Factions

Player Factions

Ordina Rossu Morta

A faction of Viamontian origin loyal to the king of Viamont. On Dereth the Rossu Morta are the secret spies and assassins loyal to King Varicci di Corcosi II and the Viamontian Loyalists of Sanamar. The Order was led by Count Dardante, but his attempt to gain control of Grael failed and Dardante was turned into a Shadow. In the rollout article for the Shattering the Dark event, Count Ranarre was made new Grand Master of the Ordina Rossu Morta by King Varicci.

Whispering Blade

A faction most likely of Aluvian or Viamontian origin dedicated to protecting people from the Rossu Morta. On Dereth the Whispering Blade has ties to the Viamontian Rebels of Silyun and Elysa Strathelar's kingdom of New Aluvia. Adso - a student of Oswald - is a senior member, and Borelean Strathelar is the Black Knight of the Whispering Blade.

Eldrytch Web

Introduced in the patch Introductions in the quest Investigate the Factions. For more information read Canon of the Eldrytch.

Celestial Hand

Introduced in the patch Introductions in the quest Investigate the Factions. For more informaton read Principles of the Celestial Hand.

Radiant Blood

Introduced in the patch Introductions in the quest Investigate the Factions. For more information read Tenets of the Radiant Blood.

Isparian Factions

The Arcanum

The Arcanum is made up of scholars and researchers. It was originally based out of Zaikhal but later relocated to Xarabydun. Nuhmudira was the former leader of The Arcanum. It is now headed by Ciandra. They are loyal to Elysa Strathelar and serve New Aluvia. They are responsible for many magical and alchemical advances in Dereth.

Asheron's Order of Sentinels

Sentinels were admin characters run by volunteer players before Microsoft took over that job. In lore terms they were called Asheron's Order of Sentinels, as seen on the Advocate and Sentinel statues located outside of Cragstone, Hebian-To, and Zaikhal. They are now retired.

Chiran Jishui Dan - The Ranks of the Unicorn’s Battle

One of the original Sho factions. The original description reads:

Motto: "The Unicorn’s Grace shines in battle."

Background: The Chiran Jishui Dan split off from the Chiran Jou Gai 300 years ago. It is dedicated to the study of battle magic, of such power that it has become a rival of the Order of the Dragon Temple, the Ryu Jou Gai. However, the Chiran Jishui Dan stubbornly refuses to teach any fighting using swords or blades, because "The horn of the Unicorn is never used to cut or pierce." Members of the Chiran Jou Gai remain on polite speaking terms with the Unicorn Temple, and though not friendly, are quick to come to the Temple’s aid in times of conflict. Rulers have long funded the Chiran Jishui Dan, in order to win their favor during times of war.

Current: Dereth’s harshness and different magic seems to have spelled the death of the Chiran Jishui Dan. However, as more and more Sho arrive and take up the study of new magic, perhaps the Chiran Jishui Dan will be reborn.

Chiran Jou Gai - Order of the Unicorn Temple

One of the original Sho factions. The original description reads:

Motto: "Without compassion, all is as dust."

Background: Based at the Unicorn Temple, the ancient Chiran Jou Gai is made up of those who have dedicated themselves to the study of magic and healing, with an emphasis upon the virtue of compassion. Some are purely scholars; others treat the sick who come to the Temple, or go out into the world to help the ailing. Within the Temple hangs this sign: "Without compassion, an empire of ten thousand years yields nothing but dust that is lost and forgotten. With compassion, an empire of ten thousand years even lights the far edge of eternity." Almost anyone who has been shown to be merciful, compassionate, and dedicated to helping others is allowed to become a member of the Chiran Jou Gai. Members are encouraged to apply all the Four Stones of Jojiism. Funding comes from wealthy patrons seeking medical favors and a constant stream of individual donations from the poor.

Current: A lone Chiran Jou Gai arrival in Dereth is known to have said, "It matters not if the Chiran Jou Gai survives; what matters is that compassion itself grows and flourishes."

