historicalfaction

Historicalfaction is a term used to describe a faction in historiography, gaming, or speculative fiction that is rooted in real historical antecedents but is reimagined with fictional or alternate-history elements. It denotes a group that could plausibly exist within a given period while incorporating invented leaders, technologies, rituals, or political dynamics to suit narrative or gameplay needs. The concept emphasizes coherence with the era’s social structures and material culture, even when key events diverge from actual history.

In practice, historicalfactions may draw on genuine states, cultures, or military traditions, but they deliberately blur or extend historical facts. They might feature plausible organizational hierarchies, uniforms, or strategies, alongside invented intrigues, myths, or updated technologies. This approach is common in tabletop role-playing games, strategy video games, and fantasy or alternate-history novels where authors seek historical texture without being strictly bound by archival records.

The term is informal and its usage varies across disciplines. It is often discussed in relation to worldbuilding, where the balance between historical realism and creative liberty shapes audience engagement and educational value. Critics sometimes point to risks of oversimplification or distortions of real histories, while proponents argue that historically informed factions can enhance immersion and stimulate curiosity about the past.

See also: alternate history, historical fiction, worldbuilding, game design.