The Crown

Lore & Background

History records that the monarchy has long been a stabilizing force, yet it is perpetually shadowed by the supernatural. The assassination of Empress Jessamine Kaldwin marked a turning point where the Crown nearly collapsed under the weight of conspiracy orchestrated by high-ranking officials. This event exposed how fragile the institution could be when surrounded by enemies within its own walls. Following the restoration of order, the young Emily Kaldbin ascended to the throne, representing a new era for The Crown. Her reign is characterized by an attempt to restore faith in the monarchy while navigating the dangerous waters of supernatural politics. Unlike her predecessors who relied solely on tradition, she possesses a direct connection to the Outsider, complicating the relationship between state power and divine intervention. The Crown also maintains a complex relationship with other factions, particularly the Abbey of the Everyman. While both seek order, their methods often clash, leading to periods of tension where religious dogma challenges royal decrees. This dynamic ensures that The Crown must constantly balance spiritual authority against secular rule to maintain control over the fractured populace.

In Their Own Story

The heavy doors of the throne room echoed shut, sealing out the rain-slicked streets of Dunwall. Inside, the only light came from whale-oil lamps flickering against brass sconces. Corvo stood motionless by the pillar, his eyes fixed on the empty chair where an Empress once sat. The silence was heavy, broken only by the distant tolling of a clock tower. He knew that somewhere in this city, shadows were moving to reclaim what they had lost. The Crown was not just stone and velvet; it was blood and memory, waiting for its protector to ensure it survived another night.

Reader's Guide

The Crown operates as the central pillar of imperial governance, vested with absolute authority over law and succession across the Empire of the Isles. Leadership rests solely with the reigning monarch, historically supported by a Royal Protector who serves as both bodyguard and confidant to the throne. While theoretically supreme, the monarchy often contends with external pressures from religious orders like the Abbey of the Everyman or internal conspiracies within the Grand Chancellor’s office that seek to manipulate policy from the shadows. Ideologically, the Crown champions order amidst chaos, though its legitimacy frequently hinges on public perception during crises such as the Rat Plague. Key members include the Empress herself, her appointed advisors, and the Royal Guard who physically defend Dunwall Tower against intruders. Historically, the institution has survived assassinations and usurpations, proving resilient yet perpetually vulnerable to supernatural interference from entities like the Outsider or the Whalers. Succession is strictly bloodline-based, creating high stakes for heirs like Emily Kaldwin who must prove their worthiness beyond mere lineage. The Crown’s influence extends beyond Dunwall, touching Serkonos and other territories through appointed governors and trade agreements. However, the balance of power often shifts based on the monarch's connection to supernatural abilities or their ability to navigate the treacherous political landscape without relying solely on brute force to maintain control over the fractured cities.

Did You Know?

• Empress Jessamine Kaldwin was murdered before she could fully consolidate her reforms for the empire.
• Corvo Attano held the title of Royal Protector, serving as the personal shield of the monarchy.
• The Abbey of the Everyman frequently challenged the Crown's authority during religious conflicts.
• Emily Kaldwin inherited the throne after surviving an assassination attempt orchestrated by traitors.