Myriad Syndicate Factions

The Myriad Syndicate is split into two dominant factions—The Moon and The Star—each rooted in a different philosophy of control, influence, and purpose. While every member ultimately serves the Ruler, their factional alignment determines their approach to power and their internal alliances. These factions influence nearly every aspect of Syndicate operations, from politics and finance to enforcement and assassination.   Membership is not assigned at random, nor solely based on ability; familial ties, values, and allegiances play major roles in determining faction placement.
 

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Moon Faction

Also known as The Administration, the Moon Faction operates from the shadows, relying on manipulation, wealth, and politics to control outcomes before violence is ever necessary. It is the faction of finance, law, and quiet power—the ones who control the books, move the money, and steer the public narrative.

Moon-aligned members are patient, strategic, and obsessed with legacy. They believe the Syndicate survives not through brute force but through flawless planning and precision control.  

• Common Roles: Magicians, Jacks, Blanks (especially analysts and legal tacticians)
• Faction Head: Moon Archon – A member of the House of Hands, responsible for overseeing the internal operations and financial decisions of the Syndicate.
• Members Often Excel In:
  • Financial crimes (money laundering, fraud, embezzling)
  • Information control (espionage, blackmail, internal intelligence)
  • Syndicate law and rule enforcement (judiciary, adjudication, internal affairs)
  • Political influence, bribery, and asset management
• Factional Duties:
  • Money laundering and embezzlement
  • Political coercion and alliance brokering
  • Financial fraud and counterfeiting
  • Information control and risk evaluation
• Values: Cunning, control, legacy

 

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Star Faction

Also known as The Guard, the Star Faction believes power should be unmistakable. Their philosophy centers on strength, presence, and immediate impact. Star members are the Syndicate’s muscle, field agents, and elite specialists—enforcing the Syndicate’s will with precision, intimidation, or absolute violence when needed.

Star-aligned members prioritize action, results, and physical dominance. They are less interested in negotiation and more interested in ending the conversation before it begins.  

• Common Roles: Aces, High Cards, Blanks (especially combatants and infiltrators)
• Faction Head: Star Archon – A member of the House of Hands, responsible for overseeing the enforcement, execution, and combat strategies of the Syndicate.
• Members Often Excel In:
  • Assassination, combat, and black ops
  • Enforcement, punishment, and protection rackets
  • Arms trafficking, illegal gambling, and high-level narcotics smuggling
  • Field missions, retrieval, and cleanup operations
• Factional Duties:
  • Assassination and contract enforcement
  • Weapons trafficking
  • Narcotics smuggling and security enforcement
  • Bodyguard protection for high-level figures
• Values: Strength, loyalty, execution

 

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Factional Balance

Though both factions answer to the Ruler, there is an ongoing balance of power between them. This balance is enforced through the House of Hands, which maintains parity by ensuring an odd number of representatives from each faction.

Members are not required to pledge allegiance to a faction immediately upon entering the Syndicate, but most eventually gravitate toward one based on role, rank, or operational needs. Faction allegiance influences mentorship, advancement, and mission assignment.  

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Inter-Factional Dynamics

• It is common to see multiple generations of the same family within the same faction.
• It is very uncommon for high-ranking members to switch factions, especially before political marriages. Such actions often carry the stigma of betrayal or disloyalty to one’s bloodline.
• Most members marry within their own faction to preserve internal alliances and family standing.
• Though both factions serve the Ruler, tensions are inevitable due to their competing philosophies and responsibilities.

 

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Faction Loyalty & Advancement

Loyalty to one’s faction is more than symbolic—it actively shapes a member’s trajectory within the Syndicate.   Influence on Promotions

• Members who show unwavering allegiance to their faction are more likely to be nominated for advancement by faction-aligned Archons or Regents.
• Certain faction-aligned roles—such as Moon-aligned Magicians or Star-aligned Aces—are informally prioritized when leadership opportunities arise, especially in times of crisis or factional expansion.

  Trial Selection Biases

• During the Trial of Selection, participants may be grouped, evaluated, or even sabotaged based on perceived faction allegiances.
• Overseers, especially those serving under faction-aligned Archons, may subtly favor candidates from their own side—offering leniency, harder tests, or additional trials depending on faction agendas.
• Some trials are faction-mandated, especially those involving espionage (Moon) or direct combat (Star).

  Cross-Faction Relationships

• Friendships and alliances between factions are tolerated at the lower ranks, especially in the Major Arcana.
• At the Grand and Imperial levels, cross-factional loyalties are seen as potential liabilities. Members who engage too closely with the opposing faction may find themselves under quiet observation by Adjudicators.
• Romantic or political ties across faction lines are rare and often viewed with suspicion—especially if the member holds or is close to gaining a seat in the House of Hands.
• Political marriages between factions do occur but are typically arranged at the highest levels. Even then, they’re seen as volatile and risky.

  Faction Betrayal Consequences

• High-ranking members who defect from one faction to another, particularly before a major event such as a political marriage, are often blacklisted, labeled as traitors, and monitored closely—even after official acceptance into their new alignment.
• Their families may suffer demotion, loss of influence, or retaliatory investigations by their former faction.

  Faction Alignment and House of Hands

• Membership in the House of Hands requires strong faction alignment. Each faction’s representation must be an odd number, ensuring decisions cannot be easily swayed or controlled by the opposing side.
• To become a Moon Archon or Star Archon, one must not only be powerful within the organization but be universally accepted as a loyal representative of their faction’s philosophy and interests.