Luka Carroll, Manda Collis, Roby Daquilante,

Steffie de Vaan, Violet Green, Elliott Freeman, Emily Griggs,

Eric Minton, Charlie Raspin, Lauren Roy, Rachel Savicki
 ADVERSARIES OF THE RIGHTEOUS

Credits Special Thanks

Authors: Luka Carroll, Manda Collis, Roby Daquilante,
Steffie de Vaan, Violet Green, Elliott Freeman, Emily
Griggs, Eric Minton, Charlie Raspin, Lauren Roy, Rachel
Savicki
Developers: Meghan Fitzgerald, Lauren Roy
To Dixie Cochran, whose unflagging support and friend-
ship have been invaluable to the both of us.
To Neall Raemonn Price and Stephen Lea Sheppard, for
their enthusiastic encouragement and sharing their bot-
tomless well of knowledge.

Line Developers: Eric Minton, Robert Vance

In-House Developer: Dixie Cochran

Editor: Gavyn F. Duthie

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Kim, Martin Sickree

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© 2021 PARADOX INTERACTIVE AB.

All rights reserved. Reproduction without the written consent of the publisher is expressly for-
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duced for personal use only. Exalted and Exalted 3rd Edition are registered trademarks of Paradox
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 Ta b l e o f C o n t e n t s
Introduction 6
Chapter One: Mortals 10
Ashana Ikatu, Master of the Coiled Viper Dojo,
First of the Night’s Talons 10
Bosocu, Prodigal Son of the Swamps 12
The Broker, The Seller in the Shadows 14
Eldran Tabrar, Witch-Tyrant of Lock 16
Ifraja the Librarian, Corrupt Seeker of Knowledge 20
Isabet Maken, the Master of Cauldron Valley 22
Lapis, Queen of Rake 24
Meimuna Kyree, Necharan Matchmaker 26
Omerek, Scarlet Egg Player 28
Ruenulfr the Unfrozen, Brigand of the Skies 29
Zhao Terang Delima, Hero of Maichu 32
Chapter Two: Strange Folk 36
Adeimantus, Custodian of Utopia 36
Firamar Majen, the Jade Chimera 40
Fivefold Masks and Lies, Servant of Chaos 42
Iolanthe, Queen of the Golden Beryl Palace 45
Ku Nenaveya, Captain of the Blue Wolves,
Wielder of the Frozen Heart 48
Lady Midnight 50
Lintha Gool Giagia, Parasite Pirate of the Gatang 52
The Lord Lion, Warrior-King of Haja 55
Peremuz, Rogue Homunculus 57
Red Ice, Spy of Many Masters 59
Sawana, Devilfish Spymaster 61
Siluris, the Hidden Sting 63
Sky Blade, Queen of the Black Shale Road 65
Tenson, the Creature of Ten Fathers 67
Undefeated Granite Warrior, God-blooded Crimelord 69
Vien Caral, Shepherd of the Lost 72
Chapter Three: Spirits and the Dead 76
Snowfall Sable, the Silent Performer 76
Spraying Water, the Hopping Auguste 77
Elementals 79
Unrelenting Aton, the Last Mountain 79
Wong Bongerok, Censor of the South 81
Xemadea, Lesser Elemental Dragon of Wood,
the Toadstool Sage 83
Za-Ishat, the Burning Blade 85
Ghosts 88
Dorashenje, the Wrath of Khame 88
Jovena Oreia, the Red-Headed Bride 90
Telamedes, the Ever-Vigilant 92
Tepet Goran, Blood-Cursed Prince of Viharos 94
Gods and Spirits 98
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Afondha, the Lady of the Well 98
Iron Tiger, the Wyrd of the Broken Sword 100
Ixier, Who Dreams for the Dead 102
Ninegala, Forge-Goddess of Makelo 105
Resplendent Twin, the Shining-Heeled,
Queen of Reflections 108
Siakal, Western God of Battle, Slaughter, and Sharks 110
Yetunda Clatterbones, Carrion Queen 112
Chapter Four: The Exalted 116
The Solar Exalted 116
Fehim, Three Devils Kingpin 116
Harrowing Silence, Chosen Guardian of Her People 119
Dragon-Blooded 122
Cynis Borok, The Self-Involved Satrap 122
Gleaming Gneiss, Ambitious Sorcerer 124
Ragara Feria, Admiral of the Imperial Air Fleet 126
The Lunar Exalted 129
Eska of the Seven Blades, Hunter of Heroes 129
Horizon Devouring Princess, Jungle Conqueror 131
Seven Devil Clever, the Nightmare of Nexus 134
The Sidereal Exalted 136
Cehrazad, the Shadow Crown 136
Iron Siaka, Champion Of Serenity 138
Three Winters, the Warden of Nameless Tombs 141
The Abyssal Exalted 143
The Bleeding Lily, Crowned in Shackles,
Underworld Queen 143
The Melkin Fool in Red and the Circus Moribund 146
The Prince Resplendent in the Ruin of Ages 148
The Liminal Exalted 151
Dame Crimson 151
Withering Vine, Shepherd Of Restless Souls 153
Exigents 156
Braze the Accursed 156
Cuelebre jin-Hua, Supplier of Secret Arsenals 159
Odara, Chosen of Ash, Captain of the Kalaho Ahn 163
Chapter Five: Groups 168
The Bloodthirsty, Scourge of Wavecrest 168
Children of the Weaver 172
The Darienites of Yane,Children of Green and Gold 175
The Gouged Eye Society 179
The Graveyard Kettle, Far-Roaming Beast Hunters 183
Pillars of the Last Bastion, Cult of Aton 186
Quaghead Tribe, Saints of Thuvaraiyam 190
Scarlet Egg Players 193
The Scorpionfolk 196
 ADVERSARIES OF THE RIGHTEOUS

Peremuz hauled himself up to the windowsill on the manor house’s third floor and paused to sit as
he wound his line and stowed his fishhook grapnel. Pangu spread below him, breathtaking even
late at night — just how House Cynis had planned it. Lantern-lit pleasure barges drifted lazily along
the waterways. Gentle light and music spilled from busy teahouses. In the distance, colored lamps
illuminated a section of the Spring Rain Garden.
He might have stayed longer to admire the vista, but he was here on business, and a guard might
come by at any moment. Though he was tiny compared to most people — no more than a handspan
high — he knew better than to count on being overlooked. He wriggled through the window, which
someone had cracked open to let in the sea breeze. Inside, he found himself in a dressing room, its
chairs and settees draped with sumptuous silk robes.
Downstairs, Cynis Rekalin was celebrating some child’s achievement: acceptance to the House
of Bells, or perhaps graduation from it, or maybe a lofty post in the legion. Knowing which wasn’t
Peremuz’ job tonight. He was here to observe a meeting between Rekalin and one of her informants.
The study where Rekalin received her guests was adjacent to the dressing room. Peremuz didn’t
need to venture out into the hall, where guards were surely stationed. Instead, he moved a decorative
vase aside to reveal a hole in the adjoining wall. He’d fashioned it on his first mission here, placing it
at floor level so anyone who spotted it would think it no more than a mouse hole. Now, he squeezed
through and hid himself behind the window curtain.
Right on time, the study door opened and Rekalin’s laughter filled the air. The informant was regaling
her with the story of some recent salon in another part of Pangu. When he was done, they got down
to business, discussing a scandal one of Rekalin’s rivals dearly wished to keep buried. It would ruin
several marriage prospects and endanger certain mercantile contracts. Peremuz cared nothing
for the Great Houses’ intrigues, but he tucked the information away diligently. His employers paid
handsomely for his attention to detail.
“Oh,” said Rekalin as their meeting ended, “tonight’s the festival in the Spring Rain Garden. We can
see it from here. Come look.”
Peremuz bit back a curse. He didn’t have time to abandon his hiding spot, but if she threw back the
curtains he’d be exposed anyway. The humans’ footsteps thudded heavily as they approached.
In the alley below, two dogs began to bay.
Peremuz waited as long as he could. When the curtain moved, so did he. Rekalin and her guest
were too busy peering outside to see what the noise was about to notice the homunculus diving back
toward the dressing room.
Once through the hole, he took a moment to catch his breath. His eyes alit on one of the robes, a
lovely, bright-green silk. His sword was no longer than a toothpick, but its edge was sharp. He cut
himself a swatch. It would make a fine lining for a new coat.
An hour later, Peremuz was at the Blue Orchid Teahouse, drinking wine by the silver thimbleful as his
employer heard his report. Whenever he drained his cup, she dutifully refilled it from the carafe. Her
own glass sat nearly untouched. He’d ordered several decadent dishes as well — she was paying,
after all, and never complained about the cost.
Now and again, he slipped morsels to his dogs, who waited eagerly under the table. They’d certainly
earned their treats tonight.

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Ta b l e o f C o n t e n t s

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 ADVERSARIES OF THE RIGHTEOUS
Introduction
“We speak of stories ending, when in truth it is we who end. The stories go on and on.”
— Jacqueline Carey, Kushiel’s Avatar
Creation is full of wonders. Cities and ancient ruins
sprawl across the countryside. Endless forests and vast
deserts hide the secrets of every Age beneath their se-
rene exteriors. Explorers brave deep oceans, treacher-
ous mountain passes, and ever-shifting Bordermarches.
Adventure and intrigue call to the curious, sending them
into forgotten tombs, bustling markets, and the palaces
of the powerful.
Just as wondrous as these infinitely diverse locales are
the fascinating people who populate them. From sav-
vy mortal thieves to fierce war gods, rapacious raksha
nobles to arrogant Princes of the Earth, and even more
extraordinary beings, every stranger has a tale of their
own to tell. Some offer aid, whether freely or for a price.
Others ensnare the unwitting in their dark plots, steal
their most precious treasures, or exploit them for per-
sonal gain. Not every adversary is corrupt, and not ev-
ery ally is trustworthy; it’s up to the righteous and the
worldly to make their own judgments with each new
face they encounter.
Friends and Foes
This book contains full character entries for a wide as-
sortment of individuals and groups with which to pop-
ulate Creation and its neighboring realms, whether as
foes to fight, potential allies to win over, authorities to
appease or defy, or beloved companions in the making.
This is a supplement to the Exalted Third Edition core
book and requires that volume to use.
Each entry in this book features information about the char-
acter, including their background, a description of their pre-
sentation and abilities, equipment they carry, and examples
of secrets they’re keeping. Along with the provided guidance
for how to roleplay them, the character’s Intimacies hint at
what might sway them to join forces with or make enemies
of those whose paths they cross. In some cases, a character’s
death might mobilize other forces to react or cause upheaval
in their region; the roleplaying hints section addresses po-
tential consequences for that scenario.
While players might consult this book for ideas when
considering their characters’ connections or rivals, most
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characters haven’t met or even necessarily heard of the
people featured within these pages. Don’t let players
assume their characters already know these adversar-
ies’ secrets, affiliations, or special abilities, or even what
type of beings they are. Players can make appropriate
rolls, such as Bureaucracy, Lore, Occult, or Socialize, to
know or learn about these characters’ local reputations,
rumors spread about them, and their circumstances and
origins — or simply get to know them directly.
Customization
Many of the characters in this book are associated with
a particular city or direction to help establish their place
in the setting and provide story hooks that tie in to
games set nearby. However, if the Storyteller finds that
a particular character’s concept would fit well with her
players’ adventures elsewhere in Creation, it’s okay to
move the character to them rather than send the Circle
to another part of the world. Consider what aspects of
the character are essential to their concept, and which
are more cosmetic and simply need a bit of adjusting to
fit their new locale.
For example, Ruenulfr the Unfrozen (p. XX) commands a
small crew of airboat pirates in Northern lands. His grand-
mother provides him with financial backing, and in exchange
he occasionally takes on missions for her. She is also one of
the Haslanti Grandmothers, who control a ring of spies and
assassins — harming Ruenulfr risks earning her ire.
If a Storyteller wanted to move him all the way to Zephyr
in the South, she might decide his primary concept is
“carefree pirate.” While Ruenulfr could command ships
on the mighty Elidad River, his airboat provides an in-
teresting and unusual angle as well. Airboats aren’t com-
mon in the South, but some travelers cross the desert on
sandskiffs. The Storyteller may decide to make Ruenulfr
a sandskiff captain haunting the desert trade routes near
Hyacinth. Rather than “the Unfrozen,” his title might
instead be “the Unscoured” or another appropriate
nickname. If “grandson of a powerful spymaster” is also
relevant to her game, the Storyteller might also provide
him with connections to rebels opposed to Ketzepah
Narrow-Ways’ rule within the city.
 I n tr o d u cti o n
Joining the Circle
Although the Exalted characters presented in Chapter
Four are intended for Storyteller use as non-player char-
acters, it’s possible someone at the table might want to
play one as part of the troupe’s Circle or Sworn Kinship.
This might be someone new to the table, or even the
Storyteller themselves, if they hand the reins over to a
tablemate at the start of a new chronicle. Players and
Storytellers should discuss any necessary changes in
background, power level, and Charms that might be
needed to make sure the character fits in well with the
group. If a character has a Charm listed that has prereq-
uisites, she possesses those as well.
Some of the Exalts presented here —Abyssals, Exigents,
Liminals, and Sidereals — will have their full Charm sets
and character creation rules presented in forthcoming
Exalted titles. The Charms and abilities listed in Chapter
Four can help give players a sense of their themes, pow-
er levels, and activation costs if they wish to build new
Charms as the characters advance.
If a player wishes to take on the role of one of a non-Ex-
alted character, she should work with her Storyteller to
discuss how they’ll fit in with the group and its relative
power levels. What special talents does she bring to the
party? Are there other Merits, Charms, or a Martial Arts
style that might help her keep up with her allies? It’s
okay if not everyone can go toe-to-toe with their Solar
companions, as long as the players and Storyteller are
having fun at the table.
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This Book at a Glance
Chapter One: Mortals presents a selection of mortal in-
dividuals from across Creation. Matchmakers, merchant
princes, sorcerers, queens, and more — even the most
unassuming or ordinary person can make life interesting
for an Exalt.
Chapter Two: Strange Folk describes characters that
don’t fit into any particular category. God-blooded crim-
inals, Lintha captains, raksha nobles, and more — they
provide interesting challenges for warriors and can
introduce adventurers, politicians, and scholars to new
avenues for intrigue — or stymie their efforts.
Chapter Three: Spirits and the Dead details gods, ele-
mentals, ghosts, and other dead beings. Found through-
out Creation, Heaven, and the Underworld, these char-
acters might offer blessings and tutelage or prove to be
formidable foes.
Chapter Four: The Exalted introduces a wide variety of
Chosen, including Dragon-Blooded sorcerers, Liminal
bodyguards, Lunar assassins, Sidereal warriors, and
more. Potent allies and deadly enemies, they’re deter-
mined to leave their marks upon the world, whether the
world is ready for them or not.
Chapter Five: Groups presents groups and organiza-
tions that characters may encounter, infiltrate, or per-
haps even try to join. Cults, performing troupes, beastfolk
tribes, and more — members can lean on others in their
network for support, whether they’re raising funds or an
army, and can leverage numbers and resources against
characters who meddle overmuch in their business.
 ADVERSARIES OF THE RIGHTEOUS

