Lost Pages of Taborea: Faction flags
I love taking screenshots. There, I said it. Give me endless zones with nooks and crannies to explore around every corner and I'll take screenshots of them. I'm currently sitting at 11.2 Gigs -- just for Runes of Magic. Buildings, landscapes, caves, outfits, weapons, mounts; You name it, and I've probably taken a screenshot of it. Oddly enough, it's the action shots I usually don't try to capture. Don't get me wrong, I do enjoy capturing a good light show as my guild face-plants a boss, but the majority of my screenshots folder is overwhelmingly filled with persistent-world shots devoid of player characters.
Many of the factions in RoM have unique architecture and flags signifying their peoples. I've dug through the beast I call a screenshot folder and put together a visual trip through the many different ways factions choose to advertise. Did I say there were many? There are. I didn't include every last faction-flag I could find, but I've chosen from some of the more common ones -- and some of my favorites. As you'll see, there are some really great designs that help immerse you in RoM. I love these little attentions to detail that show the effort developers put into designing a world.
Varanas
Ah, Varanas. The first major city young newblets see when starting their adventures in RoM. For being the heart of the Eye of Wisdom and the Council of Varanas you'd think a little more effort would've been put into their standards. Soldiers have to carry them into battle, ya know? Yeah, they are cool, but compared to The Order of the Dark Glory, they look a little dim.
The Order of the Dark Glory
My favorite of all the flag-waving factions. For having developed from a simple steel association, matured into the Guard of Varanas, later break from Varanas during the Councils quarreling and wonder for 40 years in the wilderness before finally building Obsidian Stronghold, its become the most powerful military force in the world (without its own state).
Maybe Lajos Halka knew the importance of branding when he became leader, because the Order's flags are grandiose and vary greatly both in style and size.
Capra
The Capra may have been encouraged to disperse from their hometown and split into traveling caravans, but they took their home with them in the different flags they carry. Sometimes I don't know why they haven't reclaimed their home, but I suppose being split between fighting Cyclops and Blachhorns keeps their hooves full.
Cyclops, Minotaur and Barbarians, Oh my
And what do the Cyclops do after running the Capra out of Dogamor? They start erecting their crude, neolithic structures and planting flags that look like animal skin crudely stretched between bones with one simple, red eye drawn on them. Really? Cyclops only have one eye. I think we get it.
According to the research groups in Ystra Highlands, the Minotaur are an ancient race. They've had plenty of time to ponder just the right design for their flag-bearing brethren to carry into battle. The time and effort shows in the intricate patterns. Don't ask me what any of it means. It could be a symbolic history of their race or a recipe for Ysytra Ferret stew for all I know.
The Barbarians of Dust Devil Canyon might not always get along with The Order of Dark Glory, but they are generally helpful when it comes to maniacal demons threatening everyone's way of life. Reminiscent of indigenous tribes, the Barbarians have richly adorned huts and flags. Given the fact they live in the higher-elevated regions of Mesa of the Fallen all the way up to Hawk's Cliff, I'm guessing the symbol on their flag represents a bird -- Not that we really needed those clues.
Ice Dwarves and Centaurs
To this day, I like watching the old preview of Ice Dwarf Kingdom. The music in the video fits so well with the marching Dwarves. My favorite part is when the Dwarven chef is stepping angrily in time to the beat, carrying his giant cleaver and wearing that white toque. It makes me think that a bunch of unruly youngsters have been sneaking into his kitchen to steal a bite and he's just had enough.
Even though the Ice Dwarves have only recently broke from their underground homes, they've erected some stylish buildings that I really wish I could go inside of. The Order of the Dark Glory has its hands full with the cyclops -- giving the Ice Dwarves time to adorn their carved-out foothold in Dragonfang Ridge with their icy-blue flags. The top of the frame has an appropriate, anvil-esque quality to it. Maybe now that chapter 4 is out, The Order will enlist the help of the Fireboot Dwarves. We could witness a glorious battle of fire and ice.
The Centaurs stick fairly close to their home in Milasso Forest, but some scurrilous Centaurs can be spotted around Sanctuary of Jyr'na. The red emblem isn't very telling, but it may have something to do with the principality of Shador. Jenny Giant of Shador was renown for her archery skills and how closely they related to those of the Elves. I also dug up information that says Horzorun Silverstar -- a lengendary Centaur -- trained Jenny. It's rumored that the Centaurs taught the Elves, which would explain the similar style Elven king Antaikolon saw between the Evlen archers and Jenny. Maybe some of the Centaurs headed to Northern Janost Forest with Princess Eliyar's Elves and also became evil.
Leonines of Angren
Beast men of Zandorya. They're a wicked looking race that seems to like to consort with the tiny Rh'anka. If they're not busy sparring with Jyr'na, the Leonines are trying to take back Raksha Temple. The brave of heart must finish a series of quests before gaining access to the their home and the temple that lies behind it. Skinny tower-like structures and teepees adorn their town. For being a rough-around-the-edges looking race, the Leonine seem to enjoy the softer colors to represent themselves. Baby-blue and pink, or is that red? I can't tell. Maybe salmon? Whatever. I'd say they took as little care as the cyclops did if it weren't for the sophisticated tribal symbol.
Conclusion
There are other faction-flags, like the ones belonging to the slimy Naga, but they didn't meet my high-standards for inclusion. Besides, I'm sure the Naga will pop up in another article. They do make up one of the larger opposing factions in RoM.
The header image is from the Kingdom of Dalanis which is a powerful monarchy on the continent of Zandorya. It was king Kallume that brought together many of the races to fight the demons during the time of the great banishment.
Each Monday, Jeremy Stratton delivers Lost Pages of Taborea, a column filled with guides, news, and opinions for Runes of Magic. Whether it's a community roundup for new players or how to improve versatility in RoM's content, you'll find it all here. Send your questions to jeremy@massively.com.
