UESRPG Factions
Starting factions are factions that players can choose to join, be
affiliated with, or in search of when they create their character.
Membership or status with a faction will have some level of
benefit; whether that be access to services, shops, training, or
special work to be carried out for the faction.
NOTE: Given that factions are in various states of prominence
throughout their histories, it is important to note that this document was
originally written for a campaign set in 4e 140. If your game is set in a
different time/era, you might consider reviewing the prominence and
description of each faction (including those not in this document) to suit
your own game’s setting.
Favor.....................................................................................1
Ranks and Advancement........................................................ 1
Prominence...........................................................................1
Factions................................................................................ 2
Academic Guilds....................................................... 2
Criminal Factions...................................................... 3
Knightly Orders........................................................ 3
Magical Guilds.......................................................... 4
Mercenary Guilds...................................................... 5
Military Factions....................................................... 5
Religious Factions......................................................5
Morrowind Noble Houses............................................5
Starting Unaffiliated............................................................. 5
Favor
Joining and/or advancing in factions requires Favor. Favor
represents a faction’s standing toward a character. It starts at 0
and can range from -100 to +100. Though favor is mainly used to
advance through a faction’s ranks, characters can gain (or lose)
favor even while not being or seeking to become members of a
faction.
Characters with positive favor without membership in a faction
might be able to gain limited access to some of the guild’s
services, depending on what connections the player might have
with its members and on general GM discretion.
Characters with negative favor will have difficulty in social
situations with the faction’s members, and might even find
dealings with the faction to become outright hostile, depending
on any soured relationships with its members, personalities of
any involved members, and on general GM discretion.
Ranks and Advancement
Though the in-universe names for various ranks of a faction may
vary, the mechanical names for ranks in your faction follow the
standard rank names of Skills and Talents. See the table below
for faction ranks and the total favor required for advancing to
that rank in your chosen faction. In some cases, advancing
within a faction may sometimes require more than simply
gaining favor, so be sure to interact with your faction in
character when you’re ready to inquire about advancement.
Gaining a rank in a faction always grants the equivalent
Profession [Faction] Skill for that faction at the corresponding
rank. This skill represents knowledge of or ability to carry out
general operations within the faction. It also represents
knowledge of the faction’s history.
Rank/Level Required Favor
Novice (0) 5
Apprentice (1) 10
Journeyman (2) 20
Adept (3) 35
Expert (4) 55
Master (5) 80
Prominence
Faction Prominence is listed in bold directly under the faction’s
name and denotes how widely known a faction is to the
common people. It also determines how difficult it is for a
Character to join the faction’s ranks and, in some cases, how
difficult it is to advance within that faction. There are four tiers
of prominence, listed here from the most prominent to the least:
Prevalent
These factions are generally more frequently seen and
recognized by the common populace.
Choosing a Prevalent faction as your starting faction grants
your character the Novice Faction Rank with that faction.
Exclusive
These factions are less frequently seen and recognized by the
common populace and/or are selective in who they allow to join
their ranks.
Choosing an Exclusive faction as your starting faction grants
your character an Affiliate status with the faction. Your
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character must gain Favor with them to join the faction as a
member.
Secretive
These factions operate from the shadows. They are rarely seen,
much less recognized, by the common populace.
Secretive factions are difficult to find, and choosing one as your
starting faction grants your character a Lead on how they might
track them down.
Dormant
A dormant faction is one that is all but completely dissolved for
any number of reasons. Joining a Dormant faction is possible,
but similar to Secretive factions, must be found before joining.
Choosing a Dormant faction as your starting faction grants your
character a Lead on how they might find them.
Favor with a Dormant faction represents something slightly
different than other prevalence levels, but it has the same overall
effect for the player. When you’re earning Favor “with” a
Dormant faction, this represents that faction’s renown and
favor with prospective recruits. This results in faction services
being gained (and made accessible to the player) within the
faction rather than existing services being granted.
Factions
The factions listed in this section are organized by Faction Type.
Faction Types denote what kind of work or activity the faction is
organized around. They determine what quests and services are
available and how to gain Favor with the faction.
