Empire LARP Questions & Tips - Tabletop Weekly

[@ghost495]

Please do make more video's about this. I myself only play DnD and warhammer fantasy roleplays, however I love hearing stories about people going to these events and what they encountered. It's been a pleasure listening about what you find about it (the previous vid; three men go larping) and you generaly trying so hard to help others. Awesome and keep going strong!

[@alicelovett7252]

In addition to the sites Mark listed, there's Saxon Violence (great for spears and axes), Light Armouries (some of the best weighted weapons I've ever handled), Irregular Props (THEY HAVE FLAILS), Skian Mhor, Winterforge Armouries, Craeftigan, White Rose Apparel Darkblade LARP... if you can, though, buy stuff in person. A fair few of these groups turn up at Empire, it's known as being one of the biggest LARP markets in the UK. If you want to really get a personal weapon, you can see how similar weapons feel, and many weapon makers do commission work, so you could have a truly unique weapon. Same goes for clothing and armour. Some people even get entire suits of plate custom made.

[@ellieblaber4243]

id go with some money and not have enough for the one i like or not find one i like at all knowing me XD

[@Levinaxr]

Minor feedback in regard to video editing; the silent (but not entirely silent) intro that had a decent duration active made me think that something was just off with my headset or that the sound for the video was a bit off in its calibration meaning I increased my volume. Then comes the then rather loud channel intro.. for future intros like this I'd recommend either a completely silent format, or better just a mild slow soundtrack that doesn't influence the clip but assures the viewer that there is indeed sound! :)

[@SherlockHulmes]

Listening to it myself and intro has an intro that sounds an okay volume, but will keep in mind and try to adjust.

[@JaingSkirata]

Yup, I couldn't hear anything so I turned the volume way way up. Then suddenly BA-DAAAAAAA!!!! RIP my ears. Enjoyed the rest of the vid!

[@tonkzilla]

Yup same for me. Listening with speakers and I thought the intro had no sound. Volume for the rest of the vid was fine.

[@onironius8008]

The outro was also at a really low volume.

[@TROONTRON]

I built a new pc today, watching this is one of the first things I did on it and I literally said out loud: "Fuuuuck!! Now there's something wrong with my sound"

[@Schwifter_]

I went solo to Empire for the first time at the first event this year, I went to the Marchers and they were so open and welcoming and they took very good care of me. Also PD will allow you to reset your skills after your first event if you find you prefer something over what you have, I dropped some of mine this way.

[@JamesMapley]

Completely agree with Mark's point about player interaction. Having talked with all of the guys on the field IC, it's so much better staying 100% in character, though the same applies to everyone there tbh. Having Sigvar declare your bar as having, "The best drinks in all the Empire," or just general trade chat with Smith is much more memorable than knowing you've broken their immersion for the sake of the same interaction you could have at a con, or even just in the OC area.

[@haroldharolds7818]

Tabletop Weekly is easily one of my favourite things ever!

[@voynich1982]

Interesting video! As a German LARPer (Mythodea campaign) I find it fascinating learning about the differences between LARP here and LARP in other countries.

[@rickvanman]

Great info thanks, I shall be attending Empire in a few weeks time, my first LARP :-) so found this video really useful.

[@rickvanman]

PS thanks for the £15 discount voucher :-)

[@thirdpersontrooper2346]

Hope you make more of these videos, love them! Me and some of the Imperial Orcs will no doubt end up bumping into you at the event and will be looking forward to sharing a drink with just about anyone that's brave enough to take one!

[@eshelynn]

Just want you to know, You guys have inspired me to start LARPing myself, starting next year. I'm gonna play an aspiring performer turned thief, and am gonna learn some skills I never would have learned otherwise, namely playing the lute and lockpicking. And, no worries about stalking, I am a potential US player, though Empire sounds really cool, and better than my local system (Alliance). Anywho, thanks for inspiring me to play, and please, please, PLEASE more game recaps/vlogs

[@facialfuzz]

Mark you are a beautiful beardy blessing XD heard about LARPing from movies and shit and thought it was fairly boring sounding but thanks to you and HighRollers I've gotten more into roleplaying stuff and I'd love to go to Empire as soon as I get the chance :P thanks so much for your videos

[@BoredGamerUK]

Awesome vid dude! I was one of the original Shattered Tower, you may hear my name spoken angrily "Lazarus The Knight of Prosperity" I do need to LARP again soon & Empire was amazing, this really makes me want to make the effort and go again!

