Technology - Revision history

Hailmur at 19:00, 6 September 2026

2026-09-06T19:00:56Z

← Older revision		Revision as of 19:00, 6 September 2026
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	~~{{CaptionedImage\|file=Lightstones.jpg\|align=right\|caption=Lightstones are just one of the discoveries that sets Empire apart from the real world.\|width=600}}~~
	==Overview==		==Overview==
			<div {{float}}>{{CaptionedImage\|file=Lightstones.jpg\|align=right\|caption=Lightstones are just one of the discoveries that sets Empire apart from the real world.\|width=600}}</div>
	While the basic technology of the game is aimed at a magical-medieval tone, there are a few things that go beyond the historical equivalents in the setting. This page lays out some of the important elements of common technology in the Empire that distinguish the setting from historical Europe. Most of these additions are designed to provide in-character explanations for real world technology - to make the setting fit the game better.		While the basic technology of the game is aimed at a magical-medieval tone, there are a few things that go beyond the historical equivalents in the setting. This page lays out some of the important elements of common technology in the Empire that distinguish the setting from historical Europe. Most of these additions are designed to provide in-character explanations for real world technology - to make the setting fit the game better.

Matt: /* Medicine */

2026-04-16T13:04:57Z

Medicine

← Older revision		Revision as of 13:04, 16 April 2026
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	By the nature of the game, most of the rules for healing are centred around treatment of wounds sustained on the battlefield. Of course, illness, disease, ageing and death are facts of life in the Empire world, just as they are in our own, but it is unlikely that a character will die from a mundane infection or illness. There are sicknesses that cannot be treated with herbs or healing magic, but they are comparatively rare, and more akin to a [[curse]] than a mundane ailment. When thinking about medicine in the Empire world, the assumption is that the average Imperial citizen enjoys a similar level of access to healthcare as a citizen of the United Kingdom in the 21st century - not a peasant in the 12th century. Some discussion of medicine in the Empire world can be found on the [[healing in Empire]] page.		By the nature of the game, most of the rules for healing are centred around treatment of wounds sustained on the battlefield. Of course, illness, disease, ageing and death are facts of life in the Empire world, just as they are in our own, but it is unlikely that a character will die from a mundane infection or illness. There are sicknesses that cannot be treated with herbs or healing magic, but they are comparatively rare, and more akin to a [[curse]] than a mundane ailment. When thinking about medicine in the Empire world, the assumption is that the average Imperial citizen enjoys a similar level of access to healthcare as a citizen of the United Kingdom in the 21st century - not a peasant in the 12th century. Some discussion of medicine in the Empire world can be found on the [[healing in Empire]] page.

	This is especially true of healthcare related to pregnancy and childbirth. Miscarriage and death in pregnancy are not themes of the game - they exist in the setting so that players who need to refer to them for real world reasons can do so. Players who have not themselves had a miscarriage should be sensitive to the experiences of others and think carefully about playing a character who has experienced any kind of difficulty with childbirth. Out of character our [[~~Event_safety~~#Battle_Safety\|event safety rules]] make clear that any player who is advised by a medical professional to avoid strenuous physical activity - should not participate in fighting. This means that an OOC decision to participate in any part of Empire is a matter for the player based on the medical advice they have received and is not a matter for other participants to comment on.		This is especially true of healthcare related to pregnancy and childbirth. Miscarriage and death in pregnancy are not themes of the game - they exist in the setting so that players who need to refer to them for real world reasons can do so. Players who have not themselves had a miscarriage should be sensitive to the experiences of others and think carefully about playing a character who has experienced any kind of difficulty with childbirth. Out of character our [[combat_safety#Battle_Safety\|event safety rules]] make clear that any player who is advised by a medical professional to avoid strenuous physical activity - should not participate in fighting. This means that an OOC decision to participate in any part of Empire is a matter for the player based on the medical advice they have received and is not a matter for other participants to comment on.

