Every Ascended Factions Of Sigil In DnD: Planescape, Explained

In the vast multiverse of Dungeons & Dragons, the city of Sigil stands as a nexus of power, constantly being reshaped by belief and cosmic truths. And Sigil’s factions—organized groups of like-minded philosophers—hold all the power in this city, controlling all sociopolitical affairs and production.

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Among them, the Ascendant Factions—currently twelve strong—hold the strongest influence. Whether you’re looking to DM a campaign set in Sigil or crafting a character for a Planescape adventure, we’ve got you covered! Dive in as we break down each faction’s roles and influences and how to utilize them in your campaign.

Who Are The Ascended Factions

In Sigil’s labyrinthine sociopolitics, the Ascendant Factions stand as its cornerstones of power.

Each spearheaded by a leader called a ‘Factol,’ these twelve influential groups fundamentally sculpt life within the City of Doors. From challenging divine existence to relentlessly pursuing justice, the members of each Ascendant Faction unite under a shared banner of beliefs and values.

Their roles vary, from orchestrating grand feasts and providing publicly accessible healing to enforcing the law and controlling the city’s armory.

Veterans of Planescape from AD&D might notice that some factions have changed. This is largely due to city events and inter-faction disputes, and of course, none are safe from the inscrutable will of the Lady of Pain, Sigil’s god-like ruler—not even the Ascendant Factions. As a result, some factions have been decimated or assimilated entirely into others.

Whether you’re a Sigil native or a visitor passing through, you’ll need to learn the ins-and-outs of faction politics to avoid finding yourself in the Prison, dead at the hands of the Harmonium, or worse.

Sigil’s Ascendant Factions, At A Glance

Athar

The Athar challenge the authenticity of gods, viewing them as mere mortals taking credit for the power of some unknowable greater being.

They suspect there might be true deities but believe these entities are immeasurable. The Athar’s main aim is to uncover the mysteries of the multiverse and this “ultimate” divine source of power.

Led by Factol Terrance, who reveres this “Greater Unknown” believed to be the true divine source, the Athar focuses on guiding former religious devotees towards what they deem to be the truth.

In Sigil

They make their headquarters at the Shattered Temple, once dedicated to the fallen god Aoskar. The Athar runs an intricate spy network that monitors Sigil’s religious institutions, intervening or alerting other factions when any one religious movement starts gaining too much power.

In A Campaign

In a D&D campaign set in Sigil, players might cross paths with the Athar while investigating religious mysteries or encountering disillusioned former worshipers.

If your party comprises religious characters like clerics and paladins, they may attract the faction’s attention (and distaste) due to their own divine affiliations.

The Bleak Cabal

The Bleak Cabal asserts that the multiverse lacks inherent meaning or purpose.

Despite (and because of) this seeming nihilism, they find solace in creating their own purpose by aiding others. They believe that with the multiverse being indifferent and chaotic, it falls upon them to bring kindness and relief to its inhabitants.

Factol Lhar spearheads efforts to provide aid and relief to Sigil’s often-suffering citizens with initiatives like free community kitchens.

Role In Sigil

Their stronghold is the Gatehouse, which serves as a sanctuary and hospital. Here, they treat those tormented by planar anomalies and provide refuge to any in distress. Many Bleakers dedicate themselves to aiding those mentally and physically scarred by the dangers of the Outer Planes.

In A Campaign

In a D&D campaign set in Sigil, players might seek the Bleakers for healing from planar afflictions. They could also be drawn into the political drama of Sigil, as the Bleak Cabal’s charitable activities can rub certain factions the wrong way.

The Doomguard

The Doomguard embraces the inevitable end of the multiverse, viewing all existence as destined for decay and destruction.

They believe that though entropy cannot be rushed and will come to fruition in its own time, each act of creation inevitably stems from destruction of some form.

Factol Pentar is a fearless leader who often finds herself tussling with the law-enforcing Harmonium.

Role In Sigil

Operating from the Armory, the Doomguard oversees the majority of Sigil’s weapons production and trade. This gives them significant sway in Sigil’s politics.

In A Campaign

In a D&D campaign set in Sigil, players may interact with the Doomguard when trying to procure weapons. They might also be thrust into the midst of their ongoing tussles with factions like the Harmonium.

