Frequently Asked Questions
Oct 4, 2016 10:57:07 GMT -4
Post by kozeph on Oct 4, 2016 10:57:07 GMT -4
So due to the open ended nature of the site, we figured we would put up a Q&A of information and trivia. For more actual details please read the information threads but if something is unclear feel free to ask here or make a thread for it!
Q: I want to know more about the Empire of Ende!
A: Well my young lad! There are some basic details we can tell you as a guide, but we also want to leave room for people to add in their own lore so some parts are vague. However, things can be summed like this:
Governance: By large the Empire uses a Feudal System. At the top is the Emperor and the Imperial Family who delegate power to Major lords who in turn manage regions and who in turn as well delegate power to lower rank nobility. There also exist Merchant Republics within the empire and there are Petty Kings from annexed kingdoms or protectorate states as well. In essence the authority scale is Emperor > Petty Kings <=> Archdukes > Dukes > Counts > Barons > Landed Lords > Minor Nobles > Wealthy/influential individuals > Peasantry.
Economy: The Empire is currently going through a golden age in it's economy. Agriculture, population, education and trading is blooming. It's good enough for everyone that there is a balance between the nobility and the rising merchant class. Because of this the Empire has taken on an expansionist attitude in more than just the military aspect to handle it's flowing riches.
Society: Humans are the most prominent race within the Empire. However, racial tensions are relatively tame. Mixed blood Hybrids are not treated like second class citizens but the more monstrous ones might receive some prejudice. Purebloods on the other hand have much more influence than Hybrids. Pureblood city states and protectorate kingdoms exist and as long as they pay tribute are treated equal to a human ruled region. For the most part the Empire accepts localized cultures, religions as long as Imperial Law is followed. Slavery exists, however, it is not publicly condoned by the law yet it still exist in the underbelly of the Empire and in some areas.
Military: Despite being a feudal society, the Empire has standing armies. The vassal lands however, must levie their own forces when requested by the empire. There are militaristic orders for knights, wizards and religious groups dedicated to military pursuit as well as a number of sects dedicated to warfare. Mercenary armies also exist, though they have size restrictions. More importantly to the site, adventurers and guilds can be seen as legalized mercenary groups.
Religion: The Empire practices religion freedom. Just like how they respect culture, religion has the same amount of freedom. As long as imperial law is obeyed most religious practices are allowed to be practiced openly. "Human" sacrifices are banned, but some evil cults and religious still practice sacrificing in secret.
Technology: The Empire general state is equal to that of late medieval Europe. The print has been invented and even the miracles of potatoes have been discovered. Universities are starting to gain influence as well. One notable difference (aside from magic existing) is that guns haven't been invented or discovered. Not even the earliest prototypes still exist. Seriously, for the moment guns of any kind won't be accepted.
Crime and Corruption: Like any society there are some unwanted aspects that never go away. Within the Empires regions and particularly in it's underbelly, exist criminal organizations, assassin guilds and banditry. Churches following evil deities or demon worshiping sects also hide below the surface. Slavery, extortion, drug productions are present. There are also underground fighting areas where death matches are still legal. The frontier to Velen is no exception.
Q: I want to play X race, but all I see is the three categories, what should I do?
A: Well the purpose of the site is for people to help build the lore, so in 8 out of 10 cases everything is a go. Specially if you are planning to make and play a Purebreed. It's up to you to decide their culture, their current relationship to the Empire and as long as it's balanced or overly monstrous anything goes. If you have any doubts please don't hesitate to ask the staff.
Q: Screw the inn! I don't wanna pay 30 silver!
A: Characters can forgo renting a room if they want. Just be aware that while they out questing their stash is left unguarded and exposed to crafty thieves. So some of their belongings might go missing if they don't pay for a safe room in the Inn or are part of a guild.
Q: Can I use guns!?
A: No, we feel guns are a game changer and make things too easy hahaha
Q: What about mounts?
A: At the moment we don't encourage Rider types or characters focusing on mounts.
Q: Anything I should look for inspiration?
A: Well aside from obvious things like Dungeons&Dragons and Warhammer Fantasy. We recommend looking at animes such as Hai to Gensou no Grimgar or Re:Zero kara Hajimeru Isekai Seikatsu and Konosuba. There are plenty others, also games like Dragon's Dogma, Ogre Tactics or basically any RPG ever. Anything high or low fantasy (within reason) really.
