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__TOC__
 
==Overview==
 
==Overview==
{{CaptionedImage|file=Wintermark-3166.jpg|align=right|width=300|caption=Armour by [http://www.idiomproductions.co.uk/ Idiom Productions]}}
+
This page is designed to help explain what live roleplaying is for people who are new to the hobby. We've tried to give you a sense of what live roleplaying is by answering some of the most common questions about it.
  
This page is designed to help explain what live roleplaying is for people who are new to the hobby. If you are new to live roleplaying and interested in the hobby then don't hesitate to [http://www.profounddecisions.co.uk/contactus contact us] after you have read this introduction and we can answer any questions that you have.
+
This section of the wiki is designed to provide an introduction to live roleplaying and to Empire for new players. This wiki is vast and we don't recommend anyone attempts to read it all, especially not new players. But if you read this page and the pages linked at the bottom then you should have all the basic information that you need to start playing Empire.
  
==FAQ==
+
If you are new to live roleplaying and interested in attending Empire then don't hesitate to [[contact Profound Decisions|contact us]] after you have read this introduction and we can answer any questions that you have. We also have a small set of frequently asked questions (FAQs) for Empire. The [[new player FAQ]] is intended to answer questions from new players in particular.
We maintain an FAQ of [[Questions frequently asked by new players]] which you may find answer some of your questions.
 
  
 
==What is live roleplaying?==
 
==What is live roleplaying?==
The most common question that people who are new to the hobby ask is what is live roleplaying? A game with rules but no winners or losers, a performance with actors but no audience or script, it is often confusing to the newcomer.
+
Roleplaying literally means assuming or acting out a particular role. In live roleplaying we take on a character for the enjoyment that can be had by acting out the role alongside other people. One way to understand live roleplaying is to look at the similarities and differences with related hobbies.
  
Roleplaying literally means assuming or acting out a particular role. In live roleplaying we take on a role or character for the enjoyment that can be had by acting out the role. One of the easiest ways to understand live roleplaying is to look at the similarities with other hobbies.
+
===Roleplaying games===
 +
In [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Massively_multiplayer_online_game online roleplaying games] and [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tabletop_role-playing_game tabletop roleplaying games] players create a character who can explore a fantastic setting and talk with other characters in the world. The world is filled with challenges and dangers for the characters to overcome.  
  
===Online gaming===
+
Live roleplaying is similar but it is all done for real. You dress, speak and act as the character you have created once the game begins.  
In online games players create a character who can explore the computer generated world and talk with other characters in the world. The world is filled with challenges and dangers for the characters to overcome.
 
  
Live roleplaying is just the same but it is all done for real. You dress, speak and act as the character you have created once the game begins.
+
Games like Empire have more in common with popular MMOs like [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Eve_Online EVE Online]. The foundation of the game lies in the activities and relationships between the characters rather than in a single overarching story spun by a game master.
  
 
===Acting===
 
===Acting===
It is easy to understand the idea that actors take on the role of the part they are playing. Once they are on stage they act as if they were the character they are portraying, in some cases improvising their lines if needed.
+
In the theatre, actors embody the character that they're playing for the entertainment of an audience. When on stage, they stay in-character, following the script, but sometimes improvising their lines if needed.  
{{CaptionedImage|file=Woman_and_child.jpg|align=right|width=450}}
 
When live roleplaying you will be both actor and audience, creating lines for your own character and witnessing the improvised words and actions of the other players in the game.
 
  
 +
When live roleplaying you are both actor and audience, improvising lines for your own character and witnessing the improvised words and actions of the other players in the game. There's no script - rather there's a shared understanding of the kind of things that might happen in the game, and a detailed setting that provides framework and prompts to your characterisation.
 +
{{CaptionedImage|file=Woman_and_child.jpg|align=right|width=500}}
 
==How do you do it?==
 
==How do you do it?==
When you are live roleplaying you simply pretend to be your character, then act and speak as your character would.  
+
When you are live roleplaying you simply pretend to be your character, then act and speak as your character would. Unlike other roleplaying games, you never describe what your character is doing, instead you simply attempt the action. If you want to challenge another character to a duel, you must call them out, then draw your sword and try to strike your opponent with it. We strive to make the imaginary world feel as real as possible for all participants, so ask players try to avoid references to the real world and instead remain in their chosen role as much as possible.
Unlike other roleplaying games, you never describe what your character is doing, instead you simply attempt the action. If you want to challenge another character to a duel, you must call them out, then draw your sword and try to strike your opponent with it. We strive to make the imaginary world feel as real as possible for all participants, so ask players try to avoid references to the real world and instead remain in their chosen role as much as possible.
 