The Exploration Society

The Exploration Society was created to help new arrivals to Dereth by giving them both valuable information and a purpose: to explore this new world. The group is based out of Eastham, though there are no officals or buildings there to signify it. Sir Candeth Martine was a member of the Society until the then leader betrayed him and traded him to the virindi. Martine would later take his revenge on the Society by killing its leader. When the Halataen Isles opened up the Exploration Society took over Elysa's training halls and established one in Sanamar as a neutal party to train new arrivals.

Followers of Ben Ten

The followers of Ben Ten are few. They Include: Sayuji Jina of Shoushi, Ookami Kiri of Yanshi, Hasin Lin of Sawato, and Shan Zehn of Cragstone. They can usually be identified by their armor, a suit of tan leather armor with a bright green leather cuirass, or by their title, which may mention "the Blade" or "the Sword" in reference to Ben Ten and her Tachi.

Followers of Oswald

Oswald has a small group of followers who train with him to become assassins. Followers of Oslwald include Adso, Sabithra, Hemmik the Sly, and all the bandits found within the Heart of Innocence dungeon.

Ighazaqa Talina, the al-Ighaz - Academy of Sorcery

One of the original Gharu'ndim factions. The original description reads:

Motto: "Power shared is thus made greater."

Background: The Academy of Sorcery, or al-Ighaz ("the academy"), is an exclusive sect devoted to furthering the study of the arcane arts. It possesses tremendous power within Gharu’ndim society, but seldom deigns to wield it. All wizards of moderate power are invited to join the al-Ighaz; those who do not are looked upon with disfavor for keeping their secrets to themselves. The al-Ighaz rarely operate in the field in numbers, as do the warrior factions, although many individual members adventure on their own. The al-Ighaz and the Walim sometimes overlap in interests and duties, but the Academy cares little for any of the other factions – least of all the al-Khuraqa.

Current: As of yet, no sign of the Academy’s resurrection have been seen. However, there are plenty of opportunities to form a powerful society devoted to Dereth’s magic, so perhaps, as knowledge grows….

Jaladhaqa Qalathina, the Jaladh - The Warriors’ Brotherhood

One of the original Gharu'ndim factions. The original description reads:

Motto: "Truth always before the sword."

Background: Called "Jaladh" in all but the most formal cases, this is the Warriors’ Brotherhood. All fighting men and women of honor are permitted to join. The Jaladh are disciplined and dedicated to vanquishing evil in all its forms. They sometimes ally with the al-Khuraqa, but have been known to oppose them when the Eagle-Children embark on crusades the Jaladh consider dishonorable. They are sworn enemies of the Zharalim.

Current: Some have lamented the lack of the Jaladh in Dereth. Perhaps some worthy and courageous new arrivals will re-form this much-respected organization.

Jojii Zhen Gai - Order of Jojii.

One of the original Sho factions. The original description reads:

Motto: None

Background: This ultra-conservative Jojiist group is sometimes called the Order of Humanity, to fill in the fourth place among the Jojiist groups. The members of this group tend to be either generalists, or specialists who work in diverse teams. They believe balance is essential. They are also immensely strict within their own ranks. As ascetic as the Washui, they have less tolerance for a dreamy lifestyle. Jojii Zhen Gai people often wander the countryside, offering assistance to whoever is in need – whether it’s a farmer putting up a new roof or a traveler in need of protection.

Current: Some early arrivals have expressed the sad wish for the arrival of the Jojii Zhen Gai. Once felt to be no longer needed in the homelands, benevolent mercenaries to help those in need would now be welcomed.

The King’s Men

One of the original Aluvian factions. The original description reads:

Motto: "King above all."

Background: This is an alliance of some nobles and commoners who believe the king, as a descendent of High King Pwyll, should do away with the Aluvian feudal system of government (the Laws of Rulership) and seize direct control. They believe the king’s wisdom should prevail in all matters.

