Factions Overview
The four major powers shaping the Cosmos.
The Political Landscape
Four great factions compete for influence across the Cosmos. Each has distinct ideology, culture, and strategic objectives rooted in millennia of history.
When you start the game, you'll pick a faction. However, you'll maintain working relationships with all factions simultaneously—building trust without permanent allegiance.
The Four Factions
| Faction | Alignment | Core Identity |
|---|---|---|
| Scions of Ogo | Anti-Centopoly | Homo Technologicus warriors |
| Prospectors | Neutral | Ancient explorers, wealth accumulators |
| Technomages | Neutral | Immortal scholars, technology devotees |
| Mercantile Alliance | Pro-Centopoly | Economic dominance, Metric integration |
Faction Standing
Your relationship with your chosen faction progresses through five ranks:
| Rank | Title | Benefits |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Initiate | Basic recognition, limited access |
| 2 | Associate | Proven reliability, increased cooperation |
| 3 | Adept | Trusted operative, strategic value |
| 4 | Master | Elite standing, significant influence |
| 5 | Exemplar | Maximum integration and authority |
Advancing requires:
- Completing faction-aligned scenarios
- Making choices favoring faction interests
- Long-term demonstration of loyalty
- Forge Point investment to ascend levels
Faction Bonuses
Higher standing provides tangible advantages:
Memory Machine: Matching your faction to your aligned machine provides +2% to +10% power bonus based on rank.
Skill Synergies: Each faction amplifies specific skill areas:
- Scions → Combat skills
- Prospectors → Technology/Exploration skills
- Technomages → Technology/Intelligence skills
- Mercantile Alliance → Diplomacy/Social skills
Scenario Options: Faction alignment affects available mission paths and resolution possibilities.
Alignment Beyond Factions
Beyond specific factions, your choices position you on a broader spectrum:
Pro-Centopoly: Supporting Metric authority, stability, centralized control
- More stable Echo Interface in Metric-monitored zones
- Better relations with Mercantile Alliance and Centopoly officials
Anti-Centopoly: Favoring Cypher technology, individual freedom, resistance
- Cypher affinity benefits
- Better relations with Scions and Cypherians
This alignment affects available missions, character reactions, and long-term story paths.
Learn more about alignment and its impact here
Learn More
- Scions of Ogo - The warrior species
- Prospectors - The ancient explorers
- Technomages - The immortal scholars
- Mercantile Alliance - The economic power
- Faction Alignment System - Deep dive on alignment mechanics