Rules update 2017 - Revision history

Twiggy at 21:33, 4 March 2026

2026-03-04T21:33:56Z

← Older revision		Revision as of 21:33, 4 March 2026
Line 73:		Line 73:
	A few magnitudes have changed, but for the most part we've ensured that they remain within reach of solo casters. We were keen to support the characterisation of a specialist diviner magician, and so the majority of the rituals are magnitude 6 or 8 - the former easily attainable by a master magician or an adept with a suitable bonus, the latter easily attainable by a master with access to the Imperial regio, a magic item, or a potion.		A few magnitudes have changed, but for the most part we've ensured that they remain within reach of solo casters. We were keen to support the characterisation of a specialist diviner magician, and so the majority of the rituals are magnitude 6 or 8 - the former easily attainable by a master magician or an adept with a suitable bonus, the latter easily attainable by a master with access to the Imperial regio, a magic item, or a potion.

	The exact changes are ~~summarized~~ [[Wiki_Updates#Divination_Rituals_and_Detect_Magic\|here]]. As always, if your character has an ability that has changed because of these rules changes then you are welcome to remove this skill by [mailto:admin@profounddecisions.co.uk emailing us].		The exact changes are summarised [[Wiki_Updates#Divination_Rituals_and_Detect_Magic\|here]]. As always, if your character has an ability that has changed because of these rules changes then you are welcome to remove this skill by [mailto:admin@profounddecisions.co.uk emailing us].

	===In Character Explanation===		===In Character Explanation===
Line 262:		Line 262:

	==Conclave==		==Conclave==
	We have made a number of changes to the running of the Conclave, ~~summarized~~ below:		We have made a number of changes to the running of the Conclave, summarised below:

	* '''Gambits have been removed.''' The entire system was not creating the kind of game we intended, so we have removed it completely.		* '''Gambits have been removed.''' The entire system was not creating the kind of game we intended, so we have removed it completely.

Twiggy at 21:24, 4 March 2026

2026-03-04T21:24:23Z

← Older revision		Revision as of 21:24, 4 March 2026
Line 1:		Line 1:
	==Overview==		==Overview==
	Over winter of 2016/2017 we have carried out our annual review of the rules from last few years of Empire. As usual we are implementing some changes to the published rules. We are in the process of updating the wiki and the downtime system to reflect the changes, but will ~~summarize~~ and explain all changes here so that players can identify the changes easily.		Over winter of 2016/2017 we have carried out our annual review of the rules from last few years of Empire. As usual we are implementing some changes to the published rules. We are in the process of updating the wiki and the downtime system to reflect the changes, but will summarise and explain all changes here so that players can identify the changes easily.

	We will try to include a section after each rules update to explain the reasoning behind the change.		We will try to include a section after each rules update to explain the reasoning behind the change.

Twiggy at 02:42, 9 February 2026

2026-02-09T02:42:57Z

← Older revision		Revision as of 02:42, 9 February 2026
Line 122:		Line 122:
	We are making a number of changes to the operation and running of the Military Council. Meetings of the Military Council will now take place in a separate marquee near the Hub, rather than in the Senate building. We will put the map table in the room - but are looking at options to lower the table so it is closer to the ground. There will be a ring of benches with the aim to provide just enough seating for each member of the Council. The Herald will chair the meeting - they will allow a free exchange of discussion as is customary in the Military Council - but they will not permit members of the Council to shout each other down and will look to stop people talking over each other.		We are making a number of changes to the operation and running of the Military Council. Meetings of the Military Council will now take place in a separate marquee near the Hub, rather than in the Senate building. We will put the map table in the room - but are looking at options to lower the table so it is closer to the ground. There will be a ring of benches with the aim to provide just enough seating for each member of the Council. The Herald will chair the meeting - they will allow a free exchange of discussion as is customary in the Military Council - but they will not permit members of the Council to shout each other down and will look to stop people talking over each other.

