be open by 8 p.m. This is dependent on lots of moving (or, as is sometimes the case with the M6, non-moving) parts, so isn't guaranteed! We try to get a notice with our estimated opening time up sometime late on Thursday afternoon.</small>

==Tent layout==

{{CaptionedImage|file=GOD-layout-player-map-packs.png|caption=Before time in on Friday, GOD is primarily set up for pack collection.|width=300}} {{CaptionedImage|file=GOD-layout-player-map-normal.png|caption=During normal service, we have separate queues for each desk.|width=300}}

==Accessibility==

* '''Proxies:''' any player can nominate one or more other players as out-of-character proxies to interact with GOD on their behalf. This includes all services, not just pack collection! [mailto:admin@profounddecisions.co.uk E-mail us] with your nominated proxy's details (name and, ideally, PID), and we'll make a record of that on the system. If you've nominated another player to act as a proxy for you for this purpose, then you'll be able to see their details in your [https://www.profounddecisions.co.uk/account/summary?14 summary status] on your Profound Decisions account when you log in. (This sort of proxying only affects out-of-character processes, like interacting with referees or GOD. Separately, characters with certain Imperial titles can [[proxy|appoint another character to act on their behalf]].)
* If you would prefer to come into GOD yourself, we can make a variety of accommodations. Please come directly to the lost property or potions desk and let us know you'd like support with access. For example, we might be able to let you bypass the main queues; provide seating while we're dealing with your queries; and take you to a quieter area. Many GOD volunteers are disabled ourselves -- we can't fix everything, but we're happy to get creative about what we can offer.

=GOD services=

==Miscellaneous==

* If you want to talk to us about practical OC issues (e.g. reporting a issue with a toilet or shower block, letting PD know about a dangerously slippery path, and similar) you can approach any member of GOD crew -- go to the desk with the shortest queue.
* If you have a question and you're not sure who to ask (or where to find them), it's our job to sort that out for you. Please join the general queries queue.
* The Sunday coach sign-up sheets are located at the lost property desk until around lunchtime on Sunday.
* Liao physreps are available to buy from lost property or the general queries desk.
* Packs of condoms are available to buy from the lost property desk.
* We ''sometimes'' have pronoun badges and tags for bags containing OOC medical supplies, depending on whether makers have dropped any off with us. If these are available, they will be at the lost property desk.
* We have a variety of educational pamphlets available from the lost property desk, which you can also print out yourself if you'd like (see [[Draft:GOD#Resources|Resources]]).

==Character packs==

* '''You, or your proxy, can collect your character pack from GOD any time we are open'''
* '''We will need to know your PID in order to locate your pack'''
* '''If you have booked a ticket at the concessionary rate and you ''have not'' provided evidence you are entitled to a concession before the event, you will need to join the queue for the concessions desk'''

Character packs always contain your character passport, and may also contain in-game resources, plot documents, and small items of lost property we've confirmed belong to you.

You or your proxy will need to visit GOD to collect your pack. From Thursday evening to shortly before time in, general pack handout takes place along both sides of the tent -- the tables will be labelled with PID ranges so you can see where to go. After time in, general pack collection is from the potions desk. Please try to collect your pack early on in the event -- they take up a lot of space! We start breaking down uncollected packs on Sunday morning, so if you come to collect your pack on Sunday you might need to wait while we make it up again.

We will need to know your PID to locate your pack. Your PID ''should'' be on your ticket. If your ticket shows your PID as "null", don't worry -- you almost certainly do have a PID, it just didn't exist when your ticket was generated. You can check this yourself by logging into the PD website and checking the Account Summary page, or we can look it up for you! We can also look up your PID if you don't know it for any other reason -- but this will take a little longer.

If you book in advance (Early, Late and Gate bookings made before you reached site) and have an active character, your pack should be ready for you to collect when we open.

If you buy a ticket when you arrive on site and have an active character, we will make your pack up once your booking has been processed. If you try to pick your pack up before your booking has been processed, show us your receipt and we will make it up as soon as possible. Depending on how busy we are, this might be immediate or we might need to ask you to come back later.

If you do not have an active character, no pack will be created for you. You will need to create a character (on your own device or using the player PCs in GOD). Once you've done this, please join the ''computer queries'' queue to let us know that we need to set your character as active and make up a pack for you. If you need another pack for a new character, because your existing character has died or you want to retire them, this also applies. Depending on how busy we are, we will either make your pack up immediately or ask you to come back later.

===Concessions===
If you booked a ticket at the '''concession''' rate, if possible (we know it isn't for everybody!) please e-mail evidence that you're entitled to the concessionary rate (e.g. student ID, screenshot of UC account page) to [mailto:admin@profounddecisions.co.uk admin@profounddecisions.co.uk] ''before'' the event begins -- this means you can join the general pack handout queue, which moves much faster and doesn't need you to wait while we faff about on the computer. If you weren't able to e-mail in proof of entitlement before the event, you will need to join the queue for the concessions desk (before time in) or queries desk (after time in) to collect your pack. You will need to show us evidence you are entitled to a concession or pay the difference between a concession and a full-price ticket in order to collect your pack. Note that you have to provide evidence that you're entitled to a concession for every booking you make -- if you book 3 events at once you'll only have to provide proof at or before the first event, but if you book them separately you'll have to provide proof each time.

===Crew===
If you are a member of '''crew''', you should receive an e-mail a few days before the event letting you know whether to pick your pack up from GOD or from your head of department.

==Resource hand-in==

You can hand resources in at GOD ''if you have plans to use them during [[downtime]]'' between events. We accept resource hand-ins on Sunday between noon and 5 p.m. If you are leaving site before the end of the event, come and have a chat with us.

To hand in resources, head to the potions desk and take a hand-in slip and a clear plastic bag. Fill out the slip ''with exactly what you're handing in'' e.g. if your bag contains 2 thrones, 23 crowns and 44 rings, please write that rather than working out how many thrones there are in total. Please ''don't'' hand in anything that doesn't have a space on the hand-in slip unless a member of crew has told you to -- e.g. please don't try to hand in potions. Once you've filled out your slip, put it in the bag with your stuff (make sure it's properly sealed!) and drop it off in the labelled crate.

GOD Is Not A Bank: we won't store items in your inventory during events, and in general we want to minimise the amount of stuff we have to count in and then count back out again. (Sometimes PD winds up with a shortage of orichalcum, or 5 ring coins, or whatever -- but if we want you to hand in things you're not expecting to use, there will be notices everywhere.)

==Player PCs==

Player PCs are usually located by the main entrance to GOD. You can use these PCs to set up a new [[characters|character]], learn [[skills]], set up [[bands]], and check information on the Empire wiki.

Alternatively, you can connect to the PD_PUBLIC network and visit [http://www.profounddecisions.co.uk www.profounddecisions.co.uk] to do all the same things from your own device. Note that this wifi network is local only -- it doesn't talk to the real internet.

If you need help with logging into your PD account (e.g. a reminder of your username or resetting your password), please join the general queries queue. The Reset Password button will not work while the servers are in the field -- you'll need us to do that for you.

==Potions==

To mix [[Potion|potions]], head to the potions desk.

Please try to bring your character passport (so we can check what you can make without needing to go over to a computer).

It's really helpful if you have your herb cards already counted out and stacked together -- e.g. if you want to make 7 Elixir Vitae, please have one stack of 7 Cerulean Mazzarine and another of 7 True Vervain, instead of 7 pairs of one each.

==Money changing==

GOD is usually able to change [[Currency|denominations of coins]] at the potions desk. If you've got a large amount of money to change, please try to come in at a quiet time (during morning battles and after about 8 p.m. on Friday and Saturday are generally good!) -- and if you can stack it up in nice round numbers for us that definitely speeds things up!

If you only want to change a small number of coins and have mostly come into GOD for other reasons, whoever you're talking to will probably be able to do this for you.

==Character admin==

Character admin includes:

* changing aspects of your character, e.g. changing your character's skills, their nation, their resource, and the spelling of their name
* registering when young players have passed their test of citizenship
* setting a new character to "active" and making up a character pack, if your previous character has died or been retired

For all of these, join the general queries queue. We'll need to know your PID -- we can look you up if necessary but it's quicker if you already know it!

==Referee admin==

If you're unable to find a referee in the field or at the Referee Access Tent (RAT), GOD is also able to:
* record [[rituals]] and [[Religious skills|ceremonies]]
* [[Create bond|create bonds]]
* [[detect magic]]

You'll also need to come to us if you want to:
* pick up a physical item, e.g. ribbons, area effect lammies, effigies
* pay Iridescent Gloaming into your account to perform [[Call Winged Messenger]]

Depending on what you want to do, we'll need:
* your PID
* anyone else involved (or their proxy) -- and their PIDs!
* for anything involving magical items, both the ribbon and the physrep (we may be able to make exceptions if e.g. the physrep is heavy armour)
* if you are joining a [[bands|band]], you will need to demonstrate that you know the oath

==PD physreps==

Some positions (e.g. [[Archmage]]) have associated PD physreps. If you need to collect a PD physrep, there will be a note in your character pack. Please head to the potions desk and show this note to a member of GOD crew.

If you want to drop PD physreps off for storage between events, you must bring them back to the potions desk before 3.30 p.m. on Sunday.

==Lost property==

===Limited service===

Before time in on Friday, lost property is located by the exit from GOD. You can:

* hand in items you've found
* let us know about items you've lost ''this event''
* collect items if
*# we’ve contacted you to let you know we’ve got something of yours. This will either be a stamp on your pack ("Lost property to collect" and/or "Arrows to collect"), and/or we'll have sent you a text message or e-mail. Small non-stabby items might be placed in your pack, in which case there won't be a stamp.
*# you’ve lost something since getting onto site at this event, and it's already been handed in.

===Normal service===

After time-in on Friday, lost property is by the main entrance to GOD. We aim to have all lost property, including all property that was handed in at the previous four events, accessible at or shortly after time-in on Friday. You can:

* hand in items you've found
* collect items we've contacted you about
* ask us to have a look for items lost at any of the past four events
* fill out a lost property slip for items that haven't been handed in yet, so we can get in touch with you if (and hopefully when) they show up

If GOD is closed to players but crew are in the tent, you can ask us for help if you have lost an item that is important or valuable out-of-character (e.g. ID, phones, wallets, keys, medications, mobility aids). For other kinds of items, please wait until we reopen -- we'll be happy to fill out a lost property slip with you then.

==="Freecycle"===

We keep items for a year after they’ve been handed in – that is, we’ll keep something that was handed in at E2 2023 until the end of E2 2024.

On Sunday afternoon of each event we hold “Freecycle”, where anything we’ve had in lost property unclaimed for a year is laid out somewhere near GOD. A sign is put up outside GOD on Saturday night giving details for that event’s Freecycle. People queue up, choose one item, and then – if they like! – head around to the back of the queue for another item. We have limited storage space – this lets unclaimed things be used and loved.

===Between events===

If you lose an OOC valuable/important item and leave site before it is handed in, we might be able to return it by post at your expense between events. We'll confirm how much postage will cost with you before we post anything.

We're sometimes able to bring home small items (e.g. jewelry, tiny stuffed toys, ...) where we can't identify the owner. If we do, we'll put photos up in the main FB group.

Crew don't usually have access to lost property storage from the Monday after an event ends to the Wednesday before the next event begins. Please do report missing items (ideally with a photograph!) to [mailto:lostproperty@profounddecisions.co.uk lostproperty@profounddecisions.co.uk] -- just be aware that we're not likely to be able to have a look in advance of the next event.

===Behind the scenes===

We know that from the outside lost property often looks like a chaotic jumble -- so we want to tell you a bit more about how the system works!

When you tell us you've lost something, the first thing we do is look through items we've had handed in. These are organised by the event they were lost at and the type of item -- if you lost a goblet two events ago, we'll grab the box of drinking vessels that were handed in two events ago and go through it with you. We'll also double-check the boxes from more recent events, because items sometimes get found in the woods/other people's kit bags/the Academy storage container quite a while after they went missing!

If we don't have your item, we'll ask you to fill out a lost property form with us, even if you don't think it's worth it -- it's incredibly frustrating to have something handed in and realise we know ''exactly'' who it belongs to, but didn't get them to leave their details! We keep these reports for a full year.

When items are handed in, we check whether we can ID their owner. This means that we look for a PID, name, or contact details, or even initials -- in normal light and using a UV torch. We also check whether they seem like any of the lost property reports we have on record. If we find a match, we'll get in touch (via a text message from a PD phone, or e-mail) as soon as we can. This does sometimes take a while and we don't always realise when something that's been handed in matches a description, so even if we haven't contacted you, please do feel free to swing by to check any time when full lost property service is open!

In addition to matching up missing property reports with lost items during events, we are sometimes able to spend a few days before an event sorting through lost property. This lets us thoroughly double-check everything we have in storage against all lost property reports from the last four events -- this means that we try to check every single piece of lost property from each event at least four separate times. If we find something we think belongs to you, we'll do our best to let you know by e-mail, and we'll stamp a reminder that there's something for you to collect (or inspect) on your character pack. Again, if we don't get in touch it doesn't mean we definitely don't have your stuff -- it just means we haven't recognised it!

When we return an item, if it's not already got your details on we'll encourage you to label it with identifying information, e.g. your PID or your name. If it comes in again, we'll be able to get it back to you faster.

===How you can help us===

* If you want to check lost property, please come to the front desk and wait for someone in blue! We can make sure you're looking in the right place and our system stays intact.
* Write something we can use to identify you on your items. Your PID, wallet name, character name and phone number are all useful. You can use UV security marker – we check incoming lost property with a UV torch.
* Add your mobile phone number, if you have one, to your PD account. Only a small number of senior crew will be able to see your number. GOD will only use your number to text you if something that belongs to you is handed in.
* When we fill out a lost property form, please give us as much detail as you can – sketches are really helpful, and so is info like “the gold’s wearing off on the back”!
* If you have any photos of an item you’ve lost, even if they’re not very good, please e-mail them in to [mailto:lostproperty@profounddecisions.co.uk lostproperty@profounddecisions.co.uk].
* ''Especially'' if you're an archer, please do your best to swing by GOD last thing before you leave site -- we have really limited storage space between events and arrows take up an astonishing amount of room.
* Let us know when things turn up! It makes us happy for you, and it means we can stop hunting :)

=Info for crew=

The crew entrance is at the end of the tent by the GOD ISO. If you've been told to collect your pack from GOD or you want to pick up a crew t-shirt, please use this entrance any time the tent is staffed (note that we can't usually hand out crew packs before we open for player pack collection on Thursday). For anything to do with playing your R&R character, please use the main entrance at the other end of the tent during our normal opening hours.

If you're picking up a radio from GOD, go to the radio charging station at the back of the tent -- there will be signs up with instructions. Only take one battery -- if you think you need more than one, please have a chat with us.

If you need us to do something to help keep the event running smoothly, use any entrance and grab someone in blue!

=Resources=

Of the Informational Pamphlets! Improving Literature! variety.

* New player guide
* [[Media:Resource guide-A5.pdf|Guide to coin and resin denominations]]
* [[Media:GOD-guide-to-call-winged-messenger.pdf|Guide to Call Winged Messenger]]
* [[Media:Guide-lost-property.pdf|Lost property explainer]]
* Ritual calculations sheet

The cities and the city

2023-09-07T22:03:41Z

Gamma3000: /* The Wayfarer's Guide */ whitespace

[[Category:Winds of Fortune]][[Category:385YE Autumn]][[Category:Recent History]]
<ic>"Empress Varkula sadly passed over two hundred years ago. I know there are people who want her to come back-" Jemima was not expecting to be interrupted.

"It's not about wanting her to come back!" said one of the younger wise ones hotly. "The sovereigns are rising in Varushka, and if she is a sovereign then that might mean she is rising too!"

"Please. Listen to me. The Empress died. She will come back in time - most likely she has already come back - but not as some strange monster of the cursed hills and dark woods. As a human being, reborn after her time in the Labyrinth, assuming that her virtue in life did not allow her to transcend and become a paragon and we just haven't realised it yet."

One of the wise ones crossed their arms, while another adjusted his shawl. The third was having none of it.

"We are here from Varushka because while you know a lot about tending tombs, ''we'' are the people who know about sovereigns and the terrible powers they wield! And we are telling you we ''must'' be allowed into the tomb!"

The steward crossed her own arms. She made eye contact briefly with Temovich. She knew the old woman very mildly, having shared the occasional coffee and pastry with them in the park near the tomb.. The wise one shrugged her eyebrows apologetically at her companion's rash words. But her serious expression did not alter.

"I know you're concerned." Jemima was keeping her temper by remembering that these people were simply being Vigilant. They had identified a possible threat and were investigating, and she could not fault them for that. Even if they were wrong. "But you cannot enter the tomb of the Empress. Not least because there are few things more commonly associated with a sudden haunting than defilement of the resting place. Especially after all this time."

"I am telling you -"

"No ''I'' am telling ''you''." The steward of the dead had had enough. "You are not going into the tomb today, or any other day. There is no sign whatsoever that anything untoward is happening here. Your worries are your own business until such time as you can bring me anything other than unformed conjecture to suggest that the risks of not doing so outweigh the incredible ''disrespect'' you would be causing to the Empress. There is nothing more to be said!"

He opened his mouth to say something more, but she turned away. He sputtered a little, and she heard Temovich and the man in the shawl talking quietly and soothingly to him.

"Excuse me," said a new voice. She turned slightly to find three orcs hovering a little nervously at the bottom of the steps. They were Imperial Orcs of the Sunstorm sept, here with the Winter Sun, by their dress.

"I'm sorry, yes. Can I help you?"

They exchanged glances, and their spokesman gave her a worried smile.

"We were wondering if we might be able to get into the tomb?" he said. "We've reason to believe there's a lost item of worth in there and we would like to reclaim it for the people of Skarsind, or the people of Highguard, or possibly the people of Varushka, depending on what it is?"

Jemima started to count to ten inside her head and took a deep breath.</ic>
<div style="float:left; width: 600px; clear: left;">{{CaptionedImage|file=Grand Endeavours.png|caption=Inspiration for the grand endeavour has been provided, the ground is being cleared, the first white granite towers begin to rise.|align=left|width=600}}</div>
==Overview==
[[The League]] is not the only nation with cities. The [[Bastion#Bastion.2C_the_White_City|White City]] and the [[Necropolis#The_Necropolis|Black]] were old when [[Sarvos]] and the rest were open fields. Many of the concerns of city folk are the same the world over, and this season highlights those similarities. Malevolent heralds, worries about dark powers, the quest for items of [[worth]], concern about what one's neighbours are doing. There is a commonality between the Highborn. and their siblings in the League. Nor are Imperial citizens the only builders, of course. People everywhere, of all kinds, are drawn together like filings to a magnet. Even the Druj, it seems, build communities - if the tales of the sprawling chaos that is the city of Leen are to be believed. The [[Valiant Pegasus]] fights in the [[Salt Flats of Sanath]] and urges the soldiers of Highguard, and their allies, to remember that, though they walk the road through the heartlands of [[the Mallum]], they are here as liberators, not conquerors.

==Necropolis: Worth==
<div style="float:right; width: 500px; clear: right;"><quote by="Skywise Rykana, General of the Winter Sun">Heroes of the Winter Sun, long have we bled to raise up our Kin from the bonds of slavery but now we move to lift up ourselves. We march for Necropolis leaving a trail of broken chains behind us, to open our minds to the revelations of the day. As we rest and ready for the storm to come, listen to your ancestors and their guidance to seek out items of worth, reclaim our lost histories, and discover the worth of those deserving of remembrance</quote></div>
* '''Inspired by Day Magic, and the conjunction of the Lock and the Key, the Winter Sun has sought out items of worth in Necropolis'''
Following the Summer Solstice, the [[Imperial Orcs]] of the [[Winter Sun]] march south from [[the Barrens]] to [[Necropolis]]. They are here to rest, and to ready for the coming war with the [[Grendel]]. Yet that is not their only reason for being here. A unique [[enchantment]] of [[Day magic]] has been laid upon them, designed to focus and augment the effects of [[Bright Eyes Gleam in the Depths]]. It allows scouts and soldiers associated with the [[orc]] army to seek out lost items of [[worth]] and urges the soldiers to encourage other Imperial Orcs in the area to recall the presence of lost items of their own. It empowers them to find things thought lost to the nation through misadventure, death in battle, or even things they themselves did not lose but an ancestor might have had. The power seems to function at least in part thanks to the last lingering power of the [[astronomancy|astronomantic]] [[Ruin#The_Lesser_Conjunction|conjunction]] of [[the Lock]] and [[the Web]].

Almost immediately it becomes clear that the majority of the items of worth in Necropolis either belong to the Highborn, or are interred in the tombs of the [[Necropolis#The_Necropolis|Black City]], and belong to the dead. The ritual does not differentiate between items that might have worth for the orcs - it seems to draw attention to any object that has a long history and in Necropolis this is a truly astonishing number of items. This makes some sense to Imperial Orcs and Highborn magicians alike - the magic of the Day realm is unlikely to be able to discern the numinous quality of "worth" but in conjunction with the Imperial enchantment and the conjunction could help identify items whose history hangs heavy around them and [[Skein of Years|could be read]] - much as the [[Detect_magic#Divination|detect magic]] spell does.

There are also few Imperial Orcs in the territory to encourage to find items of their own - only a few dozen pilgrims visiting the tomb of [[Emperor Ahraz]], or the more recent memorials for Imperial orc heroes interred alongside the other champions of the Empire. The [[Highguard_religious_beliefs#Stewards_of_the_dead|stewards of the dead]] answer questions, and listen with a great deal of interest to stories of worth and what it means to the Imperial Orcs. For many of them this is the first time they have had an opportunity to learn about the concept, and many are fascinated, especially when talk turns to matters of the [[Worth#Imperial Relics|Imperial relics]] - the weapons and armour donated to the first legions by the Highborn. They won't provide access to burial places, however, and in all honesty few Imperial Orcs even ask. The idea of graverobbing to recover items of worth proves unpalatable.

This isn't to say the magic is wasted, not entirely. There are people in Highguard who have the kind of items of worth that would be valuable to the Imperial Orcs. A few are relics of the shameful past - reminders of the centuries that Highguard saw [[orc|orcs]] purely as creatures to be slain or enslaved. When an orc requests the return of such items, few refuse. The [[384YE_Winter_Solstice_Synod_judgements#Judgement_7|inspiring words]] of ''' Olyvar of Esther's Sanctum''' are still plain in the Highborn peoples' minds. There are also several items that have a less sorrowful history; gifts given to battlefield-allies by dying Imperial Orc soldiers. Most of these are kept as mementos by the Highborn to whom they were entrusted, a reminder of a staunch ally or friend, but in some cases they too are surrendered to the Imperial Orcs especially when the meaning of worth is explained. In each case, they are handed over with stories of how and why they came into the possession of the Highborn, further cementing their identity as items of worth.

Some of these items are given to [[general]] Rykana, but most are either kept by the soldiers who find them - eager to help build their legend and that of the object. Many are also sent back to [[Skarsind]], to the [[Weigher_of_Worth#The_Halls_of_Worth|Halls of Worth]], so the [[Imperial_Orcs_magical_traditions#Oathwrights|oathwrights]] can find new champions to carry them and be inspired by them.
===Participation===
Ribbons will be provided to the General of the Winter Sun, the Imperial Orcs whose [[military unit|military units]] supported the army, and to the [[Weigher of Worth]] at the start of the event. Any Imperial Orc or Highborn character who was in Necropolis this season for any reason can create a story about items of worth, and interactions with members of the other nation. Any steward of the dead in particular is encouraged to read over the [[worth]] page, to get a feel for what the Imperial Orcs might have explained to them, while any Imperial Orc is encouraged to review the Necropolis page, and the explanation of the role played by the [[Highguard_religious_beliefs#Stewards_of_the_dead|stewards of the dead]].

This enchantment is the result of an [[arcane projection]], and drew power in part from the lesser conjunction of things [[the Lock|being hidden]] and [[the Key|revealed]], as well as from the Imperial enchantment. It's unlikely that the exact same confluence of factors will come together again any time soon, so similar effects will not be possible in the future.

==Necropolis: Varkula==
{{SOP|statement=At the request of the Imperial Necromancer and due to our shared concerns we ask Father Drakov be given access to the Tomb of the Iron Empress, Varkula." Sovereigns are rising across Varushka. In the name of Vigilance and Wisdom we must check the seals on her tomb and the veracity of rumours that she has risen.|by=Father Drakov|vote=Greater Majority 346-0|when=Summer Solstice 385YE}}
* '''The Varushkan national assembly has asked to explore the tomb of Empress Varkula'''
* '''There is no sign of anything untoward in the tomb'''
The Imperial orcs are not the only people interested in relics and tombs in Necropolis. During the Summer Solstice, the [[Varushka|Varushkan]] National Assembly upheld a [[statement of principle]] by '''Father Drakov''' that expressed the concerns of the [[Imperial Necromancer]] that [[Empress Varkula]] might somehow have risen as a [[Varushkan_Monster#Sovereigns|sovereign]]. A small delegation of [[Varushka religious beliefs|Wise ones]] in Necropolis - some resident and some making the long trip south especially - speak with the stewards of the dead and the guardians of the tomb.

There is absolutely no evidence of anything untoward around the tomb. It is as sealed as it ever was, and since the [[Come back to stay|mild disturbances]] in Spring 382YE, there has been nothing else to raise any concern among the stewards. Requests to break open the tomb are met with polite refusal. The idea that an Imperial Empress might turn out to be some kind of awful unliving horror akin to the [[Charnel Lord]] or [[Dho'uala]] is viewed by several of the stewards as quite offensive. Furthermore, even if for some reason a malevolent entity were to arise in the tomb, there are [[Burial rites of Empress Varkula|precautions]] to provide warnings of such an event.

Without ''significant'' evidence that some serious threat resides inside the tomb, the stewards absolutely have no interest in allowing anyone to disturb the rest of [[the Throne]] interred within. They thank the wise ones for their concern, but reassure them that if anything ''does'' happen at the tomb they will be the first to seek out the expertise of their Varushkan siblings in addressing that threat.

'''OOC Note:''' There is no sign of any threat from Empress Varkula's tomb; attempts to gain access will not lead to opportunities. This includes statements of principle: the stewards of the dead will refuse any suggestion from their own assembly that the tombs be broken into. Breaking into one of the tombs at the Necropolis would be seen as a shocking trespass by the people of Highguard, and indeed by many other Imperial nations, even if the [[Imperial Senate]] were to command it. If there was an active plot regarding Empress Varkula - or anyone else interred in the Necropolis - then opportunities would be presented to interact with it, but right now that is not the case.
{{CaptionedImage|file=SeventhWave_Colour.png|align=left|width=300}}

==Necropolis: Espionage==
* '''The Grendel espionage network in Necropolis has been broken'''
* '''Grendel plans have been examined, revealing a threat to the Necropolis itself'''
* '''Highborn businesses in Necropolis no longer receive additional money from the visiting Grendel Armada'''
<div style="float:right; width: 500px; clear: right; margin-left: 10px;">{{SOP|statement=The Highborn national assembly appeals to the citizens of Necropolis. We call citizens to come forward to tell the Seventh Wave and accompanying priests what information was given to the Grendel. We need to know the level of danger we are in. The National Assembly want to assure the people they will be treated fairly and in accordance to Imperial law. Some Highborn priests will accompany the army to ensure this loyalty to your siblings is worth more than coin in your pocket. There is a path for redemption for unvirtuous deeds though recognising your loyalties.|by=Abraham|vote=Greater Majority 695-0|when=Summer Solstice 385YE}}</div>
<div style="float:right; width: 500px; clear: right; margin-left: 10px;">{{SOP|statement=Vigilance teaches us to seek out falsehood and reveal the truth. We send Isaac of the Silent Tide with 50 doses of liao to urge the unconquered and the priests of our nation to help the Seventh Wave root out the poison in our fields.|by=Mandate, Isaac of the Silent Tide|vote=Greater Majority 834-0|when=Summer Solstice 385YE}}</div>
<div style="float:right; width: 500px; clear: right;"><quote by="Barachel of Adina's Charge, General of the Seventh Wave">We act in Vigilance, but let us remember our loyalties. While the bulk of our force resupplies, our unconquered act to quietly wrap up the Grendel's Espionage ring. A number of our citizens will be called to interview, with neither tea nor biscuits. Some, perhaps unknowingly, are traitors. But only some. And those that are, may yet find their honour to repent and redeem themselves</quote></div>
The [[Vigilance]] of the [[Seventh Wave]] has been rewarded by the [[Rings_and_crowns#Eyes_of_the_Basilisk|revelation of an espionage ring]] in Necropolis. The Highborn national assembly sent '''Isaac of the Silent Tide''' to [[385YE_Summer_Solstice_Synod_judgements#Mandate#Judgement_28|support the army]] in rooting out the spies with as little disruption as possible. The power of the [[Shining like fire|Imperial enchantment currently infusing the Empire]] provides subtle assistance as well, particularly when it comes to uncovering hidden evidence or securing documents the spies might rather see destroyed.

