The factions exist largely for fictional purposes, but there are certain game mechanics that use the factions as well.

That a rival faction could exist seemed quite impossible to Harry, until events proved it.

Many factions of Erythnul's cult exist, fighting one another as often as they fight nonbelievers.

The latter had confirmed that a disaffected faction with extreme right-wing views existed in the service.

This made it far more likely to have a brokered convention, particularly when two strong factions existed.

It must be stated that other factions existed also.

Many other factions (and subsections of these factions) exist, some only mentioned in passing.

No faction or private meetings ever existed outside the common debate.

Along with the major polar regions, several smaller factions exist on Terra Nova.

However, many strong, chauvinist factions still exist in Russia, and stability there is far from guaranteed.