Q: I don't understand the Narration aspect of questing
A: As the Quest System Thread explains, we allow people to have as much freedom on how to resolve the quests they take. We don't moderate or control how it flows every step of the way. Barring special bosses or encounters, your adventurers control the thread. A narration might happen to give you more information or to add some spice to a thread or change the flow and direction of things.
Q: I want to know more about the Empire of Ende!
A: Well my young lad! There are some basic details we can tell you as a guide, but we also want to leave room for people to add in their own lore so some parts are vague. However, things can be summed like this:
Governance: By large the Empire uses a Feudal System. At the top is the Emperor and the Imperial Family who delegate power to Major lords who in turn manage regions and who in turn as well delegate power to lower rank nobility. There also exist Merchant Republics within the empire and there are Petty Kings from annexed kingdoms or protectorate states as well. In essence the authority scale is Emperor > Petty Kings <=> Archdukes > Dukes > Counts > Barons > Landed Lords > Minor Nobles > Wealthy/influential individuals > Peasantry.
Economy: The Empire is currently going through a golden age in it's economy. Agriculture, population, education and trading is blooming. It's good enough for everyone that there is a balance between the nobility and the rising merchant class. Because of this the Empire has taken on an expansionist attitude in more than just the military aspect to handle it's flowing riches.
Society: Humans are the most prominent race within the Empire. However, racial tensions are relatively tame. Mixed blood Hybrids are not treated like second class citizens but the more monstrous ones might receive some prejudice. Purebloods on the other hand have much more influence than Hybrids. Pureblood city states and protectorate kingdoms exist and as long as they pay tribute are treated equal to a human ruled region. For the most part the Empire accepts localized cultures, religions as long as Imperial Law is followed. Slavery exists, however, it is not publicly condoned by the law yet it still exist in the underbelly of the Empire and in some areas.
Military: Despite being a feudal society, the Empire has standing armies. The vassal lands however, must levie their own forces when requested by the empire. There are militaristic orders for knights, wizards and religious groups dedicated to military pursuit as well as a number of sects dedicated to warfare. Mercenary armies also exist, though they have size restrictions. More importantly to the site, adventurers and guilds can be seen as legalized mercenary groups.
Religion: The Empire practices religion freedom. Just like how they respect culture, religion has the same amount of freedom. As long as imperial law is obeyed most religious practices are allowed to be practiced openly. "Human" sacrifices are banned, but some evil cults and religious still practice sacrificing in secret.
Technology: The Empire general state is equal to that of late medieval Europe. The print has been invented and even the miracles of potatoes have been discovered. Universities are starting to gain influence as well. One notable difference (aside from magic existing) is that guns haven't been invented or discovered. Not even the earliest prototypes still exist. Seriously, for the moment guns of any kind won't be accepted.
Crime and Corruption: Like any society there are some unwanted aspects that never go away. Within the Empires regions and particularly in it's underbelly, exist criminal organizations, assassin guilds and banditry. Churches following evil deities or demon worshiping sects also hide below the surface. Slavery, extortion, drug productions are present. There are also underground fighting areas where death matches are still legal. The frontier to Velen is no exception.
Q: I want to play X race, but all I see is the three categories, what should I do?
A: Well the purpose of the site is for people to help build the lore, so in 8 out of 10 cases everything is a go. Specially if you are planning to make and play a Purebreed. It's up to you to decide their culture, their current relationship to the Empire and as long as it's balanced or overly monstrous anything goes. If you have any doubts please don't hesitate to ask the staff.
Q: Screw the inn! I don't wanna pay 30 silver!
A: Characters can forgo renting a room if they want. Just be aware that while they out questing their stash is left unguarded and exposed to crafty thieves. So some of their belongings might go missing if they don't pay for a safe room in the Inn or are part of a guild.
Q: Can I use guns!?
A: No, we feel guns are a game changer and make things too easy hahaha
Q: What about mounts?
A: At the moment we don't encourage Rider types or characters focusing on mounts.
Q: Anything I should look for inspiration?
A: Well aside from obvious things like Dungeons&Dragons and Warhammer Fantasy. We recommend looking at animes such as Hai to Gensou no Grimgar or Re:Zero kara Hajimeru Isekai Seikatsu and Konosuba. There are plenty others, also games like Dragon's Dogma, Ogre Tactics or basically any RPG ever. Anything high or low fantasy (within reason) really.
Q: I don't understand the Narration aspect of questing
A: As the Quest System Thread explains, we allow people to have as much freedom on how to resolve the quests they take. We don't moderate or control how it flows every step of the way. Barring special bosses or encounters, your adventurers control the thread. A narration might happen to give you more information or to add some spice to a thread or change the flow and direction of things.