Factions and Guilds

THE CHOICE OF THE PLAYER

When making a player character for Dominion you can chose from any below faction to be a part of if your character was originally from Dominion itself. If not you can always try to encounter them in game sessions and join them that way. Always keep in mind that Factional Allegiance matters, and any faction you are a part of that has enemies may take actions against you.

You are not required to be a part of a faction of guild in game at any time, it is simply a storytelling option.

THE ACADEMY OF ARCHOS

Bards / Fighters

Also called the College of Bards, the Academy of Archos started on the mainland in the empire of the same name. One of the wealthiest and most influential empires of Mystas, Archos employed the finest bards, both to spread song and poetry of their achievements, and to create a complete history of Mystas. The Academy's bards were more on the Scholarly side rather than the typical rambling lusty musicians. Scholars of the academy travelled Mystas as adventurers and scribes, writing books and papers on what they discovered. They also wrote songs and made masterful pieces of artwork, were taught magic and the mysteries of the Veil. While not the most scientific of minds, Archon Bards were more knowledgeable than most, often completing their Academic studies with multiple degrees in different fields of study.

While an Academy of Archos once sat within the city of Swordhill, it fell to ruin during the last dragon war, and has yet to be re-established. Its students scatter across the continent now, continuing their training in the bardic arts. You will likely happen upon one in your adventures.

ARLESIAN EMPIRE

Paladins / Clerics / Fighters

Like the Covenant of Archos, The Arlesian Empire is a faction with far reaching influence, is an empire in central Mystas, is named after a famous Ascended who conquered the region, and has a presence in Dominion. While the Archon occupy Swordhill, the Arlesian control Valoren. The two have had a long standing rivalry, dating back to before their founding. It is said that Archon and Arlesia themselves fought constantly when they roamed Mystas.

While the Empire is one of the strongest forces in terms of human control of Dominion, it is not that present, as the Empire itself has little interest in Dominion in its current warring state. Though they still manage trade and transport to and from the continent for its rich natural resources. Should the Dragon War ever and or Apothus fall, the Empires of Mystas would likely begin a new war for control of this valuable real estate.

Arlesia is known for war, and employs many Paladins, Clerics and Fighters to their causes globally. Arlesia is a nation of military might and strategy above all else. Their wealth primarily comes from taxation of controlled lands and forced trade deals on weaker nations. They are universally not the favorite people of the realm.

ARTISANS GUILD

Tradesmen / Merchants / Culinomancers / Warsmiths / Artificers

Founded from the stone halls of Dorm, but with its main seat of power on the Valoren Assembly, the Artisans guild is present just about everywhere in Dominion. They do what their name implies, create artisan goods. Be they statues and trophies, machines of war, fine jewelry, advanced culinary recipes, or the latest technology, if you can buy it, the Artisan's make it.

A favorite of Gnomes, Dwarves and Halflings the guild is often a stepping stone in many young Dormish and Valorenian lives, as the guild employs most of the aforementioned races as soon as they come of age. The guild is also the center of mercantile trade in most places, as most shops buy their goods from Valoren, and Valoren buys their goods from the Artisan's Guild. Among the artisan arts is the strange and little known magical school of Culinomancy, where the guilds mages have begin combining magical power with their food.

If you seek fortune in trade, the Artisans Guild is the place to start.

THE COFFIN MAKERS

Fighters / Necromancers / Bounty Hunters / Monster Slayers

The Coffin Makers guild began in Cresthook, during a time after Rahgot Zia was defeated. His necromancers were unemployed and struggled to find a place to call home anywhere in Dominion. In Cresthook where they were loosely tolerated, they were commissioned to take on a new role as bounty hunters. The city had been struggling with a lack of guards as the city began to grow into the massive county it is today. As the Necromancers of Rahgot Zia were feared by most, the thought of them taking on the role of policing the populace terrified the people of Cresthook so much that crime hit an all time low. As the Coffin Makers grew they expanded into Bounty Hunting and many gave up on Necromancy in favor of hunting criminals and monsters.

Today the Necromantic aspect of the guild is all but gone, though some still practice it in the name of study and learning from those slain by the guild, as well as to speak to the dead and learn the darkest secrets of the criminals of Dominion.

The guild has two main sects currently, Coffin Makers and the Coffin Hunters. Hunters seek out dangerous beasts in the four corners of the continent and bag them for study. Coffin Makers hunt criminals and villains of all kinds, and bring them back for interrogation dead or alive.

If you have a bounty anywhere in Dominion, the guards don't look for you, they call on the Coffin Makers. Sometimes it takes a Villain to catch a Villain.

