Characters versus the World
The setting of Empire is rife with conflict and intrigue. From a player's perspective, though, this conflict and intrigue is primarily against non-player characters. Most of the game is set up so that player characters will have plenty of issues to deal with, presented by the GM.
The game is not set up to support open conflict between player characters. Friction and tension between characters is to be expected, but houses trying to fight a war or player characters trying to seriously harm one another is to be avoided, and couldn't happen without GM intervention anyway.
Exceptions
There are two exceptions at the start of the game. is set up in such a way that player characters might try to seriously impede the goals of other Thasen houses. Thasen is also likely to fail as a state without momentous efforts by player characters to right the ship. If you are playing a Thasen character, please be aware that you are opting in to play in a house which will see more bad times than good, and that other player characters may have a part in it. It doesn't mean that you are likely to lose your character, but their circumstances may certainly change.
The other exception is . , a non-player character, is a menace to his family, but depending on his antics and what they can do, or not, to stop him, Rannals may find themselves in a difficult position with other player characters. I will not pre-suppose the outcome of 's initial situation, but I ask that people wishing to play a Rannal read thoroughly and approach it eyes wide open.