	Bear in mind that permanent life-changing injuries are not a theme of our game because we don't want our game mechanics to trivialise these injuries. We never want a situation where someone with an out-of-character disability is asked in-character why they don't use a ritual such as [[Blood of the Hydra]] to remove their disability. This is one of the reasons our existing [[healing in Empire]] page talks about [[Spring magic]] speeding up natural healing processes rather than regenerating lost limbs or the like. Disabilities and long-lasting or permanent injuries exist in the setting but players who are not themselves disabled should be sensitive to the experiences of others and think carefully about playing a character who has any kind of long-term disability.		Bear in mind that permanent life-changing injuries are not a theme of our game because we don't want our game mechanics to trivialise these injuries. We never want a situation where someone with an out-of-character disability is asked in-character why they don't use a ritual such as [[Blood of the Hydra]] to remove their disability. This is one of the reasons our existing [[healing in Empire]] page talks about [[Spring magic]] speeding up natural healing processes rather than regenerating lost limbs or the like. Disabilities and long-lasting or permanent injuries exist in the setting but players who are not themselves disabled should be sensitive to the experiences of others and think carefully about playing a character who has any kind of long-term disability.

Twiggy at 20:16, 14 March 2026

2026-03-14T20:16:17Z

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	The Empire is covered by a network of roads, haphazardly built up over centuries to connect population centres. Their quality varies extensively from the carefully laid and hearth magic enhanced [[Varushkan Road\|highways]] of [[Varushka]] to the partially paved roads of the Marches. A [[great work]] begun in Spring 380YE called the [[Construct_the_Blood_Red_Roads\|Blood Red Roads]] seeks to link all four [[the League\|League]] cities with major highways - although they are not due to be completed until 382YE at the earliest.		The Empire is covered by a network of roads, haphazardly built up over centuries to connect population centres. Their quality varies extensively from the carefully laid and hearth magic enhanced [[Varushkan Road\|highways]] of [[Varushka]] to the partially paved roads of the Marches. A [[great work]] begun in Spring 380YE called the [[Construct_the_Blood_Red_Roads\|Blood Red Roads]] seeks to link all four [[the League\|League]] cities with major highways - although they are not due to be completed until 382YE at the earliest.

	When people travel from one part of the Empire to another, they are just as likely to make use of the [[trods]] for part or all of their journey. These magical routes are a side effect of [[the Dance of Navarr and Thorn]], a potent Spring ritual used by the [[Navarr]] to weaken the [[~~Vallorn~~]]. These routes are useful because the energy that thrums through them provides strength that allows them to be walked continuously for many hours without a break, and quickly revitalize resting travellers. Their drawback is that they are even more haphazard than the roads, and their layout cannot be dictated. Trods meander and twist, irrespective of the location of towns or villages, and a traveller must weigh the advantages of moving quickly against the difficulty of finding a trod that goes where they want to go. It is more common for someone undertaking a journey to take advantage of trods that are moving them in the right direction and then break off and use a mundane road the rest of the time.		When people travel from one part of the Empire to another, they are just as likely to make use of the [[trods]] for part or all of their journey. These magical routes are a side effect of [[the Dance of Navarr and Thorn]], a potent Spring ritual used by the [[Navarr]] to weaken the [[vallorn]]. These routes are useful because the energy that thrums through them provides strength that allows them to be walked continuously for many hours without a break, and quickly revitalize resting travellers. Their drawback is that they are even more haphazard than the roads, and their layout cannot be dictated. Trods meander and twist, irrespective of the location of towns or villages, and a traveller must weigh the advantages of moving quickly against the difficulty of finding a trod that goes where they want to go. It is more common for someone undertaking a journey to take advantage of trods that are moving them in the right direction and then break off and use a mundane road the rest of the time.

	Even if they did go in straight lines, due to their magical nature it is very difficult to build roads along trods - the energies infuse local vegetation that quickly reclaims any attempt to create a flat road using crushed stone or rock. Fortunately the magic usually means this is not necessary, the magic of the trods ensures they rarely become impassable with mud except in the most treacherous of conditions. Instead, where a trod sees heavy traffic by wagons, the focus is on keeping the way clear, removing any trees that begin to sprout and cutting back the undergrowth.		Even if they did go in straight lines, due to their magical nature it is very difficult to build roads along trods - the energies infuse local vegetation that quickly reclaims any attempt to create a flat road using crushed stone or rock. Fortunately the magic usually means this is not necessary, the magic of the trods ensures they rarely become impassable with mud except in the most treacherous of conditions. Instead, where a trod sees heavy traffic by wagons, the focus is on keeping the way clear, removing any trees that begin to sprout and cutting back the undergrowth.

