Setting FAQ - Revision history

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

2026-01-15T21:29:01Z

Text replacement - "[[Imperial Synod" to "[[Synod"

← Older revision		Revision as of 21:29, 15 January 2026
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	==Religion==		==Religion==
	===Are players allowed to make up their past lives?===		===Are players allowed to make up their past lives?===
	In Empire, the [[~~Imperial~~ Synod]] teaches that reincarnation exists. It’s a matter of doctrine/faith rather than fact. See the list of heresies for what else people may believe is the case. There is no problem with characters believing all kinds of things. If someone wants to create a character who believes firmly they are [[Abraxus]] reborn, they can.		In Empire, the [[Synod]] teaches that reincarnation exists. It’s a matter of doctrine/faith rather than fact. See the list of heresies for what else people may believe is the case. There is no problem with characters believing all kinds of things. If someone wants to create a character who believes firmly they are [[Abraxus]] reborn, they can.

	The important thing is that the player accepts that this is a ''belief'', and will not equate to sanctioning by Profound Decisions in any form. Pick something relatively innocuous, and the odds you will encounter anything that contradicts it is very small. “I had a dream once that I was a rebel during the Freedom Heresy. My past disloyalty haunts me and is why I am overcompensating in this life.” Claiming to be Abraxus reborn and that you know where you hid your prophetic scrolls is likely to be a path to disappointment.		The important thing is that the player accepts that this is a ''belief'', and will not equate to sanctioning by Profound Decisions in any form. Pick something relatively innocuous, and the odds you will encounter anything that contradicts it is very small. “I had a dream once that I was a rebel during the Freedom Heresy. My past disloyalty haunts me and is why I am overcompensating in this life.” Claiming to be Abraxus reborn and that you know where you hid your prophetic scrolls is likely to be a path to disappointment.
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	===Can priests of false virtues be in the Synod?===		===Can priests of false virtues be in the Synod?===
	The civil service only records details of characters with [[congregation\|congregations]] for purposes of determining membership of the [[~~Imperial~~ Synod]]. Their skills, including [[dedication]] (if any) are irrelevant. The civil service have no way to detect that a character is dedicated to something other than one of the seven virtues of the Way - so a character dedicated to a "[[Malign_spiritual_presences#False_Virtues\|false virtue]]" who has a congregation personal resource would begin as part of the [[Assembly]] of the Way, but could then use the [[Congregation#Downtime Options\|preaching]] action in downtime to become a member of any of the eight Virtue Assemblies just like any other priest.		The civil service only records details of characters with [[congregation\|congregations]] for purposes of determining membership of the [[Synod]]. Their skills, including [[dedication]] (if any) are irrelevant. The civil service have no way to detect that a character is dedicated to something other than one of the seven virtues of the Way - so a character dedicated to a "[[Malign_spiritual_presences#False_Virtues\|false virtue]]" who has a congregation personal resource would begin as part of the [[Assembly]] of the Way, but could then use the [[Congregation#Downtime Options\|preaching]] action in downtime to become a member of any of the eight Virtue Assemblies just like any other priest.

	===How does population growth fit with reincarnation?===		===How does population growth fit with reincarnation?===

Twiggy at 01:53, 15 August 2025

2025-08-15T01:53:58Z

← Older revision		Revision as of 01:53, 15 August 2025
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	===When are the seasons?===		===When are the seasons?===
	Each event takes place on an equinox or solstice. The first event of each year takes place on the Winter Solstice - in-character that is the 21<sup>st</sup> December. Winter runs from December to February - so there is around a month of winter before the event and around two months of winter after the event. Obviously some years winter "comes early" just as is does in the real world depending on the weather. As a result accounts running up to the Winter Solstice will be written from the perspective that winter is starting, other times from the perspective that winter is well underway.		Each event takes place on an equinox or solstice. The first event of each year takes place on the Winter Solstice - in-character that is the 21<sup>st</sup> December. Winter runs from December to February - so there is around a month of winter before the event and around two months of winter after the event. Obviously some years winter "comes early" just as it does in the real world depending on the weather. As a result accounts running up to the Winter Solstice will be written from the perspective that winter is starting, other times from the perspective that winter is well underway.