	Adjutants and guests of The Throne (the ~~Throneguard~~) will be permitted to come and go throughout the meeting, but cannot talk in Council without the nodded consent of the body. The expectation is that adjutants will sit or stand behind their general they are supporting. Any private conversations taking place in the tent should be no louder than a whisper, so that they avoid disrupting the session. The [[Herald of the Council]] will use their legal powers to silence or exclude anyone in the tent whose activity is disturbing the meeting.		Adjutants and guests of The Throne (the Throne Guard) will be permitted to come and go throughout the meeting, but cannot talk in Council without the nodded consent of the body. The expectation is that adjutants will sit or stand behind their general they are supporting. Any private conversations taking place in the tent should be no louder than a whisper, so that they avoid disrupting the session. The [[Herald of the Council]] will use their legal powers to silence or exclude anyone in the tent whose activity is disturbing the meeting.

	===Reasoning===		===Reasoning===

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

2026-01-15T16:42:47Z

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

← Older revision		Revision as of 16:42, 15 January 2026
Line 107:		Line 107:

	==Warmage, Bursar and Seer==		==Warmage, Bursar and Seer==
	The changes to the [[~~Imperial~~ Conclave]] - removing the gambit and giving the mana directly to the grandmasters to use to further their political order's ambitions have blunted the power of the [[Imperial Seer]], [[Bursar of the Conclave]] and the [[Warmage]]. To address this we have made some changes to each of these titles. The Bursar has gained a [[ministry]] - in line with their economic responsibility to help the Conclave raise money to acquire resources for Conclave members and to arrange the purchase of materials and items that the Conclave wishes to acquire. The Imperial Seer has gained a unique consumable resource and an important piece of new regalia - the Hawk's Demeanour and the Warmage has gained the support of the Arch of the Sky, providing the title with a small bounty of ilium each event.		The changes to the [[Conclave]] - removing the gambit and giving the mana directly to the grandmasters to use to further their political order's ambitions have blunted the power of the [[Imperial Seer]], [[Bursar of the Conclave]] and the [[Warmage]]. To address this we have made some changes to each of these titles. The Bursar has gained a [[ministry]] - in line with their economic responsibility to help the Conclave raise money to acquire resources for Conclave members and to arrange the purchase of materials and items that the Conclave wishes to acquire. The Imperial Seer has gained a unique consumable resource and an important piece of new regalia - the Hawk's Demeanour and the Warmage has gained the support of the Arch of the Sky, providing the title with a small bounty of ilium each event.

	===Reasoning===		===Reasoning===

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

2026-01-15T13:15:36Z

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

← Older revision		Revision as of 13:15, 15 January 2026
Line 253:		Line 253:

	==Bourse==		==Bourse==
	We have updated the procedures for characters who lose an [[~~Imperial~~ Bourse]] seat. The new rules state that the seat will receive back what they paid for the seat in proportion to the amount of production remaining. The original rules giving a re-auction were complex and legally inconsistent with the idea of a contract between the state the citizen. In essence if the contract is broken by the Empire - then the Empire repays what was paid.		We have updated the procedures for characters who lose an [[Bourse]] seat. The new rules state that the seat will receive back what they paid for the seat in proportion to the amount of production remaining. The original rules giving a re-auction were complex and legally inconsistent with the idea of a contract between the state the citizen. In essence if the contract is broken by the Empire - then the Empire repays what was paid.

	Crucially we have removed the line that the proceeds of the auction of an excommunicated bourse seat holder go to the virtue fund of the Synod. In practice, it is near certain that under the old rules, any Bourse seat holder would simply have resigned their position moments before a judgement passed against them. Thus they would have recouped what they paid or more back anyway.		Crucially we have removed the line that the proceeds of the auction of an excommunicated bourse seat holder go to the virtue fund of the Synod. In practice, it is near certain that under the old rules, any Bourse seat holder would simply have resigned their position moments before a judgement passed against them. Thus they would have recouped what they paid or more back anyway.

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

2026-01-15T12:22:20Z

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

← Older revision		Revision as of 12:22, 15 January 2026
Line 314:		Line 314:

	==Mercenary Banner==		==Mercenary Banner==
	We have changed the way the [[Mercenary Banner]] magical item works. It can now only be used during the [[Muster]] of the [[~~Imperial~~ Military Council]], in the presence of an Imperial [[general]] who agrees to accept an oath of service from a member of the band. This will form a binding magical contract - the players in the band can then only take the field with the general they are serving rather than their own nation. This means we will be able to update the figures for the battle to ensure that the numbers of volunteers remains balanced for each battle.		We have changed the way the [[Mercenary Banner]] magical item works. It can now only be used during the [[Muster]] of the [[Military Council]], in the presence of an Imperial [[general]] who agrees to accept an oath of service from a member of the band. This will form a binding magical contract - the players in the band can then only take the field with the general they are serving rather than their own nation. This means we will be able to update the figures for the battle to ensure that the numbers of volunteers remains balanced for each battle.