Twiggy at 19:02, 15 February 2026

2026-02-15T19:02:23Z

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	==Trods, Roads, and Ox-carts==		==Trods, Roads, and Ox-carts==
	The Empire world lacks [[horse\|horses]], but traders and travellers alike make use of [[Mundane_beasts#Oxen\|oxen]] to pull wagons and carts. Riding is largely a forgotten, semi-mythical art. Outside of creatures of the ~~Realms~~, people don't really entertain the idea of riding animals. In particular, mounted cavalry is unknown in the modern Empire world (and even in the past were mostly unknown outside of the Empire). Some nations such as the barbarian orcs and the Jarmish princes make use of elephants, dire rhinos, and similar large creatures as mobile siege engines, but such things are rare, and large creatures expensive to raise, train, and maintain.		The Empire world lacks [[horse\|horses]], but traders and travellers alike make use of [[Mundane_beasts#Oxen\|oxen]] to pull wagons and carts. Riding is largely a forgotten, semi-mythical art. Outside of creatures of the realms, people don't really entertain the idea of riding animals. In particular, mounted cavalry is unknown in the modern Empire world (and even in the past were mostly unknown outside of the Empire). Some nations such as the barbarian orcs and the Jarmish princes make use of elephants, dire rhinos, and similar large creatures as mobile siege engines, but such things are rare, and large creatures expensive to raise, train, and maintain.

	The Empire is covered by a network of roads, haphazardly built up over centuries to connect population centres. Their quality varies extensively from the carefully laid and hearth magic enhanced [[Varushkan Road\|highways]] of [[Varushka]] to the partially paved roads of the Marches. A [[great work]] begun in Spring 380YE called the [[Construct_the_Blood_Red_Roads\|Blood Red Roads]] seeks to link all four [[the League\|League]] cities with major highways - although they are not due to be completed until 382YE at the earliest.		The Empire is covered by a network of roads, haphazardly built up over centuries to connect population centres. Their quality varies extensively from the carefully laid and hearth magic enhanced [[Varushkan Road\|highways]] of [[Varushka]] to the partially paved roads of the Marches. A [[great work]] begun in Spring 380YE called the [[Construct_the_Blood_Red_Roads\|Blood Red Roads]] seeks to link all four [[the League\|League]] cities with major highways - although they are not due to be completed until 382YE at the earliest.

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

2026-01-15T16:59:04Z

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

← Older revision		Revision as of 16:59, 15 January 2026
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	The Grand Clocktower in [[Holberg]] - a mechanical time-keeping device on a massive scale and a unique wonder in the Empire - was built by the founders of the famous [[Holberg_spoils_of_war#Wunderkind\|Wunderkind]] guild. Significantly less impressive clocktowers are found in all [[the League]] cities, and in places such as [[Mitwold#Meade\|Meade]] and the [[Bastion#Bastion.2C_the_White_City\|White City of Bastion]]. As understanding of clockwork has slowly advanced, smaller and smaller clocks have begun to appear. When most people think of a clock they imagine the grand mechanical devices overlooking busy squares; wealthy individuals can also afford a personal clock that they keep in their own homes. Indeed, within the last few years even smaller clocks - clocks that can be kept in a pouch or pocket - have become fashionable (although they remain quite expensive). These "[https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pocket_watch pocket clocks]" are especially prevalent at Anvil, where the richest and most influential people gather.		The Grand Clocktower in [[Holberg]] - a mechanical time-keeping device on a massive scale and a unique wonder in the Empire - was built by the founders of the famous [[Holberg_spoils_of_war#Wunderkind\|Wunderkind]] guild. Significantly less impressive clocktowers are found in all [[the League]] cities, and in places such as [[Mitwold#Meade\|Meade]] and the [[Bastion#Bastion.2C_the_White_City\|White City of Bastion]]. As understanding of clockwork has slowly advanced, smaller and smaller clocks have begun to appear. When most people think of a clock they imagine the grand mechanical devices overlooking busy squares; wealthy individuals can also afford a personal clock that they keep in their own homes. Indeed, within the last few years even smaller clocks - clocks that can be kept in a pouch or pocket - have become fashionable (although they remain quite expensive). These "[https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pocket_watch pocket clocks]" are especially prevalent at Anvil, where the richest and most influential people gather.
	{{CaptionedImage\|file=LeagueClock.jpg\|Caption=The League plaza clock in Anvil.\|align=right\|width=450}}		{{CaptionedImage\|file=LeagueClock.jpg\|Caption=The League plaza clock in Anvil.\|align=right\|width=450}}
	During summits, clocks are used to help regiment the day. Meetings are organised using an agreed on sequence of hours based on the Grand Clocktower in Holberg. An hour is sixty minutes, and for most people progresses in "half hour" increments - anything smaller is generally unnecessary. Only the [[~~Imperial~~ Conclave]] really worries about partitions of time smaller than half an hour. Indeed, most people tell the time by looking at the sky, and judging whether it is morning, afternoon, evening, or night.		During summits, clocks are used to help regiment the day. Meetings are organised using an agreed on sequence of hours based on the Grand Clocktower in Holberg. An hour is sixty minutes, and for most people progresses in "half hour" increments - anything smaller is generally unnecessary. Only the [[Conclave]] really worries about partitions of time smaller than half an hour. Indeed, most people tell the time by looking at the sky, and judging whether it is morning, afternoon, evening, or night.