COVENANT OF ARCHOS

Wizards / Warlocks / Scribes / Sages / Mages / Sorcerers

The Archon believe in "Power through Knowledge" which is to say they try to know as much as they can about everything. This Empire of Southern Mystas is one prized for magical learning and understand, and are much less hated and feared than their Arlesian foes. Though they are often equally not as trustworthy. While the Archon do not live their lives by the sword as the Arlesians do they do go to war quite often, especially when the enemy has something they desire.

In Dominion they exist to study the effects of the Veil and the Dragons themselves. They are less interested in trade and occupation and more on what they can learn from the mysterious Veil Corruption and Ridden lands here. While again they are often looked on more fondly than Arlesians, the Archon also pay people to hunt down dragons dead or alive for money, skin creatures alive to learn what harms them, create grotesque magical atrocities and in general just seem to not have a limit to how far they will go for knowledge. Some things are better left unknown, but don't tell an Archon that.

Despite this not all Archon are bad, and they are often a favorite faction of Wizards, Sorcerers and Learned beings.

DOMINION PIT FIGHTERS

Fighters / Barbarians / Monks / Criminals / Prisoners / Orcs / Goliaths

The Pit Fighters don't exist in name, but banner themselves with grotesque wooden shields covered in Humanoid Skin and Bones. This stands as a symbol to those who are cowardly not to come any closer.

The Pit Fighters were founded by the Orcs of Gurt, where no courts exist and all crimes and trials are settled in the Dragontooth Pits. This practice expanded in popularity with gamblers and the general underbelly of Dominion Society and can now be found in Valoren, Cresthook, Gurt, Dorm and in the Continental prison known as "The Sinkhole".

The sinkhole being the most brutal pit of all, many members of this faction have either been there for criminal acts or committed acts to be placed there just to face the strongest foes in Dominion. If your a prisoner in the Sinkhole, the only way out is to become the best fighter in the Pits, which often means the strongest fighters in the guild come from the Sinkhole.

In Valoren the interests more lie in Mechanical combat and they run the Warforged Fighting Leagues. Everywhere else, flesh and blood are the currency of the guild.

THE DRACONIAN ALLIANCE

Dragonborn / Fighters / Monstrous Races / Dragons / Kobolds / Yuan-ti / Lizardfolk

The Draconian Alliance was formed by Apothus in the era after the sinking of the island of Dracovia and is the oldest faction in Dominion, predating recorded history. All sentient Draconic and Reptilian races belong to the Alliance, and it is the only faction besides the Pit Fighters that is welcome in the Thousand Scars and the eastern lands beyond.

Possibly the most recognized and feared Faction in all of Dominion, the Alliance is a military force that has removed non dragons from their dominion for six separate eras and several brutal wars. The Dragon Wars against the Elves, Dwarves, and most recently the Humans are a bitter reminder that the Draconians are not to be trifled with.

Currently the only thing keeping the realm from falling into utter war with the other races of Dominion is a fragile peace accord with the nation of Swordhill. While not a member of the faction, Swordhills Dragonborn lord does show them lenience and allows them to war against those who sought to end the peace. Those who call themselves enemies of the Draconians disappear, and are either killed or sent to the fighting pits in the Sinkhole.

All Draconians answer to the Dragons, who act as the generals and nobles of their faction. Above all else, every Draconian answers to Apothus.

THE DROW CONCLAVE

Drow / Elves / Monks / Druids / Fighters / Rogues / Bards / Rangers

While most Drow are feared for their violent and evil ways, the Drow Conclave is not. The Drow of the Conclave serve Eilistraee, and as such are hospitable, welcoming, kind and trustworthy. Also called the Dark Maiden, The Moon Goddess and the Lady of the Dance, Eilistraee leads her Drow to the path of righteousness and a better live on the surface world basking in her glorious moonlight.

The Conclave is located in the center of the Faewood, and is nothing more than a small village and a large temple to their patron. In the Conclave the Drow are taught to welcome outsiders and show mercy, and the Drow here do not attack unless provoked to do so. They are trained in martial arts, sword dancing, magical healing and the rituals and teachings of their goddess. The High Priestess of the temple leads the entire settlement and directs them toward their goals. The Drow seek nothing from Dominion except a peaceful life, and will defend their sanctuary at all costs.

Many believe the Drow emerged from "The Deep" during the Elven Occupation of Dominion in the second era. As they meant no ill will to the dragons they were allowed to remain in peaceful occupation of the western lands and for a short time only the Drow were allowed to live in Dominion. The Conclave has remained here for the last four Eras and still remains to this day.

