Traits

Traits are the properties of factions that distinguish them from each other in ways beyond appearance. Each of the core factions has a specific set of Traits to go with it, but it is also possible to create custom factions based on the traits of the core ones, as well as a number of traits that don't appear in the core factions. When making a custom faction, 80 points are available to purchase traits with; different traits have different costs depending on their potency, and some negative traits have a negative trait value, allowing for the purchase of more positive traits than would normally be available.

While most of the traits in the faction editor are available in any situation, there are some that have specific restrictions or prerequisites. If a trait has any prerequisites it will be mentioned in under the trait's effects as there are only a few that have prerequisites, but traits with restrictions are far more common and varied, and so those restrictions will not be specified. In general, it is impossible to take two traits that contradict each other. For example, a custom faction cannot have the Fast Travelers trait, which increases unit movement speed, and the Slow Travelers trait, which decreases movement speed, at the same time, as they would simply cancel each other out. A less obvious example is that a faction with the Diplomatic Pressure trait is unable to also have the Pitiless trait, as the inability to be in a state of peace or alliance from the Pitiless trait would contradict the ability to force peace or alliance from the Diplomatic Pressure trait. An extension of this is that a faction with the Appetite for Dust trait cannot take any traits involving Food, and a faction with the Science Phobic trait cannot take any traits involving Science.

Aside from the Affinities, all traits will be shown with the core faction that they came from. If instead a trait is labeled as "custom", then it is a trait that does not appear in any of the core factions, but is available for use in creating custom factions. Some of these custom-specific traits also have 2 or more "levels", each of increasing intensity. For these kinds of traits, you must have level 1 of the trait to select level 2, and must have level 2 to select level 3 if there is one. The trait of higher level will replace the lower level one. Generally, upgrading one of these traits from level 1 to level 2 will double the effect and the cost, and upgrading from level 2 to level 3 will increase both by the same amount. For example, Businessmen 1 costs 8 points and gives +10% on Cities, Businessmen 2 costs 16 and gives +20%, Businessmen 3 costs 24 and gives +30%.

Affinity

Affinities are the "core" trait of the faction. They are what the faction is built around, and each one comes with the visual style, units, effects during a Dust Eclipse, and main quest of the faction it's from attached. For example, taking The Sharing trait comes with the visuals, units, Dust Eclipse effect, and main quest of the Wild Walkers, and there is no way to change this. As such, the affinities are going to be organized by which faction they come from, and have the associated units, Dust Eclipse effect, and quest attached to them.

Wild Walkers

Name	Type	Cost	Effects	Lore
The Sharing	Affinity	15	Provides the ability to detect opponents' armies in your empire and the adjacent regions, which will be displayed in the form of an exclamation mark.	Formed through ancient bonds with the beasts of Auriga, heightened senses tell when predators or prey are close.
Wild Walkers Main Quest	Main Quest		Main Quest	The forest has long been your home, but its wild spirits threaten to drown you. You believe that your future lies elsewhere, in great living towers you can build to reach the heavens. But not all share this vision...
Dust Divination	Dust Eclipse Effect		During Eclipses, sharing ability is active on all regions of the map and movement through forest cost 0.5 instead of 2	With greatly heightened senses during Dust Eclipses, Wild Walkers are carefully attuned to Auriga's other inhabitants, granting them the capacity to meet the enemy head-on.
Dekari Ranger	Unit Model		Starting Unit
Agache Shaman	Unit Model		Available to unlock via research in Era I
Tenei Walker	Unit Model		Available to unlock via research in Era II

Broken Lords

Name	Type	Cost	Effects	Lore
Appetite for Dust	Affinity	10	Cannot see/gather/use Can use to create Cannot use HP Regeneration Can use to heal units	Living things - whether or not they have bodies - require an energy source. In this case, it is only Dust.
Broken Lords Main Quest	Main Quest		Main Quest	Your people cleave to the ideals of honor and chivalry, even as they discover cruel and vampiric ways to sustain themselves. They very soul of your nation hangs in the balance as you carve the future of the Lords of the Amber Plains.
Soul Burn	Dust Eclipse Effect		During eclipses units and heroes gain a new army action, Soul Burn, that greatly boosts their attack at the expense of their health.	With Dust already writing beneath their great suits of armor, it is no surprise that Dust Eclipses can have such great impacts on the Broken Lords' armies.
Stalwarts	Unit Model		Starting Unit
Ryder	Unit Model		Available to unlock via research in Era I
Dust Bishop	Unit Model		Available to unlock via research in Era II