Fated

The Fated believes that the multiverse belongs to those strong enough to take whatever they want from it.

They argue that individuals are responsible for seizing their own power and earning their own happiness, scoffing at notions of fate and divine will. Naturally, they are often perceived as cold and selfish, and their assistance almost always comes with strings attached.

Factol Rowan Darkwood freely utilizes his control over Sigil’s financial infrastructure to generously reward those that can provide him with intel over rival factions.

Role In Sigil

Operating from the Hall of Records, the Fated serve as Sigil’s tax collectors. Their uncompromising and brutal approach to debt collection and property seizure often makes them feared and disliked in the city.

In A Campaign

In a D&D campaign set in Sigil, players might encounter the Fated when dealing with finances or seeking information. They might become embroiled in the faction’s power plays or find themselves needing to negotiate with the Takers for money, crucial resources, or information.

The Fraternity of Order

The Guvners seek truth through understanding the multiverse’s underlying laws.

They believe that laws epitomize power; thus, knowledge about these laws grants one ultimate authority.

In the eyes of the Fraternity, laws are categorized into three tiers. The basic tier consists of Rules—laws governing humanoid behavior. Above this are the Laws, encompassing natural laws and divine edicts. At the pinnacle are the Axioms, vast laws that grant the gods their might. Mastery of all Axioms theoretically grants control over the entire multiverse.

Factol Hashkar is the chief authority in Sigil’s judiciary system. An expert in laws, his understanding of at least one Axiom is believed to be the source of his potent magical powers.

Role In Sigil

The Guvners are tasked with examining, studying, and passing judgment based on the city’s laws. They also keep meticulous documentation about portals and keys in Sigil.

In A Campaign

In a D&D campaign set in Sigil, players could interact with the Guvners when dealing with legal matters or seeking knowledge about the city’s countless portals. The detailed records and vast information held by this faction could either aid or obstruct the players in their quests to establish a foothold in Sigil.

Hands of Havoc

The Hands of Havoc symbolize rebellion and renewal.

As passionate advocates for change, they target outdated and oppressive institutions and infrastructures, tearing them down to make way for newer and more modern replacements. They have a deep-seated aversion to strict laws and bureaucracies that they view as more self-serving than public-serving.

Wreakers refuse to crown a permanent leader, and the title of Factol is a fleeting mantle, transferred frequently among members.

Their fervor for freedom and self-expression has been the foundation for many of Sigil’s artistic, literary, and musical movements.

Role In Sigil

Fittingly, the Hands of Havoc shun any formal designation in Sigil. They can sometimes be found infiltrating other factions to spy on and take down any institutions that become too powerful or complacent.

In A Campaign

In a D&D campaign set in Sigil, players might encounter the Hands when rallying against oppressive forces or exploring the city’s artistic scene. The faction’s guerilla-style operations and ever-changing leadership might make them unpredictable allies or foes.

Harmonium

The Harmonium believes in a black-and-white dichotomy between peace and war.

For them, true peace, an ideal multiversal state, can only flourish when there are no disagreements. As such, they are committed to eliminating all conflict and upholding the peace of the city and are willing to take increasingly drastic measures to do so.

Factol Sarin has a reputation as a tough, dignified, and honorable guard captain who takes a personal interest in all new recruits.

Role In Sigil

Hardheads engage in rigorous training, patrol the city to apprehend law-breakers, and diligently record each arrest in Sigil. Alongside the Fraternity of Order and the Mercykillers, they oversee a seamless chain of apprehension, trial, and retribution.

In A Campaign

In a D&D campaign set in Sigil, players are bound to encounter the Harmonium, which serves as the city’s guard. Their strong belief in peace and order might lead them to either become the player’s staunch allies or worst enemies, depending on the players’ actions and motivations.

Heralds of Dust

The Heralds of Dust perceive the multiverse as part of an afterlife: every entity is essentially already dead, and the life we know is just an early phase of death.

They work towards an understanding of the multi-faceted journey through this afterlife, culminating in what they term as the “True Death“—an exalted state that transcends the confines of the multiverse. They believe passion and hope for life are only anchors and hindrances and aim to shed both.