{{CaptionedImage|file=Marcher-Group-3441.jpg|align=left|width=300|caption=Livery coats by [http://www.facebook.com/themidgardseamstress The Midgard Seamstress]}}
 
==Is it difficult?==
 
No. Anyone can live roleplay, there is no skill or technique to learn. In essence it is no more difficult than the games of imagination like Cowboys and Indians that children play. If you are capable of pretending to be someone else then you can live roleplay.
 
  
Our live roleplaying games have a set of rules, in the same way that sports like football or tennis have rules. Learning these rules can appear cumbersome, however they are rarely needed in play. Established players are always understanding with new players who are still learning the rules so don’t be put off if you can’t remember them all. If you have any questions about the rules then you can find a referee to help.
+
===Who does it?===
 +
Live roleplaying appeals to all kinds of people and everyone is welcome at Empire.  
  
==What is the point?==
+
Age is no bar to getting involved in Empire. Many families attend and enjoy Empire together, and [[the Academy]] is specifically designed to provide roleplaying opportunities for younger players as they train to become the heroes of tomorrow. But it's not just young people who play live roleplaying games; you'll see participants from every generation at the events. There are additional guidelines for [[children]] and their families participating at events.
Live roleplaying, like acting, is enjoyable purely for its own sake. Most participants find that by immersing themselves in the character they have created, they can forget about the pressures of real life for a while. In the same way that an action film is different to a comedy or period drama, different games will offer different experiences. Some live roleplayers enjoy the social interaction, some prefer the thrill of battle whilst others relish the opportunity to create and wear amazing costumes.
+
 
 +
We welcome participants of every gender, sexuality, ethnicity, and background. We've explicitly designed the Empire setting to try to provide equal roleplaying opportunities for everyone regardless of identity and we have strict [[conduct]] rules to try to ensure that all participants are treated with respect and dignity.
 +
{{CaptionedImage|file=SharonConreen.jpg|align=right|width=500}}
 +
Live roleplaying can be challenging for participants with disabilities. We strive to make Empire as accessible as we can, and provide [[accessibility|advice and information]] to help you assess the event. If you have specific accessibility needs, then we encourage you to [[Contact_Profound_Decisions|email us]] so that we can identify what additional assistance we can provide.
 +
 
 +
===Is it difficult?===
 +
No. Anyone can live roleplay and enthusiasm is more important than experience. If you can pretend to be someone else then you can live roleplay.
 +
 
 +
Live roleplaying has rules just like any game, but we've designed the rules of Empire to be as straightforward and simple to learn as possible. Our [[referee|referees]] are always happy to answer rules queries on the field and established players are always understanding with new players who are still learning the rules and the setting so don’t be put off if you can’t remember all the details.
 +
 
 +
There is a short, printable [[:File:RulesOverview-A4booklet-v1.0.pdf|summary]] of the key rules points available.
 +
 
 +
===Will I enjoy it?===
 +
Live roleplaying, like acting, is enjoyable purely for its own sake. Most participants find that by immersing themselves in the character they have created, they can forget about the pressures of real life for a while, but different people get different things out of the hobby. Some live roleplayers enjoy the social interaction, some prefer the thrill of battle whilst others relish the opportunity to create and wear amazing costumes.
  
 
There is no winning or losing. Just as real life doesn’t offer clear cut win or lose situations, neither do most live roleplaying games. However live roleplaying presents opportunities that you could never normally experience, allowing you to become the protagonist in historical or imaginary settings. In the end it is impossible to know whether you will enjoy live roleplaying unless you try it.
 
There is no winning or losing. Just as real life doesn’t offer clear cut win or lose situations, neither do most live roleplaying games. However live roleplaying presents opportunities that you could never normally experience, allowing you to become the protagonist in historical or imaginary settings. In the end it is impossible to know whether you will enjoy live roleplaying unless you try it.
 +
==What do I need?==
 +
As with any hobby, you will need some equipment to enjoy live roleplaying. For Empire, the bare minimum you'll need is some appropriate costume, somewhere to sleep, and an appropriate weapon if you plan to do any fighting.
 +
===Costume===
 +
Costume is very important in live roleplaying because you need to dress as your character would. A costume should be appropriate to your character and the setting, so you can't wear modern clothing such as trainers, jeans, or printed t-shirts when you're roleplaying. Our wiki has plenty of [[Costume advice|advice on costume]] that is suitable for your character in Empire. If you follow [[Costume advice|the advice]] then you can be confident that your costume will look good and be suitable for the game. If you have any questions about the suitability of a piece of costume then it is best to [mailto:empire@profounddecisions.co.uk email us] and we can give you specific advice.
  
