So, you're diving into the world of RimWorld: Vanilla Expanded - Empire, huh? Awesome! This mod adds a whole new layer to the game, letting you go from a simple colony to a full-blown empire, complete with titles, ceremonies, and all the fancy stuff you'd expect. But let's be real, it can be a bit overwhelming at first. Don't worry, we're going to break it down, step by step, so you can start ruling the Rim like a pro. Get ready to learn the ins and outs of establishing and managing your own RimWorld empire within the Vanilla Expanded universe. We'll explore everything from choosing the right ideology to navigating the complexities of royal titles and ceremonies. By the end of this guide, you'll be well-equipped to build a thriving and prestigious empire that will leave your rivals in awe.

Getting Started: Ideology is Key

Your ideology is the bedrock of your empire in RimWorld: Vanilla Expanded - Empire. It's not just about what your colonists believe; it dictates the structure of your society, the roles people play, and how they interact with each other. Think of it as the constitution of your empire, the foundation upon which all your decisions and actions are based. Choosing the right ideology is crucial because it directly impacts your colonists' happiness, productivity, and willingness to accept the social hierarchy that comes with an empire. A well-chosen ideology will foster loyalty and dedication, while a poorly chosen one can lead to discontent, rebellion, and the collapse of your carefully constructed power structure. So, take your time, consider the long-term implications, and select an ideology that aligns with your vision for your RimWorld empire.

First things first, you need to either start a new game with the Empire ideology, or reform your current ideology. This is crucial! The Empire ideology provides the framework for your future nobility and royal court. Without it, you're just a bunch of people living in the dirt (which, let's be honest, is how most RimWorld games start anyway).

When you are setting up or reforming your ideology, pay close attention to the following:

• Roles: These define the social hierarchy within your colony. The Empire ideology adds several new roles, such as Freeholder, Esquire, Knight, Praetor, and so on. These roles come with specific expectations, responsibilities, and, most importantly, titles.
• Titles: These are linked to the roles and determine a colonist's status and authority. Higher titles grant access to better living quarters, finer clothing, and more respect from other colonists. Vanilla Expanded - Empire significantly expands upon this system.
• Precepts: These are the core beliefs and values of your ideology. They affect everything from what your colonists eat to how they treat prisoners. Choose precepts that support the idea of a hierarchical society with clear lines of authority.

Consider precepts that encourage social status, wealth, and tradition. These will help to create a culture that values the Empire and its leaders. For example, you might choose precepts that favor lavish meals, fine art, and grand ceremonies. These precepts will not only improve the mood of your nobles but also reinforce the idea that they are entitled to a higher standard of living than the common colonists. Moreover, consider incorporating traditions that celebrate the Empire's history and achievements. These traditions can include annual festivals, commemorative rituals, and other events that reinforce the Empire's identity and foster a sense of unity among your colonists. Remember, a strong and cohesive culture is essential for maintaining the stability and legitimacy of your empire.

Appointing Your Nobility

Alright, now you've got the ideology set up, it's time to start appointing your nobility. This is where things get interesting. Who will be your right-hand man (or woman)? Who will be in charge of defense? Who will be the royal chef (because, let's be honest, a happy noble is a productive noble)? You can't just go handing out titles to anyone, though. There's a bit of strategy involved here.

• Start Small: Don't go throwing around Grand Duke titles right away. Begin with lower-tier titles like Freeholder or Esquire. This allows you to test the waters and see who is best suited for leadership roles. You can observe how they handle responsibilities, interact with other colonists, and contribute to the overall well-being of the colony. Starting with lower-tier titles also gives your colonists time to adapt to the idea of a hierarchical society. It's a gradual transition that allows them to become accustomed to the new social order and accept the authority of their superiors.
• Consider Skills: A colonist with high social skills might be a good choice for a diplomat or negotiator. Someone with strong combat skills would be ideal for a military leader. Think about how each colonist's skills can benefit the Empire. Do not just think about existing skills! Think about skills that they can realistically obtain. For example, you don't want a leader who hates social interactions or someone incapable of violence in a security position.
• Loyalty Matters: This is huge. Choose colonists who are loyal to your ideology and to you. A disloyal noble is a dangerous noble. Disloyal nobles can undermine your authority, sow discord among your colonists, and even plot to overthrow you. Therefore, it's essential to choose individuals who are genuinely committed to the Empire's values and goals. Keep an eye out for colonists who consistently uphold the principles of your ideology, participate in ceremonies, and show respect for their superiors. These are the individuals who are most likely to remain loyal and dedicated to the Empire, even in the face of adversity.
• Manage Expectations: Giving someone a title comes with expectations. They'll want better living quarters, nicer clothes, and maybe even a personal bodyguard. Make sure you can meet these expectations before handing out titles. Failing to do so can lead to resentment and unhappiness. Manage expectations by clearly communicating the responsibilities and privileges associated with each title. Provide your nobles with the resources and support they need to fulfill their duties effectively. This includes not only material goods but also training, mentorship, and opportunities for advancement. By investing in your nobles' development, you can ensure that they are well-equipped to lead and contribute to the Empire's success.

Building a Royal Court

Now that you have some nobles, it's time to build them a proper royal court. This isn't just about throwing down a fancy throne; it's about creating an environment that reflects the power and prestige of your Empire. The royal court should be a grand and impressive space that showcases the wealth and sophistication of your empire. It should be a place where your nobles can conduct their affairs, receive guests, and hold ceremonies. The design of the royal court should reflect the values and aesthetics of your ideology. If your ideology emphasizes tradition and history, you might incorporate historical artifacts and architectural styles into the design. If your ideology values innovation and progress, you might opt for a more modern and futuristic design. The key is to create a space that is both functional and visually stunning, a place that inspires awe and respect.

