libertyybelle

A Guide to Imperial Roleplay

Flag of the Holy Orenian Empire

A comprehensive guide to the different roleplay communities of the Holy Orenian Empire and details on the different organizations within the Empire to assist new and returning players.

Table of Content

• I - Preface
• II - Introduction to Oren and New Providence
• III - The Role-play Communities
  • I - Military RP
  • II - Religious RP
  • III - Noble & Court RP
  • IV - Political & Government RP

I - Preface

This guide was created to ensure that new and returning players to the Empire have the information they need to understand the different roleplay communities and the government of the Empire. Due to this, some of the more niche and private communities within the Empire may be excluded for this guide.

All of the information in this document may seem overwhelming so it is important to note that you do not have to read all of the information to be able to enjoy roleplay within the Empire and New Providence. I recommend reading what piques your interest and coming back as needed to learn more.

II - Introduction to Oren and New Providence

The Holy Orenian Empire, commonly referred to as Oren or the Empire, is one of the largest nations on LOTC and is almost as old as the server itself. Upon the current continent of Almaris the Empire controls much of the land on the east of the land mass. The empire is home to all 3 human subraces with many unique cultures found in each subrace. The empire is also home to a community of elves who have integrated into human society.

 While the Empire has many towns, estates, and farms across its land, the majority of RP takes place in the capital of New Providence. New Providence is home to the Aster Palace where much of the noble and court RP takes place, the Imperial State Army’s Bastille which operates as the hub of military RP, and many other major roleplay communities hubs. New Providence is most active during the EST afternoon with most events being hosted between 3PM EST and 9PM EST. Despite the majority of events taking place during American time zones, there is ongoing roleplay at all times.

III - The Roleplay Communities

Due to the sheer size of the Empire and the diversity of the playerbase a large array of RP communities have developed. Each community offers a unique experience and an amazing group of players to roleplay with. These communities also frequently intermingle at events and during day-to-day roleplay.

I - Military RP

The Imperial State Army, or as it’s more commonly called, the ISA, is the largest Military on LOTC. The ISA is the main defense of the Empire and is likely the largest of the roleplay communities of the Empire. The military offers a large array of RP such has, patrols, combat events, training events, and allows for you to roleplay with your brothers in arms as you ascend the ranks of the powerful military from a simple Recruit to a brave Sergeant or Lieutenant. It also branches out to other wings such as medical, engineering and navy roleplay.

A member of the ISA could break up fights, defeat enemies in war, fight off bandits, work as a medic to treat the injured, or hunt down monsters that threaten the Empire. With so many different options there is always something to do in the military and they always want new members.

Within the ISA there are 4 different Brigades, each having their own unique duties within the Empire. The first Brigade, The Empire’s Hammer, is home to the majority of the fighting force of the military. 

The members of the first brigade are generally tasked with the day to day operations and upkeep of the military. The second Brigade, the Imperial Combat Academy, is the training Brigade, home to the new recruits and skilled officers who are tasked with teaching the newcomers.

 Every soldier receives the training they need to be successful from this Brigade. The third Brigade, the Helena Dragoons, is the cavalry of the military, this brigade is adept in survival skills, commonly scouts out before military advances, and is trained to move through enemy territory without being spotted. 

The fourth Brigade, the Imperial Elite Guard, is composed of the most skilled soldiers of the military and is the personal guard of the Emperor and the Imperial family. The forth Bridge frequently operates as bodyguards or escorts for important members of society.

The Combat within the ISA is split into two categories, Combat Roleplay, commonly called CRP, and PvP. Both forms of combat are required in training. CRP is combat that is performed via emoting, it allows for more detailed combat and can be quite enjoyable, but is time consuming. Because of this it is only used in smaller combat situations or planned events. PvP is the traditional 1.9 Minecraft combat and is used when there is a larger number of people involved in a fight or when the people involved choose to use it instead.

II - Religious RP

Have you ever wanted a more subtle form of community leadership? Have you ever wanted to dive into a decade of lore? Have you ever wanted to be a part of one of LotC’s more ancient institutions? If so, you may want to take a look at the Church of Canon, one of the largest organized religions on Almaris!

