I usually just try to memorize the last word in the name of the NPCs. As for factions; colours. Location, I don't even bother with the villages and castles. Since I think most faction only have 1 town, which also generally are very similar to the faction's name. So if I can remember the factions that is of my current concern, I can remember their capital. Don't overwhelm yourself with all the names. Take a more RPG appoarch to the game, don't worry to much about things that are not in your territory. Imagine your just a tiny ant lost in a forest, only care about whats in your sight.