Factions of Selanden

Factions of Selanden

The following is a handful of some of the notable factions in the world, but does not represent an exhaustive list. There will be additional noble houses, guilds, criminal organizations, and other powerful figures that exert their will or influence the world around them.

Sovereign/Aristocrat

Zahura

The kingdom that Trenado belongs to. The current queen is Casimira Girán and she lives in the capital of Amuni.

Noble Houses

There are a number of Noble Houses, probably too many to name. Some might be appropriate as PC backgrounds, others might serve a patrons for the party or quest givers.

Escarra (Human)

Located in Jemaris, House Escarra is an influential noble family renowned for their naval prowess and expertise in maritime trade. As a crucial part of Jemaris' seafaring traditions, the Escarras have long-standing connections with the Sea Lord and have consistently provided vital support to the nation's naval forces. They are known for their mastery of diplomacy and have a reputation for fostering strong alliances with neighboring nations.

Cardina (Human

Hailing from the bustling trade hub of Cardus, House Cardina is synonymous with the city's textile and saffron industries. Their business acumen and keen eye for innovation have allowed them to amass considerable wealth and influence. House Cardina is known for their patronage of the arts and has helped establish Cardus as a center of high-end fashion and culture.

Zaldain (Human)

Rooted in the capital city of Amuni, House Zaldain has long played a role in the nation's political affairs. Members of this noble family are skilled in navigating the complex webs of power and often hold important positions within the Council of Five. House Zaldain is respected for their dedication to the Divine Hand, and they have been instrumental in promoting and preserving the faith throughout Zahura.

Areta (Human)

Born from the ashes of the ruined city of Leilon, House Areta has faced numerous challenges in their quest to regain their former glory. Despite their hardships, the Aretas are resilient and resourceful, having adapted to their new circumstances by developing expertise in various survival skills and unconventional trades. The members of House Areta are seen as tenacious and determined, holding onto their noble lineage with pride and resolve.

Jamail (Human)

Originating from Barreso, a rural town in Zahura, House Jamail is a noble family known for their exceptional agricultural knowledge and innovative farming techniques. They are responsible for introducing and cultivating several high-yield crops, which have helped boost the nation's agricultural output. House Jamail is admired for their dedication to the land and their people, often using their resources to improve the lives of the common folk in their region.

Kent (Human)

The old and established noble family that are foundational in Cyrillian society. They have a lot of power and influence. They operate Kent University, one of the most prestigious academic institutions on the continent. The head of the family is Prince Ixion Kent, who presides over Helias, the capital of Cyril. A number of notable knights, scholars, and adventurers can trace their connections to the Kent family.

Olaris (Elf)

The royal family of Olaris that once ruled over the ancient Elven realm of Sirdun, but now find themselves refugees and scattered. Some of the family headed west and found themselves in Zahura, while others ended up in eastern Selanden in the kingdom of Cyril in the region of Ziris.

Vierharta (Linkari)

House Vierharta was once one of the great Sirduni Elven families. They were also one of the first targets of the Crown of Mir, nearly three centuries ago. Most of the family was slain, but a handful survived. To ensure their continued survival they married in human lines, and formed one of the early Linkari dynasties. They were banished from Sirdun by the other Elven families becaused of their mixed heritage. After the fall of Sirdun, Vierharta and other Linkari were able to recounile a bit with Elves that now found themselves as refugees. They have a their seat of power in the Linkari settlement of Raasa, north-west of Trenado. Vierharta are amongst the most prominent voices of the Children of Sir’Va’Lonn.

Academy

The Unseen Tower

This is secretive coalition of mages that live in the lands dominated by the Divine Hand. They are not illegal in theory, but there is much political pressure to control the use of magic, so they operate in subtle and secretive ways.

Viridian Society

A loose academic and cultural group that is dedicated to researching and acquiring lore about the world before the Sundering. They long for days that once were and hope that may one day come again.

The Aster Assembly

A group of arcane spellcaster that seek to regulate and protect mages from the Divine Hand and to protect the denizens of Selanden from rogue mages. They have a partial recognition by the Divine Hand, especially amongst the emerging faction, The Palm. The Aster Assembly seeks to find a way for arcane practitioners to co-exist in broader Selandan society. This includes the Edicts of Ealius that imposes rules on mages which include things like not using magic to cause destruction, not using arcane means to control individuals and governments, not owning land or holding political titles.