Academic Guilds
Imperial Geographic Society
Prevalent
The Imperial Geographic Society is a long-standing Empire sanctioned
outfit charged with traveling Empire lands and recording useful
geographic information, geopolitical information, and historical
accounts. They then publish that information both to the citizens of the
greater Tamrielic Empire and as intelligence to the Empire itself. The
Imperial Geographic Society is best known for their publishing and
distribution of the useful, if sometimes propagandist, Pocket Guide to
the Empire series of guidebooks.
Characters who start with the Imperial Geographic Society as
their starting faction gain the following at no cost:
● +2 Characteristic Advance to Int.
● Novice Skill Rank for any one of the following skills:
Commerce, Investigate, Logic, Lore, Navigate, or
Survival.
● Either the Profession[Bureaucracy] (Int) Skill at
Novice Rank or a Race Language of your choice.
The Bards College
Prevalent
The Bards College is an institute centered in the city of Solitude in the
province of Skyrim. They are well-known throughout Tamriel as a
prominent institute of music and history for the aspiring bard (skald, as
they are known in Skyrim). The central college is marked by the Flame of
Callisos, which is found at the entrance. It is said that as long as the
flame remains lit, the College will stand.
Characters who start with The Bards College as their starting
faction gain the following at no cost:
● +2 Characteristic Advance to Prs.
● Novice Skill Rank for any one of the following skills:
Acrobatics, Command, Deceive, Logic, or Persuade.
● Novice Skill Rank for one of the following Profession
Skills: Profession[Acting] (Prs), Profession[Art] (Prs),
Profession[Linguistics] (Int) or
Profession[Musicianship] (Int).
Imperial University
Prevalent
The Imperial University is an academy based in the Imperial City in
Cyrodiil and has several smaller research facilities throughout Tamriel.
They are well known for producing researchers and academics that go on
to write some of the most influential academic tomes known to the
Tamrielic Empire.
Characters who start with the Imperial University as their
starting faction gain the following at no cost:
● +2 Characteristic Advance to Int.
● Novice Skill Rank for any one of the following skills:
Investigate, Logic, Lore, Observe, or Restoration.
● Novice Skill Rank for one of the following Profession
Skills: Profession[Academia]
(Int),Profession[Engineering] (Int),
Profession[Linguistics] (Int), or Profession[Medicine]
(Int)
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Criminal Factions
Thieves Guild
Exclusive
The Thieves Guild are an organization comprised of burglars, robbers,
pickpockets, smugglers, and other enterprising operators. The Thieves
Guild is not a single organization, but rather a loosely affiliated set of
provincial organizations all operating under the same goal; to maintain
sole control of the organized crime in their area, and to keep profits high
and arrests low for their members.
Characters who start with the Thieves Guild as their starting
faction gain the following at no cost:
● +2 Characteristic Advance to Ag, Prc, or Prs.
● Novice Skill Rank for any one of the following skills:
Acrobatics, Commerce, Deceive, Evade, Stealth, or
Subterfuge.
● Shadowmarks as a Language. Shadowmarks
implement coded symbology as a method for
communication through physical marks throughout
the environment in their operating areas.
The Dark Brotherhood
Secretive
The Dark Brotherhood is an infamous faction of assassins spread across
all of Tamriel. Only some know of its existence; and those who do
reluctantly tolerate them, as their reputation is shrouded by abject fear.
Those who seek to hire the Brotherhood must perform the Black
Sacrament to summon one of their members. This ritual is known only to
very few.
Characters who start with The Dark Brotherhood as their
starting faction gain the following at no cost:
● +2 Characteristic Advance to Str, Ag, or Prc.
● Novice Skill Rank for any one of the following skills:
Acrobatics, Athletics, Deceive, Evade, Illusion,
Stealth, or Subterfuge.
● Novice Skill rank in Alchemy or two weapons of your
choice as trained weapons in your Combat Style.