Vaulters

Name	Type	Cost	Effects	Lore
Holy Resource	Affinity	25	Provides the ability to define a Strategic Resource as a Holy Resource which can be used as a booster When the booster is activated, it gives: Teleportation (between Cities) +200% Holy Resource per turn during Winter	In the workings of the Great Orrery that is the universe, your people value and exploit one Strategic Resource above all others. Once it has been selected and collected, you gain powerful new abilities.
Vaulters Main Quest	Main Quest		Main Quest	Your legends speak of places and things that you do not see on the world of Auriga. It is time to learn more about your planet and your past and, in this way, preserve your future.
Teleportation Finesse	Dust Eclipse Effect		During eclipses, while the holy resource boost is active, Vaulters can teleport units directly to any army with an assigned hero in the field.	Powerful currents of Dust in the air during Dust Eclipses greatly enhance the accuracy of Vaulter teleportation, allowing more target destinations.
Marine	Unit Model		Starting Unit
Dawn Officer	Unit Model		Available to unlock via research in Era I
Titan	Unit Model		Available to unlock via research in Era II

Necrophages

Name	Type	Cost	Effects	Lore
Recycling	Affinity	15	+1 Cadaver per any unit killed in battle (unless defeat) +1 Recycled Stockpile per 8 Cadavers	It is important that nothing goes to waste.
Necrophages Main Quest	Main Quest		Main Quest	Many species run rampant on Auriga, but only the Necrophages are truly of the planet. The others are thieves and trespassers; the others must die...
Rising Dead	Dust Eclipse Effect		During eclipses, recycled stockpiles also create a Battle Born in the target city in addition to the food bonus	When Dust Eclipses descend on Auriga, animating forces bring to life some corpses of the Necrophages' great heaps of flesh, creating not-so-fresh recruits.
Forager	Unit Model		Starting Unit
Necrodrone	Unit Model		Available to unlock via research in Era I
Proliferator	Unit Model		Available to unlock via research in Era II

Ardent Mages

Name	Type	Cost	Effects	Lore
Power Through Pain	Affinity	10	Can choose Arcana Pillars and Spells at a lower cost in Trait Points The cost of Arcana Technologies is reduced from 10 to 6 points The cost of Arcana-Enhancing Technologies is reduced from 10 to 4 points	Ardent Mages can more easily manipulate the magic properties of Dust, changing them into powerful spellcasters.
Ardent Mages Main Quest	Main Quest		Main Quest	While many of your people have grown slovenly and soft, the rigors of survival and study have kept you and your clan strong. But now your brother has been killed, and the signs lead in many confusing directions. It will require all the strength you have, and all the pain you can sustain, to solve the mystery and secure the future of the Ardent Mages.
Rising Fire	Dust Eclipse Effect		During eclipses units with low health enjoy bonus damage as well as attack from Ardent Fire	Building off pain rituals, during Dust Eclipses injured Ardent Mages find themselves driven into violent rages that make them extra dangerous fighters.
Telsem Warlock	Unit Model		Starting Unit
Ateshi Zealot	Unit Model		Available to unlock via research in Era I
Eneqa Wing	Unit Model		Available to unlock via research in Era II

Roving Clans

Name	Type	Cost	Effects	Lore
Nomadic Cities	Affinity	15	Can relocate Cities and Ground Districts at will	By gaining full control of the giant scarabs upon whose backs many tents of the great caravan cities rest, the Roving Clans move their settlements at will.
Roving Clans Main Quest	Main Quest		Main Quest	Is Dust the goal of life, or merely the best way to keep score? Whichever it is, you are ceaseless in your efforts to understand and acquire it. What better way than to dig into the secrets of the past, and those who first mastered it? The task will be difficult, requiring effort and sacrifice. But then, if it was easy, it would hardly be fun...
Setseke Infusion	Dust Eclipse Effect		During eclipses, provides 20% more health regeneration on units standing on city tiles, and massively buffs Setseke attributes	Setsekes, the giant scarabs that underpin the Clans culture, become invigorated during Dust Eclipses leading to even greater reverence for their powers.
Dervish	Unit Model		Starting Unit
Kassai	Unit Model		Available to unlock via research in Era I
Yirmak	Unit Model		Available to unlock via research in Era II