	Clocks are not the only method of measuring the passage of time, and they are not cheap. [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/History_of_timekeeping_devices#Sundials Sundials], [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/History_of_timekeeping_devices#Candle_clocks candle clocks], [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hourglass sand clocks], and water clocks (especially [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Water_clock#Greco-Roman_world Greco-Roman versions]) are all common devices used throughout the Empire to measure the passage of time.		Clocks are not the only method of measuring the passage of time, and they are not cheap. [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/History_of_timekeeping_devices#Sundials Sundials], [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/History_of_timekeeping_devices#Candle_clocks candle clocks], [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hourglass sand clocks], and water clocks (especially [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Water_clock#Greco-Roman_world Greco-Roman versions]) are all common devices used throughout the Empire to measure the passage of time.

Rosemary: /* Literacy and Numeracy */

2025-10-14T09:33:10Z

Literacy and Numeracy

← Older revision		Revision as of 09:33, 14 October 2025
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	In terms of mathematics, the Empire is quite advanced compared to the medieval world. Algebra and geometry are well understood, and some scholars (especially in Urizen) explore the world of numbers with a similar fervour to that with which wizards study the realm of magic.		In terms of mathematics, the Empire is quite advanced compared to the medieval world. Algebra and geometry are well understood, and some scholars (especially in Urizen) explore the world of numbers with a similar fervour to that with which wizards study the realm of magic.
	<br><br>'''Literacy and numeracy in play'''<br>		<br><br>'''Literacy and numeracy in play'''<br>
	Illiteracy of Imperial citizens is not a significant theme of roleplay at Empire. Dyslexia ~~are~~ included in our setting as a way for dyslexic players to play dyslexic characters if they wish to do so (and likewise for dyscalculia and similar). We would ask players who are not themselves dyslexic to be sensitive to the experiences of others and think carefully about playing a character who experiences literacy difficulties		Illiteracy of Imperial citizens is not a significant theme of roleplay at Empire. Dyslexia is included in our setting as a way for dyslexic players to play dyslexic characters if they wish to do so (and likewise for dyscalculia and similar). We would ask players who are not themselves dyslexic to be sensitive to the experiences of others and think carefully about playing a character who experiences literacy difficulties.

	Books should be phys-repped with an actual book, but that isn't always possible and there are accessibility reasons why someone might need to use an alternative. There are no "magic books" in Empire, but a player who needs to use a tablet to access the wiki or help with things like ritual calculations can do so. Players should make every effort to disguise it as a physical, mundane book. Be aware that while nobody will have any in-character reason to take the item, it [[Playing_the_game#Stealing_Items_in_Anvil\|may be inadvertently taken]] if it is stored in an in-character bag with other belongings.		Books should be phys-repped with an actual book, but that isn't always possible and there are accessibility reasons why someone might need to use an alternative. There are no "magic books" in Empire, but a player who needs to use a tablet to access the wiki or help with things like ritual calculations can do so. Players should make every effort to disguise it as a physical, mundane book. Be aware that while nobody will have any in-character reason to take the item, it [[Playing_the_game#Stealing_Items_in_Anvil\|may be inadvertently taken]] if it is stored in an in-character bag with other belongings.