Camonna Tong
Exclusive
The Camonna Tong is a large Dunmer criminal syndicate hailing from
Morrowind. They’re known for their fierce opposition to foreign
incursion into Morrowind and for taking pride in their sordid history
with interactions with other races. However, on a handful of occasions,
the business potential of working with foreigners has outweighed their
strong distaste for them.
Characters who start with the Camonna Tong as their starting
faction gain the following at no cost:
● +2 Characteristic Advance to Ag, Int, or Wp.
● Novice Skill rank for any one of the following skills:
Acrobatics, Athletics, Deceive, Evade, Stealth, and
Subterfuge.
● Novice Skill rank in Alchemy or two weapons of your
choice as trained weapons in your Combat Style.
Morag Tong
Secretive
An ancient guild of assassins based in Morrowind, and who celebrate
murder in the name of Mephala. Due to Mephala’s status as one of the
“Good Daedra” in Dunmer culture, the Morag Tong is a rare case of an
assassin’s guild being sanctioned by their government. This is because of
the Morag Tong’s role of carrying out assassinations seen by the
Morrowind houses as enemies of the Morrowind state.
Characters who start with the Morag Tong as their starting
faction gain the following at no cost:
● +2 Characteristic Advance to Str, Ag, or Prc.
● Novice Skill Rank for any one of the following skills:
Acrobatics, Athletics, Deceive, Evade, Illusion,
Stealth, or Subterfuge.
● Novice Skill Rank in Alchemy or two weapons of your
choice as trained weapons in your Combat Style.
Knightly Orders
Vigil of Stendarr
Prevalent
The Vigil of Stendarr is a renowned faction of warrior-priests and
nomads devoted to the worship of Stendarr, the god of Mercy. With
unwavering dedication, they tirelessly patrol the lands surrounding
their sacred Halls, striving to cleanse it of vile scourges like the undead,
daedra, vampires, and lycanthropes.
Characters who start with The Vigil of Stendarr as their starting
faction gain the following at no cost:
● +2 Characteristic Advance to Str, Wp, Prc.
● Novice Skill Rank for any one of the following skills:
Combat Style, Command, Investigate, Navigate,
Restoration, or Survival.
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 ● Novice Skill Rank in either Profession[Medicine](Int)
or Profession[Priesthood](Wp).
Knights of the Nine
Exclusive
The Knights of the Nine is a renowned faction throughout Tamriel,
known for their noble pursuit of righteousness and their devotion to the
Divines. Founded during the Third Era, the order was inspired by the
legends of the ancient Crusader; namely Pelinal Whitestrake, champion
of Saint Alessia. The Knights of the Nine are known for their distinctive
armor and weapons, which are said to have been blessed by the Divines
themselves. They follow a strict code of honor, valuing virtues such as
courage, self-sacrifice, and humility. The order seeks to safeguard the
sacred relics of the Divines and defend the innocent from the forces of
darkness.
Characters who start with the Knights of the Nine as their
starting faction gain the following at no cost:
● +2 Characteristic Advance to Str, End, or Wp.
● Novice Skill rank for any one of the following skills:
Athletics, Combat Style, Command, Lore, or Ride.
● Novice Skill Rank in Profession[Smithing](Str) or
Heavy Armor as a trained armor type in your Combat
Style.
Dawnguard
Dormant
The Dawnguard were a faction of devout vampire hunters based out of
Fort Dawnguard in Skyrim. They were active in the Second Era, and
their history is marred by stories of their abuse of power and raiding of
innocent villages throughout their home region.
Characters who start with the Dawnguard as their starting
faction gain the following at no cost:
● +2 Characteristic Advance to one of: Str, End, or Int.
● Novice Skill Rank for any one of the following skills:
Alchemy, Athletics, Investigate, Restoration,
Navigate, or Survival.
● Novice Skill Rank in Lore or Profession[Smithing]
(Str).
The Blades
Exclusive
The Blades are members of an elite Imperial order dedicated to the
protection and service of the dragonborn emperors of Tamriel. During
their many years of operation, they have gone by many names: the
Imperial Intelligence Service, the Arms of the Throne, and the Order of
the Blades. In their contemporary operations, only a select few are
appointed as diplomats and bodyguards; the majority of the Blades act
covertly as couriers and spies.