==Can my character be anybody?==
+
Some live roleplayers enjoy making their own costume and you can [[Costume advice#How_Tos|find advice on how to do that]] on our wiki. If you don’t feel confident using a needle and thread then you can purchase costumes, weapons, and armour from one of the many traders who support the hobby. We have traders at all our events and they sell everything you need for your character. Details and links for [[traders]] are also available on our wiki.
All live roleplaying games have a setting that describes the world the game takes place in. If you think about a Shakespearian play, you wouldn’t expect Julius Caesar to come on stage during a performance of Romeo and Juliet. You must create a character that is appropriate for this setting. By reading the description of the game world you can get a feel for the kind of characters that are suitable to play.
 
  
It is best to avoid trying to play a character taken directly from a film or book. It is much better to try and create a character of your own after you have read through the setting, although you may be inspired by a character you have seen or read about.
+
===Weapons===
{{CaptionedImage|file=Marcher-2964.jpg|align=right|width=250|caption=Polearm by [http://www.saxonviolence.com/ Saxon Violence]<br>Dagger scabbard by [https://www.facebook.com/TotallyLeathered Totally Leathered]}}
+
Most live roleplaying events in this country use specially made weapons that are constructed from foam and latex and are designed to be as safe as possible. For Empire we have [[Weapon_checking|strict safety guidelines]] and every weapon must be checked to ensure it conforms with the rules before it can be used. As a result it's much harder to create your own weapon than it is to create your own costume, especially if you are new to live roleplaying.
  
==How does fighting work?==
+
We recommend buying a weapon from a professional live roleplaying weapon manufacturer who is trading at the event. There are traders at every event offering thousands of different costumes and weapons that you can choose from. You can buy live roleplaying weapons online, but there's no substitute for picking a weapon up to get a feel for the weight and the balance, so the best way to find the perfect weapon is to browse the stalls on the day.
Live roleplaying games make use of special props that allow participants to fight each other safely. If you take part in a battle you can enjoy the thrill of actually wielding a weapon and experience the physical challenge of trying to strike your opponents while avoiding being struck yourself. The rules determine the effects of hitting an opponent and of being hit. If the character you are playing is killed then you can create a new character and then resume playing the game as someone different.  
+
 
 +
But don't forget that you'll only need a weapon if you plan to fight. Lots of characters at Empire don't carry weapons, so you only need a weapon if you're going to use it.
  
Battles can be exhilarating but they are not for everyone. Some people who attend events choose to avoid combat, preferring to focus on the social side of the game. Although you can never be sure what will happen to your character, most players who attend our events have little trouble avoiding combat if they make an effort to do so.
+
===Food and camping===
 +
For a weekend live roleplaying event, everyone needs somewhere to sleep, as well as food and drink. While it's possible to book into a nearby hotel, most players bring a tent with them and camp. At Empire there is a large area set-aside for camping that is adjacent to the main arena where the game actually happens. If you have a [[Costume#Tents|period tent]] that is suitable for the setting then you can pitch that in the main arena and use it in-character, but that's not something we recommend new players worry about for their first event.
  
If you have never done live roleplaying before then we can arrange for an experienced player or member of crew to give you a quick lesson in how to fight safely at your first event. It only takes a few minutes to learn and most players will be happy to show you how.
+
You will need to think about food and drink for any live roleplaying event that lasts longer than a few hours. You can bring your own,but there are a number of professional caterers at every Empire event who sell a wide range of options.
  
