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Glory to Arstotzka.
~ Arstotzka's national motto.

Arstotzka is a fictional Eastern European country and setting of the 2013 video game Papers, Please. It is an authoritarian-communist counter-terrorist government which oppresses its people, but attracts many immigrants due to the economic opportunities it provides. Dependent on player choice, Arstotzka may be the main protagonists or the main antagonists of the game's story.

Biography[]

History[]

Arstotzka and Kolechia emerged from the Six-Year War just before September 1982, and their relations have remained tense. A major point of contention is the status of Grestin, a divided border town with East Grestin falling under Arstotzkan jurisdiction and West Grestin being part of Kolechia. Previously, crossing between the two halves had been prohibited, even for Arstotzkan citizens. However, on November 23rd, 1982, Arstotzka opened a checkpoint for entry from Kolechia.

The region faced challenges including frequent terrorist attacks at the border, illicit activities like smuggling and human trafficking, disruptions caused by the group EZIC, and unrest in the Altan district. As a response, Arstotzka gradually implemented stricter measures, eventually leading to the confiscation of passports from all Arstotzkan citizens and the implementation of thorough information audits for all government employees.

Government & Regulations[]

Arstotzka's administration employs methods of capital punishment and forced labor. The central seat of government is situated in Paradizna, implying that it serves as Arstotzka's capital. Eligibility for employment in Arstotzka necessitates having a family structure and at least one living family member to contribute to the nation's growth. The country also draws immigrants and foreign laborers. The government of Arstotzka is characterized as tyrannical by EZIC.

The Ministry of Admission (M.O.A.) holds the responsibility for border control, encompassing the workplace of both the inspector and his supervisor. This organization issues essential official documents required by entrants, while also being the source of citations when the inspector commits errors. A significant event transpires on day 11, unveiling a break-in at the M.O.A. premises and sparking an epidemic of forged documents. A subsequent development on day 13 brings a new director to the M.O.A. due to a series of terrorist attacks. The M.O.A.'s emblem showcases a crest featuring a red slash at its center, encircled by red coloration, occasionally accompanied by the lettering "M.O.A."

The Ministry of Labor (M.O.L.) is responsible for granting work passes to entrants seeking employment within Arstotzka. Its emblem displays a hammer against a purple backdrop, with the hammerhead oriented to the left, often complemented by the lettering "M.O.L." The Ministry of Information (M.O.I.) operates as an intelligence agency, overseeing information audits on government staff and monitoring potential domestic and international threats to Arstotzka. Notably, the East Grestin Division of the Office of Investigation includes M. Vonel, a Special Investigator.

The Ministry of Justice assumes the role of publishing the wanted list since day 14. It takes a pivotal action on day 16 by reassigning guards from the M.O.A., placing the inspector in charge of border defense. The Ministry of Health exercises jurisdiction over public health matters. It responds on days 25 and 26 to a polio outbreak in the United Federation that poses a threat to Arstotzka. Initially, the directive is to deny entry to all individuals from the United Federation. Subsequently, the Ministry implements the Certificate of Vaccination, mandating all entrants to provide up-to-date polio vaccination records.

The Ministry of Income is tasked with investigating financial irregularities. Citizens have the option to submit a report if they detect sudden wealth accumulation in someone. The Ministry of Trade assumes responsibility for producing legal currency, with its name featured on 5-credit bills. A significant event occurs on day 19 when it enacts trade sanctions against Impor in retaliation for Imporian sanctions imposed on Arstotzka.

Geography[]

As depicted on the map provided in The Inspector's rulebook, Arstotzka shares borders with Kolechia and Obristan. The country is further divided into districts, which are detailed both on identity cards and within the rulebook. Notably, Valid Passports can originate from any Issuing City, regardless of the specific District, thereby rendering it infeasible to deduce the precise spatial arrangement of the districts and cities relative to each other.

Cities[]

  • Altan
  • Vescillo
  • Burnton
  • Octovalis
  • Gennistora
  • Lendiforma
  • Wozenfield
  • Fardesto

Other Locations[]

  • Nirsk
  • Northern Territories

Additionally, the southern coastline is referenced in unused headlines, discussing various weather-related news and the detection of Kolechian submarines off the coast.

Totalitarian Rule[]

Arstotzka stands as a haunting embodiment of oppressive governance and morally questionable practices. As players step into the shoes of the immigration inspector, they are immediately thrust into a world where the government's crimes and villainous acts are palpable. Arstotzka's regime employs a slew of tactics that infringe upon basic human rights and promote a culture of fear and submission.

One of the most glaring crimes committed by Arstotzka is its utilization of capital punishment and forced labor. The specter of execution looms over its citizens, who must adhere to strict regulations under the threat of grave consequences. The government's readiness to extinguish lives as punishment for perceived infractions paints a chilling picture of its disregard for human life. Forced labor, another dark facet of Arstotzka's rule, serves as a cruel method of exerting control over its populace and perpetuates a cycle of oppression.

Arstotzka's emphasis on maintaining familial connections as a prerequisite for employment is another manifestation of its villainous character. By dictating that citizens must have at least one family member alive to ensure eligibility for employment, the government exploits the emotional bonds within families, using them as leverage to enforce compliance. This sinister policy not only infringes upon personal autonomy but also demonstrates Arstotzka's willingness to manipulate the very fabric of familial relationships for its own gain.

The government's pervasive use of surveillance and information audits is another disturbing crime that showcases its authoritarian nature. The Ministry of Information's practice of monitoring and investigating government employees reflects a deep-seated paranoia and a lack of trust in its own citizens. This invasive scrutiny not only infringes upon privacy but also fosters an environment of fear and suspicion, where citizens are hesitant to express dissent or question authority.

Perhaps one of the most morally reprehensible acts committed by Arstotzka is its involvement in human trafficking and smuggling. The constant terrorist attacks at the border, coupled with the government's own clandestine operations, point to a web of corruption that preys on vulnerable individuals seeking refuge or opportunity. This reprehensible activity underscores the hypocrisy of a regime that purports to prioritize national security while actively engaging in illegal and exploitative practices.

Notable Residents[]

  • The Inspector (Player Character) & his family
  • Sergiu Volda (The Escaped Imposter)
  • Jorji Costava (Recurring Entrant)
  • Messof Anegovych (Listed as living in Vescillo district)
  • Simon Wens (Possibly killed in Gennistora district)
  • Filipe Hasse (Listed as living in Fardesto district)

Trivia[]

  • Arstotzka's visual design and atmosphere draw heavy inspiration from Soviet-era Eastern European countries. The game's art style, architecture, and overall ambiance capture the essence of this historical period.
  • The emblem of Arstotzka, prominently displayed on various documents and official paraphernalia, features a red crest with a hammer and sickle, reminiscent of symbols associated with Soviet and communist regimes.
  • The game uses fictional languages and accents to enhance the setting's authenticity. The names of characters, places, and documents are a blend of Slavic-sounding elements, contributing to the game's unique world-building.
  • The game's narrative is influenced by political tensions and conflicts between Arstotzka and its neighboring countries. These tensions are reflected in the gameplay, where the inspector must make decisions that affect international relations.
  • The presence of the underground organization EZIC adds an element of intrigue and rebellion to the game. Players can choose to cooperate with EZIC or remain loyal to the government, shaping the outcome of the story.
  • game's depiction of bureaucratic procedures and paperwork accurately reflects the complexities and frustrations often associated with government institutions. This realism adds depth to the game's portrayal of life under an authoritarian regime.

External Links[]

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