Characters who start with the Blades as their starting faction
gain the following at no cost:
● +2 Characteristic Advance to one of: Ag, Int, Prs.
● Novice Skill Rank for any one of the following skills:
Command, Investigate, Logic, Observe, Persuade,
Ride, Stealth, or Subterfuge.
● Novice Skill Rank in Profession[Bureaucracy] (Int),
Profession[Linguistics] (Int), or Profession[Medicine]
(Int).
Magical Guilds
The Synod
Prevalent
An institution that, along with the College of Whispers, split off from the
Mages Guild after its dissolution at the end of the 3rd era. Though The
College of Whispers is equally sanctioned by the Empire, the Synod
considers themselves the imperial authority on magic. They have banned
the research of Conjuration and Necromancy, putting them in a direct
rivalry with The College of Whispers. They meet in Synod Conclaves
throughout Cyrodiil, though members are known to travel and have
impromptu meetings abroad.
Characters who start with The Synod as their starting faction
gain the following at no cost:
● +2 Characteristic Advance to either Int or Wp.
● Novice Skill Rank for any one of the following skills:
Alchemy, Alteration, Destruction, Enchant, Illusion,
Mysticism, or Restoration.
● Profession[Bureaucracy] (Int) skill at Novice Rank.
College of Whispers
Prevalent
This faction is one of two Imperial sanctioned magical institutions
operating out of Cyrodiil. Contrary to their rivals, The College of
Whispers does not restrict magical research. They believe that, by
understanding all aspects of magic, they can learn to guard against
those who might use the more dangerous magics with ill intent, and they
can use it to better understand the world at large. Members generally
meet in locations in Cyrodiil known as Cynosures, though members are
known to travel and have impromptu meetings abroad.
Characters who start with the College of Whispers as their
starting faction gain the following at no cost:
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 ● +2 Characteristic Advance to either Int or Wp.
● Novice Skill Rank for any one of the following skills:
Alteration, Destruction, Illusion, Mysticism,
Restoration, Conjuration, or Necromancy.
● Profession[Bureaucracy] (Int) Skill at Novice Rank.
The College of Winterhold
Exclusive
Even under Imperial rule, the College of Winterhold once stood as a
beacon of Skyrim’s independence. However, in an event known as the
Great Collapse which occurred in 4e 122, most of the city of Winterhold
collapsed into the Sea of Ghosts. The college was left almost entirely
untouched, sparking rumors of their involvement in the collapse and
resulting in great distrust among the populace. Now, membership to the
college is exclusive and entry to the college grounds is forbidden to
outsiders.
Characters who start with the College of Winterhold as their
starting faction gain the following at no cost:
● +2 Characteristic Advance to either Int or Wp.
● Novice Skill Rank for any one of the following skills:
Alchemy, Alteration, Destruction, Enchant, Illusion,
Mysticism, or Restoration.
● Novice Skill Rank in Lore or Logic.
The Psijic Order
Secretive
An ancient order and the progenitor to the Mages Guild headquartered
on the island of Artaeum. They were said to have been indirectly
responsible for the development of Mysticism, long before it was even
named. For the second time in its history, the Psijics are said to have sent
Artaeum away from Tamriel, and themselves along with it, in 4e 100.
The Psijics are known to be legendarily wise and hold many secrets of the
world which they keep hidden from outsiders.
Characters who start with the Psijic Order as their starting
faction gain the following at no cost:
● +2 Characteristic Advance to either Int or Wp.
● Apprentice Skill Rank in Mysticism.
● A mysterious ancient magical artifact.
Mercenary Guilds
The Fighters Guild
Prevalent
The Fighters Guild is a professional organization chartered by the
Empire in order to regulate the hiring and training of mercenaries and
skilled warriors in Tamriel. As the Fighters Guild will accept almost any
contract, they are contracted by folk from all walks of life for combat
assistance and protection.