[@talscorner3696]

I had no idea you LARPed!

[@Poffle176]

The more i listen to you speak the more i would absolutely love a podcast run by you, just chatting about anything random lol, you have a brilliant way with words and generally very well spoken, keep it up Mark :D

[@Ysthrall]

As an experienced LARPer and Empire-goer, I think this video is well done and a good idea. Like the retrospective video, it's an enthusiastic and informative introduction to the hobby in general and this game in particular. I look forwards to seeing Ashenhall on the field.

[@sofa5950]

I was super curious about how to become involved in empire larp after your prior video so this video is super helpful!

[@DeabBoss]

Been waiting for this!

[@SherlockHulmes]

Hope you enjoy! Sorry it's a bit boring!

[@Silverwing28]

Tabletop Weekly it really is not boring at all!

[@halo-rd1sv]

Tabletop Weekly do you have to be in character I just want to fight me and my fallen

[@josephtrotter6209]

You are the best and most helpful person for table top games and now larp thank you

[@MadnessMan1303]

Just found out this is in the town next to me how did I never know of this!?, looking to gather friends and go :)

[@matth9554]

Thank you for bigging up the Academy! :)

[@ZechOfTheWest]

I'd love to hear more LARP stories, listening to Smith and Trott talk about their experiences was amazing. It got my imagination running and my blood pumping. I could imagine it vividly, as if it was a movie.

[@SherlockHulmes]

We'll do more of that after the next event!

[@hamishwoodland7424]

So glad this is out, just to reinforce to others you should check out all the nations past Wintermark. Don't get me wrong, its an awesome nation, but its definitely worth checking out the others too!

[@spineyrequiem]

Anyone who's looking at armour: leather and steel tend to cost similar amounts so unless you're dedicated to being a runny skirmisher type go for steel, being able to shrug off arrows is really handy. And I think it looks better. Rivetted mail is way, way better than butted (which tends to shed links constantly and need frequent repairs) but also a lot more expensive. Aluminium mail is very weak and I generally recommend against it even when rivetted, as the links break easily. Butted aluminium is worse than useless, avoid it like the plague. Butcher mail isn't bad and very light, if you can get it it's pretty much the ideal medium armour. Polyurethane I don't like the feel of but some do and again it's very light while looking pretty decent from a distance. When buying armour try to check it fits, especially if it's steel. In general terms, mail you have a bit more leverage with (aim for too big rather than too small) while plate you really need to fit as well as possible. If you're in heavy armour a gambeson is big and clever and it'll make you much harder to hurt accidentally; if you're planning to wear a gambeson measure yourself in it before buying whatever you're planning to wear over the top. I've bought armour online from allbeststuff and Larp Warriors/Southern Swords previously, both are decent but with allbeststuff I'd recommend against their integrated coifs as they don't know how to do them right and you won't be able to turn your head with it up. You can also buy armour from some of the traders on-site but that tends to be a little pricier, especially as they often don't stock the low-end stuff.

[@mangojuise]

The Refs being called bumble bees warmed my heart. But this definitely took a lot of anxiety out of the event, one day i'll attend but currently money is evading me! I asked this question before but i understand you probably wouldn't have seen it which is cool, but it's regarding glasses, in a photo you showed you weren't wearing glasses, do you take them off and wing it or are you a lucky bastard who wears contacts?

[@SherlockHulmes]

I can wear contacts (uncomfortably due to a scar on my eye but still). Nobody bats an eyelid at wearing glasses though.

[@mangojuise]

Tabletop Weekly fantastic thank you Mark, I thought that it wouldn't be a problem but I just wanted to make sure!!

[@JamesMapley]

On that point, I have a number of people in my group who wear glasses. I'm only a little shortsighted, so I rough it without (which is interesting when it gets dark and the bright lights come on), but much like footwear, necessity comes before being 100% IC.

[@Ysthrall]

I wear glasses at Empire and other LARPS. I reccomend some close fitting frames, maybe a piece of headgear that disguises/holds them in place, and maybe a strap to hold them on. Having glasses knocked off is a Bad Thing. Wear your spare pair into combat, wear your good pair on the field. In terms of whether anyone notices/pays attention... not really.

