Time Warp: Autocracy

Time Warp

Autocracy An autocracy is a form of government where one person has unlimited power. Historically, this took the form of a monarchy, a nation ruled by a king. Today, more often, it is the form of a dictatorship where a military ruler takes power through threats or violence. Autocracies have existed all around the world throughout history. Where will you end up?

221 B.C.

China

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The system takes you to china, a land long known for autocratic rule. The very name “china” comes from a tyrannical emperor named qin Shi Huang. Can you survive the simulation of life under his rule?

Key 1: Power is usually taken and held through violence and fear.

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Upon arrival you learn that the people of the land have been at war for hundreds of years - with each other. Chaos has ruled. The new emperor, Qin Shi Huang, built a grand army and conquered his neighbors one by one. He is the last man standing and believes heaven itself has chosen him to rule.

Choose a Disguise

This guy does not mess around. You’re going to need a disguise.

Peasant

Soldier

Scholar-official

Choose a different Disguise

Try to blend in

You dress as a peasant (which wasn’t hard, just find some cheap rags!). You see a group of farmers working their fields.

The other peasants don’t respond to you. The local soldier does though. He threatens to remove your head if you don’t get to work.

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Key 2: Citizens exist solely to serve the ruler.

As a peasant, you’re stuck. You can work the fields, or you can die. You exist only for the good of the ruler. You won’t be learning anything in this disguise. You are Desynced.

Continue as a Scholar-official

Choose a different Disguise

Scholar-officials were government workers who helped the emperor run his large country. They were well respected and had much influence over many of China’s emperors. This disguise could allow you into some high level locations.

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You head directly to the palace. As you enter the throne room you realize you have made a grave mistake. This emperor has survived more than 20 assassination attempts, and he is extremely paranoid. (To be fair, you would be too…) His throne room is kept empty. Your uninvited entrance is not welcomed. You bow deeply before him.

Key 1: Power is usually taken and held through violence and fear.

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One previous unwelcome guest pretended to be blind. He played music for the emperor for weeks, gaining his trust. When the emperor walked near him, the man pulled a knife and tried to kill the emperor. He failed - like the others. But, that was when the emperor decided no one but his trusted soldiers would come near him. You are put to death.

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You decide your best chance of survival is as a warrior. Violence seems to be at the center of this autocratic government so you might as well be a part of it.

Speak with a peasant

Go to the palace

You head into town. It’s quite impressive. Apparently oppressing your people can make for an impressive capital city. You see the palace towering over everything in the distance. You also see that every peasant you pass by bows deeply when you pass by.

Go to the palace

Most of the peasants tremble in silence when you approach, but one old woman lights up when she sees you. She says, “Sir! I have caught this disgusting creature to ensure our city glorifies our great emperor!” You gotta meet this dude.

Try to talk to him

Run away and hide

While on the way you see a guard approach. You know that autocracies often have very strict police. If he sees you are an imposter this could be really bad. What will you do?

Run!

You are not interested in getting arrested. You decide to run.

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You do not mess with the military in an autocracy. Also, dude, he was on a horse. What were you thinking? He is definitely going to make a man out of you (by throwing you in prison to be tortured.)

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The Guard says stories of your glorious mustache have reached the emperor. he does not need to make a man out of you - clearly you are one. you are invited to meet the emperor in his palace.

It’s a trap! Run!

cHAT WITH HIM FIRST

The emperor stares at you blankly when you approach. You think he might see through your disguise. Instead, he is enchanted by your manly ‘stache. “What a glorious mustache. Surely the gods have smiled upon you.” He wants to hang out with you just to be near your rad ‘stache. He invites you to his greatest achievement - his tomb. That’s weird.

Run!

Yeah, right. You’re not following this guy into a tomb. You’re not a fool. This is obviously a trap. He must know you are an imposter. You have only one hope…

Try Again

You run. You get away, but the emperor is left in a deep depression. He just wanted to hang out with you and your manly ‘stache. He goes on a rampage ordering the death of nearly everyone in the palace. You become known throughout China as “That jerk who ghosted the emperor.” You have no chance to learn anything more. You are Desynced.

uh…

Because I’m the emperor.

How do you know they chose you?

The gods chose me.

But, how did you become emperor?

Because I’m the emperor.

How do you know they chose you?

I received the mandate of Heaven. I was chosen by the gods!

How did you become emperor?

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Head to the tomb

Well, that sure clears things up. After his very long, very awkward conversation you begin to think a tomb might not be so bad after all.

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He takes you first to a model of the tomb where you meet the chief designer. He tells you and the emperor about the awesome structure and how he has protected it with deadly traps. It is the size of 3 football fields and has crossbow bolts hidden in the walls. It’s good to be an autocrat!

Key 2: Citizens exist solely to serve the ruler.

Run!

Go to the Tomb

The Emperor turns to you and says, “Now you see why he must die.” THe man’s face turns pale as two soldiers grab him and drag him outside. “Why?!” you ask. “It is amazing!” The emperor says, “Only a dead man can truly keep a secret.” Now, I’ll show you the actual tomb! Um. wouldn’t that mean you knew the secrets too?

Key 2: Citizens exist solely to serve the ruler.

Attempt to Time Warp

Yeah, right. You’re not following this guy into a tomb. You’re not a fool. This is obviously a trap. He must know you are an imposter. Plus, you’ve seen enough of this government, You have only one hope…

Attempt to Time Warp

The tomb is beyond words. It is proof of the power of the ruler in an autocracy. The people and their treasure exist only for him. You’ve seen enough. It’s time to get out while you can.

Autocracy

Autocracies work because they protect their citizens.

The military is above all others in an autocracy.

Power is usually taken and held through violence and fear.

Autocrats rule with a small inner circle of advisors.

Choose the 1st key of knowledge to unlock the portal to the next stage.

Try again

Autocracy

Citizens are responsible for protecting their nation.

Citizens are valued based on how much they contribute to the nation.

Citizens each have an assigned job for the good of all.

Citizens exists solely to serve the ruler.

Choose the 2nd key of knowledge to unlock the portal to the next stage.

Enter Portal To next stage

Choose your Government!

Autocracy

Anarchy

Fascism

Communism

Feudalism

Democracy

Time Warp