honestly the only factions making somewhat sense are the baronies and the anglean republic.
desert people who are living in poor conditions and possibly tribes? Somehow have a working state?
the mercantile guild which has no economical resources but somehow are able to take them from some other places and sell them for full benefit?
the chaladon that has an agricultural powerhouse, but keep to themselves on an island, basicly not taking part in the world... ok
the yeshan empire, lets obligerate everything in our path which has no real cause or explanation.
anglean republic are basicly poor viking which have to raid other settlements to survive, they have a technological powerhouse preserved in the icy stretch they inhabit meaning they have to use it and preserve it to survive aswell, losing a technology or having it stolen could mean they would have a downfall.
the baronies are basicly feudalism, houses fight internal and everyone has a political role to play, no matter if you are a soldier or a merchant (no one plays peasants) you have to take an active part in securing your family or plow the oil fields. Yes they possess vast oilfields that the anglean raiders target.
the last 2 just makes sense economical whereas I still need explanations for the others, especially the mercantile guild, they are surrounded by other powerhouses but still have access to take advantage of their resources? eh ok...