Rosemary: /* Literacy and Numeracy */

2025-10-14T09:32:56Z

Literacy and Numeracy

← Older revision		Revision as of 09:32, 14 October 2025
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	Books should be phys-repped with an actual book, but that isn't always possible and there are accessibility reasons why someone might need to use an alternative. There are no "magic books" in Empire, but a player who needs to use a tablet to access the wiki or help with things like ritual calculations can do so. Players should make every effort to disguise it as a physical, mundane book. Be aware that while nobody will have any in-character reason to take the item, it [[Playing_the_game#Stealing_Items_in_Anvil\|may be inadvertently taken]] if it is stored in an in-character bag with other belongings.		Books should be phys-repped with an actual book, but that isn't always possible and there are accessibility reasons why someone might need to use an alternative. There are no "magic books" in Empire, but a player who needs to use a tablet to access the wiki or help with things like ritual calculations can do so. Players should make every effort to disguise it as a physical, mundane book. Be aware that while nobody will have any in-character reason to take the item, it [[Playing_the_game#Stealing_Items_in_Anvil\|may be inadvertently taken]] if it is stored in an in-character bag with other belongings.

	Because these devices represent physical books in character, we ask that players only use them where there is an access need and check them as briefly and ~~discretely~~ as possible. If you need to store documents and information that is not on the wiki then please also provide a printed copy for other players who need to read ~~or steal~~ the information. This ensures that another character can flick through the text and discover any secret or hidden information contained therein - which is not possible with another participant's electronic device.		Because these devices represent physical books in character, we ask that players only use them where there is an access need and check them as briefly and discreetly as possible. If you need to store documents and information that is not on the wiki then please also provide a printed copy for other players who need to read the information. This ensures that another character can flick through the text and discover any secret or hidden information contained therein - which is not possible with another participant's electronic device.

	==Medicine==		==Medicine==
	The world of Empire has significant magical healing. The five magical [[herbs]] and spells such as [[heal]], [[purify]], and [[restore limb]] mean that many injuries or illnesses that might otherwise be fatal or life-changing can be healed quickly and usually without lasting consequences. At the same time the mundane medical sciences - the arts practiced by [[Surgical_skills#Physick\|physicks]] - have been refined and developed over centuries. Even without herbs a skilled physician can heal injuries, repair broken limbs, provide effective pain relief, and diagnose complex conditions. The Empire takes the health of its citizens seriously, with senators and priests alike regularly arguing that ensuring "''prosperity and dignity''" begins with ensuring freedom from ill health. Physicks and magical healers alike are treated with respect throughout the Empire. People still die of sickness, accidents, or violence - and death remains untreatable. There is nothing in the world of Empire that can save a character who is terminal or bring them back to life.		The world of Empire has significant magical healing. The five magical [[herbs]] and spells such as [[heal]], [[purify]], and [[restore limb]] mean that many injuries or illnesses that might otherwise be fatal or life-changing can be healed quickly and usually without lasting consequences. At the same time the mundane medical sciences - the arts practiced by [[Surgical_skills#Physick\|physicks]] - have been refined and developed over centuries. Even without herbs a skilled physician can heal injuries, repair broken limbs, provide effective pain relief, and diagnose complex conditions. The Empire takes the health of its citizens seriously, with senators and priests alike regularly arguing that ensuring "''prosperity and dignity''" begins with ensuring freedom from ill health. Physicks and magical healers alike are treated with respect throughout the Empire. People still die of sickness, accidents, or violence - and death remains untreatable. There is nothing in the world of Empire that can save a character who is terminal or bring them back to life.

