Being caught in the middle of a WWII conflict in Denmark, Gerda: A Flame In Winter pulls no punches on the harsh conditions people had to endure. Although occupying forces operated under the guise of maintaining order, it didn't hide the fact that people were still suffering.
In response, internal conflicts rose up between the citizens and soldiers, both in a social and military capacity. This led to the creation of numerous groups who all were fighting for something different in whatever ways they knew how. Gerda will need to get familiar with these factions if she's hoping to have a greater impact.
What Are The Factions?
Early on, you're introduced to the idea of huge groups operating in Gerda's hometown of Tinglev. Each person you talk to has the potential to affect your standing with one of the groups or factions, which will have different effects. Depending on your standing with a Faction, certain people will be more or less willing to interact with Gerda.
There are four factions in the game: The Danes, the Germans, the Occupation, and the Resistance. Since Gerda is Danish-German, she'll have a somewhat dual perspective which others will notice.
The Danes
The native citizens of Tinglev and Denmark as a whole, Gerda's standing with the Danes could be considered favorable since her husband is Danish. However, the story will reveal that many Danes are suffering under the presence of German forces. This results in many of their resources being taken away and given to soldiers for the war.
This Faction represents the overall feeling of the Danish citizens toward Gerda. The more she sympathizes with them and takes action to return their resources or make remarks against the soldiers, her standing with the Danes will grow.
The Germans
Even before the war, there were many Germans already living in Denmark. Many had already established themselves as long-standing citizens who were known and liked by their neighbors. Unfortunately, war always divides people, and there are those German citizens who decided to support their country.
In response, many Danes turned on their German neighbors, making them feel unwelcome in a place they'd come to call home. This Faction represents the overall feeling of German citizens toward Gerda. If she treats them well and shows acknowledgement that they're also suffering, her standing with the Germans will grow.
The Occupation
Gerda is living in a time when Tinglev is actively occupied by the German army while the actual fighting continues in the rest of Europe. When it was happening, the occupying forces were met with mixed reception, with many citizens even welcoming them. However, it was soon revealed that the occupying forces had the capability to be more hostile and parasitic than expected.
Despite this, there were some who took comfort in their presence and who felt that it helped maintain order during wartime. This Faction represents the overall feeling of the occupying German army towards Gerda. When speaking with German soldiers, the more cooperative and cordial Gerda is, the better her standing will be with the Occupation.
The Resistance
When occupation happens, it's inevitable that there will be citizens who will rise against it. Yet, due to the overwhelming odds, these fighters had to be stealthier and more selective in their targets. It wasn't long after the occupation of Denmark that a Danish Resistance began to form.
Their missions involved striking sites important to the German Army, stealing their resources, and aiding at-risk people to escape to safety. This Faction represents the overall feeling of the Resistance towards Gerda. As long as she doesn't divulge their secrets and is willing to aid their efforts, her standing with the Resistance will grow.