I'm working on a "mid-length" (bless my heart?) WIP that takes place in Tevinter at a pivotal time. Preparing for it, I have built a Magisterium lineup with more than 2 discernible factions -- to exemplify how I see their political spectrum playing out:
The Schizocletes (etym. "Those who pronounce the schism"): The dominating, patriarchal and conservative Andrastian faction in the Magisterium. It emerged from the movement that pushed for the schism from the Orlesian Chantry in the Towers Age.
The Draconic Septemvirate aka The Seven-Headed Serpent: The Draconic representation in the Magisterium kept shrinking with the rise of mandatory Andrastianism, until the seven priesthoods consolidated into one faction, that remained a major conservative force even as the Old God cults were outlawed.
Dignitas Tevina ("Dignity of Tevinter"): A populist faction that tends to sway between its support between conservative Andrastians and conservative Draconians. Somehow, it ends up betraying every coalition it has ever formed. Notable members: Archon Davan.
Legates Ambassadoriae: The Orzammar Legates, mostly concerned with economic and infrastructural issues and lyrium trade. They happen to support any coalition in their favor.
Pactus Silentium ("The Pact of Silence"): A radical pro- Old God faction that demands restoration of the old rituals, and deregulation of blood magic and slavery. Through backdoor deals, house conflicts and backstabbing, it eventually drowned out the Seven-Headed Serpent and transformed into The Venatori. Notable members: Aurelian Titus.
The Eluvites (etym. "The Seers") : A more moderate, pro- Old God and human-centric faction that proposes restoration of non-violent religious practices, from both the Old God cults and older, pre-Imperial heathen religions. Hails mostly from pre-Tevinter Qarinus and Neromenian traditions, the majority of representatives come from the North-East coastline. They support granting some liberties to the Laetan and Soporati houses under the banner of ethnic solidarity, but they're pro- status quo on slavery and predominantly anti-elven.
The Oarmen: A moderate Andrastian faction reaching back to Hessarian's pre-schism legacy. Has spoken up mostly for the interest of the Laetans, and a particular religious rhetoric claiming that magic is a sign of Maker's mercy bestowed upon the family. Notable members: Archon Radonis I
The Transfigurationists: A faction that emphasized the original pro-Soporati, abolitionist, egalitarian leanings of Andrastianism, supported education and lifting up of the Soporati. Purged by its opponents in the debacle of TE 2023/ 9:29 Dragon that led to the enthronement of Archon Radonis. The spirit of the faction survived among the friendly houses, and became revived as the Lucerni faction. Notable members: Abraxas Tilani, father of Maevaris Tilani
The Virtuti: Patriarchal Andrastian conservatives, but more idea-oriented and stringent in their moral code. A little like virtue ethics believers but still very elitist. Notable members: Halward Pavus, father of Dorian Pavus.