Drakken

Name	Type	Cost	Effects	Lore
Diplomatic Pressure	Affinity	25	Gives the Empire the ability to force Truce, Peace, or Alliance on a targeted Empire.	Masters of statecraft, this people can force Peace, Truce, or even and Alliance on other players due to their wisdom, persuasion, and prestige.
Drakken Main Quest	Main Quest		Main Quest	Cherishing your role as the protectors of Auriga, the many troubling changes in your world force the Drakken out of their isolation as they seek to learn. As you explore and discover new peoples and new problems, you are challenged as well to discover the roots of your own race and its ancient, honorable duty.
Mystical Words	Dust Eclipse Effect		-50% Influence cost of diplomatic declaration on empire during Dust Eclipse -50% Influence cost of diplomatic treaty on empire during Dust Eclipse	With the general confusion and bouts of arcane mysticism that Dust Eclipses bring, unruffled Drakken diplomats are more effective during negotiations at this time.
Drakkenling	Unit Model		Starting Unit
Wyvern	Unit Model		Available to unlock via research in Era I
Ancient	Unit Model		Available to unlock via research in Era II

Cultists

Name	Type	Cost	Effects	Lore
High Seat of the Queen	Affinity	-10	No Settler production +1 District level cap	Constructed around a single city that is their religious center, this faction creates no new cities and therefore cannot produce Settlers. However, their city center can be built up to a higher level than any other faction, becoming an impressive and powerful metropolis from which all of Auriga could be ruled.
Cultists Main Quest	Main Quest		Main Quest	You bring these lesser beings up to a state of wisdom and power that they can barely comprehend; such is the nature of your purpose. Seen through the eyes of one of these lesser followers, however, the path is anything but straight, and their grim determination is richly rewarded. When they survive, of course.
Worshippers Frenzy	Dust Eclipse Effect		+10% Attack per city center level on minor faction units during Dust Eclipse +10% Damage per city center level on minor faction units during Dust Eclipse +10% Defense per city center level on minor faction units during Dust Eclipse +10% Life per city center level on minor faction units during Dust Eclipse	Leveraging the feelings of fanaticism that Dust Eclipses instill in Auriga's lesser races, Cultists preach that they are a sign from the Queen.
Preacher	Unit Model		Starting Unit
Fanatic	Unit Model		Available to unlock via research in Era I
Nameless Guard	Unit Model		Available to unlock via research in Era II

Forgotten

Name	Type	Cost	Effects	Lore
Science Phobic	Affinity	-10	Cannot see/gather/use No Research No gain from Trade Routes Technologies can be bought out with Dust	Mistrustful of scientists and their mad passions, this faction cannot exploit Science, but instead purchases Technologies with Dust.
Forgotten Main Quest	Main Quest		Main Quest	Frustrated by the insularity - and perhaps cowardice - of your people, you and two allies decided to leave and forge your own destiny. But your journey barely started before disaster struck, and your mission has turned to one of bloody revenge.
Dust Opportunists	Dust Eclipse Effect		During eclipses, infiltrated Forgotten spies gain the Dust Opportunists infiltration action	Taking advantage of Dust's magical propensity to literally drift out of imperial coffers during Eclipses, infiltrated Forgotten spies can potentially steal small fortunes during the long twilight night.
Assassin	Unit Model		Starting Unit
Predatore	Unit Model		Available to unlock via research in Era I
Myst	Unit Model		Available to unlock via research in Era II

Allayi

Name	Type	Cost	Effects	Lore
Shifting	Affinity	20	Allows to adopt a Light or Dark form	Deeply connected to the moods of Auriga, the faction undergoes changes to its abilities as the seasons change.
Allayi Main Quest	Main Quest		Main Quest	After centuries in hiding, it is time to rebuild the Allayi civilization. You must preserve your world and your goddess, Mother Auriga, and unlock the mystery of Her enigmatic Pearls that burst forth in the Dark Season. The destinies of your nation and your planet are intertwined; let us hope that you can save them both...
Call of Auriga	Dust Eclipse Effect		+2 on units during Dust Eclipse +1 Action points during Dust Eclipse	Responding to Auriga's apparent distress, the Allayi are moved to great feats of endurance during Dust Eclipses.
Seeker	Unit Model		Starting Unit
Skyfin	Unit Model		Available to unlock via research in Era I
Monk	Unit Model		Available to unlock via research in Era II

Morgawr

Name	Type	Cost	Effects	Lore
Neptuniaun	Affinity	5	Free embark/disembark Improves transport ships unlocked by the shipyard technology	Only trusting the waters, this faction has faster, stronger transports and can disembark and embark anywhere.
Morgawr Main Quest	Main Quest		Main Quest	Morgawr awoke in a lab without a sense of the past. An entity that is a single mind of many bodies, Morgawr has a powerful compulsion to dominate and control the minds of others in order to achieve their ultimate intent. But there are many questions that it would like to answer. Who are I? Where do I come from? What are all these strange, one-minded beings who get in our way? Why are I driven to do what I do, and how will I know that I have succeeded?
Riders of the Wild Winds	Dust Eclipse Effect		+4 Movement on water on units during dust eclipse	As natural seafarers, the Morgawr are the only faction able to take advantage of the high winds and rough seas that characterize the oceans during Dust Eclipses.
Mastermind	Unit Model		Starting Unit
Vore	Unit Model		Available to unlock via research in Era I
Leviathan	Unit Model		Available to unlock via research in Era II

