The Shifting Allegiances of Edward Richtofen: Unraveling His Employers
Edward Richtofen, a name synonymous with mad science and morally ambiguous actions in the Call of Duty Zombies universe, is not easily defined by a single employer. His career is a complex tapestry woven with shifting alliances, betrayals, and ultimately, a drive for control that often transcends loyalty. In short, Richtofen has worked for a variety of groups and individuals, often simultaneously, with his own agenda always taking priority. Primarily, he has worked for Group 935, and later for a variety of other factions that he was either associated with or created himself.
Early Allegiances: The Dawn of Group 935
The Initial German Connection
Richtofen’s journey begins firmly rooted within the context of World War II Germany. Initially, he served as a scientist for the German military, collaborating with Group 935, a research organization led by Dr. Ludwig Maxis. This association in 1939 saw him deeply involved in the development of advanced weaponry and, most significantly, the manipulation of Element 115. Richtofen’s work during this period was for the German war effort, but his individual ambitions were already clearly present.
The Growing Divide with Maxis
However, Richtofen’s loyalty to Maxis and the German cause was always conditional. His insatiable curiosity, coupled with his ruthless ambition, led to increasingly unethical experiments, including those conducted on Samantha Maxis, Ludwig’s own daughter. His growing distrust of Maxis’ leadership, especially regarding the mass production of the Wunderwaffe DG-2, further fueled his ambition and led to Richtofen conspiring against his superior. This early period highlights Richtofen’s willingness to subvert authority for his own goals, setting the stage for his future actions.
Shifting Alliances and Personal Ambitions
From Scientist to Madman
As the story progresses, Richtofen’s actions become less about serving a specific entity and more about achieving his personal vision of control over the Aetherial realms. Following his betrayal of Maxis and the chaos that ensued, Richtofen effectively became a free agent. While he occasionally aligned himself with the original crew— Ultimis Crew (Nikolai Belinski, Edward Richtofen, Takeo Masaki, Tank Dempsey)— it was often for his own purposes, never fully committing his loyalty to them.
Interactions with Other Factions
Throughout the various iterations of the Zombies storyline, Richtofen interacted with and manipulated various other factions and figures. This included using Samuel Stuhlinger and the Victis crew to pursue his goals. Furthermore, his later interactions with Dr. Monty and the Apothicons reveal how he positioned himself in the larger cosmic battle for the control of the Aether. He was even later revealed as the leader of Requiem, a CIA backed international faction in Call of Duty: Black Ops Cold War, though this was a guise and even there he was ultimately pursuing his own goals.
The Final Goal: Breaking the Cycle
Ultimately, Richtofen’s final allegiance was to himself, and to the goal of breaking the cycle of eternal conflict perpetuated by Dr. Monty and the Dark Aether. He even sacrificed his own life, not in service of any nation or group, but in the hopes of securing a better future. His complex journey reveals a character whose loyalty is constantly shifting based on his current needs and overarching ambitions.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. Was Richtofen ever loyal to Germany?
While Richtofen initially worked for the German military as part of Group 935, his loyalty was always primarily to his own scientific pursuits and ambitions. He saw the German government as a means to an end, ultimately betraying his superiors and abandoning his commitment to the war effort.
2. What was Richtofen’s primary motivation in working for Group 935?
His main motivation was to advance his understanding of science, particularly in relation to Element 115, and its applications. He saw the opportunity provided by Group 935 as a means to explore his interests, even if it meant engaging in unethical and dangerous practices.
3. Why did Richtofen turn against Dr. Maxis?
Richtofen believed Maxis was distracted and unfit to lead Group 935. He also resented Maxis’s failure to mass-produce the Wunderwaffe DG-2. This ultimately led to a power struggle and Richtofen’s betrayal.
4. Who was the Ultimis Crew, and what was Richtofen’s relationship with them?
The Ultimis Crew consisted of Nikolai Belinski, Edward Richtofen, Takeo Masaki, and Tank Dempsey. Richtofen’s relationships with them were strained, characterized by mutual dislike and distrust, despite being forced to work together by circumstance.
5. Did Richtofen ever genuinely care about the other members of the Ultimis Crew?
No, his interactions with them were often manipulative and self-serving. He did not care about them, viewing them only as tools to advance his own agenda and ambitions.
6. Who is Eddie, and how is he connected to Richtofen?
Eddie is an alternate child incarnation of Edward Richtofen within the Revelations timeline. He represents a version of Richtofen who grew up in a more positive environment.
7. Was Richtofen ever the leader of Requiem?
Yes, Edward “Eddie” Richtofen is the director of Requiem in Call of Duty: Black Ops Cold War, but this was a guise to serve his own end and continue his plans. He still pursued his own agenda.
8. Did Richtofen use Samuel Stuhlinger?
Yes, Richtofen utilized Stuhlinger, who could hear him, to guide him and the Victis crew towards his goals. This manipulation demonstrates how Richtofen continued to exert influence even when not directly present.
9. Why does the Ultimis Crew hate each other so much?
Much of the hatred between the Ultimis Crew members stems from the effects of Element 115, as well as the clash of their individual personalities and experiences in the zombie outbreaks. This is particularly true of Ultimis Richtofen and the other members of the Ultimis Crew.
10. Was Richtofen truly evil?
Richtofen is often portrayed as a villain, given his actions, and often referred to as ‘The Butcher’ due to his cruel experiments and torture techniques. However, his motivations were ultimately driven by the desire to break the cycle of conflict. This complicates a simple good/bad dichotomy.
11. Why did Richtofen sacrifice himself in the end?
His sacrifice was motivated by the desire to break the cycle and prevent the anticlimactic events of the Revelations storyline from happening. His actions were designed to create a better future, and ultimately help prevent Monty and the Dark Aether from prevailing.
12. What was the significance of Richtofen’s blood?
Richtofen’s blood, rich in Aetherial energy, was crucial for several key plot points. It was used to activate portals and even to retrieve the soul of another version of himself, demonstrating its unique properties.
13. Did Richtofen ever have a family?
Richtofen’s background shows that he is from an aristocratic Prussian family, but little is shown about them or his relationships with them. He had a younger sister, Katana Von Richtofen, though her role in the story is minimal.
14. What were Richtofen’s views on Maxis?
Richtofen held Maxis in contempt, believing him to be an ineffective leader and an obstacle to his own ambitions. He viewed Maxis’s connection to Samantha as a weakness, and actively manipulated the situation for his own benefit.
15. How can Richtofen be described?
He can be described as an incredibly complex figure driven by his own goals and ambitions. His loyalty is constantly shifting, his morality ambiguous, and his methods ruthless. He is a scientist, a manipulator, a madman, but ultimately an anti-hero who played a critical role in shaping the Zombies universe.