Religious factions are organizations that follow and profess a common religion. Fictional religious institutions are common factions in fictional worlds where they can be used to explore themes of morality, sin, death, and the meaning of life. In fictional settings there may a single, dominant religious faction, or there may be several competing ones leading to religious wars and other important historical events. Religious factions often insert themselves into geopolitics, and religious leaders may be advisors to kings, presidents, or other world figures (if they themselves are not running a theocracy).

In order for there to be a religious faction, there must be a religion. Worldbuilders often use pre-existing real-world religions (Christianity is a commonly used one) or may design entire fictional religions. In both cases designers should consider whether or not god is real.

Fictional Religions

Fictional Gods

Religions and religious institutions often have unique symbols and iconography associated with them. Crosses, crescents, skulls, or other symbols may be present in their architecture, clothing, flags, or jewelry. Religious garb or fashion may be used.

Religious factions may be lead by a single, central figure or by a council of important persons. These leaders may be chosen, voted on, elected because they passed a religious test, or simply selected by a fictional god.