	Seasonal rituals - such as [[Gathering the Harvest]] are linked to the seasons through the events. Magic does not move the seasons, but the [[Gathering the Harvest]] ritual does allow the farmer to "gather crops faster", so their crop can be assumed to come in a little early. In practice when the harvest happens will vary from farm to farm depending on the crops they have, the weather they have and other considerations. It happens around the time of the Autumn Equinox event - some before - some after. We abstract away exactly when - we don't care - that's down to individual roleplaying.		Seasonal rituals - such as [[Gathering the Harvest]] are linked to the seasons through the events. Magic does not move the seasons, but the [[Gathering the Harvest]] ritual does allow the farmer to "gather crops faster", so their crop can be assumed to come in a little early. In practice when the harvest happens will vary from farm to farm depending on the crops they have, the weather they have and other considerations. It happens around the time of the Autumn Equinox event - some before - some after. We abstract away exactly when - we don't care - that's down to individual roleplaying.
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	===Can I invent a Paragon or Exemplar?===		===Can I invent a Paragon or Exemplar?===
	The current paragons and exemplars outlined are not intended to be an exhaustive list but illustrative and to be expanded on. You can create an exemplar for your background but you should avoid creating paragons as these are few in number. As with any part of the setting, this will need to be checked to ensure ~~its~~ consistent with the setting game (i.e. an Inspector Clouseau like character will not be accepted as an exemplar of Wisdom).		The current paragons and exemplars outlined are not intended to be an exhaustive list but illustrative and to be expanded on. You can create an exemplar for your background but you should avoid creating paragons as these are few in number. As with any part of the setting, this will need to be checked to ensure it's consistent with the setting game (i.e. an Inspector Clouseau like character will not be accepted as an exemplar of Wisdom).

	It is worth reading about the [[signs of the paragon and exemplar]].		It is worth reading about the [[signs of the paragon and exemplar]].

Twiggy at 15:57, 14 August 2025

2025-08-14T15:57:57Z

Hailmur: /* What are the coins and what are they worth? */

2025-02-20T15:28:48Z

What are the coins and what are they worth?

← Older revision		Revision as of 15:28, 20 February 2025
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	[[Currency#Imperial Coins\|Imperial coinage]] is made up of rings, crowns and thrones. There are eight crowns to a throne and twenty rings to a crown.		[[Currency#Imperial Coins\|Imperial coinage]] is made up of rings, crowns and thrones. There are eight crowns to a throne and twenty rings to a crown.

	It is effectively meaningless to talk about what coins are worth, since Empire ~~will use~~ a free market economy system in which players set the prices of items rather than the organisers. As a result we ~~have no idea~~ what things will be worth and prices will change from event to event. The starting income of a normal character is 18 rings; every normal character will receive that amount of money every event.		It is effectively meaningless to talk about what coins are worth, since Empire uses a free market economy system in which players set the prices of items rather than the organisers. As a result we cannot say what things will be worth and how prices will change from event to event. The starting income of a normal character is 18 rings; every normal character will receive that amount of money every event.

	===Do dire bees exist?===		===Do dire bees exist?===
	[[Mundane_beasts#Dire_Beasts\|Dire beasts]] come in many shapes and sizes. Dire bees exist, but they are rare - all dire beasts are rare. They are about the size of a small bird. They are as tameable as a normal bee at best. You can't ride one, unless you're small enough to ride a swallow... They are a bloody nuisance no-one wants near them. They're a terrible way of getting honey because if you get stung by a normal bee you get a tiny droplet of poison that gives you a nasty reaction, but if you get stung by a dire bee you take a hit point of damage and ref shouts "venom" so if you get stung a few times... you die. So nobody keeps them for honey.		[[Mundane_beasts#Dire_Beasts\|Dire beasts]] come in many shapes and sizes. Dire bees exist, but they are rare - all dire beasts are rare. They are about the size of a small bird. They are as tameable as a normal bee at best. You can't ride one, unless you're small enough to ride a swallow... They are a bloody nuisance no-one wants near them. They're a terrible way of getting honey because if you get stung by a normal bee you get a tiny droplet of poison that gives you a nasty reaction, but if you get stung by a dire bee you take a hit point of damage and ref shouts "venom" so if you get stung a few times... you die. So nobody keeps them for honey.

