Groups
in The Third Horizon
It is generally agreed that there are ten major factions. They are divided loosely into two groups: Firstcome and Zenithian.
The Zenithian factions promote pragmatic ideals, focusing on function and effectiveness. They are currently headed by the Consortium, though the Zenithian Hegemony consider themselves the natural leaders and are growing in power.
The Firstcome factions place great emphasis on religious and mystical ideas about destiny, morality, and beauty. They bicker constantly and have no clear leader.
Zenithian Factions:
- The Consortium: A group of corporations that dominate trade, manufacturing, media, science, and colonization. The largest and most powerful faction. They created and run Coriolis Station.The Free League: A union of independent traders, deckhands, pilots, and engineers who fill roles the Consortium can't or won't. It's goal is to keep control of the outer markets and improve quality of life for its members. It is rumored to be in bed with the Syndicate.The Legion: A diverse collection of mercenaries and ships, gathered around the remnants of the Portal Wars fleet. They were formed before the Zenith arrived, but are closely associated with the Consortium and are viewed as a Zenithian faction.The Syndicate: Organized crime, run by five families and their respective street gangs. They are based on Coriolis Station. They are not the only criminal organization in the Horizon, but they are the largest.The Zenithian Hegemony: The descendants of the captain of the Zenith and other high-ranking officers became the aristocrats of the Hegemony. Bloodlines mean everything to them. They are clear about their intentions to expand control to Coriolis Station and then the entire Horizon.Firstcome Factions:
- Ahlam's Temple: An ancient cult, like the Seekers, but they emphasize the eternal importance of the present. To them, the Icons represent aspects of the human soul and body. They are most well-known for their courtesans and assassins.The Church of the Icons: The youngest faction, they unified the sprawling beliefs and customs around the Icons. They proscribe nine sacred rites, including missionary work to replace the old Iconic folklore with the true faith.The Draconites: A secretive group, operating in cells with no known home world. They have access to advanced technology from unknown sources and are rumored to practice arcane rituals. They began on the Zenith but are aligned with the Firstcome.The Nomad Federation: A collective of nomadic fleets from across the Horizon. They are a jumble of different families, clans, bloodlines, alliances, and tribes that are internally riven by old feuds and class struggles. They control the largest fleet in the Horizon.The Order of the Pariah: A theocracy based in Zalos. They are lauded for their work with the sick and the poor on Coriolis Station, but also feared for their fanaticism and bloody war-crimes. They are outraged by the blasphemy of the Emissaries and have recently closed the Zalos system to travel.The Council of Factions: The Council of Factions is a political council based on Coriolis Station. The legally acknowledged factions (i.e. the ones who purchased seats) meet to influence the fragile, reborn Horizon. Each faction has one vote, as well as the Governor of Coriolis. The Emissary from Xene has an observer status, but cannot vote. Other Factions:
- The Circle of Seekers: Icon worship originated in the First Horizon and came to the Third Horizon through cultists and believers. The Circle of Seekers are the only surviving cult. They are somewhat marginalized by the rise of the Church of Icons, but they are still respected as philosophers and mystics. They are rumored to have powers similar to those afflicted by mystic's disease, but completely under their control.Nazareem's Sacrifice: A cult-like faction dedicated to the worship of the Dancer Icon. They were once strong, but were wiped out by the Draconites and Order of the Pariah nearly 50 years ago. It is taboo to speak of them openly, but there are many dark rumors, including that they worshiped the Dark Between the Stars.Small Players: There are many groups and organizations in the Horizon that are too small to be on the level of the factions. Independent markets, agencies, spy nests and intelligence agencies, mercenary units, and independent media outlets are a few examples. (The Free League is effectively made up of smaller players, but they have banded together and so act on the level of a faction.)
World Codex
Cover image: by Martin Bergström