Factions

There are various factions active in the world at large, operating at different levels.

## The Order of the Druids

Dedicated to protecting nature, this organization spans the entire world. Multiple Circles have been founded on both Trius and Korela, which keep in close contact with each other even across the Middle Ocean.

**Core Beliefs**

The Druids are sworn to protecting the Natural Order, and every part of it. They put this goal even above the gods, who they consider part of the Natural Order. They aim to protect, heal, and stimulate nature, such that nature can run its course; the people will in turn benefit from nature blossoming around them.

Members use their control over nature to support the people around them, and warm them of incoming threats.

**Settlements**

On Trius, the Circles of the Land have allied themselves with the Khosean Empire empire, to better pursue their own interests. They founded their Circles within each major city of the Empire. The Circle of the Moon is located high up the Mountain Barrier.

**Internal Organization**

The Order has no centralized power structure, and each Circle acts autonomously. They keep in close contact, and together the Circles on each continent maintain a tight grip on the state of affairs.

The Circles of the Land are spread out across the world, and use their spellcasting abilities to provide direct aid to the people. The Circles also act as embassies for the Order, and maintain contact with the population and other factions.

On each continent is one Circle of the Moon, in a central yet often inaccessible location. They use their wildshape abilities to travel the lands, surveying and gathering information. They also maintain contact with each other, the only direct connection between the Circles on Trius and Korela. The Circle of Moon Druids are seen as the elite within the Order.

**Relationships with Other Factions**

The Order cooperates with, and opposes, several factions on each continent.

On Trius, a formal alliance has been formed with the Khosean Empire. Circles of the Land are located within the safety of each large city, and leaders of this circle are given a station of high-ranking councilor in their respective city.

The Order is on friendly terms with the Coven of Oberist, serving the same god, and the two maintain a fraternal relationship; the Order currently housses the Coven on its premises in Raginia. This, however, causes friction between the Order and the Banner, who say as followers of a Minor God the Druids ought to fall under their authority.

The Sailors of Ulmon hold the Druids in high regards, in particular their abilities to move across the water without boats, and even cross the Middle Ocean. The Druids share their love for all the life in the oceans. They even agree fishing is good for the ecosystem of the Sheltered Bay, confirming the Bay was indeed made for the Sailors from Ulmon.

The Makers of Khuzdal have great adoration for their use of Druidcraft, bending nature to their will to form magnificent structures. The Druids, however, pay little heed to the Makers, and their "artificial crafts based on exploiting Nature".

## Trius

Several factions can be found on the continent.

### The Khosean Empire

The Khosiean Empire unites all of Trius under its rule. Guided by the wisdom of their patron god Dinir, the Emperor reigns over his lands. Seated in the capitol city of Khosa, with all the people of the continent under his rule, the Emperor aims to make the Empire and its citizens continue to blossom.

**Core Beliefs**

Strength through Unity; Unity through Faith
Under the collective worship of the Empire's patron god Dinir, each citizen plays their part in the machinations of the Empire, contributing to the greater glory of them all. Each major city in the Empire fulfills a role, meeting each other's respective needs and requirements. As the people across Trius labor together, they come together to make the mighty Khosean Empire.

Serving in the Imperial Army is a noble duty, and those who have fought beyond the Great Wall have proven themselves worthy before the Khosean Empire and its patron, Dinir.

**Settlements**

The capitol of the Empire is Khosa, from which the Empire receives its name and where the Emperor resides. All major cities on Trius fall under the Khosean Empire.

**Internal Organization**

Each city of the Khosean Empire has the autonomy to run its own internal affairs. Cities claim a large tax from its citizens in terms of gold and goods, which they all pay as tribute to the Emperor. Through the Trius Trading Collective, these goods are collected and redistributed throughout the Khosean Empire: each city receives food for its citizens, as well as production resources if they are a necessity for their local economy.

The received tributes are uses to sustain the Khosean Empire, such as pay for and supply the Imperial Army.

**Relationships with Other Factions**

The Empire maintains good relationships with the Order of the Druids. In each major city a Circle of the Land is located, and its representative is instated as council to the city's ruler. The cities of the Khosean Empire stay into contact through the communication network of the Druids, and receive council from their wisest members; the Order of the Druids has secure places to settle its Circles, and is intimately involved in the high politics of Trius. Thus, this arrangement works to the benefit of each party.

The Order of the Elements is not involved in the regular governance of the Khosean Empire, preferring to stay isolated. In accordance with an old agreement struck during the expansion of the Khosean Empire, the Order of the Elements retains its autonomy as a reward for its services during the wars.

Worship of Unas is illegal within the Khosean Empire, and the very sparse members of the Cult of Unas are hunted throughout the Empire.

#### The Imperial Army

**Core beliefs**

The Sword wielded by the Khosean Empire. United, we shall conquer.