Hailmur: /* Can the senate concede something as part of the motion that commissions it? */

2025-02-20T15:26:38Z

Can the senate concede something as part of the motion that commissions it?

← Older revision		Revision as of 15:26, 20 February 2025
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	===How does the coinage break down?===		===How does the coinage break down?===
	There are 20 Rings in a Crown and 8 Crowns in a Throne. The [[currency]] page provides an in-depth breakdown of the Empire's coinage.		There are 20 Rings in a Crown and 8 Crowns in a Throne. The [[currency]] page provides an in-depth breakdown of the Empire's coinage.
	===Can the ~~senate~~ concede something as part of the motion that commissions it?===		===Can the Senate concede something as part of the motion that commissions it?===
	Yes. A single [[Senate motion]] can both [[commission]] something, and [[Powers_of_the_Imperial_Senate#Concedence\|cede it]] to someone.		Yes. A single [[Senate motion]] can both [[commission]] something, and [[Powers_of_the_Imperial_Senate#Concedence\|cede it]] to someone.

Hailmur at 04:45, 20 August 2024

2024-08-20T04:45:49Z

← Older revision		Revision as of 04:45, 20 August 2024
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	==Introduction==		==Introduction==
	{{FAQ}}		{{FAQ}}
			<!--fix-->
	This section of the FAQ contains questions about the Setting. For questions about other parts of the game, please see the [[General FAQ\|FAQ]].		This section of the FAQ contains questions about the Setting. For questions about other parts of the game, please see the [[General FAQ\|FAQ]].

Hailmur: /* Backgrounds */

2023-04-05T10:51:37Z

Backgrounds

← Older revision		Revision as of 10:51, 5 April 2023
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	There is some detailed guidance on creating character backgrounds [[How_to_submit_a_background\|here]].		There is some detailed guidance on creating character backgrounds [[How_to_submit_a_background\|here]].
	===Who do I talk to about my background?===		===Who do I talk to about my background?===
	You can submit your background when you create your character using the online character generation system. If you have any questions or want to discuss your Empire backgrounds, personal and group, please email [mailto:~~empire.~~backgrounds@profounddecisions.co.uk ~~empire.~~backgrounds@profounddecisions.co.uk], where a team of friendly and helpful people are waiting to assist.		You can submit your background when you create your character using the online character generation system. If you have any questions or want to discuss your Empire backgrounds, personal and group, please email [mailto:backgrounds@profounddecisions.co.uk backgrounds@profounddecisions.co.uk], where a team of friendly and helpful people are waiting to assist.

	===Can I email a longer background?===		===Can I email a longer background?===

Hailmur: /* Introduction */ wrong link

2023-01-16T12:36:00Z

Introduction: wrong link

← Older revision		Revision as of 12:36, 16 January 2023
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	{{FAQ}}		{{FAQ}}

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

	==Geography==		==Geography==
	===How big is the Empire?===		===How big is the Empire?===

RichardRaynor: /* What is Hearth Magic? */ -link fix

2022-09-18T14:08:01Z

What is Hearth Magic?: -link fix

← Older revision		Revision as of 14:08, 18 September 2022
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	==Magic==		==Magic==
	===What is Hearth Magic?===		===What is Hearth Magic?===
	The nature of hearth magic is extensively explored on the [hearth magic]] page. Each Imperial nation has their own hearth magic page that provides further specific information,		The nature of hearth magic is extensively explored on the [[hearth magic]] page. Each Imperial nation has their own hearth magic page that provides further specific information,

