If you create a blank email, you are still able to send it, with or without attachments. It puts a row into the MessageQueue table but logs an error and will not send. This is not evident to the end-user, it permanently stays as "Sending..." in the CRM notepad lists.
The 'Send' button should be disabled until either a template is loaded, or body text has been added (with an explanation on hover as to why it is disabled).