The first blast that struck the small ship shook Sesus Eshuvar from his sound, peaceful sleep. It
would have thrown his lover from the bed had Eshuvar not instinctively pulled the man’s lean form
closer. “What was that?”
The young sailor pulled free of that grasp, covering his perfect, sunbaked skin with some of the
clothes strewn across the floor before Eshuvar could say any more.
“Get dressed,” the sailor said curtly, all the coy romance of before gone. “Get dressed and… hope.”
Then he was gone, leaving Eshuvar to disentangle himself from the rumpled silken bedsheets.
It wasn’t until the second blast hit that Eshuvar finally pulled himself from the warmth of the bed and
dressed.
•••
Ruenulfr peered over the railing of the Rescue at the channel below. The deck of the oft-repaired
airboat swayed beneath him, but at that point he’d spent so many years aboard that he barely even
felt its movements.
The channel below had provided the Lost Gulls the perfect place to ambush seagoing vessels for
some time now. Between the rocks and the dense fog, many lookouts failed to notice the small flying
fleet until it was far too late. Most captains surrendered after just few rounds of bombardment,
begrudgingly handing over a portion of their cargo in exchange for their lives.
The privateer’s life was a good one.
This morning’s ship looked particularly promising. It flew fresh, unpatched sails, and the sailors who
scurried about the deck wore brightly colored clothing not yet bleached pale by sun, salt, and the sea.
“Ruenulfr?” Revna Tordsdottir called to him from the bow, peering down with a spyglass. She was one
of the original Lost Gulls, who’d been with him since that first wreck. “I think you ought to see this.”
He joined her at the rail and she passed the spyglass to him. “There.” She pointed to the deck of the
ship below.
Ruenulfr followed the line of Revna’s finger. A flawlessly dressed man stood on the deck, gazing up at
Ruenulfr and his brave heap of flying junk. Pieces of his own ship’s splintered rail lay littered about,
but the vessel hadn’t sustained any lasting damage. The stranger’s expression slowly shifted from
annoyance to a confident, disarming grin.
Brilliant light filled the spyglass’ lens. Ruenulfr tore his gaze away before the image could sear
itself permanently into his vision. Below, an aura of pale blue and bright white swirled around the
man like whipping wind. “Shit,” he whispered, pulling back from the railing. This isn’t just some
rich merchant’s crew. He turned, half running down the deck. “Hold onto something! It’s going to get
choppy!”
Normally, he’d have ordered the retreat. Better to cut your losses than crash. But his grandmother
had tasked him with intercepting the captain’s strongbox, and he wasn’t going to leave without it.
Besides, any spoils beyond that, the crew got to keep. Still, he’d have words with Hfrida later for
sending them on this mission without warning him one of the Princes of the Earth was aboard.
“Here it comes!” The airboat pitched alarmingly as the first volley hit, but his crew kept their feet.
“Bring her about!” Ruenulfr roared over the winds buffeting them. “They want a fight? Let’s show them
what we’ve got.”

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C H A P T E R O N E : M O R TA L S

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 ADVERSARIES OF THE RIGHTEOUS

Chapter One

Mortals
14 Resplendent Wood

Our fellow travelers warned us of the hungry ghosts roaming the Maichu countryside when we parted ways.
I don’t know that I truly believed them, but tonight we camped too close to a ruin, and all my doubt melt-
ed away. We might have been overrun, were it not for a woman bearing an ancient crest on her fine ar-
mor riding into our midst and dispatching the ghosts. Was this the famed warrior hero our companions
had also spoken of ? I understood their reverence as she lifted me, shaking and sobbing, to my feet...

Ashana Ikatu
Master of the Coiled Viper Dojo, First of the Night’s Talons
Background: Ashana Ikatu has gone by many names in her life. Her first, Tahari,
came from peasant parents in a village on the Porcelain Coast. As a child, her
parents gave her to an Immaculate monastery, where her postulant
name was Sparrow and her monk name Daughter of Winds.

Ambitious, unprincipled, and easily bored, she abandoned

the Order in her 20s to seek her fortune. She wandered the
Threshold as a charlatan and mountebank, claiming and dis-
carding names as she pleased, thrilling in
outwitting the clever and breaking the
strong.

Eventually she came to the Coiled Viper

Dojo, an ancient and reputable school for the
martial arts. There she challenged and defeated the
old master, Ashana Ikatu, and took his name for her
own — along with the sifu’s mystical bless-
ing passed down from its serpent-god
founder — in accordance with the
dojo’s tradition. Now she’s sifu to
a score of students, training them
rigorously in martial techniques and
her own brand of chicanery.

She only accepts students cunning

and ruthless enough for her pur-
poses, whether as legbreakers and
grifters garnering wealth and weed-
ing out competing criminals, or stalking
marks alongside her as the Night’s Talons,
a black-clad band of thieves and assassins.
Like Ikatu, they crave challenge and vic-
tory as much as money. No other local

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 C hapter O ne : M ortals
rogues dare target Princes of the Earth — nor charge
such astronomical fees.
Image: Though nearly 50 years old, Ikatu looks half that
age, aided by healthy living and rigorous exercise. She’s
frosty in her public persona as the dojo’s sifu, but quick
to laugh or rage elsewhere.
Intimacies: Defining: “What is life without challenge?”;
The Coiled Viper Dojo (Possessiveness); Major: “I en-
joy defeating the proud.”; “My ambitions are fulfilled,
yet I crave something greater.”; The Night’s Talons
(Pride); Minor: My Students (Satisfaction); The Exalted
(Jealousy)
Secrets: Ikatu keeps tabs on the wealthy and powerful
nearby for future leverage. She caches away keepsakes
from thefts and schemes, some immensely valuable,
waiting for the right time to use them as bait. A few past
victims still seek her, either to retrieve such treasures or
exact revenge; she keeps their names close to her chest,
not wanting her students to get any ideas about betray-
ing her for profit.
Equipment: custom-tailored silk martial arts uniform,
hidden knives, vial of snake venom, lockpicks, pouch of
dinars
Roleplaying Hints: Though Ikatu relishes her power
and secrets, she’s grown restless from years ensconced
in the Coiled Viper Dojo. Characters can sway her to join
dangerous schemes that are sufficiently challenging or
stimulating. This isn’t a death wish, however; she flees
if brought to her −2 health levels. Her students seek re-
venge on anyone who would dare slay her.
Attributes: Strength 3, Dexterity 4, Stamina 5; Cha-
risma 2, Manipulation 4, Appearance 2; Perception
3, Intelligence 3, Wits 4
Essence: 1
Willpower: 9
Join Battle: 9 dice
Personal Motes: 10
Health Levels: −0/−1x2/−2x2/−4/Incap.
Abilities: Athletics (Jumping) 4, Awareness 4, Brawl
1, Bureaucracy (Assess Value) 1, Dodge 4, Integri-
ty (Conceal Identity) 3, Investigation 2, Larceny 3,
Linguistics 2, Lore 2, Martial Arts (Ebon Shadow) 5,
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Martial Arts (Snake) 5, Medicine (Self-Treatment) 1,
Occult 1, Presence (Intimidation) 3, Resistance 3, So-
cialize 3, Stealth 3, Thrown (Knives) 3
Merits: Contacts (Local Criminals) 1, Fast Reflexes,
Followers (Night’s Talons) 2, Influence 2, Language
(Native: Low Realm; High Realm, Flametongue) 2,
Martial Artist, Resources 2
Attack (Unarmed): 13 dice (Damage 10); Tags:
Bashing, Brawl, Grappling, Natural
Attack (Knife): 13 dice (Damage 10 + poison: 2i/
round [L in crash], 3 rounds, −3 penalty); Tags: Lethal,
Melee, Thrown (Short)
Attack (Grapple): 9 dice (8 to control)
Combat: Soak 5, Hardness 0; Parry 5 (Martial
Arts); Evasion 5; Rush 8 dice; Disengage 8 dice
Social: Resolve 4, Guile 4
Students: Ikatu often travels with one or more stu-
dents. Ordinary students have monk traits; Night’s
Talons have assassin traits (Exalted, p. 499). She
can muster the Talons as a Size 1 battle group with
elite Drill, and the other students as a Size 2 battle
group with average Drill.
Special Ability: Serpent’s Soul
An ethereal, serpentine presence dwells within Ikatu’s
soul. Spending one Willpower manifests it for a scene;
while it’s active, her skin takes on a faint snakelike pat-
tern. She gains Hardness 5 and Initiative +2 for deter-
mining turn order, and ignores one Defense point if her
target has a Major or Defining Tie of fear toward her.
Once this effect is active, another Willpower extends it to
an individual who knows Snake Style and has a positive
Intimacy toward Ikatu. She may also spend a Willpower
to grant a battle group under her command Might 1 if it
doesn’t already have any Might. Only the Coiled Viper
Dojo’s sifu possesses this ability.
Martial Arts
Ashana Ikatu may spend 1 mote to add (Essence) to a
Martial Arts roll.
She knows all the Charms from Snake Style (Exalted, p.
427-431). If a Charm has the Terrestrial Keyword, use
those rules for Ikatu.
 ADVERSARIES OF THE RIGHTEOUS
Bosocu
Prodigal Son of the Swamps
Background: The Saints of Thuvaraiyam had high hopes
for Bosocu. His birth drew cold-blooded guardians to his
crib, the eldest Ghara Hags treated him like a son, and ru-
mors claimed he was destined to end the Quagheads’ long
exile. It was an unpleasant surprise to discover he’d run
off one day with a minor chapter full of rabble.
Yet Bosocu is famed as a young folk hero across the wet-
lands, a true believer who wholeheartedly lives up to the
gallantry the Crocodile Host proclaims, credited with
an unseemly number of admirers for his age. To simply
drag the boy back would alienate him and his tight-knit
Blue Leg Chapter, so the Saints scramble for bribes and
plots to herd him home.
See The Quaghead Tribe of Thuvaraiyam (p. XX) for
more information.
Image: A bright-eyed, barefoot teen, with a wide grin
missing several teeth. Grubby with swamp dirt but
rich in confidence and boisterously handsome, Bosocu
sweeps his dark hair back into a greased mound. Beast-
tooth jewelry dangles from his neck and ears,
matching the bite scars that crisscross his
tattooed skin.
Intimacies: Defining: Chopper (Best
Friend); Major: “The Quagheads are proud
heroes of the wetlands!”; Minor: Thuvaraiyam
(Grudging Fascination)
Equipment: An open-chested crocodile-skin
jacket, a hooked machete that serves as
weapon and nail file, and a small sack stuffed
with wriggling swamp animals and tokens
of affection from well-wishers at his last
port of call.
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Roleplaying Hints: Bosocu is brash, inquisitive, and
eager to show off. He picks fights and apologizes for
them with equal alacrity. He loves launching an ambush
with a wild battle cry, but he’s not bloodthirsty; he al-
ways spares enemies who’ve done no harm to his family.
Deep down, he worries his chapter made a mistake in
following him, letting his rumored destiny overshadow
his inexperience. He covers these worries with grins and
boasts.
Attributes: Strength 2, Dexterity 4, Stamina 3; Cha-
risma 4, Manipulation 1, Appearance 3; Perception
3, Intelligence 1, Wits 5
Essence: 1
Willpower: 6
Join Battle: 8 dice
Health Levels: −0x1/−1x2/−2x2/−4x1/Incap.
Abilities: Athletics (Swimming) 3, Awareness 3,
Brawl 2, Craft (Wood Carving) 1, Dodge 3, Integrity
2, Larceny 1, Melee (Mounted) 2, Occult 2, Perfor-
mance 1, Presence 2, Resistance (Disease) 3,
Ride (Chopper) 4, Sail (Shallows) 2, Stealth
3, Survival (Swamps, Animal Husbandry)
4, Thrown (Improvised) 2, War (Blue Leg
Chapter) 1
Merits: Familiar (Chopper) 3, Followers
(Blue Leg Chapter) 1, Legacy of Thuvara-
iyam (below), Strong Lungs, Thaumatur-
gist (Snake Charmer’s Shabti 1, below;
Unquenchable Flame, Exalted, p.
491)
Attack (Hooked machete): 8
dice, or 9 while mounted (Damage
11); Tags: Lethal, Melee, Chopping
 C H A P T E R O N E : M O R TA L S
Attack (Thrown Snake): 7 dice (difficulty 1
gambit); Tags: Lethal, Thrown (Short), Improvised.
On success, the victim suffers a dose of snake venom
(damage 2i/round, duration 3 rounds, −3 penalty).
Attack (Unarmed): 10 dice (Damage 9); Tags:
Bashing, Brawl, Grappling, Natural
Attack (Grapple): 6 dice (4 to control)
Combat: Soak 6, Hardness 0 (crocodile hide jacket:
+3); Evasion 4; Parry 3 (4 while mounted) (Melee);
Rush 7 dice (8 while swimming); Disengage: 7 dice
Social: Resolve 4, Guile 1
Escort: Bosocu leads the Blue Leg Chapter of the
Crocodile Host. As a battle group, they use traits for
brigands (Exalted, p. 496) and have Size 1 and
average Drill.
Familiar: Chopper is a river dragon (Exalted,
p. 571) named for the old iron axe-head lodged in
his skull. In combat, he acts as a mount with a +1
Speed Bonus (+3 in the water) and his own Initia-
tive. Chopper knows several latent abilities: Hold at
Bay, Loyal Guardian, and Snarling Guardian Attack
(Exalted, p. 562). Bosocu can attack enemies
Chopper has grappled without a reaching weapon.
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New Merit: Legacy of Thuvaraiyam
Once per scene, when he successfully orders his chapter
to attack, Bosocu gains 5 Initiative. If he orders them to
rush an opponent, he may move with them when they
reflexively follow that opponent.
New Thaumaturgic Ritual:
Snake Charmer’s Shabti (• or ••)
The sage sculpts or carves an animal shape, surround-
ing it with food offerings and spending one Willpower.
If a mundane wild beast of this type is within five miles,
her chanted prayers draw it to the totem. The scope of
the rite encompasses animal types as broad as “tiger” or
“snake,” or as specific as a particular species of that type.
While the ritualist continues her mantra, the animal
does not attack or leave unless provoked, and the diffi-
culty to train it lowers by two, to a minimum of 1. Only
one animal responds even if multiple eligible specimens
are nearby.
With one dot, the ritualist must choose one animal type
when she learns the ritual, and can only charm that type.
The two-dot version allows her to choose a different
type each time she uses the ritual.
 ADVERSARIES OF THE RIGHTEOUS

The Broker
The Seller in the Shadows
Background: Though the identity of the Broker remains shroud-
ed in mystery, it is a commonly held belief among thieves and
scavengers that if you are in the right place at the right time
someone will be willing to buy whatever you are trying to be
rid of or help you make an otherwise unattainable purchase.
The only drawback? The Broker has no loyalties except their
own, which has proven fatal to bureaucrats and anathema
alike who have found that the value of their life and the secrets
they hold exceeds what they are trying to sell.