[@Edward-xv3bo]

Right, so I started to view your LARP videos as a kind of cringe watch. Skip to a month later and I am obsessed with the idea of LARP and I absolutely love you guys...your passion, your sense of fun and immersion. I would love to join but live in Singapore so it will have to wait. I just wanted to say that it looks like SO much fun and that it makes me so happy that there is a community like this dedicated to...well....just playing games like this and feeling so free while you do it. Can't wait to start once I move back to the UK. Looking forward to the next video.

[@SherlockHulmes]

TBH man that's why I made it the way I did as I'd only seen cringey stuff before and wanted to just have some passionate dudes talking about it, with badass photos to showcase the costume/aesthetic. It's a great hobby! Next video/podcast should be out soon!

[@AshleyArbelos]

Awesome. After your video I was actually interested in the Empire's "Way of Virtues" religion, so I incorporated it into my DnD Homebrew game because when smith talked about it, it sounded really cool. So I went and looked it up and it is, I told one of my players about the "Labyrinth of Ages" and he was stoked. Thanks for posting these Mark and Hatboys, they are really interesting!

[@ThatChapTom]

TiffisAHuntard no! Don't spread that blasphemy to other realms!

[@PotentialEmu]

Love the advice given, it's stuff I wish I knew 100% before going but as you said the wiki is amazing, can also verify the lone wander thing is boring... I did it for about an hour then gave up

[@ChilloutNitro115]

Hey Mark, another helpful video from you. Question though, would you go though the various games in empire(political, trading,etc)? If not do you have any suggestions about were to go to learn more about them?

[@conundragaming7021]

That would actually be a really interesting topic to see Mark cover - having a look at some of the strata of game that run through Empire.

[@Blueangel2461]

Thanks for this, Mark! Really hope no one is disrespectful to you guys at the next event and you can enjoy it without worrying about OOC stuff :)

[@ClockworkSJ]

Was worth it dude. Some good answers and no doubt very useful for new players.

[@zazyman]

Great video again Mark! And just wanted to say that you didn't come across as egotistical when you talked about that, its important for you to mention that, especially people already want to meet you because of high rollers and the live show proves this.

[@joshuaarliss8898]

such a cool video that has given me a few ideas, gone from a crazy hunter character to a nice healer. Just need to gather the funds.

[@rextitan]

I loved listening to this in the background while doing house stuff. Thanks mark =)

[@Strandinator97]

Please make more videos about the Empire LARP and LARPing in general! So hard to find a good videos about Empire

[@UnjustCrow]

Great stuff. I've been wanting to go LARPing for a few years now but thought it was mainly combat focused with lots of 'lightning bolts'. Your videos have opened my eyes to it again and I am currently saving for armour!

[@Silverwing28]

UnjustCrow I am a larper who tends to seek out events with virtually no combat. Larp is extremely diverse!

[@conundragaming7021]

Empire in particular has strong political elements. There are large numbers of Empire player characters who never go anywhere near a battle but still have intense and fun events!

[@Silverwing28]

It's really interesting to hear your perspective and the explanations of a large scale larp. It actually makes me want to try out one! I play at larps with 150 people max. and a lot of low/non-fantasy larps.

[@TheBaconBootsShow]

I suggest visiting The Viking Store for LARP gear too. A lot of the stuff is quite pricey, but is very very nice.

[@Sylcatam]

Just in time for my larp on the 9th. i'm so pumped. Great advice for other LARP's as well. :)

[@gamingwine6753]

it was great to meet you at ComicCon, I was the guy that came near the end of the meet and greet and shook your hand and said I couldn't queue because my son was restless. the game at ComicCon was really cool, but your game on the stream of annihilation was brilliant! I really enjoyed the whole stream, so much great stuff, but the way you DM'ed your game and played with time, thought that was really interesting and something not often done, well in my short-lived dnd experience. I had never seen it until I watched high rollers. I'm another one inspired by it, I've been thinking up a homebrew campaign I want to run, and also I remember you mentioning ages ago how people had adapted systems for the avatar: the last airbender universe, and after looking into it, I decided I was going to write my own system and campaign for that universe. Empire sounds amazing, but I am wondering how many non-white people attend? In a situation like that it would feel quite daunting, especially as I don't know anyone else that does larp. Sorry for the essay! and a huge thanks if you've taken the time to read it all. Sim

[@kastaka]

Not going to lie, it's pretty white, but you won't be the only non-white face on the field; it could be better but it's heading in the right direction.

