...them were based on locations? For example, ST could remain as is while IS could relate to mountains, and FS be split into swamp and sea. Would we have less factions or more?
It represents the degreaded soil, but it could as well be a contaminated swamp, a dead forest or a lifeless desert. It's also tied to a fallen empire (dead city) and the concept of dead and decaying (cemeteries, abandoned places). This brought me an idea! Rather than tie runes to faction or places, them could have affinity to things, like a dead tree living in the forest would promote "Green" and "Black" affinity. And this could unlock certain faction powers or spells. (I'm doing pox clone just for fun)