Using the teachings and ways of Vala, Goddess of Conquest, the army keeps its soldiers in top condition, and coordinated to move as a single unit. Its current main objective is to conquer the Northern Desert, and rid the Khosean Empire of its constant threat. The Imperial Army is commanded by the ruler of Trison, patron city of Vala, who in turn answers to the Emperor.

**Settlements**

The army base is located at the Great Wall, from where it stretches south towards the city of Trison. Outposts are stationed throughout the Khosean Empire, to defend its cities, settlements, and main roads. Soldiers are rotated across the land as part of their training.

**Internal Organization**

A large hierarchy of descending ranks is set up within the army, in an attempt to manage the vast military apparatus.

**Relationships with Other Factions**

The Imperial Army serves as the main military force of the Khosean Empire, which it currently protects by its efforts at the Great Wall. They are equipped and funded through the Trius Trading Collective.

The Army funds and supplies the Sisterhood of Vala, housed at the base of the Great Wall. In turn, the Sisters provide the Imperial Army with most of their methodology, such as training regiments for their soldiers, and strategic insight for those soldiers to use once sent beyond the Wall.

#### The Trius Trading Collective

**Core Beliefs**

By connecting people from various of expertise, society as a whole thrives (and those who control the network, thrive most).

Working for the Khosean Empire, this traders guild executes the tax policy of the Empire and regulates trade.

**Settlements**

Its main office is located in Trison across the Tunnel from Khosa, capitol of the Khosean Empire. These two cities form the main trading hubs of the Khosean Empire. North of Trison the Imperial Army, and the Collective is tasked with keeping it supplied.

In every major city of the Khosean Empire, a smaller office is established, to keep track of local affairs and making sure Imperial quotas are reached.

**Internal Organization**

Its head office is located in Trison. On a yearly basis it receives the demands and wishes of the Emperor, and sets the quotas for each city in the Khosean Empire. These orders are passed down to the respective branch offices in each city, using the communication network of the Order of the Druids; other means of communication are provided by the Collective.

Each branch office oversees the collection of taxes in their respective cities. But they play no active or governing role in it, and the city officials are expected to meet their quotas on their own initiatives.

Many traders are affiliates of the Collective. Traders can apply for membership at each office, and after being accepted they obtain the TTC's Crest as a means of identifying themselves as registered members.

The TTC hires registered traders across Trius to fulfill the wishes of the Khosean Empire, collecting goods and taxes across the lands, and delivering them to their various destinations. Many traders vendor their own merchandise as well, for which they had over a small percentage of their trades to the Collective as taxes.

**Relationships with Other Factions**

The TTC is founded by, and an instrumental part of, the Khosean Empire. It does not deal directly with other factions on Trius:

Both the Order of the Druids and the Order of the Elements are self-sufficient and do not participate in economic trade. Each of the religious factions on the continent is funded by their patron city, not the Khosean Empire as a whole, and is tax exempt.

### The Order of the Elements

**Core Beliefs**

Only the Whole exists, and every individual is but a part of that grand scheme. Contemplating one's own place in the Whole is paramount, although one should not isolate oneself from others. One should heed the Gods, but not lose focus of the Whole, for even gods are but inhabitants of the grand scheme and have their own agendas. Through studying the Four Elements, members hope to attain a better understanding of Asmir and its inner workings.

**Settlements**

The order has settled itself on the south-eastern point of Trius, south of Ordgas, where they founded the Temple of the Elements high in the mountain.

**Internal Organization**

The order follows a monastic tradition hidden from the outside world, and little is known about their secret inner workings. Little is know about their practices and culture, besides their fascination with Elemental Magic. The Order has its door open to magic users from across the world, and those who pass initiation are welcomed as members.

**Relationships with Other Factions**

The Order exists within the borders, and under the rule, of the Khosean Empire. Yet as a reward for its services during the expansion of the Empire, it retains an autonomous existence, withdrawn from the intricacies of the Empire.

They have little contact with the Order of the Druids or the various religious factions of the Khosean Empire, but are required to maintain a shrine dedicated to the Gods of Trius. Despite their sporadic contact, the Order maintains sympathetic relationships with the Druids and the Coven of Oberist, who share their view of the Whole.

### The Banner of Dinir

**Core Beliefs**

Element: Force

Strength through Unity. To prosper, one must know their place in the system.

The Banner of Dinir are the representatives of their patron god on Trius, and within the Khosean Empire. As Dinir serves as Prime Duality over the Minor Gods, so does the Banner have supremacy over the other religious factions on the continent.

**Settlements**

Its main temple is located in Khosa, capitol of the Khosean Empire. In every major city of the Empire, a temple was founded dedicated to the Gods of Trius.

The area surrounding Ground Zero, the epicenter of the Calamity, is considered too dangerous to approach. The Observation Spire was constructed, on the edge of the coast of Trius, with a clear view of the crater. From here, people attempt to uncover the details of the Calamity.

