Here be some info regarding the custom faction techs of v1.09p

When you go into the Faction Creator (Main Menu/Workshop), there are some techs which you can customize your faction to begin the game with.  These techs are Kingdom and Empire specific.  Kingdom and Empires have their own tech trees.  So if you customize your faction to have an Empire tech, but you choose to play as a Kingdom, you will not receive the Empire tech.  To get the Empire techs you must play an Empire faction, and vic versa.

I've researched which techs belong to who, and what benefits they grant.  Thought I'd share...

Kingdom

Civilized ~ Grants the Civics tech located within the Civilization branch
   Allows the building of School, Market, Library

Weathered Warriors ~ Training tech / Warfare branch
   Allows the training of Experienced units

Adepts ~ Arcane Research / Magic
   Allows the building of Monastaries and Arcane Temples

Wanderlust ~ Exploration / Adventure
   Reveals new resources

Entrepreneurs ~ Trading / Diplomacy
   Allows Caravans and unlocks trading with other factions

Empire

Habitation ~ Proper Living tech located within the Emperium branch
   Allows the building of Imperial Throne and Shanty

War Machine ~ Tools of War tech / Conquest branch
   Unlocks Soldiers Cloak, Padded Grieves and Cuirass, Leather Helm, Light Wood Shield, Axe, Boar Spear, Fang Dagger
   Allows the building of the War Council

Cartographers ~ Mapping / Domination
   Reveals Notable Locations and "awakens more dangerous creatures"

Darkling Ambassader ~ Reunion / Cooperation
   Allows the building of Darkling Camps  

note: Normal building pre-reqs still apply (ie city size)