Kapaku

Name	Type	Cost	Effects	Lore
Born of Ash	Affinity	20	Can only see/gather/use on Volcanic terrains Armies have health regen on volcanic terrains Kapaku units and heroes gain bonus stats on volcanic terrains	Hailing from a world of rock and fire, the Kapaku feed exclusively on ash and minerals that Otherskins would find inedible, and their armies thrive in the volcanic regions that would wear down other factions.
Kapaku Main Quest	Main Quest		Main Quest	After the destruction of their homeworld by the machines - terraforming robots of the Virtual Endless - the Concrete endless brought the Kapaku, to Auriga, promising them a world that they could transform into another fiery Eden. When the Kapaku discover Auriga is not the empty world their saviors led them to believe, Custodian Aktyl begins to wonder what secrets this new world holds...
Shaman's Knowledge	Dust Eclipse Effect		During eclipses, Kapaku shamans can locate confluxes in their own and explored neighboring regions, and enjoy increased effects from these confluxes.	Already well-attuned to earthen energies, Kapaku shamans gain near supernatural powers of insight at times of Dust Eclipse.
Stone Sentinel	Unit Model		Starting Unit
Geomancer	Unit Model		Available to unlock via research in Era I
Golem Rider	Unit Model		Available to unlock via research in Era II

Mykara

Name	Type	Cost	Effects	Lore
Creeping Presence	Affinity	25	Single City No Settler Production Can create Fungal Blooms on Points of Interest in owned and neutral regions, exploiting the tile while granting: Extractors on Resource deposits Watchtowers on Foundations Assimilation access on pacified Minor Faction Villages out of territory Tunnel entrances on Temple and Unspoiled Ruins, allowing fast travel between ruins Fungal Bloom creation consumes Food from the main city, for a few turns.	With mycelial webs spread throughout the underground, tendrils can easily exploit undefended sites across Auriga.
Mykara Main Quest	Main Quest		Main Quest	A Vaulter leader, saved by the Mykara after the slaughter of her people, slowly comes to terms with her new existence - and the strange symbiosis between the Mykara and the Urkans.
Twilight Flourish	Dust Eclipse Effect		During Eclipses, you can swiftly deploy Fungal Blooms using Dust	With Dust in the air during Aurigan Eclipses, it becomes possible to accelerate tendril growth, resulting in much faster deployment of mycelial outgrowths
Ipotane	Unit Model		Starting Unit
Gorgon	Unit Model		Available to unlock via research in Era I
Shambler	Unit Model		Available to unlock via research in Era II

Diplomacy

Traits which offer diplomatic (dis)advantages. Includes traits affecting Diplomacy with other Empires, Empire Plans, the Marketplace, and relations with Minor Factions.

Name	Faction	Cost	Effects	Lore
Advanced Diarchy	Drakken	5	Empire Plans are unlocked 1 Era earlier	Experienced at the necessary negotiation and discussion that takes place within a government, this factions can more rapidly put complex Empire Plans into motion.
Cuts Both Ways	Roving Clans	10	Receives 8% of every transaction fee paid by other Empires	Whether another empire buys or sells, the Roving Clans traders will always take a slice of the transaction.
Insider Trading	Roving Clans	5	Additional information on the Marketplace use	In exchange for small "donations", traders in the Roving Clans' marketplaces will give up information on who's buying and selling.
Keys to the Market	Roving Clans	10	Can use the Market Ban option Prevents to be the target of a Market Ban	Another empire getting too big for their boots? Perhaps we should ban them from the market and see how they fare then!
Make Trade Not War	Roving Clans	-10	Cannot declare War	The Roving Clans believe that warfare is only for desperate fools; they do not view it as a viable option.
Mercurial Diplomats	Allayi	5	-25% Influence cost of Diplomatic Declaration on Empire during Winter -25% Influence cost of Diplomatic Treaty on Empire during Summer	The faction cannot help that their psychology, moods, and actions are strongly affected by the extreme seasons of Auriga.
Naïve 1/2	Custom	5/10	+4/+8 per Peace on Cities +4/+8 per Alliance on Cities	Increases City Approval for each empire that is friendly (alliance or at peace).
Peace and Prosperity	Roving Clans	10	Commercial and Research agreements are free	Once a peace treaty has been signed, Roving Clans can enjoy Commercial and Research agreements with their newfound partners for free.
Pitiless	Necrophages	-10	No Peace/Alliance No Diplomatic Technologies No Bribe and Talk Technologies	One does not debate with one's next meal.
Seeds of Dissent	Morgawr	10	Can make pacified villages hostile again	Seemingly content and pacified Minor Faction villages in neutral regions can be instigated to rise up and cause trouble.
The Black Spot	Morgawr	10	Unlocks the Diplomatic Declaration "The Black Spot"	Cursing a selected Major Faction with the Black Spot gives any empire that destroys units of that cursed empire extra Dust.
Well Connected	Drakken	15	Gives the Empire the knowledge of the starting points of every player	Being an ancient race with ties to all other peoples of Auriga, this empire knows the location of every race's capital.