==How do I get a costume?==
+
==How does fighting work?==
If you take up a hobby like diving or mountaineering, you need to have the relevant clothing and equipment. Costume is very important in live roleplaying because you need to dress as your character would. It is particularly important to avoid wearing anything that other players will see is inappropriate for the setting. For our events this means not wearing modern clothing such as trainers, jeans or printed t-shirts. If you were watching Robin Hood it would be totally incongruous if Guy of Gisburne was wearing a modern leather jacket.
+
{{CaptionedImage|file=Edric_Fighting.jpg||align=right|width=450}}
 +
Many live roleplaying games involve combat, with players taking up latex weapons to actively fight against other participants. Our [[Combat|game rules]] provide a framework for fighting so that you know what to do if you get hit. At the events there are opportunites to take part in thrilling large-scale battles with a thousand participants that complement the social and political conflict of the field at [[Anvil]].  
  
Our wiki contains extensive [[Costume advice|advice on costume]] that is appropriate for your character in Empire. If you follow [[Costume advice|the advice]] then you can be confident that your costume will look good and be suitable for the game. If you have any questions about the suitability of a piece of costume then it is best to [mailto:empire@profounddecisions.co.uk email us] and we can give you specific advice.
+
There are important safety rules for fighting, the most important of which is that everyone taking part must pull their blows so that they land with virtually no force. Our new player team schedule an opportunity to try out combat before the event starts, which is highly recommended if you have never done live roleplay fighting before. It only takes a few minutes to learn, and plenty of players will be happy to show you how even if you miss the new player meeting.
  
Some live roleplayers enjoy making their own costume and you can [[Costume advice#How_Tos|find advice on how to do that]] on our wiki. If you don’t feel confident using a needle and thread or following a pattern then you can purchase costumes, weapons and armour from one of the many traders who support the hobby. We have traders at all our events and they sell everything you need for your character. Details and links for [[traders]] are also available on our wiki.
+
===Do I have to fight?===
{{CaptionedImage|file=DawnFighting2.jpg|align=left|width=400}}
+
Fighting can be exhilarating but it's not for everyone. Many Empire players choose to avoid combat, preferring to focus on the social and political side of the game. Although you can never be sure what will happen to your character, most people who attend our events have little trouble avoiding combat if they make an effort to do so. Our rules make provision for people who can't, or don't want to, take part in [[Event_safety#Non-contact|combat]].
  
 +
===What if my character dies?===
 +
It's quite unusual for your character to die unexpectedly in Empire, but it can happen if you go on a battle. But don't worry if it does, you can create a new character at any point during the event and we'll help you as much as we can to get back into the game as quickly as possible. The easiest thing to do is to make a new character in the same nation or even group as before, especially if you die unexpectedly in the middle of an event, but you can use character death as an opportunity to try another part of the game if you are feeling adventurous.
 +
<!--
 +
{{CaptionedImage|file=Highguard_archer.jpg|align=left|width=400}}
 
==What is Empire?==
 
==What is Empire?==
Empire is a live roleplaying game created by Profound Decisions. Set in a world of mystery and magic, you play one of the heroes of the Empire - a civilization formed from nine disparate nations. The Empire is beset by many enemies, tribes of barbarian orcs threaten her borders while enemies within and without work to bring the Empire down. Players have the chance to play the leaders of the Empire, striving to triumph over her enemies.
+
Empire is the unique live roleplaying game created by Profound Decisions. Set in a world of mystery and magic, you play one of the heroes of the Empire - a civilization formed from ten disparate [[nation overview|nations]]. The Empire is beset by many enemies, tribes of barbarian orcs threaten her borders while enemies within and without work to bring the Empire down. Players have the chance to play the leaders of the Empire, striving to triumph over her enemies.
  
Hundreds of players attend every event; working together to protect their home, they also strive against each other to gain power within the Empire. Merchants cut trade deals, magicians practice arcane rituals all while warriors fight vast armies of barbarians in epic battles.
+
Hundreds of players attend every event; working together to protect their home, they also strive against each other to gain power within the Empire. Merchants cut trade deals, magicians practice arcane rituals, while warriors fight vast armies of barbarians in epic battles.
  
 
You can read this basic [[game overview|overview of Empire]] to get more idea about the game.
 