	===What is known about the Stars?===		===What is known about the Stars?===

Emmanovi: /* Can priests of false virtues be in the Synod? */ sp

2022-09-05T14:41:07Z

Can priests of false virtues be in the Synod?: sp

← Older revision		Revision as of 14:41, 5 September 2022
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	===Can priests of false virtues be in the Synod?===		===Can priests of false virtues be in the Synod?===
	The civil service only records details of characters with [[congregation\|congregations]] for purposes of determining membership of the [[Imperial Synod]]. Their skills, including [[dedication]] (if any) are irrelevant. The civil service have no way to detect that a character is dedicated to something other than one of the seven virtues of the Way - so a character dedicated to a "[[Malign_spiritual_presences#False_Virtues\|false virtue]]" who has a congregation personal resource would begin as part of the [[Assembly]] of the Way, but could ~~them~~ use the [[Congregation#Downtime Options\|preaching]] action in downtime to become a member of any of the eight Virtue Assemblies just like any other priest.		The civil service only records details of characters with [[congregation\|congregations]] for purposes of determining membership of the [[Imperial Synod]]. Their skills, including [[dedication]] (if any) are irrelevant. The civil service have no way to detect that a character is dedicated to something other than one of the seven virtues of the Way - so a character dedicated to a "[[Malign_spiritual_presences#False_Virtues\|false virtue]]" who has a congregation personal resource would begin as part of the [[Assembly]] of the Way, but could then use the [[Congregation#Downtime Options\|preaching]] action in downtime to become a member of any of the eight Virtue Assemblies just like any other priest.

	===How does population growth fit with reincarnation?===		===How does population growth fit with reincarnation?===

← Older revision		Revision as of 15:57, 14 August 2025
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	Seasonal rituals - such as [[Gathering the Harvest]] are linked to the seasons through the events. Magic does not move the seasons, but the [[Gathering the Harvest]] ritual does allow the farmer to "gather crops faster", so their crop can be assumed to come in a little early. In practice when the harvest happens will vary from farm to farm depending on the crops they have, the weather they have and other considerations. It happens around the time of the Autumn Equinox event - some before - some after. We abstract away exactly when - we don't care - that's down to individual roleplaying.		Seasonal rituals - such as [[Gathering the Harvest]] are linked to the seasons through the events. Magic does not move the seasons, but the [[Gathering the Harvest]] ritual does allow the farmer to "gather crops faster", so their crop can be assumed to come in a little early. In practice when the harvest happens will vary from farm to farm depending on the crops they have, the weather they have and other considerations. It happens around the time of the Autumn Equinox event - some before - some after. We abstract away exactly when - we don't care - that's down to individual roleplaying.
	==Wealth and Politics==		==Wealth and Politics==

	===How does the coinage break down?===		===How does the coinage break down?===
	There are 20 Rings in a Crown and 8 Crowns in a Throne. The [[currency]] page provides an in-depth breakdown of the Empire's coinage.		There are 20 Rings in a Crown and 8 Crowns in a Throne. The [[currency]] page provides an in-depth breakdown of the Empire's coinage.

	===Can the Senate concede something as part of the motion that commissions it?===		===Can the Senate concede something as part of the motion that commissions it?===
	Yes. A single [[Senate motion]] can both [[commission]] something, and [[Powers_of_the_Imperial_Senate#Concedence\|cede it]] to someone.		Yes. A single [[Senate motion]] can both [[commission]] something, and [[Powers_of_the_Imperial_Senate#Concedence\|cede it]] to someone.
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	[[Liao#True liao\|True Liao]] visions are run as “encounters” during the events. No one should claim to have taken true [[liao]] in their background.		[[Liao#True liao\|True Liao]] visions are run as “encounters” during the events. No one should claim to have taken true [[liao]] in their background.

	===Can I invent a Paragon or Exemplar?===		===Can I invent a Paragon or Exemplar?===
	The current paragons and exemplars outlined are not intended to be an exhaustive list but illustrative and to be expanded on. You can create an exemplar for your background but you should avoid creating paragons as these are few in number. As with any part of the setting, this will need to be checked to ensure its consistent with the setting game (i.e. an Inspector Clouseau like character will not be accepted as an exemplar of Wisdom).		The current paragons and exemplars outlined are not intended to be an exhaustive list but illustrative and to be expanded on. You can create an exemplar for your background but you should avoid creating paragons as these are few in number. As with any part of the setting, this will need to be checked to ensure its consistent with the setting game (i.e. an Inspector Clouseau like character will not be accepted as an exemplar of Wisdom).
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	===How does population growth fit with reincarnation?===		===How does population growth fit with reincarnation?===
	Population change is an IC phenomenon. Reincarnation is a matter of IC faith. Reconciling IC phenomena with IC belief is the work of IC theology. The correlation between IC theology and OOC metaphysics will only be definitively revealed at the end of the Empire campaign as providing an OOC answer to an IC question before then removes any basis for IC debate.		Population change is an IC phenomenon. Reincarnation is a matter of IC faith. Reconciling IC phenomena with IC belief is the work of IC theology. The correlation between IC theology and OOC metaphysics will only be definitively revealed at the end of the Empire campaign as providing an OOC answer to an IC question before then removes any basis for IC debate.