It becomes clear that there are precious few Highborn who have intentionally sold secrets to the Grendel. Most of those who have provided information to the barbarians are doing so unwittingly, or without due consideration of the consequences. With Isaac urging people to consider the behaviour of their friends and enemies, and the assurance that those who have misstepped will not be punished, and the vigilant unconquered following up the leads they uncovered last season, the espionage ring is rolled up.

The Grendel involved are ejected from Highguard, and the magistrates work with the Highborn to differentiate those who have committed treason from those who have made mistakes. There is comparatively little disruption in the territory as a consequence, although it does put an end to the [[Shallow days|trade arrangements]] between Highborn merchants and Grendel originally [[385YE_Spring_Equinox_Synod_judgements#Judgement 112|endorsed by the assembly]]. Highborn [[business|businesses]] no longer receive [[385YE_Summer_Solstice_interlude#Visiting_Armada|additional trade]].

In the process of rolling up the espionage ring in Necropolis, there are several opportunities to actually capture information that might prove of use. The most obvious thing discovered by the soldiers and priests is that the Grendel spymasters are apparently in turmoil. None of them saw the [[Windfall|betrayal of the Apulian orcs]] coming. The Council of the Salt Lords must now face the fact that one of their own has defected to the Imperial side - someone who was privy to many of their plans for the coming war with the Empire. They are now having to change those plans... or not. According to some of the documents recovered before the Grendel spies could destroy them, some of the Salt Lords are arguing that changing the plan is exactly what the Empire would expect - that the attack on [[Sarvos]] should go ahead as planned and catch Imperial armies by surprise. In the end it is clear that they have not yet made up their mind what they are going to do: an attack is coming, but the Council of Salt Lords have not yet chosen a target.

There's also some disturbing notes that talk about an agreement with the [[Asavean Archipelago|Asavean Plenum]]. It's an open secret that the Asaveans are offering support to the Grendel in their upcoming war with the Empire - and equally an open secret that the Plenum wants revenge for the [[Mosaic|raid on Chalonsio]]. The Asaveans are demanding the destruction of an Imperial city as the only way to regain their pride, and propitiate their bitter gods. The most likely targets are Sarvos, obviously, but also [[Madruga#Siron|Siroc]] - and there are plenty of hints in the recovered documents that the Grendel would prefer to sacrifice Siroc to the Asaveans' bloodlust and take Sarvos for themselves - but if push comes to shove, and their alliance is on the line, who knows which way the Grendel will jump?

The majority of the intelligence recovered, however, hints at the Grendel plans for Necropolis. They have been mapping military targets and defensible locations - they definitely have a map of the territory that could be used for scrying and know the details of any army that has been stationed here in the last three years up until the start of the Autumn Equinox. The main target of any attack on the territory, however, will be the Necropolis itself. The Grendel are ''itching'' to despoil the tombs of the dead Thrones and the heroes of the Empire, and the general consensus is that such an attack would be a serious blow against the morale not only of Highguard but of the Empire as a whole. Raiding most likely wouldn't be sufficient - a Grendel army would need to occupy the region of [[Necropolis#Coursmouth|Coursmouth]] to have the time and access needed to break into the tombs. If they did, they would potentially leave the city ruined: hundreds of memorials defaced, grave goods stolen, and at least some of the bodies taken away. There's still no explanation as to what the Grendel wanted with the body of [[Empress Giselle]], for example. While the League were able to move her corpse far north, and inter her in the [[Guardian_of_Giselle%27s_Tomb#Virtue.27s_Respite|garish new tomb]] in [[Temeschwar]], there is no chance whatsoever that the other tombs of the Thrones could be relocated - never mind the mausoleums, cenotaphs, and memorials inhabited by the Empire's heroes.

The Grendel spies have identified that if they want to raid the Necropolis they will need to take and hold either [[necropolis#Sanctuary Sands|Sanctuary Sands]] or [[Redoubt#Naris|Naris]] in [[Redoubt]]. Obviously [[Necropolis#Reumah.27s_Rest|Reumah's Rest]] protects Sanctuary Sands, so it will be no easy task. The Grendel must also be aware that an Imperial counterattack against a weak holding in one of these regions might leave their army trapped in Coursmouth - although that will be scant comfort to the people of Necropolis - or the Empire.


===A Second Ring===
<div style="float:right; width: 500px; clear: right; margin-left: 10px;">{{SOP|statement=The substance known as blue lotus or Ocean's Caress, which prevents the user from using liao, is being produce in Asavea. They are using the proceeds from the sale of this drug to fund their war on the Empire and their slaving practices. We call on the virtuous to not purchase it. Do not let our Prosperity fund our enemies.|by=Eskae Crowspeaker|vote=1200-12|when=Summer Solstice 385YE}}</div>
* '''Thanks to a tip-off from unnamed agents, a major smuggling ring has been ended'''
While the major focus of the Seventh Wave is on the Grendel spies, there is another ring at work in Necropolis it seems. During the Summer Solstice, heroes from [[Anvil]] apparently used the [[Sentinel Gate]] to investigate a well-secured smuggling ring operating out of [[Necropolis#Longbeach|Crown's Quay]]. A group of [[the Brass Coast|Freeborn]] [[corsair|corsairs]], acting on behalf of a [[Madruga|Madrugan]] magistrate, apparently identified a pivotal Grendel smuggler and their Imperial accomplices, and provided a thorough package of evidence which was used not only to arrest the smugglers in Necropolis, but also to deal with several agents in Siroc. The Grendel in Necropolis was further implicated in a fire at a local tavern, and if not for the quick thinking of a second group of Imperial heroes several historic dockside buildings might have been gutted.

With the aid of the Seventh Wave, there's no doubt that the smugglers have been dealt with, but there is still a matter of mild concern. Along with traditional small items that could be moved easily, the Grendel were also selling shipments of an Asavean narcotic called ''Ocean's Caress'' into the Empire. The substance itself is not illegal - but bringing it into the Empire without paying the appropriate [[tariffs]] - which are not insignificant when they involve trade with slavers such as the Grendel and the Asaveans - certainly is! People are being urged to be on the look-out for the substance - a thick blue liquid that causes feelings of relaxation and peculiar dreams - and if they have any suspicion that it has been brought into the Empire illegally, report those suspicions to a magistrate. By all accounts, concerns about this particular narcotic have also been raised by '''Eska Crowspeaker''' the [[Voice of Liberty]], although at this time the greater majority of the General Assembly were not moved to support the judgement.

==Sarvos: Agents==
<div style="float:right; width: 530px; clear: right; margin-left: 10px;"><quote by="Jean d'Apulian, General of the Wolves of War">Our bravos have done what none have done before by "conquering" Spiral in a single season. We have fought ourselves to bloody tatters in the east and it's time to cut loose and celebrate. Let the bravos off the chain to blow off steam in the docks and bordellos with a raucous piss-up that will go down in legend, ready for any foolish enough to try and break it up.</quote></div>

* '''With the aid of the Wolves of War, the Shuttered Lantern have located an espionage network in Sarvos'''
* '''Rolling up the espionage ring still represents a challenge'''
<div style="float:right; width: 530px; clear: right;"><quote by="Grandmaster Tyburn Weaver of the Shuttered Lantern">Conclave asks the Shuttered Lantern to tear the veil and reveal the hidden hand of the Grendel and any other threat to the Empire in the territory of Sarvos. We will expose the espionage rings, spy networks, and other information gathering tools of our enemies. Where possible we hope to neutralise the threat.</quote></div>
Where there is one espionage ring, there are likely others. The Shuttered Lantern, with the support of the Imperial Conclave, have set themselves the task of tracking down espionage agents in the city of Sarvos. Again supported by the Imperial enchantment, they are able to carefully track down a number of individuals who have connections with the Grendel, observe them, and begin to get a feel for the orcs' operations in the territory. They are also helped by the fact the Wolves of War are resting and recuperating in the city. Members of the Shuttered Lantern work with soldiers from the army, taking advantage of their knowledge of the city and the surrounding terrain, their military experience, and their willingness to work with others especially if there is money on the table.

There is indeed an espionage ring at work here, but there's no sign it is connected to the one in Necropolis, or organised in the same way. It seems the Grendel spymasters are maintaining separation between their various operations, meaning that even if one is identified and rolled up, the others will not be compromised. What they ''are'' able to do however is confirm that there are definitely espionage rings in [[Madruga]], [[Redoubt]], [[Tassato]], and [[Spiral]]. The theoretical is now certain.

Much as with the Necropolis espionage ring, however, the majority of the agents here are humans rather than orcs. Most of the "agents" are League citizens providing what seems to them to be slightly dubious or criminal information in return for coin. The Grendel are not barbarians after all, and until recently there were plenty of people who assumed the peace treaty would continue for years to come. Not every agent is an Imperial, however. A key piece of intelligence gathered by the Shuttered Lantern comes when an Apulian Orc identifies an apparent [[bravo]] on the docks who they recognise from [[Bay_of_Catazar#Vorlach|Vorlach]] as a vassal of Salt Lord Moorvain. They were carousing with off-duty soldiers from the [[Wolves of War]], wheedling their way into their confidence by spending coin freely to buy drink and drugs. This leads to a group of other humans who, while pretending to be Sarvosans, are actually disguised agents of the Salt Lords.

By the Autumn Equinox, the Shuttered Lantern has a rough map of the web of agents in [[Sarvos#Bocche|Boche]], [[Sarvos#Cigno|Cigno]], and [[Sarvos#Uccelini|Uccelini]]. This presents an obvious problem - the best way to deal with the espionage ring would be to move against agents in each of the three regions simultaneously, but that might prove a challenge for the Shuttered Lantern alone.
{{CaptionedImage|file=OrderShutteredLantern.jpg|title=Order of the Shuttered Lantern|align=right|width=175}}
===Lanterns===
* '''A Declaration of Concord could be used to commit the Shuttered Lantern to dealing with the espionage ring'''
* '''The resources required would cost the Imperial Conclave 60 crystal mana from next seasons' font'''
The Grandmaster of the Shuttered Lantern could use a [[Declaration]] of [[Concord]] to ask the Conclave to support them in dealing with the espionage ring in Sarvos themselves. This would require a commitment of mana - the magicians in Sarvos estimate it will take 60 crystal mana in addition to their own resources. It will not be necessary to do a separate [[Endowment]] - the resources will come directly from the font for Winter Solstice, provided the Conclave supports the Shuttered Lantern's operations.

If they take the lead, the Shuttered Lantern will roll up the espionage ring in Sarvos before the Winter Solstice The Grandmaster will receive some information about what the espionage network was working on, along with a portion of the wealth the Grendel were using to pay their informants and a single [[magic items|magic item]] taken from the spies. Some some of the agents may escape - coordinating the operation will be extremely challenging - but the threat will be removed.
{{CaptionedImage|file=WolvesofWar_Colour.png|align=right|width=300}}

===Wolves===
* '''The Wolves of War can use the Guard the Gates order to destroy the spy network'''
The Wolves of War are on furlough in Sarvos as the Shuttered Lantern operation unrolls. League magicians from the order are able to call on friends who serve in the army for additional aid, and that means that a number of competent soldiers and officers have inside information about the espionage ring as well. As such, the Wolves of War could clean house in the League territory themselves. The [[general]] would need to remain in Sarvos and use their [[Army_qualities#Mercenary|mercenary]] connections to take the [[Army_qualities#Scouting|Guard the Gates]] order. If they do so, whatever else happens, the espionage ring will be shattered, multiple agents arrested and interrogated, and some of their accumulated wealth will be seized and delivered to the General along with additional information about what the network was working on. The army has the capacity to ensure that very few of the agents will be able to slip through the net, and the threat of agents operating in Sarvos will be removed. '''Note:''' While the army used the Guard the Gates order in Spring, the ability to select mercenary options "refreshes" in Autumn when the general is appointed.
===Both or Neither===
* '''If both the Shuttered Lantern and the Wolves of War cooperate the espionage ring will be smashed but there may be unexpected outcomes'''
* '''If the espionage ring is left in place either the Shuttered Lantern or the Wolves of War might deal with the threat later provided the situation does not change significantly in the meantime'''
Obviously the Shuttered Lantern and the Wolves of War might cooperate to smash the espionage ring together, If they do so, they will complement each others' approaches wherever possible. Both the Grandmaster and the General will receive a portion of the wealth the Grendel agents have accumulated, Both will receive information about what the network was working on. The espionage ring will be absolutely devastated; nobody will escape.

Of course there's no requirement for anyone to do anything here. The Shuttered Lantern may want to move on to start locating the Grendel agents in other territories; the Wolves of War might wish to do the same or have obligations that make it impossible to focus on cleaning up the spies in Sarvos. Either the order or the army can come back at a later date and deal with the espionage ring here - as long as nothing major changes in the meantime.

Leaving the ring in place is somewhat risky however. While the espionage ring is primarily used for information gathering it is sophisticated enough, and well hidden enough, that it could take covert action in support of any Grendel attack here that would go beyond just gathering information.

==Bastion: the Grand Endeavour==
{{SOP|statement=We the Nine received nineteen entries to design Bastion anew We celebrate all these visions. We instruct architects to use the design of Millward Cowley for the structure of the city, and the art of Skywise Gralka for its beauty and inspiration. We urge the civil service to display the entries received in the civil service records.|by=Viviane de Coeurdefer|vote=Greater Majority 7-1|when=Summer Solstice 385YE}}
* '''Two inspirational pieces of art have been selected by the Assembly of Nine to serve as the basis of the grand inspiration of the Way to be built in Bastion'''
* '''Work has finally begun on the project with gifts of white granite and money from private individuals and entire nations'''
* '''The presence of Cold Sun in the territory is making more than a few people very nervous'''
Work is ready to begin on the [[Blood will thicken|sacred city]], to be built in [[Bastion]]. The challenge of finding a piece of suitably numinous art that can help the architects and engineers of the Empire build something that will echo down the ages has been completed. The [[Blood_will_thicken#A_Contest_of_Imagination|contest of imagination]] has ended - the [[Assembly#Assembly_of_the_Nine|Assembly of Nine]] selected two winners. One, by the [[the Marches|Marcher]] '''Millward Cowley''', is a truly [[Ambition|Ambitious]] piece that lays out the basic design of the city - a central cathedral and seven encircling temples each dedicated to one of the seven virtues, surrounded by gardens. The other is from the [[Imperial Orcs|Imperial Orc]] '''Skywise Gralka''', a gorgeous piece of conceptual art capturing the idea of soaring towers and pealing bells. These two pieces of art have been used to draw up the awe-inspiring structure that now begins to rise in Bastion. Assuming that everything goes according to plan, and sufficient resources are available each season, it should be completed shortly before the Autumn Equinox 388YE.
===The Wayfarer's Guide===
* '''The Wayfarer's Guide, the prize offered by the chapter of Pharos' Water, will be delivered to the civil service on Saturday morning'''
* '''Skywise Gralka and Millward Cowley must decide between them who will receive it'''
When [[Appraisal#Eilian_Sweetwater_of_Storm.27s_Run_Striding|Elian Sweetwater]] proposed that Imperial artists work with the Assembly of Nine to find a suitable inspiration, members of the Pharos' Water [[chapter]] proposed that a competition was the only virtuous way to choose these designs. The chapter's [[benefactor|benefactors]] committed to providing the winning artist with the ''Wayfarers Guide'' - an [[Magic_items#Artefacts|artefact]] [[Dragonbone Symbol]] originally created for [[Emperor James]] but never delivered.

The Assembly of Nine, however, has chosen ''two'' victors in the contest. The Exarch of the Pharos' Water chapter cannot break the Wayfarer's Guide in half, and committed to provide a single gift to one winning artist. As such, they propose to leave the decision as to who receives Emperor Frederick's Dragonbone Symbol to Millward and Gralka. The talisman will be delivered to the [[Imperial_Civil_Service#Tribune_of_the_Synod|Tribune of the Synod]] on Saturday morning; they ask that Gralka and Millward bring their decision as to who will receive the item to them at [[Anvil#The Hub|the Hub]] when they are ready.

===Progress===
* '''Work on the Grand Inspiration begins following the Summer Solstice'''
* '''Materials for constructing the grand inspiration have been provided by both wealthy individuals and the nations of Highguard, the Brass Coast, and the Marches'''
The project requires 1000 [[white granite]] and 250 Thrones. So far, three nations have [[Construct_Grand_Inspiration_of_the_Way#Outcome|committed their support]]. '''Eli of the Cenotaph''' [[385YE_Summer_Solstice_Synod_judgements#Judgement_125|urged the Highborn]] to offer whatever they could to the make this dream a reality. '''Friar John of the Mourn''' [[385YE_Summer_Solstice_Synod_judgements#Judgement_56|urged the people]] of [[the Marches]] to contribute whatever they could, while the [[the Brass Coast|Freeborn]], and '''Sufyan i Zuhri i Erigo''' [[385YE_Summer_Solstice_Synod_judgements#Judgement_71|did the same]] for their own nation. Between them the three nations are contributing 53 wains of [[white granite]], and 106 crowns each season. Highguard will continue to do so until the project is complete, while the Marches and Brass coast will do so until the start of the Summer Solstice 386YE. Such devotion is costly. Everything those nations can spare will be devoted to support the extraordinary project - there will be no resources available for other plans. As a result it will be impossible to use a [[mandate]] to urge the people of the nation to support another commission or similar project that needed help. Any mandate in the Imperial Synod that urged citizens to provide financial support to a different commission or cause would fail to have any effect and any [[statement of principle]] that asked the nation for their support in this way would fail to produce a mandate.

Other nations may still choose to offer their support - unlike normal mandates those urging people to support the ambitious endeavour can be [[Blood_will_thicken#Grand_Opportunity|proposed at any time]] unless the situation changes. Even [[the League]] could do so, in spite of their National Assembly previously [[Rings_and_crowns#A_Sacred_City|having supported a statement]] by '''Fabio Costas de Sarvos''', denouncing the entire scheme as unvirtuous as they chose not to raise the resultant mandate.
===Peril===
* '''Cold Sun is in Bastion'''
There is one major cause for concern in Bastion. The forces of the destructive [[eternal]] [[Cold Sun]] have [[To the last syllable|gathered in Bastion]]. These wicked heralds have already [[To_the_last_syllable#In_Bastion_and_Reikos|destroyed]] the [[Reikos#The_Unbound_Steel_Hall_of_Lost_Chapters|Unbound Steel Hall of Lost Chapters]] in [[Reikos]], and assaulted a number of targets in Highguard including the [[High_Herbalist_of_Sybella#Sybella_Cross_Physician.27s_Hall|Physician's Hall]] in [[Bastion#Sybela|Sybela]]. Most worrying of all, however, is the news that a major force of these heralds [[To_the_last_syllable#Purity|is gathered]] at [[Bastion#Woodbury|Woodbury]] - a force of some three thousand supernatural entities with barely understood powers.

There is a ''great deal'' of white granite being gathered at Bastion, and the construction work leaves many workers, architects, engineers, and the people of the [[Bastion#Bastion.2C_the_White_City|White City]] itself vulnerable. The attackers would need to pass through [[Bastion#Stoneside|Stoneside]] to threaten the city directly, but they could certainly raid the caravans bringing white granite from the western nations. Worse, they have demonstrated both a committed hatred of things that exalt the spirit, and an ability to put themselves in a position to try and destroy those things. Finally, of course, there are no [[fortification|fortifications]] in Bastion whose garrison might slow them down. The people of the White City are nervous, to put it mildly.
{{CaptionedImage|file=ValiantPegasus_Colour.png|align=right|width=300}}
But nowhere near as nervous as the people of Woodbury. Unlike the chapters of the northern and eastern regions, those of Bastion - and those of Woodbury in particular - tend to be less fortified and more concerned with agriculture and the virtues of [[Prosperity]]. They have no capacity to protect themselves from the depredations of Cold Sun, and if they are forced to flee they will also be forced to leave their harvests behind, along with many of their treasures. While folk in Bastion are concerned about what is going to happen with Cold Sun, the chapters of Woodbury are beside themselves with worry.

==Leen : A Road to Liberation==
* '''This season the Valiant Pegasus is part of the advance into the Salt Flats of Sanath against the Druj'''
* '''This has created an opportunity for a number of National Assemblies to find out more about the disposition of the enemy forces there'''
Only one Highborn army is actively engaged with a military campaign this season, the [[Valiant Pegasus]] who are part of the Imperial advance into the Slat Flats of Sanath. It is a Courageous attack on the Druj heartlands, that draws the full attention of the Imperial Synod due to the [[Full_of_sacred_sound#The_Sticking_Place|crusading nature]] of Highguard's armies. Some question the Wisdom of such a headlong plunge into enemy territory without any idea of what is there, but others point to the presence of the [[Citadel Guard]] and their unique ability to [[Highest_discipline#Technique_of_the_Celestial_Key|carry out enlightened scrying in a territory]]. But if more knowledge is what is required, why don't the Assemblies help the generals gather it?

As a result of the inspirational attack by the [[Valiant Pegasus]] last season, any of the four national assemblies whose armies are present in Sanath could choose to encourage their soldiers to reach out to the local orcs with the following mandate.

{{Mandate|mandate=Let every word you speak carry meaning. We send {named priest} with 25 doses of liao to persuade the soldiers of the Citadel Guard/Iron Helms/Valiant Pegasus/Gryphons Pride to seek out orc septs oppressed by the Druj. Together we will find the right question.|assembly=Urizen/Varushkan/Highborn/Dawnish Assembly}}

If this mandate is enacted by a nation then the soldiers of that army will adopt the [[Throw_back_the_echoes#Great_Deeds_Are_Eternal|approach pioneered by the Dawnish in the conquest of the Barrens]], striving to minimise casualties and thus open channels of communication. Each army that is affected would suffer a twenty-five percent penalty to territory captured, but they would gain information about a single sept present in the territory, get an impression of how they view the Empire and gain a winged messenger contact for that sept. Each Assembly can only influence the soldiers of their own nation who were present there last season, armies that were not present in Sanath before the summit cannot be affected.

This mandate will only affect Urizen or Varushka if their Assembly pass it with a greater majority due to both those nations questioning of Synod mandates. Due to the nature of this opportunity it is not possible to submit an alternate mandate on this topic.

None of these mandates will have any effect if the Iron Helms, or any other Imperial army, carry out a [[Army_qualities#Cruel|merciless assault]] against Druj inhabitants of the Salt Flats of Sanath this coming season. It is not possible to open diplomatic channels of communication whilst engaging in brutal tactics designed to terrorize them. If any army undertakes a merciless assault then all the mandates will automatically fail and no liao will be taken.

Between two mounds

2023-09-07T21:57:37Z

Gamma3000: /* Dust, Flame, and Glass */ tyop

[[Category:Winds of Fortune]][[Category:385YE Autumn]][[Category:Recent History]]
<ic>
"I am Janfer Arunson. My message is for the Great Jarl of the Golden People, the one whose honour burns with the fire of the sun."

Juanita stared at the ghodi. She wasn't tall, but looked lithe and muscular, like she knew how to handle herself. Despite that, the only weapon she carried was a short carving knife secured to her belt. Not a thrall then, but not a warrior either. She tilted her head to one side to bring her closer to Siraj. "Who are the Golden people?" she whispered to the hakima. The Jotun could probably hear them, the tent wasn't that but Juanita wasn't sure she cared.

"It's their name for us I think. Probably meant to be a compliment." he whispered back and then shrugged to show he was none the wiser.

"Who is this "great Jarl" then?" Juanita called out. The Jotun called their leaders jarls, so presumably the orc meant dhomiro. More compliments maybe.

"Their honour is a flame that illuminates the night. Their words are glass that hide nothing. The dust from which they come is more precious than the stars."

"I want a name... not a résumé" Juanita cut in. The ghodi might be making every effort to be diplomatic but there was only so much of this honour crap she could put up with. She had better things to do with her day than listen to the Jotun prattle on about their honour.

The ghodi paused for a moment, a flicker of doubt crossed her face. For the first time since the two had come face to face Juanita thought she looked unsure of herself. "Ustigar warned me to not speak the name of the Golden Jarl, lest they come to harm thereby." she eventually responded.

Juanita gave a sardonic laugh. "If you want me carrying your messages Jotun, you'll do me the courtesy of telling me who they are for. Otherwise this is going to be a short meeting. For both of us."

If the ghodi heard the threat at the end she paid it no heed. "The Golden Jarl knows that our people honour them. If you pass my words to your Jarls, then the Golden Jarl will hear me and know my King's message is for them."

That last bit finally got Juanita's attention. She sat up straight in her chair and eyed the ghodi warily. "Somebody fetch a scrivener" she barked at the room. If this orc really did have a message from the Jotun King then it might just be important...
</ic>
<div style="float:left; width: 600px; clear: left;">{{CaptionedImage|file=Between two mounds.jpg|caption=Our traditions are what define us, we believe all should be offered the opportunity to follow those traditions, especially in death.|align=left|width=600}}</div>
{{audio|link=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uStS3HC_TdA}}
==Overview==
The Empire has fought with the Jotun orcs for as long as anyone can remember. That conflict has become must more bitter [[381YE_Spring_Equinox_winds_of_war#Let_That_Be_Your_Last_Battlefield_.28Mournwold.29|since the battle of Orchards Watch in Spring 381YE]], when the Empire used powerful curses to wreak devastation on the Jotun armies and the inhabitants of the Mourn, both Imperial and Jotun alike. Years of conflict ensued, a campaign that seems to never end, and one in which the tide of war has only recently turned in the Empire's favour.

Some Imperial negotiators have pushed the Jotun to consider the possibility of peace. The representative of the King and Queen, Jarl Ustigar of [[Skallahn#Keirheim|Keirheim]], has repeatedly rebuffed these negotiations on behalf of the two monarchs. He claims that the Jotun cannot make even a temporary peace with the Empire while those whose honour was stained by the deaths in the Mournwold still live. Few really understand Jotun notions of honour, but it appears that there can be no piece until those who failed the thralls of the Mourne have found their own death in battle. Now after four years of war, the first tiny cracks may at least have appeared in the Jotun's resolve.

Last season the Empire won a decisive victory against the Jotun whose champions [[Shallows_and_miseries#The_Flames_of_Fort_Braydon|fought to the death to hold Fort Braydon]]. Such an action is unusual - normally the Jotun would fight until the battle was lost and then withdraw. This time the champions were apparently given leave to remain so that they might fight their way across the [[Imperial_Orcs_religious_beliefs#The_Howling_Abyss|Howling Abyss]]. After the battle was done, the [[the Brass Coast|Freeborn]] elected to raise a great mound of stones over the bodies of the fallen, out of the respect for the Jotun's traditions. Following the erection of the mound, from out of the west comes a young [[Elite_Jotun_characters#Ghodi|ghodi]] offering... if not an actual olive branch... then at least the possibility of one.