	We have also increased the cost to make the item.		We have also increased the cost to make the item.

Twiggy at 00:17, 13 January 2026

2026-01-13T00:17:27Z

← Older revision		Revision as of 00:17, 13 January 2026
Line 331:		Line 331:
	It's perfectly in-character for an Imperial citizen to shun a mercenary. Historically mercenaries were often socially ostracised and the genre is generally full of tales of mercenaries who face contempt and hostility from the rest of society. On paper that sounds a brilliant roleplaying challenge - social conflict is the basis for the game after-all. But if contempt and hostility slides into isolation - then instead of a brilliant roleplaying challenge the mercenary character simply finds themselves cut out of the social game, possibly without even realizing why that is happening or even that it is taking place at all.		It's perfectly in-character for an Imperial citizen to shun a mercenary. Historically mercenaries were often socially ostracised and the genre is generally full of tales of mercenaries who face contempt and hostility from the rest of society. On paper that sounds a brilliant roleplaying challenge - social conflict is the basis for the game after-all. But if contempt and hostility slides into isolation - then instead of a brilliant roleplaying challenge the mercenary character simply finds themselves cut out of the social game, possibly without even realizing why that is happening or even that it is taking place at all.

	So I argued with my colleagues for most of winter that we should cut the mercenary banner - and if necessary find a way to rewrite the League brief. I am not happy being responsible for a game if I'm not confident that every part of what we are offering offers the as many opportunities for great roleplaying as possible. It's quite possible that you can play a League mercenary and have a great time - but it's a significant concern to me that you could fail to enjoy the event because you'd chosen to play a League mercenary. I fear that it can be the Empire equivalent of the dark brooding stranger who sits alone in the tavern - a great idea on paper - a terrible character concept in practice. Worst of all - because it risks cutting you off from the wider political game, the danger is that the player doesn't even ~~realize~~ that it is their character archetype (something PD has provided as a cool concept to play in the game) that is the reason that they have been cut out of the game. Playing a mercenary in Empire can be a trap - it promises fun - but may not deliver.		So I argued with my colleagues for most of winter that we should cut the mercenary banner - and if necessary find a way to rewrite the League brief. I am not happy being responsible for a game if I'm not confident that every part of what we are offering offers the as many opportunities for great roleplaying as possible. It's quite possible that you can play a League mercenary and have a great time - but it's a significant concern to me that you could fail to enjoy the event because you'd chosen to play a League mercenary. I fear that it can be the Empire equivalent of the dark brooding stranger who sits alone in the tavern - a great idea on paper - a terrible character concept in practice. Worst of all - because it risks cutting you off from the wider political game, the danger is that the player doesn't even realise that it is their character archetype (something PD has provided as a cool concept to play in the game) that is the reason that they have been cut out of the game. Playing a mercenary in Empire can be a trap - it promises fun - but may not deliver.

	In the end, we decided not to do it. If I had my time over again, if we were writing the game tomorrow, I would not hesitate to excise mercenaries from the game. I don't believe they provide the kind of enjoyment that other characters archetypes can - and the risk is that they detract from your game much more than they add. It's possible we'd spend some time coming up with something better - something cooler - but I've spent years wrestling with mercenaries in LRP and never been very satisfied with the results.		In the end, we decided not to do it. If I had my time over again, if we were writing the game tomorrow, I would not hesitate to excise mercenaries from the game. I don't believe they provide the kind of enjoyment that other characters archetypes can - and the risk is that they detract from your game much more than they add. It's possible we'd spend some time coming up with something better - something cooler - but I've spent years wrestling with mercenaries in LRP and never been very satisfied with the results.

