Players will be able to align themselves with the subjugated humans or the conquering Orcs, or they can choose to remain neutral in regards to the struggle. Those who adopt this sort of mercenary stance will likely have more of the game open to them longer, as they'll likely curry more or less equal amounts of favor with both factions.

Indeed, monitoring your reputation appears to be one of the game's dominant mechanics. Depending on your actions, your standing with the various factions in the game will change. Anger a certain faction enough, and you'll no longer be welcome in their settlements. If you find yourself in the doghouse with a given group, you can always attempt to repair your reputation by providing various services, but there is a point of no return; give a faction enough dirt, and the representatives who would be giving you quests will forever hurl axes at you instead.​