Meanwhile in the north, [[Wintermark|Wintermark's]] armies [[A tale told|lead the charge]] into [[Tromsa]], taking the war deep into the heart of Jotun territory. In recent years, the armies of Wintermark have committed themselves to [[Wintermark_military_concerns#Army_Orders|fight with honour]] against the Jotun, whether out of respect for their enemies or a reflection of their own [[heroism]] is unclear. Regardless it seems that it too is reaping dividends, with the Jotun armies [[A_tale_told#Heroism.2C_Honour.2C_and_Cruelty|finally responding in kind]]. Following that decision comes a second envoy from the Jotun eager to talk with the [[general|generals]] or their representatives. And this time they come with a request from the Jotun...
==Dust, Flame, and Glass==
{{SOP|by=Maria i Espiri i Guerra, Freeborn Assembly|statement=The battle at Braydon's Jasse was hard fought and we honour the courage of those who remained behind to face us. We send Maria i Espiri i Guerra with 25 doses of liao and 5 thrones to urge the people of Kahraman to raise a burial mound over the dead Jotun. Our traditions are what define us, we believe all should be offered the opportunity to follow those traditions, especially in death.|vote= 150-16|when=Summer Solstice 385YE}}
* '''The Freeborn Assembly took the decision to raise a burial mound to honour the funeral traditions Jotun who died at Fort Braydon'''
* '''Despite initial grumbling, the Jotun champions are buried and the mound raised without incident'''
* '''A month later a Jotun ghodi appears in the area to study the mound'''

The victory at Fort Braydon left the Freeborn with [[Questions_of_virtue#A_Question_of_Virtue|a moral quandry]] - how to deal with the bodies of the slain Jotun champions who gave their lives in the defence of the keep. The Freeborn tradition is to [[The_Brass_Coast_culture_and_customs#Funerals|burn the bodies of the dead]], but there were some who argued that the Coast didn't even owe them that much and suggested the bodies should be looted and left for the carrion. In the end calmer voices prevailed and '''Maria i Espiri i Guerra''' convinced the Freeborn Assembly to raise a great burial mound for the dead - to honour the slain in the traditional Jotun way.

The decision is not entirely popular - not simply because it involves a lot of backbreaking work, but because few people are minded to be so charitable towards the Jotun who have brought nothing but war and death to [[Kahraman]]. Maria is unfaltering in her leadership and those her words can not persuade are swayed by the pouch of Thrones she carries. Within a week, the work is done and a great mound is raised over the bodies of the slain. Afterward, even the most recalcitrant of the Freeborn who took part in the work seems to admit that it was perhaps the right thing to do.

Few think any more of the matter, but a month later word spreads of a lone [[orc]] seen in the vicinity of the burial site. A scouting party is quickly formed to seek out this threat, but the orc proves remarkably easy to find having set up a large hide tent in a copse near the mound. The search party confront her, and she confirms that she is indeed a Jotun, but she claims to be a ghodi, a Jotun priest, who has come here to mark the mound of the fallen. In person she is surprisingly congenial and swears on her honour and her ancestors that she means no harm to any Freeborn. She repeats that she is here only to study the mound and to discern how it should be marked.

A handful of hot-tempered youth argue to kill the priest on the spot. She is an enemy and she has not come under a flag of truce. But Maria's words still carry weight - surely it cannot bring any harm to allow one unarmed Jotun to come to the mound? The Assembly urged the Freeborn to respect the traditions of the Jotun in death... and so reluctantly they agree to let her stay. At least until someone who knows what should be done with this strange "priest" can be found.

Of course the Freeborn are not such fools as to let an enemy wander their lands unwatched once they know they are there. Hence the local families take on the burden of checking each day to see what the Jotun priest is up to. She seems as good as her word - every morning she goes up to the mound where she seems to spend an hour or two in meditation or prayer of some kind. She is clearly engaged in some kind of religious ceremony, but there is no sign of any actual magic being performed. She leaves the mound after midday and spends the rest of the time gathering fruit, wild vegetables, and checking some simple snares for food to supplement the meagre rations she has brought with her. Within a week, her presence has become mundane and people are already beginning to wonder if their vigil is really worth the effort and how long they will have to keep it up.

Not long as it turns out - a few days later the ghodi appears to be done - or at least the first part of her endeavours is complete. Before she departs she asks to meet with one of the local Jarls so that she might pass on two requests to "The Golden Jarl". After some discussion she is escorted to the presence of one of the local [[dhomiro|dhomiros]], ''Juanita i Roario i Riqueza''. Once there she claims to be speaking for ''Gudmundur Arason'', King of Narkyst, Jarl-of-Jarls with a question for the Freeborn generals and a petition for the Golden Jarl to consider.

===An Enduring Flame===
* '''On behalf of the King of Narkyst, the Ghodi petitions the "Golden Jarl" for permission to raise a monument on the burial mound'''
* '''She intends to fashion a mithril bowl to sit on top of the mound and plans to bring 9 wains of mithril here to create a permanent monument shortly after the Autumn Equinox'''
* '''The Freeborn Assembly could use a simple mandate to prevent the ghodi from placing the monument on the mound'''
* '''The Dhomiro of the Cinnabar Hills could use a winged messenger to arrange a raid into Liathaven to capture the ghodi and the mithril'''
The ghodi claims that the People of Glass, Fire and Dust have honoured the King's champions with their labour, but the work is incomplete. For their ancestors to accept the fallen, they must know that the champions died fighting a worthy foe, an honourable enemy who defeated them with sword and spear in honest battle. The Jotun are grateful that the bodies have been laid to rest, but the mound contains no symbol to mark the honour of the people who defeated them.

Thus she wishes to raise a monument to the Virtue and Honour of the Freeborn people who defeated her champions. To that purpose she plans to return in two months time, a few weeks after the Autumn Equinox. If the "Golden Jarl" will grant her permission, then she will fashion a great bowl of mithril. Once complete, she will invoke the power of the Jotun ancestors to fill the bowl with fire, such that it will burn night and day. She has consulted the omens and believes this is the best way to convey the strength and honour of the Freeborn who defeated them. If the Jotun are allowed to complete the mound in this way, then their ancestors will know that their people were slain in honourable battle and will recognise that they died fighting a worthy foe.

The request raises a lot of questions, some of which the ghodi is able to answer, some of which they do not. Their plan for the bowl is large - she aims to use 9 wains of mithril to construct the monument. She and her fellow Jotun will bring the mithril with them when they return. There will be no magic in the bowl - she claims it will burn by the wishes of the ancestors alone - though she does admit that her skills as a ghodi allow her to craft such a thing. It will need no fuel, nor anyone to tend the fire. She swears on her honour and her ancestors that it will bring no harm on anyone who dwells anywhere in Kahraman or beyond.

There are three obvious ways the Brass Coast could respond to this request. The ghodi seems to need nothing more than the Empire's permission, so they could simply let her proceed with her plans. If nothing else happens, than the ghodi will return after the Autumn Equinox and raise a monument to the Freeborn over the burial mound of the fallen Jotun champions. And that - on the face of it - will be the end of the matter.

Alternatively, if the Freeborn have no desire to permit the Jotun to treat their lands like their personal memorial grounds then the Assembly could enact a simple [[mandate]] to ensure that people turn the Jotun back when they arrive. There is no garrison here now that Fort Braydon is gone, but the families are confident that they are more than a match for a dozen Jotun.

{{Mandate|mandate=Be alert to all dangers; within and without. We send {named priest} with 10 doses of liao to urge the families of Kahraman to ensure that the Jotun are turned back from our borders. We have honoured their dead, now let them learn to honour our borders and stay in their own lands|assembly=Freeborn Assembly}}

If this mandate is passed then Juanita and the other dhomiros will be ready for the Jotun when they arrive. There won't be violence unless the Jotun start it, but they will be turned back and told in no uncertain terms that the "Golden Jarl" refuses their request to decorate the funeral mound in [[Kahraman#Braydon.27s_Jasse|Braydon's Jasse]].
{{WingedMessenger|address=Juanita i Roario i Riqueza, the Roario family estates, Braydon's Jasse}}
That is not the only alternative. A small group of unarmed Jotun are planning to come here in less than a months time with 9 wains of mithril. That's mithril that could be used to enrich Kahraman - or forged into weapons and armour to fight the Jotun. The Coast has not agreed to this request of the Jotun, they didn't ask this ghodi to turn up here, but she's apparently coming anyway. They could put together a raiding party, attack the ghodi while she is travelling through Liavathen and take the mithril. Juanita i Roario i Riqueza is more than happy to carry out the deed. If she receives a [[Call Winged Messenger|winged messenger]] from the [[Dhomiro of the Cinnabar Hills]] she will gather a group of corsairs and kohan and they'll carry out a lightning raid into Liathaven to capture the ghodi and the mithril while they're in enemy territory.

The position of Dhomiro is up for election at this summit. Whoever claims the title can get the mithril and then someone will have to decide how best to ransom the ghodi back to the so-called King of Jotun. She should be worth a hefty sum though, given her name...

'''Maria i Espiri i Guerra''' has offered an alternate mandate to the Freeborn National Assembly.

{{Mandate|mandate=Our dead, when burnt are not just left to float upon the winds, we take their ashes and scatter them where we choose. To the Jotun the burial is one step in their funeral traditions, like burning our dead - they have other tasks to complete before the dead are at peace, as such the ghodi should be allowed to complete her duties. We send {named priest} with ten thrones to call upon the people of Kahraman to form a guard for the ghodi to protect her from any who would wish her harm.|assembly=Freeborn Assembly}}

'''Ahraz i Guerra''' has offered an alternate mandate to the Freeborn National Assembly.

{{Mandate|mandate=The National Assembly have already spoken, the Virtuous inspire others. We raised the burial mound to honour the Courage of the Jotun, and now they wish to raise a monument to the Virtue and honour of the Freeborn who defeated them - a permanent reminder of the strength of The Freeborn. We send {named priest} with ten thrones to urge the families of Kahraman to ensure the Jotun are escorted only to the burial mound to raise the monument, and then safely returned to their own lands.|assembly=Freeborn Assembly}}

If either of these mandates are enacted, then the Dhomiro of the Cinnabar Hills will not be able to take advantage of the opportunity to capture the ghodi and mithril. The visiting ghodi will be protected by an honour guard of Freeborn which will further demonstrate the worth of the Brass Coast to the Jotun.

All three mandates presented in this section are considered to be in competition with each other.

===A Handful of Dust===
* '''The King of Narkyst wishes to know why the Freeborn have sullied their honour in recent battles yet now they honour the Jotun fallen'''
* '''The ghodi claims there can be no hope of peace between the Freeborn and the Jotun if they chose to fight without honour'''

The King of Narkyst's ghodi has a second message, one for the collective generals of the Freeborn. The ghodi says that the King does not understand why the Freeborn have honoured his champions in this way, yet they permit the corrupted slaves of the [[Tharim|King in Chains]] to sully their honour by taking the field with them. These twisted creatures' one delight is slaughter and brutality - the Jotun expect the [[Navarr|Imperial Druj]] to crawl on their bellies before the throne of the Bound King - but they do not understand why the Freeborn would sully their souls by embracing this monster as their ally?

The ghodi claims that the Jotun have had many years of honourable battle with the Freeborn who they see as honest enemies. The words the Golden Jarl sent to Ustigar four winters past gave King Gudmundur hope that there might one day be a chance for a break from war between the Jotun and the Freeborn. The Golden Jarl claimed that the Freeborn would reject cruel strategies, and the King noted that since that time her [[Red Wind Corsairs]] have fought with honour and chose to ransom those they defeated. Since that time, the Freeborn have faced the Jotun as equals on the battlefield.

But now their generals have called on the power of [[Winter magic|Winter]] so that their warriors fight like rabid dogs. Where is the honour in a victory such as this? The generals give orders to their soldiers to show mercy to those who are defeated, but then they march to war alongside the carrion-knights of the [[The Thrice-cursed Court|Bound Three]] whose only delight is murder and bloodshed and who slaughter those who fall in battle and the healers who try to save them.

The King had assumed that the Golden Jarl was dead and that the Freeborn honour had died with them. It would not be the first time in recent years that the Empire has abandoned its word and turned to forbidden arts and the murder of thralls to achieve victory on the battlefield after all. But then just when they had abandoned all hope of peace with the Empire, the Freeborn choose to honour the King's champions and raise a barrow for the dead with their own hands. This suggests that the Golden Jarl still lives and the Freeborn can still act with honour.

The King and his jarls are confused by this contradiction. They have spoken with Jarl Ustigar who knows the Imperials better than any Jotun and he cannot explain it. They have exchanged messages with Queen Yrsa but she is none-the-wiser. They have consulted the omens and they cannot discern what motive is guiding the Freeborn's hand. Thus the King of Narkyst has sent his ghodi to ask the Freeborn why they have done these things?

Do the Freeborn still hope for a pause in the fighting? The Jotun are born to war - there can never be a lasting peace between the Jarls and the Empire. But even the Jotun weary of fighting eventually. Even the ancestors do not demand that their people live only to fight. The King cannot stop the war until the disgrace of those who allowed the Empire to murder the thralls of the Mournwold has been wiped clean - and that can only happen when every single Jotun who fought there is dead. That is why he gave his champions permission to remain behind at Fort Braydon. But surely the Freeborn generals understand that if they pursue this path, allying themselves with dark powers, invoking forbidden magics, sullying the battlefield with brutal and callous murder - then it is only a matter of time before there is another tragedy like the Mournwold and that will mean another decade of war.

No-one can fathom the purpose of these mixed messages and so the King of Narkyst has sent his ghodi to ask. Why are they doing this? Why would the Freeborn fight like the Druj on the battlefield, but then raise a burial mound to cover the bodies of those who had fallen?

The ghodi does not offer to take a response. She claims that the Freeborn have fifteen thousand ways to reply to the King of Narkyst if they chose to.

==Three Tears Entwined==
* '''The new Jarl of Tromsa and the old Jarl of Keirheim have sent envoys to the Imperial war host gathered in Tromsa'''

After the [[A_tale_told#Into_Icewood|death of Jarl Olgaf Anagarsson]] and the defeat of Mathilda Fisher's forces, the new Jarl of Tromsa, Jarl Igya Olgafsdottir sends word that she wishes to parlay with the Imperial armies. A truce is arranged to allow the generals or their representatives to meet with the Jotun and an Imperial delegation has a short negotiation with the Jarl of Tromsa and the Jarl of Keirheim.
The Jarl of Tromsa refuses to surrender her castle or her lands, she is clear that she and her people will fight to the bitter end to defend their lands against the Empire. Instead she proposes that her champions will face the Empire on the field of battle so that they might have an opportunity to capture Mathilda Fisher. It is a strange offer, but one that seems to accord with the Jotun's peculiar notion of honour.

Although the Jarl of Keirheim is much older and more senior than the Jarl of Tromsa he refuses to speak until the Jarl of Tromsa has had a chance to finish discussing the fate of Mathilda Fisher. He seems to consider that matter to be hers to deal with alone. In fact he appears to have little interest in Mathilda Fisher at all, or even in the fate of her warriors, her fortification or even her territory. Rather, the Jarl of Keirheim is here to discuss one thing, the fate of Mount Majastind, the great peak at the heart of Tromsa, which the thralls claim is the throne of the Jotun gods.

The Jarl is somewhat guarded about ''why'' the mountain is so important, but it is painfully clear that it sacred to the Jotun in some way. He denies that the mountain is the "throne" of the gods, but he does admit that the bones of many of the Jotun ancestors are interred there, along with the regalia they were buried with centuries ago. It soon becomes clear that the Jarl of Keirheim has rushed north not to save Tromsa so much as to try and save Mount Majastind.

===Oaths of Iron and Blood===
* '''The Jarl of Keirheim has asked General Iron Osric and General Lofyn Blood Cloak to swear an oath before the Wintermark egregores not to permit their Imperial allies to despoil Mount Majastind'''
* '''If the oath is taken, the ''Fight with Honour'' order will prevent any Imperial army in the same territory from raiding tombs, burial mounds, and shrines to Jotun ancestors'''
The Jarl is deeply perturbed by the presence of the [[Imperial Orcs]], the [[the Marches|Marchers]] and the Freeborn in Tromsa. He claims to trust the honour of both '''General Osric''' (who he appears to be on first name terms with) and '''General Lofyn''' - confident that even if they take all of Tromsa, neither general would ever permit their people to despoil the burial chambers. He makes repeated comparisons with the marshes of [[Kallavesa]], pointing out to the Wintermarkers how devastated their people would be if the Jotun despoiled the resting place of their ancestors. He claims the Jotun would never contemplate such a heinous crime - and that is how he ''knows'' that the Wintermarkers could never despoil Mount Majastind.

According to Ustigar, of all the Imperials only Wintermark can possibly understand what it is at stake here. Only they can know how sacrilegious it would be - how devastating to the Jotun. And only they appreciate what would be at stake... if the bones at Mount Majastind were disturbed and the tombs looted then it would mean that nothing was sacred anymore. Despite the Jarl's calm and diplomatic demeanour he is careful to insinuate that if that happened then it would absolutely mean that the marshes, which the Jotun have always considered to be sacred and untouchable, would become fair game for reprisals by enraged Jotun [[Elite_Jotun_troops#Ulvenwar|Ulvenwar]].

Still - he is absolutely certain that the Wintermarkers would ''never'' do this. Sadly his people do not have the same confidence that the Marchers, the Imperial Orcs, and the Freeborn understand how important it is that nobody disturbs the rest of the Jotun ancestors. While the Jarls are relieved that the Wintermarkers have not brought their [[Navarr|Imperial Druj]] allies north with them, it can't be denied that the Freeborn have marched alongside knights bound in service to the King in Chains. The Imperial Orcs grow closer to their ancestors with each year, but the Jarls worry that they will seek out the mountain in the belief that they can steal the Jotun's ancestors from them. And the Marchers... they have done much to reclaim their honour in recent campaigns, but it is still barely half a decade since they unleashed a plague of curses ''on their own people'' in the Mournwold.

Jarl Ustigar is clear that he trusts the Wintermark generals with his honour, but can they say the same for their allies? He asks for Wintermark to vouch for those they have brought with them. Specifically he asks that General Iron Osric and General Lofyn Blood-Cloak swear an oath in front of their egregore not to permit their Imperial allies to despoil Mount Majastind while they are in Tromsa. He offers nothing in return for this plea, which he seems to regard as a perfectly reasonable request to make of the Wintermark generals. He is at pains to say that he has arranged the release of all the thralls taken from [[Sermersuaq]] but he confesses that that is a separate matter, one already agreed to with General Osric in exchange for the Banner of the Wolf.

He does not ask them to swear the oath there and then, rather he asks that each of them first consider what is at stake. Such an important oath is best sworn once it's weight has been measured, in the presence of [[Wintermark_Egregore|Sulkavaris]], and the people of the nation, who can witness it better than the Jotun can.

If the Wintermark generals swear an oath before the egregores and the people at Anvil, then the [[Wintermark_military_concerns#Army_Orders|Fight with honour]] special order will also prevent any Imperial army in the same territory from raiding or despoiling tombs, burial mounds, and shrines to Jotun ancestors in the same manner that it prevents certain other orders being taken. The fact the Winterfolk are leaving the sacred places of the Jotun in peace - and encouraging their allies to do the same - will be obvious to everyone in the territory.

===Old Bones===
* '''Questioning local thralls confirms that Mount Majastind is the final resting place of Ulven, the greatest of the Jotun ancestors'''
* '''Ulven's bones are interred in the mountain along with the bones of other ancestors and many of their most valuable possessions'''
* '''Any of the generals of one of the seven Imperial armies present in Tromsa could submit an order to loot Mount Majastind'''
Since the Jarl of Keirheim has been careless enough to point out the precarious situation the Jotun are in, a few Imperial scouts endeavour to see if they can confirm the details - just to see what is actually at stake here. After careful questioning of local thralls they are soon able to confirm that the mountain is widely considered to be the final resting place of Ulven, the oldest and most important of all the Jotun ancestors. This legendary figure seems almost mythical on the face of it - the tales claim that Ulven founded the Jotun people, but she also defeated the gods in battle and went on to conquer the whole world. Despite these rather preposterous tales, everyone agrees that Ulven was once a flesh and blood orc - and that her remains are definitely buried in Mount Majastind.

It is not just Ulven either. The mountain is apparently the resting place of scores of ancestors - not all their greatest warriors are buried here but many are especially those of the northern Jotun. Not just their bones either, the ancestors are apparently buried with all due honours, which means their tombs will contain numerous valuables, a great wealth in silver, gold and gems, and at least three powerful [[Magic_items#Artefacts|artefacts]].

The mountain is not especially well defended - certainly it has no special defences against an attack by an Imperial army. There is a massive [[Elite_Jotun_troops#The_Kirkja|kirkja]] on the lower slopes of the mountain with hundreds of Ulvenwar present, which would be more than sufficient to stop a raid by [[military unit|military units]], or by an army in the territory taking the [[Army_qualities#Daring|Daring Raid]] or [[Army_qualities#Foraging|Plunder]] order. The defences are however nowhere near powerful enough to hold off a concerted attack by thousands of Imperial soldiers.

Any of the seven generals whose army is currently present in Tromsa could issue orders to loot the mountain. They couldn't do it if they were leaving the territory, and they would have to target the region of ''Majastind'' as one they were attempting to conquer. But provided they did so, and were fighting in Tromsa this season, the general could order their soldiers to loot the tombs simply by including it as part of their orders. It wouldn't have any military impact, it wouldn't change the military effect of any orders issued by the general, but it would obviously be devastating for the Jotun. It would also mean that the bones, relics and artefacts that are there would all fall into the hands of the general who issued the orders.

Given that the Empire does not have a map of Tromsa, it is not possible for any other Imperial army to make the attempt. Only an army that has spent one or more seasons campaigning in Tromsa and can reach the centre of the territory and claim the rewards of despoiling Mount Majastind. After this season, the opportunity to raid the tombs in this fashion will be lost - at the very least the Jotun will seek opportunities to reinforce the defence of the mountain, its kirkja, and its shrines. It may be possible to despoil Mount Majastind in the future - especially if the region was conquered by the Empire - but this ''specific'' opportunity is ''only'' available at the Autumn Equinox.

===Lost Souls===
* '''The Jotun have arranged the return of hundreds of thralls taken from Sermersuaq'''
* '''They appear to be in good health and have been carefully escourted to Olgafsdottirshal by members of the Jarl of Keirheim's warband'''
Even as the Empire is invading Tromsa, the Jotun appear to be making good on a promise to return the thralls taken from Sermersuaq during the recent conquest. Those whe resisted the Jotun invasion were killed, but those who took the choice became thralls. Most were forced to remain in Sermersuaq, force to work their own lands for the Jotun who took nearly everything they produced. However more than a thousand were taken as thralls by the Jarls and other leaders of the Jotun and made to work their estates in Skallahn and Hordalant and beyond.

The Jarl of Keirheim has apparently struck a deal with the General of the [[Green Shield]] to return the thralls. The full details are unclear, but it allegedly involves a banner, an item of worth, that the Jotun greatly desired to regain. The General and the Imperial Consul made arrangements for it to be possible for the Jotun to reclaim the banner. In return the Jarl has arranged for those who were taken from Sermersuaq to be released.

It is a massive gathering of people, almost a thousand people of all traditions. They march to Olgafsdottirshal accompanied by an honour guard of a score of the Jarl's warriors, but they appear to be in relatively good health. They are clothed and fed, and many are carrying tents and supplies of food with them to sustain them on the journey.

According to the Jotun who are travelling with them this group includes everyone who was taken from Sermersuaq during the Jotun invasion. Their arrival is cause great celebrations in [[Sermersuaq#Olgafsdottirshal|Olgafsdottirshal]], a chance to finally close the last chapter in the tragic tale of the Jotun conquest of Sermersuaq.

==Further Reading==
* [[A tale told]] - 385 Autumn Wind of War detailing the campaign in Tromsa
* [[Questions_of_virtue#A_Question_of_Virtue|Questions of virtue]] - 385YE Summer Wind of Fortune detailing the situation in the aftermath of Fort Braydon's fall

Cast Off the Chain of Memory

2023-07-26T13:38:26Z

Gamma3000: Redirected page to Cast Off The Chain of Memory

#REDIRECT [[Cast Off The Chain of Memory]]

Tribute to the Thrice Cursed Court

2023-07-26T13:34:32Z

Gamma3000: Redirected page to Tribute to the Thrice-Cursed Court

#REDIRECT [[Tribute to the Thrice-Cursed Court]]

Rings and crowns

2023-07-26T10:47:14Z

Gamma3000: /* Kinship and Greatness */ fix formatting

[[Category:Winds of Fortune]][[Category:385YE Summer]][[Category:Recent History]]
<ic>"It all seems a little.... much... sometimes. Am I bad for saying that?"

"What does?" Araunah slipped her bookmark between the pages of her novel. She recognised Zalmonah's tone of voice. It meant there was something on her mind and she wanted to talk about it, and there'd be no more reading until they'd thrashed the matter out.

"Helping. Being the elder sibling," Zalmonah gestured vaguely at the enormity of it all. "Being the partner of greatness, being the kinship peer, supporting everyone else. All of it."

Aranuah was a little taken aback. Outwardly, Zalmonah was always proudly talking about Highguard's role as the birthplace of the Way, about the importance of inspiration, about destiny and virtue. To hear her speaking like this was troubling. She registered for the first time the darkness beneath Zal's eyes, how pale and tired she looked. Inwardly, she cursed herself for not spotting the signs earlier.

"Can I ask, are you looking to talk about this or just for me to listen?" She asked after a few more moments thought. Zalmonah half-laughed a little awkwardly and shook her head.

"Oh, it's alright Aran," she said. "No need to look so serious. I'm just... sometimes the enormity of it gets to me a little bit. Sometimes my heart swells so full of Pride it might burst, sometimes I'm lifted up by that feeling of Loyalty to all the people of the Empire, and the world, already born and yet to come, and it starts to... it starts to overwhelm me. There's so much wrong in the world and sometimes it feels like it's just me, that I have to fix it all. I'm sorry, I'm babbling."

"You're not babbling, Zal." Putting her book aside, Aranuah joined her on the seat by the window. "I know exactly what you mean."

"You do?" Zalmonah noticably relaxed, letting go of the worry rising up inside her with a low sigh. "I was worried it was just me. It's such a... responsibility. I'm glad we're helping the Freeborn, I'm so happy we're talking with the orcs in the Barrens and in Varushka. I'm excited by the thought of helping build a beacon of the Way in Bastion. It's fascinating reading the statements of the other national Assemblies but sometimes it's a little too much."

As Zalmonah spoke, Aranuah passed over the plate of spiced biscuits, and ate on herself, nodding along in agreement.

"Nobody expects us to do everything at once," she interjected when Zalmonah paused for breath. "Nobody who matters, anyway. Empress Maarika wrote that when you're at war with the whole world, you've got to pick your battles, remember?"

Zalmonah smiled at that, genuinely, and some of the tiredness shifted from her shoulders.

"She wasn't wrong. As I was saying to Maester Aveyan the other day, 'so much to do and so little time'."

Aranuah laughed, then caught herself. "Are you quoting Emperor Nicovar at me? That's unfair and... wait who were you talking to?"

"Maester Aveyan. They're one of the Grendel merchants we've been negotiating with. They're after herbs, and paying good money for them. It's easy to forget sometimes that we're probably going to be at war with their people again by the end of the year. They're so easy to talk to, and they seem genuinely concerned about virtue and the problems Highguard is facing and..."

She trailed off, her eyes widening, a grim realisation blossoming. Aranuah bit her lip, leant forward to take Zalmonah's hands in hers.

"I'm sure it's fine." she said, calmly, reassuringly. "I'm sure they were just trying to make friends so they'd get a better rate. I'm sure it's nothing to worry about, Zal. I'm sure of it."

