Shadow Empire: Republica | Moodboard & Designer Notes #3 - Syndic Democracy
Shadow Empire · published
Vic (VR Designs) is hard at work completing Republica DLC for Shadow Empire, an expansion that focuses on politics. With this DLC, we’re introducing a completely new layer of depth to how regimes are governed, and how political systems can evolve over time.
To give players a sneak peek at what's coming, we're sharing a series of mood boards, each accompanied by designer notes, for all nine political systems featured in the Republica DLC.
Today, we present the third entry in the series: Syndic Democracy.
The Computer has been helping the Supreme Leader make even better decisions. But we cannot seem to find the off switch.
Please note that these images and ideas are conceptual representations of the Republica DLC. In-game footage will be shared later in development.
Moodboard: Syndic Democracy
“I am truly sorry, sir,” said the embarrassed secretary, “but the Computer does not approve.” It needed no further explanation as angry red lights flashed all over the mainframe, and the humming sound of the ventilators grew more agitated, almost as if the machine itself was displeased. The Supreme Leader slammed his fist on the meeting table and shouted, “We need to make peace with the Arkanite Dominion! We cannot win a war on two fronts! You all know this!” He looked around at his cabinet members gathered around the table. Different faces, different expressions: sympathy, disdain. He shook his head and suddenly looked confused. “I am the Supreme Leader, right?” he asked them. The Council Leader of the Interior cleared his throat and, in a polite voice, answered, “Of course you are.” The secretary, however, added, “And in your supreme wisdom, you decided to augment your judgment and ensure just decisions by connecting us to the Great Syndic Computer.” The 1st SHQ Commander glared angrily at the rather smug secretary. “You!” he exclaimed, “Do you not serve the Computer since it granted you superior clearance level?” The secretary managed to look genuinely offended and replied, “I serve the general interest. And you know the general interest equates our Supreme Leader and equates our Computer.” After those words, the Computer hummed strongly, a sound that resonated with an almost sentient presence. All the council leaders exchanged glances, sharing a moment of silent understanding. The Supreme Leader rose from his chair, the frustration evident in his movements. “Okay,” he said, “fine, fine. But tell me, dear secretary, how do we get the Computer to agree that we have to sue for peace?” The secretary began to mumble something about reprogramming, but the Computer immediately let out a sharp, angry bleep, cutting him off. He fell silent and stared at the floor. The Supreme Leader sat down heavily and sighed loudly. The Computer bleeped again—this time, rather cheerfully.
Designer Notes: Syndic Democracy in Republica DLC
Democracy, especially when Virtus is declining, often gives rise to the foundation of a Syndic Faction. The Syndics… you should know… only want one thing: installing their “great” Computer. It’s their Alpha and Omega. According to their ideology and beliefs, it is the only way to ensure full equality in society. They often claim that if only the Galactic Republic had listened to them, it would not have crumbled.
When the Tech Level is high enough, you—like the Supreme Leader in the story above—might actually decide to install the Syndic Computer to help guide your nation. Once this is done, the Computer will begin offering advice on many issues, which can be difficult to circumvent. Maybe not so hard at Level I, but soon enough, the Computer will start demanding more and more power. Once it reaches Level IV, part of the decision-making will be truly out of your hands.
That being said, the Computer does inspire the people, as they feel like the vanguard of a bright new future. One might even argue that it genuinely wants the best for society. Being a Syndic Computer, however, it envisions the future through the lens of bigger government and more “Democracy.” Note that its definition of Democracy is not exactly the traditional one. It will be tempted to ensure the ballot count mirrors the (ideal) will of the people. It will definitely push for laws in the big-government direction.
On the flip side, it will reduce the need for Apparatchiks, as it gradually takes over more and more management tasks, doing them directly on subprocessors. Additionally, extra programming and upgrades to its circuitry can significantly boost public production, happiness, and even population growth.
As you may have noticed in the story, most Leaders are afraid to voice opinions that go against the Computer’s will. This is because in a Syndic Democracy, the Computer can eventually become quite paranoid. At some point, it might start to believe that certain Leaders want to pull its plug. It may then be tempted to "convert" those Leaders to its point of view—either by soft means or by… eh, “accidental” ones… The latter may well prove fatal to the targeted Leader.
In the short term, the Computer might rally your people, taking them where “no one has gone before” and restoring Virtus to peak levels to your nation. But in the long term, it may grow overbearing and paranoid. Sooner or later, someone will have to pull the plug. That won’t be easy—because the Computer might not agree. And doing so may very well require violence.
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