Many organizations active in Pondaera aren't bound by strictures of geography. These factions pursue their agendas without regard for political boundaries, and their members operate anywhere the organization deems necessary. These groups employ listeners, rumormongers, smugglers, sellswords, cache-holders (people who guard caches of wealth or magic for use by the faction's operatives), haven keepers, and message drop minders, to name a few.
At the core of every faction are those who don't merely fulfill a small function for that organization, but who serve as its hands, head, and heart. As a prelude to your adventuring career (and in preparation for it), you served as an agent of a particular faction in Pondaera. You might have operated openly or secretly, depending on the faction and its goals, as well as how those goals mesh with your own. Becoming an adventurer doesn't necessarily require you to relinquish membership in your faction (though you can choose to do so), and it might enhance your status in the faction.
Skill Proficiencies: Insight and one Intelligence, Wisdom, or Charisma skill of your choice, as appropriate to your faction
Languages: Two of your choice
Equipment: Badge or emblem of your faction, a copy of a seminal faction text (or a code-book for a covert faction), a set of common clothes, and a pouch containing 15 gp
The lack of large, centralized governments in Pondaera is likely directly responsible for the proliferation of secret societies and hidden factions. Here are some possibilities:
Founded sometime during the reign of emperors, probably just as an informal communication network. The Harpers have become a powerful, behind-the-scenes agency, which acts to thwart evil and promote fairness through knowledge, rather than brute force. Harper agents are often proficient in Investigation, enabling them to be adept at snooping and spying. They often seek aid from other Harpers, sympathetic bards and innkeepers, rangers, and the clergy of gods that are aligned with the Harpers' ideals.
From the ancient halls of Rovina Keep the Silver Thread has served the people of Herew for millenia with a commitment to preserve the faith. Through era of darkness and abominable tyrant both, the brothers of this oldest order kept the remnant alive to reseed the love of Herew among the people when oppression lifted. Ever the champions of the Three Virtues, the Warders and Scholars preserved the sacred texts and principles of Faith, Humility and Sacrifice.
Thrity-six centuries ago, Prime Pontiff Accovia was inspired to create an order endure times of darkness and restore tradition and merit to the faithful when oppression eased.
The order’s head is the Archivist, a brother selected from among the ranks of Scholars for his exemplification of the 3 Virtues. The Archivist runs the operation of the order and makes judgments on points of law. The Archivist is also charged with the maintenance of the Archive, a secret repository of knowledge. The Archivist holds his title until his death, upon which it is passed to a newly elected Archivist.
Members of the order consider themselves the servants of all the worshippers of Herew, particularly the clergy, but the order itself is subject to none other save the Prime Pontiff himself. This allows the order to fulfill its duty in times of corruption.
Only men can become part of the Silver Thread. It is the order’s stand that the woman’s place is to enable the family to weather dark times, and the man’s to preserve tradition and virtue for the community.
Any man entering the order takes the Oath of Sacrifice. In it, he swears that he will take no wife, father no children, nor store up any wealth for himself. It is the order’s position that no man can be impartial in the protection of the future of others if he must protect his own interests first.
The order is further split into the three Virtues; Faith, Humility, and Sacrifice. Each member of the order must preserve all three, but is assigned one to focus on based on their abilities. Clergy who study text, conduct services and administer the order are called Scholars. Holy men who serve in the field as Paladins are called Warders. Typically, the title and Virtue are used together (ex. Warder of Faith, Scholar of Sacrifice).
The thread of silver represents a pure, but a durable remnant in the cloth of civilization.
Although most cities are ably defended by a City Guard or military, some threats require fewer direct solutions. The Black Bolts are an elite force of rogues, thieves, and assassins, who maintain an elaborate, but shrouded architecture. Although their numbers are small, members of this group are capable of confronting powerful foes or addressing complex situations. The official authorities are loath to call on the Black Bolts unless no other option presents itself, for they have no compunction in breaking local laws to get a job done.
To most Talhill spirits is just a very large and very extravagant wine and spirit shop in Fort Morland. It is owned by Welby Talhill who gained fame as one of the adventurers responsible for the Fall of Malfon. To supply his store he sends buyers all over Pondaera. This group is also trained in looking for all kinds of financial opportunities, legal and illicit. They operate as brokers of information and have built alliances with nearly thieves guild.
The clandestine organization known as The Cult of the Red Dragon is made up of a variety of races, and is one of the most infamous organizations linked to the rise and rebirth of Malefon. It is led by generals who claim to be in contact with Malefon, with agendas always geared toward the service of the great dragon. For a relatively new faction, with twisted ideals, the group has grown quickly.
As a faction agent, you have access to a secret network of supporters and operatives who can provide assistance on your adventures. You know a set of secret signs and passwords you can use to identify such operatives, who can provide you with access to a hidden safe house, free room and board, or assistance in finding information. These agents never risk their lives for you or risk revealing their true identities.
Use the tables for the Acolyte background in the Player's Handbook as the basis for your traits and motivations, modifying the entries when appropriate to suit your identity as a faction agent. (For instance, consider the words "faith" and "faction" to be interchangeable.) Your bond might be associated with other members of your faction, or a location or an object that is important to your faction. The ideal you strive for is probably in keeping with the tenets and principles of your faction, but might be more personal in nature.