You can read this basic [[game overview|overview of Empire]] to get more idea about the game.
 +
===Can my character be anybody?===
 +
All live roleplaying games are different and each one has a setting that describes the world the game takes place in. If you think about a Shakespearian play, you wouldn’t expect Julius Caesar to come on stage during a performance of Romeo and Juliet. In the same way, any character that you play at Empire must be appropriate for the world the game takes place in.
 +
 +
Because you need to create a character that fits the setting, it is best to avoid trying to play a character taken directly from a film or book. Although you may be inspired by a character you have seen or read about, it is much better to try and create your own character after you have had a look at the setting. By reading the linked pages below that provide an overview of the game world you can get a feel for the kind of characters that are suitable to play.
 +
 +
Creating your first character can be a real challenge, but we're here to help. You can talk to experienced players about your ideas using our [http://forums.profounddecisions.co.uk/ forums] and [[Forums_%26_Facebook#Facebook_Page_and_Group|facebook groups]] or chat by email with members of our [mailto:new.player@profounddecisions.co.uk new player team] - all of whom can give you ideas and suggestions.
 +
-->
 +
{{Introduction Links}}
 +
 +
[[Category: Introduction]]

Revision as of 13:38, 16 November 2020

This is a placeholder page for content that PD are actively working on.
Empire E42019-2925.jpg
Live roleplaying is a game with rules but no winners or losers, a performance with actors but no audience or script.

Overview

This page is designed to help explain what live roleplaying is for people who are new to the hobby. We've tried to give you a sense of what live roleplaying is by answering some of the most common questions about it.

This section of the wiki is designed to provide an introduction to live roleplaying and to Empire for new players. This wiki is vast and we don't recommend anyone attempts to read it all, especially not new players. But if you read this page and the pages linked at the bottom then you should have all the basic information that you need to start playing Empire.

If you are new to live roleplaying and interested in attending Empire then don't hesitate to contact us after you have read this introduction and we can answer any questions that you have. We also have a small set of frequently asked questions (FAQs) for Empire. The new player FAQ is intended to answer questions from new players in particular.

What is live roleplaying?

Roleplaying literally means assuming or acting out a particular role. In live roleplaying we take on a character for the enjoyment that can be had by acting out the role alongside other people. One way to understand live roleplaying is to look at the similarities and differences with related hobbies.

Roleplaying games

In online roleplaying games and tabletop roleplaying games players create a character who can explore a fantastic setting and talk with other characters in the world. The world is filled with challenges and dangers for the characters to overcome.

Live roleplaying is similar but it is all done for real. You dress, speak and act as the character you have created once the game begins.

Games like Empire have more in common with popular MMOs like EVE Online. The foundation of the game lies in the activities and relationships between the characters rather than in a single overarching story spun by a game master.

Acting

In the theatre, actors embody the character that they're playing for the entertainment of an audience. When on stage, they stay in-character, following the script, but sometimes improvising their lines if needed.

When live roleplaying you are both actor and audience, improvising lines for your own character and witnessing the improvised words and actions of the other players in the game. There's no script - rather there's a shared understanding of the kind of things that might happen in the game, and a detailed setting that provides framework and prompts to your characterisation.

Woman and child.jpg

How do you do it?

When you are live roleplaying you simply pretend to be your character, then act and speak as your character would. Unlike other roleplaying games, you never describe what your character is doing, instead you simply attempt the action. If you want to challenge another character to a duel, you must call them out, then draw your sword and try to strike your opponent with it. We strive to make the imaginary world feel as real as possible for all participants, so ask players try to avoid references to the real world and instead remain in their chosen role as much as possible.

Who does it?

Live roleplaying appeals to all kinds of people and everyone is welcome at Empire.

Age is no bar to getting involved in Empire. Many families attend and enjoy Empire together, and the Academy is specifically designed to provide roleplaying opportunities for younger players as they train to become the heroes of tomorrow. But it's not just young people who play live roleplaying games; you'll see participants from every generation at the events. There are additional guidelines for children and their families participating at events.

We welcome participants of every gender, sexuality, ethnicity, and background. We've explicitly designed the Empire setting to try to provide equal roleplaying opportunities for everyone regardless of identity and we have strict conduct rules to try to ensure that all participants are treated with respect and dignity.

SharonConreen.jpg

Live roleplaying can be challenging for participants with disabilities. We strive to make Empire as accessible as we can, and provide advice and information to help you assess the event. If you have specific accessibility needs, then we encourage you to email us so that we can identify what additional assistance we can provide.

Is it difficult?

No. Anyone can live roleplay and enthusiasm is more important than experience. If you can pretend to be someone else then you can live roleplay.

Live roleplaying has rules just like any game, but we've designed the rules of Empire to be as straightforward and simple to learn as possible. Our referees are always happy to answer rules queries on the field and established players are always understanding with new players who are still learning the rules and the setting so don’t be put off if you can’t remember all the details.

There is a short, printable summary of the key rules points available.

