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Mastering Enslavement in RimWorld: A Comprehensive Guide

So, you’re looking to expand your colony’s workforce and perhaps explore the darker side of survival? Enslaving pawns in RimWorld is a viable, albeit ethically questionable, strategy. The primary method is by reducing a prisoner’s will to zero or by attempting to enslave a prisoner while under the effects of a recruitment inspiration. A prisoner’s starting will is typically lower than their resistance, making enslavement generally easier than full recruitment. Let’s delve into the mechanics, benefits, and nuances of building your own workforce of subservient pawns.

The Nitty-Gritty of Enslavement

Before you start cracking the whip (figuratively, of course… mostly), there are a few key things to understand:

Prison Setup: You need a functional prison. This means a fully enclosed room with a bed or sleeping spot. Make sure it’s designated as a prison zone!
Prisoner Acquisition: The easiest way to obtain prisoners is by capturing downed pawns. When a pawn is incapacitated during combat or due to injury, you can right-click and choose the “Capture” option. This guarantees a 100% success rate.
The Enslavement Process: Once you have a prisoner, select a colonist and right-click on the prisoner. Choose the “Enslave” option. This will initiate a social interaction.
Will vs. Resistance: Willpower represents a prisoner’s desire to remain free, while resistance indicates their desire to join your colony as a colonist. Successfully reducing their will to zero through repeated enslavement attempts will turn them into a slave.
Inspiration Boost: If you’re lucky, a colonist might have a “Recruitment Inspiration.” This significantly increases the chances of successful enslavement (or recruitment) attempts. Capitalize on these moments!
The Warden’s Skill: The social skill of the warden attempting the enslavement plays a crucial role in the success rate. A higher social skill translates to a better chance of converting the prisoner.
Managing Morale: Keep your slaves’ morale up! Low morale leads to rebellions, which can be a major disruption to your colony. Provide adequate food, comfortable (though basic) living conditions, and avoid excessive punishment.

Choosing Your Slaves Wisely

Not all pawns are created equal. When considering who to enslave, look for these attributes:

High Work Drive: Pawns with traits like “Industrious” are ideal.
Low Skills You Need: Prioritize pawns with skills that complement your colony’s needs, such as cleaning, hauling, or mining.
Manageable Traits: Avoid pawns with volatile traits like “Pyromaniac” or “Psychopath” unless you’re feeling particularly daring.

The Upsides and Downsides of Slavery

While morally ambiguous, slavery offers tangible benefits in RimWorld:

Dedicated Labor Force: Slaves don’t require recreation and ignore some penalties from negative traits, such as slave-work-related incapabilities, freeing up your colonists to focus on other tasks.
Easier to Acquire: As mentioned, enslaving is generally easier than recruiting.
Mood Boosted Workers: Slaves tend to have their moods boosted!
No Social Fights: They also don’t insult or start social fights with your colonists, keeping things peaceful.

However, slavery also comes with drawbacks:

Rebellion Risk: Slaves can rebel if their morale drops too low.
Colony Mood: Some colonists may object to slavery, leading to negative moodlets.
Social Impact: Using slaves impacts your relationship with other factions. Some factions may disapprove.
Micro-Management: Monitoring slave morale requires attention and can be tedious.

Building the Perfect Slave Quarters

A happy slave is a productive slave. Here’s how to optimize their living conditions:

Separate Quarters: Provide a dedicated barrack-style room for your slaves.
Basic Comfort: Furnish with beds, stools, and a table.
Cleanliness: Regularly clean the slave quarters to prevent disease and boost morale.
Temperature Control: Ensure adequate heating or cooling depending on the climate.

Controlling Slave Rebellions

Prevention is key. Here’s how to minimize the risk of rebellion:

Monitor Morale: Keep a close eye on each slave’s mood.
Adequate Food: Ensure they receive nutritious meals.
Prevent Abuse: Avoid unnecessary punishments or restrictions.
Guard Presence: Station guards near slave quarters to deter rebellious thoughts.
Suppression Gear: Consider outfitting slaves with inhibitors.

Enslaving pawns is a complex decision with both advantages and disadvantages. Carefully weigh the ethical implications, potential benefits, and risks before building your own RimWorld slave empire. Remember to experiment with different strategies and adapt to the unique challenges of your colony. The Games Learning Society studies how games teach, so always consider the impact of your choices. Visit GamesLearningSociety.org to learn more.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about Enslavement in RimWorld

Can slaves get pregnant?

Yes, slaves can get pregnant. They typically give birth to slaves. However, colonists can also become pregnant by slaves, potentially leading to free colonists.
Do slaves count as population in RimWorld?

Yes, slaves count as part of your colony’s population.
Can slaves sleep with colonists?

Slaves cannot share a double bed with non-slave colonists, even if they are married. Slaves can share bedrooms with colonists, but the colonists will receive a negative moodlet unless they are in a relationship.
How do I prevent slaves from rebelling?

Maintain high slave morale by providing adequate food, comfortable living conditions, and avoiding excessive punishment. Station guards nearby and consider using suppression gear.
What happens if a slave rebels and escapes?

If a slave escapes, they will typically flee the map. You may be able to recapture them, but they will have a significant negative moodlet. They will also try to steal from your colony.
Can I sell my slaves?

Yes, you can sell slaves to slavers or pirate merchants. However, selling slaves will cause a mood penalty for colonists without the Psychopath trait.
What are the best tasks for slaves to perform?

Slaves are well-suited for tasks that require repetitive labor and low skill, such as hauling, cleaning, mining, and growing crops.
Can slaves wear clothes?

Yes, you can force prisoners to wear clothes. After stripping them, store clothing inside the prison. They will automatically equip it. Be mindful of the climate when choosing what to clothe them in.
Can I implant genes into slaves?

Yes, you can harvest genes from anyone and implant them into your colonists and prisoners, including slaves, allowing you to customize their traits.
How does inbreeding affect slaves?

Inbreeding in RimWorld carries a risk of negative genetic traits. The risk is higher for closer relatives. Be cautious if allowing slaves from the same family to reproduce.
Can I force slaves to fight?

Yes, you can equip slaves with weapons and draft them into combat. However, be aware of the risk of rebellion, especially if they are injured or facing overwhelming odds.
What kind of mood debuffs are there for having slaves?

Some colonists who disapprove of slavery will suffer mood debuffs like “Distressed by slavery” or “Slavery is immoral.” These can be mitigated by selecting colonists with appropriate ideologies or traits.
Do slaves eat the same food as colonists?

You can choose what food slaves eat. Providing nutritious meals will improve their morale, reducing the risk of rebellion.
How do I deal with a slave that is constantly causing trouble?

For troublesome slaves, consider harsher restrictions, suppression gear, or, as a last resort, selling them to a slaver. Alternatively, you can release them, which will improve relations with some factions.
Can I convert slaves into colonists?

Yes, you can attempt to recruit slaves, but their resistance is usually higher than their will. Focus on improving their mood and social interaction with a skilled warden to increase your chances of success.

How do you enslave people in Rimworld?