Economy

Traits which offer economic (dis)advantages. Includes traits affecting FIDSI from terrain and Cities, City construction, Strategic and Luxury Resources, Trade Routes, and a few other miscellaneous traits.

Name	Faction	Cost	Effects	Lore
Agriculturally Challenged	Necrophages	-10	-1 on terrain with Food	Poor planning and mediocre tools lead to substandard yields and quality for food production.
Brace Yourself	Roving Clans	-5	+50% on City upkeep during Winter -25% Trade Route Bonus on City Trade Routes during Winter +15% Trade Route Bonus on City Trade Routes during Summer	When the ice and snow come, caravan movement is slowed and the tents of the Roving Clans are exposed to frigid winds. It is a difficult time; Trade route revenue drops and it is more expensive to maintain cities.
Breath of Auriga	Allayi	10	-100% Margin of error for season predictability on Empire	In harmony with the planet, the faction knows precisely when the next Dark Season will occur.
Businessmen 1/2/3	Custom	8/16/24	+10/20/30% on Cities	Generates additional Dust per City.
Cellulose Mutation	Necrophages	25	Decreases the cost of a district	A natural outgrowth of highly specialized evolution, some workers are able to excrete a semi-solid that dries into tough, fibrous material. This material, cheap and abundant, is used to speed the construction of city buildings.
Cull the Herd	Necrophages	10	+2 per per village	There are many different ways to pay taxes...
Dust Archaeology 1/2	Custom	2/4	+20/40 at start	Increases the starting Dust amount.
Dust Efficient	Broken Lords	25	+1 on terrain with Dust	Sensitive to Dust and attuned to its properties, it is easier to find and collect this magical substance.
Dust Inefficient	Custom	-10	-1 on terrain with Dust	Decreases the Dust effects from terrain.
Dust Starved 1/2	Custom	-1/2	-15/35 at start	Decreases the starting Dust amount.
Endless Excavation	Drakken	10	+2 on terrain with ruins +3 on terrain with ruins	Hereditary keepers of Endless artifacts and knowledge, no other peoples are so adept at unearthing secrets and mysteries from ancient sites.
Endless Fascination	Kapaku	5	Science received on successful ruin search +2 on terrain with ruins	An obsession with the Endless and all their magical-esque technology heightens natural inquisitiveness in Auriag's ruins.
Entrepreneur	Custom	20	+1 per on cities	Generates additional Dust per Worker on each City.
Food Efficient	Custom	25	+1 on terrain with Food	Increases the Food effects from terrain.
Glassteel Legacy	Custom	10	+15 at start	Starts with a little amount of Glassteel.
Goods of Auriga	Custom	15	+1 Resource on Luxury Resource extractor	Enhances the production of Luxury resources.
Hydrophilic	Morgawr	15	+2 on terrain with Sea or Lake +2 on terrain with Sea or Lake +1 on terrain with River +1 on terrain with River	Driven by a fear of drying out and turning to lowly dust, this faction is most productive close to water.
Industry Efficient	Custom	30	+1 on terrain with Industry	Increases the Industry effects from terrain.
Industry Inefficient	Custom	-10	-1 on terrain with Industry	Decreases the Industry effects from terrain.
Inefficient Extraction	Mykara	-10	-50% Resource on Strategic Resource Extractor -50% Resource on Luxury Resource Extractor	Although able to extract resources from the earth, production is halved compared to usual extractors.
Knack for Knowledge	Vaulters	20	+1 on terrain with Science	A people used to hardship and penury manage to get more out of whatever they have on hand.
Landscapist	Custom	15	+2 on terrain with Anomaly +3 on terrain with Anomaly +3 on terrain with Anomaly	Gives additional , and to terrain anomalies.
Living Towns	Wild Walkers	25	+1 on terrain with Forest during Summer	Wild Walkers' craft was to grow rocks and trees into great buildings, creating living towns of green towers within the green forests.
Merchants 1/2	Custom	8/16	+1/2 Trade routes max on Cities	Creates additional Trade routes per City.
Organic Industry	Mykara	15	Gives a bonus of Industry production equal to 10% of the Food production of the main city.	With Mykaran foodstuff a living, symbioltically-entwined part of the fabric of the nexus, the fungal species can leverage the fruits of these gardens into industrial production.
Overgrown Cities	Mykara	10	Captured cities become overgrown, initiating a period of symbiosis. Once completed, symbiosis grants a unique trait, different for each faction. Overgrown cities only grant the output from tiles to the main city, while any further development is impossible.	The Mykara seek new races in order to evolve through symbiosis, capturing cities in a unique manner. Enmeshed in a web of mycelial tendrils, cities' further development is arrested but limited resources are still channeled back to the nexus.
Science Inefficient	Custom	-10	-1 on terrain with Science	Decreases the Science effects from terrain.
Sea Traders	Morgawr	5	Some technologies are modified: Era II technology "Imperial Highways" cannot be researched Era III technology "Cargo Docks" is moved to Era II	Masters and mistresses of the seas in all their forms, the faction will not trade on land. Trade on the sea provides Dust and Science bonuses.
Spendthrifts 1/2/3	Custom	-5/10/15	-10/20/30% on Cities	Generates less Dust per City.
Stargazers	Kapaku	10	In summer, upcoming dust eclipses are always predicted	Auriga's pattern of Dust Eclipses was well understood by the Concrete Endless, predicated on the chaotic interaction of the moons.
Surreptitious Skills	Custom	5	-50% Infiltration cost on Empire	Lowers cost of Infiltration actions.
Titanium Legacy	Custom	10	+15 at start	Starts with a little amount of Titanium.
Veins of Auriga	Vaulters	15	+1 Resource on strategic resource extractor	Skilled at working the ores that run like blood vessels through the rocks of Auriga, the faction is highly efficient at extracting Strategic Resources.
Volcanoformation	Kapaku	15	Units have a special army action allowing the use of the Volcanoforming Device	Utilize Strategic Resources to create machines that will change any terrain into a Volcanic one.
We Chosen Few	Allayi	-15	+150% Expansion Disapproval generation on Cities +100% ownership recovery rate on Cities +100% Growth required per Population on Empire	A close-knit and insular faction, they have fewer offspring and prefer to keep them close to home.
Weapons of the Enemy	Cultists	15	A captured City is immediately razed +1 Industry stockpile per when a City is razed	Disgusted by the destruction of the Endless's civil war, leaders of the Cult insist that enemy cities, when taken, be turned into usable resources for the Cult rather than simply burned to the ground.
Westward Ho!	Custom	15	-50% Expansion Disapproval Generation on Cities	Reduces Approval penalties caused by empire expansion.
Who Can Do More Can Do Less	Custom	10	+20% Research cost reduction in past eras	Reduces Research cost for Technologies of previous Eras.

