Factions

There are seven factions in Aurora, organized into three alliances:

The Ogenean Pact ("The Pact")

Dynasty of Digyu

The Digyu are firm believers in their reverence of the planet Theia, which has provided all with the gift of life. Their dynastic rule has been dominated by four noble families for a millennia, during which they have thrived by keeping to their own borders and affairs, almost oblivious to developments in the outside world.

The appearance of the Crystals shook the fundamental beliefs of this traditional nation, until they came to the realization that these new structures must be protected and kept away from greedy, selfish hands. The Digyu philosophy indicated that the Crystals were a present from Theia to all life.

However, dramatic political changes are now necessary in pursuit of this new goal. The election of a new and powerful Empress nine years ago radically transformed Digyu into an active player in international politics and affairs, in an effort to save and protect Theia at all costs.

But this doesn’t mean everyone is in agreement with the Empress: whispers of discontent can be heard throughout the Imperial City, and have the power to shake the very foundations of the oldest empire on the continent.

Free Republic of Jukur

The vast desert and rolling sand dunes might give the impression of a barren wasteland, but the island of Jukur is home to a lush ecosystem, filled with natural resources, wildlife and an unshakable independent spirit for all who live there.

An outpost of the expanding Bainbridge for over a century, the relationship between colony and metropole quickly deteriorated following the latter’s increasing demands for coal, iron and other vital resources needed to power the heavy industries of Bainbridge's industrial centers.

Tensions came to a tipping point, with the people of Jukur choosing to fight for their independence. Unfortunately, the Jukurians were outnumbered and outmatched, and seemed to be doomed, if it weren’t for an unlikely new ally. The surprising Digyu intervention sent waves across the continent, and for the very first time, Icons clashed against each other on the battlefield, resulting in the Jukurian Revolutionary War.

In the end, with the help of the Digyu, the patriotic Jukurians somehow earned their independence and formed a strategic alliance with their saviors. Rebuilding, the new Free Republic looks to gain control over the entire island, now partially controlled by ruthless warlords, while keeping a wary gaze beyond the sea where Bainbridge continues to plot its revenge.

The League of the Blue Lotus ("The League")

New Vijayan Empire

The mighty Vijayan Empire was the dominant force on Aurora until 300 years ago. Rulers of most of the continent, they became victim to its own greed and overextension, which resulted in its dissolution and destruction of the capital city of Vijaya.

Fragmented into unstable small states, the Vijayan values of militaristic prowess and complete egalitarianism persevered through its people, almost if waiting to reemerge and reclaim its rightful place in the world.

Fortune provided them with this chance. A young boy from the outskirts of old Vijaya managed to communicate with the mysterious Crystals that appeared all over Aurora. His newfound connection enabled him to grow to become a fearsome and powerful leader. His destiny: to reunify a long gone empire.

And thus, the New Vijayan Empire was founded in the halls of Vijaya Nova, claiming ownership of all Crystals in the name of humankind, for everyone should have the right to use and explore the power they offer.

City of Khufu

The "Blue Marble in the Sands", Khufu is the center of science and knowledge in Aurora. Founded by their legendary namesake thousands of years ago, Khufu lies at the center of the unforgivable Great Desert, in a small fertile valley. The city-state is located on a mountain next to the valley, where a Crystal coincidently appeared three decades ago.

Unlike other factions, who believe the Crystals are supernatural structures, the Khufu are consistently searching for a scientific explanation. Theories have been proposed over the years claiming that a foreign power have placed the Crystals all over Aurora. Their motives? Unknown, for now.

In their quest to solve this mystery, the Khufu are set to study the Crystals in order to be prepared for when whoever placed them decides to return. But Khufu is a small nation and continues to face natural disasters that have been threatening the little fertile land the city-state has. This has forced them to find creative ways to survive...which include finding new friends.

An alliance between the Khufu and The New Vijayan Emperor might seem unusual at first, but their strength might be useful in the uncertain times ahead. Time will tell whether the expansionist Vijaya are content with leaving Khufu alone with their research.

The Union of East Aurora ("The Union")

Commonwealth of Bainbridge

The Commonwealth of Bainbridge was born out of struggle, hardship and ingenuity. Located in the eastern end of the Ogenean Sea, Bainbridge was just another small country, living in the shadows of the old Vijayan Empire, until they learned to harness the power of coal and steam.

A mostly agrarian society quickly industrialized, and grand cities of steel were built. Filled with massive buildings and dark smoke from factories, the growing and prospering Bainbridge set their sights across the sea.

The resource-rich island of Jukur was the easiest target to fuel their development. The Jukurians, however, weren't happy with their new usurpers and rebelled. With the help of the Digyu, they drove Bainbridge out of the island. The defeat demoralized Bainbridge, and talks of revenge were immediately begun in the capital city of Steamworth.

With the Digyu unexpectedly ending its isolationism and Vijaya reemerging, Bainbridge recognized that ingenuity and pride alone wouldn’t be enough to fight bigger factions. The Commonwealth realized they needed friends if they were to profit from the immense potential these fascinating Crystals offered.

Serene Republic of Edrea

The beauty and love for the fine arts that has defined Edrea for a long time only partially hides the trauma the Serene Republic suffered centuries ago by the hands of their Vijayan overlords.

The main tributary across the Aurorian Channel, Edrea claimed its long-sought independence after the original Empire collapsed, and used its strategic location and abundance of resources to create a rich merchant republic based on arts, culture, and extensive trade throughout the entire continent.

The appearance of the Crystals originally brought even more wealth to the Republic, with the dramatic increase of movement of goods and people. But old wounds started to reopen following the proclamation of the New Vijayan Empire.

Edrea is threatened and in danger, but this time, Edrea will not yield easily. The peacock is sharpening its golden talons and it won’t stand alone in their fight to maintain freedom.

The Hálsful

For centuries, the Hálsful were little more than a loose band of nomadic warriors, more interested in raiding foreign countries than actually settling down, failing to use their acquired wealth to develop their sacred home peninsula, situated at the northern tip of Aurora.

However, this behavior has angered their Gods, and has led some to believe that the drastic increase of natural disasters the Hálsful have been suffering over the last few decades are a result of their neglect to their own land. Coastline flooding, abnormally hot summers, and plagues have caused suffering among the populace.

The Crystals are the hope to change everything. Treated as relics sent by their Gods, the Hálsful have established a new government, led by a High Jarl, who believes that claiming the Crystals across Aurora as their own will bring honor and glory, restore the goodwill towards their Gods, and save them from destruction.

However, they are not strong enough to undergo this quest by themselves. Unlikely as it seems, the once isolated Hálsful need allies. Allies that believe the Crystals are the only path towards their own survival.