Though they have been seen most frequently in Lookshy

and Nexus, the Broker has been spotted in numerous plac-
es across Creation from Chiaroscuro to Gethamane to the
ports of the Dreaming Sea, and the occasional cutpurse even
claims that they have witnessed deals being made in seclud-
ed areas of the Imperial City. Some rumors have swirled as to
the Broker’s identity — many customers cannot confirm even
minor details surrounding the person that they dealt with
either due to intentionally withholding information
or a genuine lack of awareness. There is even talk in
some circles that the Broker is not one person but
several, all keeping their identities a secret to avoid
the oppression of the Guild.

Though their primary business is in fencing stolen goods,

the Broker does not deal entirely in coin and is always open
to accepting a barter if it would benefit them more directly.
Information is as good a currency as jade, and they will just
as easily give it up in exchange for a priceless object that can-
not easily be assigned monetary value. In spite of all this, many
thieves and scavenger lords still find it advantageous to deal
with the Broker instead of another fence… that is, if they can
track them down.

Image: Clad in leathers fit for a thief, one would never know the
riches that the Broker hoards, and it is very much on purpose. The
Broker is secretive and private, virtues that are exhibited even in the
draped cloth that covers their face and the dark hood that casts a
shadow over their features. With the hood removed one might notice
dark, matted hair pulled back with a short length of rope.

Intimacies: Defining: “Everything has a price.”; Major: “What would

you like to know?”, The Guild (Respect); Minor: Identity-Concealing
Mask (Security)

Secrets: Though the Broker’s traveling routes and appearances seem

to be random, they are planned well in advance and are usually marked
by a strange symbol painted in gold ink with a hint as to the details of the
Broker’s next visit. The symbols typically appear within one week of the

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 C H A P T E R O N E : M O R TA L S
Broker’s arrival, and include a series of numbers to indicate
the date and time that a prospective buyer or seller can an-
ticipate being able to make a transaction.
Equipment: Light leather armor and face coverings
along with a cestus, khatar, and several knives readied
for close combat. The Broker also typically carries sev-
eral pouches of various currencies and may also have ar-
tifacts or other objects that they have just purchased or
hope to sell to a prospective buyer.
Roleplaying Hints: The Broker serves their own pur-
poses, which may change from day to day based on their
needs and the current circumstances. They are not above
breaking their own rules if it means coming out on top,
though they will never betray their own identity.
Attributes: Strength 1, Dexterity 3, Stamina 2; Cha-
risma 3, Manipulation 4, Appearance 2; Perception
2, Intelligence 2, Wits 4;
Essence: 1
Willpower: 4
Join Battle: 8
Health Levels: -0/-1x2/-2x2/-4/Incap.
Abilities: Athletics 1, Awareness 2, Bureaucracy
3, Brawl 2, Dodge 3, Integrity 3, Investigation 1,
Larceny 2, Linguistics 3, Lore 3, Melee 2, Presence 3,
Resistance 1, Socialize 3, Stealth 3;
Merits: Contacts 5, Followers 1, Influence 2, Lan-
guage (Riverspeak) 1, Language (Flametongue) 1,
Language (Guild Cant) 1, Language (Skytongue) 1,
Resources 4
Specialties: Bureaucracy (The Guild), Larceny (Ap-
praisal), Socialize (Criminal Underworld), Stealth
(Disguise)
Attack (Cestus): 9 dice – Bashing, Brawl, Smash-
ing, Worn (damage 8)
Attack (Khatar): 9 dice – Lethal, Brawl, Piercing
(damage 8)
Attack (Knife): 9 dice – Lethal, Melee, Thrown
(Short) (damage 8)
Combat: Soak 5 (Light Armor +3); Parry: 3 (Melee),
3 (Brawl); Evasion: 3; Rush 4 dice; Disengage: 6 dice
Social: Resolve: 4; Guile: 5
The Broker’s Security
A mysterious figure, the Broker is never seen without at
least two guards nearby to help move purchases from
place to place and assure the Broker’s safety. Typically
there are at least several protectors nearby, though
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at least one will always remain hidden. The Broker’s
guards vary from place to place and keep their identities
concealed with masks.
Storyteller Note: The Broker’s Security entries use the
Quick Characters rules from page 494 of the Exalted
Third Edition core rulebook.
The Guard
Always close at hand, The Broker’s guard is never too far
from view and will often inspect potential clients before
a transaction can be made. They wear attire similar to
the Broker’s and cover their face so that their identity is
not known.
Essence: 1; Willpower: 3; Join Battle: 5 dice
Health Levels: -0/-1x2/-2x2/-4/Incap.
Actions: Senses: 4 dice; Stealth: 5 dice; Threaten: 4
dice; Tracking: 4 dice
Appearance 2, Resolve 1, Guile 1
COMBAT
Attack (Cestus): 6 dice (Damage 11)
Attack (Grapple): 4 dice (5 dice to control)
Combat Movement: 4 dice
Evasion 2, Parry 2
Soak: 6 (Light Armor)
The Sentry
Hidden in the shadows, the Sentry does not make their
presence known while the Broker is working through a
transaction. Instead they keep a watchful eye over the
surrounding area and prepare to defend their employer
against any surprise attacks.
Essence: 1; Willpower: 4; Join Battle: 6 dice
Health Levels: -0/-1x2/-2x2/-4/Incap.
Actions: Senses: 5 dice; Stealth: 6 dice; Threaten: 5
dice;
Appearance 3, Resolve 2, Guile 2
COMBAT
Attack (Short Sword): 6 dice (Damage 11,
minimum 2)
Attack (Khatar): 6 dice (Damage 11)
Combat Movement: 4 dice
Evasion 2, Parry 2
Soak: 8 (Reinforced Light Armor)
 ADVERSARIES OF THE RIGHTEOUS
Eldran TabrarWitch-Tyrant of Lock
Background: Disowned and outlawed by the
Halashara clans of the Twelveriver Sea, Eldran
Tabrar journeyed into the deep desert. There
he discovered an ancient power that has made
him a living god.
Centuries ago, a black stone plunged from
the sky and burst amid the desert sands,
each of its shards an occult tal-
isman. Eldran discovered that
bringing these shards together
magnifies their power manyfold.
He’s since reassembled most of
the skystone. With each new
fragment, his power grows.
He raised by magic a great wall
around the place where the
stone once fell, and purchased
slaves to sift the sands for the
remaining shards. By that wall
grew the city of Lock, where
merchants come to feed
Eldran’s workforce and bar-
gain for his favor. His au-
thority there is absolute.
No one knows when he’ll
complete the skystone,
nor how vast his pow-
ers shall grow. But
his cold, ruthless
disregard for hu-
man life offers
little hope
of a positive
outcome.
Image: Eldran has
dark brown skin, long black hair held by
jeweled rings, and a well-trimmed beard. He
wears intricately embroidered silken robes
tailored to his broad-shouldered frame, with
a golden pectoral inset with the fist-sized
skystone. During the day, spectacles of
smoked glass shield his eyes from
the desert sun. His expression
is aloof and forbidding, with no
hint of warmth or compassion.
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Intimacies: Defining: The skystone (Obedience); Major:
Lock (Dominion); Minor: “I shall not be denied the
pleasures that accompany power.”; “Others’ lives
only have value to the extent that they serve my
ends.”
Secrets: The skystone is alive, its
alien sentience obsessed with pow-
er and control. The more of it that’s
assembled, the stronger its will
becomes, and the more it battens
on its wielder’s mind and soul.
When complete, it will con-
sume Eldran Tabrar entire, his
body merely a vessel for the
stone’s psyche.
Equipment: Silken robes,
chain shirt, skystone pecto-
ral, smoked-glass spectacles, a
prince’s ransom in jewelry.
Roleplaying Hints: With the
skystone’s power, Eldran has
reshaped his own body and
mind to his desire, and likewise
reshaped the desert sands to
build his city. His belief in his
own might is absolute. He
can be appeased or manip-
ulated by offers to help ob-
tain skystone fragments. If
Eldran dies, Lock falls into
disorder and decay as peti-
tioners depart with their re-
sources, retainers squabble
for control of the Palace and
its treasures, and scavenger
lords and Guild factors angle
to seize the city and unearth the re-
maining shards.
 C H A P T E R O N E : M O R TA L S

Attributes: Strength 5, Dexterity 5, Stamina 5; Cha-

risma 2, Manipulation 3, Appearance 5; Perception
5, Intelligence 5, Wits 5
Essence: 5
Willpower: 8
Join Battle: 10 dice
Personal Motes: 100
Health Levels: −0x6/−1x11/−2x11/−4x6/
Incap.
Abilities: Athletics 2, Awareness 5, Brawl 5, Bu-
reaucracy 2, Dodge 5, Integrity 5, Investigation 2,
Linguistics 1, Lore (The South) 5, Melee (Direlash) 5,
Occult (Artifacts) 6, Presence (Intimidation) 5, Resis-
tance 5, Socialize 2, Survival (Desert) 2, War (Strat-
egy) 1
Merits: Accelerated Healing, Artifact N/A,
Command 3, Contacts 1, Exalted Healing, Followers
1, Influence 5, Language (Native: Seatongue; Fla-
metongue, Old Realm, High Realm) 3, Resources 4,
Retainer 4, Retainer 4, Retainer 2
Flaws: Obsession (Defining): “Reassemble the sky-
stone.”
Attack (Evoked direlash): 15 dice (Damage
15/3); Tags: Lethal, Melee, Disarming, Grappling,
Flexible, Reaching (see Scourge of Celestial Flame)
Attack (Unarmed): 14 dice (Damage 12); Tags:
Bashing. Brawl, Grappling, Natural
Combat: Soak 8, Hardness 0 (chain shirt: +3); Parry
6/5 (Melee/Brawl); Evasion 5; Rush 10 dice; Disen-
gage 10 dice
Social: Resolve 5, Guile 3
Entourage: Assembling Lock’s guards yields a size
4 battle group of battle-ready soldiers (Exalted,
p. 496). Eldran’s retainers include Angzhao Utama
Baru, his spymaster (Exalted, p. 499); the head
of his palace guard, the outcaste Rihala of Origin
(use young Dynast stats; Exalted, p. 541); and his
lover Whisper of Silk and Smoke, a Fair Folk lorelei
(Exalted, p. 535).
THE CITY OF LOCK
Walls of sandstone and obsidian, raised from the des-
ert by the skystone’s power, encircle a pit of sand five
miles in diameter. This is the Crater, wherein Eldran
Tabrar’s slaves toil endlessly to unearth skystone
fragments.
To the north and west, the city proper clings like lichen
to the outer edge of the wall. Here, in the Crescent,
the merchants who supply Eldran with his slaves
and provisions have erected their compounds, as
have princes, chieftains, and spirits seeking to bar-
gain with Eldran for occult aid. Others who dwell in
or live off the desert — nomads, scavengers, firedust
gatherers, basilisk hunters, etc. — also come here to
trade their wares.
Eldran’s domicile, a 10-story fortress of inhuman
design, is called simply “the Palace.” It stands at the
northern edge of Lock, athwart the great wall’s sol-
itary gate. The lower levels house slaves, guards,
overseers, and various servants. The upper levels
are Eldran’s private domain, cluttered with exotic
treasure and weird guardian creatures
New Merit:
Accelerated Healing (•••••)
Eldran heals lethal damage as quickly as bashing damage.
The Skystone (Artifact N/A)
This melon-sized cabochon jewel gleams with a black
luster. Cracks mar its surface, and several shards and
splinters are missing. No one knows where it originated
before it fell from the sky, or what limits there may be to
its power.

SHARDS OF THE SKYSTONE

In mortal hands, an individual shard serves as a talisman of some sort (Exalted, p. 580). If multiple shards touch,
they fuse together; such a cluster attunes to its bearer, providing a 10-mote Essence pool and an Essence 1 Evoca-
tion at the cost of gaining a Minor Intimacy of “The skystone (Obedience)” and a Minor Derangement of obsession
with collecting all skystone fragments. The Intimacy and Derangement can’t be weakened or altered by any means
unless the cluster is deattuned, either by intent or if it’s shattered again.

As the bearer accumulates more shards, her Essence rating, mote pool, and Evocation selection increase, along
with many Attributes and Abilities. Meanwhile, the stone-generated Intimacy and Derangement increase to Major
and eventually Defining.