But Aranuah was not sure, not at all, and the two women stared at each other in worried silence.</ic>
<div style="float:left; width: 600px; clear: left;">{{CaptionedImage|file=Words Resounding.jpg|align=left|caption=We study history not to argue over the facts but to identify lessons that can inspire us today..|width=600}}</div>
==Overview==
The people of [[Highguard]], especially their priests, look outward toward the rest of the Empire, ready to offer aid to their younger siblings. Their [[Full_of_sacred_sound#A_Peerless_Kinship|peerless kinship]] is directed towards [[the Brass Coast]], offering their [[insight]] in [[Kahraman]] and their strength to their [[Questions_of_virtue#Our_Freeborn_Cousins|Freeborn cousins]] in retaking [[Feroz]] the same way they helped the [[Urizen]] reclaim [[Zenith]]. The [[Granite Pillar]] raced across half the Empire to accompany [[the Marches]] in [[welly boots|securing the borders]] of [[Bregasland]]. Their [[unconquered]], [[magister|magisters]] and [[wayfarer|wayfarers]] have offered their [[Full_of_sacred_sound#A_Peerless_Kinship|peerless kinship]] to the people of [[Varushka]] as they [[Pride and prejudice|Seek out the orcs]] that share their forests and work to [[Culling_the_threat#Reservation_of_Benefits|secure their eastern borders]]. In the process they [[Pride_and_prejudice#Mission_of_Mercy|found their own answer]] to the question of the virtue of the [[Thule]], and answer that potentially has far-reaching implications.

Of course not everyone welcomes the Highborn, nor sees the value of their aid and support. Yet the desire to reach out to their neighbours and cousins, allies and friends in the other nations is not diminished. When Highguard puts its mind to a virtuous course of action, very little can dissuade them from the path.
==Kinship and Greatness==
{{SOP|statement=When one nation reaches out to another seeking only to help we should not cut off our own arm to refuse it. Any nation that refuses any and all help from Highguard or any of our Empire's nations has severely misunderstood why Loyalty is so important: collaboration is our greater strength as ten nations under one throne.|by=Astrea of the Crystal Skies, Loyalty Assembly|vote=Greater Majority 287-0|when=Spring Equinox 385YE}}
* '''Several assemblies enacted mandates during the Spring Equinox related to Highguard'''
* '''The Highborn have three more opportunities to use their peerless kinship'''
''Eli'', ageing custodian of Walter's Tomb, proposed that the Empire is like a family of ten siblings, each with their own strengths. As the eldest, Highguard's primary role is to support their family, not only in war but in all things. In general, the other nations have at least tolerated the Highborn as they attempt to put this theory into practice. ''Astrea of the Crystal Skies'' in particular praised the virtue of the Highguard aspiration, and the [[Loyalty]] assembly agreed. However not all the nations agreed.

Three nations welcomed the Highborn interest in their [[statement of principle|statements of principle]], and reciprocated. '''[[385YE_Spring_Equinox_Synod_judgements#Judgement_104|Ophelia Sanguineo Rezia di Tassato]]''' of the [[the League]], '''[[385YE_Spring_Equinox_Synod_judgements#Judgement_147|Anastasiya Volkov]]''' of [[Varushka]], and '''[[385YE_Spring_Equinox_Synod_judgements#Judgement_76|Tarquinius Ankarien]]''' of [[Urizen]] were each sent out to urge their peers to witness the judgements of the Highborn Assembly by their National assemblies. The priests of these three nations can now respond to a [[mandate]] offered to the Highborn Assembly. They can submit an [[Mandate#Alternative_Mandates|alternative mandate]] before the summit begins - just like a regular alternative mandate - but this mandate will be in their own Assembly and will affect the priests of their own nation. Just as with the Highborn, they may choose to react in support of the issue or in opposition to the issue - as with any alternative mandate - but it will be their own nation that is most directly affected by the outcome - not Highguard. This ability remains available until the start of the Spring Equinox 386YE.

However the League Assembly also chose to reject any Highborn attempts to aid or assist them. '''Sofonisba Amilcara di Sarvos''' [[385YE_Spring_Equinox_Synod_judgements#Judgement_19|was chosen]] by the League national assembly to "''urge the people of the League to take pride in our history and refuse all aid from the Highborn''." As a consequence, Highguard cannot choose the League as the target of their [[Full_of_sacred_sound#A_Peerless_Kinship|peerless kinship]]. This leave five nations who ''can'' be aided - [[Dawn]], [[Imperial Orcs]], [[the Marches]], [[Wintermark]], and [[Varushka]]. [[Urizen]], [[Navarr]], and [[the Brass Coast]] have already received their aid, and [[the League]] refuse to accept it. As [[Full_of_sacred_sound#Partner_of_Greatness|explained last season]], a statement of principle in the Highborn assembly can name a nation to offer aid to, and the priests of that nation can use statements of their own to direct that aid where they think it will be most helpful to them.

<box><big>'''OOC Note on Alternative Mandates'''</big><br>
Highguard has a limited ability to raise an alternative mandate as a response to a mandate in the assembly of another nation. The League, Urizen and Varushka can raise a mandate in their own assembly in response to a mandate in the Highborn Assembly. In all cases the effects of these alternative mandates will be felt by the people of the nation that enacted the mandate.

A priest can urge people to pay attention to a problem or situation affecting another nation - but the response will always be in their own nation. This may lead to priests cooperating with each other, or it may lead to them acting at odds, or it may even mean that the nation responds to a similar problem in their own nation. In most cases it will not make the effects of the original mandate ''more powerful'' - it will simply produce a related response in another nation. As with any alternative mandate, the outcome will be made as clear as possible when the mandate is submitted.</box>

==Eyes of the Basilisk==
<div style="float:right; width: 600px; clear: right;"><quote by="Barachel of Adina's Charge, General of the Seventh Wave">My soldiers of the Seventh Wave, I am proud of what you have achieved. We are going home, to rearm and resupply. We shall not be idle, for idleness breeds vice. We shall be running a series of exercises to assess the strength and preparations of our shore defences. Any weakness in these defences, or spies compromising our security, shall be found, and in vigilance, for we know the Grendel plot against us.</quote></div>
* '''The Seventh Wave have uncovered a Grendel espionage ring in Necropolis'''
The Seventh Wave have not been in Highguard since 382YE. Since then they have fought the Grendel in [[the Brass Coast]], spent a year fighting to liberate Zenith, and took part in the [[Cost|savage fight]] that ultimately saw [[the Barrens]] liberated from the [[Druj]]. Now they have returned, resupplying and regrouping in [[Necropolis]]. Where another army might relish a chance to be on furlough, the Seventh Wave under '''Barachel of Adina's Charge''' refuse to rest, [[Vigilance|Vigilantly]] [[Army_qualities#Scouting|guarding the gates]] and doing whatever they can to try and secure the Highguard coast against the orcs of the Broken Shore.

Since the [[Ratify_treaty_with_the_Grendel_Autumn_383YE|peace treaty]] signed by the Imperial Senate two years ago, the [[Grendel]] have been sending merchants and traders to every port and town along the [[Bay of Catazar]]. Indeed, recent months have seen discussion in the Highborn Assembly about the virtue or lack thereof of [[Shallow_days#Visiting_Armadas|trading with Grendel]] desperate to secure a last few deals before the treaty comes to an end and war inevitably resumes. Their [[Imperial navy|navies]] have been sighted visiting every Imperial territory still remaining along the shores of the Bay - [[Madruga]], [[Sarvos]], [[Necropolis]], and [[Redoubt]], demonstrating their dominion of the seas.

It may come as no surprise then, to discover that the Highborn soldiers quickly uncover signs that the Grendel are engaging in extensive espionage in Necropolis. They have a long-established espionage ring in the territory, something akin to a [[spy network]] but much more difficult to root out. Any Grendel merchant that has visited the territory in the last two years might well have been a spy, or had a spy among their entourage. Any off-duty sailor visiting [[Necropolis#Sanctuary_Sand|Sanctuary]] or [[Necropolis#Longbeach|Crown's Quay]] could have been reporting back to a spy master; any Highborn citizen who spent time in casual conversation with an inquisitive mariner or merchant might have inadvertently revealed useful intelligence to a Grendel spy. Yet the Grendel do not do all their espionage work themselves; far from it. Instead, they are adept at finding citizens of the territory - human as often as not - prepared to occasionally send a little letter about what is going on in Necropolis to a friendly handler in return for money. Lots of money.

If the Grendel had just built a spy network, and had their soldiers sneaking around peering at things, it might be relatively easy to dismantle it. As it is, actually rooting out this poison in the fields of Highguard represents a significantly greater challenge.
===Suck the Poison===
* '''The Highborn National Assembly could use a mandate to empower the Seventh Wave to scour Grendel espionage rings from their territories'''
The main problem is that while there may be a few Highborn who are cynically selling out their own people in return for money, many more are either innocent dupes or are deluding themselves into the belief they are doing the right thing. One way to remove the insidious poison of the Grendel spymasters directly would be for the Highborn assembly to persuade their people they must consider the behaviour of their friends and enemies. and that they can sever their ties with the Grendel without being punished. This would take the form of a mandate.
{{Mandate|mandate=Vigilance teaches us to seek out falsehood, and reveal the truth. We send (named priest) with 50 doses of liao to urge the unconquered and the priests of our nation to help the Seventh Wave root out the poison in our fields.|assembly=Highguard National Assembly}}
If this mandate is enacted, then for the next year the Seventh Wave will be able to root out a Grendel espionage ring from a Highborn territory by issuing the ''Guard the Gates'' order while in that territory. They can only do this if they previously confirmed the presence of the ring or found evidence of its activities in some way - its not enough to suspect one is present or be told that there is espionage taking place. They will need to phrase their orders in such a way as to make it clear they are dealing with the spies and dismantling the Grendel's espionage ring. Only the Seventh Wave can take advantage of this mandate - it requires an army with the [[Army qualities#Scouting|scouting]] quality and it can only be done in a Highborn territory; if soldiers from another nation tried to do it they will inevitably cause extensive disruption. Winding up an espionage ring will create at least one opportunity to gain a piece of potentially useful or interesting information about the Grendel forces and strategies in the Bay of Catazar as part of their spying report, or as part of a skirmish opportunity.

Using the Seventh Wave, however, is by no means the only way the espionage ring in Necropolis might be dealt with. For that matter, the confirmation of spies in Necropolis raises a whole host of other questions.
===Be Alert to Dangers===
* '''It's likely the Grendel have spy networks across the entire Bay of Catazar'''
It seems very unlikely, almost inconceivable, that the Grendel have only established spies in Necropolis. They almost certainly have espionage networks in Madruga, Sarvos, and Redoubt as well, and possibly even [[Tassato]] (it's never been entirely clear how many of the Salt Lords consider Tassato to be on the Bay of Catazar even though the city itself it is some distance inland). There may also be spies in [[Spiral]] that Salt Lord Kaliact is unaware of who may need to be dealt with.

Any Imperial army able to take the ''Guard the Gates'' order can try and find an espionage ring, but as mentioned above it is no simple matter to actually root the Grendel out. Their spies are well embedded in the territory, and there's no guarantee that each nation's people have responded the same way to approaches from "inquisitive orc merchants". Regardless, the first stage to removing the spies is to determine if they are there, and where they are.

While the Highborn National Assembly can use a mandate to support the Seventh Wave, that's only one possible solution to the problem. The [[Assembly#Assembly_of_the_Nine|Assembly of the Nine]] could instruct the [[Silent Bell (Sodality)|Silent Bell]] to look for an espionage ring in a territory, or try and dismantle one that has already been discovered. The [[Shuttered Lantern]] could also be engaged to root out or destroy an espionage ring. The [[Imperial Senate]] could instruct the [[Appraisal#The_Prognosticators_Office|Prognosticator's Office]] to [[appraisal|appraise]] methods of finding and shutting the Grendel spies down. It's not possible to predict what [[opportunity]] would arise, and there are any number of other ways that an espionage ring might be found or disrupted. What is certain however is that none of these methods are likely to be cheaper or easier than that presented to the Highborn.

Of course the Empire might decide that it doesn't matter that the Grendel know what their armies are doing; or that the orcs may be engaged in a complex double-bluff hinting that there are spies where there are not to spread uncertainty, in which case they can ignore the potential spies. Either way the Empire needs to be cautious about how they proceed; simply telling everyone there are Grendel spies and traitors among them is a recipe for people taking the law into their own hands - especially in the League with the [[Don't blame me|inspiration]] of [[Ratibor of Temeschwar|Ratibor]] fresh in peoples' minds. Creating this kind of disruption at exactly the wrong moment is likely playing straight into the Grendel's hands.

==Glare of the Noonday Sun==
* '''The priests of Highguard have taken direct action to destroy the last major Druj miasma pillars left in Zenith'''
* '''The Urizeni of the Hall of the Newborn Sun propose a gift be given to whomever was most responsible for removing the hateful miasma from Zenith'''
* '''The arbiter of the temple spire has asked the Imperial Conclave to determine who is the most suitable recipient of the gift, ideally making it part of their regalia'''
<div style="float:right; width: 500px; clear: right;"><box>'''<big>Hall of the Newborn Sun</big>'''<br>The [[Some_heavenly_music#Hall_of_the_Newborn_Sun|Hall of the Neborn Sun]] is made up of [[questor|questors]] and [[illuminate|illuminates]] whose [[spire#Temple|temple]] once stood in [[Zenith#Occursion|Occursion]]. When the [[orc|orcs]] came some of the inhabitants were able to flee with the aid of the [[Highguard|Highborn]] armies but many of the most devout were captured attempting to rescue the centuries of philosophical texts held in the cathedral library. They were left to labour as slaves of the Druj until finally the [[383YE_Spring_Equinox_winds_of_war#Zenith|desperate rescue]] of 383YE brought them to safety. The reunited priests founded a new spire - the Hall of the Newborn Sun - in the mountains of south-eastern [[Morrow]], not far from [[Morrow#The_Three_Watchers|the Three Watchers]]. Their new arbiter, ''Aphrodias of the Newborn Sun'', recently arranged for one of their grimoires, the [[Some_heavenly_music#Book_of_the_Restless_Spirit|Book of the Restless Spirit]], be included in [[Urizen lore]], eventually securing a [[384YE_Autumn_Equinox_Synod_judgements#Judgement_27|judgement]] from the [[General Assembly]] that recognised the practice of [[Schisms_and_Heresies#The_Lucidian_Blasphemy_.2F_Auran_Idolatry|Lucidianism]] was neither heresy nor blasphemy as long as it did not lead to preaching [[Religious_crime#Desecration|desecration]].<br><br>After a great deal of argument, it appears that the majority of the Urizeni living at the Hall of the Newborn Sun have decided to stay in Morrow for the time being, perhaps establishing a new spire in Zenith in a generation or so once the place begins to feel a little cramped. But they still feel a connection to their former home, and keep a close eye on what is going on in the liberated land.</box></div>
With the Granite Pillar needed elsewhere, it fell to '''Isaac of the Silent Tide''', [[Speaker of the Highborn Assembly]], to deal with the last major [[Druj_miasma#Miasma_Pillars|Druj miasma pillars]] in [[Zenith]]. They gathered a cadre of priests, exorcists, guardians, and cataphracts, and with a sack of [[liao]] proceeded to [[Zenith#Clypion|Clypion]] and destroyed the remaining pillars, completing the work of the [[Imperial Senate]] and '''General Asenath'''. As the Summer Solstice approaches, the last of the hateful miasma that still hung in tatters across the territory fades like early morning mist beneath the noonday sun of virtue.

Many Urizeni feel a sense of gratitude to the Highborn - a significant number of them are still alive because the armies of Highborn fought the advancing Druj to allow them time to flee west to Morrow. In particular, the [[questor|questors]] and [[illuminate|illuminates]] of the ''Hall of the Newborn Sun'' in [[Morrow]] have been tracking the destruction of the miasma pillars with interest. Now that they are gone, after almost a month of arguing, they have announced their intention to offer a gift of thanks to those who helped free the territory from the oppressive aura the pillars created. Unfortunately, they cannot reach an accord on who precisely to give it to.

The plan is proposed initially on the assumption it will be given to the Speaker for the Highborn Assembly; there's little doubt that the priests of Highguard have been heavily involved in removing the miasma. Then another faction argues that it is the Highborn generals who should be recognised - their commitment to freeing the people of Zenith was made every clear on numerous occasions. A third, roughly equivalent faction instead agree with the National Assembly [[384YE_Winter_Solstice_Synod_judgements#Judgement_6|judgement]] that it was actually the Courage of the people of Urizen, and '''Clytemnestra of the House of the Wanderer''' especially, that ultimately allowed the Druj to be defeated; without that first victory there would have been no opportunity to remove the miasma at all. Others point to the general of the [[Citadel Guard]], or to the League generals whose timely aid bolstered the armies enough to win the war.

In the end, [[arbiter]] ''Aphrodias of the Newborn Sun'' steps in and puts an end to the argument. It's clear that everyone is in agreement that ''someone'' should be recognised for the fact the soul- and thought-destroying miasma is gone. Rather than split the temple, they call on the [[Imperial Conclave]] to decide exactly who gets that gift of recognition. A solution, it must be said, that makes everyone equally unhappy, and perhaps demonstrates why Aphrodias is able to keep their position as arbiter of a particularly argumentative spire.

The gift has been handed to the civil service, and its disposition is left to the [[declaration]] of [[Endowment]]. The Halls of the Newborn Sun ask that if at all possible the item be made ''regalia'' of an [[Imperial title]] rather than simply bestowed on an individual. They have suggested Speaker for the Highborn Assembly, or any of the Generals who fought in Zenith, but they understand the [[Net of the Heavens]] enough to know that the obvious person taking action is not always the person most instrumental in making that action take place. As such, if the gift is endowed on a citizen who does not have a title, or whose title is incidental to their role in helping remove the miasma from Zenith, then they will understand. They only ask that the declaration of Endowment make clear ''why'' their gift is being bestowed on the recipient. There is no immediate rush - the gift will remain in the hands of the civil service until it is endowed, or until the Conclave reject the gift (with a suitably worded Endowment or Concord).

It seems that the gift they are delivering is a rare piece of Urizen and Highborn history - one of the original three [[Atun's Ring|Atun's Rings]] given by the [[magister|magisters]] of Highguard to the [[mage|mages]] of Urizen during the earliest years of relations between the two nations developing diplomatically.

==A Sacred City==
{{SOP|statement=We show our virtue through deeds, not folly. The piling of stone in Bastion may suit the whims of Highguard, but we shall not let our own Prosperity or Pride suffer for its execution. We urge citizens of the League not to assist in the aggrandisement of the White City, except when through fair trade their own Prosperity might grow.|by=Fabio Costas de Sarvos|vote=Greater Majority 306-61|when=Spring Equinox 385YE}}
* '''The grand project to create a city dedicated to the Imperial interpretation of the Way to eclipse Timoj is still being discussed'''
* '''An inspirational design has not been settled on; the project cannot yet be commissioned'''
* '''The League National Assembly criticises the scheme, and may urge their people to have nothing to do with it'''
Following the [[appraisal]] commissioned during the Winter Solstice, a plan to [[Blood will thicken|build a wonder of the world]] at [[Bastion#Bastion.2C_the_White_City|Bastion]] was laid out. before any work can begin, an inspiration of appropriate [[Blood_will_thicken#Scale_and_Grandeur|scale and grandeur]] is required. The virtuous [[Blood_will_thicken#A_Contest_of_Imagination|contest]] proposed by the Highborn [[chapter]] of ''Pharos' Water'' is ongoing; the [[Assembly#Assembly_of_the_Nine|Assembly of the Nine]] has not yet issued a [[statement of principle]] indicating the design they think should serve as the basis for the grand project to rebuild Bastion as a beacon for the Imperial philosophy of the Way.

Not everyone, however, has welcomed the appraisal and discussion about this sacred city. The League National Assembly supported a statement of principle raised by '''Fabio Costas de Sarvos''', denouncing the entire scheme as unvirtuous and urging citizens of the League not to assist in the aggrandisement of the White City.
{{Mandate|mandate=This plan to aggrandize Bastion and the priests of Highguard is folly, and we will not let our Prosperity and Pride suffer for its execution. We send (named priest) with 25 liao to urge all citizens of the League to focus their attention on their own cities, not those of the Highborn|assembly=League National Assembly}}
If this mandate were enacted, it would prevent any aid from the League towards the holy city in Bastion. Furthermore no statements of principle calling on the League to support building efforts outside of their own cities would result in an [[opportunity]] for at least the next year.

'''Dinah of Jeremiah's Welcome''' has offered an alternate mandate, using the [[Full_of_sacred_sound#Partner_of_Greatness|Partners of Greatness]] power, to the Highguard National Assembly.

{{Mandate|mandate=The Assembly of the League name our efforts to exalt Bastion to be ‘folly’, as if the construction of splendid cities were not the very deed their nation is founded on. Let us respond to this insult with Pride and demonstrate what we can do without the League's aid. We send {named priest} with 25 doses of liao to remind our citizens why the founders of the League approached Bastion to discuss the White City's place in their nation, and why we declined.|assembly=Highborn National Assembly}}

If enacted this mandate would stop any work being done on the grand project of the Way if the design chosen was submitted by a citizen of the League.

==Virtue and Reward==
{{SOP|statement=Remodelling Bastion with a Grand Inspiration of the Way will be the work of ages and a legacy of our Empire. The sizeable resource investment required (1000 wains of white granite) means a collective effort will be required. We propose that the virtue fund is utilised to provide some of this and bring the project to a swifter completion. The project is not yet commissioned, but for something of this scale and obvious virtue Wisdom dictates we start preparing now.|by=Pontus Figures, Judgement of Rewarding|vote= 740-369|when=Spring Equinox 385YE}}
* '''The Constitutional Court has reviewed the status of titles that can remove money automatically from the Virtue Fund and identified an error'''
* '''The Seer of the Gateway, the Imperial Chaplain Consular, and the High Exorcist will lose their power to withdraw funds'''
* '''Administrative motions have been raised for the Saturday evening Senate Session to determine if the removed power will be replaced with a stipend'''
* '''The General Assembly, and the assemblies responsible for each title, may be able to secure additional support for these titles with statements of principle'''
On the subject of the sacred city... during the Spring Equinox '''Pontius Figures''' of the Words, Numbers, Figures, and Knotes organisation in [[Dawn]] raised a judgement of [[rewarding]] calling for a "''sizeable resource investment''" and a "''collective effort''" to provide the [[white granite]] needed. They proposed that the ''Virtue Fund'' be used to provide some of the money needed to buy resources, even though the project has not yet been commissioned, Indeed, the finished by suggesting that "''Wisdom dictates we start preparing now''" and there are several priests who agree with them. There's still [[Blood_will_thicken#No_Price_Is_Too_High|plenty of opportunity]] for individual National Assemblies to urge their nations to support the project if they wish, but it might not be impossible to arrange something with regard to the virtue fund that goes beyond a simple Rewarding. Before such a thing could happen, though, a well-worded statement of principle in the General Assembly that achieved a [[greater majority]] would be required.
<div style="float:right; width: 600px; clear: right;">{{CaptionedImage|file=Words in the Head.jpg|align=left|caption=Thoughts and feelings are never virtuous or vile. It is only the actions that you undertake that demonstrate your worth.|width=600}}</div>
The rewarding does, however, focus the attention of the civil service to the Virtue Fund. [[Appraisal#Naomi_of_Virtue.27s_Rest|Naomi of Virtue's Rest]], the [[Appraisal#The_Prognosticators_Office|prognosticator]] who arranged the [[appraisal]] that lead to the proposal of the Sacred City has been following discussions around the scheme with particular interest. While reviewing Imperial Synod records however, she notived something that struck her as odd, and raised it with her superiors. Specifically, the fact that the [[Imperial Senate]] has given several [[Imperial title|Imperial titles]] the ability to automatically take money from the virtue fund through judgements of Rewarding that cannot be opposed. Is this constitutional, she innocently asks?

After weeks of argument, the Constitutional Court has been forced to admit that it is simply ''not'' constitutional on any level. Just as the Senate cannot create a title with votes in the Imperial Synod that is appointed by any house other than the Imperial Synod, so it was wrong for them to allow the Senate to give ''any'' Imperial title the ability to simply take funds from the Virtue Fund without the approval of the Imperial Synod. Those funds are the property of the Imperial Synod, the Senate cannot access them in this way. If the Senate wishes to reward a title with funds, they must do it from the [[Imperial treasury]] via a [[New_Imperial_titles#Stipend|stipend]], not take it from the resources of another house. The Court acknowledge their error, and apologize for not identifying this at the time and preventing it then.

The titles affected are the [[Seer of the Gateway#Withdraw Funds|Seer of the Gateway]] (5 Thrones), the [[Imperial Chaplain Consular#WithdrawFunds|Imperial Chaplain Consular]] (five Thrones), and the [[High Exorcist#Withdraw Funds|High Exorcist]] (7 Thrones). Regardless of the amounts involved, it is simply not legal for the Imperial Senate to give an Imperial title the ability to take someone else's property in this way without any possibility for them to gainsay the decision. This situation cannot continue, and these power to ''Withdraw Funds'' must be stripped from the titles, but they are keen that the titles involved not be "punished" for the Court's failure.

As such the civil service will be raising three [[Senate_motion#Administrative_Motions|administrative motions]] to amend each of the titles, allowing the Senate to vote on whether to provide them with a stipend following the normal rules for providing funding. If the Senate votes against the motion, the title receives nothing. If they vote in favour, they will have the usual ability to vote on how large the stipend should be. To give the citizens involved the opportunity to speak to their Senators and rally support from their assemblies, the Constitutional Court has requested that the administrative motions take place at the start of the Saturday evening session of the Senate. The [[Speaker_for_the_Senate|Office of the Speaker]] - the Civil Servants who support the Senate - has suggested that the three affected title holders could come to speak with them at [[Anvil#The Hub|the Hub]] on Friday evening to sort out how best to proceed and to offer advice or guidance as needed.

It is also possible that the Imperial Synod may choose to step in, and call for the people of the Empire to help support these titles. Suitably worded statements of principle that achieve a greater majority may lead to an [[opportunity]] to support one or more of the titles. This will be most likely if the Statement is raised in the General Assembly, but the Assembly of Nine might also be able to secure some support for the Seer of the Gateway and the High Exorcist, while the Assembly of the Way might be able to secure support for the Imperial Chaplain Consular. It's unlikely that a statement in a National or Virtue assembly would create a response ''unless'' the wording of the statement was clear about how the duties of the title supported the goals of the people of that nation, or of that virtue. It's also worth noting that there is nothing to stop anyone calling for support for one or more of these titles even though the Senate has agreed to provide them a stipend.

Regardless of what happens, the three titles will ''not'' be able to use the withdraw funds power going forward, and the Constitutional Court are clear they will allow no future titles to be granted the ability to take funds from the Synod. By extension, they would also not approve a title that could take mana from the Conclave font.
===OOC Design===
Following the last event we noticed there was a significant error on our part in allowing the Imperial Senate to give to titles the power to take money from the Virtue fund. Rather than fund these titles with the money they control, the Imperial treasury, the Senate was funding the titles with money they categorically do not control, the Virtue fund. It's a crucial part of our game that we put key limits in place on what the Imperial Senate can and cannot do, otherwise as the most powerful body in the game, there is a risk that all power ends up in the hands of senators. The idea that the Senate can give out the funds allocated to other houses is very bad for the game - so in-character it is completely unconstitutional and illegal for them to do that.

While we appreciate that the title holders will be disappointed to lose their access to the Virtue fund, it is important to be clear that that power should never have been allowed in the first place. It is fine that they have enjoyed the benefits for some time, the actual title holders have done nothing wrong. This is our error, not theirs - however we can't keep letting these tiles remove significant amounts of money from the Virtue fund without the approval of the Synod. The point of the virtue fund is for priests to argue over the disposition of funds, having someone able to remove the money without that element goes completely contrary to the game design.

We've presented the update here as part of a wind of fortune, but we want to be clear that this is a game update that we've made for OOC reasons around game design, and ongoing management of the game. We've included it as part of this wind of fortune because we want to provide in-character encourage for the title holders to petition the Senate for the support the Senate indicated they should be getting and to create an opportunity for them to encourage the Imperial Synod to push for these titles to get additional support.