[@boyo971]

Good vid, happy hollidays in Seattle too

[@marachime]

I look forward to hearing you guys' next LARP stories :D

[@BecauseOfDragons]

Fascinating video. Certainly interested in actually doing some LARP at some point. I like the idea of being able to immerse yourself completely in a character. I tend to always be the DM/GM for our RP group so never get to actually play as a hero! But yes, will see if I can convince some mates to come along and get involved in something like this :)

[@Freebeeswax]

Brilliant video, you covered loads of things I see new players asking about. I would like to point out that you got the rules about armour requirements a little bit wrong. The rule is "torso and ONE other location", with other locations being the head, both of your entire arms, both of your entire legs, or half of your arms and legs.

[@TheBaconBootsShow]

Empire doesn't run around the rest of the country, but offshoots of it do. www.profounddecisions.co.uk/empire-wiki/Sanctioned_events This is a list of events that players can attend as their Empire characters, furthering the story and getting a nice change of scenery. I'm not sure if you can go to these events without an established character already (I imagine not), but they're cool for anyone who wants some extra roleplay adventure.

[@kastaka]

Whether you can show up without an established character depends entirely on the player event organisers - many are happy to have people along who are trying out a character they might take to the main Empire field some day, so it's worth asking.

[@therealteal620]

On your point about filming, I found a user on KZbin that GoPro'd one of the fights. Gotta admit, I doubted if I'd like LARPing after seeing that. I'm glad you made that point about it not being silly in person. Makes me wonder, why was that guy allowed to film? People seemed to be looking directly at the camera at some points.

[@goldenmochi9523]

TheRealTeal He has it disguised as part of his kit. It just looks like a magical headpiece. Really it isn't allowed, esp. considering the dodgyness surrounding "secret filming".

[@markjw7642]

The rules on filming were fuzzy at the time, they've been tightened up since as some people don't like the idea. It really doesn't give a good idea of what the battlefield is like as once you're in character your brain helpful edits most of the rubbish bits of reality out :).

[@evilscary]

Regarding archery, be aware you also need a special low-poundage bow as well! Don't bring a normal bow!

[@harveysmith3107]

Thank you sooo much for making this video

[@pemo2676]

This makes me want to LARP even more than I did before AND go to Empire specifically because now it seems awesome when I didn't think much of it before Damn it

[@Mx_Bea_McB]

Loving these videos, man. Keep up the great work!

[@JenksAnro]

You've got to get Ross in on it too!!! If Bamblic is anything to go by we could get some great characters out of him!

[@southron_d1349]

I'm many a mile away from ever having a chance to attend. Yet the first thing I did was check out Profound Decisions' website. Many basic questions were answered in minutes. Thanks for making the sterling effort, Mark.

[@henrygriffiths8070]

Marks voice makes me happy

[@samstephan5991]

Ya boi made a Naverri. Dude's a courier ( I'm not the most muscular so I figure I can run notes for people). He also has a bit of first aid skills.

[@olivermacpherson1800]

Spectacular video mate, looking forwards to moving to the uk eventually to actually be able to participate in this at some point

[@pogeman2345]

You know, I think the best thing to do so that a person can enjoy Empire LARP and not just follow Trott, Smith and Mark around because you don't know what to do is to join a separate faction from them. This way, you can probably still interact with them, but you can make friends with your own faction first and they can help you.

[@eletricpenguin]

Just noticed your copies of 'The Name of the Wind' and 'The Wise Man's Fear' by Patrick Rothfuss, what did you think of them? Personally I loved them, rich story, and beautifully written, still holding out for that 3rd one

[@DanFingermanOctopus]

It's sad that you needed to put in that PSA :/

[@SherlockHulmes]

People get excited and I am sure nobody will behave like that, just got to do it for my own peace of mind. :)

[@therealteal620]

I remember Smith mentioning in one of the HAT Films videos that a few people went up to him in the field out of character. Mind boggling.

