British Empire
"We are not interested in the possibilities of defeat. They do not exist."
— Queen Victoria
The British empire was formed in 1707 with the merger of Scotland and England into the United Kingdom. Over the next 200 years, the empire would swell to become the largest overseas empire in history. The empire, while criticized for it's colonialism and war atrocities, is credited for it's major role in ending the slave trade, creating and expanding infrastructure throughout Africa and Asia and maintaining international stability across the world. The empire is typically believed to have dissolved in 1997 with the loss of Hong Kong.
Like the Roman empire, the British variant is often used as a setting in many fantasy games. While not being as totalitarian and corrupt as it's Latin counterpart, colonialism and intense patriotism and jingoism are often used traits for both antagonistic and protagonist settings. Any steampunk game ever made is based on a model of Victorian London. Scampi and all.
British Empire Analogs in Fantasy
- The Empire in the Elder scrolls series is a mash up of Roman and British Empire culture. Examples of this include the "East Empire company", based off the British East India company.
- While mostly based off the Roman empire, the Imperium of Man consists of many British hallmarks and ideals. Rampant Expansionism, fallen glory and the Praetorian Guard (British Zulu War Redcoats) are examples of this.
- Dwarfs in fantasy typically have an isolationist view of the world which parallels with Britain's "Splendid Isolation" wherein it did little to make alliances and focused on expansion.
- A posh British accent is often used in fantasy settings to show a character's wisdom, experience, nobility or evil nature.
- Many wargaming companies are/were originally based in the UK such as Games Worskhop. Truly the
bestworst thing to come out of the Empire. - The city of Dunwall in Dishonored is heavily influenced by Victorian Liverpool and London.
Notes
The previous "Britain" page was deleted for being too large and irrelevant to /tg/. Any in-depth historical analysis should be kept to Wikipedia.