**Internal Organization**

Its main temple is located in Khosa, where the Emperor of the Khosean Empire worships Dinir as patron of both the City and the Empire.

Each Temple dedicated to the Gods of Trius, exists under and are run by the Banner. Each of the other major religious factions on Trius is required to station a priest at these temples.

**Relationships with Other Factions**

As Dinir is the patron god of the Khosean Empire, the Banner facilitates worship of Dinir in name of, and throughout the Empire. Their position within the Khosean Empire gives the Banner a wide political influence. Leaders of the Temples, considered the highest representatives of Dinir, pass judgement on legal disputes within their respective cities in accordance with his will. The Banner receives funds from the Khosean Empire through the Trius Trading Collective.

The other religious factions within the Khosean Empire - the Makers of Khuzdal, the Coven of Oberist, the Sailors of Ulmon, and the Sisterhood of Vala - exist under the Banner, as the Minor Gods exist under the Prime Duality Dinir. Each faction is required to station a representative at the Temples of the Gods of Trius. Although Adara is acknowledged as one of the Minor Gods, her followers in the form of the Azure Thread Society are zealously condemned as disrupters and instigators.

The Banner condemns all worship of Unas, and her Cult on Trius is the target of the same vilifying treatment as the Azure Thread Society.

#### The Azure Thread of Adara

**Core Beliefs**

Element: Chaos

Established Order must fall, making way for Chaos. Corruption is only averted through sacrifice of what one values most.

**Settlements**

The Society is spread thin, but persists throughout the corners of Trius in spite of its zealous condemnation from all corners of the Khosean Empire. This has lead many people to believe secret meeting places still exist, where members stay into contact.

Members of the Azure Thread Society are occasionally discovered, usually traveling the lands undercover, or living in hiding. Those who have settled in one location for an extended period of times, had often infiltrated academic institutions.

New cults tend to form in remote areas in times of crisis, people turning to Adara in their desperate attempts to end their own ceaseless suffering.

**Internal Organization**

Little is know of the Azure Thread Society, or how it has managed to survive despite all-round persecution. This has lead many to believe some internal organization must exist though, such means as members to recognize each other, a way to initiate and remain in contact. and secure places for physical meetings.

**Relationships with Other Factions**

Within the Khosean Empire, members of the Azure Thread Society are condemned and hunted, forcing them to live into hiding. Although the Banner of Dinir and the smaller religious factions operating under it recognize Adara as a Minor Goddess, her followers are denounced as bringers of chaos and corruption.

#### The Makers of Khuzdal

**Core Beliefs**

Element: Fire

Creation an Destruction are two sides of the same coin. The shield that defends can be remade into the sword of a soldier, the plow of a farmer, or the hammers of the blacksmiths. Keep mind of the versatile potential of creation.

**Settlements**

Its main temple is located within the city of Nekver, although it has a sister temple in Khantin; both cities are under the patronage of Khuzdal.

The Makers have long tried to get a foothold in Ordgas, given its thriving artistic environment, but their focused way of life has failed to take root in the bohemian atmosphere.

**Internal Organization**

Nekver is generally accepted as the headquarters of the Makers, although this is primarily due to external worship rather than internal organization: Khuzdal plays a role many aspects of the lives of everyone, and people flock to Nekver as his most accessible patron city on Trius.

The temples in Khantin and Nekver have a frateral relationship built on equality, and together they represet the faith. The mining and cultivation of resources is considered as essential to crafts.

In front of each temple, a colossal statue of Khuzdal stands on display. During a yearly festival, the statue in Khantin is remade out of fresh ores from the mines; the old statue is smashed to pieces. These pieces are then transported to Nekver, where they are forged into a new statue of Khuzdal. Their old statue is likewise destroyed, and its materials are mixed with the general supplies of the city.

**Relationships with Other Factions**

The Makers exist under the Banner of Dinir, and exist under their authority within the Khosean Empire. Representative priests of the Makers are stationed in the Temples dedicated to the Gods of Trius, run by the Banner.

The Shipwrights of Yidon are their adopted as distant cousins, and the Makers maintain a good relationship despite the distance between Yidon and their home cities of Khantin and Nekver.

Many artists and craftsmen worship Khuzdal in Ordgas, but despite various efforts to found a designated temple, the Makers never managed to take root in the energetic city.

#### The Coven of Oberist

**Core Beliefs**

Element: Earth

All is connected in the Whole. The Many combine into Few, the Few into One, and the One becomes part of the Whole.

**Settlements**

The Coven of Oberist is settled in the city of Raginia, within the Khosean Empire. Due to lack of funds from the city administration, the Coven shares its grounds with the city's Circle of the Land of the Order of the Druids.

