Greetings Carants!
It’s that time again. Today, we delve back into the lore of the factions within the game: this time, the Bridge Alliance. Marching forth with a thirst for knowledge in their hearts, they make their grand return in GreedFall 2.
Forged by War, Bound by Science
A group of nations under one banner, the Bridge Alliance is formed by three: Thynea, Thraxis, and Morsinia. Created 200 years ago to resist Thélème’s ever-growing religious imperialism, a nation with whom they’d warred for centuries, they hoped it would create a more effective resistance against their would-be conquerors. Their capital became Al Saad, home to the Alliance Council and their most prestigious universities.
Doing so would provide boons outside of a united front - the economic, cultural, and military prowess they gained transformed them into one of the most powerful states on the continent. Gaining both a technological and scientific advantage, highly valued within their nations, putting the Alliance at the cutting edge of technology.
An Island Discovery
All members of the Alliance have retained their own political structure: Morsinia is a parliamentary monarchy; Thynea a meritocracy; Thraxis an elective monarchy once tributary to Thynea. Each sends representatives to the Al Saad assembly, where all decisions affecting the alliance take place.
Seeking to further their knowledge, they were the first nation to settle on Teer Fradee since the Congregation's failed attempt. A city, Hikmet, was constructed and ruled over by Governer Burhan. From there, they spread out over the island as their exploration began.
Stunned by the flora and fauna, scholars were dispatched to study them in the hopes they’d find a cure for the Malichor plaguing their people. Not only that, but they also hoped it would replenish their depleted finances, eaten up by their endless war with Thélème.
Of Questionable Ethics
That said, when it comes to ethics, their devotion to science is often their downfall. One such example, Doctor Asili, falls prey to intrigue and begins kidnapping natives to experiment on in far-flung labs. Believing he can use them to find a cure for the Malichor, he later discovers they’re immune to the disease when he feeds them the blood of the sick; however, when trying to discover the reason behind their immunity, his sole reward is death after his test subjects perish from exhaustion.
But this is just one of the Alliance’s inhabitants – not all share the same views, some of whom will join you in game.
Revolts and Advancement
Being home to so many scholars allows a far greater grasp of science and technology compared to the rest of the continent. Thynea in particular is a shining example of a country where they abound.
Once ruled by archons elected by the nobility, revolts eventually spread across the land and caused their downfall. Following this, a constitution is created in its place, allowing its citizens to vote by region. They vote in several Logists from amongst the Sages, who then mostly act as administrators for their region. Because of this, the country is essentially governed by assemblies of scholars, philosophers, and occasionally the military.
Competitive examinations are also held throughout the country each year, allowing all citizens to prove their knowledge and obtain the title of sage.
Trouble Brewing on the Horizon
Now, there’s whispers of a fringe yet growing faction within the Alliance. Imperialist in nature, and tired of the war ravaging their home for centuries, this faction seeks to build a Bridge Empire. With the aim of a unified empire, ruling over both the continent and the islands, they’ll stop at nothing to achieve their goals.
You’ll encounter this faction during your travels across Gacane. How are they involved in the story? Only time will tell. As for the next lore post, we’ll be entering a land held by this Alliance’s rivals: Thélème. Are you ready to seek enlightenment?
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