Church roleplay may seem daunting, scary, or even boring — but trust me, it isn’t! Church roleplay is easy to pick up, and the community is incredibly friendly. With the new addition of female Priests and the fact that any Descendant can become a priest, the Church is open to so many different types of people. 

So, how is the Church structured? Well, the High Pontiff is the leader of the Church and the Vicar of GOD. He (or she, perhaps in the future) oversees the appointment of Clerics to various positions, with the guidance of his Curia. The Church’s territories are divided into archdioceses, and those are further divided into dioceses. Archdiocese are lead —or shepherded, as we say— by an Archbishop, while a Diocese is shepherded by a Bishop. Priests serve within an Archdiocese or Diocese.

How do you become a Priest? That’s easy! You will approach a Priest —easily identifiable by their black robes— and ask to become an Acolyte. An Acolyte will study the Faith, and when they are ready they will write and submit a Thesis. This Thesis —which needn’t be very long— will be reviewed by the Prelate of the Clergy and they will deem you ready or not for ordination. A bishop or someone of higher ranking in the Clergy can ordain an individual as a Priest. That’s how you become a Priest!

Now, if being a Priest does not interest you, you could also become a member of the Church’s official Holy Order — sworn to protect the Faith. Perhaps you want to be a Monk or a Nun, humbly pursuing virtue and knowledge as a part of a Monastic Order. Or even a Deacon, a non-Clergy —or Laity— individual who is able to assist in rites and ceremonies after training under a Priest!

There are so many paths you can take in the Church, no matter who you are or what roleplay you enjoy!

III - Noble & Court RP

The Aster Court is the standing Royal Court of Oren under Their Imperial Majesties, Emperor Philip III & Empress Anastasia I. The Court is the source of cultural growth and development within the empire and acts as a pillar of High Society.

Within the Court there is a strict hierarchy separating the nobles from the commoners, but as a new player do not let this scare you away. The palace offers multiple positions for commoners, from cooks or maids to tutors; commoners play an important role in the day-to-day operations of the Court. 

Additionally, working as servantry within the palace is a great entry into Noble and Court RP as it allows you to meet the active members of court and develop relationships with both IRPly and OOCly. 

The noble women of Oren also have the unique opportunity to act as ladies in waiting for the Imperial Princesses, assisting them in their daily routine and managing their social life. 

One of the most famous events of the Aster Court is the Social Season, a year long (One OOC week) event in which the noble and upper class women of Oren present themselves before the court and begin their search for a husband. The year long event involves a multitude of events across the empire to keep all the ladies busy.

Within the Court there are plenty of opportunities for RP. The leaders of the Court regularly host events that range from Balls, Dinners, and festivals, keeping members of the court from ever boring. 

At these events the attendees are expected to follow the strict etiquette of the Aster Palace lest they wish to be the gossip of the night! The Governor of the Palace and their right hand, The Majordomo, host and arrange many of these events as they manage nearly every aspect of the court. Many ladies dream of one day holding one of these positions though only the best will ever achieve it. 

IV - Political Roleplay

If bureaucratic roleplay is more your speed then you are in luck. With two paths of political and government roleplay at your disposal.

The first is the City government composed of the Mayor and their commissioner board. The only elected position is the Lord or Lady Mayor so if you are interested in campaigning, this is a great position to take on! 

The other path of political roleplay is to take on a ministry job. The government comprises seven sectors.

The first being the Ministry of  Secret Service. Ever wished to be a spy? Do you want to get valuable information for the Emperor himself? Then speaking to the Director of this branch of the government would serve you well!

Another sector is the Civil Affairs department. If you like learning about the history of our nation whilst writing documents, this department is just up your alley. This department also features the Providence Post which is a bi-weekly newspaper that is published to the masses along with helping the immigration of new citizens into Oren.

The third sector is the Treasury department. People within this department are the tax collecting, money making machines. They are in charge of city budgets, collecting taxes on homes and more. If you like crunching numbers, this sector will be your favorite.

Fourth is the Foreign Affairs section which relies heavily on how other nations perceive us! Having allies is important and keeping up relations is even more important. If you are good with words and or have connections in other places then we could always use you in this department.