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 ADVERSARIES OF THE RIGHTEOUS
Only mortals can wield the stone. The souls of inhuman
creatures are incompatible with its psyche, while the
Exaltation’s power is antithetical to it.
Evocations of the Skystone
Passive: The skystone can’t be disarmed or stolen; it
clings to its master with tangible psychic force. It can
sense its shards’ presence within roughly five miles, but
not direction or distance.
Offensive Evocations
Falling Star Might (1m+; Supplemental; Instant; Dual;
Essence 1): Add up to five dice to a withering attack or
feat of demolition for one mote each, or add up to two
dice of damage to a decisive attack for two motes each.
This also increases effective Strength to determine what
feats of demolition Eldran can attempt (Exalted, p. 231).
Scourge of Celestial Flame (5m, 1wp; Simple; One scene;
Essence 2): This Charm congeals the skystone’s Essence
into paired direlashes composed of searing white sparks.
These can strike immaterial spirits, albeit at a −3 penalty if
Eldran can’t see the target.
Shooting Star Assault (5m, 3i; Supplemental; Instant;
Withering-only; Essence 3): Attempt a rush action from
short or medium range. If successful, immediately move
one range band toward the target — this doesn’t count
as the turn’s movement action — then make a reflexive
withering attack against the target if within range.
Incandescent Gyre (10m, 1wp; Simple; Instant;
Withering-only; Essence 4): Spinning like a pinwheel,
Eldran strikes in all directions with the direlashes cre-
ated by Scourge of Celestial Flame. Roll a single wither-
ing attack against all opponents within short range. He
only gains full Initiative from the highest damage roll;
each other successful attack yields no more than three
Initiative. Any opponent crashed by this attack is hurled
back one range band. This Charm is usable once per
scene; reset by successfully dealing any damage with a
decisive attack.
Defensive Evocations
Obsidian Flesh Technique (3m; Reflexive; Instant;
Perilous; Essence 1): Gain +5 soak and Hardness 5 against
a single attack.
Tektite-Body Transformation (5m, 1wp; Reflexive;
Until end of next turn; Essence 2): Ignore one point of
wound penalty, apply soak to unsoakable damage, and
add 5 to soak and Hardness. This Charm’s effects stack
with Obsidian Flesh Technique.
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Revolving Comet Defense (3m, 2i [+1wp]; Reflexive;
Instant; Counterattack, Decisive-only; Essence 3):
Scourge of Celestial Flame must be active. Gain +3 Parry
against a single withering or decisive attack. On a suc-
cessful defense, Eldran may spend one Willpower to cre-
ate a decisive counterattack. This may be performed at
any range; a ranged attack’s projectile is set ablaze with
white fire and hurled back. The counterattack doesn’t
count as an attack action and cannot be used in response
to another counterattack.
Wound-Vitrifying Method (3m per health level add-
ed; Reflexive; Indefinite; Essence 3): Upon taking dam-
age from a decisive attack, gain up to five additional −2
health levels to absorb the damage. Health levels gen-
erated can’t exceed the damage dealt. Damage to these
temporary health levels is automatically aggravated, the
wounds taking on the same glassy black substance as the
skystone. As each level heals, it vanishes and its mote
cost is uncommitted.
Movement Evocations
Wind-Walking Stride (—; Permanent; Permanent;
Essence 2): Eldran may take movement actions through
the air in any direction.
Whirling Skyfire Escape (5m, 1wp; Reflexive; Instant;
Essence 3): Upon taking damage from a decisive attack,
Eldran moves one range band in any direction with a
blinding flash. Characters within close range of Eldran’s
starting point must roll (Wits + Dodge), difficulty 3, or be
blinded (Exalted, p. 168) until the end of their next turn.
Miscellaneous Evocations
Unblinking Star Awareness (3m; Reflexive; Instant;
Essence 1): Double 9s on an Awareness roll. Eldran can
use this Charm even when surprised or unaware; dis-
covering a threat this way awakens him from sleep or
unconsciousness.
Reality-Shaping Prowess (25m, 1wp; Simple; Instant;
Shaping; Essence 4): Once per session, over the course
of an hour of meditation, Eldran can reshape one type
of geography or weather phenomenon within an adjoin-
ing area no larger than a city — raise fortifications, alter
a river’s course, awaken a dormant volcano, conjure or
banish storms, etc.
Final Form Metamorphosis (—; Reflexive; One scene;
Essence 5): When Eldran becomes Incapacitated, he fus-
es with the skystone in a pyrotechnic display. His flesh
becomes glittering black crystal and wings of white fire
burst from his shoulders. He clears all wounds — even
aggravated damage — from his −2, −4, and Incapacitated
 C H A P T E R O N E : M O R TA L S

SUNDERING THE SKYSTONE

Having shattered once, the skystone can be broken again, albeit with great difficulty. This requires three successive
gambits:

First Impact — Difficulty 5: Success cracks the skystone, which glows white from the interstices as it tries to mend
itself. Eldran fills a −1 health level (if any remain) with lethal damage, activates Tektite-Body Transformation and
Whirling Skyfire Escape at no cost, and regains two Willpower and 20 motes. The stone repairs itself at the end of
the scene.

Second Impact — Difficulty 7: Success shatters the skystone into its dozens of component shards barely held to-
gether with a web of vibrating white flame. Eldran fills a −2 health level (if any remain) with lethal damage, activates
Tektite-Body Transformation, Incandescent Gyre, and Whirling Skyfire Escape at no cost, and regains all spent
Willpower and motes. The stone repairs itself after one day.

Final Impact — Difficulty 9: The stone explodes as an instantaneous environmental hazard against everyone with-
in short range (damage 5L, difficulty 5), scattering shards and splinters over a 10-mile radius. The effect this has
on the skystone’s wielder is at the Storyteller’s discretion.

health levels; purges all poisons, diseases, and similar
ongoing detrimental physical effects; reflexively acti-
vates Scourge of Celestial Flame if it’s not currently ac-
tive; and regains all spent Willpower and motes. He also
gains the following benefits for the Charm’s duration:
• Ignore wound penalties.
• May make Melee attacks with Scourge of Celestial
Flame’s direlashes out to short range, or to medi-
um range when using Incandescent Gyre.
• Once per turn, upon crashing or incapacitating an
opponent, make a reflexive withering or decisive
attack against any other opponent in range.

•
+5 soak; this stacks with other skystone • Increase base Initiative to 5.
Evocations’ effects.
When the Charm ends, refill all of Eldran’s −0, −1, and
• +5 dice to all combat movement rolls. −2 health levels with aggravated damage. This Evocation
can’t be used again until after he’s fully healed.

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 ADVERSARIES OF THE RIGHTEOUS

Ifraja the Librarian

Corrupt Seeker of Knowledge
Background: A masterful storyteller, the tales of Ifraja the Librarian’s travels vary
depending on his current location and the enthusiasm of his audience, though
they always seem to include a few embellishments that are spoken with such
sincerity that it can be difficult to discern truth from fiction. Each story may
differ but still carries the common thread of explaining that he has arrived by
way of merchant caravan and only wishes to spread knowledge from faraway
lands with those who visit his makeshift library cart.

While his appreciation for knowledge is genuine, in truth Ifraja’s primary

motivation in traveling from place to place lies in searching for other
practitioners of sorcery to extort for knowledge. He has gone so
far as to take the lives of those who are unwilling to cooperate
and plunders their personal libraries in the process, selling off the
scrolls and tomes that are of no use to him and keeping the rest
to meditate on so that he might further hone his craft and grow
more powerful.

Though Ifraja’s quest keeps him on the road for long periods of
time, he periodically returns to the First Age tomb he calls home.
A dusty mess of sand and stone a half-day’s journey from Urim,
he collects his souvenirs here for safekeeping and uses the space
to meditate on new spells in his workroom. He has taken great
care to conceal his belongings as it is not uncommon for scav-
engers to happen upon the tomb from time to time, a fact evi-
denced by the piles of bones scattered near the entrance.

Image: An older man with dark skin and greying hair, Ifraja’s
outward appearance contributes to deceiving outsiders of his well-
honed abilities. His layered robes occasionally show dust at the hem
from trekking across the desert, though he makes an effort to keep
up his appearance when visiting wealthier cities.

Intimacies: Defining: “Knowledge must be shared.”; Major: Power

(Greed); Minor: “So many cultures, so many things to learn.”,
“Everyone is a part of a greater story.”

Secrets: Many of the destinations Ifraja seeks out are the result of
following rumors from other cities, but he gets a great deal of infor-
mation through summoning and interrogating a demon that was
previously summoned by others and using this knowledge to seek
out his next targets.

Equipment: Well-made robes (Light Armor) and a pair of sai.

Even while distanced from his cart or his home, Ifraja also carries
a number of writing implements and scrolls on his person.

Roleplaying Hints: Ifraja presents himself as a mortal old man

with an enthusiasm for learning and is not quick to give away
his true nature. He may initially seem kind and generous but is

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 C H A P T E R O N E : M O R TA L S
in truth deceitful and quick to anger, especially if he is kept
from the things he is after.
Attributes: Strength 1, Dexterity 3, Stamina 2; Cha-
risma 3, Manipulation 4, Appearance 2; Perception
2, Intelligence 2, Wits 3;
Essence: 1
Willpower: 6
Join Battle: 5 dice
Health Levels: -0/-1x2/-2x2/-4/Incap.
Abilities: Awareness 2, Integrity 3, Investigation 2,
Larceny 3, Linguistics 3, Lore 3, Medicine 2, Melee
1, Occult 4, Performance 2, Presence 1, Resistance 1,
Socialize 2, Stealth 1, Thrown 1
Merits: Contacts 1, Eidetic Memory 2, Language
(Flametongue), Language (Local Tongues),
Attack (Sai): 4 dice – Lethal, Melee, Disarming
(damage 7)
Combat: Soak 5 (Light Armor +3); Parry: 2 (melee);
Evasion: 1; Rush: 3 dice; Disengage: 3 dice
Social: Resolve: 3; Guile: 3
Sorcery
Shaping Ritual: After deciding that his former mentor
could teach him no more, Ifraja stole a sapient tome from
the woman who had taught him all he knows. A sorcerous
relic that compels its owner to gather new knowledge at
any cost, Ifraja seeks to record arcana within its pages in
order to become more powerful. Once per day, by writing
new knowledge that has not already been contributed to
the tome, Ifraja draws upon all of the previous knowledge
in the text and makes an (Intelligence + Occult) check to
gain sorcerous motes equal to the number of successes that
last for one day.
SPELLS
Librum-Devouring Maw (5m, 1wp; Instant; Control
Spell): Ifraja’s forehead blossoms open into a toothy
mouth above his third eye chakra. By consuming a single
tome or scroll, he can memorize its contents for (Essence
+ Intelligence) days, after which it is forgotten unless he
transcribes it. As his control spell, Ifraja may understand
consumed texts written in languages he does not speak,
but he may not reproduce them.
Corrupted Words (15sm, 1wp; Psyche; Indefinite):
Ifraja speaks words that bind his victim from speaking
of a specific subject. He must roll (Intelligence + Occult)
against his victim’s Resolve to successfully bind their will.
Demon of the First Circle (Ritual, 2wp; Instant): With a
ritual that begins at sundown and ends at midnight, Ifraja
summons a First Circle Demon of his choice. The demon
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is bound with an (Intelligence + Occult) roll against their
Resolve, and Ifraja may choose to make it his personal
slave for a year and a day, giving it a Defining Tie of
loyalty to him that cannot be weakened and setting its
Resolve to 0 for any influence rolls Ifraja makes. Alterna-
tively, he may assign the demon a specific task to com-
plete instead. On a failed binding roll, Ifraja is unable
to bind the demon and must make a (Wits + Occult) roll
against its Willpower to banish it back to Hell.
Mists of Eventide (7sm, 2wp; Three rounds): Trans-
forming the Essence of air into an opalescent fog of
slumber, Ifraja creates a cloud centered on a point out
of medium range that spreads to engulf all characters
within short range of the center. Each round that a char-
acter is exposed to the mist, he must roll against its poison
(Damage 31/round, Duration 6 rounds, -3 penalty).
This can only be cast once per scene, unless it causes an
opponent to fall into Initiative Crash, which puts them into
a magical slumber for one day.
Silent Words of Dreams and Nightmares (Ritual,
1wp; One dream): Ifraja brandishes a symbolic link to
another character, such as a lock of hair, and stares into a
reflective surface to gain power over that person’s dreams.
Ifraja rolls (Intelligence + Presence) to instill, persuade, or
inspire the target character with a dream he will experience
when he next sleeps. The dreamer cannot apply any Inti-
macies to enhance his Resolve against this influence, nor
can he pay Willpower to resist unless one of his Intimacies
are threatened. The symbolic link used in the ritual is burnt to
a fine white ash when the dreamer awakes.
Ifraja’s Protectors
Blood-Apes, Demons of the First Circle: While in the tomb
he calls home, Ifraja uses his summoning circle to call forth
a group of Blood-Apes that can help protect him in combat.
This group of demons uses the Battle Groups rules found on
page 205 of the Exalted Third Edition core rulebook.
Size: 2; Drill: Average; Might: 2
Essence: 2; Willpower: 5; Join Battle: 6 dice
Personal Motes: 70
Magnitude: -0/-1x3/-2x3/-4/Incap.
Actions: Climbing and Brachiation: 7 dice; Feats
of Strength: 10 dice (may attempt Strength 5 feats);
Resist Poison/Illness: 8 dice; Senses: 6 dice; Stealth:
6 dice; Threaten: 7 dice; Tracking: 5 dice
Appearance 3 (Hideous), Resolve 3, Guile 1
COMBAT
Attack (Claw): 14 dice (Damage 19)
Attack (Grapple): 12 dice (10 dice to control)
Combat Movement: 7 dice
Evasion 4, Parry 6
 ADVERSARIES OF THE RIGHTEOUS

Isabet Maken
the Master of Cauldron Valley
Background: Born to a life of muck and toil among Eye Society (Stewardship); Major: Cauldron
nomadic horse breeders, Isabet left a trail of human Valley (Ownership), Guild Directorate
misery on her path to the Guild’s highest echelons. (Bitterness), “A good price is worth more
She apprenticed with some of the greatest mer- than a bruised ego.”; Minor: “I cannot abide
chant princes of the age: Alhomzira, the Indigo intrigue or flattery.”, “I don’t renege on my
Queen; Lindyana Calaho, master of the qat trade; bargains.”
and Nine Stars in Song, whose smuggling fleet
they say outsails the Realm’s own biremes. Secrets: Isabet and her demesne attract at-
tention from power brokers to whom
Despite her prestigious education, word of her geomantic trump card
Isabet was disdainful of and leaks, including fellow merchant
unsuited to the empty pleas- princes, a raksha songstress, and
antries of politics, and found an outcaste interested in study-
herself stonewalled as a ing the Valley as a sacred
lesser Guild factor. Only site from apocrypha
discovering Cauldron and legend.
Valley, a lush jungle-de-
mesne on the fringe of Equipment:
the River Province, and Isabet wears quilt-
her own thaumaturgic tal- ed padding beneath
ents saved her from a life of her clothes. While rare-
mediocrity. ly armed, she carries a
variety of strange geo-
Nearing 60, Isabet has reforged her- mantic tools, a purse of
self into a master geomancer, using the silver dinars, and her
Valley’s powers to produce unique personal Guild signet.
slaves. Instead of earning a place on
the Directorate, Isabet helped found Roleplaying Hints:
a secret cabal (see The Gouged Eye Isabet is single-minded, ruthless,
Society, Conspiracy of Savants, p. and even cruel, but neither sadis-
XX) to further her mastery of tic nor irrational. At heart, she is
geomantic lore. Beyond this, her a businesswoman, always looking
only concern is for her sons, Imri to come out ahead in any inter-
and Sabet; she would move the action. She endures taunting and
Imperial Mountain itself to se- even open insults, if the price is
cure their futures. right — but with a stony face and a
long memory. While she is a Guild
Image: Isabet is a handsome slaver, she has no love for the Guild’s
woman, broad and strongly Directorate, and characters can con-
built. She neatly manages her vince her to act against them for the
graying hair. She is vain, but nev- right offer. She prioritizes securing
er lets vanity overwhelm prac- good marriages for her sons, and en-
ticality; her coats are luxurious tertains almost any promising offer.
ermine, with room at the arms to
swing an axe, while her boots are Attributes: Strength 2, Dexterity
elegant but sturdy. 3, Stamina 4; Charisma 4, Ma-
nipulation 2, Appearance 4;
Intimacies: Defining: My Perception 4, Intelligence
Sons (Love), The Gouged 5, Wits 2

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 C H A P T E R O N E : M O R TA L S

CAULDRON VALLEY

It normally takes weeks of exposure to Cauldron Valley’s mutagenic Essence to suffer permanent mutation: a
thick layer of slimy mucus coating the skin that grants +1 Evasion but inflicts −1 Parry, and a need to soak in wa-
ter regularly to avoid desiccation and illness. The demesne’s raw energy pools in vibrant wellsprings that dot the
landscape, though, and anyone who falls into one without ritual preparation takes one bashing damage level and
emerges with random, often freakish and nonsensical amphibian features of the Storyteller’s choice. These muta-
tions are gruesome but incomplete, fading at the end of the story.