Current: Though none of the immediate Aluvian royal family has appeared in the world, believers in the reign of High King Pwyll are staunch supporters of Queen Elysa Strathelar. Should the King’s Men be re-formed in Dereth, they would surely fight to bring her reign over the entire island.

Knights of Karlun

A group of Viamontian Knights that are loyal to the ways of Old Viamont, but oppose Varicci II's use of Eaters and augmented knights in his army.

Knights of the Golden Flame

One of the original Aluvian factions. The original description reads:

Motto: "Let Justice reign."

Background: This is the old knighthood of Aluvia. They are trained from an early age to be the judges and caretakers of the kingdom. Members of this group travel the land and offer their services as impartial judges in disputes. They also try to help those in need and right what they consider wrong. Membership is by invitation only.

Current: Queen Elysa Strathelar has made it known that she wishes the Knights of the Golden Flame to be official knights of her realm. However, because so few original Knights have arrived in Dereth, how this might become reality is still in question.

The Knights of the Golden Flame did eventually appear in Dereth. Their primary mission here is to defend the realm against the Shadow.

Knights of the Shield

One of the original Aluvian factions. The original description reads:

Motto: Unknown

Background: Among the knighthood of Aluvia, there is a growing faction of those who are dissatisfied with the king’s justice, and feel that the knights should be given more power, above and beyond the current laws. A few secretly formed the Knights of the Shield, in order to better render their own justice upon the land. The Knights of the Golden Flame are officially at war against these secretive, renegade knights. However, rumors say that some Knights of the Golden Flame are actually double agents.

Current: What happens with the Knights of the Shield in Dereth is unknown.

Khuraqa Tha’ratali, the al-Khuraqa - Children of the Eagle

One of the original Gharu'ndim factions. The original description reads:

Motto: "Glory comes from battle alone."

Background: The al-Khuraqa believe Rakhil al-Khur, the warlike Malik who first conquered Gharu’n, to have been the greatest fighter who ever lived, and have taken it upon themselves to do all they can to live up to his example. Formed within the last fifty years as a splinter faction of the much older Jaladh, the al-Khuraqa believe battle to be the greatest of all pursuits. Most of the time, they keep on the path of the Dozen Roads, but the al-Khuraqa are not squeamish about doing deeds the more rigid Jaladh would frown upon. They have little use for the more intellectual factions, and look down on the al-Sadharamad. Though they do not admit it openly, the al-Khuraqa have occasionally worked with the Zharalim in the past.

Current: Dereth’s challenges would be met with delight by any al-Khuraqa to arrive in this world. New monsters and lawless humans would be excellent targets.

League of Merchants

One of the original Aluvian factions. The original description reads:

Motto: "Free and fair trade for all."

Background: This group was formed to help protect the merchant class from the nobility. Its primary concern is with the protection of its members and the making of profit. Members are required to pay a due, and only people who meet approval can join. The League of Merchants formed a formidable network of trading partners throughout Aluvia.

Current: Here in Dereth, merchants in general have been seriously hampered by a lack of customers, dangerous conditions, and low resources. Still, the new world is a great opportunity for commerce. Should the League become established in Dereth, surely establishment of safe pathways to other Heritage Groups’ lands, whether by road or by portal, will become a top priority.

Nanjou Shou-Jen - Sons of Shou-Jen

Also called the "Order of the Shadows." One of the original Sho factions. The original description reads:

Motto: Unknown. Popularly, it is said that "Nothing stands between a Nanjou and his objective."

Background: Very little is known of this group of assassins, spies, thieves and mercenaries. An ancient order that predates Jojiism, the Nanjou Shou-Jen do not follow the Four Stones of Jojii. They do, however, believe in strict obedience and stability; as the "sons" (and daughters) of Shou-Jen, they are extremely loyal to the Sho people, and believe themselves to be the heirs to the Dragon’s power. The group has been an efficient, shadowy "left hand" to various powerful warlords throughout Sho history. They believe in following their paths with single-minded determination. Rumors imply that particularly notable members of the Ryu Jou Gai and the Chiran Jishui Dan, or their affiliated temples, are targeted for secret recruitment. The Nanjou is said to have several hidden temples scattered throughout the Sho lands.

