Shadow Empire: Republica | Moodboard & Designer Notes #4 - Meritocracy

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 showcase the themes of Republica as development continues, we’re presenting a series of narrative sketches and designer notes that explore all nine political systems featured in the DLC.

Today’s spotlight: Meritocracy.

The essence of meritocracy is in selecting the best candidate for the job. Not one of your friends. 

Please note that these images and ideas are conceptual representations of the Republica DLC, meant to illustrate the narrative and thematic tone of the DLC. In-game footage and visual assets will be revealed later in development. 

Moodboard: Meritocracy

The Supreme Leader strode through the vast expanse of the newly completed Level IV industrial complex, his presence flanked by the Zone Governor, the Foreign Affairs Council Leader, and a retinue of silent apparatchiks. The air hummed with the thrum of the heavy machinery.

“This is remarkable,” the Supreme Leader remarked, his voice reverberating in the huge factory space. “And all of this… made possible by the technology shared with us by the Atlantean Federation?”

The Council Leader, a man of few words but great gravitas, nodded with a grunt. “Yes, Supreme Leader. Though, it’s worth noting they’ll be significantly enhancing their tank armor thanks to our research pact. That’s the price we pay.”

The Governor, eager to direct the Supreme Leader’s attention, placed a hand on his shoulder and pointed towards a distant section of the factory. There, four conveyor belts converged into a complex, robotized assembly. “Do you see that, Supreme Leader?” he said, his voice tinged with awe. “I’ve never witnessed such efficiency. Ammunition production has tripled in the past year alone. It’s astonishing!”

They continued their tour, eventually arriving at the foundries, where steam and noise blended into a general mayhem  that overwhelmed the senses. Molten metal flowed like a river, cascading into leaden molds. The Governor’s Vidcom device buzzed, pulling him away from the group. He excused himself, retreating to a quieter corner to take the call.

Seizing the moment, the Council Leader leaned in closer to the Supreme Leader, raising his voice to be heard over the machinery. “We need to replace our easily impressed Governor, and soon. His awe is endearing, but he’s failing in his managerial duties.”

The Supreme Leader nodded thoughtfully. “I trust your judgment,” he replied, his gaze following the Governor, who, oblivious to the conversation, waved back with an ingratiating smile, gesturing that he needed more time.

The Supreme Leader turned back to the Council Leader. “Moreover,” he continued, “wasn’t Governor Zarko something of a brute in the old days?”

The Council Leader chuckled, a dark sound barely audible above the industrial din. “Indeed. He was notorious for personally overseeing the most brutal tortures. He still clings to the immense wealth he accumulated during the oligarchy. It’s clear—his time is up, not just for the sake of efficiency.”

The Supreme Leader’s expression remained inscrutable as he nodded once more. “Your concerns are duly noted, Council Leader.”

As the Governor returned, the Council Leader greeted him with a thin smile. “Ah, Zarko the Terrible,” he muttered under his breath. “Not so terrible now, are we?”

Out loud, he said, “Welcome back, Governor. No bad news, I trust?”

Designer Notes: Meritocracy in Republica DLC

Meritocracy is one of the better systems that provides the player with plenty of bonuses and good Regime Feats. On top of that having a Senate instead of a Parliament means there will be less Laws voted and no danger of overburdening the Nation with legislation. A Senate will also pay much more head to any desires of the Supreme Leader. But it is also one of the more fragile systems because there is both a lack of checks and balances as well as a lack of absolute authority of the Supreme Leader.

Meritocracy means the rule of those with the most merit. Now there are many definitions of merit possible. Any definition would really be quite subjective. Who decides what merit is after all? The best for whom? In the Shadow Empire Universe the ideal form of Meritocracy is the rule of the most capable: those most skilled, most wise, those best at their job. This is exactly what we see happening in the story above, the Zone governor is not very suitable for his job, and voices will go up to replace him. 

However once the Virtus Score of the nation goes down the definition will change and will shift towards the rule of those that have the most Social Standing. Lower Virtus Meritocracy will thuswise slowly devolve into an Oligarchy. 

Be careful to not be too complacent with an Oligarchy as it has a tendency to entrench itself. Atrophy in your ranks will set in as your Senate will start to substitute Social Standing for Suitability and Capability. It will get harder to get new Leaders to important positions. 

Once things turn sour for the Populace due to exploitation by the Oligarchs they might rise up in revolt to dispose of the hated Oligarchs and install a democracy so everybody gets equal power. After all, why would only a small percentage of the Populace have the power? Especially when using it in their own naked interest only? 

Obviously the more a Meritocracy turns into an Oligarchy the more hated the Senatorial elite will be. At high Virtus Meritocracy the elite tries to strive to get the best man on the job and that helps in commanding respect for the system… In an Oligarchy it becomes clear that the elite only has its own interests at heart.Wishlist Shadow Empire: Republica DLC
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