[@Cheatyface]

That sucks ass you go for yourself and build you character if you meet them then do it in character because when you are On the field if you break character it really can suck the fun out of it

[@therealteal620]

they should call those people dementors

[@NicholasKonradsen]

@@SherlockHulmes if someone meets you oc would you be happy to say hi (of course, if you're not busy or in a rush!)

[@MuleyxHD]

Now I just need to find people to go with..

[@leithafae]

the PSA is a good call in my opinion as people who do try to go ooc when in character field can break immersion and annoy people.

[@Cheatyface]

This video was awesome helped me out alot, I have issues that nobody will go with me so i kind of have to go alone but i want to be a scop and focus of creating a story book on the battles and do some (in game) gambling. i need to get some Nice bone dice

[@AlscarB]

Hi! So, my mate got me hooked on High Rollers a week ago and now I've watched almost 20 episodes in that week. Anyway, I'm now loving all your videos and I'm wondering; is there any chance of you coming to PAX Aus? If you are it'll make it amazing, and I'd love to meet you. Thanks for reading (if you did), and keep up the amazing work

[@HealingandHarm]

I am seriously hyped to try Empire, I wanna be a Physick but thats all I have worked out so far lol no idea about nations or anything else

[@Wolfencreek]

Can you learn actual skills at events e.g. woodcarving, blacksmithing, instrument playing etc?

[@SherlockHulmes]

Some folks do offer lessons in that stuff yeah.

[@Wolfencreek]

Tabletop Weekly Thanks :)

[@yasminload63]

If i could afford to fly over there for Empire I would definitely teach flute lessons

[@AbsolutleyBursar]

Lovely vid, I'm sending it to some guys I met who wanted to give Empire a go.

[@thecasualshow5244]

brilliant video. looking forward to it. Also how bloody lucky am i? its like 20 mins away. Cheers.

[@kpopisthewaypop9992]

For anyone not sure about the age for Empire. I looked it up on the site, as id love to go (Thanks for the first vid which got me interested) , If you are 16 and over, you are free to go on your own, and will be treated as an adult, however you can't do anything you wouldn't normally be able to do OOC, i.e. no buying alcohol etc. If you are under this age, you have to have a guardian with you. And don't feel bad about not wanting people to come up to you, itd be OOC and kinda rude, so Im sure we all understand :) EDIT: From the site itself - "At this age, roleplayers do not need to be accompanied to the event by a parent or carer and can automatically play a full character"

[@hollyshirras2783]

I hope to join Empire in the winter after I've moved house and got a job (no way i can afford this right now). It looks awesome!

[@ValorPendragon]

I have a question; I am sight disordered so most of the combative stuff isn't for me. But I enjoy the art of Roleplaying. Is it possible to be solely like a merchant, going about, selling, trading and such?

[@conundragaming7021]

Yes, it is absolutely viable to be a non-combatant with no intention of going anywhere near a fight. There are merchants, priests, politicians, magicians and far more besides who very much form the core of the game - the social, political and economic elements of Empire - without ever so much as raising a weapon.

[@goldenmochi9523]

Absolutely. There are plenty of people who are non-combatants and only focus on other areas of the game.

[@DanteBanehallow]

Farfetched idea...I'd imagine, for one, because it'd be difficult for you guys to immerse yourselves and roleplay outside of the event, but my idea was having you three in a video in character! An idea to possibly entertain? >

[@Blakeb555]

Hot Damn Mark its not egotistical at all to ask people to go enjoy Empire for what it is and not just follow y'all around for kicks. You have the right to go have fun and relax a bit without worrying about being pestered by people who want to talk OoC. I doubt there will be anyone who does, but still, you don't need to apologise about having to say it.

[@thetimetravellingtailor6323]

I'm going to go to the Empire event in July. The video got me so interested it and I'm so happy that I'm going to go even though I won't be able to do too much since I'm under 16. n-n

[@langwords]

Captain Koi Fish You can take an in-character citizenship test to become a full character with skill points etc, and a "test of arms" to prove you can fight safely and go to battle. A friend of mine was 15 at his first event and passed both in time for the saturday morning battle (but he had been LARPing for a year or so before that)

[@robert12321able]

Been waiting for this video! Question to other viewers - anyone thinking of going and looking at Dawn? Me and a few friends were discussing going and starting our own Noble House based on a bunch of Peasants who decided they didn't want to be peasants anymore xD! Just have to get our money together (Such is the life of a student lmao)

[@SherlockHulmes]

+Kirkheim I love this. LOOK AT THIS PEOPLE! MAKE FRIENDS AND BE MERRY!

