Illustrados Gremio
Below are the four main sub-factions or “Gremio” within the Illustrados Union. These represent groups of power and influence within the Arch-Faction. In particular, the Magisters/Magistrados, the Technocracy/Tecnocracia, and the Church of the Redeemed Sun/Iglesia Solar all occupy or influence portions of the government. The Charioteers/Los Cocheros are a power in their own right through their good will and reputation among the common folk of the Union and beyond.
the charioteers
Los Cocheros, La Rueda, Rudders
Overview
In the earliest days of the Union, there were those who stood and survived at the forefront of the world’s dangers. They were the guardians of supply caravans, sailors through monster infested seas, clearers of gnarled jungles and hunters of monsters. Many among them did not survive and much of those who did formed the core of what would be the Magistrados. But there would always be a need for adventurers, thrill-seekers and mercenaries in the wilds beyond civilization. And those that did not join their dead fellows or go straight and join the military formed a loose guild that provided support and mentorship for those willing to go out there and “earn”. Their fortunes rose along with the Technocracy and the Union itself, reaching an apex during the opportunity filled Ember War.
Lore: Low
Charioteer lore is primarily the basic knowledge of one specific Fleet and some of the maritime traditions. Especially with the concept of a privateer/pirate/mariner being a popular media trope, this is straightforward and easy to absorb.
Aesthetic
Explorers, traders, and smugglers are the usual connotation with the Charioteers. Many of these folk dress the part, with patchwork clothing, long coats, and rugged textiles. Pouches, hats, and a variety of other accoutrements finish off the look of a person in modest/low means that is prepared for anything and has experienced enough hardship to know better. Some call the look “sea-scavving”, after the Scavver Caravans - but the Cocheros make it their own and add the Illustrados flairs of Caras (guide masks) and Vayans (colorful mantles).
THE CHURCH OF THE REDEEMED SUN
Iglesia Solar, Iglesians, Sun-Priests, Church of the Redeemed Sun (Redeemers)
Overview
Also known as the Church of the Redeemed Sun, this is an influential religious and academic institution among the Illustrados. Just as the medicine women and men of pre-Fall earth collected lore, cures and stories for their communities, the Iglesiars are women and men of science and spirituality. They are responsible for funding and peopling the universities and schools of the world beyond the Fall -- they seek to reclaim and archive the knowledge of times past, without the myopic fascination to technology of the Technocracia.
Lore: High
Iglesia lore is heavily involved. Players need to be familiar with the organization’s faith, history, and the details of one’s order. The concept of a tech priest is a not an utterly alien concept but the implementation of all of these factors into one can be intimidating.
Aesthetic
Contrary to most of the other Illustrados, the Iglesiars are often noted for their more spartan and ascetic clothing, in particularly, the stone-grey robes that they are known for. These are worn with Cara (guide masks), Vayans (cultural mantles), beaded necklaces, and colored sashes. Higher ranked Iglesiars are seen with runed stoles, amulets, or other symbols of position. A significant portion of these people are Arcanists, so they wear and wield Talismans or Anima Crowns accordingly. Defying and adding strangeness to their more simplistic attire are the various technological gadgets that they favor, especially when it comes to crafting technical wonders or deciphering old world ruins. This gives them an appearance that resembles a “technological monk” to certain observers.
THE MAGISTRADOS
Magistrados, Macana, Magisters, El Magistrados de Orden Publico
Overview
These are the main governing bodies of the Illustrados’ military, concerned with the protection of the Arch-Faction’s interests, citizenry, and protected states. They are soldiers, engineers, and above all -- protectors of humanity. In times of battle, their power-armored troops punch into monstrous horrors with holo-spears and vibro-machetes while the thunder of their fleet-borne artillery and their auto-shortarms echo across the warscape.
Lore: Medium
Magistrados lore is more involved, with the traditions and histories of a person’s Branch being prime importance. However, the concept of a soldier or trooper-type character is easy enough for many players to grasp.
Aesthetic
The Magistrados are noted for adding collars and rank emblems on their “Vayan”, mantles and half-cloaks favored by the Illustrados. These tend to be less colorful and more drab than their peers, adhering instead to specific colorations and patterns of their ranks and units. Armored vests are usually worn beneath the Vayan, along with more utilitarian garments such as belt pouches, bracers, combat boots, and other items with more function than fashion. Armored helmets are worn on the head on occasion, but many of the Macana prefer keeping the “Cara” of their spirit ally upon the back of their head (to watch their blindsides). With the dangers of battle, Metabionics are a common sight among these folk, given even less of a thought than other Stigmata. Ultimately, the Magistrados tend more toward protective attire, and military gadgets than their fellow Illustrados.
The TECHNOCRACY
Tecnocracia, Technocrats, Technos, La Tecnocracia para el Avance de la Nueva Ciencia
Overview
The Tecnocracia is a gathering of bright minds, deep pockets, and malleable morals. These are not just scientists and inventors, but also aristocrats and entrepreneurs who have built their fortunes on the ruins and the wonders of a broken world. They have leveraged their assets and their navigation to guide and control the new industries within the Union, celebrating their successes with extravagant fiestas and private parties. Better yet, a changed world represents new resources to discover and to exploit -- such as Abyssal Paraffin, harvested from the aggressive monstrosities beneath the waves. These individuals are known for the lengths they would go for new tech and pre-fall relics as well as the bizarre and occasionally perilous experiments they would conduct in secret and/or remote research compound.
Lore: Low Medium
Technocracy lore is more involved, with the traditions and histories of a person’s Corp being of importance. However, the concept of a corporate suit or dilettante-type character is easy enough for many players to grasp.
Aesthetic
Teknocrats dress in the latest of fashions, which currently evoke a mixture of island sensibilities, Victorian flair (aka Steampunk), and a touch of the “Nueva Ciencia” or the New Sciences. This can depend and fluctuate depending on the season and the Union’s tastes. Unlike other aesthetes however, Technocrats are more likely to mix adventuring and aesthetics with great aplomb. Their gear tends to be ornate with filigree or ornamental markings, even heavily used items such as firearms, skill kits, and gadgets tend to follow these tendencies. All in all, Technocrats like to have both fashion and utility, they will lean immensely toward the former if both are unavailable.