Factions

Several **Factions** are in combat over the Nexus and its future. Each holds different goals in store for the World, and each sees the future of the Nexus in a different coloration.

For all of the Third Age, and almost certainly for a long time before then, the Dragons (most recently Logarius of Tyrland) kept the interests of mortalkind and extraplanars in check.

After his apparent defeat by the Usual Suspects, however, a power vacuum was left that may stir the factions into open warfare.

Currently, the future of the Nexus (for perhaps the first time in History) remains unclear.

## Aetherial Council

Main article: Aetherial Council
The **Aetherial Council** claims to represent the interests of mortalkind (i.e. all inhabitants of the Nexus that are not Incorruptible). This overly broad and ambitious mission statement has of course failed, and numerous sub-factions have sprouted within the Aetherial Council, each with different goals in mind.

The Council and the White Covenant have entered into open hostilities following several events in Roulan, including the prison break from the Covenant's dungeons and the partnership of the Athenaeum and the Usual Suspects.

### Glauver wing

The Glauver wing is a branch of the Council that wishes to annihilate the other Planes to ensure that the Nexus is fully capable of determining its own future. This wing does not conform a majority of the council members, but a significant minority.

* Gwyon de Glauver
* Aristophal de Varences

### Naessens wing

The Naessens wing is a branch within the Aetherial Council that wishes to sponsor some form of a diplomatic resolution of the conflict at hand. It is a minority, albeit a vocal one, in the Council.

* Diero de Naessens
* Corlion van der Lumenfeld
* Provost Henselijn (not a member of the Council)

## Dragons

Main article: Dragons
With the apparent demise of Logarius of Tyrland, this faction is believed to be extinct. Formerly, it represented the interests of Dragonkind, which are ostensibly the shepherds of mortalkind.

Logarius of Tyrland governed or led many of the most powerful individuals of Erideon, many of whom would go on to establish and lead the factions outlined in this page after the white dragon's disappearance.

However, many mortals see the rule of Dragons as tyrannical, and as more information about his role in shaping the world's history has come to light, he has been reviled and criticized as a tyrant and despot.

### The Usual Suspects

Main article: Eden
The Usual Suspects have been growing tremendously in power and influence, although the vast majority of the population of the Nexus is unaware of their possession of Dragon souls.

The Suspects have worked closely with the Aetherial Council , the chiefdom of Mzundelft , and the scattered Dragonborn peoples.

In the present, Iago a former Suspect, now leads the New Bond of Dragonborn in the city of Roulan, who are collecting this scattered people for a common purpose.

## Extraplanars

Main article: Planes of Existence
The **Extraplanar** faction is not a strictly defined faction per se, as the Aetherial Council is; rather, this category represents the interests of extraplanars and their stake on the mortal plane.

### The Iron Pact

Main articles: Dwarves and The Promise
The **Iron Pact** is the alliance formed between Mzundelft and Kragstett that was formed after Fredgar Whitehelm and Whitehelm's Folly. They are led by Hjartarson Coldwind, of Mzundelft, and are staunch friends and allies of the Usual Suspects.

However, Hjartarson Coldwind reveres the Dwarf-Father, Moradin, whose interest in claiming a stake on the Nexus has been ever-growing.

It is now known that Moradin, the Dwarf-Father, is responsible for the success of his children in the Nexus. This faction seeks to restore the Dwarven dominance over the ancestral lands of the Dwarves, beginning with the Recovery of Mzundelft.

Fallhammer and Istenback are not members of the alliance, as they are not independent; they are in the same faction as the Aldian Monarchy.

### Holy Order of Keldar

Main article: Keldar
The **Holy Order of the Knights of the Transmundane** is perhaps more literally named than expected, as the leadership is truly transmundane. The Ideal Path follows Kel, who may well be the master of the plane of origin of the leaders of Keldar.

There are some indications that the HOK might be influenced by the interests of the Overworld, which have recently joined forces with the mighty Keldari Paladins through the Tourall offensive. This influence explains the unprecedented success of recent Keldari military operations, including the aforementioned offensive.

### Stavenberg

Main article: Stavenberg
A splinter faction of Dwarvenkind and the Promise, **Stavenberg** broke off from the stated goals of Dwarvenkind (the "Pact of Erdenheim" that effected the Recovery of Mzundelft) when it attempted to assume control over the Golden Tower in Mzundelft under the leadership of Fredgar Whitehelm in Whitehelm's Folly.

Fredgar Whitehelm is now known to be a powerful extraplanar, although the specific circumstances of his origin remain unclear.

## The New Monarchy

Main article: New Monarchy
The Aldian Crown is believed to be the only geopolitical power (i.e. country) in Erideon whose leadership is primarily composed of inhabitants of the Nexus.

The Aldian Crown is led by Laurence II Istiniac, who governs the constitutional monarchy from the Royal Palace in Roulan.

## White Covenant

Main article: White Covenant
The faith of Aldia and much of Erideon, also known as the **Temple** and the **Faith of the Painter**. The Covenant is diametrically opposed to the Crown itself, but prefers its symbiotic relationship with the New Monarchy over the perceived tyranny of Keldar.

The White Covenant is headquartered in the White Cathedral in Cathedral Ward of Roulan, only a few minutes from the Royal Palace of Laurence II Istiniac.

The Covenant and the Aetherial Council have entered into open hostilities following several events in Roulan, including the prison break from the Covenant's dungeons and the partnership of the Athenaeum and the Usual Suspects.

## Appendix

### Notes

1. ↑ The Usual Suspects already knew the existence of most of the aforementioned Factions, although Session 25 recontextualized them in the context of the struggle over the Nexus
2. ↑ Especially the Athenaeum of Roulan.
3. ↑ See below for the Iron Pact.