Dre: /* Runeboxes and Runebound Chains */

2024-04-03T20:13:22Z

Runeboxes and Runebound Chains

← Older revision		Revision as of 20:13, 3 April 2024
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	==Runeboxes and Runebound Chains==		==Runeboxes and Runebound Chains==
	Artisans make a variety of mundane items to protect the valuables of their clients, but two extremely popular items are ''runeboxes'' and ''runebound chains''. ~~[[Rules_update_2016#IC_Explanation_5\|~~Developed recently]] in Wintermark, their construction uses a combination of expensive materials (either weirwood or mithril alloys), and runes such as [[Diras]] and [[Verys]]. When complete, these items are practically indestructible. While It is possible to destroy such a box or a chain, it requires several hours smashing the item to pieces making a tremendous noise and utterly destroying any contents in the process. While such ~~[[Rules_update_2016#Boxes_and_Chains\|~~boxes and chains]] are expensive, and not common, anyone who attends Anvil is assumed to be able to afford to purchase or create them to secure their own valuables.		Artisans make a variety of mundane items to protect the valuables of their clients, but two extremely popular items are ''runeboxes'' and ''runebound chains''. Developed recently in Wintermark, their construction uses a combination of expensive materials (either weirwood or mithril alloys), and runes such as [[Diras]] and [[Verys]]. When complete, these items are practically indestructible. While It is possible to destroy such a box or a chain, it requires several hours smashing the item to pieces making a tremendous noise and utterly destroying any contents in the process. While such boxes and chains are expensive, and not common, anyone who attends Anvil is assumed to be able to afford to purchase or create them to secure their own valuables.
	<br><br>'''Runeboxes and runebound chains in play'''<br>		<br><br>'''Runeboxes and runebound chains in play'''<br>
	The [[Stealing\|rules for in-character theft]] prohibit the theft of most items in Empire, however it is still possible to steal a gold-ribboned item. If a player's tent includes a wooden or metal box or a metal chain then you must assume that they are virtually indestructible. This means that any solid box which is locked cannot be opened in game without the key or a mundane way to pick the lock. If the box is chained to the tent then it cannot be removed.		The [[Stealing\|rules for in-character theft]] prohibit the theft of most items in Empire, however it is still possible to steal a gold-ribboned item. If a player's tent includes a wooden or metal box or a metal chain then you must assume that they are virtually indestructible. This means that any solid box which is locked cannot be opened in game without the key or a mundane way to pick the lock. If the box is chained to the tent then it cannot be removed.

	Theft is against our rules, but we still recommend that you secure your valuables carefully if you can, and we encourage everyone to use good looking props where possible. The best Wintermark runeboxes are marked with the runes ~~for~~ [[Verys]] and [[Diras]] to make them as strong as possible.		Theft is against our rules, but we still recommend that you secure your valuables carefully if you can, and we encourage everyone to use good looking props where possible. The best Wintermark runeboxes are marked with the runes [[Verys]] and [[Diras]] to make them as strong as possible.

	==Flashpowder and Fireworks==		==Flashpowder and Fireworks==

Dre: /* Runeboxes and Runebound Chains */

2024-04-03T16:16:07Z

Runeboxes and Runebound Chains

← Older revision		Revision as of 16:16, 3 April 2024
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	Artisans make a variety of mundane items to protect the valuables of their clients, but two extremely popular items are ''runeboxes'' and ''runebound chains''. [[Rules_update_2016#IC_Explanation_5\|Developed recently]] in Wintermark, their construction uses a combination of expensive materials (either weirwood or mithril alloys), and runes such as [[Diras]] and [[Verys]]. When complete, these items are practically indestructible. While It is possible to destroy such a box or a chain, it requires several hours smashing the item to pieces making a tremendous noise and utterly destroying any contents in the process. While such [[Rules_update_2016#Boxes_and_Chains\|boxes and chains]] are expensive, and not common, anyone who attends Anvil is assumed to be able to afford to purchase or create them to secure their own valuables.		Artisans make a variety of mundane items to protect the valuables of their clients, but two extremely popular items are ''runeboxes'' and ''runebound chains''. [[Rules_update_2016#IC_Explanation_5\|Developed recently]] in Wintermark, their construction uses a combination of expensive materials (either weirwood or mithril alloys), and runes such as [[Diras]] and [[Verys]]. When complete, these items are practically indestructible. While It is possible to destroy such a box or a chain, it requires several hours smashing the item to pieces making a tremendous noise and utterly destroying any contents in the process. While such [[Rules_update_2016#Boxes_and_Chains\|boxes and chains]] are expensive, and not common, anyone who attends Anvil is assumed to be able to afford to purchase or create them to secure their own valuables.
	<br><br>'''Runeboxes and runebound chains in play'''<br>		<br><br>'''Runeboxes and runebound chains in play'''<br>
	The [[Stealing\|rules for in-character theft]] prohibit the theft of most items in Empire, however it is still possible to steal an gold-ribboned item. ~~However, if~~ a player's tent includes a wooden or metal box or a metal chain then you must assume that they are virtually indestructible. This means that any solid box which is locked cannot be opened in game without the key or a mundane way to pick the lock. If the box is chained to the tent then it cannot be removed.		The [[Stealing\|rules for in-character theft]] prohibit the theft of most items in Empire, however it is still possible to steal a gold-ribboned item. If a player's tent includes a wooden or metal box or a metal chain then you must assume that they are virtually indestructible. This means that any solid box which is locked cannot be opened in game without the key or a mundane way to pick the lock. If the box is chained to the tent then it cannot be removed.