Military

Traits which offer military (dis)advantages. Includes traits affecting Unit Attributes, City Fortification, Army Actions, and a few other miscellaneous traits.

Name	Faction	Cost	Effects	Lore
Anarchists 1/2	Custom	-6/15	-1/2 Army Unit slot(s) on Empire -1/2 Garrison Unit slot(s) on Empire	Decreases the size of Armies and Garrisons.
Battlefield Symbiosis	Allayi	5	+15% per Morale on Units	Uneasy with other peoples, the faction feels most confident and courageous when surrounded by their own.
Big Armies 1/2	Custom	10/25	+1/2 Army Unit slot(s) on Empire +1/2 Garrison Unit slot(s) on Empire	Increase the size of Armies and Garrisons.
Catspaw	Morgawr	10	Can take control of roaming armies or fleets Can identify other empire's privateers or armies controlled by "Cat's Paw"	Masters of mind control and suggestion, roaming Minor Faction armies can be controlled by the faction for their own nefarious purposes.
Dreams of Glory	Custom	5	+50% Settler cost reduction on Cities	Reduces production cost of new Settler units.
Expert Forager	Forgotten	10	Gains loot when destroying a neutral village	Even the simplest habitats have valuable scraps - stones, cloth, metal objects, holy symbols. In the hands of the Forgotten, accustomed to surviving in the harshest conditions, these things can be transformed into objects that fetch a good price.
Fast Epimorphosis	Necrophages	10	+5% Health Regen on Empire	Extremes of evolution and environment can teach advanced organisms the secrets of rapid regeneration.
Fast Travelers 1/2	Custom	10/25	+1/2 on Units	Gives a Movement bonus to Units.
Fragile Health 1/2	Custom	-5/10	-15/30% Life on Units	Gives a Health penalty to Units.
Knowledge Seeker	Forgotten	10	Can perform the Infiltration action "Technology Copy" instead of "Decrease Science Production"	Trained in the arts of study and observation, a key value of Forgotten spies is stealing technology and scientific secrets from their enemies. Disdainful of the scientific process, they appreciate its results.
Mercenary Comforts	Roving Clans	20	-33% on Upkeep of privateers Does not apply to mercenaries spawned by converted villages x2 Life on Mercenary +1 on Mercenary	By furnishing their sellswords with opulent digs, mouth-watering delicacies, and extra coin, Roving Clan mercenaries are that little bit extra motivated to perform.
Meticulous Analysis	Custom	3/6	+1/2 Vision on Units	Gives a Vision Range bonus to Units.
Offense First	Custom	10	+20% Attack on Units	Improves the attack of the units.
Offense Last	Custom	-5	-20% Attack on Units	Reduces the attack of the units.
Optimal Defense	Custom	10	+20% Defense on Units.	Improves the defense of the units.
Organic Defense	Mykara	15	+20 Fortification Recovery per turn on Cities	With the very fabric of the city made from mycelial webs, defenses are stronger than the brittle nature of rock and clay, and additionally enjoy the ability to self-repair after damage.
Practiced Pillage	Forgotten	5	+2 Fortification damage per turn on units -1 on Military upkeep	From the youngest age Forgotten children learn to survive on hardship and extract every scrap from their environment. It is no surprise that as grown-ups they are exceptionally effective at pillaging.