Obviously any Imperial priest can submit a judgement of rewarding, asking the Imperial Synod to authorise a disbursement from the Virtue fund for one or all of these titles. There is absolutely no problem with these titles being granted money from the Virtue fund by the Imperial Synod - but that has to be a decision the Synod takes each time, it cannot be something that Senate determines happens automatically.

==Further Reading==
* [[Pieces missing everywhere]] - 385YE Spring wind of fortune dealing with Highguard and response to their new direction
* [[Blood will thicken]] - 385YE Spring wind of fortune dealing with the appraisal leading to the sacred city proposal
* [[Full of sacred sound]] - 384YE Winter wind of fortune talking out the new abilities of the Highborn assembly

<ic>Captain Saul stared at the report with a sinking feeling. "There's no possibility this is a mistake?" he queried.

"I'm afraid not sir" said Ruth replied shaking her head. "All the evidence points to this. It's well hidden - we'd never have found the evidence if we hadn't spent the season scouting the area. And it's well-established, I dread to think how long it's been there but it's at least two years. We don't know exactly how they've done it, but they've definitely got some kind of well-organised espionage ring based here in Necropolis."

"How is that different to a spy network?" Saul queried. The report laid everything out in excruciating detail but he wanted to check his understanding before he reported to General Barachel.

"It's not one single location. We can't just find their headquarters and roll it up. This is a network of agents distributed across the territory. It will be much harder to root out the poison, assuming we even can. With a network, you can track the movements of scouts and other soldiers to work out where it's based from. They aren't using military scouts to operate this network, they're using merchants and money to get their information. It's probably more expensive but it's much more subtle and it'll be harder to counter."

Next he asked how long it had been happening to which she shook her head. "We can't be certain at this point" she caveated, "but we think that all things considered it ''probably'' started after the peace treaty was signed. It would be incredibly hard for them to send merchants to the Empire looking to buy information while we're at war with them, but we can't rule out that they've had agents - knowing or unknowing - in Necropolis for a long time."

"We let our guard down I suppose..." Saul mused. "Peace has always has a price, Emperor James taught us that" he said wistfully. He contemplated the report and tried to think what questions the general was going to throw at him. "How come we don't do this?" he asked, almost rhetorically.

Ruth shrugged. "Maybe the Grendel are just a lot more obsessed with spying on their enemies than we are Captain?" she guessed.</ic>

Assassin's Gate

2023-07-22T13:41:34Z

Gamma3000: Redirected page to The Assassin's Gate

#REDIRECT [[The Assassin's Gate]]

Forums & Facebook

2023-07-16T17:07:18Z

Gamma3000: Update numbers

==Introduction==
With around three thousand players at each event, Empire has an active online community that use a wide range of different social media. We maintain our own Facebook groups and forums for users to discuss the game and related issues but there are also a plethora of Facebook groups used by different groups of players.

==Forum==
Profound Decisions also host their own [http://forums.profounddecisions.co.uk/ official Empire forum] for players and crew alike. These forums are moderated by the same team that supervise all our official Facebook groups to ensure posts remain civil and relevant. They are a great place to chat with the game designers or the crew about any aspect of Empire especially for those who prefer the kind of longer, more thoughtful conversations, that forums encourage.

<table class="wikitable" style="width:280px; float: right; margin-left:10px; margin-right: 10px; clear: right;">
<tr><th>Empire Forums And Facebook</th></tr>
<tr><td>
* [https://forums.profounddecisions.co.uk/ Official Empire Forums]
* [https://www.facebook.com/empire.lrp Main Facebook page]
* [https://www.facebook.com/groups/empirelrp Main Facebook group]
* [https://www.facebook.com/groups/playersupport Player Support]
</td></tr>
</table>
==Facebook Page and Group==
We maintain our own [https://www.facebook.com/empire.lrp official Facebook page] which we try to update regularly with blog posts and important news about the game. If you just want to keep abreast of the latest news it is worth liking and following the page.

In addition we run the [https://www.facebook.com/groups/empirelrp/ Empire Facebook group] where participants can discuss anything Empire related. The group is firmly moderated to ensure that conversations remain polite and on-topic. If you want to have a public discussion with the game designers or the crew about any aspect of Empire then this is a great place for it.

==Player Support & New Player Help==
We also have an official Facebook group that is just for [https://www.facebook.com/groups/playersupport/ providing support for players] especially for new players who are seeking help. If you are new to the game and full of questions then this is the best place to start your journey. There are lots of players in the group who are keen to help as well as key members of our player support team who are on hand to help you get questions answered and problems sorted.

==Nation Groups==
We also operate an official Facebook group for each of the nations. These are a great place to chat with other participants who play in that nation and also help with things like camp planning and pointing people towards groups that are looking for new characters.

<row-fluid>
<span3>{{CaptionedImage|file=BrassCoastTrader.jpg|caption=[https://www.facebook.com/groups/481197761897569/ The Brass Coast]}}</span3>
<span3>{{CaptionedImage|file=DawnFighting2.jpg|caption=[https://www.facebook.com/groups/401633306545071/ Dawn]}}</span3>
<span3>{{CaptionedImage|file=HighguardStandard.jpg|caption=[https://www.facebook.com/groups/208819129244083/ Highguard]}}</span3>
<span3>{{CaptionedImage|file=OrcGroup2.jpg|caption=[https://www.facebook.com/groups/158687267598665/ Imperial Orcs]}}</span3>
</row-fluid>

<row-fluid>
<span3>{{CaptionedImage|file=LeaguePriestCrop.jpg|caption=[https://www.facebook.com/groups/459784360702068/ The League]}}</span3>
<span3>{{CaptionedImage|file=JohnKnockingOrcOver.jpg|caption=[https://www.facebook.com/groups/146423572116922/ The Marches]}}</span3>
<span3>{{CaptionedImage|file=NavarrWarrior.JPG|caption=[https://www.facebook.com/groups/476962795649090/ Navarr]}}</span3>
<span3>{{CaptionedImage|file=UrizenMage2.jpg|caption=[https://www.facebook.com/groups/470732939604433/ Urizen]}}</span3>
</row-fluid>

<row-fluid>
<span3>{{CaptionedImage|file=VarushkanWarrior.jpg|caption=[https://www.facebook.com/groups/459784360702068/ Varushka]}}</span3>
<span3>{{CaptionedImage|file=KallavesiMystic2.jpg|caption=[https://www.facebook.com/groups/301940076567407/ Wintermark]}}</span3>
</row-fluid>

==Unofficial Facebook Groups==
There are a plethora of Empire Facebook groups that have been created by players. These groups are not official and are not moderated by Profound Decisions. They are a good place to go if you are interested in talking to other players about a specific aspect of the game. They include a Facebook group for each of the lineage options (listed below)
<div style="display: grid; grid-template-columns: 1fr 1fr 1fr; gap: 12px;">
<div>
* [https://www.facebook.com/groups/1057225621015403 Stitching Squad]
* [https://www.facebook.com/groups/205372172927561/ Parents]
* [https://www.facebook.com/groups/285396931593899 Photography]
* [https://www.facebook.com/groups/359403560824018 Travel Arrangements]
* [https://www.facebook.com/groups/365552780230761 Kit Sales and Swaps]
* [https://www.facebook.com/groups/165082270686010 Empire Fanfiction]
* [https://www.facebook.com/groups/empirechesshub Empire Chess Club]
</div>
<div>
* [https://www.facebook.com/groups/2021929444528461 LGBTQ+ Empire Players]
* [https://www.facebook.com/groups/582931741870887 Spoonie + Disabled Larpers]
</div>
<div>
* [https://www.facebook.com/groups/218725734938296/ Briar]
* [https://www.facebook.com/groups/136200783196741/ Cambion]
* [https://www.facebook.com/groups/377347932346289/ Changeling]
* [https://www.facebook.com/groups/413971382005569/ Draughir]
* [https://www.facebook.com/groups/301021356671320/ Merrow]
* [https://www.facebook.com/groups/166705633475863/ Naga]
</div>
</div>
Please note that these groups are unofficial so they are not moderated by us!

Event information

2023-07-13T19:51:11Z

Gamma3000: /* GOD and registration */ whitespace

==Overview==
The following event information is applicable for all our events. Please feel free to point people to this page if they are looking for information on details for times, dates and other recurring event details.

==Tickets==
When you book for an event the system will try to email you a booking confirmation email with an attached pdf ticket. Please print the ticket out, or bring it with you on your phone if that's easier. If you don't use email, you can log in to your PD account and download your ticket at any time. You will be asked to show your ticket when you arrive at the gate.

If you are not sure if you are booked for the event, then you can check your booking status by logging in to [http://www.profounddecisions.co.uk/home your PD account] or by [mailto:admin@profounddecisions.co.uk emailing the head office].

Please make sure that you have entered your car registration number on your PD account if you are travelling by car.

If you have claimed the concessionary ticket price, please make sure that you email a copy of your proof of eligibility to the head office or bring a copy with you to the event.

==Arrival Times==
Players are allowed on site from 13:00 hrs (1pm) on the Thursday before the event starts. There is an additional charge of £5 to arrive one day early; this is paid on the gate and MUST be paid separately. There is a card reader, but the signal is variable so it may be quicker to pay with cash.

The gate will close at approximately 10pm and will open again at 10am on Friday morning. If you are arriving after this time, there will be a number on the gate that you can call and security will open the gate to allow you in.
{{CaptionedImage|file=DaveMcKennaWiki.jpg|align=left|width=300}}
==Time in==
Empire begins at 6pm on Friday and ends at 1 am that night. On Saturday time in begins at 10 am and ends at 1am.
On the last day of an event time in begins at 10 am and ends at 3pm.

All players must be off site by the evening of the last day.

==GOD and registration==
GOD – the Game Operations Desk – is a central out-of-character place for any queries, and a central PD contact point during events.

Before you go into play, you should go to GOD pick up your character pack. This includes your character passport – a description of the basic system information about your character – as well as your character's money, ribbons for any special items, and cards for mana crystals, liao and herbs.

<div style="clear:left;">
GOD's typical opening hours will be:

* Thursday: 8pm–10pm
* Friday: 1pm–4pm and 5pm–1am
* Saturday: 10am–1am
* Sunday: 10am–5pm
</div>

These times – particularly on Thursday and Friday before time in – are subject to change according to crew needs and how our event preparations are going.


==Weapons Check==
Bring your weapons to the weapon check point on the main road at the bottom end of the Highguard camp just down from GOD to get them checked by a Profound Decisions weapons checker before use. There will be a large grey banner on the tent to identify it. The best time to get your weapon checked is Friday day before the event starts where possible.

If you are taking part in the battles then your weapons will need checking before each battle. The first time you get your weapon checked we will put a coloured rubber band coded for the event on it. On Saturday any weapon that isn't banded will be checked before it can be taken on the battlefield. On Sunday we will check all weapons before they go on the battlefield.

Any weapon that fails a safety check will be tagged with a weapon-fail cable-tie and must be put stowed in an OOC area (or at GOD if you don't have access to any OOC area) until the end of the event.

==Telephone==
For appropriate use only, our on-site mobile number is 07817 133793. This will be manned by Profound Decisions event team on the run up to the event, and held by our security team throughout the event. If you need to get hold of Profound Decisions to report an emergency then you can call this number.
{{CaptionedImage|file=Mhorish.jpg|align=right|width=500|caption=Mhorish Goodfood}}

==First Aid==
* '''First aid is available 24/7 throughout the event'''
The First Aid tent is immediately in front of GOD. Qualified first aid staff are available at all times here or via GOD. Please report any medical problems to First Aid or to any member of staff with a radio.


==Food and Drink==
Drinks and snacks are available from our fully IC tavern. The bar will be serving drinks on Thursday evening, but is OOC until time in on Friday. We have a wide range of caterers serving food and drinks listed below.


===Bean There Drunk That===
[https://www.facebook.com/beantheredrunkthat/ Bean There Drunk That] specialises in artisan coffee and fresh-fruit smoothies. We use high-end beans from one of the country's finest roasters. Always Organic, Direct-Trade and freshly roasted in small-batches, there's a real difference in both flavours and effect when compared to a standard espresso.

Our fresh-fruit smoothies are really popular with kids and we offer a selection of milkshakes, iced-coffees, specials and range of snacks.

===Cantina El Burrito===
The [[Cantina El Burrito]] will be providing a range of tasty Mexican dishes. For more details of the planned menu see the [[Cantina El Burrito]] page.

{{PDFLink|caption=Jabberwocky menu|link=https://www.profounddecisions.co.uk/resources/downloads/LARPMenuApril2022.pdf|align=left}}

===Fresh Roots===
Fresh Roots will be serving a range of vegetarian meals from the OOC trader line near GOD.

===Jabberwocky===
A wide range of delicious toasties starting from £5. All our toasties are made using local bread and high quality ingredients from local independent suppliers. Sandwiches are toasted to order on our unique presses.

Please see the Jabberwocky pdf menu for all products and prices.

===Mhorish Goodfood===
Mhorish will be serving tasty, filling, hot meals from the kitchen next to the Skian Mhor trade stall in the market place.
<div style="display: grid; grid-template-columns: 1fr 1fr; grid-gap: 10px;">
<div>
* Specials/Breakfast: £8
* 100 % Beef Burger - £6.50
* Cheese Burger - £7
* Double Cheese Burger - £10
** + bacon/black pud - £1<br>
** + egg/cheese – 50p<br>
* Chicken Burger - £6.50
* Mozzarella Burger (v) - £6.50
</div>
<div>
* Spicy Bean Burger (ve) - £6.50
* 6 chicken nuggets and Chips - £5
* Chips - £2.50
* Cheesy Chips - £3
* 3 things in a thing - £5
** Bacon, Sausage, black pudding, egg, veggie sausage. Cheese extra 50p
* Mighty Mhorish - £11
** Burger, sausage, bacon, black pudding, fried egg, and cheese.
</div>
</div>

Meal tickets are currently £7 per meal, so cheaper to buy in advanced. We also offer a 50p discount if you bring your own food receptacle and cutlery and/or drink receptacle.

===Pizza Yule Love===
Delicious 12" pizzas starting from £8.00 and cooked in ninety seconds. The new menu includes three types of veggie pizzas and the option for vegan cheese as well as their monster nachos that's enough to feed 4 hungry Larpers which comes in meat, veggie or vegan options goes down a storm at other events.

===Smokey Hole===
Smokey Hole will be serving good quality burgers and sausages from their stall on the edge of the Varushkan on the road leading to GOD. Breakfast is bacon sausage or vegan bap for £4, or £5 with a coffee. Lunch is a huge cumberland sausage for £6.50, 6 oz cheeseburger for £7.50, or carvery roast pork bap with apple sauce for £6. Dinner is BBQ pulled pork baps with cheese.

===Yuleys Bratwurst===
Yuleys Bratwurst sells a range of different bratwurst all cooked on charcoal. All served with German condiments, Mustard, Curry and Tom ketch in a soft sub roll.
* 20” long Pork Bratwurst - £8
* 10” long Pork Bratwurst, Ham and Cheese Bratwurst, Ham Bratwurst - £6

[[Category:Events]]

Event information

2023-07-13T19:50:50Z

Gamma3000: /* GOD and registration */ formatting

==Overview==
The following event information is applicable for all our events. Please feel free to point people to this page if they are looking for information on details for times, dates and other recurring event details.

==Tickets==
When you book for an event the system will try to email you a booking confirmation email with an attached pdf ticket. Please print the ticket out, or bring it with you on your phone if that's easier. If you don't use email, you can log in to your PD account and download your ticket at any time. You will be asked to show your ticket when you arrive at the gate.

If you are not sure if you are booked for the event, then you can check your booking status by logging in to [http://www.profounddecisions.co.uk/home your PD account] or by [mailto:admin@profounddecisions.co.uk emailing the head office].

Please make sure that you have entered your car registration number on your PD account if you are travelling by car.

If you have claimed the concessionary ticket price, please make sure that you email a copy of your proof of eligibility to the head office or bring a copy with you to the event.

==Arrival Times==
Players are allowed on site from 13:00 hrs (1pm) on the Thursday before the event starts. There is an additional charge of £5 to arrive one day early; this is paid on the gate and MUST be paid separately. There is a card reader, but the signal is variable so it may be quicker to pay with cash.

The gate will close at approximately 10pm and will open again at 10am on Friday morning. If you are arriving after this time, there will be a number on the gate that you can call and security will open the gate to allow you in.
{{CaptionedImage|file=DaveMcKennaWiki.jpg|align=left|width=300}}
==Time in==
Empire begins at 6pm on Friday and ends at 1 am that night. On Saturday time in begins at 10 am and ends at 1am.
On the last day of an event time in begins at 10 am and ends at 3pm.

All players must be off site by the evening of the last day.

==GOD and registration==
GOD – the Game Operations Desk – is a central out-of-character place for any queries, and a central PD contact point during events.

Before you go into play, you should go to GOD pick up your character pack. This includes your character passport – a description of the basic system information about your character – as well as your character's money, ribbons for any special items, and cards for mana crystals, liao and herbs.

<div style="clear:left;">
GOD's typical opening hours will be:

* Thursday: 8pm–10pm
* Friday: 1pm–4pm and 5pm–1am
* Saturday: 10am–1am
* Sunday: 10am–5pm
</div>

These times – particularly on Thursday and Friday before time in – are subject to change according to crew needs and how our event preparations are going.




==Weapons Check==
Bring your weapons to the weapon check point on the main road at the bottom end of the Highguard camp just down from GOD to get them checked by a Profound Decisions weapons checker before use. There will be a large grey banner on the tent to identify it. The best time to get your weapon checked is Friday day before the event starts where possible.

If you are taking part in the battles then your weapons will need checking before each battle. The first time you get your weapon checked we will put a coloured rubber band coded for the event on it. On Saturday any weapon that isn't banded will be checked before it can be taken on the battlefield. On Sunday we will check all weapons before they go on the battlefield.

Any weapon that fails a safety check will be tagged with a weapon-fail cable-tie and must be put stowed in an OOC area (or at GOD if you don't have access to any OOC area) until the end of the event.

==Telephone==
For appropriate use only, our on-site mobile number is 07817 133793. This will be manned by Profound Decisions event team on the run up to the event, and held by our security team throughout the event. If you need to get hold of Profound Decisions to report an emergency then you can call this number.
{{CaptionedImage|file=Mhorish.jpg|align=right|width=500|caption=Mhorish Goodfood}}

==First Aid==
* '''First aid is available 24/7 throughout the event'''
The First Aid tent is immediately in front of GOD. Qualified first aid staff are available at all times here or via GOD. Please report any medical problems to First Aid or to any member of staff with a radio.


==Food and Drink==
Drinks and snacks are available from our fully IC tavern. The bar will be serving drinks on Thursday evening, but is OOC until time in on Friday. We have a wide range of caterers serving food and drinks listed below.


===Bean There Drunk That===
[https://www.facebook.com/beantheredrunkthat/ Bean There Drunk That] specialises in artisan coffee and fresh-fruit smoothies. We use high-end beans from one of the country's finest roasters. Always Organic, Direct-Trade and freshly roasted in small-batches, there's a real difference in both flavours and effect when compared to a standard espresso.

Our fresh-fruit smoothies are really popular with kids and we offer a selection of milkshakes, iced-coffees, specials and range of snacks.

===Cantina El Burrito===
The [[Cantina El Burrito]] will be providing a range of tasty Mexican dishes. For more details of the planned menu see the [[Cantina El Burrito]] page.

{{PDFLink|caption=Jabberwocky menu|link=https://www.profounddecisions.co.uk/resources/downloads/LARPMenuApril2022.pdf|align=left}}

===Fresh Roots===
Fresh Roots will be serving a range of vegetarian meals from the OOC trader line near GOD.

===Jabberwocky===
A wide range of delicious toasties starting from £5. All our toasties are made using local bread and high quality ingredients from local independent suppliers. Sandwiches are toasted to order on our unique presses.

Please see the Jabberwocky pdf menu for all products and prices.

===Mhorish Goodfood===
Mhorish will be serving tasty, filling, hot meals from the kitchen next to the Skian Mhor trade stall in the market place.
<div style="display: grid; grid-template-columns: 1fr 1fr; grid-gap: 10px;">
<div>
* Specials/Breakfast: £8
* 100 % Beef Burger - £6.50
* Cheese Burger - £7
* Double Cheese Burger - £10
** + bacon/black pud - £1<br>
** + egg/cheese – 50p<br>
* Chicken Burger - £6.50
* Mozzarella Burger (v) - £6.50
</div>
<div>
* Spicy Bean Burger (ve) - £6.50
* 6 chicken nuggets and Chips - £5
* Chips - £2.50
* Cheesy Chips - £3
* 3 things in a thing - £5
** Bacon, Sausage, black pudding, egg, veggie sausage. Cheese extra 50p
* Mighty Mhorish - £11
** Burger, sausage, bacon, black pudding, fried egg, and cheese.
</div>
</div>

Meal tickets are currently £7 per meal, so cheaper to buy in advanced. We also offer a 50p discount if you bring your own food receptacle and cutlery and/or drink receptacle.

===Pizza Yule Love===
Delicious 12" pizzas starting from £8.00 and cooked in ninety seconds. The new menu includes three types of veggie pizzas and the option for vegan cheese as well as their monster nachos that's enough to feed 4 hungry Larpers which comes in meat, veggie or vegan options goes down a storm at other events.

===Smokey Hole===
Smokey Hole will be serving good quality burgers and sausages from their stall on the edge of the Varushkan on the road leading to GOD. Breakfast is bacon sausage or vegan bap for £4, or £5 with a coffee. Lunch is a huge cumberland sausage for £6.50, 6 oz cheeseburger for £7.50, or carvery roast pork bap with apple sauce for £6. Dinner is BBQ pulled pork baps with cheese.

===Yuleys Bratwurst===
Yuleys Bratwurst sells a range of different bratwurst all cooked on charcoal. All served with German condiments, Mustard, Curry and Tom ketch in a soft sub roll.
* 20” long Pork Bratwurst - £8
* 10” long Pork Bratwurst, Ham and Cheese Bratwurst, Ham Bratwurst - £6

[[Category:Events]]

Event information

2023-07-13T19:42:05Z

Gamma3000: Update GOD info

==Overview==
The following event information is applicable for all our events. Please feel free to point people to this page if they are looking for information on details for times, dates and other recurring event details.

==Tickets==
When you book for an event the system will try to email you a booking confirmation email with an attached pdf ticket. Please print the ticket out, or bring it with you on your phone if that's easier. If you don't use email, you can log in to your PD account and download your ticket at any time. You will be asked to show your ticket when you arrive at the gate.

If you are not sure if you are booked for the event, then you can check your booking status by logging in to [http://www.profounddecisions.co.uk/home your PD account] or by [mailto:admin@profounddecisions.co.uk emailing the head office].

Please make sure that you have entered your car registration number on your PD account if you are travelling by car.

If you have claimed the concessionary ticket price, please make sure that you email a copy of your proof of eligibility to the head office or bring a copy with you to the event.

==Arrival Times==
Players are allowed on site from 13:00 hrs (1pm) on the Thursday before the event starts. There is an additional charge of £5 to arrive one day early; this is paid on the gate and MUST be paid separately. There is a card reader, but the signal is variable so it may be quicker to pay with cash.

The gate will close at approximately 10pm and will open again at 10am on Friday morning. If you are arriving after this time, there will be a number on the gate that you can call and security will open the gate to allow you in.
{{CaptionedImage|file=DaveMcKennaWiki.jpg|align=left|width=300}}
==Time in==
Empire begins at 6pm on Friday and ends at 1 am that night. On Saturday time in begins at 10 am and ends at 1am.
On the last day of an event time in begins at 10 am and ends at 3pm.

All players must be off site by the evening of the last day.

==GOD and registration==
GOD – the Game Operations Desk – is a central out-of-character place for any queries, and a central PD contact point during events.

Before you go into play, you should go to GOD pick up your character pack. This includes your character passport – a description of the basic system information about your character – as well as your character's money, ribbons for any special items, and cards for mana crystals, liao and herbs.

GOD's typical opening hours will be:

* Thursday: 8pm–10pm
* Friday: 1pm–4pm and 5pm–1am
* Saturday: 10am–1am
* Sunday: 10am–5pm

These times – particularly on Thursday and Friday before time in – are subject to change according to crew needs and how our event preparations are going.




==Weapons Check==
Bring your weapons to the weapon check point on the main road at the bottom end of the Highguard camp just down from GOD to get them checked by a Profound Decisions weapons checker before use. There will be a large grey banner on the tent to identify it. The best time to get your weapon checked is Friday day before the event starts where possible.

If you are taking part in the battles then your weapons will need checking before each battle. The first time you get your weapon checked we will put a coloured rubber band coded for the event on it. On Saturday any weapon that isn't banded will be checked before it can be taken on the battlefield. On Sunday we will check all weapons before they go on the battlefield.

Any weapon that fails a safety check will be tagged with a weapon-fail cable-tie and must be put stowed in an OOC area (or at GOD if you don't have access to any OOC area) until the end of the event.

==Telephone==
For appropriate use only, our on-site mobile number is 07817 133793. This will be manned by Profound Decisions event team on the run up to the event, and held by our security team throughout the event. If you need to get hold of Profound Decisions to report an emergency then you can call this number.
{{CaptionedImage|file=Mhorish.jpg|align=right|width=500|caption=Mhorish Goodfood}}

==First Aid==
* '''First aid is available 24/7 throughout the event'''
The First Aid tent is immediately in front of GOD. Qualified first aid staff are available at all times here or via GOD. Please report any medical problems to First Aid or to any member of staff with a radio.


==Food and Drink==
Drinks and snacks are available from our fully IC tavern. The bar will be serving drinks on Thursday evening, but is OOC until time in on Friday. We have a wide range of caterers serving food and drinks listed below.


===Bean There Drunk That===
[https://www.facebook.com/beantheredrunkthat/ Bean There Drunk That] specialises in artisan coffee and fresh-fruit smoothies. We use high-end beans from one of the country's finest roasters. Always Organic, Direct-Trade and freshly roasted in small-batches, there's a real difference in both flavours and effect when compared to a standard espresso.

Our fresh-fruit smoothies are really popular with kids and we offer a selection of milkshakes, iced-coffees, specials and range of snacks.

===Cantina El Burrito===
The [[Cantina El Burrito]] will be providing a range of tasty Mexican dishes. For more details of the planned menu see the [[Cantina El Burrito]] page.

{{PDFLink|caption=Jabberwocky menu|link=https://www.profounddecisions.co.uk/resources/downloads/LARPMenuApril2022.pdf|align=left}}

===Fresh Roots===
Fresh Roots will be serving a range of vegetarian meals from the OOC trader line near GOD.

===Jabberwocky===
A wide range of delicious toasties starting from £5. All our toasties are made using local bread and high quality ingredients from local independent suppliers. Sandwiches are toasted to order on our unique presses.

Please see the Jabberwocky pdf menu for all products and prices.

===Mhorish Goodfood===
Mhorish will be serving tasty, filling, hot meals from the kitchen next to the Skian Mhor trade stall in the market place.
<div style="display: grid; grid-template-columns: 1fr 1fr; grid-gap: 10px;">
<div>
* Specials/Breakfast: £8
* 100 % Beef Burger - £6.50
* Cheese Burger - £7
* Double Cheese Burger - £10
** + bacon/black pud - £1<br>
** + egg/cheese – 50p<br>
* Chicken Burger - £6.50
* Mozzarella Burger (v) - £6.50
</div>
<div>
* Spicy Bean Burger (ve) - £6.50
* 6 chicken nuggets and Chips - £5
* Chips - £2.50
* Cheesy Chips - £3
* 3 things in a thing - £5
** Bacon, Sausage, black pudding, egg, veggie sausage. Cheese extra 50p
* Mighty Mhorish - £11
** Burger, sausage, bacon, black pudding, fried egg, and cheese.
</div>
</div>

Meal tickets are currently £7 per meal, so cheaper to buy in advanced. We also offer a 50p discount if you bring your own food receptacle and cutlery and/or drink receptacle.