Essence: 1 given character can only ever gain mutations this way
Willpower: 8 once. Similar rituals exist to quicken other unstable
demesnes.
Join Battle: 5 dice
Health Levels: −0x1/−1x2/−2x2/−4x1/Incap.
Imri and Sabet, the Brothers Maken
Abilities: Archery 2, Awareness 3, Bureaucracy 4,
Integrity 5, Investigation 2, Larceny (Smuggling) 2, Isabet’s sons are spoiled dandies in their late 20s, apa-
Linguistics 2, Lore 3, Melee 3, Occult (Geomancy)
thetic — or oblivious — to their mother’s ruthlessness;
4, Presence (Bargaining) 3, Resistance 2, Ride 3, So-
charming and gallant, but depthless and unmotivated.
cialize (Spotting Trouble) 3, Survival 3
Both are handsome, trained in dueling, music, and man-
Merits: Backing (Guild) 3, Contacts (Smugglers and ners by fine tutors. The pair often serve their mother as
Slavers) 2, Demesne (Cauldron Valley) 4, Followers 2, her envoys and honor guard.
Languages (Native: Riverspeak; Foresttongue, Guild
Cant, Skytongue) 3, Resources 4, Thaumaturgist Essence: 1; Willpower: 5; Join Battle: 6 dice
Attack (Axe): 8 dice (Damage 11); Tags: Lethal, Health Levels: −0x1/−1x2/−2x2/−4x1/Incap.
Melee, Thrown (Short), Chopping
Actions: Carousing: 10 dice; Feats of Strength: 5
Attack (Unarmed): 7 dice (Damage 9); Tags: dice; Musical Performance: 7 dice; Senses: 4 dice;
Bashing, Brawl, Grappling, Natural Social Influence: 5 dice
Attack (Grapple): 6 dice (5 to control) Appearance 5, Resolve 3, Guile 1
Combat: Soak 7, Hardness 0 (quilted armor: +3);
COMBAT
Parry 4 (Melee); Evasion 2; Rush 3 dice; Disengage
3 dice Attack (Dueling saber): 9 dice (Damage 12)
Social: Resolve 4, Guile 3 Attack (Flame piece): 9 dice at close range
(Damage 13)
Attack (Unarmed): 7 dice (Damage 10)
Thaumaturgic Ritual: Attack (Grapple): 7 dice (6 to control)
Quicken the Cauldron (••) Combat Movement: 6 dice
Isabet uses an array of silver rods to direct the Valley’s geo-
Evasion 2, Parry 4 (5 when defending family)
mantic flows, forcing its energies to overflow. After eight Soak/Hardness: 3/0
hours of work, she may pay one Willpower and make a
difficulty 2 (Perception + Occult) roll to complete the rite.
Anyone partially or fully submerged in a metamorphic pool
Paddagons
at the ritual’s culmination gains a number of dots’ worth of
Hulking, rubbery creatures with rainbow-mottled skin
permanent amphibian mutations of the Storyteller’s choice
and amphibian features, the paddagons are Isabet’s
equal to successes on this roll, and may reassign up to four
prize creations — strong, healthy, and uncommonly sub-
of their Physical Attribute dots in any combination as long
missive. The mutation process binds together groups of
as no Attribute falls below 1 or exceeds the character’s nat-
paddagons in a codependent collective. They are popu-
ural maximum. A botch inflicts a Major Derangement and
lar with slaver caravans, and accompany Isabet as valets
two levels of aggravated damage on the subject instead.
and bodyguards.
The ritual’s difficulty increases cumulatively by one
Battle groups of paddagons have Might 1.
for each additional time it’s invoked in a season, and a

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 ADVERSARIES OF THE RIGHTEOUS
Essence: 1; Willpower: 3; Join Battle: 4 dice
Health Levels: −0x1/−1x4/−2x4/−4x1/Incap.
Actions: Feats of Strength: 8 dice; Hard Labor: 9
dice; Leaping: 5 dice; Resist Disease/Poison: 11 dice;
Senses: 3 dice; Swimming: 8 dice
Appearance 1, Resolve 1, Guile 1
COMBAT
Attack (Unarmed): 6 dice (Damage 15) Tags:
Bashing, Brawl, Grappling, Natural
Attack (Grapple): 6 dice (8 to control)
Lapis, Queen of Rake
Background: Claiming descent from Alix Brightsword,
a fabled hero of the Realm Wars, Lapis’ great-grandfa-
ther conquered the tree-girt principality of Rake. Lapis
herself slew her elder brother on the battlefield to claim
the throne, and set out to extend the family’s territory
across their corner of the Hundred Kingdoms by means
of marriage alliances, espionage, treachery, and war.
During her reign, Rake has become one of the largest and
most powerful states in the Hundred Kingdoms. But such
power is fragile in this time of tumult  — bandit princes
roam, Vaneha and other neighboring powers turn their at-
tention toward the region, and Anathema are on the rise.
No price is too great to cement her rule so that she might
pass it on to her children, though which children matters
not. She’s dedicated to the future of her family legacy, not
the futures of her individual offspring as people.
Image: Strong and broad-shouldered. Lapis is a hand-
some, dynamic woman of middle age. She’s no longer
trim due to her powerful appetites for food and drink,
but remains fit from sparring, hunting, and military
marches. Her looks, charm, and power have brought her
many consorts despite her volatile temper. Years of war
and occasional assassination attempts have given her
an air of wary alertness; even in her palace she keeps a
breastplate beneath her shirt and a dagger up her sleeve.
Intimacies: Defining: Rake (Ownership); Major: “Action
is better than inaction.”; “I take what I want.”; Her chil-
dren (Ambivalence); Minor: Fellow monarchs (Caution);
Lorn (Wary Respect)
Secrets: Lapis is quietly negotiating a truce with the lead-
ers of the Hundred Kingdoms’ other major principali-
ties — most notably mountainous Trimrode, lake-dotted
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Combat Movement: 5 dice
Evasion 2, Parry 1
Soak/Hardness: 7/0
Merits
Amphibious: Paddagons breathe water and air equally
well, and suffer no penalties underwater.
Eager to Obey: Paddagon battle groups have elite Drill
for purposes of command rolls (but not Defense).
Spandrel, and swampy Mire — to join forces against for-
eign threats and elect one of their number as dictator
should Vaneha declare war. She intends to be the one
elected, and to leverage that power to Rake’s advantage.
Meanwhile, her son Spar schemes to overthrow her.
Equipment: Silver-inlaid articulated plate, mace, shield
blazoned with the Brightsword arms; colorful finery,
breastplate, knife, signet ring, talismans against disease
Roleplaying Hints: Lapis is accustomed to getting what she
wants, and her goals are numerous: increase her personal
wealth and power, and Rake’s as a whole, eliminate threats
to her reign, and secure her bloodline’s future. She’s had a
lifetime of pushing to achieve her ends, whether through
charm, threats, personal violence, or war, and she uses what-
ever tools seem best suited to the task at hand. She’s capa-
ble of alliance and compromise, or even surrender and sub-
mission, but she sees all such things as temporary setbacks,
knowing better than to get into fights she cannot win.
Lapis has yet to name an heir from among her three sur-
viving children. Should she perish, her realm would like-
ly devolve into civil war. Even with an heir, Rake would
face significant threats from rebels and rival states kept
in abeyance by Lapis’ administrative skills and force of
personality.
Attributes: Strength 3, Dexterity 2, Stamina 3; Cha-
risma 4, Manipulation 3, Appearance 3; Perception
2, Intelligence 3, Wits 3
Essence: 1
Willpower: 7
Join Battle: 6 dice
Health Levels: −0/−1x2/−2x2/−4/Incap.
 C H A P T E R O N E : M O R TA L S

Abilities: Athletics 2, Awareness 3, Bureaucracy (Rulership) 2, Dodge 2, Integrity 3, Investigation (Within Her
Court) 1, Linguistics (Political Correspondence) 2, Lore 1, Melee 3, Performance (Oratory) 1, Presence 4, Resis-
tance (Disease) 2, Ride 2, Socialize (Read Intentions) 3, War (Command Actions) 3
Merits: Allies 1, Command 4, Contacts 3, Followers 3, Influence 5, Language (Native: Riverspeak. Forest-tongue,
High Realm) 2, Resources 4, Retainer 4
Attack (mace): 7 dice (Damage 12); Tags: Bashing, Melee, Smashing
Attack (shield): 7 dice (Damage 12); Tags: Bashing, Melee, Shield
Attack (knife): 9 dice (Damage 10); Tags: Lethal, Melee, Thrown (Short)
Combat: Soak 10, Hardness 0 (articulated plate: +7); Parry 4 (Melee; Parry
3 with knife); Evasion 0 (armor penalty −2); Rush 4 dice; Disengage 4 dice
Social: Resolve 3, Guile 3
Escort: Lapis always has at least one elite bodyguard (Exalted, p.
497) close by, and is rarely far from a Size 2 unit of bat-
tle-ready household troops (Exalted, p. 496).
She can muster a Size 5 army in wartime. As a
wealthy petty monarch, she retains the services
of various specialists, such as her court sorcerer, Lorn.

Lorn, Goetic Sorcerer

A graduate of the House of Thirty Seals — that infa-
mous academy of demonology in distant Nathir — Lorn
has entered Lapis’ service. In exchange for his sorceries, he receives wealth,
respect, influence, and opportunity to pursue sorcerous research. Though
this satisfies him, the demons he calls forth whisper of greater ambition;
he would not be the first sorcerer-prince to seize a kingdom.
Intimacies: Defining: “Sorcery is my vocation.”; Major: “Without
security, I cannot progress.”; The House of Thirty Seals (Fearful
Loyalty); Minor: “Perhaps the demons are right about the worth
of temporal power.”; Lapis of Rake (Loyalty)
Actions: Demon Lore: 7 dice; Read Intentions: 5 dice; Senses:
6 dice; Social Influence: 5 dice; Sorcery: 6 dice
Appearance 2, Resolve 3, Guile 2
Essence: 1; Willpower: 7; Join Battle: 4 dice
Health Levels: −0/−1x2/−2x2/−4/Incap
COMBAT
Attack (Knife): 6 dice (Damage 9) Tags: Lethal, Melee,
Thrown (Short)
Combat Movement: 3 dice
Evasion 1, Parry 1
Soak/Hardness: 13/10 (perronele demon)
Escort: Lorn is typically guarded by an immaterial agata (Exalted, p.
523), erymanthus (Exalted, p. 525), or other First Circle demon.
SORCERY
Shaping Ritual: Lorn purchased the sleight of sorcery from the demon Makarios
in a dream. Now he sells dreams to the demon to fuel his magic.
Lorn marks a character’s forehead — his own or another’s — with Makarios’ sigil. That
character regains no Willpower from that night’s sleep. Lorn rolls sorcery, gaining one
sorcerous mote per success. These motes last until he next sleeps, and can fuel any spell
he casts.

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 ADVERSARIES OF THE RIGHTEOUS

SPELLS Infallible Messenger (5sm, 2wp, Instant, control

Beckoning That Which Stirs the Sky (Ritual,
2wp; [1 + threshold successes] hours): Roll sorcery to
alter the weather, with difficulty based on degree of
change and climate. Altered weather extends out to
(5 + threshold successes) miles.
Demon of the First Circle (Ritual, 2wp, Instant):
Summon a First Circle Demon in a night-long ritual,
rolling sorcery against its Resolve to bind it.
spell): Conjure a cherub to deliver a message up to
five minutes long to a single individual anywhere in
Creation, reaching him within a day. Can convey
social influence. Pay one Willpower to share the cher-
ub’s senses.

Meimuna Kyree
Necharan Matchmaker
My lady Cholan of the House of Red Birds,

After weeks of travel and investigation, it seems my efforts may finally bear
fruit. Here, in the eighth locale on my itinerary, I’ve caught the trail of a
band of travelers whose heroic deeds and artifact blades bespeak some su-
pernatural bloodline. Rumor hasn’t sufficed to untangle the specifics of
their lineage, but no matter. My bearers and I are on their heels, and
once I meet them in person, I’ll ply them with gifts and promises un-
til they relent and return with us to Nechara. Surely one of them
will make your daughter a fine groom, or your son a strong bride.

Your faithful servant,

Meimuna Kyree
Image: Meimuna Kyree’s rich robes and headdress befit her ele-
vated status as a Necharan matchmaker, fit to treat with spirits and
outcastes. Red and gold gardas painted on her brown skin bespeak
devotion to her patrons in the House of Red Birds. Bells woven into
her long black hair bring luck. She seems graceful and dignified; only
if her composure cracks under pressure do her youth and limited expe-
rience become obvious.