Characters who start with the Fighters Guild as their starting
faction gain the following at no cost:
● +2 Characteristic Advance to Str, Ag, or End.
● Novice Skill Rank for any one of the following skills:
Athletics, Combat Style, Destruction, or Ride.
● One armor type, one shield type, and one weapon
added to your combat style.
The Companions
Exclusive
The Companions are the warriors guild of Skyrim. They serve a similar
function to the Fighters Guild, yet are not officially sanctioned by the
empire. They serve as direct competition to the Fighters Guild and will
always provide a deal for services rendered to their own country folk.
Characters who start with the Companions as their starting
faction gain the following at no cost:
● +2 Characteristic Advance to Str, Ag, or End.
● Novice Skill Rank for any one of the following skills:
Athletics, Combat Style, Ride, or Survival.
● One armor type, one shield type, and one weapon
added to your combat style.
Military Factions
The Imperial Legion
Prevalent
The Imperial Legion is the standing army of the Septim Empire. It was
founded by Tiber Septim, the first Emperor of Tamriel, and has been the
Empire's primary military force ever since. The Legion is made up of
professional soldiers from all over the Empire, and is known for its
discipline, training, and loyalty to the Emperor.
Characters who start with the Imperial Legion as their starting
faction gain the following at no cost:
● +2 Characteristic Advance to Str, End, or Prs.
● Novice Skill Rank for any one of the following skills:
Athletics, Combat Style, Command, or Ride.
● Novice Skill Rank for either Profession[Engineering]
or Profession[Medicine].
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Town/City Guard
Prevalent
Town/City guards can range from martial fighters to mages. They exist
to keep the peace, uphold the law, and protect the interests of their
settlement’s government.
When taking Town/City Guard as a starting faction, choose a
city or town.
Characters who start with a town or city guard as their starting
faction gain the following at no cost:
● +2 Characteristic Advance to Str, End, or Wp.
● Novice Skill Rank for any one of the following skills:
Combat Style, Command, Investigate, or Observe.
● Novice Skill Rank for Profession[Bureaucracy] or
Profession[Medicine].
Religious Factions
Cult of the Ancestor Moth
Prevalent
"Only our order is able to read the Elder Scrolls. All that is known of
them comes from our augurs, whose readings are rewarded with flashes
of insight into the scrolls' prophecies. Each reading exacts a price,
eventually rendering the augur blind." ―Crassius Viria
● +2 Characteristic Advance to Int, Wp, or Prc.
● Novice Skill Rank for any one of the following skills:
Logic, Lore, Observe, or Restoration.
● Novice Skill Rank for Profession[Linguistics] or
Profession[Medicine]
Clergy
Prevalent
There are many religious organizations throughout Tamriel. While the
majority in the empire serve the Eight Divines, there are some who
worship other pantheons; even daedra.
When taking Clergy as a starting faction, choose a deity or
pantheon. Consult with your GM regarding which deity or
pantheon and how that might relate to the choices available
below.
Characters who start with Clergy as a starting faction gain the
following at no cost:
● +2 Characteristic Advance to any one Characteristic
which is relevant to the chosen religion.
● Novice Skill Rank for one of the following skills: Logic,
Lore, Persuade, or Restoration.
● Novice Skill Rank for Profession[Calligraphy],
Profession[Medicine], or Profession [Musicianship].
The Great Houses of Morrowind
The Houses of Morrowind are noble houses composed almost
entirely of Dunmer; people of other races are considered
outsiders. Non-Dunmer characters treat houses tagged as
Prevalent as if they were Exclusive.
House Dres
Prevalent
Great House Dres focuses itself on agriculture, which provides them with
both a steady source of income and what little political influence they
have left. House Hlaalu notes that House Dres knows how to make
money, but also points out how it does not know how not to make
enemies. As traditionalists, they are vehemently opposed to imperial rule
and influence and oppose the Empire at any opportune moment.
Characters who start with House Dres as their starting faction
gain the following at no cost:
● +2 Characteristic Advance to Int, Wp, or Prs.
● Novice Skill Rank for any one of the following skills:
Alchemy, Command, Commerce, or Deceive.