	Theft is against our rules, but we still recommend that you secure your valuables carefully if you can, ~~but~~ we encourage everyone to use good looking props where possible. The best Wintermark runeboxes are marked with the runes for [[Verys]] and [[Diras]] to make them as strong as possible.		Theft is against our rules, but we still recommend that you secure your valuables carefully if you can, and we encourage everyone to use good looking props where possible. The best Wintermark runeboxes are marked with the runes for [[Verys]] and [[Diras]] to make them as strong as possible.

	==Flashpowder and Fireworks==		==Flashpowder and Fireworks==

Matt: /* Runeboxes and Runebound Chains */

2024-04-03T16:05:34Z

Runeboxes and Runebound Chains

← Older revision		Revision as of 16:05, 3 April 2024
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	Artisans make a variety of mundane items to protect the valuables of their clients, but two extremely popular items are ''runeboxes'' and ''runebound chains''. [[Rules_update_2016#IC_Explanation_5\|Developed recently]] in Wintermark, their construction uses a combination of expensive materials (either weirwood or mithril alloys), and runes such as [[Diras]] and [[Verys]]. When complete, these items are practically indestructible. While It is possible to destroy such a box or a chain, it requires several hours smashing the item to pieces making a tremendous noise and utterly destroying any contents in the process. While such [[Rules_update_2016#Boxes_and_Chains\|boxes and chains]] are expensive, and not common, anyone who attends Anvil is assumed to be able to afford to purchase or create them to secure their own valuables.		Artisans make a variety of mundane items to protect the valuables of their clients, but two extremely popular items are ''runeboxes'' and ''runebound chains''. [[Rules_update_2016#IC_Explanation_5\|Developed recently]] in Wintermark, their construction uses a combination of expensive materials (either weirwood or mithril alloys), and runes such as [[Diras]] and [[Verys]]. When complete, these items are practically indestructible. While It is possible to destroy such a box or a chain, it requires several hours smashing the item to pieces making a tremendous noise and utterly destroying any contents in the process. While such [[Rules_update_2016#Boxes_and_Chains\|boxes and chains]] are expensive, and not common, anyone who attends Anvil is assumed to be able to afford to purchase or create them to secure their own valuables.
	<br><br>'''Runeboxes and runebound chains in play'''<br>		<br><br>'''Runeboxes and runebound chains in play'''<br>
	~~As explained in our~~ [[~~Playing_the_game#Stealing_Items_in_Anvil~~\|rules for in-character theft]], if a player's tent includes a wooden or metal box or a metal chain then you ~~should~~ assume that they are virtually indestructible. This means that any solid box which is locked cannot be opened in game without the key or a mundane way to pick the lock. If the box is chained to the tent then it cannot be removed.		The [[Stealing\|rules for in-character theft]] prohibit the theft of most items in Empire, however it is still possible to steal an gold-ribboned item. However, if a player's tent includes a wooden or metal box or a metal chain then you must assume that they are virtually indestructible. This means that any solid box which is locked cannot be opened in game without the key or a mundane way to pick the lock. If the box is chained to the tent then it cannot be removed.

	~~Players who keep boxes in their IC areas are encouraged~~ to use good looking props where possible. ~~If you want to mark~~ the ~~box with~~ runes for [[Verys]] and [[Diras]] - you can do so. In particular, you should use an appropriate in-character lock which uses a key (combination locks are not appropriate in the setting). The key is obviously a vital in-character phys-rep and should be treated accordingly. It should be kept with other in-character belongings and can be stolen and used as normal. If it is a modern key then please consider what cosmetic changes you can make to it, to make ~~it look more obviously like a game prop.~~		Theft is against our rules, but we still recommend that you secure your valuables carefully if you can, but we encourage everyone to use good looking props where possible. The best Wintermark runeboxes are marked with the runes for [[Verys]] and [[Diras]] to make them as strong as possible.

	You cannot have an IC box that can be easily opened and claim it is a locked box. The phys-rep must actually be locked and physically secured. You are allowed to store important in-character and out-of-character valuables together in the box, but bear in mind that it is still theoretically possible ~~that someone might steal the box if it is not chained down. If they do so - they must bring the phys-rep to GOD within half an hour as per our normal rules for stolen items~~.

	==Flashpowder and Fireworks==		==Flashpowder and Fireworks==