The Loyalists

Lore & Background

After Empress Jessamine's murder, the court fractured. Those who recognized the legitimacy of her daughter formed a secret network to oppose the Lord Regent. They relied on Corvo Attano, the Royal Protector, as their primary instrument for change against the usurpers. Anton Sokolov provided crucial intelligence and resources from his estate, while Aramis Stilton offered political maneuvering within the City Watch. Their efforts were complicated by the plague spreading through Dunwall's lower districts, which Burrows exploited to tighten control and justify martial law. The Loyalists faced constant surveillance from the Royal Interrogator and Whalers, making every meeting a risk of exposure or death. Their survival depended on secrecy, utilizing the city's infrastructure to move unseen.

In Their Own Story

Rain slicked the cobblestones as Corvo watched the water tower. A signal flare burned orange in the distance—safe passage confirmed. He adjusted his mask, feeling the weight of the empire on his shoulders. Somewhere in the dark, Emily waited for a world that would not kill her. The Loyalists were few, but their hope was heavy enough to move mountains.

Reader's Guide

The Loyalists exist within the broader context of the Kaldwin Dynasty's struggle for survival. Historically, Dunwall has seen many power shifts, but this period marked a unique convergence of supernatural intervention and political intrigue. The Plague devastated the population, creating chaos that allowed Lord Regent Burrows to seize power under the guise of protection. Documents recovered from the Royal Conservatory suggest early communications between courtiers who feared for the Empress's life before her death. Mythological ties are subtle; while some believe the Outsider influenced the resistance, official records attribute their success to human determination and tactical planning. The faction's history is preserved in fragmented letters found in Sokolov's study, detailing supply lines and escape routes through the city's sewers. Understanding the Loyalists requires examining the economic collapse of Dunwall's trade guilds, which funded much of the insurgency. Ultimately, their legacy defines the transition from a corrupt regency to a restored monarchy, shaping the laws and culture of the Empire for generations to come.

Did You Know?

• Anton Sokolov's estate served as a primary safe house for the resistance network.
• Corvo Attano was not originally part of the conspiracy but became its central figure.
• Key members utilized supernatural abilities granted through the Outsider's mark.
• The Whalers acted as their primary antagonists within the City Watch structure.