Twiggy at 18:52, 26 September 2025

2025-09-26T18:52:46Z

← Older revision		Revision as of 18:52, 26 September 2025
Line 20:		Line 20:
	Over this year we have been steadily improving the software that we use to manage conjunctions which has reduced the number of problems linked to quests and encounters outside Anvil. However there have still been a handful of unfortunate situations where players have got the wrong information about the time, destination, or nature of a conjunction. That information quickly becomes accepted fact when passed from one player to another leading to disappointment all round when (if) the facts finally come out.		Over this year we have been steadily improving the software that we use to manage conjunctions which has reduced the number of problems linked to quests and encounters outside Anvil. However there have still been a handful of unfortunate situations where players have got the wrong information about the time, destination, or nature of a conjunction. That information quickly becomes accepted fact when passed from one player to another leading to disappointment all round when (if) the facts finally come out.

	So at this event we are ~~trialing~~ a new system, in which our NPC egregores will be aware of the existence and nature of some conjunctions. As they act in the interests of their nation, these characters will explicitly seek out the characters to whom the conjunction is relevant to give them the information in-character. As a full-time NPC, the egregore will continue to be available in the nation throughout the event - so they will hopefully be able to correct any misinformation that arises in play from the usual Chinese whispers. We hope that this approach - having our field NPCs in a position to give players advice and support on the time and nature of conjunctions - will make it significantly less likely that anything goes awry.		So at this event we are trialling a new system, in which our NPC egregores will be aware of the existence and nature of some conjunctions. As they act in the interests of their nation, these characters will explicitly seek out the characters to whom the conjunction is relevant to give them the information in-character. As a full-time NPC, the egregore will continue to be available in the nation throughout the event - so they will hopefully be able to correct any misinformation that arises in play from the usual Chinese whispers. We hope that this approach - having our field NPCs in a position to give players advice and support on the time and nature of conjunctions - will make it significantly less likely that anything goes awry.

	Not all quests are compatible with this approach - so it will always still be worth checking the Sentinel Gate if you are following up a lead - but hopefully players will find it easier to check with their egregore first. They can save you finding a ref, save you spending your mana, and best of all will be able to let us know what conjunctions you are looking for (which can influence the plots we write for future events).		Not all quests are compatible with this approach - so it will always still be worth checking the Sentinel Gate if you are following up a lead - but hopefully players will find it easier to check with their egregore first. They can save you finding a ref, save you spending your mana, and best of all will be able to let us know what conjunctions you are looking for (which can influence the plots we write for future events).
Line 51:		Line 51:
	Finally the new system will make it easy and effective for us to return a failed message. Currently a failed message just disappears - which is awful game design because it means the player gets no feedback that their attempt to achieve something has failed. Returning a failed letter to the person who wrote it means that they will know it failed - so at least they know what has happened. We hope it will also mean that players get better at making sure they have a valid target for their ritual!		Finally the new system will make it easy and effective for us to return a failed message. Currently a failed message just disappears - which is awful game design because it means the player gets no feedback that their attempt to achieve something has failed. Returning a failed letter to the person who wrote it means that they will know it failed - so at least they know what has happened. We hope it will also mean that players get better at making sure they have a valid target for their ritual!

	===In-character ~~Explaination~~===		===In-character Explanation===
	There has been a recent conjunction between the astrological symbol for [[the Door\|the Door]] and [[The_Spider_and_The_Web#The_Web\|the Web]]. Magicians are never really sure whether such conjunctions cause magic to change - or are instead visible symbols of hidden currents of magic. Regardless of the reason the movement of the stars remains one of the most effective ways to tell when powerful forces are changing in the world of Empire.		There has been a recent conjunction between the astrological symbol for [[the Door\|the Door]] and [[The_Spider_and_The_Web#The_Web\|the Web]]. Magicians are never really sure whether such conjunctions cause magic to change - or are instead visible symbols of hidden currents of magic. Regardless of the reason the movement of the stars remains one of the most effective ways to tell when powerful forces are changing in the world of Empire.