• Throne Room: This is the centerpiece of your royal court. The throne should be impressive and imposing, made from the finest materials you can get your hands on. Surround it with beautiful decorations, such as statues, tapestries, and fine art. Your throne room should be a symbol of your power and authority. Make sure the room is large enough to accommodate your nobles and guests, and that it is well-lit and properly ventilated. The acoustics of the room should also be considered, as it will be used for speeches, ceremonies, and other important events.
• Living Quarters: Your nobles need comfortable and luxurious living quarters. Provide them with spacious bedrooms, private bathrooms, and personal recreation areas. Decorate their rooms with fine furniture, expensive artwork, and anything else that will make them feel like royalty. The quality of your nobles' living quarters directly impacts their mood and productivity. A happy noble is a productive noble, so it's worth investing in their comfort and well-being.
• Dining Room: Nobles don't eat nutrient paste. They need lavish meals served in a grand dining room. Provide them with a large table, comfortable chairs, and plenty of space for servants to move around. Decorate the dining room with fine china, silverware, and crystal glassware. The dining room should be a place where your nobles can relax, socialize, and enjoy the finer things in life. Consider adding a bar or lounge area to the dining room, where your nobles can unwind after a long day of ruling.
• Ceremony Room: Many Vanilla Expanded - Empire ceremonies require a specific room. This is where you'll hold coronations, weddings, and other important events. The ceremony room should be large and impressive, with plenty of space for guests. Decorate it with religious symbols, banners, and other ceremonial objects. The ceremony room should be a place of reverence and solemnity, a place where your nobles can connect with their faith and celebrate important milestones in their lives. Consider adding a stage or platform to the ceremony room, where you can conduct speeches and performances.

Performing Ceremonies

Ceremonies are a crucial part of maintaining your Empire's stability and legitimacy. They reinforce the social hierarchy, celebrate important events, and provide opportunities for colonists to express their loyalty. However, you need to actively create and maintain this schedule yourself. If you ignore it, the mood of your colonists, especially those in your royal court, will drop significantly. Furthermore, this will make it more difficult to expand your RimWorld empire.

• Coronations: These are held when a new leader takes power. They are a grand and elaborate affair, with speeches, music, and plenty of pomp and circumstance. Coronations are a chance to showcase the power and authority of the Empire. Make sure to invite important guests from other factions, as well as representatives from your own colonies. The coronation ceremony should be a memorable event that reinforces your legitimacy as the new leader.
• Weddings: These are held when two nobles get married. They are a celebration of love and commitment, and a chance to strengthen the bonds between noble families. Weddings should be festive and joyous occasions, with plenty of food, drink, and entertainment. Consider adding a religious element to the wedding ceremony, if appropriate. The wedding ceremony should be a symbol of the enduring strength of your Empire.
• Funerals: These are held when a noble dies. They are a time for mourning and remembrance, and a chance to honor the deceased's contributions to the Empire. Funerals should be solemn and respectful occasions, with appropriate rituals and ceremonies. Consider adding a eulogy to the funeral ceremony, in which you celebrate the life and achievements of the deceased. The funeral ceremony should be a reminder of the mortality of all leaders and the importance of carrying on their legacy.
• Rituals: Depending on your ideology, you may have other rituals to perform. These can include religious ceremonies, seasonal festivals, or commemorative events. Rituals help to reinforce the values and beliefs of your ideology and provide opportunities for colonists to connect with their faith. Make sure to perform these rituals regularly, and to involve as many colonists as possible. The ritual ceremonies should be a source of unity and strength for your Empire.

Managing Your Empire

Building an Empire is one thing; managing it is another. You'll need to deal with internal politics, external threats, and the ever-present challenge of keeping your colonists happy. Keeping a stable and content Empire is crucial for further expanding your RimWorld empire.

• Keep Your Nobles Happy: A happy noble is a productive noble. Make sure they have everything they need to live comfortably and fulfill their duties. Monitor their mood regularly and address any issues promptly. Unhappy nobles can cause all sorts of problems, from starting rebellions to assassinating other nobles. It's worth investing in their well-being to prevent these issues from arising.
• Maintain Relations with Other Factions: You'll need allies to trade with and help defend against enemies. Send gifts, complete quests, and attend social events to build relationships with other factions. Strong alliances can provide valuable resources and military support.
• Defend Your Territory: Your Empire will attract attention, both good and bad. Be prepared to defend your territory from raiders, pirates, and other threats. Build strong defenses, train your soldiers, and equip them with the best weapons and armor you can afford. A well-defended Empire is a secure Empire.
• Expand Strategically: Don't try to conquer the entire RimWorld at once. Expand your territory gradually, focusing on areas that are rich in resources or strategically important. Consolidate your gains before moving on to the next conquest. A well-planned expansion is a successful expansion.

Conclusion

So, there you have it! A crash course in building your own RimWorld: Vanilla Expanded - Empire. It's a complex system, but with a little planning and effort, you can create a thriving and powerful Empire that will dominate the Rim. Now get out there and start ruling! Remember to start with a solid ideology, appoint your nobility wisely, build a proper royal court, perform ceremonies regularly, and manage your Empire effectively. With these tips in mind, you'll be well on your way to becoming the Emperor (or Empress) of the Rim! Good luck, and may your reign be long and prosperous! Remember to have fun and experiment with different strategies and approaches. The beauty of RimWorld is that there's no one right way to play the game. So, go out there and create your own unique Empire, tailored to your own playstyle and preferences. The possibilities are endless, and the only limit is your imagination.