[@robert12321able]

Omg I got a reply from Mark haha! Also Wren thank you for the advice! I figured it would be allowed as Nobility is described as something earned rather than born into? I may be wrong though xD

[@markjw7642]

A bunch of Yeoman who are trying to become nobles would be Knight's Errant and is a cool concept - www.profounddecisions.co.uk/empire-wiki/Knights-errant

[@robert12321able]

Awesome! Thanks Mark for the link, I can't believe it evaded me after all the reading I've been doing x.x

[@Coldyham]

Kirkheim also a student and sounds like a great idea, since I'm not sure I could convince anyone I know to go. Starting as yeomen will probably be cheaper too for outfits

[@Wolfencreek]

been debating going to my local manchester LARP, but due to work probably never gonna get the time off. I love having a job but it really gets in the way of my being an Elf.

[@loz3123]

there's a manchester larp?

[@OzMills]

There are LARPs all over!

[@loz3123]

Fair point, but i thought he meant a specific event.

[@Wolfencreek]

loz there is a specific event, had to do a bit of googling to find it, but its there

[@OzMills]

Hope you enjoy it!

[@MrAndrewPandrew]

Hey Mark, what do you reckon the logistics would be to travel to empire, say next year. My friend and I live in Australia and we both and very keen on coming to empire (we dont have much like this around where we live) Obviously bringing costumes would be okay, but what about everything else? Tents and bedding and things that flying with might not be ideal. The way you talk about it and your enthusiasm makes me very jealous of you, I need this in my life haha!

[@goldenmochi9523]

MrAndrewPandrew Woah Australia is pretty far for a 3 day event! There are local b&bs in the area but you still need to find ways to get to the campsite (hire car or taxi). It's worth taking your time really investigating how best to go about it. If you must camp you will need all the kit so it could be worth buying stuff at home and bringing it over in backpacks. Lots of logistics to think about!

[@oneconciousness2248]

Hello.Where did people go before Empire was a thing? Also how long did it take for the event to become established? By that I mean, how many years before the attendance was over a few hundred? Did it begin in ? Thanks in advance for any answers.

[@FantasyRealm]

This sound really interesting I don't know much about LARP :)

[@whowantsabighug]

Also on pulling blows: expect to get bruised anyway, it's a physical game.

[@TheNoobchat]

Looks fun, shame I dont have any events nearby

[@DanteBanehallow]

Pretty sure there's absolutely no way of facilitating this happening, but I'm just so curious and would LOVE to see what you three are like in character!

[@bowbownile2945]

I'm so fucking happy that Empire is Dartford as I live there and have always wanted to go larping.

[@markrowlands1849]

It's actually at Dadford, next to Silverstone. Mark's accent playing tricks on you there mate, sorry.

[@langwords]

A slight correction to your point about younger LARPers - if you are over 16 you are a full character and DO NOT need a parent/guardian (I know this because I was an unaccompanied under-18 for the first two years of Empire). If you are under 16 you MUST be accompanied by a parent/guardian (my friend [18] was able to act as guardian for his brother [15] just by asking over email) and do not count as a full character (eg. no skill points, no battles). At this age you can become a full character by passing the Test of Citizenship, and attend battles by passing the Test of Arms, however (my friend's brother mentioned above passed both in time to take part in the saturday morning battle of his first event). All the information is in more detail on the wiki here: www.profounddecisions.co.uk/empire-wiki/Children#Age_specific_information

[@pearceWhitakerUnderground]

If any of you guys are interested seeing an empire larp battle, the channel Yoularp has some pretty good ones!

[@Jakers457]

Where did you get those trousers from? I've been struggling to find suitable trousers.

[@LambentRayne]

I would love to attend this event it seems super fun, sadly I dont think my group of friends are the type for it!