Rest and Relaxation	Custom	3	+20% Health regen on cities	Speeds regeneration of Unit health in city Garrisons.
Slow Travelers 1/2	Custom	-6/15	-1/2 on Units	Gives a Movement penalty to Units.
Walls of Faith	Cultists	10	+100 Fortification on main City +1 Max unit slots on militia	With the zeal of fanatics, all soldiers and civilians are prepared to throw their lives down defending their city.
Weak Defense	Custom	-5	-20% Defense on Units	Reduces the defense of the units.
Will of the Hive	Necrophages	5	+10% Attack per declared War on Empire	Focused on a common goal, all soldiers dedicate themselves body and soul to victory.

Starting Blessing

Traits which offer Blessings unlocked at start. All except the Garth of the Allayi are available to be unlocked from the Altar of Auriga in-game.

Name	Faction	Cost	Effects
Chapel of Auriga	Custom	10	Grants the Chapel of Auriga blessing
Garth of the Allayi	Allayi	10	Grants the Garth of the Allayi blessing
Nyctalopian Lenses	Custom	5	Grants the Nyctalopian Lenses blessing
Pearl Crafting	Custom	10	Grants the Pearl Crafting blessing
Pearl Hoarding	Custom	5	Grants the Pearl Hoarding blessing
Pearl Smithing	Custom	10	Grants the Pearl Smithing blessing

Starting Technology

Traits which offer technologies unlocked at start. All except the Arcana of Agility and Arcana of Matter are available to be unlocked via Research in-game.

Name	Faction	Cost	Effects
Advanced Alloys	Custom	10	Unlocks the Advanced Alloys Technology
Advanced Armor	Broken Lords	10	Unlocks the Advanced Armor Technology
Alchemist's Furnace	Necrophages Kapaku	10	Unlocks the Alchemist's Furnace Technology
Aquapulvistics	Morgawr	10	Unlocks the Aquapulvistics Technology
Arcana of Agility	Ardent Mages	10	Unlocks the Arcana of Agility Technology
Arcana of Matter	Ardent Mages	10	Unlocks the Arcana of Matter Technology
Cultivation	Wild Walkers	10	Unlocks the Cultivation Technology Must not have the Appetite for Dust Affinity
Diplomat's Manse	Custom	10	Unlocks the Diplomat's Manse Technology Must not have the Pitiless Trait
Empire Mint	Broken Lords Drakken	10	Unlocks the Empire Mint Technology
Imperial Coinage	Roving Clans	15	Unlocks the Imperial Coinage Technology
Language Square	Drakken Cultists	10	Unlocks the Language Square Technology Must not have the Pitiless Trait
Mercenary Market	Roving Clans	10	Unlocks the Mercenary Market Technology
Military Science	Cultists	10	Unlocks the Military Science Technology
Mill Foundry	Custom	10	Unlocks the Mill Foundry Technology
Necrodrone	Necrophages	10	Unlocks the Necrodrone Technology Must have the Recycling Affinity
Open-Pit Mine	Vaulters	10	Unlocks the Open-Pit Mine Technology
Pillage	Forgotten	10	Unlocks the Pillage Technology
Public Library	Vaulters	10	Unlocks the Public Library Technology Must not have the Science Phobic Affinity
Search Party	Forgotten Mykara	10	Unlocks the Search Party Technology
Sewer System	Wild Walkers	10	Unlocks the Sewer System Technology
Shipyard	Allayi Morgawr	15	Unlocks the Shipyard Technology
Skyfin	Allayi	10	Unlocks the Skyfin Technology Must have the Shifting Affinity
Topography	Kapaku Mykara	10	Unlocks the Topography Technology Must not have the Science Phobic Affinity