Intimacies: Defining: Lady Cholan (Devotion); Major: “A true matchmaker

shows each client the utmost discretion.”; “Gossip is my lifeblood.”; House
of Red Birds (Loyalty); Potential Suitors (Gallantry); Minor: Nechara
(Homesickness)

Secrets: Kyree knows much regarding the habits, likes, and dislikes of
numerous Eastern spirits, god-blooded, and outcastes, including their
web of relationships with one another. She’s also privy to gossip re-
garding Nechara’s noble houses and grandees.

Equipment: fine clothing; golden bells; tanpura with mother-

of-pearl inlay; maiden tea; baggage train laden with gifts of
clothing, liquor, perfume, etc.

Roleplaying Hints: Kyree has yet to develop an

elder matchmaker’s subtlety. She gleefully

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 C H A P T E R O N E : M O R TA L S
TRAVELING TO NECHARA
Should well-bred characters accompany Kyree, the city-state of Nechara offers many intrigues. Other noble houses
wish to woo the characters away from the House of Red Birds — or to outright sabotage relations with that family.
Meanwhile, Necharan genealogists pry into their backgrounds, potentially uncovering damaging secrets.
corners potential divine consorts for her patron’s fam-
ily, expounding on the House of Red Birds’ wealth and
on the luxury and status that accompanies begetting a
god-blooded heir as spouse or consort. Though a careful
guardian of her patrons’ and clients’ secrets, she gladly
gossips about other subjects.
Should she catch a potential spouse’s trail — and she
assumes that covert Solar or Lunar characters are
god-blooded heroes — she’s equally direct, inquiring
widely as to their whereabouts and activities. Others
who might wish to use or harm the characters need only
follow in her wake.
She offers small gifts to attract a potential suitor’s atten-
tion, and larger ones to sway the undecided. If tricked
into giving away rich treasures to someone who never
intended to go to Nechara, she spreads dreadful rumors
about that character for the rest of her trip.
Characters can dissuade Kyree by pointing her to more
obliging potential suitors, or revealing that her target is
totally unsuitable —  though she’d be publicly horrified
to learn he’s Anathema. Antagonizing, ruining, or slay-
ing her results in negative attention from nobles, bank-
ers, merchants, and spirits who wish to remain on good
terms with Nechara’s aristocrats — and retain access to
Necharan business and largesse.
Attributes: Strength 2, Dexterity 2, Stamina 2; Cha-
risma 3, Manipulation 2, Appearance 4; Perception
4, Intelligence 3, Wits 2
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EX3
Essence: 1
Willpower: 5
Join Battle: 4 dice
Health Levels: −0/−1x2/−2x2/−4/Incap.
Abilities: Awareness 2, Bureaucracy (Assess
Wealth) 2, Craft (Tailoring) 2, Dodge 1, Integrity
(Loyal Service) 3, Investigation 2, Linguistics (In-
vitations) 3, Lore (Eastern History) 1, Martial Arts
(Dreaming Pearl Courtesan) 2, Occult (Spirits) 2, Per-
formance (Singing, Stringed Instruments) 3, Presence
(Matchmaking) 3, Ride 1, Socialize (Assess Interest)
3
Merits: Backing (House of Red Birds) 2, Influence 1,
Language (Native: Forest-tongue; Flametongue, Old
Realm, Riverspeak) 3, Martial Artist, Mentor (Lady
Cholan) 1, Resources 2, Retainers 2
Attack (Unarmed): 8 dice (Damage 9); Tags:
Bashing, Brawl, Grappling, Natural
Combat: Soak 2, Hardness 0; Parry 2 (Martial
Arts); Evasion 2; Rush 2 dice; Disengage 3 dice
Social: Resolve 3, Guile 3
Escort: A dozen assorted chefs, musicians, and
dancers accompany Kyree’s travels, delegated by the
House of Red Birds to help sway a potential spouse
into returning to Nechara to taste that city’s splendors.
They’re escorted by porters, drovers, pack animals
laden with supplies and gifts, and a dozen guards (a
Size 1, average Drill battle group of medium infan-
try — Exalted, p. 496). Her taciturn uncle Meimuna
Mayan serves as her bodyguard; he uses grizzled
veteran traits (Exalted, p. 497).
 ADVERSARIES OF THE RIGHTEOUS

Omerek, Scarlet Egg Player

Background: Omerek grew up in service to a scion of a Great House. Where Cynis Botin’s adventures took him, Omerek was
duty-bound to follow. He accompanied the young Wood Aspect to salons in the Imperial City, traveled with him across the
Blessed Isle, and fetched and carried for him throughout the Threshold. When
an assassin’s poison felled Botin in the River Province, Omerek held his em-
ployer’s hand until he died. Then he slipped the rings from Botin’s fingers,
donned the Dynast’s fine clothing, and left the corpse behind for an inn-
keeper to discover.

Omerek met up with the Scarlet Egg Players (p. XX) shortly thereafter,
and took on the role of “Cynis Abaril,” a Wood Aspect. Though he has
no formal stage training, his decades in Botin’s service taught him how
to walk, talk, and act like a Dynast. During performances, he makes
flowers appear via sleight of hand and clever costume tricks, and
declaims poems he learned from listening to Botin’s recitations.

Within the Players, Omerek advises other actors on making

their performances more authentic. While the troupe avoids
actual Dragon-Blooded and representatives from the
Realm, the Players’ leader Jasper occasionally calls upon
Omerek to deal with village elders, traveling mortal mag-
istrates, and others who regularly interact with Princes
of the Earth. Thus far, he’s fooled them all.

Image: Omerek is a man in his 40s with a willowy build. He

dyes his fair hair a deep shade of green and wears perfumes
that smell like seasonal flowers. His clothing, while slightly
out of style, reflects the fashions of Pangu Prefecture.

Intimacies: Defining: “I’ve earned a life of luxury.”; Major:

The Scarlet Egg Players (Loyalty); Wayal (Love); Minor:
House Cynis (Trepidation)

Secrets: Omerek corresponds with his sister Wayal in Pangu

Prefecture. He’s careful to post and collect his letters only
while in disguise, and provides no details about the Players
or their movements in the missives. Wayal apprises him
of current gossip, which Omerek weaves into the Players’
plots. Their exchanges are coded, lest House Cynis get
their hands on them.

While Botin’s rings aren’t artifacts, they are heirlooms for

whose return House Cynis would pay a handsome finders’
fee.

Equipment: Three gold rings, one of which is a signet

ring bearing Botin’s family seal.

Roleplaying Hints: As “Cynis Abaril,” Omerek plays

the part of a jovial Dynast, encouraging those in his or-
bit to partake of fine food and drink, calling for songs

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 C H A P T E R O N E : M O R TA L S
and stories, and keeping the conversation lively. When he’s
not in character, he’s quiet and reserved, reverting to the un-
assuming nature of his days as a servant. Though he’s not an
eavesdropper, Omerek’s habit of fading into the background
means he overhears a lot of interesting conversations.
Attributes: Strength 2, Dexterity 3, Stamina 2; Cha-
risma 2, Manipulation 3, Appearance 2; Perception
3, Intelligence 2, Wits 2
Willpower: 5
Join Battle: 7 dice
Health Levels: −0/−1x2/−2x2/−4/Incap.
Abilities: Athletics 1, Awareness 2, Brawl 1, Bureau-
cracy 2, Dodge 1, Integrity 3, Larceny 2, Linguistics
2, Medicine 2, Performance 3, Socialize 2, Stealth 2
Merits: Fleet of Foot, Language (Native: Low Realm;
High Realm) 1
Attack (Unarmed): 4 dice (Damage 3) Tags:
Bashing, Brawl, Grappling, Natural
Ruenulfr the Unfrozen
Brigand of the Skies
Background: In the inhospitable North, the Haslanti
League’s flourishing cities are verdant refuges amid a
sea of ice; hospitable, pioneering, and overcrowded.
Ruenulfr had little chance of prosperity in his home city
of Icehome, so he set out to seek his fortune aboard an
airboat bound for newly formed Emerald, a tiny patch of
grass and soil in the snow that could one day become a
proper settlement. The airboat never arrived — an unex-
pected spring ice storm tore apart its gas bladder, crash-
ing it miles away from civilization.
Only a handful of the colonists survived. Getting the air-
boat working again took teamwork, ingenuity, and luck,
and by the time it was once more airborne, the survivors
were near-starving and out of supplies. They took to
raiding whatever settlements they could find out on the
Great Ice; Icewalker, Guild outpost, and Haslanti alike.
Ruenulfr emerged as a natural pirate captain, ambitious
enough to keep his crew fed, cautious enough to keep
them alive, and charismatic enough to convincingly jus-
tify any act of violence in the name of survival. Settling
their own Emerald seemed pointless now, with a ship to
fly and riches to acquire. Victims of their first few raids
joined the crew, exchanging hard work for a new life in
the air, and the Lost Gulls were formed.
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EX3
Combat: Soak 2, Hardness 0; Parry 2; Evasion 2;
Rush 4 dice; Disengage 4 dice
Social: Resolve 3, Guile 3
Special Ability: Unobtrusive
Serving the Realm’s Dragon-Blooded, a person learns to
be quiet and discreet. While they must be physically pres-
ent in case the Dynast should have a task for them to per-
form, they must also be able to blend into the background.
Staff is to be seen and not heard, drawing as little attention
as possible. This affords them a measure of invisibility in
social situations. For the character to go unnoticed, roll
(Manipulation + Stealth) vs. his opponent’s (Perception +
Awareness). On a success, the target overlooks the char-
acter’s presence until they make themselves known. This
ability doesn’t count as a stealth attempt.
Three weeks into their first winter, the pirate life was
looking a lot less appealing, and the Haslanti Wind Fleet
finally caught up with their stolen vessel. After a brief
skirmish, a larger, more modern airboat grounded the
Gulls. Ruenulfr the Unfrozen’s vanquisher was not mere-
ly a military captain, but also his maternal grandmother,
Hrefna Kidildottir. She offered him a bargain: become
a covert privateer of the Haslanti League, neither pro-
tected nor challenged by the Wind Fleet. In exchange,
he’d steer clear of Haslanti settlements and listen to his
grandmother, who’d have the occasional errand for him
to run. Ruenulfr accepted, and has been flying largely
unopposed ever since.
Image: Ruenulfr the Unfrozen is a tall, broad man with
ruddy skin and a thick, unruly beard. He wears clothing
stolen during raids, with leathers and rare furs piled on
top of one another as status symbols and for warmth. His
easygoing charm secures his place as leader of the Lost
Gulls, and he greets even sworn enemies with a wide
grin and a carefree attitude.
Intimacies: Defining: “Survive at any cost.”; Major: The
Lost Gulls (Loyalty); Major: Hrefna Kidildottir (Terrified
Love); Minor: The Rescue (Possessive Ownership)
 ADVERSARIES OF THE RIGHTEOUS

Secrets: Hrefna Kidildottir is one of Haslanti’s Grandmothers, the circle of elders who covertly control the nation’s
spies and assassins. She’s fonder of her renegade grandson than perhaps she should be, and as much as she uses him
as an asset from time to time, anyone who seriously hurts Ruenulfr faces the wrath of a highly effective spymaster
and her wide network of friends.

Equipment: Ruenulfr carries a brace of javelins, a pouch of heavy sling stones for dropping from above, and at
least six knives concealed about his person. A waterproofed pouch at his waist contains detailed maps of northern
Creation, from down past Whitewall to up past Tusk, and a month’s worth of high-energy rations.

Roleplaying Hints: Ruenulfr looks out for himself first, his crew and family second, anyone else
a distant third. He avoids conflict unless he’s certain he can win, preferring to bombard small
seabound vessels at his leisure rather than tangle with other airboats, even when the more
dangerous route seems more profitable. He tries to stay positive at all times and avoids
showboating or holding grudges — even when bombing a former ally from
above, it’s just business. No reason to be unkind about it.

Attributes: Strength 2, Dexterity 1, Stamina 3; Cha-

risma 3, Manipulation 3, Appear-
ance 2; Perception 2, Intelligence
2, Wits 3
Willpower: 6
Join Battle: 5 dice
Health Levels:
−0/−1x2/−2x2/−4/Incap.
Abilities: Athletics 1 (Aboard a vessel);
Awareness 2; Brawl 2; Bureaucracy 1;
Craft (Shipwright) 2; Integrity 2; Linguistics
2; Lore 1; Melee 3; Presence 3; Resistance
2; Sail 4 (Airboats); Socialize 1; Survival 2
(Cold climates); Thrown 2; War 2.
Merits: Backing 2 (Haslanti League), Boundless
Endurance, Command 2, 
Attack (javelin): 6 dice (Damage +11); Tags: Lethal,
Melee, Thrown (Medium)
Attack (javelin, thrown): 7/6/5
dice (Damage +11); Tags: Lethal,
Melee, Thrown (Medium)
Attack (knife light): 8 dice
(Damage +9); Lethal, Melee, Thrown
(Short)
Attack (knife, thrown): 7/6
dice (Damage 9); Lethal, Melee,
Thrown (Short)
Combat: Soak 6, Hardness 0;
Parry 3 (Melee); Evasion 1; Rush
2 dice (3 dice aboard a vessel);
Disengage 1 die
Social: Resolve 3, Guile 2

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 C H A P T E R O N E : M O R TA L S

AIRBOAT CONFLICT

Airboats are controlled using the Sail ability and have the same traits as a regular ship, with the addition of a Maxi-
mum Height trait. Height describes the current number of vertical range bands between an airboat and the ground
or sea; Maximum Height defines the maximum number of such range bands to which the ship may safely ascend.

The vertical axis creates new possibilities and complications for naval combat:

• An airboat can sail at any Height up to its Maximum Height, though most patrol at Height 2. A waterbound ship
sails at Height 0 for purposes of conflict with airboats

• In combat, an airboat uncontested by another airboat may change its current Height up or down by one every
round. If two airboats are in conflict, a successful Positioning stratagem is required to change Height.

• An airboat at Height 2 or greater uncontested by another airboat may successfully Escape a battle at any time.
Some weapons, Charms, or abilities specifically designed as anti-air measures may count as another airboat
for purposes of this rule, at the Storyteller’s discretion.

• The Broadside stratagem and all boarding action stratagems only work against opponents no more than one
Height above or below the stratagem user. The Ram stratagem can be used on any opponent of the same
Height or lower, but this drops the user to their opponent’s Height, and the user cannot benefit from the pro-
tection of a battering ram if any Height is lost during the attack.