THE ELDERWOOD SANCTUARY

Fae / Elves / Rangers / Eladrin / Couatl / Druids

The Elderwood Sanctuary lies on an island at the center of the Ridden Lake. It is a high magical area known to be a portal to the Faewilds. It is guarded by four Eladrin representing one of the four seasons. The Sanctuary was created to protect magical animals who found their way there by exiting the Fae Wilds. Aside from the Eladrin, the land is guarded by wise dragons called Couatl. These dragons seek out injured and endangered wildlife on Dominion and bring them to the Sanctuary.

The area has strong ties to the forests and the Fae and the borders of the island are constantly patrolled by powerful monsters. These are placed to prevent poachers encroaching on their sacred lands. If captured by the guardians of the Elderwood, a slow and painful death awaits you. However if you arrive respectfully and mean no harm you will be treated with kindness and trust, and may even earn the favor of the Faewilds.

Many rangers and druids seek out this place, for if you bond with a creature there it will imprint itself upon you and follow you forever. There are also said to be powerful magical artifacts in the territory as well. However it is dangerous for most as it is in fact, a highly magical, Ridden Territory. The Ridden lake that surrounds the sanctuary are infected with High Magical energy and can severely mutate any who break its surface.

The island is named for the portal to the Faewilds itself, an enormous magical and ancient tree called the Elderwood. Its roots coat the entire island and it is the source of everything Fae in Dominion.

THE HEROES UNION

All Classes and Races / Scholars / Scribes / Heroes

After the Keepers of Mystas fell to the pages of history, many were inspired by their courage and strove to take their place as the guardians of the realm. One such group banded together to smite evil and bring peace to Dominion in particular, and their order became known as the Heroes Union. As the official Heroes Guild of Dominion, those employed to its service do so for fame and glory, but also as a testament to dying for a good cause. Its offices are located in Swordhill and many come to train and begin their quest towards greatness.

The guild rose to recognition after an event known as the "Battle of Swordhill", to which the city gets its name. After the death of King Elrich at the hands of Apothus, a brief war began between humans and dragons for control of the continent. The battle climaxed when the great dragon Redwing breached the walls of Fort Swordhill, a skirmish was waged between the humans and Draconians ensued. After days of combat and death on either side, both armies were starved to the point of near annihilation. On the fourth days dawn, the leaders of the Heroes Guild walked out onto the field of battle and drove their weapons into a small hillside at the center of the fort. They chose not an act of surrender but an act of tolerance and compassion, which was accepted by the Draconians. This lead to the fragile peace that currently exists between man and Dragon. For this act alone the guild is recognized as one of great nobility and honor, and to this day is fervent on their respect of the Draconians right to rule their kingdom.

Today the Heroes Union employs those who are lead by this same understanding are willing to fight for the safety and peace of all races in Dominion.

KEEPERS OF MYSTAS

Keepers / Ascended

When the Veil pierced Mystas, the realm was changed forever. As magical energy flooded the realm for good or ill its people and lands were all changed, some more than others. Some beings were given incredible power by the Veil and they became known as the Children of the Veil, and eventually the Ascended when they reached Godhood. But the Ascended were not all peaceful and kind, some were merciless and wicked, and above all... a few were diabolical. One such Ascended known as Rahgot Zia, created an army of undead and began a tyrannical reign over Mystas and the enslavement of all living souls. When he became too powerful for any one being to stop, seven Ascended banded together and ended his empire of death. They became known as the Keepers of Mystas, and while their reign was short lived, they became the true masters of Mystas and the mightiest of all heroes.

While the guild was disbanded when the Ascended in charge of it were murdered or scattered by an Ascended named Batsuura, Its legacy lives on in the hearts of all mortals. Designed as an order of powerful warriors given gifts from the Veil, they existed only for the eradication of those who threatened Mystas. While many believe the guild keeps up this practice in secret and the story of Batsuura is a lie told to hide their current location, no one has seen a Keeper in Eons, and their deeds now exist only in books and legends.

THE SKY PIRATES

Rogues / Fighters / Captains / Pilots / Adventurers / Pirates / Artificers

As Valoren expanded its technological breakthroughs they developed a special type of vehicle known as an Airship. The Airship allowed faster travel around Dominion but was not powerful enough to withstand the punishing currents of the Seas. They did however quickly become a popular trade system between the six cities of Dominion, and as such, where there are goods... there are pirates.

The sky pirates are a band of airship bound cut-throats and thieves who terrorize the skies much more often than the dragons do. Many Air-trade vessels have begun employing mercenaries and adventurers to prevent such attacks from taking place, but they never seem to stop entirely. For those who travel the skies, beware the pirates that dwell in them.