Next is our fifth sector, also known as the Ministry of Justice. This one is great for people who want to seek the whims of law protectors. Whether you want to be a lawyer, a judge, or simply a detective- this section of the Imperial Government is one you want to partake in.

The next sector, being the sixth, is the War Office. Joining this sector will require being in the ISA as shown in the tidbit about the military in section I.

The last and seventh sector of the Imperial government is the Home Office. The Home Office wears many hats, one building a construction hat. These people are in charge of ensuring the city is up to date and looking clean. They do building projects while also managing the land vassals inhabit. 

Sponsored by the Ministry of Civil Affairs

Signed by

HIH Princess Amelia Margaret of Vasile

Countess of Vanderfall, Director of Civil Affairs

THE RETURN OF THE LOST PRINCESS

Painting circa. 1855

In pitter patters of the rain, distant heels could be heard approaching the grand gates of Oren. A familiar flaxen haired girl turned woman now paused- glancing up toward the unfamiliar city. She sighed, her gloved hands balled as she knocked upon the citizen door. It opened, and there opened a new chapter within her life.

The city was different now. The people were familiar but older and seemed to have seen a ghost within her eyes. Surely this was Oren but nothing was as she remembered. She quickly sent word to her brother, whom she hadn’t seen in over a decade in hopes to rekindle their deep bond that the two had within their youth. The Renzfeld woman felt uneasy but as she found her gaze upon the familiar smile of her sister in law, she felt her anxiety subside.

Many asked where she had gone so she spoke of her time away and the adventures she had encompassed. Her family celebrated her return basking her with love, and as word got around of it- she found herself feeling as though she never left. 

With that, the long lost eldest Princess of Renzfeld was home.

An Ending to a Chapter

This is an odd post to write and format, especially after so long. I think part of me told me I wouldn’t stay away so I didn’t want to be one of those nerds who writes a farewell post and then comes back a few weeks later. 

Most people are critical of me, and that is completely understandable. I am aware of the things said about me and I own up to the mistakes I made whilst on this server. The weirdest part of this community is growing up over the past two or three years, and having screw ups that occured while I grew up in this community- haunt me while I played. No one ever said anything unless something happened again to bring the canceled train, but it was always there. 

This isn’t going to be a super crazy post, I know there will most likely be negative comments sprinkled in there but I have come to terms with my mistakes. I also know how angry and mean this game makes people so I take no ill will towards anyone who does.

I am by no means a veteran, but I have played this game religiously on and off for about 2-3 years so I have learned a thing or two. 

If I may offer any sort of imparting wisdom, or any sort of last thing it would be this.

Forgive yourself and forgive others. This game can be a blessing and I have made AMAZING life long friends (shout out to the Azogs, shout out to Manny and Ncarr) that have made this experience not regrettable but the community lacks the communi in communication. People grow up here, people are bound to make mistakes. Obviously I don’t mean weirdos and creeps but hopefully you understand what I am getting at. 

Don’t hate yourself because of the things that are said about you. It doesn’t define you and the people who are saying those awful things are hurting too. Be kind to yourself and allow yourself to own up to your mistakes and grow. Be kind to others and help in their growth. 

People will try to invalidate your feelings by saying it is just a game, but your emotions are valid. This is not just pixelated blocks but a community and whoever uses that line ‘its just a game’ is trying to convince themselves of the same thing. Don’t let your emotions dictate you but learn the balance of understanding it is alright to be hurt, sad, angry, happy, yadda yadda.

I don’t know who needs to hear that but I know I did as a new player and even in my later years. It is okay to make mistakes. I know I didn't realize that for the longest time, but accepting the fact it is okay to muck up- it the first step into growing and not mucking up again. :)

THAT BEING SAID, SAPPY STUFF OVER. 

I am turning up my life by fixing my car and starting up college, and I have a crap ton of skins I have been hoarding so here are some for sale!

Here are a few, they go for 10-15 a pop depending on the skin. It is first come first serve and some on my name mc are for sale to if you would like to check it out. It is under the username libertyybelle!

Thank you to Fie for letting me give away these to help pay for my adulting along with Ivory! Please shoot me a msg on discord if there is one on my PMC or NameMC that you want to buy. Again prices vary.

Thank you all for the wonderful experience and I hope yall have a spooky Halloween!

some picturez i kept