The discussion of factions got me thinking about the subject, and I began to wonder what factions are out there right now? At first I was thinking of asking to make a comprehensive list, but I'd rather just compile a list of the current, supported DM factions. This would be a nice reference for players new and old. (Someone else could just start another list with player factions)

Please add to the list by adding or striking out (DMs in particular). Also if the DMs would like to suggest which ones are currently in need of players that would probably be helpful too.

Its been a while since I have been playing so I'll probably leave out quite a bit, but here is a start:

DM Factions Spellguard Watch Seekers Pissing Crone Employees Society of the Ordered Mind

Other (see comments below) Temple of Hoar Shadow Tribe Civil Service Council (no application)

P.S. No spoilers, of course!

I'd include the Council as a DM faction here as well.

I can't think of any others off the top of my head. :?

Everyone but the watch needs players.

There's no crone employees, maybe one ordinant, a handfull of seekers, a few agents, One hoarran? No Shadow Tribe.

Get those apps in!

Three Seekers, to my knowledge.

Whereas, the Watch has about seven, eight privates! Shadow Tribe kobolds are cool.

The SPELLGUARD NEEDS LOVE!

Applications and DM factions frighten me. I'm not worthy!

I used to think exactly the same, Lillithid. I had tons of trouble writing my application. It's remarkably easy, though. If I can get approved, I'm sure anyone can.

You'd be amazed what will be accepted if you just try.

The key: Involving other players. If you can show a plot and a great way to involve other players, you're in.

Also, if your app. involves a specific race or subrace, research them and use that information to have your background/motivations clear to the DMs from the start. You are FAR more likely to get plots/cool shit if the DMs know your motivations and plans. At least, in my experience.

Civil Servants (Office of the Herald, Mausoleum etc.)

The Civil Service is an incredibly fun faction.

Temple of Hoar/Shadow Tribe are more "apply-if-you-really-want" factions. We don't have a particular expectation that PCs will join them, it's just happened in the past.

Council membership is earned entirely IG, with no app necessary.

Thanks for the feedback. I've adjusted the list accordingly.

Perhaps its not as interesting as I thought it might be. I thought that there might be some other factions lurking, like in the past there were the Nancies and Tribe of Blade, but I guess not.

I hope that the list can help newer players to distinguish between the groups that are truly DM factions, and those which might seem like it, but are really player run such as the Knights Confederate and Spellguard Associates.

The Gladiators qualify as a kinda DM faction I suspect (Although no app).

The school of war is a pseudo-DM faction I think, and employees of Thomas tavern of undeath + Library staff (Not to mention that pretty much any of the temples, buildings, etc you could probably work for through IG means) might also warrant mention?

Library is a player faction.

Looking at the revised list makes me regret there not being any real badass factions here ... sure some are repressive ... a bit corrupt. But no faction that aims to disrupt things, exploit the weak or send a shiver down the spine . Or is that job reserved for player factions?

They're there, Cod.

Just have to know where to look.

There are also several, and I mean SEVERAL factions you can join for the lulz.

Clan Holdfast, is one. Apply for a wererat and be a spy for the chosen, etc...

Honied Words These posters are replaced as an afterthought, by an evil looking man in platemail of the Spellguard Associates, most likely on his way to slaughter babies, rape women and pillage the homes of the innocent.

Did you really have to put in the whole rape and pillage thing in there... probably might not do too well for recruitment

Hey, I'm just quoting from the Public Notices board.

all im saying is that might not be the best image the spellguard needs for recruitment. Think of the army, they dont send Larry the ex-con child molester with a chip on his shoulder to recruit out of work teens. They send Kip Kipplinger the clean shaven super cool Marine with a speedster and tinted shades. Thats how you do buisiness :)

But then, it's just a silly forum emote.

Anyway, we're sort of drifting from the topic. While the Spellguard Associates is not a DM faction, it's the next best thing to get involved in some plots.

Seriously. Join the Spellguard Associates today. You don't have to eat any babies if you really don't want to.

The Spellguard Associates is certainly a fantastic faction!

HoMeWrEaKeR all im saying is that might not be the best image the spellguard needs for recruitment. Think of the army, they dont send Larry the ex-con child molester with a chip on his shoulder to recruit out of work teens. They send Kip Kipplinger the clean shaven super cool Marine with a speedster and tinted shades. Thats how you do buisiness :)

The poster "emote" is a joke about the stereotype of the Spellguard and their Associates. It couldn't be farther from the truth of course, as we all know the Spellguard as a whole is the biggest bunch of handwringers and baby-kissers out there!

If the Spellguard Associates actually practiced such things in the open, you could expect drop in recruitment and likely the majority of them being executed. I think it was just a joke, as Garem said, focusing on the stereotypical view of the Spellguard and their lackeys. It's most definately not meant to be taken seriously, but rather with a pinch of salt. Tongue in cheek, as it were.

Actually, the Spellguard is entirely corrupt and evil, and the person who posted that was just trying to reflect an aspect of their character.

No I wasn't. I was joking.

End of line.