[@rerollgeek]

You may wish to consider trying to crew one of the events. You won't play the game a great deal until after dark but you will meet a load of like minded folk . It's cheaper but it's not a free ride. They will have you fighting as an orc or doing other tasks all weekend. For this you will eat for free and the tickets are free i think too.

[@LambentRayne]

Thanks this is definitely something to consider!

[@pallomari_188]

So the first video you made with Trott and Smith, was that their first time?

[@slimecatking5373]

I'm thinking of getting the money too play empire, and i have chosen a totally different nation to be in, urizin (i think that is how you spell it), it relatable to me.

[@morganstiff7810]

you should come down to the marchers, the bar is great.

[@SherlockHulmes]

Applewood Arms? Been to it, love it!

[@ThatChapTom]

Any bar that gives an honest militiaman a discount is alright by me!

[@Saltalotl]

I really want to do this, although look slike I'm gonna have to wait until next year now :(

[@e1miniatures584]

I'd love to go larping but I'm slightly afraid of being judged by my friends and I don't have one super close/easy to get to.

[@axyle2557]

Your awesome :D

[@banjowarrior365]

Hey Mark, great video! I'm really interested in getting into LARP but as a Vegan I'm a bit nervous about how this will play out in RP? Is it viable to have vegan character in Empire? Cheers, keep up the good work man!

[@goldenmochi3736]

No one minds about vegan/veggie stuff when RPing. Just say "I don't eat x/y/z" and people will just nod and agree without a fuss.

[@banjowarrior365]

Ah great, I assumed it would be a welcoming and accepting environment but I just wanted to check that there wasn't any in game lore that would affect this kind of thing! Thanks for the reply

[@kastaka]

If you like there's some in-game support for having a different diet - it's a religious belief called Vitalism that means you believe some food is good or bad for your soul. But you don't have to play a Vitalist, people will totally accept you just saying you don't eat certain things - it's just there if it will help you to explain it within the world, if you want to.

[@jiminycricketrocksmy]

Hi Mark! I just wanted to thank you because I thought I wouldn't really be able to go to a LARPing event as I don't know anyone else who does it and get quite bad social anxiety but you have provided me with lots of options and ideas on how I can maybe find people on line to go with so thank you! I really hope I can make it to one of these events one day now! I have a lot of admiration for the work you do and I am still kicking myself about not getting my HR poster signed by you at i60 but there is always next time I suppose. Anyway, fan girl moment over now. :P I have chronic pain but I would love to join in on one of the battles if I am feeling up to it, do you think this is a possibility or are the battles quite hard core? Do you have to be quite fit to join in and if need be, is it easy to exit the fight? Sorry, thanks for reading my very long message

[@goldenmochi9523]

Battles are quite hardcore and intense and usually last about one full hour to an hour and a half. You can duck out of these if you are understandably struggling, however, to attend a battle and duck out part the way through on a regular basis does tend to be frowned upon (and also sometimes considered 'cheating'). Smaller fights do occur though called skirmishes if you want to take part in fighting but not too much of the intense stuff.

[@rerollgeek]

You would not be alone. There is an empire facebook group for people who might just need some space sometimes and need a place to chill and rest. So these safe spcaes are dotted all over the place if you know how to find them.

[@jiminycricketrocksmy]

That's great to know! Thanks InTheCoalShed :)

[@jiminycricketrocksmy]

I can never tell how my health is going to be but it does sound like skirmishes may be a more practical option for me. Thanks GoldenMochi, it's great to know exactly what my options are! :)

[@TeaBowHT]

Hey Mark, a couple questions because Empire genuinely sounds incredible but I am a shy little bean. How accepting of transgender people is Empire, by which I mean the sort of loo/shower arrangements for out of character, but also for in character, if you are trying hard to look female but still have some underlying male features will people call you out on it? Plus on top of that, how accepted is make up, not so much for vanity but to assist in looking more feminine. I understand these may not be questions that you have answers too, but thought I'd throw them out there in case as I'm going to look into joining Empire! P.s. On a side note, how cool does 40k 8th edition look? ;)

[@goldenmochi9523]

People will not call you out on it. There are plenty of transgender people in Empire. There are male/female/unisex toilets and I believe the same goes for showers. Make-up is worn by everyone. No one bats an eyelid.