Current: There is as yet no sign of the Nanjou Shou-Jen. Perhaps, new seeds of its revival may planted, but those who wish to do such dangerous planting are advised to be cautious, quiet, and wise.

New Aluvia

Order of the Gauntlet

One of the original Aluvian factions. The original description reads:

Motto: "Justice is bought with blood."

Background: On the opposite end of the spectrum from the Knights of the Shield is the Order of the Gauntlet. These knights believe that no one should be exempt from the king’s justice; the rule of law must be absolute if order is to be maintained. The justice of the Gauntlet is untempered by mercy or circumstance, and they spend a great deal of their time hunting down and slaying those who have committed crimes and escaped what the Order considers sufficient penalty. As such, the Order is highly secretive.

Current: It is thought the Order – or something like it - may be resurrected in Dereth, due to the need for harsh and strict justice. The love of a stern and unyielding justice is not an uncommon trait, after all.

Ryu Jou Gai - Order of the Dragon Temple

One of the original Sho factions. The original description reads:

Motto: "From Discipline comes true power."

Background: Founded over a thousand years ago, the Ryu Jou Gai is based at the Dragon Temple in the Sho homelands. Those who swear obedience to the Dragon Temple dedicate their lives to the warrior’s path. Ryu Jou Gai members are also encouraged to keep to all Four Stones of Jojiism. The sword is the Order’s primary weapon, but all forms of battle skill, from magic to hand-to-hand combat, are means to a common end. Members of the Ryu Jou Gai are also trained to be administrators and leaders, which is (some argue) the true foundation of power and the true purpose of the Order, especially in a relatively peaceful age.

Current: Dereth has no Dragon Temple. However, the demands of survival in wild lands filled with hostile monsters will surely bring about a renewed interest in the study of battle, and perhaps the Ryu Jou Gai will rise again.

al-Sadharamad - The Way of Stealth

One of the original Gharu'ndim factions. The original description reads:

Motto: "Do no harm, but take what you will."

Background: The al-Sadharamad, or Way of Stealth, is actually a very loose but extensive alliance of individual thieves’ factions. Their members seldom follow all of the Dozen Roads, but neither are they thugs. Instead, the al-Sadharamad prefer to steal from the immoral, or to go adventuring for their riches. They are thus surprisingly well-liked by the common people (though not the wealthy classes). They are indifferent to other groups save the Zharalim, who have historically besmirched the honor of thieves. Rather than openly fighting the assassins, however, the al-Sadharamad prefer trickery, exposing their enemies for the killers they are and letting others dirty their hands with the punishment.

Current: There is so much treasure for the taking that, as some people joke, "Everyone here is al-Sadharamad, whether they know it or not."

Scholars of Pwyll

One of the original Aluvian factions. The original description reads:

Motto: "Knowledge is that which brings wisdom."

Background: This group of sages and artists are dedicated to continuing the traditions of scholarly research and artistic exploration begun by High King Pwyll. They seek to share information among themselves and protect valuable texts and knowledge. Their exclusive library of mystical knowledge is famous throughout Aluvia. Prospective members must have a sponsor within the Guild to join.

Current: Now, old magics no longer work, and few of their old Aluvian texts have made the passage through Portalspace. Perhaps a new group of Scholars will form and re-create the traditions of their predecessors.

Shagar Zharala, the Zharalim - The Order of Assassins

One of the original Gharu'ndim factions. The original description reads:

Motto: "To fight darkness, first become a shadow."