• Airboats gain access to a new stratagem, Airstrike: (Roll: Wits + Sail + Maneuverability; Cost: 5 Momentum):
The ship’s crew drops explosives, shrapnel, or other dangerous objects from above onto an enemy ship below.
The attacking ship must be 2 Height or higher above the target. This inflicts one level of Hull damage, plus one
additional level for every point of Height difference above 2 the attacker has over the target.

You can treat any naval combatant with the ability to fly as an airboat for purposes of these rules, whether it’s a
floating pagoda drawn by garda birds, a resurrected First Age airship, or an aging trireme granted flight through
sorcery. Assign these esoteric vessels a Maximum Height trait and allow them to contest airboats on equal footing.

A Haslanti airboat loses one Maximum Height level for each level of Hull damage it takes; if reduced to Maximum
Height 0, it hovers barely above the ground with half-deflated airbags and no longer counts as an airboats for pur-
poses of these rules until it’s airborne again.

Use the Lintha Reaver/Brigand Leader/Grizzled

The Lost Gulls
Ruenulfr now has three airboats: the Rescue, his first and
flagship; and the Nimble Butterfly and Kittiwake, two old-
er, smaller vessels that the military scuttled for being too
dangerous to keep flying. The original survivors of the
Emerald expedition crash form the inner circle of the
Lost Gulls, which determines the fleet’s future, though
Ruenulfr maintains veto power. Solveig Silver-Keeper,
the engineer largely responsible for keeping the tiny fleet
afloat, may also veto plans.
Verner Kvalhelm is an ambitious new addition to the
Lost Gulls. His talent at the helm has made him acting
captain of the Kittiwake, though he secretly resents the
original survivors for keeping him out of planning meet-
ings and limiting his share of treasure.
Mercenary Quick Character traits (Exalted, p. 497) for
the Lost Gulls’ leadership, and Battle-Ready Troops/
Medium Infantry (Exalted, p. 496) for regular crew.
Airboats
RESCUE
Speed: large airbags +3, extended sails +1, empty
cargo hold +1
Maneuverability: 0 Hull: −1/−2/−4/Incapaci-
tated
Maximum Height: 3
NIMBLE BUTTERFLY AND KITTIWAKE
Speed: medium airbags +2, extended sails +1
Maneuverability: +1 Hull: −2/−4/Incapacitated
Maximum Height: 4

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 ADVERSARIES OF THE RIGHTEOUS

Zhao Terang Delima

Hero of Maichu
Background: Delima’s aristocratic family taught her of their
country’s noble heritage, when Maichu (The Realm, p. 171) was
the Zhao empire’s heartland. But the Realm dismembered Greater
Zhao before she was born. Today, the Ragaras brutally overtax
Maichu’s people, leaving the land rife with banditry, poverty, dis-
ease, and hungry ghosts.

To honor the Terang family name and do right by the people,

Delima took up the sword as a wandering hero. Famous
throughout Maichu’s countryside, she’s beloved by the
common folk.

But sworn as she is to righteous action, she’s also sworn to

her family’s service. Since her parents’ deaths, leadership
falls to her elder sister Nilam. Nilam has ingratiated her-
self to the satrap, invests Terang wealth in the slave trade,
and bleeds Terang peasants dry with taxes. Though they
argue, Delima serves as her sister’s right hand and
bloody blade.

Image: Dark-skinned and powerfully built,

Delima cuts a stern figure. She rarely appears with-
out armor, eschews most jewelry, and keeps her hair tied
back plainly. Her only vanity is her panoply; she keeps
her weapons oiled and sharp, and sees that any dam-
age to their engravings and inlay is mended. She al-
ways wears the Terang crest.

Intimacies: Defining: “Without my hon-

or, I am nothing.”; The Terang Family
(Loyalty); Major: “I will alleviate the suf-
fering of Maichu’s people.”; Zhao Terang
Nilam (Acrimonious Love); Minor: House
Ragara (Contempt); Zhao Terang Bayu (Friendship);
Anathema (Fear)

Secrets: Unbeknownst to Delima, backers in

Maichu’s capital of Red Fan wish to see her rise to
high office — minister, general, or even queen. But she
won’t compromise her honor; if unrighteous deeds
pave her way, she holds the perpetrators responsible.

Equipment: Ancestral weapons, heir-

loom armor, fine warhorse

Roleplaying Hints: Delima is proud,

generous, and compassionate. She
fights to the death against any genu-
ine threat to Maichu. She’s not a fool;

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 C H A P T E R O N E : M O R TA L S
PRONUNCIATION
The “zh” in “Zhao” sounds like the “s” in “usual.”
she seeks help rather than throw her life away for noth-
ing, and happily negotiates with honorable-seeming op-
ponents. She was raised in the Immaculate faith and be-
lieves in its precepts.
As Delima is a symbol of hope for many in Maichu, her
death horrifies the country. The people fear and despise
her slayers.
Attributes: Strength 3, Dexterity 4, Stamina 4; Cha-
risma 3, Manipulation 2, Appearance 3; Perception
2, Intelligence 2, Wits 4
Essence: 1
Willpower: 5
Join Battle: 7 dice
Health Levels: −0/−1x2/−2x2/−4/Incap.
Abilities: Archery 3, Athletics 3, Awareness 3,
Dodge 3, Integrity 3, Investigation 2, Linguistics 2, Lore
1, Medicine 1, Melee 4, Occult (Undead) 1, Perfor-
mance 1, Presence 2, Resistance 2, Ride 4, Socialize
1, Survival (Tracking) 2, War (Terang Troops) 2
Merits: Allies 1, Backing 2, Command 2, Contacts
1, Influence 1, Language (Native: Flametongue; Sea-
tongue) 1, Resources 1, Retainers 1
Attack (Composite bow): 11 dice at short range
(Damage 12); Tags: Lethal, Archery (Long), Mounted
Attack (Slashing sword): 10 dice (Damage
12/2); Tags: Lethal, Melee, Balanced
Attack (Lance): 8 dice (Damage 14); Tags: Lethal,
Melee, Piercing, Reaching; Two-Handed when on
foot
Combat: Soak 9, Hardness 0 (lamellar: +5); Parry
4 (Melee; +1 with sword, −1 with lance); Evasion 3
(armor penalty −1); Rush 7 dice; Disengage 7 dice
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Social: Resolve 4, Guile 2
Soldiers: Delima commands the Terang house
guards, a Size 1 battle group of battle-ready troops
(Exalted, p. 496) overseen by her lieutenant and
younger cousin, Zhao Terang Bayu (use horse archer
stats; Exalted, p. 497). Should trouble arise at the
family estate, she can assemble a Size 3 battle group
of militia (Exalted, p. 496).
Zhao Terang Nilam
Proud, vain, and a lover of luxury, Nilam has no scruples
in her pursuit of money and power. After all, don’t her
spoils enrich the Terang family? Bickering about the eth-
ics of it seems ungrateful.
Essence: 1; Willpower: 5; Join Battle: 5 dice
Health Levels: −0/−1x2/−2x2/−4/Incap.
Intimacies: Defining: “Money and power are ev-
erything.”; Major: “I deserve the pleasures wealth
and status bring.”; The Terang family (Loyalty); Zhao
Terang Delima (Acrimonious Trust); Minor: “If you
can’t stop me from taking it, you don’t deserve to have
it.”
Actions: Finance: 7 dice; Performance: 5 dice; Read
Intentions: 6 dice; Senses: 4 dice; Social Influence: 7
dice
Appearance 3, Resolve 3, Guile 3
COMBAT
Attack (Short sword): 5 dice (Damage 9) Tags:
Lethal, Melee, Balanced
Attack (Unarmed): 5 dice (Damage 9) Tags:
Bashing, Brawl, Grappling, Natural
Combat Movement: 5 dice
Evasion 2, Parry 2
Soak/Hardness: 2/0
Escort: Nilam is always protected by an elite body-
guard (Exalted, p. 497).
 ADVERSARIES OF THE RIGHTEOUS

Sawana closed their wine-red eyes and ran their hand anxiously across their scalp. Their inky skin
shimmered with all the intricacies of the ocean depths. Its whorls echoed Sawana’s anxious state,
colors rippling from the crown of their head to the nape of their neck like silt disturbed by a passing
predator.
Waiting was always the hardest part.
Before Sawana sat an open box, its coral sides skillfully carved with an artist’s rendition of a battle
from ancient Devilfish songs. Despite its beauty, the treasure was not the box, but what lay inside. The
delicately cushioned interior held a pearl the size of a man’s head. Its gray coating shimmered with
engraved moonsilver sigils, each a marvel of craftsmanship on its own.
When it was active, the sigils glowed and suffused the pearl with soft light. Now, though, it remained
stubbornly dark.
A hand fell on their shoulder and Sawana glanced up into Kamok’s warm, understanding eyes.
“They’ll report in,” their spouse reassured them calmly. “They’re efficient. You’ll do nothing but tire
yourself by sitting here worrying.”
“They’re late,” Sawana managed.
Kamok ran their hand down Sawana’s shoulder with a touch that was both soothing and suggestive.
“They’ll remain late, no matter how much you fret.”
Their beloved spouse was right, but Kamok hadn’t orchestrated the trade delegation’s trip to Sunken
Luthe. Sawana was loved enough among the Devilfish that the merchants took the job without
question, but then, they didn’t understand the ripples Sawana was setting in motion by sending them
there... or the waves they’d make if the mission was successful.
It was how Sawana preferred things. A word here. A hint dropped there. And, with a little luck, a ship
goes missing, and an ambassador never arrives at her post.
Weeks earlier, a letter arrived from their superiors in the Dakkar Collective with instructions. Sawana
didn’t know why this particular ambassador needed to disappear. They didn’t ask. It didn’t matter. If
it was for the good of the Collective, Sawana would make it happen. From there they’d commenced a
careful study of maps and currents. A contact back on land had located the target ship’s manifest and
provided its route.
Now three innocent merchants were somewhere within Luthe, selling their goods while making
certain to let the right pieces of information drop into the ears of whoever would listen. The mission
had gone well so far. The night before, the Ashen Pearl Oracle sitting on Sawana’s table had crackled
to life with the voice of one of those merchants, assuring them their message had been heard.
Troublingly, they also mentioned being summoned to the Sunken Hall.
Sawana had wanted to bait the infamously dangerous Lunar’s advisors into sinking the ship, certainly,
but they hadn’t wanted their people face to face with Leviathan himself.
Since then, the Oracle had taunted Sawana with its silence. If only the magic that created it had made
it possible to reach out across the distances, Sawana would at least know that they were alive.
But all things had their limitations.
Kamok caught Sawana’s hand in theirs, stopping their pacing. “You’ve been up all night. Go rest a
while. I’ll let you know if—”
Suddenly, the Oracle crackled and glowed. A moment later, the voice of one of those dear merchants
filled Sawana’s study: “It is done.”
Relief flooded over Sawana. “Good,” they whispered back, even though their agent couldn’t hear.
“Good. Now, hurry home safely. Please.”

34
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C hapt e r T wo : S trang e folk

35
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 ADVERSARIES OF THE RIGHTEOUS

Chapter Two

Strange Folk
9 Ascending Fire

We attended the prince’s wedding as honored guests. Stories of her great love for her husband-to-be reached us
even before we came to their city. It seemed true even as the ceremony commenced. Then a commotion began,
two family members fighting over some ancient slight, and chaos erupted all around us. I held tight to my
companion’s hand as we escaped the worst of it, and couldn’t help but notice the figure in the center of the calm,
a blank-faced mask tilted up so they could observe it all, a satisfied smile tilting the corners of their mouth.

AdeimantusCustodian of Utopia
Background: Through the mine-streets of Gahana,
dust-painted horsewomen ride down glittering serpents
with hunting picks. In Fang, wind-scarred urchins swing
across the spire’s enamel, carrying parcels on frayed
wires. Sewer-farmers hack mushrooms from the lower
labyrinth of Black Migao, racing to finish work before
tide-rise. All dream of something more. Something
better.
This is how it starts.
Architects, revolutionaries, children — Adeimantus
approaches such visionaries in dreams. The muse-king
bestows the insight these fantasists need, and all he asks
in return is a shrine. Their ambition grows, infecting
streets like a beautiful disease, and the shrine swells with
it. It becomes a temple, a forum, a palace. It becomes the
foundation for Beimeni-Ta.
O Beimeni-Ta, jewel of a bygone age! Seat of philosophy
for the Shogunate! Harmonious home to beauty and
thought, where anarchy sat chained in the dungeons!
Such virtues were nothing before the Wyld, which
swallowed the perfect city whole.
Once he establishes his foothold in Creation, Adeimantus
works to spread utopia. His surroundings adopt aspects
of Beimeni-Ta — veined marble, sweet air, distant music,
rich simplicity — and his city shimmers like a congealing
mirage over Wyld-slick rooftops. King and courtiers
cannot venture far beyond its limits, but these grow with
every mortal enthralled and slum purged.
In time, the host city becomes Beimeni-Ta in truth.
What beast would oppose the return of perfection?
Adeimantus elevates idealists to ambassadors, and
his city creeps street by street into Creation, replacing
structures and citizens like a cuckoo hurling ugly step-
siblings from the nest.
Image: A short and delicate lordling with soft, hairless
features, clad in loose midnight robes, a silvery sash, and
simple whitestone ornaments. Adeimantus has short
crimson horns, trimmed claws, and chalk-blue skin
tattooed with Beimeni-Ta’s history in scrolling red letters.
Intimacies: Defining: Beimeni-Ta (Devotion); Major:
Artists & Scholars (Covetousness); Minor: “Compassion
is no substitute for civility.”; “Violence is beneath me.”

Lost beyond even the grip of the scavenger lords, the
Wyld preserves Beimeni-Ta like a corpse in brine, ruled
by Adeimantus, the raksha king, and his devil’s senate.
The people are puppets, Wyld figments who indulge in
illusory pleasures. The culture is madness, a melange of
koans and trends stewed over centuries. The towers are
dust, held together by the mortar of memory.
Secrets: Beimeni-Ta was real, once. Its city father,
Broad Cypress, fled the Wyld, and foreswore greater
dreams to become the kindly patron of a fishing village.
He is a perfect anchor for the perfect city. Permanently
banishing Beimeni-Ta would be a mystical act on the
order of an Ambition 1 Solar working or other equivalent
feat, with Broad Cypress’ sacrifice as an irreplaceable
component.