**Internal Organization**

The Coven exist under the Banner of Dinir, and exist under their authority within the Khosean Empire. Representative priests of the Coven are stationed in the Temples dedicated to the Gods of Trius, run by the Banner.

The Coven itself is small, and as a faction it rarely acts within the domain of Raginia, let alone outside of it.

The Coven considers itself an essential part of the Order of the Druids, providing them with spiritual guidance, and insights to help them pursue their own goals.

Despite having a small formal membership, the Coven considers all followers of Oberist part of its membership, and to a further extent say all the people belong to one united fraternity. The active members of the Coven who settle themselves in Raginia dedicate themselves to becoming one with Nature, and sharing their wisdom with the Order of the Druids who guard her.

**Relationships with Other Factions**

The Coven exists under the Banner of Dinir, and exist under their authority within the Khosean Empire. Representative priests of the Coven are stationed in the Temples dedicated to the Gods of Trius, run by the Banner.

The Order of the Druids share their living space with the Coven, and benefit from their studies and wisdom. Through the Druids, the Coven makes its wisdom accessible to the people of Trius.

#### The Sailors of Ulmon

**Core Beliefs**

Element: Water

Live free on the waves, Be resourceful, but remember true strength comes from oneself.

**Settlements**

The Sailors are located in the city of Yidon in the Khosean Empire, which falls under the patronage of their own god, Ulmon. They sail the Sheltered Bay - a large bay sheltered from the world at large, and bountiful with fish to catch - which was gifted to them by Ulmon.

**Internal Organization**

Nigh all of the sailors and fishermen worship Ulmon, but few are official members of the Sailors. Members have dedicated themselves to the studies of the winds, seas, and navigation, attempting to read the signs of Ulmon. Rarely does any boat leave the harbor without an anointed priest on board.

The Shipwrights build ships, all with the approval of the Sailors and by extension Ulmon. They have a monopoly on building ships, and as such have a large influence on Yidon, and in turn on the Sailors of which they are a part.

In a yearly contest of skill, Sailors from across Trius meet at the Sheltered Bay to race through the dangerous Western Strait. Out of respect for Ulmon, Sailors do not pass onto the Middle Ocean with their ships.

**Relationships with Other Factions**

The Sailors exist under the Banner of Dinir, and exist under their authority within the Khosean Empire. Representative priests of the Sailors are stationed in the Temples dedicated to the Gods of Trius, run by the Banner.

The Makers of Khuzdal maintain close relationships with the Sailors, in particular the Shipwrights.

The Order of the Druids and the Order of the Elements both appreciate their way of life and the balance they maintain with the Sheltered Bay, but there is no active connection between them.

#### The Sisterhood of Vala

**Core Beliefs**

Element: Air

All can be conquered by mastering oneself. Focus in unison.

The Sisters of Vala follow a regiment of rigorous self-discipline, to prepare them for an intense collective training. By moving together as one, a group of skilled fighters can accomplish anything if they focus their individual strength.

The Sisterhood believes the spirit of Vala enters each soldier, so as they all fight side by side, each soldier finds Vala fighting besides them, and finds themself fighting like the goddess.

**Settlements**

The Temple of Vala is located at the bottom of the Great Wall, at the center of its base. From here they lend their support to the Imperial Army, blessing soldiers who enter the Northern Desert, and providing council on strategy and tactics for its Generals.

**Internal Organization**

Structured similar to military ranks, there is a chain of command within the faction. Members need to prove their skill in both physical combat and the arts of strategy in order to progress through the ranks. High-ranking members of the Sisterhood are often also high-ranking officers in the Imperial Army, although there is no direct connection between the two besides their shared patron.

**Relationships with Other Factions**

The Sisterhood exist under the Banner of Dinir, and exist under their authority within the Khosean Empire. Representative priests of the Sisterhood are stationed in the Temples dedicated to the Gods of Trius, run by the Banner.

Unlike the other religious factions, who are funded by the cities in which their temples are located, the Sisterhood is funded directly by the Imperial Army, and in turn supplied through the Trius Trading Collective of the Khosean Empire.

They rarely have contact with other factions, focusing their own attentions on the efforts of the Imperial Army and beyond the Great Wall.

### The Cult of Unas

**Core Beliefs**

Element: Darkness

Death comes for us all. These fanatics think very lightly about taking lives or sacrificing their own.

**Settlements**

Followers of Unas are quite rare, and rarely reveal themselves. They move around, solitary or in small groups, avoiding society in the Khosean Empire.

**Internal Organization**

Cultists are too few and wide-spread to maintain any organizational structure. Some say there are safe houses across Trius, where they find temporary sanctuary.

**Relationships with Other Factions**

The Cult is ostracized and demonized across the continent of Trius, regarded as bringers of death and destruction even among the more reserved factions. Worship of Unas is illegal in the Khosean Empire, on punishment of death.