Will I enjoy it?

Live roleplaying, like acting, is enjoyable purely for its own sake. Most participants find that by immersing themselves in the character they have created, they can forget about the pressures of real life for a while, but different people get different things out of the hobby. Some live roleplayers enjoy the social interaction, some prefer the thrill of battle whilst others relish the opportunity to create and wear amazing costumes.

There is no winning or losing. Just as real life doesn’t offer clear cut win or lose situations, neither do most live roleplaying games. However live roleplaying presents opportunities that you could never normally experience, allowing you to become the protagonist in historical or imaginary settings. In the end it is impossible to know whether you will enjoy live roleplaying unless you try it.

What do I need?

As with any hobby, you will need some equipment to enjoy live roleplaying. For Empire, the bare minimum you'll need is some appropriate costume, somewhere to sleep, and an appropriate weapon if you plan to do any fighting.

Costume

Costume is very important in live roleplaying because you need to dress as your character would. A costume should be appropriate to your character and the setting, so you can't wear modern clothing such as trainers, jeans, or printed t-shirts when you're roleplaying. Our wiki has plenty of advice on costume that is suitable for your character in Empire. If you follow the advice then you can be confident that your costume will look good and be suitable for the game. If you have any questions about the suitability of a piece of costume then it is best to email us and we can give you specific advice.

Some live roleplayers enjoy making their own costume and you can find advice on how to do that on our wiki. If you don’t feel confident using a needle and thread then you can purchase costumes, weapons, and armour from one of the many traders who support the hobby. We have traders at all our events and they sell everything you need for your character. Details and links for traders are also available on our wiki.

Weapons

Most live roleplaying events in this country use specially made weapons that are constructed from foam and latex and are designed to be as safe as possible. For Empire we have strict safety guidelines and every weapon must be checked to ensure it conforms with the rules before it can be used. As a result it's much harder to create your own weapon than it is to create your own costume, especially if you are new to live roleplaying.

We recommend buying a weapon from a professional live roleplaying weapon manufacturer who is trading at the event. There are traders at every event offering thousands of different costumes and weapons that you can choose from. You can buy live roleplaying weapons online, but there's no substitute for picking a weapon up to get a feel for the weight and the balance, so the best way to find the perfect weapon is to browse the stalls on the day.

But don't forget that you'll only need a weapon if you plan to fight. Lots of characters at Empire don't carry weapons, so you only need a weapon if you're going to use it.

Food and camping

For a weekend live roleplaying event, everyone needs somewhere to sleep, as well as food and drink. While it's possible to book into a nearby hotel, most players bring a tent with them and camp. At Empire there is a large area set-aside for camping that is adjacent to the main arena where the game actually happens. If you have a period tent that is suitable for the setting then you can pitch that in the main arena and use it in-character, but that's not something we recommend new players worry about for their first event.

You will need to think about food and drink for any live roleplaying event that lasts longer than a few hours. You can bring your own,but there are a number of professional caterers at every Empire event who sell a wide range of options.

How does fighting work?

Edric Fighting.jpg

Many live roleplaying games involve combat, with players taking up latex weapons to actively fight against other participants. Our game rules provide a framework for fighting so that you know what to do if you get hit. At the events there are opportunites to take part in thrilling large-scale battles with a thousand participants that complement the social and political conflict of the field at Anvil.

There are important safety rules for fighting, the most important of which is that everyone taking part must pull their blows so that they land with virtually no force. Our new player team schedule an opportunity to try out combat before the event starts, which is highly recommended if you have never done live roleplay fighting before. It only takes a few minutes to learn, and plenty of players will be happy to show you how even if you miss the new player meeting.

Do I have to fight?

Fighting can be exhilarating but it's not for everyone. Many Empire players choose to avoid combat, preferring to focus on the social and political side of the game. Although you can never be sure what will happen to your character, most people who attend our events have little trouble avoiding combat if they make an effort to do so. Our rules make provision for people who can't, or don't want to, take part in combat.

What if my character dies?

It's quite unusual for your character to die unexpectedly in Empire, but it can happen if you go on a battle. But don't worry if it does, you can create a new character at any point during the event and we'll help you as much as we can to get back into the game as quickly as possible. The easiest thing to do is to make a new character in the same nation or even group as before, especially if you die unexpectedly in the middle of an event, but you can use character death as an opportunity to try another part of the game if you are feeling adventurous.

Further Reading