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Abyssal Exalted
From Exalted Wiki
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The Abyssal Exalted, commonly referred to as Deathknights, are Exalted champions of the Deathlords and their Neverborn masters. They have only recently appeared, but they seem to be dark reflections of the returned Solar Exalted, with dark mockeries of the Solars' Caste Marks, Animas and even Charms.
The Abyssal exaltations are created from Solar Exaltations stolen by the Deathlords and tainted with the essence of the void, and fused with dying mortals.Continuing an existence frozen on the brink of death, the Abyssals must feed on blood or raw flesh to recover their strength in the land of the living. As part of the transformation from dying mortal to Chosen of the Neverborn, each Abyssal must cast their names into the void, deep within the heart of the Labyrinth, and give up all names except obvious aliases. Instead, Abyssal Exalts use baroque titles to identify themselves.
Most servants of the Neverborn strive for the eradication of all life, whether out of a twisted sense of mercy ("Oblivion will ease the pain of living") or hatred ("Damn them all") or simple nihilism ("I never had this much fun when I was still amongst the living"). Others become ambassadors from the world of the dead to the lands of the living. Only a few rebel and become Rogue Abyssals, horrified by what they've become.
The Abyssal Great Curse is a palpable aura of the malice of the slain primordials, called Resonance. When an Abyssal Exalt acts in ways that displease the Neverborn or that individual Abyssal's Deathlord, or forsakes the path of the dead for that of the living, she accrues a trait, also called resonance. Resonance scourges the world with the dark miracles the Abyssal exalt is chosen to deliver but refuses, and their unseemly and dangerous nature typically serves to alienate the Exalt from the creation they are called to destroy. The more an Abyssal disobeys the will of the Neverborn, the stronger the aura of menace becomes, and the black miracles can climb to extraordinary levels of power and consequence.
Redemption
Each Abyssal Exaltation is a dark reflection of its former existence as a Solar. Whether by limitation or design, within the core of every Abyssal Exaltation is a spark of the original Solar exaltation, which promises redemption, glory, and the love of the Unconquered Sun. Though spells have been published that would accomplish the task, it is implied that no Abyssal has ever made a successful attempt; and that such an act of ultimate redemption should be a major plot point or centerpiece of a campaign. The whispering spark of light serves as a conscience in even the most black hearted of Abyssals, reiterating continuously that these Chosen of Death have also chosen Death for themselves and all of creation.
Calling
Like a Solar Exalt, an Abyssal Exalt is almost exclusively chosen for excellence, a will to use power and a destiny to lead. Unlike a Solar Exalt, however, an Abyssal also has a dual nature as a servant and follower, and is typically chosen as such. The Abyssal Exalts vary from the solar greatly, in that they are chosen directly by their masters: The Deathlords. Each Abyssal's personal calling varies upon her dreadlords wishes and goals. In the end all Abyssals do their own part in the plan of oblivion, bringing all creation closer to destruction. a very small minority of deathknights pursue the goal of redemption, wishing to escape their twisted destiny, and subservience to oblivion.
Abyssal Castes
Dusk Caste
- Main article: Dusk Caste
The counterparts to the Dawn Caste are Warriors, generals and champions.
Midnight Caste
- Main article: Midnight Caste
The counterparts to the Zenith Caste are Priest-kings, prophets and mystics.
Daybreak Caste
- Main article: Daybreak Caste
The counterparts to the Twilight Caste are Scholars, necromancers and craftsmen.
Day Caste
- Main article: Day Caste
The counterparts to the Night Caste are Spies, assassins and thieves.
Moonshadow Caste
- Main article: Moonshadow Caste
The counterparts to the Eclipse Caste are Diplomats, lawyers and politicians.
See also
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