THE CLOUD CHASERS

Merchants / Artificers / Fighters / Mercenaries

The Cloud Chasers are a Trade Guild tied to the Valoren Corporation "Valoren Airways". They handle all transport in and out of Valoren, as well as air trade Caravans to most of the continent. They have also recently begun work on War-barges to help counteract those run by the Sky Pirates. They are in a constant feud with the Sky Pirates and will pay just about anything to guarantee their ships arrive safely.

The Cloud Chasers are also the only faction in the world with the right to visit the Mysterious Giant city, Starcross, that is only accessible by Air Travel.

THE COMMUNITY

Rogues / Assassins / Necromancers / Drow / Underworld

Also called the Eye of Evil because they are ever watching, and the Red Widow because of their crest... often painted in the blood of their victims, the community are the ruthless secret society of Dominion known for murder and sabotage. They are a guild of assassins supposedly based in Cresthook but no one really knows for certain. They are so mysterious that aside from their name and logo... no one really knows they exist. No one has ever been known to be a member of the community, no one knows how they are contacted and no one knows who they truly serve. The only way to contact the Community is for them to find you first.

Because of their symbol, many believe the Drow are behind this guilds origins, but it has yet to be proven. Because of its symbolism and deeds they have become the enemy of the Drow Enclave in the Faewood. While the Enclave takes no actions against the Community, they despise the guild and the fact they bring a bad name to all Drow-kind.

If you see a spider drawn in blood, turn around, walk away and forget what you witnessed... or you might just be next.

THE RAVENS

Thieves / Rogues / Underworld / Shadowfell

In Cresthook there is a great divide between classes. Many have nothing, few have everything. Those without title or fortune or the means to obtain them often turn to crime and sabotage to get by. Those that don't wish to kill with the Community, often turn to the Ravens. Also called the Thieves guild of Cresthook, the guild seeks to turn the balance of power in the favor of the poor.

Often rumored to be lead by beings of the shadowfell, and the head of their presence in Mystas, the guild has a strong presence in the continents largest city and beyond. While other regions are not often touched by the guild, their marks have been seen abroad in many places, lying as a warning to all to keep an eye and a hand on their purses.

The guilds history is unknown and little is spoken about them, but it is believed that they can be found in the catacombs under Cresthook, which is to say... hard to find as the Catacombs touch every district of the city and in themselves are a city of their own beneath Cresthook. Their caches and hideouts are marked with a mask of black and white encircled in a band of thick ink.

THE WATCHERS

Rangers / Druids / Scouts / Guards

The Watchers are a guild in Dominion that guards nature itself rather than the sentient life of the continent. They defend endangered species, combat poachers and seek to preserve what little green remains in Dominion. They are often seen patrolling between the Faewood and South Crest, and have also been seen fighting the undead in the Shadewood. Some say the rangers of the watch seek to reclaim the haunted wood but have yet to understand how.

The Watchers were originally a druidic order before they became the military force they are now, and are aligned with the Elderwood Sanctuary in more than just belief. Many times in the past they have worked together to preserve the simple species of Dominion, and continue to do so even now.

The six dots on their sigil represent the six major cities of Dominion, the star at the center represents the Watchers themselves. Sometimes it the star is an eye instead but this sigil is often only used by the elders of the faction.

FACTIONAL ALLEGIANCES

Any Organization not listed as enemy or ally is neutral with the listed Faction.

Faction	Friendly	Opposed
Academy of Archos	Cov. of Archos	Arlesian Empire Draconians
Arlesian Empire	Artisans Guild Cloud Chasers	Cov. of Archos Draconians
Artisan's Guild	Arlesian Empire Cloud Chasers	Sky Pirates Draconians
Coffin Makers	Heroes Guild Drow Enclave	Draconians
Cov. Of Archos	Academy of Archos	Arlesian Empire Draconians
Pit Fighters	Draconians	Drow Conclave Elderwood Sanc.
Draconians	Pit Fighters Heroes Union Drow Conclave	Everyone Else
Drow Conclave	The Watchers The Heroes Union Elderwood Sanc.	Coffin Makers Pit Fighters The Community
Elderwood Sanc.	Drow Enclave The Watchers The Heroes Union	Everyone Else
Heroes Union	Everyone Else	The Community The Ravens Sky Pirates Pit Fighters
Keepers of Mystas	Unknown	Unknown
Sky Pirates	None	Cloud Chasers Arlesian Empire
The Cloud Chasers	Arlesian Empire Artisan's Guild	Draconians Sky Pirates
The Community	The Ravens	Everyone Else
The Ravens	The Community	Everyone Else
The Watchers	Drow Conclave The Heroes Union Elderwood Sanc.	The Coffin Makers The Artisans' Guild The Cloud Chasers Draconians