The Church of the Water Tsar (Russian: Церковь Водного Царя), commonly referred to as the Fanatics, are the main antagonists in the Volga chapter of Metro Exodus. Led by its leader, Silantius, the technophobic cultists have profound hate towards technology, thinking it was the culprit behind the destruction of the past society in 2013 during World War III.
Overview[]
The Church of the Water Tsar is a religious cult that worships the Water Tsar, a monstrously large aquatic mutant inhabiting the Volga, as they believe it is the one who carries the dead to the afterlife. They are extremely technophobic, and view the use of electric appliances as a mortal sin. While they do trade with certain outsiders, they view most with suspicion, if not outright hostility. In order to join their ranks, one must renounce all technology, which is then either destroyed or stored in a nearby terminal so it can be "purified" by the Tsar Fish. If a cult member breaks the rules, they are usually punished by being forced to do dangerous or even suicidal jobs, such as exorcising electric demons. Their attitude and views are largely shaped by Silantius, their charismatic leader and enforced by his paladins.
During the ending cutscene of The Volga level, Silantius' dialogue with Duke and Artyom suggests that he himself does not believe that "using technology is a sin" and that he created and maintains the cult just to be able to control local people. During the following loading screen, Artyom speculates whether this is worse than the lies he and other people were told in the Metro about the War still raging outside Moscow.
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 Villains
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Invisible Watchers Red Line Fourth Reich Church of the Water Tsar OSKOM Others | ||