Beneath Calm Waters

Factions and Rivalries

What are the factions in your story or setting?

Leaders, whatever their political stripe or philosophy, rely on others to carry out orders. Leaders also rely upon others to inform them about what actually is going on.

In the medieval area, as an example, rulers would often travel throughout the realm. It was a way to project power — remind the local lords who was in charge — and get a first-hand view of what was going on in one province or another. (Although, it’s not to say that Potemkin villages or other subterfuge can’t be employed while the sovereign is in town.)

But, when the ruler has moved on to the next province, who remains and wields the greatest influence? Is it the local nobles, clergy, merchants, royal bureaucrats, or other groups?

Whatever the factions in the realm, are their goals and ambitions aligned with the leader’s? Or, perhaps better stated, to what degree do they differ?

FACTION v. FACTION

While not needing to be in open conflict nor utterly in lockstep, how do the factions compete or jockey for position and favor? Do they…

• Withhold or slow the flow of information?

• Overstate successes and downplay failures, or vice versa when speaking of rivals?

• Try to cast doubt about the loyalty or competence of rivals?

• Delay providing help in order to see a rival falter — all the while ensuring that the lack of help doesn’t seem too obvious?

Figuring out the factions is also a way to explore the culture of the setting. Is this a high-trust or low-trust society? Does a handshake or ink scrawled on paper or parchment have enduring meaning? Or, are leverage and blackmail the preferred ways of governance? While never an absolute, do the scales presently tip towards vice or virtue in the story you are telling?

QUESTIONS LEAD TO THE ANSWERS

When worldbuilding, it helps to consider how the various factions maintain their dominance. Do they have seniority or traditional privilege of position? Do they control critical infrastructure or have esoteric knowledge? Do they always find a way to outwit or be steps ahead of slower-moving rivals?

In the modern context, we may have a perception of bankers or hedge fund managers as being at the top of the pyramid. As a very simplified thought experiment: how does the bank faction compare to the farm, the railroad, the power plant, and the water treatment facility? How would each of these factions exert (or try to exert) influence on the others?

Depending on the circumstances, which group or groups have the most leverage?

Thought experiments are a great way to tease out the “what ifs” to create more immersive worlds — to figure out the possible tension points (drama) in a setting, and ultimately, to create the fertile ground from which characters and backstories can emerge.

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Thanks again,

Andy