Line 198:		Line 198:

	===Statement of Principle===		===Statement of Principle===
	We have improved statement of principle to allow the General Assembly to pass a statement with a greater majority to have a significant effect on the rest of the Empire. A statement of principle passed with a greater majority by a national ~~assemby~~ may have a significant effect. In effect, the Synod General Assembly has the power to influence events - even create new plot opportunities - if they can muster a greater majority.		We have improved statement of principle to allow the General Assembly to pass a statement with a greater majority to have a significant effect on the rest of the Empire. A statement of principle passed with a greater majority by a national assembly may have a significant effect. In effect, the Synod General Assembly has the power to influence events - even create new plot opportunities - if they can muster a greater majority.

	===Mandate===		===Mandate===
Line 348:		Line 348:
	* '''We have created a new class of potion - philtres - which can be correctly identified by any character'''		* '''We have created a new class of potion - philtres - which can be correctly identified by any character'''
	* '''Several basic restorative potions have been changed from being potions to being philtres'''		* '''Several basic restorative potions have been changed from being potions to being philtres'''
	Elixir Vitae, Philtre of Strength, Skop’s Mead, ~~MageBlood~~, Philtre of Heavenly Lore, Bloodharrow Philtre, Feverfail Elixir, Ossean Balm, and Anodyne Embrocation have all be changed to be philtres rather than regular potions.		Elixir Vitae, Philtre of Strength, Skop’s Mead, Mageblood, Philtre of Heavenly Lore, Bloodharrow Philtre, Feverfail Elixir, Ossean Balm, and Anodyne Embrocation have all be changed to be philtres rather than regular potions.

	Philtres use a card - like a herb or mana crystal - with all the rules for that item printed on it, instead of using a rip-open lammy like a regular potion. This means that any character can correctly identify a philtre with a quick glance at the accompanying card.		Philtres use a card - like a herb or mana crystal - with all the rules for that item printed on it, instead of using a rip-open lammy like a regular potion. This means that any character can correctly identify a philtre with a quick glance at the accompanying card.

Twiggy at 15:09, 21 August 2025

2025-08-21T15:09:24Z

← Older revision		Revision as of 15:09, 21 August 2025
Line 230:		Line 230:
	The change to statement of principle is small but very significant. If the General Assembly passes a statement of principle with a greater majority - then it is guaranteed to have an effect of some kind. We'll look at any statement of principle that passes with a greater majority - though we'll only run plot with those that happen in the national assemblies if it is clear that there will be good plot and game on the field as a result. This gives the Synod direct control of a lever that they can use to influence events in the Empire. This change is part of an ongoing series of improvements to add more levers of this kind to the game to allow players to be more proactive and to give them greater control of the game. It won't be possible for the players to know what effect will happen - players second guessing or attempting to game the system will be disappointed - but players seeking a means to achieve a clear in-character goal will have a new way to achieve that.		The change to statement of principle is small but very significant. If the General Assembly passes a statement of principle with a greater majority - then it is guaranteed to have an effect of some kind. We'll look at any statement of principle that passes with a greater majority - though we'll only run plot with those that happen in the national assemblies if it is clear that there will be good plot and game on the field as a result. This gives the Synod direct control of a lever that they can use to influence events in the Empire. This change is part of an ongoing series of improvements to add more levers of this kind to the game to allow players to be more proactive and to give them greater control of the game. It won't be possible for the players to know what effect will happen - players second guessing or attempting to game the system will be disappointed - but players seeking a means to achieve a clear in-character goal will have a new way to achieve that.

	The new judgement of mandate is the counterpoint to the improved statement of principle. It gives the players a clear definitive way to take a moral stand on a contemporary issue and ~~authorize~~ a priest to take action. Changing the mechanism to require the use of wording provided by the civil service removes a clear failure in the current system where players could pass a judgement in the field - but that failed to achieve the game effect because it didn't meet the criteria outlined in the opportunity. In effect we were being forced to judge someone's roleplaying to decide if passed or failed - which is something we try very hard to avoid. Now the decision is whether or not to pass the mandate - if that happens then the priest knows exactly what the outcome will be if they go through with it.		The new judgement of mandate is the counterpoint to the improved statement of principle. It gives the players a clear definitive way to take a moral stand on a contemporary issue and authorise a priest to take action. Changing the mechanism to require the use of wording provided by the civil service removes a clear failure in the current system where players could pass a judgement in the field - but that failed to achieve the game effect because it didn't meet the criteria outlined in the opportunity. In effect we were being forced to judge someone's roleplaying to decide if passed or failed - which is something we try very hard to avoid. Now the decision is whether or not to pass the mandate - if that happens then the priest knows exactly what the outcome will be if they go through with it.

