Following the Great War, the Deverenian Empire was left in shambles, a shell of its former self. Since these days most Deverenians have fled their homeland and assimilated with the Free Kingdoms, leaving most of the former empire deserted and in despair. However, there do remain some loyalists to Deverenia, biding their time and planning for the return of their once great empire. As the thunder of the Storm can once again be heard in the distance, one thing is for certain, the Deverenian Empire will not go quietly into the night. The remaining loyalists make up three subfactions, Royal Devernia, the Skyborne Order, and the Church of the Storm.
Royal Deverenia is what remains of the once great empire. After the Great War, several Royal Families sought shelter in the Moors and Mountains of Devernia, protected by the dark and ever encroaching Black Woods. Now, these once Royal Families plot and scheme to regain their former glory, amounting dark armies of Blood Knights, making unholy alliances, and preparing for war.
The Skyborne Order was founded before the end of the Great War by Deverenian exiles who would not stomach the actions of their Emperor. They aimed to preserve the knowledge of the Uncorrupted Empire and to implement a true meritocracy throughout the Accordlands, not besmirched by murder. Members of the Order live among the peaks and valleys of the mountains along the Shattered Lands, in small fortresses and great monasteries, launching expeditions into Cities of Ruin in order to uncover information about the impending return of the Storm.
The Church of the Storm was thought to be destroyed during the Great War. However, a small sect of fanatics led by Cardinal Talos ushered the remaining believers into hiding. While they hid, the Church of the Storm began to slowly infiltrate the masses and plant the seeds of Storm-worship wherever possible. It was during these times that they perfected the Ritual of the Storm, which would transform the most devout believers into Holy Warriors protected by astral blessings. Now that they have regrown their strength and numbers, the Church of the Storm is ready to emerge once more.