[b]Here are a few more details about the world, some character info and a sketch of the world map. It should be noted that this is the early stage of world building and some names/places may change. If this gets going, anything posted in the Formal ooc/ic will be considered canon. Thanks again for reading.[/b]

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Note: You may have to right-click and open image in a new tab to view higher res.
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[img]http://i.imgur.com/DamhZtI.jpg[/img]
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[h3]Factions of the Industrial Union[/h3][hr]
The Monarchists
 Even though the new world has been settled for some centuries, and the ancient kingdom of Helikos no longer stands, their are those that would see fit to put upon a new throne an heir of Helikos. The Silenced Queen has no court, no army, and no political authority in the Industrial Union, and yet she gathers many followers about her with (absurd) promises of freedom, civil rights, and justice if she were to somehow seize control of a city. Her loyalists are nothing more than terrorists, hell bent on dissolving the Industrial Union and seizing control of an Arcology for themselves. They must be tracked down and punished for their crimes against the true authority of the union, the Council of Peers.  

The Sacred Brotherhood of Balphagor
 Balphagor was a saint in the old world-famous for being burned alive at the stake by the High Inquisitor of Helikos. He has become a modern martyr in the Industrial Union, a holy figure for the faithful. Giving to the poor, helping the sick, and generally undermining the authority of the Barony. 

The Shadow Pact
 Watchers from the dark, the worshipers of the undead believe the hordes of ghouls and geists in the blight are the second coming of their master, [b]Lord Necuratu[/b], the 'Unclean Soul'. Not much is known about Lord Necuratu, but his legacy is mired deep in the histories of the old world. 
 
[h3]Factions of the World[/h3][hr]
[b]The Industrial Union[/b] has stood for 500 years. It began as a loose trading alliance between mediocre cities, clutching the coastline like scared babes, afraid to venture deeper into the continent. In time, those lifelines to distant shores would bring great profit to the cities of the union, but also jealousy. Arcologies like Basilard, with their groaning airships and drill-tanks seize whatever they wish, while a religious fervor promulgated by the [b]Brotherhood of Balphagor[/b] has unsettled the Barony in Gyrelok.

[b]The Ban Ki Syndicate[/b], one of many trading conglomerates across the icy ocean, began to meddle in Union politics, pitting one arcology against the other. They secured favorable trade agreements with one city and then funded their enemies. In 1883, the union was torn apart by civil war. 

[b]The Blood Confederacy[/b] is ruled by the Cannibal King, Tenuaxl, a powerful blood shaman who has united the 900 tribes of the Bloodlands. From the summit of his stepped-city capital Xua, Tenuaxl gives sacrifice to the Old Ones and gathers dark magics about him. 

[b]The Kingdom of Quao Hei[/b] on distant shores, across the icy sea. A former world-spanning Empire with trading posts and fortresses, decadence and vice brought this ancient empire to ruin. From the ashes rose orders like the Ban Ki Syndicate, (and others). 
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[i]This is a sampling of player concepts, I encourage players to invent their own, as long as it fits with the general themes and tone of the world I will except. There are no fantasy races-all players will be human or undead or possibly demonic in nature.[/i]

Possible Archetypes: 

Aristocrat
 There are plenty of noblemen in Arcology Wix; You, however, have managed to outwit or dumbfound your way into a seat on the [b]Council of Peers[/b]. Aristocrats are filthy rich and can pool vast sums of money to get things done. They have contacts in the merchants guilds across the icy sea, the most important being the [b]Ban Ki Syndicate[/b]. Unfortunately, you are also held personally responsible for the debts incurred by the city during the civil war. 

Gearfiend
 Despite the shameful moniker, you have found your mechanical implants very useful in your career, if not absurdly painful. Gearfiends are a product of arcane science wherein certain parts of your body have been enhanced with clock-work like mechanisms. You are less human than your Peers, logical and less-emotive.  

Warlock
 Despite the purges of the 17th century, the ways of the Old Ones have survived. Through ritual of your own devising, your arcane power is feared by any sane man. Unfortunately, your own sanity is at risk the longer you remain in contact with entities not of this world. 

Knight
 A relic of the old world, the knighthood was once a sacred and honorable office. Your marshal prowess is unmatched in all the land, but you are not as wealthy as your peers. Knights once rode stallions into battle; in 1888 Knights use mechanical armor with oversized weapons. 

Devoted
 Their are many religions in the world. Perhaps yours is the one, true path? The devoted incur divine favor, and have many enemies. 
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