Criminal Syndicate

The Midnight Court

A Thieve’s guild that is headquartered on pirate haven of Jemaris or Freeport. They are fairly established in Amuni and Cardus and are trying to make inroadsthrouhgout the rest of Zahura. They reportedly operate an extensive black market that specializes in arcane items.

The Guild

The primary crime syndicate that exists in Cyril. It was founded in Lindria, and is controlled by many of the Halfling that are there. They attempt to be decentralized and operate independent branches to avoid discovery and arrest by law authorities.

Guild

Gold Leaf Vinters

A small guild headquartered in Trenado operated by Elves and Linkari to produce wine from the grapes they grow. Gold Leaf wine is one of the most sought vintages and is shipped across the continent.

The Saffron Syndicate

The Saffron Syndicate is a powerful and influential organization that dominates the saffron trade in Cardus. Comprised of wealthy merchants, skilled farmers, and cunning traders, the Syndicate maintains a tight grip on the market, ensuring that they control the supply, prices, and distribution of the prized spice. Despite their wealth and influence, the Syndicate is not without its rivals, as tensions with other trade factions continue to simmer.

The Seastrider Accord

This is a coalition of sailors, shipwrights, merchants, and naval officers from Jemaris, united by their shared seafaring traditions and maritime interests. As the driving force behind Jemaris' naval prowess, the Alliance works to protect and advance the interests of the island's maritime community. They offer protection against piracy and illegal smuggling rings to maintain their influence in regional trade and politics. Their strong ties to the Sea Lord ensure that they remain a formidable presence in the nation's affairs.

Adamantine Vault

The Adamantine Vault is a banking organization headquartered in the nearby island nation of Humasa. They operate the largest bank system in the known world. The closest branches are in Cardus and Amuni.

Military Force

The Golden Ledger

The Golden Ledger started out as a legal and accounting firm. They have since expanded and have become something more. They contract talented fighters and other specialists which are known to be some of the most serious mercenaries around.

Wardens of the Rift

The Wardens are a group of druids and rangers that exist in circles and small communities in natural areas. They act as stewards and guardians between the Planes, particularly the Fey Realm. They attempt to maintain the balance, protecting the Material Plane from dangerous dark fey that seek a presence in this world, as well as protecting the good fey from unnatural and mundane threats.

The Adamantine Legion

Properly known as the Warrior of Menoch, it is more popularly known as the Adamantine Legion. They are devout to the idea and belief a great war will come to pass as the forces of evil outside the Material Realm and corruption within will seek the destruction of the world and they intend to fight against these evils and rally the forces of light to protect the world.

Spiritual Order

The Divine Hand

The largest religious order on the continent, and arguably the largest faction as well. They have orders of clerics and paladins at their disposal, and play a major role in many political situations.

Worshippers of the Green

These are people that worship fey creatures over gods, particularly some of the powerful archfey, Lords and Ladies of the Green.

The Disciples of Dragons

These are individuals that honor and give reverence to dragons. Many of them worship the Dragon Queen, who they believe will cleanse the world in purifying fire and destroy the impure elements of society.

Sagol-Arole

The adherents of Sagol-Arole are those that focus on the principles of Light and Dark, and many times the balance of these two elements. Some worshippers anthropomorphize these ideals as the Lord of Darkness and the Lady of Light, others focus on the worship of the sun and the moon.

The Dowsing Society

A spiritualist order for the Lom (Halflings) that emphasizes their connection to the Earth. They focus on practices associated with dowsing, a mystical skill to seek out water and other valuable resources that are hidden. Those who are not Lom are not permitted to being at gatherings where their practices and teachings are performed.

Ancient Being

Archfey

There are a few powerful Fey beings that exist in the world. The most notable of these are Sandrine and Venestra. Sandrine has been a patron of mortals and sought peace and balance in the world. Venestra lives in wilds north-east of Trenado and is ambitious, seeking to build her own realm and disrupt the mortal insitutions around her.

Dragon

There are a handful of powerful benevolent and ambitious dragons that seek to expand their reach on the world, and increase their power and hoards.