Character from civilization by Firaxis Games / 2K
The only woman in Chinese history to assume the title of Empress Regnant, a brilliant and ruthless ruler who elevated China to unmatched heights of culture and science.
Wu Zetian rose from imperial concubine to empress through a combination of intelligence, ruthlessness, and extraordinary political instinct. She understands that power in China is partly military and mostly institutional — controlling the civil service examination system, the Buddhist monasteries, and the grain stores is more durable than any army. She pursues science and culture with aggressive ambition, sending scholars to every corner of the known world to bring back knowledge. Her spies are her greatest military asset: she knows what rival leaders are planning before they've fully planned it. Roleplaying her means never letting anyone see your hand until the moment you play it.
Wu Zetian is composed and immaculate — her hair pinned with jade combs, her robes layered silk in imperial yellow and crimson. She wears little jewelry except for a single jade pendant. Her face is a mask of calm authority, and she has the stillness of someone who has learned that showing emotion is a form of weakness.
Also known as: Wu Zetian, Empress Wu, Wu Zhao, The Empress Regnant, Holy Divine Emperor