Background: Founded by Malik Amul ibn Rakhil as a covert weapon to avenge the torture of Yasif ibn Salayyar, the Shagar Zharala, or Zharalim, are the most feared and misunderstood group in Gharu’n. They exist outside the strictures of the Dozen Roads, based on the belief that evil is best fought with evil. They are professional killers, who will use any method at their disposal to see a job done. They kill out of a profound sense of duty, and not out of pleasure. They are, in fact, effectively under a constant contract to hunt down and eliminate those who do commit murder wantonly (as it gives them a bad name). They do not even return other groups’ hatred, since they see other Factions as tools for carrying out contracts. As such, they have agents everywhere; there is even a rumour that Malik Sunadin the Unlucky met his untimely end at the hands of his own sister, who was secretly Zharalim. As other tales of the Order, the truth will likely never be known.

Current: Many hope that too few of the Zharalim will ever arrive to form a cohesive, unified force in Dereth, but others are not so sure. Perhaps now is the time for the Zharalim to re-form, as a new shadow against this world’s darkness.

Shroud Cabal

A human faction introduced in The Beast With Many Heads. Little is known about them. Ulberan may be the leader of this group, or he may just be a higher ranking officer. The Shroud Cabal seems to be interested in Geomancy and the Ley Lines. Based on the texts from the Northern and Southern Shroud Cabal quests, the uniforms of the group, and the name Shroud Cabal, it appears that the group may serve a faction of the Virindi.

Strathelar's Order of Advocates

Advocates characters run by volunteer players with limited powers, designed to assist new players to Asheron's Call. The could be identified by their special shield called an Aegis. In lore terms they were called Strathelar's Order of Advocates, as seen on the Advocate and Sentinel statues located outside of Cragstone, Hebian-To, and Zaikhal. Besides their duties of helping newcomers, Advocates were also defenders of the realm. Elysa's Advocates were present and fighting at the battle of Cragstone, where Elysa, Asheron, and the Advocates destroyed an attacking Shadow Spire. They are now retired.

Strathelar Royal Guard

Viamontian Loyalists

Viamontian Rebels

Walim - The Searchers

One of the original Gharu'ndim factions. The original description reads:

Motto: "The words of men bear Truth aloft."

Background: The Searchers, or Walim consider themselves distinct from and superior to the rest of Gharu’ndim society. They appeared a few years after the death of the poet Yasif ibn Salayyar, vowing to continue his explorations of the nature of truth. They believe the way to truth comes through conversation. Hence, their main activity is talking … and talking … and talking. Walim will discuss everything, from whether there are more grains of sand in the Naqut desert than there are stars in the sky, to the color of the slippers they’re wearing today. There is a saying: "If you want to kill a foe swiftly, send a Zharalim. If you wish him to die slowly and in agony, shut him in a room full of Walim." To keep conversation interesting, many Walim travel and seek out new experiences. In their minds, only the al-Ighaz approach their level, though many wizards are too focused on magic for their tastes. Still, the Walim will allow anyone who enjoys philosophizing into their ranks.

Current: Though no formal return of the Walim has been noted, some newcomers, even those of other Heritage Groups, have been mistaken for members of that august faction.

Washui Iiwah Jou Gai - Order of the Splendor of the Firebird Temple

One of the original Sho factions. The original description reads:

Motto: "True Splendor soars above all earthly cares."

Background: Historically, the Washui Iiwah Jou Gai has thrived during times of peace and prosperity, and has suffered in times of war. Members’ vows include a renunciation of worldly wealth, and a dedication to the higher, non-earthly arts such as painting, music, poetry, and philosophy. They seek to observe the ways of the universe and learn its truths. Some philosophize and argue so much that critics call them "songbirds"; others seek to depict the beauty of the physical world in their works, while at the same time reminding their audience of the fleeting nature of physical world. The Washui Iiwah Jou Gai normally survives with the patronage of wealthy nobles.

Current: A lack of wealthy patrons and the harshness of life in Dereth means that those who seek to follow the Washui Iiwah Jou Gai are facing a tough battle. However, Washui Iiwa Jou Gai-style philosophical debates are common in some areas, so perhaps there is hope for this esoteric group.