[@SherlockHulmes]

+GoldenMochi Scarlett here is right. LARP has seemed very inclusive and safe to me. :)

[@conundragaming7021]

Note that Profound Decisions maintain and enforce an equality and diversity policy that can be found here: www.profounddecisions.co.uk/empire-wiki/Equality_and_diversity There are quite a number of transgender people at Empire. I can't speak for their experience at events myself, but I know that putting on inclusive events that are enjoyable for everybody is high on the list of priorities at PD.

[@rerollgeek]

Empire as a game is gender neutral. Everyone is equal. There are quiet a few transgender folk we're all just larpers.

[@TeaBowHT]

Thank you all! Is really reassuring to hear such positivity and safeness about it. Is always a concern with new people/Places

[@Kazekage248]

Are there stealth-based character classes in Empire, such as thief or assassin? Technically, I guess any character that decided to kill/steal stealthily could be considered one of those (or both if both are done), but I'm curious if their are skills that aid characters that are solely stealth-based, or if there are benefits to doing things stealthily in-game. For instance, without the use of poison, which I did read all about on the wiki out of curiosity, could one even really assassinate? If I stealthy walked up behind an enemy, could I instantly killed them, or is it more like I get the benefit of extra hits on the unsuspecting enemy? From what I've heard so far, it doesn't seem like a "deal extra damage from stealth attack" sort of system exists in this, but I've been wrong before. As for stealing, I've read all about it on the wiki (and heard what you said in this video), and it all makes sense, but I'm still curious if their are skill related to aiding in it (or assassination) if a character is based are being a thief (or assassin). In most games and such, if the option is available, then I play stealth-base (or long-ranged, which you already covered when talking about archery) characters, so I can't help but be curious how it works in Empire LARP. I couldn't seem to find much about stealth on the wiki, so I thought I'd ask.

[@kastaka]

There's no 'backstab' or anything, but hit point totals tend to be fairly low so you have a decent chance of taking someone down if you get the jump on them. Battles and skirmishes generally happen in woodlands at least in part, and there are often night skirmishes where the objective is to get in and out without being seen, or at least get into position stealthily. There isn't a character class for it though - it's all about your actual skill at sneaking through the woods. Some nations have more of an emphasis on being stealthy though, like it's a common thing to do in Navarr but would mark you out as a bit weird in Dawn.

[@Kazekage248]

That's about what I assumed would be the case (no class and based on actual stealth skills), but I didn't even think about people having low hp or that certain nations/skirmishes being more stealth based than others. Thanks for both the help and information

[@Jade.S]

Mark the beard is looking good. also, loving the videos on this channel ❤❤

[@samjones3167]

Hahaha this is like a music festival help video

[@mizerablegit4720]

I've two questions if that's ok What's the usual price range of sold equipment at empire events? How are necessary things like say glasses or maybe a hearing aid treated? Are they fine as long as they fit in/are covered up?

[@SherlockHulmes]

Glasses and hearing aids nobody will bat an eyelid at. Have friends in our group that have both. As for usual price range, it really depends. Mentioned some vague ideas for Weapons/Armour in the video, beyond that anything goes.

[@mizerablegit4720]

Ok, thank you for clarifying/explaining

[@markrowlands1849]

I wear hearing aids. In Anvil I had no issues with just wearing them as is. In Battles and Skirmishes I wore a helmet that covered my ears making sure my hearings aids couldn't get accidentally knocked off. I was lucky in that the second hand helmet I bought from a friend was the perfect size to 'hold' my ears and hearing aids without too much pressure causing any discomfort.

[@rhysbaker7456]

Looked at all the links. He be right! It expensive af!

[@art0000t]

if your brave enough you can cut the upfront cost by DIY. Here is a link to get you started. tutorials.abbott.me.uk/

[@dyslexia8375]

I feel really sorry for Mark that he feels the need for that PSA

[@TheBaconBootsShow]

In the next video could you go into a bit more detail on character creation? Things like Archetypes and that?

[@goldenmochi9523]

Different archetypes are based on the Nation you choose to join. More information can be found out here: www.profounddecisions.co.uk/empire-wiki/Archetypes

[@ChazSuperPilot]

Sigvald? Confessing how magnificent he is? Maybe a fan of Slaanesh? I smell some warhammer-esque lore here ;)

[@cowjuicy]

No elves around to have better hair than him either!