Technology

Traits which offer technologies. These technologies are not unlocked at start, and must be researched in-game, but cannot be researched without the associated trait.

Name	Faction	Cost	Effects
Arcana of Authority	Ardent Mages	10	Makes available the Faction-specific technology Arcana of Authority
Arcana of Materialization	Ardent Mages	10	Makes available the Faction-specific technology Arcana of Materializing
Arcana of Renewal	Ardent Mages	10	Makes available the Faction-specific technology Arcana of Renewal
Breaching Wave	Morgawr	10	Makes available the Faction-specific technology Breaching Wave
Cannon Fodder	Necrophages	15	Makes available the Faction-specific technology Cannon Fodder
Caudata Sanctuary	Forgotten	10	Makes available the Faction-specific technology Caudata Sanctuary
Deep Generator	Vaulters	10	Makes available the Faction-specific technology Deep Generator Must have the Holy Resource Affinity
Demanding Gods	Necrophages	10	Makes available the Faction-specific technology Demanding Gods
Dust Mechanics	Ardent Mages	10	Makes available the Faction-specific technology Dust Mechanics Must have at least one Arcana Technology
Dust Purifier	Ardent Mages	10	Makes available the Faction-specific technology Dust Purifier Must have at least one Arcana Technology
Dust Sense	Forgotten	10	Makes available the Faction-specific technology Dust Sense
Endless Recycling	Vaulters	10	Makes available the Faction-specific technology Endless Recycling Must have the Holy Resource Affinity
Golem Camp	Kapaku	10	Makes available the Faction-specific technology Golem Camp
Learn from Others	Forgotten	10	Makes available the Faction-specific technology Learn from Others
Luxury Alchemists	Allayi	5	Makes available the Faction-specific technology Luxury Alchemists
Painosphere	Ardent Mages	10	Makes available the Faction-specific technology Painosphere Must have at least one Arcana Technology
Sacrificial Amplifiers	Ardent Mages	10	Makes available the Faction-specific technology Sacrificial Amplifiers Must have at least one Arcana Technology
Siege Engineering	Kapaku	10	Makes available the Faction-specific technology Siege Engineering
Strength of the Vault	Vaulters	5	Makes available the Faction-specific technology Strength of the Vault Must have the Holy Resource Affinity
Urkan Encampment	Mykara	5	Makes available the Faction-specific technology Urkan Encampment
Urkan Politics	Mykara	5	Makes available the Faction-specific technology Urkan Politics
Way of the Woodlands	Wild Walkers	10	Makes available the Faction-specific technology Way of the Woodlands
What's Mine is Mine	Forgotten	5	Makes available the Faction-specific technology What's Mine is Mine

Various

Unsorted traits. These are traits that, for some reason or another, were not sorted into one of the other categories by the developers.

Name	Faction	Cost	Effects	Lore
A Song of Ice, Only Ice	Custom	10	+2 on Units during winter Immunity to the movement reduction due to Winter on Empire	The faction has discovered Dust-based stimulants that radically speed metabolism and burn the body's caloric energy. They would cause death by hyperthermia in summer; for this reason they are only usable during the Dark Season.
Conversion	Cultists	40	Can convert pacified Villages Converted villages: Are lost to their original owner Give all advantages of pacified villages to the main City of the new owner, no matter their location Will exploit FIDS on their tile and the 6 tiles around for the main city of the new owner Will leech Strategic and Luxury Resources (with the adequate technologies) Regularly spawn a mercenary unit (cannot be retrofit) for the new owner Will increase by 10 the upkeep of the main city and by 20% the Influence cost of each tier of the empire plan	Knowledge of the rites of the Cultists - and a fanatic belief in the Queen's purpose - permits the conversion of Pacified villages.
Pearl Sensitive	Allayi	15	Displays Pearl cluster locations on explored tiles Pearls received on ruin search	The faction's attunement to Auriga permits them to see the locations of her Pearls, wherever they may be.