===Pizza Yule Love===
Delicious 12" pizzas starting from £8.00 and cooked in ninety seconds. The new menu includes three types of veggie pizzas and the option for vegan cheese as well as their monster nachos that's enough to feed 4 hungry Larpers which comes in meat, veggie or vegan options goes down a storm at other events.

===Smokey Hole===
Smokey Hole will be serving good quality burgers and sausages from their stall on the edge of the Varushkan on the road leading to GOD. Breakfast is bacon sausage or vegan bap for £4, or £5 with a coffee. Lunch is a huge cumberland sausage for £6.50, 6 oz cheeseburger for £7.50, or carvery roast pork bap with apple sauce for £6. Dinner is BBQ pulled pork baps with cheese.

===Yuleys Bratwurst===
Yuleys Bratwurst sells a range of different bratwurst all cooked on charcoal. All served with German condiments, Mustard, Curry and Tom ketch in a soft sub roll.
* 20” long Pork Bratwurst - £8
* 10” long Pork Bratwurst, Ham and Cheese Bratwurst, Ham Bratwurst - £6

[[Category:Events]]

Night Pouch

2023-07-09T12:49:22Z

Gamma3000: Redirected page to Night pouch

#REDIRECT [[Night pouch]]

Night pouch

2023-06-13T21:01:21Z

Gamma3000: Update how to get the ribbon

{{stub}}
==Description==
This spell enchants a bag or pouch so that its contents cannot be accessed by anyone except the caster. It is ideal for keeping small items of personal value in, or for protecting private correspondence. It is common for couriers, messengers and diplomats with magical powers to carry a night pouch for sensitive documents.

It is possible for strangers to access the contents of a night pouch through the ritual [[Piercing Light of Revelation]], although doing so destroys the magic and usually the physical pouch. A ritualist versed in the lore of Night can use ritual magic to create a durable [[enchantment]] similar to a night pouch through the use of [[Secrets for the Shadow Courier]].

Items left in a night pouch when it expires are lost in the Night realm; such items have a nasty tendency to turn back up again when least expected.

==Casting==
{{Regular Spell|1}}
==Effects==
This spell enchants a suitable bag or pouch so that it cannot be opened by anyone except the caster. The contents of the bag cannot be accessed by anyone but the caster without ritual magic or a special ability. The spell lasts until time out (effectively 1am as explained [[Playing_the_game#Time-in_and_the_IC_area|here]]) At time out, the contents of an unopened night pouch are lost; they should be handed in to the Ref desk in GOD.

Any player who has access to this spell may carry a small pouch or small bag; the spell will not affect a bag more than 18” deep or 6” wide. If you ask in GOD at the event, they will be able to provide you with a night pouch ribbon. When you cast this spell you should fasten your pouch with this ribbon.

As the spell ends at time out each day, you will need to cast it again the next day if you want to continue using your night pouch. You can reuse the same ribbon; you do not need to go to GOD every time you cast the spell. Provided you have sufficient personal or crystal mana, and sufficient pouches, you can have multiple night pouches; just ask in GOD for as many ribbons as you need.

==Sample Spellcasting Vocals==
* (''whispering and tracing Diras'') Diras! Diras! Diras! Thrice banished and thrice banned, let not these treasures fall to blind and blinding light. Diras! Diras! Diras! Thrice signed and thrice sealed, let these secrets hide within this veil of guarding Night!'
* I work as the bee works, gathering nectar from bloom and blossom. I strive as the bee strives, and golden treasures are my reward. Let my treasures be as honey, secure in the safety of this my honeycomb. 
* (''pointing to each star in turn while concealing the pouch in the other hand'') Star of the east, stretch out your veil! Star of the south, receive that which I hide! Star of the west, let none pass save I, who hold the key! Stars above, lock all within your veil of secrecy! 
* (''concealing the pouch beneath a cloak'' ) Diras! I invoke your aid in this dark hour; imbue this pouch with hidden power; holds its treasure out of sight; let none but I claim its gifts this night. 

==Common Elements==
* '''Rune Magic:''' While the night pouch itself is usually marked with [[Diras]], the rune of secrets, some magicians prefer to use the rune of [[Pallas|wealth]]. Both of these runes are commonly evoked during the casting of the spell, although couriers and diplomats might include [[Queros]], the rune of plots, if they plan to store sensitive documents in their night pouch. A rare few risk invoking the power of the Unknown Rune, the rune of absence and silence.
* '''Astronomancy:''' An [[astronomancy|astronomancer]] making a night pouch often evokes the constellation of [[The_Key_and_The_Lock#The Lock|the Lock]], which has resonance with themes of concealment and security.
* '''Dramaturgy:''' Both the [[dramaturgy#The Personae|personae]] of [[the Witch]] and [[the Mountebank]] are good choices when creating a night pouch, although the mountebank is often considered to be a better fit when the spell is intended to contain illicit or politically sensitive items. [[The Cloak]] has connections with concealment and disguise, and is often used to physically hide the night pouch from all observers while the spell is cast.
* '''Other traditions:''' Some magicians evoke the names of paragons or totem animals associated with prosperity when casting this spell.
* '''Realms:''' As the name suggests, the spell is connected with the realm of Night - its magic revolves around concealment and obfuscation.

[[Category:Spells]]

Champion of Pride

2023-06-05T14:57:41Z

Gamma3000: tyop

[[Category:Title]][[Category:Synod]]
==Overview==
The Champion of Pride is an [[Imperial title]] that was [[Create titles of Champions of Virtue|created]] by the [[Imperial Senate]] in Winter 383YE. The title confers custodianship of the [[Magic_items#Artefacts|artifact]] [[Pilgrim's Shield]] known as ''Ajax''.

==Responsibilities==
The Champion of Pride is intended to serve as an inspiration to the Pilgrims of the faith and laity as to what it means to be proud, particularly in a military context. They are also charged with bearing and protecting the shield known as ''Ajax''. Historically the bearers of ''Ajax'' formed, along with the bearers of the other Pilgrims shield, the “Seven Pilgrims” band.

==Powers==
===Regalia of the Champion of Pride===
The Champion of Pride bears ''Ajax'', the unique Pilgrim's Shield. If the Champion of Pride loses their position, then the item must be given to the new Champion with all haste. The Champion is encouraged to take all appropriate precautions to keep this item safe, and is expected to do everything within their power to recover it if it is lost.

''Ajax'' was recovered by Imperial heroes at some point in 384YE, and was formally vested as regalia by the then-Champion, Lady Kaywenn de Orzel, at the Winter Solstice 384YE.

==Appointment==
The Champion of Pride is chosen every Winter Solstice by a [[judgement]] of [[appointment]] by the [[Assembly#The Virtue Assemblies|Assembly of Pride]].

Any Imperial citizen may hold this title. They can be revoked by the [[Assembly#General_Assembly|General Assembly]], the Pride Assembly, and the [[Assembly#Assembly_of_the_Nine|Assembly of the Nine]].

{{RecentElections|Champion_of_Pride}}

==History==
The shield ''Ajax'' was created by Ezkiah the Benefactor, greatest smith of the [[Highguard|Highborn]] along with six other shields. Each was gifted to a different hero, forming a company known as the “Seven Pilgrims”.

''Ajax'' was first carried by Sir Hugh Brocking (also known as the Peacock of Astolat), a Dawnish poet, author and swordsman. Passed from Champion to Champion, or selected by the priests of Pride when this was not possible, it remained an enduring inspiration to the faithful of the Empire.

At the battle of [[Reikos]] in 367 YE the Seven Pilgrims of the day charged an entire [[Druj]] army on their own, allowing the outmatched Imperial forces time to quit the field in good order. ''Ajax'' was lost along with the other six shields.

Historically the Shield was passed from Champion to Champion; the Synod has ended this tradition through the creation of a formal title, following the example set by the [[Create_title_Champion_of_Courage|creation]] of the [[Champion of Courage]].

Event information

2023-04-16T10:09:56Z

Gamma3000: /* Arrival Times */ Note card reader

==Overview==
The following event information is applicable for all our events. Please feel free to point people to this page if they are looking for information on details for times, dates and other recurring event details.

==Tickets==
The gate crew at all PD events have a list of every player who is booked for the event on it. They will check your name off as you arrive. If you are not sure if you are booked for the event, then you can check your booking status by logging in to [http://www.profounddecisions.co.uk/home your PD account] or by [mailto:admin@profounddecisions.co.uk emailing the head office].

Please make sure that you have entered your car registration number on your PD account if you are travelling by car.

If you have claimed the concessionary ticket price, please make sure that you email a copy of your proof of eligibility to the head office or bring a copy with you to the event.

==Arrival Times==
Players are allowed on site from 13:00 hrs (1pm) on the Thursday before the event starts. There is an additional charge of £5 to arrive one day early; this is paid on the gate and MUST be paid separately. There is a card reader, but the signal is variable so it may be quicker to pay with cash.

The gate will close at approximately 10pm and will open again at 10am on Friday morning. If you are arriving after this time, there will be a number on the gate that you can call and security will open the gate to allow you in.

==Time in==
Empire begins at 6pm on Friday and ends at 1 am that night. On Saturday time in begins at 10 am and ends at 1am.
On the last day of an event time in begins at 10 am and ends at 3pm.

All players must be off site by the evening of the last day.
{{CaptionedImage|file=DaveMcKennaWiki.jpg|align=left|width=300}}
==Registration==
We will open GOD for event registration at 12:00 Noon on Friday. It is likely that GOD will open on Thursday evening for a couple of hours for pack collection only if we are well ahead with our preparation . We will put up a sign outside GOD as soon as it is open. Once you have pitched your tent then come to GOD to collect your event pack. Your event pack will contain your character passport, your character's money, phys-reps for resources you have, ribbons for any special items and cards for mana crystals, liao and herbs.


==Weapons Check==
Bring your weapons to the weapon check point on the main road at the bottom end of the Highguard camp just down from GOD to get them checked by a Profound Decisions weapons checker before use. There will be a large grey banner on the tent to identify it. The best time to get your weapon checked is Friday day before the event starts where possible.

If you are taking part in the battles then your weapons will need checking before each battle. The first time you get your weapon checked we will put a coloured rubber band coded for the event on it. On Saturday any weapon that isn't banded will be checked before it can be taken on the battlefield. On Sunday we will check all weapons before they go on the battlefield.

Any weapon that fails a safety check will be tagged with a weapon-fail cable-tie and must be put stowed in an OOC area (or at GOD if you don't have access to any OOC area) until the end of the event.

==Telephone==
For appropriate use only, our on-site mobile number is 07817 133793. This will be manned by Profound Decisions event team on the run up to the event, and held by our security team throughout the event. If you need to get hold of Profound Decisions to report an emergency then you can call this number.
{{CaptionedImage|file=Mhorish.jpg|align=right|width=500|caption=Mhorish Goodfood}}
==GOD==
Any enquiries that you have about your character, the game or the event can be dealt with at GOD. This is located in the OOC camping field, near the entrance to the IC area.

==First Aid==
The First Aid tent is immediately in front of GOD. Qualified first aid staff are available at all times here or via GOD. Please report any medical problems to First Aid or to any member of staff with a radio.


==Food and Drink==
Drinks and snacks are available from our fully IC tavern. The bar will be serving drinks on Thursday evening, but is OOC until time in on Friday. We have a wide range of caterers serving food and drinks listed below.


===Bean There Drunk That===
[https://www.facebook.com/beantheredrunkthat/ Bean There Drunk That] specialises in artisan coffee and fresh-fruit smoothies. We use high-end beans from one of the country's finest roasters. Always Organic, Direct-Trade and freshly roasted in small-batches, there's a real difference in both flavours and effect when compared to a standard espresso.

Our fresh-fruit smoothies are really popular with kids and we offer a selection of milkshakes, iced-coffees, specials and range of snacks.

===Cantina El Burrito===
The [[Cantina El Burrito]] will be providing a range of tasty Mexican dishes. For more details of the planned menu see the [[Cantina El Burrito]] page.

{{PDFLink|caption=Jabberwocky menu|link=https://www.profounddecisions.co.uk/resources/downloads/LARPMenuApril2022.pdf|align=left}}

===Fresh Roots===
Fresh Roots will be serving a range of vegetarian meals from the OOC trader line near GOD.

===Jabberwocky===
A wide range of delicious toasties starting from £5. All our toasties are made using local bread and high quality ingredients from local independent suppliers. Sandwiches are toasted to order on our unique presses.

Please see the Jabberwocky pdf menu for all products and prices.

===Mhorish Goodfood===
Mhorish will be serving tasty, filling, hot meals from the kitchen next to the Skian Mhor trade stall in the market place.
<div style="display: grid; grid-template-columns: 1fr 1fr; grid-gap: 10px;">
<div>
* Specials/Breakfast: £8
* 100 % Beef Burger - £6.50
* Cheese Burger - £7
* Double Cheese Burger - £10
** + bacon/black pud - £1<br>
** + egg/cheese – 50p<br>
* Chicken Burger - £6.50
* Mozzarella Burger (v) - £6.50
</div>
<div>
* Spicy Bean Burger (ve) - £6.50
* 6 chicken nuggets and Chips - £5
* Chips - £2.50
* Cheesy Chips - £3
* 3 things in a thing - £5
** Bacon, Sausage, black pudding, egg, veggie sausage. Cheese extra 50p
* Mighty Mhorish - £11
** Burger, sausage, bacon, black pudding, fried egg, and cheese.
</div>
</div>

Meal tickets are currently £7 per meal, so cheaper to buy in advanced. We also offer a 50p discount if you bring your own food receptacle and cutlery and/or drink receptacle.

===Pizza Yule Love===
Delicious 12" pizzas starting from £8.00 and cooked in ninety seconds. The new menu includes three types of veggie pizzas and the option for vegan cheese as well as their monster nachos that's enough to feed 4 hungry Larpers which comes in meat, veggie or vegan options goes down a storm at other events.

===Smokey Hole===
Smokey Hole will be serving good quality burgers and sausages from their stall on the edge of the Varushkan on the road leading to GOD. Breakfast is bacon sausage or vegan bap for £4, or £5 with a coffee. Lunch is a huge cumberland sausage for £6.50, 6 oz cheeseburger for £7.50, or carvery roast pork bap with apple sauce for £6. Dinner is BBQ pulled pork baps with cheese.

===Yuleys Bratwurst===
Yuleys Bratwurst sells a range of different bratwurst all cooked on charcoal. All served with German condiments, Mustard, Curry and Tom ketch in a soft sub roll.
* 20” long Pork Bratwurst - £8
* 10” long Pork Bratwurst, Ham and Cheese Bratwurst, Ham Bratwurst - £6

[[Category:Events]]

Forest

2023-04-07T17:38:52Z

Gamma3000: Clarify diversification rules

==Definition==
A forest represents an area of woodlands that are harvested to gain magical materials. It shouldn't be a farm or a garden - if that is what you want to take then we would recommend you choose the farm resource or a herb garden resource instead.

==Production==
Upon taking a forest, you must choose one of [[Materials#Ambergelt|ambergelt]], [[Materials#Beggar.27s_Lye|beggar's lye]], [[Materials#Dragonbone|dragonbone]], or [[Materials#Iridescent_Gloaming|iridescent gloaming]]. A forest produces 12 measures of the chosen material.

==Downtime Options==

It is possible to harvest additional materials from a forest during any given season. You may spend 6 crowns to have the forest produce an additional 5 measures of the same material as it would naturally produce.

==Upgrades==
A forest can be upgraded using [[white granite]] obtained from the Bourse. Each time a forest is upgraded, the owner receives an additional 2 measures from then on.

To upgrade a forest requires Imperial wains of white granite equal to the level the forest is being upgraded to. So the first upgrade of a starting level 1 forest costs 2 Imperial wains of white granite, from 2 to 3 costs 3 Imperial wains, etc.

==Diversification==
A forest can be diversified to sacrifice production of one material for another. To diversify a forest costs one throne. Each time a forest diversifies, the owner chooses a different resource from the list for forests; the forest produces 2 measures of the new material at the expense of 2 less of the original material. A forest can be diversified multiple times (but no more than once per season), and each time it is diversified, the owner can choose any of the three resources the forest would not normally produce.

==Rituals==
The table below shows a list of the rituals in both Imperial lore and Urizen lore which can affect the production of a forest.
{| class="wikitable sortable"
! Ritual
! Effect
! Realm
! Magnitude
|-
|[[Rampant Growth]] || Produces an additional 77 rings and six drams of random herbs over the next season || Spring || 10
|-
|[[Verdant Bounty of the Twilight Bayou]] || Produces an additional five measures over the next season || Night || 6
|-
|[[Conclave of Trees and Shadow]] || Functions as a [[military unit]] with 100 extra strength if taking an [[Military_unit#Take_Independent_Action|independent action]] || Night || 20
|-
|[[Flame and the Flood]]<sup>[[#1|(1)]]</sup> || Uses [[ilium]] to permanently upgrade the forest || Night || 30
|-
|[[Withering Touch of Frost]] || Reduces production by a quarter for a year || Winter || 6
|-
|[[Anathemic Call of Bug and Briar]] || Reduces production by a half for a year || Spring || 16
|-
|[[Like Water Through Your Fingers]] || Reduces production by three quarters for a year || Autumn || 30
|-
|[[Winter's Ghosts]]<sup>[[#2|(2)]]</sup> || Reduces production by a quarter over the next season || Winter|| 50
|-
|}
<small>
#{{anchor|1}} This ritual is in [[Urizen_magical_traditions#Urizen_Lore|Urizen lore]]
#{{anchor|2}} This curse affects an entire territory
</small>

[[Category:Rules]]
[[Category:Resources]]

Bow safety

2023-03-15T09:36:19Z

Gamma3000: correct tyops

==Overview==
Bows and crossbows are one of the more dangerous weapons in LRP, if they are used inappropriately. If you are planning to play an archer at Empire then you must make sure that you follow all these safety rules. Where this page refers to bows or arrows, all the relevant information also applies to crossbows and bolts as well.

The most important consideration in LRP archery is to shoot safely. That means understanding how to weight your shots so they don't hit too hard, how to check your arrows so you don't fire anything that is damaged, how to string your bow correctly. It also means always prioritising safety over your character's success. These are all important parts of LRP archery that you need to be familiar with before you use a bow at Empire, even if you have used a bow in real life before. It will take you a little time to get the hang of it, but you can talk to some experienced LRP archers, they will show you the key skills and then you can practice. You'll grasp the key concepts soon enough.

Nothing in this world is guaranteed. Bows and arrows are potentially dangerous and must be treated with the utmost seriousness and care. Once you let that arrow fly it's out of your hands, and no matter how good you are at archery. Check your arrows before every shot!
<div style="float: right; clear: right;">{{CaptionedImage|file=Deadly Bow.jpg||width=300}}</div>

==Shooting Safely==
* '''You must ensure your weapon and ammunition have all been checked by the weapon checking team at each event before you use it'''
* '''The draw of a bow must be less than 30 lbs at 28” draw. Crossbows are also limited to 30lbs draw weight'''
* '''You must perform an essential check of every arrow or bolt each time before you nock it'''
* '''You must not aim at the head, you must aim at the chest or below when shooting at your target'''
* '''You must reduce the draw of your bow when firing at targets closer than 10m away, you may not fire a crossbow at targets under 3m'''
* '''You must aim at the stomach or below when firing into a crowded melee or when aiming a bow at targets closer than 3m'''
* '''You must be able to see the area you are aiming for if you are arcing your shot'''
* '''You must not shoot through narrow openings or gaps, such as between branches, fences, or through hedges'''
* '''You must never attack with a bow or crossbow or use it to parry'''
* '''You must have both hands free when using a bow or crossbow'''
* '''You must be in full control of your weapon and aware of your aim while moving around the battlefield'''

Every bow, crossbow, arrow and quarrel must be checked by a member of our [[Weapon_checking|weapon check team]] before it is used ''at each event you attend''. There are strict limits on the poundage of any bow or crossbow used at Empire events - as well as the construction and condition of the bow. Please read the [[Weapon_checking#Bows_and_Crossbows|weapon checking]] guidelines to ensure that your bow or crossbow and your ammunition will be legal to use at our events.

You must [[#Essential Check|perform an essential check on any arrow or bolt]] ''immediately before you nock it, even if you have checked it earlier.'' You must perform a full check on any arrow or bolt before you bring it onto the battlefield and each time before you recover it on the field.

When you use a bow or crossbow, you must not aim at the head. You may not fire a crossbow at any target less than 3m away from you. If you have a bow you must not draw the bow to normal extension when when firing at a target that is 10m or closer to you, you must reduce the draw proportionately. You must aim at the stomach or below when firing into a crowded melee or when aiming a bow at targets closer than 3m.

If you are arcing an arrow then you must be able to see the area you are aiming for. There is a higher risk of an overdrawn shot against a close target if you're not able to be fully aware of your surroundings when a person closer than the target moves into the line of fire. For this reason, you must not shoot through narrow openings such as small gaps between branches, fences or through hedges. Extra care must be taken when shooting near combat lines, or past/over or through shield lines. You must have enough space to shoot safely

You must have both hands on your weapon and not be holding anything else when shooting your bow or crossbow. You must be in control of your weapon and aware of your aim at all times moving around the battlefield with your bow is drawn or your crossbow loaded. You may engage in melee while holding your bow, crossbow or arrows in your off-hand, but you must make sure you keep them close to your body and away from other participants. You must not parry with a missile weapon.

All participants are welcome to recover arrows and pass them to an archer but do not pass arrows to marshals or referees, unless asked to do so. You can put them to one side where they will be at less risk of being trod on, or hand them directly to another participant. You must not throw arrows or bolts at anyone.

==Essential Check==
* '''You must check the essentials for every arrow or bolt before you nock it'''
* '''Feel the foam on face of the arrow to check it is free from debris and the foam not waterlogged'''
* '''Feel the soft foam to check it is still firmly attached to the arrow head and that the head is securely attacked to the shaft'''
* '''Visually check the arrow shaft is intact and the flights and nock are still present'''

You must check the essentials for every arrow or bolt each time you use them. You must perform this essential check by carrying out all the steps listed above immediately before you nock the arrow, even if you have already checked it earlier.
{{CaptionedImage|file=Archery.jpg|title=Bows (and crossbows) are lethal weapons in the hands of a skilled user.|caption=Arenal of the Summer Crows|align=right|width=250}}
==Full Check==
* '''You must conduct a full check of every arrow or bolt before you bring it onto the battlefield'''
* '''You must immediately conduct a full check of any arrow that you recover on the battlefield'''
* '''Feel the foam on face of the arrow to check it is free from debris and the foam not waterlogged'''
* '''Feel the soft foam to check it is still firmly attached to the arrow head and that the head is securely attacked to the shaft'''
* '''Flex the shaft to ensure it is not cracked or split'''
* '''Feel each flight to check none are missing or loose'''
* '''Examine the nock to ensure it is not loose or split'''

You must carry out a more rigorous full check of every arrow or bolt before you bring it onto the battlefield. You must perform this full check by carrying out all the steps listed for all your ammunition. You must also conduct a full check of any arrow that you recover on the battlefield, as you recover it, even if you have already checked it earlier.

There is a useful video created by Nick Turner that shows [https://youtu.be/AcKZxfaO4ks?t=45 how to check an LRP arrow or bolt]. The "when to check" portion of the video is no longer up-to-date, but the rest of the video gives an excellent explanation of what to check and how.

==Bow Competency==
* '''When you take your bow to weapon check you will be asked to demonstrate that you know how to use it safely'''
* '''The weapon check team will give you a copy of our archery safety rules which you must carry at all times whilst using your bow'''

When you take a bow to weapon check you will be required to string and destring your bow, and asked to demonstrate checking an arrow or bolt is safe to shoot. You may be asked to fire the weapon at a nearby target. The aim of these checks is to ensure that you know how use your bow or crossbow safely at our events. If the weapon check team are not satisfied that you are able to use the weapon safely then they will arrange for you to receive a demonstration lesson in how to use a LRP bow or crossbow safely.

The weapon check team will provide you with a copy of our archery safety rules which you must carry on your person at all times when using a bow or crossbow.
{{CaptionedImage|file=Archers.jpg|width=500|align=right|caption=Arrows must be checked every time they are used, immediately before you nock it.}}
==Restrictions==
* '''Archery is not permitted during the hours of darkness'''
* '''Archery may be prohibited outside Anvil at other times due to adverse weather conditions'''
* '''If this happens, a referee will inform you before the skirmish or battle begins'''

Archery is not permitted during the hours of darkness at Empire. The official cut-off time will be published on the wiki before each event on the page for that event. You must not use a bow in Anvil after this time - nor take a bow on a quest or skirmish which starts at this time or later. The official cut-off will be the time the conjunction begins, so you may use a bow on any quest or skirmish that starts before this time even if it ends afterwards.

We may prohibit the use of archery outside Anvil in adverse weather conditions (such as high winds) if we believe conditions are not safe enough to allow it. If this happens, a member of the PD referee team will inform you that no bows or crossbows can be used before the skirmish or battle begins.
{{Safety Links}}

Live roleplaying

2022-10-11T19:55:16Z

Gamma3000: /* Food and camping */ sp

{{stub}}
{{CaptionedImage|file=Empire E42019-2925.jpg|width=100%|caption=Live roleplaying is a game with rules but no winners or losers, a performance with actors but no audience or script.}}
__TOC__
==Overview==
This page is designed to help explain what live roleplaying is for people who are new to the hobby. We've tried to give you a sense of what live roleplaying is by answering some of the most common questions about it.

This section of the wiki is designed to provide an introduction to live roleplaying and to Empire for new players. This wiki is vast and we don't recommend anyone attempts to read it all, especially not new players. But if you read this page and the pages linked at the bottom then you should have all the basic information that you need to start playing Empire.

If you are new to live roleplaying and interested in attending Empire then don't hesitate to [[contact Profound Decisions|contact us]] after you have read this introduction and we can answer any questions that you have. We also have a small set of [[General FAQ|frequently asked questions]] (FAQs) for Empire, which already contains answers to some common queries.

==What is live roleplaying?==
Roleplaying literally means assuming or acting out a particular role. In live roleplaying we take on a character for the enjoyment that can be had by acting out the role alongside other people. One way to understand live roleplaying is to look at the similarities and differences with related hobbies.

===Roleplaying games===
In [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Massively_multiplayer_online_game online roleplaying games] and [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tabletop_role-playing_game tabletop roleplaying games] players create a character who can explore a fantastic setting and talk with other characters in the world. The world is filled with challenges and dangers for the characters to overcome.

Live roleplaying is similar but it is all done for real. You dress, speak and act as the character you have created once the game begins.

Games like Empire have more in common with popular MMOs like [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Eve_Online EVE Online]. The foundation of the game lies in the activities and relationships between the characters rather than in a single overarching story spun by a game master.

===Acting===
In the theatre, actors embody the character that they're playing for the entertainment of an audience. When on stage, they stay in-character, following the script, but sometimes improvising their lines if needed.

When live roleplaying you are both actor and audience, improvising lines for your own character and witnessing the improvised words and actions of the other players in the game. There's no script - rather there's a shared understanding of the kind of things that might happen in the game, and a detailed setting that provides framework and prompts to your characterisation.
{{CaptionedImage|file=Woman_and_child.jpg|align=right|width=500}}
==How do you do it?==
When you are live roleplaying you simply pretend to be your character, then act and speak as your character would. Unlike other roleplaying games, you never describe what your character is doing, instead you simply attempt the action. If you want to challenge another character to a duel, you must call them out, then draw your sword and try to strike your opponent with it. We strive to make the imaginary world feel as real as possible for all participants, so ask players try to avoid references to the real world and instead remain in their chosen role as much as possible.

===Who does it?===
Live roleplaying appeals to all kinds of people and everyone is welcome at Empire.

Age is no bar to getting involved in Empire. Many families attend and enjoy Empire together, and [[the Academy]] is specifically designed to provide roleplaying opportunities for younger players as they train to become the heroes of tomorrow. But it's not just young people who play live roleplaying games; you'll see participants from every generation at the events. There are additional guidelines for [[children]] and their families participating at events.