	Although there have been very very few successful alternative wordings for the expenditure of liao in the past - we wanted to keep that possibility open as far as possible. But we also wanted to make sure that players could make informed decisions with the certain knowledge of what the outcome will be. Allowing players to email us with considerations before the event makes the process for trying a different option to those presented explicit - gives us time to judge how effective it might be - and leaves a small window to inform other players of the potential consequences if they decide to back that approach.		Although there have been very very few successful alternative wordings for the expenditure of liao in the past - we wanted to keep that possibility open as far as possible. But we also wanted to make sure that players could make informed decisions with the certain knowledge of what the outcome will be. Allowing players to email us with considerations before the event makes the process for trying a different option to those presented explicit - gives us time to judge how effective it might be - and leaves a small window to inform other players of the potential consequences if they decide to back that approach.

Twiggy: /* Reasoning */

2025-07-14T09:07:38Z

Reasoning

← Older revision		Revision as of 09:07, 14 July 2025
Line 284:		Line 284:
	That caveat aside, we spent the winter reviewing the extensive feedback from the Summer about the Conclave - reading player experiences of the Conclave and looking at the things they enjoyed and how we could support that. The review made clear that there were improvements that we could make to the Conclave to ensure it ran more efficiently. Generally we know that things that make the Conclave run more efficiently are likely to be relatively popular. At best these changes might result in shorter, more enjoyable meetings which would be great. But even if they don't then the Conclave would be at least as enjoyable as it is now - but with more players involved.		That caveat aside, we spent the winter reviewing the extensive feedback from the Summer about the Conclave - reading player experiences of the Conclave and looking at the things they enjoyed and how we could support that. The review made clear that there were improvements that we could make to the Conclave to ensure it ran more efficiently. Generally we know that things that make the Conclave run more efficiently are likely to be relatively popular. At best these changes might result in shorter, more enjoyable meetings which would be great. But even if they don't then the Conclave would be at least as enjoyable as it is now - but with more players involved.

	Removing the counts of order size before each session is an obvious way to reduce the drag on the sessions. It also reduces our paperwork and administration which allows us to spend that time improving other parts of the game. Crucially it gets away from a model in which grandmasters might be inclined to encourage players who don't enjoy the Conclave game to turn up so that they can count for precedence. There's no evidence that that was happening - but that is the model that the old approach encouraged. On the face of it it encourages participation - but people who are enjoying the Conclave game don't need encouragement to attend - we want players who don't enjoy the Conclave game to find their fun elsewhere.		Removing the counts of order size before each session is an obvious way to reduce the drag on the sessions. It also reduces our paperwork and administration which allows us to spend that time improving other parts of the game. Crucially it gets away from a model in which grandmasters might be inclined to encourage players who don't enjoy the Conclave game to turn up so that they can count for precedence. There's no evidence that that was happening - but that is the model that the old approach encouraged. On the face of it, it encourages participation - but people who are enjoying the Conclave game don't need encouragement to attend - we want players who don't enjoy the Conclave game to find their fun elsewhere.

	Removing free minutes to respond to issues is intended to help speed up the Conclave and reduce the potential for "I agree" speeches. One of the essential elements of the Conclave that was designed to try and keep meetings short was to charge people 1 mana crystal per minute to speak. The goal is to say to people that you shouldn't be talking in Conclave if you don't have something worthwhile to say. The idea of free minutes to respond to declarations really undermined this because it gave people a chance to speak without paying for everyone's time - and worse it encouraged people to say things "so as not to waste the free minute".		Removing free minutes to respond to issues is intended to help speed up the Conclave and reduce the potential for "I agree" speeches. One of the essential elements of the Conclave that was designed to try and keep meetings short was to charge people 1 mana crystal per minute to speak. The goal is to say to people that you shouldn't be talking in Conclave if you don't have something worthwhile to say. The idea of free minutes to respond to declarations really undermined this because it gave people a chance to speak without paying for everyone's time - and worse it encouraged people to say things "so as not to waste the free minute".