Factions of Vel'Nathar
Vel'Nathar's diverse landscape is a tapestry woven with numerous factions, each carving out its own sphere of influence.
The following serves as a brief introduction to the key players active in each region, designed as a quick reference to help you identify potential allies, rivals, or patrons for your character.
Think of these summaries as starting points; more detailed entries exploring the history, goals, structure, and secrets of each faction are available separately for deeper dives.
The Lowlands
The Iron Assembly
The supreme governing council ruling from Stormhaven. Oversees law, infrastructure, and national policy for all Vel'Nathar. Internal factions constantly vie for power behind a facade of unity.
The Cobalt Lyceum
Vel’Nathar’s premier arcane institution, headquartered in Stormhaven. Regulates magic, advises the Assembly, and researches ley lines and planar stability.
The Veil’s Eye
A secret society of psionicists and mages operating within Stormhaven's high society and noble circles. They subtly manipulate politics and perception from the shadows.
The Ravenmarked
The Assembly's spy network operates wherever secrets are needed, with agents and hidden routes spanning all regions of Vel'Nathar. Operates Everywhere.
The Ironwake Cartel
A powerful criminal syndicate focused on economic manipulation and black-market dominance, with major operations centered in Stormhaven's trade districts and docks.
The Ashborne Embers
A clandestine network of disenfranchised nobles plotting their return to power, operating primarily through secret meetings and influence within Stormhaven's elite circles.
The Stoneveil Compact
Secretive rune-architects whose influence is deeply embedded in Stormhaven's foundations, maintaining stability and guarding ancient secrets through geomancy. Also active in the Greyspires.
The Redwake Brotherhood
Populist outlaws fighting the Assembly and Cartel, with strong roots among Stormhaven's dockworkers and common folk, though hunted by authorities. Also active in the Highlands.
The Brasswright Collegium
Masters of invention and enchanted technology, with major workshops and influence in Stormhaven's industrial sectors, though they also operate in the Greyspires.
The Riptide Cloister
A secluded martial monastic order practicing tidal mysticism on a mist-shrouded island near the coast.
Eastmarch
The Verdant Ledger
An arbitration guild based in Eastmarch, ensuring contracts and oaths are honored. Composed mainly of gnomes and halflings, they hold significant influence in trade and local disputes.
The Wandering Bounders
A fellowship of scouts patrolling Eastmarch roads, protecting travelers and maintaining safe passage. Known for their strong moral compass and community ties.
The Starpath Seekers
Mystic pilgrims who trace ley lines and observe planar phenomena, often found travelling the paths of Eastmarch and the fringes of the Bleakthorn Wilds.
The Tidemarked Consortium
A smuggler alliance whose influence recently expanded from the coast into Eastmarch's river routes, managing illicit trade networks.
The Mariners’ League
The official guild sponsoring exploration, regulating trade routes, and contributing to coastal defense, operating out of major ports like Greyharbor.
(Note: Iron Banner Company, Ravenmarked, and Ironwake Cartel also operate significantly in Eastmarch)
The Bleakthorn Wilds
The Veilbound Order
The Assembly's arcane inquisitors, with a major presence policing the dangerous magic and entities within the Bleakthorn Wilds.
The Wraithroot Circle
A radical druidic order focused on revering and communing with the sentient nature of the Bleakthorn Wilds, practicing potent and unpredictable magic.
The Hollowthorn Pact
A feared, corrupted druidic sect bound to the darkest aspects of the Bleakthorn, transforming victims and wielding dangerous wild magic. Hostile to outsiders.
The Ashen Circle
A morally grey arcane cabal preserving forbidden knowledge, operating from a Harrow's End within the Bleakthorn Wilds.
Order of the Broken Thorn
A remnant knightly order blending druidic rites and martial skill, guarding cursed lands and containing ancient threats near the Vale of Forgotten Voices on the Bleakthorn's edge.
(Note: Starpath Seekers and Ravenmarked also operate within the Bleakthorn)
The Greyspires
The Kazruk Wardens
An ancient order of dwarven guardians tasked with maintaining seals over dangerous, forgotten vaults deep within the Greyspires.
The Gloombreakers
A renowned mountaineering rescue brotherhood based in the Greyspires, operating in both the Highlands and Greyspires.
(Note: Stoneveil Compact, Brasswright Collegium, and Veil's Eye also have significant presence/operations in the Greyspires)
The Northern Highlands
The Fellcrag Accord
A diplomatic council uniting the orc and goliath clans of the Highlands, representing their interests and fiercely guarding their sovereignty.
The Hallowed Horn
An order of Highland bards and war-chanters preserving ancient songs and histories, carrying immense cultural weight among the clans.
The Oathsworn Vanguard
A secret faction of Highland traditionalists and monarchist loyalists seeking to restore the old royal bloodline.
The Iron Banner Company
A neutral mercenary brotherhood with a major stronghold near Stonecross, frequently contracted for border security in the Highlands and Eastmarch.
(Note: Redwake Brotherhood and Gloombreakers also have active cells here)
The Shattered Coast, Isles & Maritime Realms
The Wind-Crowned
Legendary, independent storm-chosen navigators operating across the Shattered Coast and Alven’Nathiss Isles, renowned for their unmatched sailing skills.
The Lantern-Keepers
Mystic wardens maintaining enchanted lighthouses along the Shattered Coast, performing rites to ensure maritime safety.
(Note: Tidemarked Consortium has major operations along the coast)