	===Can we use historical philosophers as source material?===		===Can we use historical philosophers as source material?===
	The section on [[Arete]] says "As [[Urizen]] is a land of countless philosophies if you wish to play a character with a detailed knowledge of philosophy, then the contemporary Greek philosophies such as Stoicism and Epicureanism are good source material, once adapted, for more esoteric Urizen philosophies. " The key words are "once adapted", it is useful to ensure that references and context are right for the setting. If you want IC philosophical documentation, then you are welcome to create your own. Part of the reason we [[Imperial_history#.28200_YE_-_209_YE.29_Reign_of_Emperor_Nicovar_.22the_Mad.22\|burnt down the libraries]] in the reign of [[Emperor Nicovar]] was to allow a little ambiguity in historical texts and wallpaper over any cracks between group histories.		The section on [[Arete]] says "As [[Urizen]] is a land of countless philosophies if you wish to play a character with a detailed knowledge of philosophy, then the contemporary Greek philosophies such as Stoicism and Epicureanism are good source material, once adapted, for more esoteric Urizen philosophies. " The key words are "once adapted", it is useful to ensure that references and context are right for the setting. If you want IC philosophical documentation, then you are welcome to create your own. Part of the reason we [[Imperial_history#.28200_YE_-_209_YE.29_Reign_of_Emperor_Nicovar_.22the_Mad.22\|burnt down the libraries]] in the reign of [[Emperor Nicovar]] was to allow a little ambiguity in historical texts and wallpaper over any cracks between group histories.

	==Flora and Fauna==		==Flora and Fauna==

	===Do mythical and real world beasts exist in Empire?===		===Do mythical and real world beasts exist in Empire?===
	Most indigenous European fauna like boars or stags exist in Empire, but obviously they are unlikely to turn up at events. The notable exception are [[horse\|horses]], which did exist but were wiped out centuries ago. Fantastic beasts like trolls and dragons also exist in Empire - some of them as myths, some of them as creatures that you can meet.		Most indigenous European fauna like boars or stags exist in Empire, but obviously they are unlikely to turn up at events. The notable exception are [[horse\|horses]], which did exist but were wiped out centuries ago. Fantastic beasts like trolls and dragons also exist in Empire - some of them as myths, some of them as creatures that you can meet.
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	==Magic==		==Magic==
	===What is Hearth Magic?===		===What is Hearth Magic?===
	The nature of hearth magic is extensively explored on the [[hearth magic]] page. Each Imperial nation has their own hearth magic page that provides further specific information,		The nature of hearth magic is extensively explored on the [[hearth magic]] page. Each Imperial nation has their own hearth magic page that provides further specific information.

	===What is known about the Stars?===		===What is known about the Stars?===
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	===What are backgrounds all about?===		===What are backgrounds all about?===
	There is some detailed guidance on creating character backgrounds [[How_to_submit_a_background\|here]].		There is some detailed guidance on creating character backgrounds [[How_to_submit_a_background\|here]].

	===Who do I talk to about my background?===		===Who do I talk to about my background?===
	You can submit your background when you create your character using the online character generation system. If you have any questions or want to discuss your Empire backgrounds, personal and group, please email [mailto:backgrounds@profounddecisions.co.uk backgrounds@profounddecisions.co.uk], where a team of friendly and helpful people are waiting to assist.		You can submit your background when you create your character using the online character generation system. If you have any questions or want to discuss your Empire backgrounds, personal and group, please email [mailto:backgrounds@profounddecisions.co.uk backgrounds@profounddecisions.co.uk], where a team of friendly and helpful people are waiting to assist.