Before I start, I'm not in any way affiliated by Profound Decisions, I just play their game and am very enthusiastic about it.
So why would you want to go to Empire?
Well there a multitude of reasons, but let's discuss the main reason first; it's fucking fun. If you like RPGs, either tabletop or virtual, then you should try your hand at this. You get to spend a weekend playing make believe in a field with 2500 other similarly minded nutters. This might seem intimidating but everyone is there to have fun, which results in a huge super inclusive community the likes of which I've never experienced before.
The second reason is its a surprisingly good work out. You will find yourself wandering around Anvil, it'll happen trust me. And for those who count their steps you will be smashing through those step goals. If you go to battle you'll be running about having a whale of a time. Of course we all know a healthy body means a healthy mind, so....
It's great for mental health issues. I'm not going to lie, up until the last
event there, my anxiety was kicking my arse. Some days I was struggling to leave the house. But even now several weeks on I'm still riding the high from the event, and I've feel at a mental best that I've not been at for years. Honestly being someone else for a couple of days is great therapy. Also the new player team are they're to look after you. However the players have also formed a support network, there's a bunch of tents set up as quiet zones, there's a guy who hands out badges for those who are anxious or shy, and there's someone who hands out pronoun badges for those who are trans or playing characters of a different sex. Between the players, the crew and the exercise the game's got you covered.
Reason the fourth; the spectacle of the whole thing. Imagine this, a whole medieval city of tents springs out the ground, not only that it's fully populated. With 10 nations each with their own costume brief it creates a multicultural metropolis. Everyone is cutting about looking awesome, and guess what? you get to cut about looking awesome too. At your first few events you will be in awe.
So how do I go to Empire?
1. You need to go to the
Profound Decisions website and create a free account.
2. You then want to go to Empire
wiki and locate the
nations page. Read through all the nation briefs and find one that appeals.
3. Log into your account and create a character. Note you can edit your character right up until you play it.
4. Check out the Empire Facebook groups, especially the new players group and the group for your chose nation. Ask questions, seriously do it. This well help you immensely, it might also help you find a group to join in game.
5. Gather the kit you'll need. It doesn't have to be amazing, your kit should be aspirational. It will improve over time. If you plan to fight by your weapons at the event. This gives you a chance to check how the feel in the hand and if they fail a weapons check you can take them back.
6. Book your event. Try and get a recruitment code. You get £15 off your ticket, and so does the owner of the code. Fell free to use mine
9066.16781
7. Read the relevant
rules to your character. Definitely read the combat rules and calls if you're going to fight. Fighting is optional, but if you go into battle you have to monster the other battle, don't be a dick.
8. Figure out how to get there. There is an Empire travel plans group on Facebook, and even a separate one for the Scots.
9. Go to Empire. Definitely go to the new players briefing and the new players skirmish (if you plan on fighting).
10. Have fun.
What kit do you need?
You will need at tent definitely. There are two sleeping areas out of character and in character. Out of character sleeping means anything goes, modern tents and camping equipment. In character sleeping you will need a canvas tent that looks in character. You don't necessarily need modern camping equipment if you learn to hide it (we throw blankets over everything). PD rent some tents, but these sell out fast. Some people will have space and will be willing to take in strays. Another thing to note is that you will take up the space of more than one person. If you have a 6 man tent with 6 people in it you aren't going to have room for your kit. A basic rule of thumb is your kit is a separate person.
You should also bring more socks and underwear than you can possibly use. If you get wet it's really hard to get dry again. Also spare dry soft kit is a must.
Money. Most of the traders have card machines, but the food vendors may not. Eating is important with all the walking around you do.
A water container. Try to make it look IC. If you can't afford a waterskin or other IC water container then wrap some cloth or leather around a plastic bottle. Hydration is super important.
Good walking about shoes. You'll be walking around all day, so comfy shoes are a must. If they look to modern you can disguise them with some cloth.
Ear plugs. Buy some earplugs, you can get a whole jar cheap on Amazon. Anvil can be quite a noisy place shutting out that noise is a must if you find it hard to get to sleep.
Snacks. These will keep you going. Snacks are a must.
Your kit. Don't forget that, it's important. It is possible to buy all you kit in the field from the traders, but that will be expensive, better to build it up over time.
Toiletries, medicines feminine products etc. Bring anything you need to keep you alive, and make you more comfortable. Bring wet wipes, although there are showers, there aren't many. Wet wipes will be your main source of bathing. If you need electricity contact PD.
Any tips?
Don't worry about being a weak roleplayer. Roleplaying is a hard skill, it takes time and practice to develop. Do your best and don't worry.
Just say yes. If it's something your character would do then do it.
If you don't like how your character is developing change it. If it's a personality trait you can change it yourself. If it's on your character sheet, contact PD. And if you hate your character bin it and make a new one.
I said this earlier but make sure eat and drink. Make sure you take water to battle.
Poop before time in. It's easier to navigate the chemical toilets if you're not wearing flowing robes. That being said make sure you go to the toilet before a battle, because you wont be able to go during.
Don't use glass potion bottles on the battlefield. This doesn't really need expanding upon.
The phrase "I'm new to Anvil" is the most useful thing you can say. It'll open doors.
Don't get totally wasted the night before a battle. You do not want to be spewing chunks on the battlefield. Also going into battle drunk is against the rules.
Find the aspect of the game that interests you. If you want to be a policeman, join the militia. If you want to get into the politics games try and find a senator and become an aide. The game will not come to you, you need to find it.
Talk to people. Ask strangers about their character, they will wax lyrical. Also selling things will get you talking to people.
My final tip is just give it a go. It might be your new favourite hobby.