Factol Skall is an ancient connoisseur of this philosophy and an advocate of apathy. He often enlists adventurers to augment his vast knowledge or to lay the dead to rest.

Role In Sigil

The Heralds of Dust tend to the Mortuary, which triples as the morgue, funeral home, and cemetery of the city of Sigil. Almost all of Sigil’s dead are kept here, for investigation if necessary, then processing and burial.

In A Campaign

In a D&D campaign set in Sigil, players may find themselves amidst the chilling air of the Mortuary for many reasons—perhaps while investigating clues tied to the dead.

Mercykillers

The Mercykillers live by the anthem of unyielding justice. They assert that no one, regardless of status or intent, stands above the law.

Fittingly, the Mercykillers try to kill any trace of mercy within them, regarding it as weakness. They aim to execute punishment without regard to pleas or personal biases.

While they don’t frame the rules or apprehend violators—that’s for the Harmonium—Jailers act post-verdict to ensure punishments are meted out without any leniency. Interestingly, however, they believe that they are entitled to exemption from the law while they are executing said justice.

Factol Alisohn Nilesia uses powers of divination to unerringly track escapees and personally oversee every punishment doled out to prisoners.

Role In Sigil

Anchored in the fortress known as the Prison, the Mercykillers house and punish those found guilty by Sigil’s judicial system.

In A Campaign

In a D&D campaign set in Sigil, players may cross paths with the Mercykillers during investigations or while seeking information about a particular inmate. Encounters might range from fights due to conflicting ideologies to indirect confrontations, such as navigating the bureaucratic prison system.

Mind’s Eye

The Mind’s Eye champions the path of self-realization through experience and exploration.

By embracing the vastness of the multiverse, they believe one can refine themselves and even grow powerful enough to mold reality and achieve divinity. They firmly believe in experimental learning over formal study, advocating for fully exploring the multiverse’s challenges and wonders.

Factol Saladryn, a powerful mage, pivots the faction around crafting and creativity, using these values as tools for personal and collective growth.

Role In Sigil

Situated in the Great Foundry, the Seekers produce essential tools and components for the rest of the city. Their origins trace back to the merging of two factions: the Believers in the Source and the Sign of One, both of which believed in the potential ascension to divine power.

In A Campaign

In a D&D campaign set in Sigil, players might liaise with the Mind’s Eye when seeking specialized tools or machinery or during quests centered around divine mysteries and personal evolution.

Society of Sensation

The Society of Sensation champions living through a diverse spectrum of experiences to grasp the essence of the multiverse.

For Sensates, truth is found in the tangible—from the ecstatic highs to the profound lows, not just pleasurable sensations. Though often viewed as vapid and hedonistic, Sensates delve into the entirety of life’s offerings, seeking depth and understanding.

Factol Erin Darkflame Montgomery advocates for, and steers Sensates in pursuit of, a balanced exploration of life, experiencing not just pleasure but every facet of existence. His distaste for the Fated often leads to factional disputes.

Role In Sigil

Occupying the Civic Festhall, the Society of Sensation offers respite and entertainment to Sigil’s denizens. They are known to host festivities and feasts here, as well as shows and exhibits of different sensations and experiences.

In A Campaign

In a D&D campaign set in Sigil, players might find themselves attending a Sensate event or partaking in their experimental experiences at the Civic Festhall.

Transcendent Order

The Transcendent Order believes in achieving complete unity of mind and body. Through rigorous discipline, they strive for a seamless connection between thought and action, aiming to act on instinct alone.

Factol Rhys assumed leadership when his predecessor achieved this transcendence and suddenly vanished on the spot. He empowers Ciphers in their relentless pursuit of perfection with helpful direction.

Role In Sigil

In the Great Gymnasium, Ciphers hone their skills, encompassing athletics to arts, emphasizing instinct over conscious thought. They are largely neutral and rarely form alliances, yet they remain respected and unopposed in Sigil.

In A Campaign

In a D&D campaign set in Sigil, players might engage with the Transcendent Order to master a skill or art or delve into the mystery surrounding the previous factol’s comical and strange disappearance.

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