We welcome participants of every gender, sexuality, ethnicity, and background. We've explicitly designed the Empire setting to try to provide equal roleplaying opportunities for everyone regardless of identity and we have strict [[conduct]] rules to try to ensure that all participants are treated with respect and dignity.
{{CaptionedImage|file=SharonConreen.jpg|align=right|width=500}}
Live roleplaying can be challenging for participants with disabilities. We strive to make Empire as accessible as we can, and provide [[accessibility|advice and information]] to help you assess the event. If you have specific accessibility needs, then we encourage you to [[Contact_Profound_Decisions|email us]] so that we can identify what additional assistance we can provide.

===Is it difficult?===
No. Anyone can live roleplay and enthusiasm is more important than experience. If you can pretend to be someone else then you can live roleplay.

Live roleplaying has rules just like any game, but we've designed the rules of Empire to be as straightforward and simple to learn as possible. Our [[referee|referees]] are always happy to answer rules queries on the field and established players are always understanding with new players who are still learning the rules and the setting so don’t be put off if you can’t remember all the details.

There is a short, printable [[:File:RulesOverview-A4booklet-v1.0.pdf|summary]] of the key rules points available.

===Will I enjoy it?===
Live roleplaying, like acting, is enjoyable purely for its own sake. Most participants find that by immersing themselves in the character they have created, they can forget about the pressures of real life for a while, but different people get different things out of the hobby. Some live roleplayers enjoy the social interaction, some prefer the thrill of battle whilst others relish the opportunity to create and wear amazing costumes.

There is no winning or losing. Just as real life doesn’t offer clear cut win or lose situations, neither do most live roleplaying games. However live roleplaying presents opportunities that you could never normally experience, allowing you to become the protagonist in historical or imaginary settings. In the end it is impossible to know whether you will enjoy live roleplaying unless you try it.
==What do I need?==
As with any hobby, you will need some equipment to enjoy live roleplaying. For Empire, the bare minimum you'll need is some appropriate costume, somewhere to sleep, and an appropriate weapon if you plan to do any fighting.
===Costume===
[[Costume]] is very important in live roleplaying because you need to dress as your character would. A costume should be appropriate to your character and the setting, so you can't wear modern clothing such as trainers, jeans, or printed t-shirts when you're roleplaying. Our wiki has a look and feel guide for each nation that provides advice on costume that is suitable for a character from that nation. If you follow the advice then you can be confident that your costume will look good and be suitable for the game. If you have any questions about the suitability of a piece of costume then it is best to [mailto:empire@profounddecisions.co.uk email us] and we can give you specific advice.

You can purchase costumes, weapons, and armour from one of the many traders who support the hobby. We have traders at all our events and they sell everything you need for your character. Details and links for [[traders]] are also available on our wiki. If you have the time and the enthusiasm to make your own costume then there is a wealth of advice and guidance available online to help you create something amazing.

===Weapons===
Most live roleplaying events in this country use specially made weapons that are constructed from foam and latex and are designed to be as safe as possible. For Empire we have [[Weapon_checking|strict safety guidelines]] and every weapon must be checked to ensure it conforms with the rules before it can be used. As a result it's much harder to create your own weapon than it is to create your own costume, especially if you are new to live roleplaying.

We recommend buying a weapon from a professional live roleplaying weapon manufacturer who is trading at the event. There are traders at every event offering thousands of different costumes and weapons that you can choose from. You can buy live roleplaying weapons online, but there's no substitute for picking a weapon up to get a feel for the weight and the balance, so the best way to find the perfect weapon is to browse the stalls on the day.

But don't forget that you'll only need a weapon if you plan to fight. Lots of characters at Empire don't carry weapons, so you only need a weapon if you're going to use it.

===Food and camping===
For a weekend live roleplaying event, everyone needs somewhere to sleep, as well as food and drink. While it's possible to book into a nearby hotel, most players bring a tent with them and camp. At Empire there is a large area set-aside for camping that is adjacent to the main arena where the game actually happens. If you have a [[Costume#Tents|period tent]] that is suitable for the setting then you can pitch that in the main arena and use it in-character, but that's not something we recommend new players worry about for their first event.

You will need to think about food and drink for any live roleplaying event that lasts longer than a few hours. You can bring your own, but there are a number of professional caterers at every Empire event who sell a wide range of options.

==How does fighting work?==
{{CaptionedImage|file=Edric_Fighting.jpg||align=right|width=450}}
Many live roleplaying games involve combat, with players taking up latex weapons to actively fight against other participants. Our [[Combat|game rules]] provide a framework for fighting so that you know what to do if you get hit. At the events there are opportunites to take part in thrilling large-scale battles with a thousand participants that complement the social and political conflict of the field at [[Anvil]].

There are important safety rules for fighting, the most important of which is that everyone taking part must pull their blows so that they land with virtually no force. Our new player team schedule an opportunity to try out combat before the event starts, which is highly recommended if you have never done live roleplay fighting before. It only takes a few minutes to learn, and plenty of players will be happy to show you how even if you miss the new player meeting.

===Do I have to fight?===
Fighting can be exhilarating but it's not for everyone. Many Empire players choose to avoid combat, preferring to focus on the social and political side of the game. Although you can never be sure what will happen to your character, most people who attend our events have little trouble avoiding combat if they make an effort to do so. Our rules make provision for people who can't, or don't want to, take part in [[Event_safety#Non-contact|combat]].

===What if my character dies?===
It's quite unusual for your character to die unexpectedly in Empire, but it can happen if you go on a battle. But don't worry if it does, you can create a new character at any point during the event and we'll help you as much as we can to get back into the game as quickly as possible. The easiest thing to do is to make a new character in the same nation or even group as before, especially if you die unexpectedly in the middle of an event, but you can use character death as an opportunity to try another part of the game if you are feeling adventurous.

{{Introduction Links}}

[[Category: Introduction]]

Game items

2022-09-03T19:00:05Z

Gamma3000: /* Herbs */ More useful link

{{CaptionedImage|file=Freeborn_Trader.jpeg|align=left|width=400|title=Lilith i Sol-devorador i Erigo}}
==Overview==
There are several different categories of item that your character can acquire in Empire, with different rules for each category. For some items Profound Decisions will provide you with a phys-rep for the item, for some you will need to provide your own phys-reps. In some cases the item will be accompanied by a card or ribbon that denotes its special powers or effects, in other cases the phys-rep alone will suffice. We have summarized all these rules below and included pictures of the phys-reps supplied by Profound Decisions so that your character can recognize them.

==Materials==
Materials are produced by [[Mine|mines]] and [[Forest|forests]], that are controlled by players. Each player whose character controls one of these resources will receive ingots or measures of the resource at the start of every event they attend.

The phys-reps for these items are provided by Profound Decisions, there are no cards or ribbons provided with them - if your character has possession of the phys-rep then they have possession of the item. Each material comes in three different sizes, the smallest size represents a single ingot or measure of the resource, the next largest represents 3 ingots or measures and the largest size represents five ingots or measures. Each of the phys-reps has a number of objects (swords, shields, drops) or an engraved tally-mark to indicate the size of the resource, 1-3.

<div style="display:flex; flex-wrap: wrap;">
{{CaptionedImage|file=ambergelt.jpg|align=left|width=200|caption=1, 3 and 5 measures of ambergelt}}
{{CaptionedImage|file=beggarslye.jpg|align=left|width=200|caption=1, 3 and 5 measures of beggars lye}}
{{CaptionedImage|file=dragonbone.jpg|align=left|width=200|caption=1, 3 and 5 measures of dragon bone}}
{{CaptionedImage|file=greeniron.jpg|align=left|width=200|caption=1, 3 and 5 ingots of green iron}}
{{CaptionedImage|file=iridescentgloaming.jpg|align=left|width=200|caption=1, 3 and 5 measures of iridescent gloaming}}
{{CaptionedImage|file=tempestjade.jpg|align=left|width=200|caption=1, 3 and 5 measures of tempest jade}}
{{CaptionedImage|file=orichalcum.jpg|align=left|width=200|caption=1, 3 and 5 ingots of orichalcum}}
{{CaptionedImage|file=weltsilver.jpg|align=left|width=200|caption=1, 3 and 5 ingots of welt silver}}
{{CaptionedImage|file=ilium.jpg|align=left|width=200|caption=1, 2 and 3 ingots of [[ilium]]}}
</div>

==Magical Items==
Magical items are created by characters with the artisan skill using rare materials. Each player whose character has the artisan skill will receive at least one magical item at every event they attend. If an artisan hands rare materials into GOD at the end of the event then they can use these resources to create different items.

Magical items are indicated by a ribbon, stamped by Profound Decisions that indicates that the item is visually unusual and has special abilities. You ''must'' provide a phys-reps for any magical item that your character owns, and the ribbon should be attached to the item, otherwise you cannot use the item in game and should not carry the ribbon for the item on your person.

If your character has a magical ring, then we suggest that you tie the ribbon around the wrist of the hand with the magic ring.
{{CaptionedImage|file=coins.jpg|align=right|width=250|caption=Imperial coins}}
You can learn more about magical items [[Magical_Item|here]].

==Coins==
Coins are provided by Profound Decisions to every participant playing an Imperial citizen who is attending an event. Each character automatically receives 18 rings; characters with a [[farm]] or [[business]] receive substantial additional income.

The phys-reps for coins are provided by Profound Decisions. The coins are denominated as 1 ring, 5 rings, 1 crown, 4 crowns, 1 throne, 5 thrones, 20 thrones, and 100 thrones. There are 20 rings to a crown, and 8 crowns to a throne.

You can learn more about the Imperial currency [[currency|here]].
<div style="display:flex; flex-wrap: wrap;">
{{CaptionedImage|file=Coin1Rings.jpg|align=left|width=200|caption=1 ring coins}}
{{CaptionedImage|file=Coins-Rings.jpg|align=left|width=200|caption=5 ring coins}}
{{CaptionedImage|file=Coin1crowns.jpg|align=left|width=200|caption=1 crown coins}}
{{CaptionedImage|file=Coins-Crowns.jpg|align=left|width=200|caption=4 crown coins}}
{{CaptionedImage|file=Coin1thones 1.jpg|align=left|width=200|caption=1 throne coins}}
{{CaptionedImage|file=Coins-Thrones-5.jpg|align=left|width=200|caption=5 throne coins}}
{{CaptionedImage|file=Coin20thones.jpg|align=left|width=200|caption=20 throne coins}}
{{CaptionedImage|file=Coin100thrones 1.jpg|align=left|width=200|caption=100 throne coins}}
</div>

==Potions==
Potions are mixed from herbs by apothecaries. Each potion requires a specific skill to make it - you can only mix a potion if your character has the skill to do so.

Each potion requires a specific set of ingredients. To mix a potion you must take the right herb cards to GOD. Once there you can exchange them for a laminated potion card. The card has a standard Empire special item card design on the front. On the back is a description of the contents of your potion, what it looks and tastes like, as well as the type of [[potion]] (liquid, salve, oil or infusion), which determines how you use it.
<div style="display:flex; flex-wrap: wrap;">
{{CaptionedImage|file=PotionOutsideFront.jpg|width=400|caption=Potion card (front)}}
{{CaptionedImage|file=PotionOutsideBack.jpg|width=400|caption=Potion card (back)}}
</div>
Any player who recognizes the potion from its description and taste can recognize the potion and know what it does. Your character does not need to have a skill to identify a potion. It is perfectly acceptable to copy the description of potions from the wiki into a book of lore and to consult this book in play if you wish to do so, but please make an appropriate effort to make the book look as in-character as possible.

Although it is perfectly legal to add an in-character label to the phys-rep for a potion - you must not write the in-character name of the potion on the out-of-character lammy - your character can label the bottle - the player can not add additional information to the lammy.
{{CaptionedImage|file=PotionInside.jpg|width=800|caption=Potion card (inside)}}
Every potion has a tab that sticks out of the lammy marked "Rip on Use". To use a potion you rip open off the tab and use this opening to prize the laminated card open and read what is written inside. Printed inside the card are the roleplaying and mechanical effects of the potion as well as the name of the potion (this is essentially OOC information and should be ignored, it exists so that our GOD crew can identify the right potion when laminating the cards).
{{CaptionedImage|file=Potion_bottles_sealed.jpg|width=500|caption=Resin potion bottles designed for Empire by [http://www.skianmhor.co.uk/potionbottles.htm Skian Mhor]}}
You will need to provide your own phys-rep for the potion bottle. Skian Mhor have created a range of resin potion bottles which are available [http://www.skianmhor.co.uk/potionbottles.htm from their website] or on sale at events.
{{CaptionedImage|file=CardFront.jpg|align=right|width=250|caption=Card front}}

==Cards==
* '''You ''must'' provide a phys-rep for any carded game item and the cards should be kept with the phys-reps'''
* '''All carded game items are one-shot items - you must rip the card or give it to a referee when you use the item'''
Many game items in Empire, such as herbs or mana crystals, are indicated by a small card (85mm x 55mm), printed by Profound Decisions. All official carded game items have the same brown front shown in the image to the right.

The basic rules for a carded game item will be printed on the reverse of the card. Carded game items are considered common in Empire, they are easy for characters to recognize and most people know what they do and how to use them. This means that you are free to read the text on the card at any point and have your character understand the implications of what is written there - i.e. your character knows what the item is and what it does.

You ''must'' provide a phys-rep for any carded game item that your character owns, and the cards should be kept with the phys-reps, otherwise you cannot use the substance in game and should not carry the cards on your person.

All game items which use cards are one-shot items that are consumed on use. You must either rip the card in two or give it to a referee if one is present.
===Herbs===
[[Herb]]s are harvested by characters with a [[herb garden]] personal resource. Each player whose character controls a herb garden will automatically receive at least fourteen herbs at every event they attend. An appropriate phys-rep for a herb is a small vial of liquid, or a pile of herbs, leaves or pieces of plant matter. You can also focus on phys-repping a suitable container for the herbs instead if you prefer.

===Liao===
[[Liao]] is distributed by the Imperial civil service to characters that own a congregation. Each player whose character controls a congregation will receive liao at the start of every event they attend. An appropriate phys-rep for liao is any small vial of liquid or similar stoppered pot.
===Mana Crystals===
Mana crystals are grown by characters with a [[mana site]] personal resource. Each player whose character controls a mana site will automatically receive at least seven mana crystals at every event they attend.

An appropriate phys-rep for a mana crystal is a small lump of crystal, such as might be grown in a chemical solution or be found naturally.
===Vis===
In addition to the conventional mana crystals, characters may also acquire exotic mana called [[vis]]. This substance cannot be acquired from a personal resource; it is usually gained by dealing with powerful magical creatures and effects, most commonly an [[eternal]] or [[rituals|ritual]].

You can learn more about the six types of vis [[vis|here]].
===Philtres===
Philtres are a special kind of potion that is designed to be used quickly in battle. Philtres are more common than most potions, so they can be correctly identified by any character who examines them. Each philtre has the description and effects written on the accompanying laminated card - just like a herb.

If your character has one or more philtres you must provide your own phys-rep bottles for each one - just like a regular potion.
===Artisan's Oil===
[[Artisan's Oil]] is a substance created by [[Crafting skills#Artisan|artisans]]. Any artisan can spend a month, and a crown's worth of materials, to produce three doses of Artisan's Oil.

An appropriate phys-rep for a dose of Artisan's Oil is a small vial of liquid, or a small tub, pot, or jar.
<div style="display:flex; flex-wrap: wrap;">
{{CaptionedImage|file=CeruleanMazzarine.jpg|width=250|caption=Herb card}}
{{CaptionedImage|file=liao.jpg|width=250|caption=Liao card}}
{{CaptionedImage|file=ManaCrystal.jpg|width=250|caption=Mana crystal card}}
{{CaptionedImage|file=SpringVis.jpg|width=250|caption=Example of vis card}}
{{CaptionedImage|file=Potion Card.jpg|width=250|caption=Philtre card}}
{{CaptionedImage|file=OilCardBack.jpg|width=250|caption=Artisan's oil card}}
</div>
{{Core Rule Links}}

Accessibility

2022-08-13T22:27:11Z

Gamma3000: /* Getting Help Accessing GOD */ X-ref to in-character proxying

==Overview==
Over the past 5 years, alongside working hard on supporting out of character access needs, Profound Decisions and its volunteer teams have begun to increase the range of accessibility needs met by its various plots and the encounters and activities within them. This document aims to make it much clearer and easier to find the information you need to discover what provisions we have made and to understand how to request further adjustments to help you enjoy the game.

Our general information on [https://www.profounddecisions.co.uk/accessibility the out-of-character factors that impact accessibility like the site, ground conditions, structures and hygiene] are currently available on the central Profound Decisions website. This page deals specifically with the efforts we are making to make the plot we run more accessible.

==What is a plot?==
For the purposes of this document we can consider a “plot” at Empire to be a series of encounters, activities or events instigated by Profound Decisions, and designed to increase roleplaying opportunities on the field.

The way Profound Decisions generated plot reaches its players at Empire is broadly (although not exhaustively) covered by the list below

* Opportunities generated by [[Recent_history|winds of war and winds of fortune]] which are available via the wiki to be read in advance of events, and give players topics to discuss, have opinions on and mobilise actions in one of the political bodies of the Empire
* Letters or other documents sent directly to players, either placed in the character's pack alongside their resources or delivered in the field either because they have engaged with NPCs, made a political statement, or have something in their resources choices, skill picks, titles or background information about the character that relates to a piece of plot being launched in game
* NPCs (non player characters) who come to the field at Anvil, bringing with them goals, opinions, tasks and challenges. Sometimes these are announced in advance by one of the above methods, sometimes they are the first sign something is going on
* The military campaign, where information is delivered primarily through the [[Imperial Military Council]] and the above mentioned winds of war
* Activities which take place “off Anvil”, either through the [[Sentinel Gate]] or the Hall of Worlds. This includes battles, skirmishes, and encounters. For encounters, some are set in field or woodland locations, some within a set of tents we call “encounter tents”. These can be discovered through any of the above methods, or from the egregores.

This page has a particular focus on the last of these plot types, but will touch on some of the others.

==Information and Support==
Because access needs are individual, there is no such thing at Empire as an “accessible plot”. Instead we are aiming to consider and be able to provide a much wider range of information about access features of each of our plots (particularly, but not only, those which take place via the Hall of Worlds or the Sentinel Gate) and make it known that this information is available for all players to make decisions about what will be accessible to them.

The information we provide is limited to the things that we, as game organisers control, other players actions may sometimes - especially in relation to combat - create additional accessibility issues.

===Who and how to ask?===
Anyone may ask a referee, egregore or member of the GOD team for accessibility information about a plot line, at any time (including, but not limited to, when carrying out an in-character conjunction check). You do not need to use the magician skill of detect magic, and you do not need to explain anything about your reasons for asking so long as it is for out of character purposes.

You will need to have a good way of describing the plot you are interested in so that the person assisting you is able to find the information. The kind of things that will help us identify a plot are listed below in descending order - the most effective ways are listed first.

* Any details about a conjunction such as time or location
* A ribboned item linked to the plot
* The name of a specific NPC you have interacted with
* The title of a wind of fortune or wind of war related to the plot
* A general description of events that have happened so far

===Questions about a specific plot===
There are a number of questions you can ask about a plot you are engaged with or considering engaging with, including, but not limited to:

* Where on the site an activity is going to take place
* When an activity is going to take place
* What intensity of combat is expected
* What light levels you can expect
* Whether there will be documents to read
* Whether the whole activity is wheelchair accessible
* Whether seating is available
* Whether the activity has any phobia warnings listed against it
* Any other questions that relate to your specific access needs
* Whether a high degree of word/maths or logic reasoning or motor control is needed for puzzles

It is important to note that we will do our best to have the answers for these questions ready, but we won’t always have all answers in advance, so there may be a delay whilst we check something if we can’t answer immediately, especially if it relates to a need that we have not considered.

The questions best fit with plots that take place “off Anvil”, but might also apply to an audience with an eternal in the Hall of Worlds, or a planned delegation visit to the Hub, for example.

===Getting Help Accessing Plots===

You may also ask your egregore for help accessing ongoing plots that you are pursuing or are involved with. They will be able to give you some advice on existing plots - and also feed back to the writers on the kind of changes or improvements that would make a plot more accessible. For example “I’d like to be involved with the negotiations with the Jotun but I can't easily walk more than a few hundred yards” is the sort of guidance that we will try to incorporate into our planning to make an encounter responsive to an individual's needs.

===Getting Help Accessing GOD===
Although not usually relevant for plot, please note that we now operate a system where you can nominate another player to handle any GOD or referee admin for you. Anybody who has accessibility challenges that make accessing GOD difficult for any reason can nominate another player to sort their stuff for them. Just [mailto:admin@profounddecisions.co.uk email us] - and let us know who your nominated contact is. We'll make a record of that on the system so that we can check it if we ever need to.

We'll print the number on your pack - so that your friend can collect your pack for you quickly and easily. But they can also access GOD for any reason on your behalf. So they can mix and collect potions, sort ribbons, whatever. If you need anything from GOD - we'll just treat them as if they were asking on your behalf. If you need a referee to do admin in the field, such as bonding a magic item, casting spells or rituals, then the referee will be able to do that for you, once they've confirmed the details.

If you've nominated another player to act as a proxy for you for this purpose, then you'll be able to see their details in your [https://www.profounddecisions.co.uk/account/summary?14 summary status] on your Profound Decisions account when you log in.

This sort of proxying only affects out-of-character processes, like interacting with referees or GOD. Separately, characters with certain Imperial titles can [[proxy|appoint another character to act on their behalf]].

===Asking For A Change===
It is absolutely acceptable to ask for a change to an encounter to enable you to attend it. We have moved outside encounters inside, changed lighting levels, changed times; and will make every effort to adjust an encounter for someone who is closely following a plot, if we discover their access needs in time. Egregores, referees or GOD can help you organise this. It will '''not''' always be possible, especially as sometimes different needs conflict, but if we can accommodate a change we will.

For the moment, it will be left up to the refs and plot teams to decide what can be offered on a case-by-case basis. We’ll pay attention to how well we are doing at meeting these requests, and implement a more rigid protocol if we are not doing well.

===Moving the Regio===
If you are looking to do a ritual that uses the regio but any of members of your ritual team would find the distance to the regio a significant problem, then you may arrange with a referee or with GOD to do the ritual elsewhere. We can ref the ritual at any suitable location that doesn't pose a problem. We can't move the props or the sound FX system or any of the regio equipment - but a referee can come to your camp or to an appropriate location and treat that as the regio if that is needed.

===The problem with having to ask===
We are aware that asking for information and help is a form of labour that can be draining for anyone, and that people with access needs have to carry out more often than other people, and that therefore this is an imperfect solution. However we hope that by being explicit about the fact that we expect these questions to be asked, and are looking forward to responding and helping as much as we can, we reduce that burden somewhat. We will also aim to find more ways to make information explicit in advance (e.g. in such things as Winds of Fortune) in order to reduce the number of occasions where asking is necessary.

===Acknowledging disablism (also called structural ableism)===
We recognise that festival LRP reflects some of the wider disablism of our society. We also acknowledge that this is particularly true of Empire LRP because core elements of the game design are intended to test the skills of the player, not the character. Inevitably that approach creates additional accessibility challenges that add to the overall impact of disablism rather than reducing it.

The goal of our plot-writing is not to circumvent the game but rather to identify the problems for our participants which are not part of the game design. The more of these problems that we can successfully resolve or mitigate then the more people will be able to participate in and enjoy multiple aspects of the event.

We welcome feedback on the steps we have taken so far, and on those areas of the game where we could do more.

==Combat==
We want to be very clear that activities without combat, and accessible activities are NOT one and the same thing. We have designed a system for discussing combat which we hope will help players make their own informed choices about whether a battle, skirmish or quest is suitable for them, especially when combined with the information we offer about location.

===What is a Non-combatant?===
Some confusion arises because the term “non-combatant” can mean many different things to different people. To avoid this causing confusion, at Empire we avoid this term and instead use the following approach:

====Characters Who Do Not Fight====
This is the most common meaning of the term “non-combatant” and it tells us nothing about the access needs of the player. People playing "characters who do not fight" may go on battles, skirmishes, quests and encounters. They risk their character when they do so, and may be hit, or need to run away.

====The “Non-Contact” Gesture====
The [[Event_safety#Non-contact|non contact gesture]] means putting your hand in the air. If you do this then your character falls to 0 hits, and all other players should avoid hitting you if they possibly can. PD cannot guarantee that you will not be hit, but every effort will be made to avoid doing so by those around you.

===Fight Classifications and the “Non-Contact” Gesture===
At Empire, our off Anvil encounters will be marked as:

* Combat Highly Likely
* Combat Possible
* Combat Unlikely or Contained

These designations each have a different description about the likelihood (not severity) and containment of fighting, the conclusions we make about the risks of using the gesture, and how you should use the classifications to assess whether the experience fits your needs.

===Combat Highly Likely===
No one should go on a battle, skirmish or encounter that is marked as “combat highly likely” if it is likely to be important to their safety to be able to use the “non-contact” gesture successfully. The level of combat planned for these types of activity is high and there is a high chance that those around might not see the gesture in time to avoid hitting someone. Those players wishing not to fight, and neither prepared or able to flee or take hits if a fight breaks out near them should '''not''' go on battles, skirmishes or quests marked combat highly likely.

The non-contact gesture can still be used by anyone if they find themselves injured, panicked or in a situation where they can use the gesture to make themselves safe and avoid escalating to the point of needing a [[Calls#MAN_DOWN|MAN DOWN call]].

===Combat Possible===
It is acceptable to go on an encounter marked combat possible if you plan to use the non-contact gesture. However players should be aware that the likelihood of a fight breaking out near them will be higher than in Anvil. The risk of being hit because someone didn’t see the gesture is also higher than it would be in Anvil. It also follows that bleeding out and losing the character as a result of using the gesture are also far higher than in Anvil, so you will be risking your in-character safety in the same way that combat characters will.

If you choose to go on a quest marked combat possible with the intention of using the non-contact gesture then you need to be prepared for both the in-character and out-of-character dangers.

===Combat Suitable For Cadets===
An encounter marked as combat suitable for cadets is quite likely to feature combat with NPCs, but the encounter has been written and the NPCs have been chosen and briefed to create a physical challenge that is appropriate for younger participants who have not yet passed their Test of Arms. Such quests are expressly designed to be accessible for the Academy's cadets.

===Combat Unlikely or Contained===
An encounter marked as combat unlikely or contained indicates either combat is as unlikely as it is at Anvil or it has been planned to take place in a contained location (usually inside a fighting pit or outside an area with certain types of warding) so that characters should be able to take simple in-character steps to avoid it. These encounters allow the use of the non-contact gesture with similar risks and effectiveness to being in Anvil. It is acceptable to take a very young child with you if you are the parent or carer of a [[Information_for_under_7s#24.2F7_supervision_required|child that needs constant supervision]] (under 7s).

Provided the in-character instructions are followed, it should be perfectly possible to go on the encounter and avoid any crew-initiated combat which takes place during it.

Young participants who have passed their [[Test of Citizenship]] but not their [[Test of Arms]] can go on any quest that is tagged as combat unlikely or contained, but parents or guardians should check the themes and content of the quest with the ref to be certain that it is suitable.

===Players===
* '''Our categories refer to expected actions by our crew and/or player monsters only'''
It is important to remember that a player may instigate combat in Anvil or on any encounter - either against the enemy or against other player characters. The categories we assign cannot account for player actions which are beyond our control.

===The Level Of In-Character Danger===
It is important to understand that the information we provided is intended to help each individual player decide whether an activity is suitable to their access needs. If a fight breaks out on a “combat possible” encounter then it could easily be as intense or dangerous as the fighting on a “combat highly likely” encounter. Likewise a “combat contained” encounter might involve the use of venom or curse calls that make it as dangerous for the characters that enter the location of the fight as any other quest.