● Novice Skill Rank for Profession[Bureaucracy] or
Profession[Agriculture].
House Hlaalu
Prevalent
The patron saint of House Hlaalu is the Saint Veloth of old and their
symbol is that of a scale, representing balance, trade, and compromise.
They are led by traders and merchant princes and often use imperials
and redguards as mercenaries for protection. House Redoran considers
them to be liars and untrustworthy.
Characters who start with House Hlaalu as their starting faction
gain the following at no cost:
● +2 Characteristic Advance to Int, Wp, or Prs.
● Novice Skill Rank for any one of the following skills:
Commerce, Drive, Logic, Observe, or Persuade.
● Novice Skill Rank for Profession[Bureaucracy] or
Profession[Linguistics].
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House Indoril
Prevalent
In the wake of the Red Year, House Indoril has lost all territorial
holdings on the island of Vvardenfell, being pushed out by the eruption
of Red Mountain and the events that followed. They are another house
who oppose Imperial rule and influence, and were betrayed by House
Hlaalu in the third era; thus losing their hold as the most powerful house
and allowing Morrowind to cede to the empire.
Characters who start with House Indoril as their starting
faction gain the following at no cost:
● +2 Characteristic Advance to Int, Wp, or Prs.
● Novice Skill Rank for any one of the following skills:
Deceive, Illusion, Investigate, Persuade, or
Subterfuge.
● Novice Skill Rank for Profession[Bureaucracy] or
Profession[Engineering].
House Redoran
Prevalent
House Redoran is led by an aristocracy of noble warriors and consider
themselves the hereditary defenders of Morrowind. They revere both the
Aedra and the Daedra, and the patron saint is Saint Nerevar, also
known as the “Captain”. They hold the western portion of Morrowind.
Characters who start with House Redoran as their starting
faction gain the following at no cost:
● +2 Characteristic Advance to Str, Ag, or Wp.
● Novice Skill Rank for any one of the following skills:
Combat Style, Command, Destruction, or Observe.
● Novice Skill Rank for Profession[Bureaucracy] or
Profession[Medicine].
House Sotha
Dormant
House Sotha was a once influential house of Morrowind until its
destruction by Mehrunes Dagon in the times of Indoril Nerevar. The only
member who survived this destruction was Sotha Sil, who afterward
became a trusted advisor to Indoril Nerevar and eventually became one
of the Tribunal.
Characters who start with House Sotha as their starting faction
gain the following at no cost:
● +2 Characteristic advance to Int, Wp, or Prc.
● Novice Skill Rank for any one of the following Skills:
Enchant, Logic, Lore, Mysticism, or Observe.
● Novice Skill Rank for Profession[Engineering].
House Telvanni
Prevalent
The Telvanna are a house of wizard-lords who have mastered the arcane
arts. They are generally opposed to both the empire and to the other
houses. Vivec once described the Telvanni as being “similar to Sotha Sil”
in that they are “iconoclastic, profane, [and] unconventional. They are
the only known people with the power to raise life from ash and are
considered masters of enchanting in Morrowind.
Characters who start with House Telvanni as their starting
faction gain the following at no cost:
● +2 Characteristic Advance to Int, Wp, or Prc.
● Novice Skill Rank for any one of the following skills:
Destruction, Enchant, Illusion, Mysticism, or
Necromancy.
● Novice Skill Rank for Profession[Bureaucracy] or
Profession[Engineering].
Starting Unaffiliated
Some players may want to create characters who gain fame or
notoriety in their own right, rather than through advancement
in a faction. These characters have more choice and a slight
boost in what they gain starting out, but must work harder to
gain perks as they “advance” in society. Gaining favor with the
general populace is much more difficult than gaining favor with
a particular faction, as they cannot rely on the name of a faction
to boost their own.
Characters who start unaffiliated gain the following at no cost:
● +2 Characteristic Advance to any one Characteristic.
● Any one Skill at Novice Rank.
● One non-spellcasting, non-combat skill at Novice
Rank.
● Any one Profession at Novice Rank.
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