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Vic (VR Designs) is hard at work on the upcoming Republica DLC for Shadow Empire, an expansion that puts politics at the center of the experience. This series of articles explores each of the nine political systems playable in the Republica DLC.
In our last entry, we examined Tyranny. We now conclude the series with Fanatical Autocracy.
In a Fanatical Autocracy the Supreme Leader is glorified until he reaches a God-Emperor like stature, Leaders that not concur will be harassed by your Fanatics
“All hail the Divine Emperor,” intoned the secretary of the politburo, his voice reverberating through the chamber.
The members rose in unison, echoing the words with solemn reverence. The Emperor, clad in his imperial robes, entered the meeting room and seated himself on the grand, ornate chair that stood slightly elevated above the others. He sighed, a subtle weariness evident in his demeanor, and said, “Please, gentlemen… be seated.”
It took a full ten seconds before the first of his cabinet members dared to sit, and the rest quickly followed, the weight of the Emperor’s presence pressing down on them. His gaze swept across the table, acknowledging some of his key council leaders with a nod. But then he noticed an empty chair.
“Where is Milan Bluemoon?” he asked, his voice carrying a sharp edge.
Silence hung in the air, thick and oppressive. After a few tense moments, the secretary cleared his throat and spoke. “Divine Emperor, I regret to inform you that the council leader of military research, Bluemoon, is no longer with us. The news only just reached us, or I would have informed you sooner.”
“What?” The Emperor’s voice rose in disbelief. “What happened to Milan?” The secretary hesitated, glancing nervously at Orgosh Forner, the leader of the fanatical FAC faction, before replying. “He was… challenged to a… duel,” he stammered.
The Emperor’s eyes narrowed, his patience thinning. “Elaborate, please.” The secretary swallowed hard. “This morning, as Bluemoon walked towards the palace, a group of FAC faction members saw him pass by your statue outside—your divine likeness—without offering a salute. They took this as an insult to your honor and immediately challenged him to a duel.”
The Emperor grunted, an unintelligible sound that conveyed both anger and resignation. His gaze shifted to Christian Staffelman, commander of the 2nd SHQ and a close friend of Bluemoon. Raising an eyebrow, he asked, “What did you hear, Staffelman?”
Uncharacteristically pale, Staffelman’s usually composed demeanor was tinged with sadness and unease. Yet his voice remained steady. “The same as the secretary just told you, sir, though from what I understand, neither a formal challenge was issued, nor the proper protocols observed. It appears more like a murder to me.”
Orgosh Forner leaped to his feet, his face contorted with rage. “We address His Divinity as the Divine Emperor, Staffelman!” The Emperor, his patience finally snapping, rose from his chair, his voice thundering through the room. “We will have order! Let Staffelman speak! I do not care how I am addressed.”
Staffelman, unperturbed by Forner’s outburst, continued in the same measured tone. “You see, sir, this is what’s happening. You’ve created zealots instead of commanders. I’ll be next on their hitlist, I am sure, either executed or simply disappeared.”
The Emperor’s expression betrayed a flicker of distress; it was clear he both liked and trusted Staffelman. He was all too aware that Bluemoon was not the first casualty of this rising fanaticism.
Drawing himself up to his full height, the Emperor addressed the FAC members directly. “This must stop! I issue a formal order: cease killing your fellow leaders because they are less fanatical than you. Less fanatical does not mean less loyal!”
Staffelman did not even smile at this decree; he merely remarked, “Again?” The Emperor, his gaze hardening, demanded, “Do I have the word of all the FAC members in the politburo?”
Faction Leader Forner snapped to attention, his posture rigid with total obedience. “Yes, Divine Emperor! Our loyalty is our honor!” The Emperor seemed somewhat reassured, his taut expression easing as he sat down.
But Staffelman, ever the pragmatist, sighed quietly to himself, knowing full well the futility of the Emperor’s command.
“This will not end well,” he whispered to himself…