===Criticising How Others Behave On A Quest===
It is '''not''' appropriate to make out-of-character complaints about how other players on a quest have behaved in relation to whether they decide to fight or not. It is perfectly acceptable, and within the letter and spirit of the Profound Decision rules, to go on a combat highly likely encounter and then roleplay in such a way that the combat does not happen. Our game is about making exactly these kind of decision, we run plot, we don't run fights.

It is equally acceptable to start a fight where one did not seem likely or necessary or to criticise any attempt or action that changes the way an encounter plays out - provided that the basis for the criticism is clearly the in-character decisions made and the in-character consequences. The emphasis should be always be on the in-character reasons for participating in an encounter and the only person who can decide if they are out-of-character suitable for a quest is the player themselves.

What is not acceptable is to tell any player that “they should have gone on a non-combat quest instead”. Such things do not exist, such sentiments violate our equality and diversity policy and run counter to the spirit of our entire game. Equally this means that there are no purely "accessible" or "non-combat" quests that are designated or intended solely for non combat players or those with access needs.

If you feel someone is criticising your choices as a player rather than as a character, you can choose to handle it in several different ways, which might include any combination of the following:

*Disengaging from the situation, and asking another player, a referee, Egregore or member of our Conduct team to have a word with the other player. They can use guidance from this page which discusses the best way to challenge behaviour which breaks the Equality and Diversity part of our social contract
*Briefly pausing and challenging the behaviour yourself. Again the guidance on challenging behaviour may be helpful, or you could use a phrase such as: “under the game rules, there are no such thing as non-combat quests” or “this feels to me like you are attacking me for my impact on your fun OOC rather than criticising my character actions in an IC way, could we stop the discussion or approach it differently please”
*Choosing to ignore the OOC element of what they are saying and meeting it resolutely IC, if it is your preference to avoid a further break in immersion. For example:
** “Yes, I bargained with the troops’ leader instead of charging in - I judged it best.”
** “If you didn’t think it was a good idea, why didn’t you bring it up at the time?”
** “I saw a situation and acted. Don’t blame me for what you didn’t do.”
** “I resolved the situation, and no-one was hurt. I don’t see the problem.”

==Distance==
===Location, Terrain and Movement===
Every encounter that is planned to take place off Anvil will always have a location specified for it. This information will tell you where the encounter is located, which could be an encounter tent, the field or the woods. This gives you the first sense of distance and terrain.

In general (though poor weather may affect this) the terrain is as follows

* '''Woodland''' - Can be difficult underfoot with rough terrain, tangled undergrowth, ditches and other obstacles, whether free-ranging or limited.
* '''Field''' - Ground is uneven, especially in some parts with obstacles and some trip hazards.
* '''Encounter Tent''' - Flat ground on a slight inclination; will not normally include obstacles.

In addition where possible we will classify an encounter that takes place off Anvil to describe movement in the location:

* '''Free-ranging''' - You need to be able to roam the area to fully participate in this encounter
* '''Limited area – distant''' - You will need to travel a considerable distance to get to the start of the encounter, but once started it is designed to take place in a reasonably contained area
* '''Limited area – mid-way''' - You will need to travel a couple of hundred yards to the start of the encounter, but once started it is designed to take place in a reasonably contained area
* '''Limited area – close''' - This quest takes place in a limited area in the part of the field closest to the Sentinel Gate

Free-ranging quests on the field may run into areas with similarly rough terrain in between the open grass. Limited area quests on a field will focus on an area with relatively clear movement, but depending on player choices may sometimes move into areas with tangled undergrowth or fallen logs. The “limited area - close” location is similar terrain to the ground in Anvil, but with longer grass.

===Skipping the Sentinel Gate===
If you are heading to an encounter tent activity, and would find the distance of heading to the Sentinel Gate first a problem, then you may ask the other players going with you to tell the ref or plot writer at the gate that you should be collected from GOD. Crew members who are collecting people for Encounter tent activities will ask the group if they have anyone waiting at GOD, when they tell them the gate is ready to be used, but if possible speak to a member of the crew when you enter GOD and ask them to radio the plot team to ensure that we are definitely aware that you are there for the quest.

This system relies heavily on unified player parties, and puts a lot of onus on one player having to ask other players to support them. We are aware of this, and looking to see firstly, whether it helps in this form, and then whether we can make other improvements in the future.

==Documents==
===In game documents===
We are aware that that low light levels and IC fonts can prove difficult to read. We are also aware that even for a single condition such as dyslexia, there is no standardised solution which increases readability for everyone, and whilst there are standard sizes with large print, for some conditions affecting vision, larger print is actually harder to read.

We are moving towards a standard whereby most in-character documentation produced by the plot team will be issued in a clear simple serif or plain handwriting fonts which should make them more accessible to more players.

Sometimes the plot writers produce documentation whose value as a prop is more important than the information contained within it. Whilst we will aim to consider readability, these props may feature ageing, smaller text, fancy calligraphy or actual handwriting which will make the documents harder to read.

We appreciate that it seems like it should be easy to offer large print options either on request, or attached to every document. For a wide range of reasons this is not as simple as it might seem. However we are exploring other things we may do to improve options around accessible documentation in future.

===Pre-event documents===
A large amount of written information is made available prior to events, with information about plot-lines that characters can discuss and act upon in the field. Focusing specifically on the documents that change every event - the winds of war and winds of fortune - we know that this can be an accessibility issue.

Currently, to make this more accessible we do the following:
* Detailed IC accounts are separated visually from factual summaries so that people can decide how much written information they want to access
* Overview pages offer a couple of sentences summarising all the content so that people can choose which to read further
* Taking steps to make the information available further in advance of each event, in order to give a longer reading time

We are also grateful to player produced audio versions of the documents, which offer a different way to absorb the information, and will, over the course of 2018, be trying to ensure that these are more consistently available.

==Timings==
===Late Night Encounters===
We are aware that plot that takes place late in the evening may exclude some players. It has been suggested that plot encounters should stop at 10pm in the evening in order to avoid this exclusion. Unfortunately, this limits too heavily the overall quantity of plot we are able to run, especially in our woodland, field and encounter tent locations, and in key spaces in Anvil. Due to NPC numbers and planning, it could also limit how many plots of any kind we are able to run.

If you are heavily engaged in a plot and discover that something is due to happen late at night in a way that will exclude you, please let us know via your egregore or GOD, and we will see if we can do anything to either change the scheduling or offer other related opportunities at times that work for you. It may not always be possible, but it is always worth asking.

===Catching an NPC===
We know that one of the biggest access issues of Empire is the size of the field, and the fact that much of the political game is carried out by walking from meeting to meeting.

We know that there is also a perception that our NPCs appear at significant locations such as the Hall of Worlds or the Hub, and opportunities to talk to them are gained by the people who are most able to be checking those places frequently. Additionally, the scarcity of opportunities to interact with NPCs can favour those who find it easiest to be alert and/or functioning at their best at a moments notice. We believe there is some truth in that perception and are working to change it:

These are the things that are already in place:

* NPCs are usually given a brief which discourages them from speaking with “the people who are nearest” - they may actually be looking for a named character, or they may be told to go and “find grimnir in Wintermark” or “wise ones in Varushka” or “monster hunters in Dawn” - so the frequency with which they engage only with the people at the location where they arrive on the field is decreasing, to the point where we aim for it to become a rarity
* We have explored a method of plot delivery which is best described as “have your name and most common location placed in a box if you’d like this type of NPC to visit you” - communicated via winds of fortune. This was successful in terms of high levels of engagement, though challenging in crew time to follow up. We will probably do more of this, although recognise that as an IC solution, it may not suit some characterisations.
* When someone is engaged in a plot, NPCs often give them ritual tokens, or agree to pay message costs for them to notify us of suitable times for an NPC to come to them. Alternatively we might notify them of a time via a letter to initiate a plot, and ask them to send a message if that time is not convenient. Again, this in-character method will not suit everyone, it is perfectly acceptable to ask an egregore to discuss a change of time of an NPC visit instead if the change is needed for access reasons.
* If we have been targeting plot at a person or group, and they are not available on the field, when an NPC goes looking for them without a pre-arranged appointment, the NPC will usually aim to work out why that is (are they doing something in-character where they can’t be disturbed or are they meeting their out-of-character needs) if the reasons is out-of-character, the NPC will usually return at another time, sometimes at a future event.

We know that even with these elements in place, Anvil can be daunting to face for people with either fatigue or mobility issues, so we will also explore other things we can do in the future.

==Acknowledgement==
This document was developed by volunteers for Profound Decisions: Kat Quatermass led the project with support from the plot, battle and ref teams. Consultancy was provided by Robin Tynan of Access: LARP. We are grateful for the advice given, this work would bigger gaps without it. We also acknowledge that there are some areas where we haven’t been able to move as far/fast as the advice recommended, but we intend to continue to try and improve levels of accessibility over time where possible.

Proxy

2022-08-13T22:24:13Z

Gamma3000: X-ref to OOC proxy system

::''This page talks about in-character proxies, where a character with an [[Imperial title]] can appoint someone to act on their behalf. For appointing another ''player'' to act on someone's behalf out-of-character, for example for picking up packs in GOD, see [[Accessibility#Getting Help Accessing GOD]]''

==Overview==
A character who holds one of certain Imperial titles - such as a [[Imperial_Senate|senator]], [[Imperial_Synod|cardinal]], or [[Imperial_Conclave|archmage]] may appoint another character to act as their proxy in their absence. Proxies are not uncommon as those with influence and power in the Empire are often absent due to being called away to war or unable to attend Anvil due to matters at home. The role of proxies has been codified under Imperial law and follows simple rules.

==Appointing a Proxy==
There is no required process for appointing a proxy - the most common method is to provide a proxy with a document signed by the character that explicitly grants the named bearer the power of proxy, but this is not obligatory. Some prefer to introduce their proxy in person to their peers and personally vouch for their status. Most Imperial citizens expect someone who is acting as a proxy to be able to produce a signed statement of their authority, but this is only relevant if they are [[Proxy#Challenging_a_Proxy|challenged]].

==Powers of a Proxy==
A proxy has the full legal power of the office they have assumed. It is not possible to limit the power of a proxy, you cannot restrict the powers available to them nor direct the way they must act or vote. A proxy who bears a document granting them power of authority for a senator but only if they vote for a given motion will be reminded by the Speaker that they have the full powers of their senator and that the restriction has no legal standing of any kind. The only limitation is that a proxy may not appoint another citizen to act as their proxy.

The proxy is treated exactly as if they were the citizen for whom they stand. This may have legal consequences - for instance if a proxy for a senator raises a motion in the Senate - then that senator is considered to have raised that motion and they may not then raise another motion that weekend.

Although a citizen may not legally constrain or direct the actions of their proxy it is still customary to hold them responsible for the consequences of their proxy's decisions - after all they chose the proxy.

===Restrictions===
Only the holder of an [[Imperial title]] may appoint a proxy, members of representative bodies like the Synod and the Conclave cannot appoint a proxy to wield their vote in that body. Likewise, citizens who are voting on the appointment of a title in the Senate or Bourse cannot appoint a proxy to vote on their behalf.

A senator who appoints a proxy is still forbidden from [[Imperial_Military_Council#Entry_Requirements|entering the Military Council]], as is their proxy.

[[The Throne]] is prohibited from appointing a proxy - the powers of the Empress may only be wielded when the occupant of the Throne is personally present.

[[general|Imperial Generals]] do not have the power to appoint a Proxy, since the special responsibilities of their position led to the development of the role of [[General#Appoint_an_Adjutant|adjutant]] instead. Adjutants differ from proxies in that they retain the powers of the general should the general perish, although the adjutant's term does ''not'' persist beyond the general's tenure if the general leaves office for other reasons, such as [[revocation]] or a [[Writ_of_Excommunication|writ of excommunication]].

A proxy must be an eligible candidate for the position they are assuming - a Dawnish [[senator]] can only appoint a Dawnish citizen to act as their proxy. A proxy is considered to be an [[Imperial title]] in its own right, one that is conferred at the point where you accept the position. This means that you cannot accept a position as proxy for an Imperial title if you already hold another title, nor can you agree to be proxy for two different Imperial titles. For example, a Dawnish senator could not accept a position as proxy for a member of the Bourse without first resigning their position as senator.

It is uncommon but not illegal to appoint more than one proxy, but only one character can act as your proxy at a given time - the power cannot be shared. In addition it is illegal for them to act as your proxy at the same time that you are exercising the legal authority of your office. In practice this situation is rare, but can arise with titles such as the [[Warmage]] that grant legal rights in more than one political chamber.

==Challenging a Proxy==
Any citizen may challenge a proxy at the point where they attempt to wield the power of their office. If the authority of an individual is challenged, then the magistrates will investigate the matter, with the assistance of the relevant civil servants.

If the proxy is attempting to exercise the powers of their office in a chamber, such as the Senate, Military Council, or Conclave, then they are entitled to make a short presentation of the evidence of their appointment. After the evidence is considered then a vote is taken by those present in the chamber who are eligible to vote whether or not to recognize the proxy. It is publicly considered unvirtuous to vote on political lines rather than on the basis of the evidence presented.

Assuming the powers of a proxy without the authorization of the title holder is illegal - the individual is usually guilty of [[List_of_Criminal_Offences#Crimes_of_Position|impersonating an official of the state]] and [[List_of_Criminal_Offences#Crimes_against_the_Processes_of_the_State|subverting the processes of the agencies of the state]]. Punishment is usually assessed against the degree of self-interest demonstrated by the proxy and the damage incurred by the state as a result.

<IC>
Surely the most infamous rejection of a proxy took place in the Imperial Senate during the reign of Empress Giselle in 343YE. Ymma Eyebiter, senator for Hahnmark successfully challenged the power of a young woman standing as proxy for Alvaro i Guerra, senator for Madruga despite the fact that Alvaro was present in the chamber to testify for his paramour <i>during the challenge</i>. Alvaro's testimony was garbled and he struggled to stand to deliver it due to his intoxication, allowing Ymma to convince the chamber that his evidence could not be taken at face value due to inebriation. Ymma was widely reviled for her actions, but in the resulting disgruntlement, the Wintermark senators were able to push through several controversial motions limiting the power of the Bourse.
</IC>

It should be noted that even if a proxy is successfully challenged and the magistrates determine the individual is guilty of criminal offences, the actions they took up until challenged will not be rendered obsolete and still be considered valid. The Civil Service will not retroactively undo the actions of citizens for a successful challenge.

Challenges to a proxy are not subject to veto by the Throne or the Imperial Synod.

==Removing a Proxy==
The only sure-fire way to remove your proxy is to attend a session in person. A letter to indicate the removal of authority can easily receive short shrift - especially if the proxy retains their own physical statement of power signed by you. The proxy may still be challenged, and countervailing letters will undermine their authority; but many chambers would rather retain the abilities of a useful member who has proven their wisdom and worth than accept an unknown proxy from an individual who cannot put their affairs in order. Only the physical presence of the actual incumbent ensures the automatic removal of a proxy.

==Proxies in Play==
* '''It is not possible to register your proxy with Profound Decisions.'''
Proxies are intended to reflect the fact that many players are not able to attend every Empire event, or may be unable to play for part of an event they are attending. We don't want players to be excluded from holding positions of authority in the game simply because they cannot guarantee to be able to play for all of every event for real world reasons. To this end the rules presented here are intended to be flexible and allow for the broadest possible access to the game.

The rules are also intended to allow players to perpetrate a range of political actions and responses using the legal status of proxies. You cannot ''register'' your proxy with Profound Decisions nor is it acceptable for a player to try to communicate out-of-character information to indicate that they are a genuine proxy. Any attempt to do so will result in the civil servants refusing to accept that player as proxy. Establishing or undermining the authority of a proxy must be left entirely in the hands of the players to be established by their roleplaying.

===Senate===

A Senator may appoint a proxy to exercise any of their [[Senator#Powers | powers]].

===Military Council===

Generals do not appoint proxies as they have [[General#Appoint_an_Adjutant | adjutants]].

===Synod===

Most of the work of the Synod is undertaken by priests and may therefore not be proxied. The Imperial Titles which are [[Appointment | appointed by the Synod]] may appoint a proxy.

===Conclave===

The Conclave is open to all Imperial mages and most of its business is undertaken by them. The Imperial Titles which are [[Candidacy|appointed by the Conclave]] may appoint a proxy.

===Bourse===


Although receipt of Bourse resources is a power of the title holder, the wains (or rings of Ilium) are distributed directly each season and once received function as personal property which must be transferred between individuals like any other item. If a title holder will not be present at a summit, they may not appoint a proxy to collect Bourse resources at Anvil, but should instead transfer any resources from their inventory before the event.

==Proxies in Downtime==
* '''It is not possible to appoint a proxy to operate in your place in downtime.'''
A proxy exists to give a player who cannot attend an event a chance to allow another character to act in their steed, as well as to present various opportunities for political conflict. If your character has a campaign position that grants them some additional powers or abilities in downtime, then you can still make use of these, regardless of whether you attended the event.
[[Category:The_Empire]]
[[Category:The_Law]]

Events

2022-07-23T14:19:35Z

Gamma3000: /* Cheque */ grammer

==Overview==
Profound Decisions will run four Empire events each year. Although we are keen to give players the freedom to run their own Empire events if they wish, we believe it is also important for players to know what level of commitment and involvement a game presents. Therefore there will only ever be four Profound Decisions Empire events each year.

==Event Dates in 2022==
OOC details for all our events in 2022 are below. If you have any questions about the details then please [mailto:admin@profounddecisions.co.uk email us] and we will endeavour to answer them for you.

<table style="width: auto;">
<tr>
<th style="color: white; background-color: DarkGray;">Event</th>
<th style="color: white; background-color: DarkGray;">Start</th>
<th style="color: white; background-color: DarkGray;">End</th>
<th style="color: white; background-color: DarkGray;">Location</th>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>[[Winter Solstice 2022|Winter Solstice]]</td>
<td>22<sup>nd</sup> April</td>
<td>24<sup>th</sup> April</td>
<td>[[Dadford Road Campsite]]</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>[[Spring Equinox 2022|Spring Equinox]]</td>
<td>10<sup>th</sup> June</td>
<td>12<sup>th</sup> June</td>
<td>[[Dadford Road Campsite]]</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>[[Summer Solstice 2022|Summer Solstice]]</td>
<td>29<sup>th</sup> July</td>
<td>31<sup>st</sup> July</td>
<td>[[Dadford Road Campsite]]</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>[[Autumn Equinox 2022|Autumn Equinox]]</td>
<td>9<sup>th</sup> September</td>
<td>11<sup>th</sup> September</td>
<td>[[Dadford Road Campsite]]</td>
</tr>
</table>

==Time-in and Time-out==
Time in is at 6pm on Friday and 10am on Saturday and Sunday morning. Time-out is at 1am Saturday morning and Sunday morning. The event ends with final time-out at 3pm on Sunday.

==Early Arrival==
Although there is no role-playing before time-in on Friday, you are very welcome to arrive early to begin setting up your camp. The bar will be open on Thursday evening and our caterers will be aiming to provide hot food. Please enjoy this opportunity to socialize out-of-character.

The earliest that you can arrive is 1:00 pm on the Thursday before each event. Please note that the arrival time is two hours later than last year - as we need the additional time to finish site preparations before players arrive. There is an additional charge of £5 for anyone who stays on site on Thursday night that must be paid on the gate in cash only.

==Location==
All our events in 2022 will be held at our current site next to [[Dadford Road Campsite]], off Dadford Road, near Dadford in Buckinghamshire.

==Booking and Prices==
Online booking is available for all Profound Decisions events via our [http://www.profounddecisions.co.uk/ online account system]. Please create an account, enter your details and choose which events you wish to attend. You can even use the online booking system if you wish to pay by cheque as the system will give you a single booking reference to write on the back of your cheque.

All our events cost £70 if booked well in advance. The price rises after the early booking deadline and then again if you pay on the gate. Please see our [http://www.profounddecisions.co.uk/event/deadlines ticket booking deadlines] for details. Various discounts are available and all discounts are cumulative.

===Multi-booking Discounts===
If you book for more than one event simultaneously then you are receive a £5 discount for each additional event that you book. For example, if you book for three events then you are eligible for a discount of £10 from the total price.

===Concessions===
Players are eligible for a discount of £20 off the price of each event if they are eligible for concessions. Anyone who is a full time student, a full time member of the armed services, a pensioner, or receives state benefits as their main income is eligible for the concession on the ticket price. You only have to be eligible at the point where you provide the proof of your eligibility, so students can claim the discount for the year even if their course ends in the Summer.

You must provide proof of your eligibility. The best way to do this is to email proof to us at [mailto:admin@profounddecisions.co.uk admin@profounddecisions.co.uk] after you have booked. We can then mark your entire booking as having the concession confirmed. If you don't do this then you will need to bring proof to the event and then queue up in a long queue at GOD before you can play. Please don't do this, it's bad for you and bad for us! Email us a scan of your proof and we will log it to your account.

==Payment==
===Ebanking===
You can pay for your ticket with a simple bank transfer, which is quick and easy especially if you use internet or telephone banking. The online booking system will provide you with a simple reference number to use when making your booking. This reference number is unique for your account and never changes.

Bank transfers are by far the cheapest way for us to take payment. If you do not mind what payment method you use then please pay by bank transfer as it helps us considerably.

===Standing Orders===
You can set up a standing order to pay for your tickets. The online booking system will provide you with a simple reference number to use when making your booking. This reference number is unique for your account and never changes. We do not get charged for standing order payments, so like bank transfers, it helps us out considerably if you choose to pay this way.

===Cheque===
Profound Decisions no longer accepts cheques as a valid form of payment.

===Card Payments===
Your can use most cards to pay for your bookings if you use the online booking system. If you don't wish to enter your details online then you can phone the office on 0845 0944 798 and we can process a card payment for you.

==Cancellations and Transfers==
You may cancel or transfer a ticket for an event if you inform us before 6pm on the Friday that the event begins. You can inform us by sending an email or leaving a message on our answer machine. We reserve the right to charge a £5 administration fee for cancellations or transfers within two weeks of the start of an event.

[[Category:The Game]]
[[Category:Events]]

Trader guidelines

2022-06-26T15:00:53Z

Gamma3000: Add Tanis as trader liaison

[[Category:Traders]]
==Overview==
These guidelines are for all traders attending Empire events. If you are interested in trading at an Empire event please make sure that you have read these rules carefully.

The trade area is the centre of the event, and includes the main sets built to support the event, such as the tavern and the senate. Most of the rules and regulations for trading at events are designed to ensure that we maintain a high level of immersion in this area.

==No Spaces at Present==

At present, due to the popularity of the game with players and traders, we are unable to accept any new requests for trade pitches at the event. If you wish to be added to the waiting list for a pitch then please [mailto:angel@profounddecisions.co.uk contact us].
{{CaptionedImage|file=AngelaAngelBrownWiki.jpg|align=right|caption=Trader liaison: Angela Tiernan (Angel)}}

==Options==
There are two options for anyone who wishes to sell non-food/drink items for OOC money, either a standard trader or a peddler. Both options require you to purchase a player ticket and follow all the normal guidelines for a player. A pedlar may then go about the camp and sell their goods as they choose. If you want to have a trade pitch for a tent in the main market place then you to pay a small additional charge for a pitch and follow the additional guidelines for a trader.

Peddlers can sell out of their own tent as a peddler, anywhere within the nation camps, provided you avoid setting up too close to the official marketplace. Alternatively, a peddler can sell off a blanket or cart etc in the marketplace as long as they are not obstructing the traders set up in the marketplace or in a place that would spoil the game for players. Please keep any non-IC looking items from spoiling the view and ambiance of players. Please contact our trader liaison if you want any additional information about pedling.

==Conduct==
{{CaptionedImage|file=Tanis Kingston.jpg|align=right|caption=Trader liason: Tanis Kingston<br/>Photo by Ben Smith}}
All participants at Profound Decisions events, including all traders and caterers, must follow our guidelines for [[conduct]] and [[Conduct#Language|language]]. If you break the rules, even unknowingly, then you will get a formal warning. Any subsequent breach of the rules will result in you being refused entry to any future Profound Decisions events. For this reason, it is essential that you ensure that you have read and understood all the conduct and language rules.

==Trader Liaison==
Our trader liaisons exist to help with trading queries between and at events. Their role is to be a first point of contact and ensure that we provide you with effective support so that you can trade successfully at our events. Our current trader liaisons are [mailto:angel@profounddecisions.co.uk Angel] and Tanis.

==Trade Items==
Any items sold for OOC money at our events must comply with all standard legal requirements. For example, if you are selling hand-made soaps then they need to comply with the statutory regulations on testing and registration of your products.

===Weapon===
Please remind all players that they must have weapons, shields, bows and arrows checked by a weapon checker before they use them at the event. They must not assume that an item automatically passes.

===Non IC Items===
It is perfectly fine to sell items that do not fit the Empire genre at our events, provided they are not on display at the front of the shop. Items that do not fit the game should only be displayed inside your tent or stall.

===Alcohol===
Traders are not permitted to sell alcohol at events.

===Food===
It is acceptable to sell cold or preserved food from your stall, but not hot or fresh cooked food. Caterers are covered by different rules and financial arrangements with PD, so traders are not allowed to offer major catering operations at events without prior agreement.

==Set up and Take-down==
===Arrival===
You may arrive on site at any time from the Wednesday before the event onwards. Traders are encouraged to come early and have their stalls set up before the players arrive, so there is no charge for early arrival for traders.

===Tents===
All tents in the IC area must conform to the rules for tents published in the basic [[costume]] guidelines. Specifically it is not possible to put dome tents or party tents in the IC area.

===Costume===
All traders must wear costume that is suitable for the setting while in the IC area.

===Departure===
You may bring vehicles onto the site and begin taking your stall down as soon as the event ends at 3pm on the last day. Please do not start taking your stall down before this time as it disrupts the event for players.

==Electricity==
===Provision===
Generators are not permitted in the IC area so we provide power to all traders with a pitch at the event. The price for this is included in the pitch fee, but you will need to supply your own 25m extension cable. This power is intended to run lights and small low power utility devices - you cannot use our power supply for electrical heating at an event.

===Usage===
Traders with a [[#Pitch_Sizes|small pitch]] may have up to 200 watts, traders with a large pitch may have up to 400 watts. You cannot run a kettle, toaster or any electrical device that produces heat.

===Connections===
Do not plug anything into any socket outlet until it has been checked by a member of the Profound Decisions electrical team. Electrical team members can be contacted via GOD or via the event crew on the radio. Remember, there are a lot of traders and it may take a short period of time to get a member of the team to your location.

===Safety===
If the PD crew electricians are not happy with the safety of a device then you will not be allowed to use it. You will not be able to use the device at the event and will need to secure any such items in your trader vehicle.

==Booking and Prices==
===Account===
To trade at our events your account on our website must be approved by our trader liaison. Once that is done you will be able to use the regular website to book tickets and a pitch to trade at events.

===Price===
Every person who attends a Profound Decisions event must have a valid ticket - this includes yourself (if you are attending the event) and everyone who is working on your stall.

Please see the main Profound Decisions website for [http://www.profounddecisions.co.uk/event/Tickets ticket prices]. In addition you can purchase a pitch in the main trading area in the centre of the site. All normal ticket discounts apply for traders attending an event.

Pitch prices are £15 for a small pitch and £30 for a large pitch if booked during the 'early booking' period. The prices increase to £30 and £50 respectively if booked during the 'late booking period'. We do not accept requests to trade after the late booking period has ended.

===Pitch Sizes===
A small pitch is up to 20m<sup>2</sup>, a large pitch is anything over this size. The size is taken from the sides of the tent, not the footprint of your guy ropes.

===Trade stall members===
Please [[Contact_Profound_Decisions|contact us]] to book tickets for staff who are working your pitch. We will add the staff to your booking, which will ensure that your invoice is correct.

===VAT Invoices===
A VAT invoice is automatically available from your Profound Decisions account for all bookings made using your account.