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The Deutan Empire is a powerful nation from the Old Continent, introduced in GreedFall 2: The Dying World. Once a strong ally of Thélème, the Empire has recently descended into civil war over deep religious divisions. Converted long ago to the teachings of Saint Matheus and the faith of the Enlightened, it now stands at a crossroads as reformers and traditionalists struggle for control of its future.
The Deutan Empire is an organized monarchy whose people share a long history of devotion to the Enlightened. Its culture and politics have long been influenced by Thélème, the nation that first converted it to the Matheist faith. However, the Empire’s social order is now in turmoil due to internal conflict over religion, magic, and power. Once a unified and disciplined power, the Empire’s strength has been greatly diminished by constant warfare—both internal and against neighboring factions such as the Bridge Alliance and the Congregation of Merchants. The resulting instability has left its provinces scarred by conflict and its leadership deeply divided.
History[]
Centuries ago, the Deutan Empire became the first foreign nation converted by Thélème to the faith of Saint Matheus. This alliance solidified their shared religious identity and bound the two nations together through faith and diplomacy.
However, in the years leading up to the events of GreedFall 2: The Dying World, the Empire’s faith became the source of its greatest turmoil. A movement calling for reform emerged within the Church, challenging the dominance of priest-magi and advocating equality for all people before the Enlightened, whether or not they possess magical ability.
This reform movement divided the Empire and sparked a religious civil war. Thélème, determined to preserve the original Matheist doctrine, intervened on the side of the traditionalists, further escalating the conflict.
Geography[]
Deutan Empire Promotional Image
The Deutan Empire once controlled vast territories across the Old Continent, including the Free Cities and parts of the northern Congregation. Years of warfare have left many provinces devastated. The frontier regions between the Empire, Thélème, and the Bridge Alliance serve as contested battlegrounds, scarred by ongoing skirmishes. These same areas are believed to be where the Malichor first appeared.
Politics[]
Deutan Empire Promotional Image
The Empire’s politics are dominated by the struggle between reformist and orthodox factions. While the Emperor’s nominal authority remains, real power is fragmented among regional leaders and religious figures. Thélème’s involvement strengthens the Originalist cause, whereas the Carminists gain support from disaffected nobles and commoners seeking social reform.
Externally, the Empire’s long conflicts with the Bridge Alliance and territorial losses to liberated Free Cities have weakened its influence, though remnants of its power persist in occupied regions of the north.
Culture and society[]
Subfactions[]
Deutan Empire Promotional Image
Two principal subfactions now define the Deutan civil war:
The Carminists
The Carminists advocate reform and equality. They believe that all believers stand equal before the Enlightened, regardless of magical aptitude. Many supporters come from the old aristocracy and from non-magic-wielding nobles who lost their political influence to the priest-magi aligned with Thélème. Their aim is to restore both social balance and secular power within the Empire.
The Originalist Matheists
The Originalist Matheists remain loyal to Thélème’s interpretation of Saint Matheus’s teachings. They uphold the current hierarchy that grants authority to those capable of using light magic and consider magic a divine mark of favor. Politically close to Thélème, they benefit from that nation’s open military and spiritual support.
Involvement[]
GreedFall 2[]
In GreedFall 2, the Deutan Empire is introduced as a major faction embroiled in internal war and external strife. Its conflict with the Bridge Alliance and dependence on Thélème’s intervention form a backdrop to the political instability spreading across the continent.
One of the player’s companions, Ludwig, originates from the Empire. Through him, players can learn more about the nation’s divided state, its civil war, and the personal toll of its religious struggles.