[Ultima Ratio Regum](https://www.markrjohnsongames.com/games/ultima-ratio-regum/) is a game where entire histories, civilizations, cultures, and religions are generated. Developed by [Dr. Mark R. Johnson](https://www.markrjohnsongames.com/publications/) in [[Python]] using [[libtcod]] since 2011 and as of 2023 is still under active development. Version `0.11` possibly to be released in late 2023 is to finally introducer the first starting objective. Which is wonderful. Not to be confused with [[Rebirth|Memento Mori]]. # Notability One of the influences for [[In a World]]. [[Transcript of Conversation with URR's Developer]] # History Development began around [April of 2011](https://web.archive.org/web/20111126215448/http://www.ultimaratioregum.co.uk/game/2011/08/30/why-make-a-roguelike/#comment-7). Blog moved to new home in [August of 2018](https://www.markrjohnsongames.com/2018/08/25/new-website/). --- As I recall, the developer started it in college as part of a research project. When they started they didn't know anything about programming but within months had written a substantial amount of code. The core interest to me was that it generated an entire world's history, civilizations, religions, and more. There were posts demonstrating generative religious symbology rendered in colorful ASCII-based text graphics. This also meant religions were generated with different rules and belief systems. Interestingly, Dwarf Fortress had also been in development not long before and had a similar level of ridiculous detail. # Info > Unlike in many RPGs and Roguelikes, enemies will not simply throw themselves upon your sword. They act as ‘players’ too, and have their own motivations – wealth, martial prowess, ideology or anything else, but ultimately self-preservation. They intelligently assess the battle and decide when to attack, whether to rally their comrades, when to flee, which items are worth picking up and using, pass information about your combat strengths and weaknesses to their allies and many other actions besides. \- [Official URR Website, Archived 2011](https://web.archive.org/web/20111123020656/http://www.ultimaratioregum.co.uk/game/info/)