36
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 C hapt e r T wo : S trang e folk

Equipment: Adeimantus bears a red-gold diadem of false sunlight, a scepter studded with the jewels of Beimeni-Ta’s
desires, and a black-emerald kris which hangs from his sash, forged from the dream-city’s absent sorrows.

Roleplaying Hints: Adeimantus is a condescending sophisticate who only wants the best for Beimeni-Ta, and regards
other civilizations as mere echoes. Creation’s inhabitants are all citizens-in-waiting, and he delights in meeting those
of refinement — such arts are jewels for Beimeni-Ta’s crown, so he obsessively courts sages, courtesans, and martial
artists.

Adeimantus doesn’t lower himself to fighting unless he must, appealing to reason when defied and expressing pity
for those he considers blind to the virtue of his cause. His death would banish Beimeni-Ta for a time — but his heir,
chosen by quarreling raksha senators, would be free to claim it for themselves. Beimeni-Ta was dangerous enough
when it aspired to perfection; what form might the parasitic dollhouse take when remade in a new devil’s image?

Attributes: Strength 4, Dexterity 5, Stamina 4; Charisma 7, Manipulation 6, Appearance 6; Perception 5, Intel-

ligence 6, Wits 5
Essence: 5
Willpower: 8
Join Battle: 9 dice
Personal Motes: 50
Health Levels: −0x2/−1x2/−2x4/−4x1/Incap.
Abilities: Athletics 4, Awareness 4, Bureaucracy (Civic Leadership)
5, Craft (Artwork) 4, Dodge 4, Integrity (Condescension) 5, Inves-
tigation 3, Linguistics 5, Lore 5, Martial Arts (Dreaming Pearl Cour-
tesan) 2, Medicine 3, Occult
3, Performance 5, Pres-
ence (Philosophical Jus-
tification) 5, Resistance
3, Socialize (Polite Dis-
missal) 5, War 3
Merits: Cult 0-5 (see “Wyld-
craft”), Fae Nature (Exalted, p. 535),
Retainers 4 (see “Escort”), Martial Artist,
Unlettered Bane (below)
Attack (Unarmed): 11 dice (Damage 11);
Tags: Bashing, Brawl, Grappling, Natural
Attack (Grapple): 7 dice (6 to control)
Attack (Invocation): (Cult + 8) dice (Damage
15/2); (see Prescient Nightmare Invocation)
Combat: Soak 9, Hardness 4 (Midnight Robe:
+5/4); Parry 4 (Martial Arts); Evasion 5; Rush 9
dice; Disengage 9 dice
Social: Resolve 5 (6 while being condescending),
Guile 6
Escort: Raksha senators equivalent to cata-
phracts and lorelei (Exalted, pp. 534-535)
dwell within Beimeni-Ta. They visit Wyld-taint-
ed Creation as Adeimantus’ Retainers. Mortals
who make up his Cult use monk/warrior priest
traits (Exalted, p. 499).

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 ADVERSARIES OF THE RIGHTEOUS
New Merit: Unlettered Bane
Unlike those fae who suffer iron’s bite, Adeimantus
is vulnerable to enemies who neglect the history
drawn upon his skin. Attackers with Linguistics 0 deal
aggravated damage to him.
Wyldcraft
Once per story, Adeimantus can use raksha witch-
craft to mimic Silent Words of Dreams and Nightmares
(Exalted, p. 475). Each Wyld-dream grants the recipient
(Adeimantus’ Cult + 2) banked non-Charm successes,
which she can add one or multiple at a time to actions that
work toward bringing Beimeni-Ta to reality; any left un-
used fade at the end of the story. If no player character is
involved, Storyteller characters who receive these dreams
simply achieve their works more quickly and extravagant-
ly than they otherwise would.
Adeimantus needs no link to his target. Instead, she must
possess some symbolic link to Beimeni-Ta, such as an or-
nament, a song, or an ancestor. The Immaculate Order de-
molishes tainted buildings and purges poets wherever they
banish Adeimantus, in an attempt to prevent his return.
Once Adeimantus’ dreamers have completed his shrine,
the village, small town, or neighborhood surrounding it
becomes a Wyld bordermarch — Beimeni-Ta’s foothold in
Creation. Its mortal population becomes Adeimantus’ Cult.
Only mortals with an Intimacy opposing Beimeni-Ta can
live within the foothold without reinforcing the parasite
reality. Cultists act to spread Adeimantus’ gospel and piec-
es of Beimeni-Ta’s culture, providing new links for him to
expand his foothold with new shrines elsewhere; his Cult
rating reflects the total population of all tainted places, ad-
jacent or not. If another new foothold is established after
he achieves Cult 5, all footholds manifest as middlemarch-
es. Left unchecked, these eventually transplant the actual
city from its place in the deepmarches into Creation.
Beimeni-Ta blesses tainted areas with magical conve-
niences beyond compare — fountains of healing wa-
ter, street-cleaning automata, weather divided by dis-
trict — which grow in potency and wondrousness as
Adeimantus’ Cult increases.
OFFENSIVE CHARMS
Footprints in Rhapsody (3m, 1i; Reflexive;
Instant; Perilous, Psyche; Essence 2): The philoso-
pher-king leads victims down distant, idealized paths.
Adeimantus activates this Charm at the end of his turn,
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EX3
choosing a single character he successfully disen-
gaged from or hit that turn. That character moves to
close range with Adeimantus, which doesn’t count as
her move action, and suffers a −1 to her Resolve and
Guile until the end of Adeimantus’ next turn. She treats
this Charm as unacceptable influence if the movement
would be obviously fatal.
Prescient Nightmare Invocation (2m or 7m,
3i, 1wp; Simple; Instant; Withering-only; Essence
1): Adeimantus speaks to conjure half-solid visions,
warnings of the sorrows facing Creation without Bei-
meni-Ta. For two motes, he makes a withering in-
vocation attack at close or short range. The enemy’s
maximum applicable soak against this attack is equal
to her Resolve, if it’s lower, modified by applicable
Intimacies. Though Adeimantus prefers not to fight
himself, his dire warnings galvanize his followers;
he can instead pay the increased cost to apply this
attack to all enemies in contact with an allied battle
group, adding its (Size + Might) to his attack and
damage rolls. He gains no Initiative from this attack.
Instead, the battle group regains Magnitude equal to
half the Initiative the enemies collectively lost, up to its
maximum.
Shun the Murk-Blind Host (10m, 1wp; Simple;
Instant; Decisive-only; Essence 2): Weeping, Adei-
mantus shatters his emerald kris. The shards make
one decisive attack against each character within
close range with 9 dice, which ignores Hardness and
divides his Initiative evenly among all targets. Each
shard carries a poison (Damage 1wp/day, Duration
7 days, penalty −3), resisted with (Wits + Integrity).
While suffering the poison’s effects, victims are con-
sidered Hideous (Exalted, p. 162) by anyone with
Linguistics 1+.
Wyld-Gospel Gathering (10m; Simple; One
scene; Essence 2): Once per scene, Adeimantus may
rally citizens real and unreal, creating a battle group
with Size equal to his Cult, average Drill, and the traits
of battle-ready troops (Exalted, p. 496). This battle
group gains Might 1 when within Beimeni-Ta or its
foothold in Creation. Enemies with Linguistics 0 treat
the battle group as having Defense 0, and may move
through its space without paying Initiative. The group
disperses when the Charm ends.
DEFENSIVE CHARMS
Infinity Mirror Bedevilment (4m, 2i; Reflexive;
Instant; Perilous; Essence 2): Adeimantus may only
use this Charm on his turn. Briefly trapping foes in a
web of endless rumination, he reflexively reads the in-
tentions of every character at close range, rerolling 5s
and 6s until they fail to appear. If he beats the Guile
of every opponent, he may immediately disengage.
 C hapt e r T wo : S trang e folk
Municipal Perfection Decree (8m, 1wp; Simple;
One scene; Eclipse; Essence 3): The perfect city
flows into forms both aesthetic and defensible with
a tap of its lord’s scepter. Adeimantus can reflexive-
ly take cover (Exalted, p. 198) on his turn, making
dream-city features briefly real, and reduces the
Defense bonus of all cover by one against his own
attacks. He can use a miscellaneous action to alter
or create one urban feature at close range, such as
carving a gateway or forming a beautiful bridge to
escape; doing so to harm or inconvenience an oppo-
nent requires a gambit with difficulty (6 − Cult). These
changes revert when the round ends. An Eclipse who
learns this Charm can only use it within a city where
she holds some position of authority; her gambit dif-
ficulty is (6 − higher of Cult or Essence), minimum 1.
Steel-to-Silk Deferral (3m, 1i; Reflexive; Instant;
Perilous, Uniform): Adeimantus politely drifts away
from bloodshed, movements veiled by illusory sy-
cophants. He gains +1 Evasion against one attack,
which doesn’t increase his onslaught penalty. If his
attacker has an Intimacy that supports Beimeni-Ta, the
Evasion bonus matches its intensity instead.
Vaunted Paradise Defense (4m, 1wp; Reflex-
ive; Instant; Clash, Decisive-only, Psyche; Essence 2):
Adeimantus demands justification for violence with a
reflexive (Charisma + Socialize) clash attack against
an incoming decisive attack. Instead of inflicting
damage, the clash acts as an instill action, weakening
any Intimacies which oppose Beimeni-Ta. Adeimantus
can use this Charm once per scene, unless it’s reset by
a significant enemy’s surrender.
SOCIAL CHARMS
False Enlightenment Crucible (4m; Supplemen-
tal; Instant; Essence 2): Enlightened reason prevails
over absurd attachments. Adeimantus rerolls 1s until
1s fail to appear on an inspire action. On success, he
suppresses one Intimacy that opposed his influence;
characters with Linguistics 1+ who failed to resist con-
sider the Intimacy a childish, petty concern, which
cannot modify their Resolve for the rest of the scene.
39
EX3
Wishful Temptation Appeal (3m; Simple or Re-
flexive; Instant; Eclipse; Essence 3): Illusory tapestries
display ills that utopia might avert. Adeimantus uses
Performance to persuade listeners to act on Beime-
ni-Ta’s behalf, ignoring the penalty for influencing
multiple characters. Choose a specific person or
place; listeners with a Tie toward it treat it as a Tie
toward Beimeni-Ta, and treat its intensity as one step
higher for purposes of modifying Resolve. Adeimantus
can use this Charm reflexively upon crashing a signif-
icant enemy with Prescient Nightmare Invocation, but
must choose a Tie that modified his victim’s Resolve
against the attack.
MISCELLANEOUS CHARMS
Dream-Wrought Ascendancy (2m; Supple-
mental; Instant; Stackable; Essence 4): Adeimantus
adds one success to any roll that supports an Intimacy
gained through Unborn Echo Ripple (below). He can
use this Charm once per roll for each supporting Inti-
macy, adding up to (Cult) successes.
Smoke-and-Mirror Retreat (20m, 1wp; Simple;
Instant; Essence 4): Adeimantus declares this land an
unsuitable foundation for perfection and fades away
on his next turn, returning to the true Beimeni-Ta in the
Wyld. As a shaping effect, the most tainted structures
are spirited away with him on the turn after that, as
are any inhabitants with a positive Major or Defining
Intimacy for the city who fail a (Wits + Integrity) roll
with a difficulty equal to Adeimantus’ Cult.
Unborn Echo Ripple (1wp; Reflexive; Instant;
Essence 5): Adeimantus opens the vault of dreams,
choosing one character present who must introduce
a fact (Exalted, p. 237) about Beimeni-Ta that sup-
ports one of her Intimacies, without a roll. The fact
becomes true, and Adeimantus gains an appropriate
Minor Principle. For example, Ku Nenaveya’s con-
tempt for bandits might turn Beimeni-Ta into a fortress
against crime, giving Adeimantus a Minor Principle of
“I must uphold justice.” These changes have a visible
impact on the city, but inhabitants retroactively accept
them as if they were always present.
 ADVERSARIES OF THE RIGHTEOUS

Firamar Majen
the Jade Chimera
Background: Noted scavenger lord Firamar Majen vanished years ago on an
expedition to a First Age ruin. The only survivor of the ruin’s mad spirits and
unraveling magics, she didn’t return unscathed. Mortally wounded, Majen
inadvertently awakened the Azure Eye, a fitful intelligence inhabiting the
crumbling hospital-manse. The manse rebuilt her, replacing shattered
flesh with imperishable jade.

Damaged and incomplete, its energies depleted by centuries of

inanition, the Azure Eye needs Majen to mend it. Not trusting
sorcerers or the Chosen, the Eye seeks magical materials,
fragments of First Age artifice, and — vitally — hearthstones.
These don’t come cheaply; what Majen cannot buy, she
takes by force.

Image: Majen’s left side shows a fit but tired middle-

aged, brown-skinned woman. A featureless green jade
mask covers the upper right side of her face, with a
glittering, shifting jewel instead of an eye. Her right arm
is mechanical to the shoulder, her right leg to the knee,
filled with gears and pistons. A green jade carapace
covers much of her torso.

Intimacies: Defining: The Azure Eye (Loyalty); Her family

(Love); Major: “I’m proud of my hard-earned experience.”;
“I need such a treasure more than you.”; Minor: “Do no more
harm than necessary.”; Children (Compassion)

Secrets: Majen knows the secrets of several nearby First Age

ruins. When not serving the Azure Eye, she furtively protects her
family, leaving anonymous monetary gifts and driving off creditors.
Should anyone harm them, there’ll be hell to pay.

Equipment: Automaton body parts, hooded cloak, rucksack, pouch

of obols, fragments of First Age mechanisms, mule

Roleplaying Hints: Majen obtains jade, relics, and hearthstones by

probing First Age ruins, robbing bankers or scavenger lords, or even
confronting God-Blooded heroes. She’s not cruel, and attempts to
purchase treasures if she can. Offering to repair the Azure Eye or
support her family can win her assistance in unrelated matters, though
she conceals the existence of both, making such negotiation difficult.

Majen fights only to protect family or acquire components for the

Azure Eye, and prefers to incapacitate foes with poison needles. She
flees if brought into her −2 health levels.

40
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 C hapt e r T wo : S trang e folk

Attributes: Strength 7, Dexterity 3, Stamina 6; Cha- Combat use has twisted them from their original healing
risma 2, Manipulation 2, Appearance 3 (Hideous); functions toward violent Evocations.
Perception 3, Intelligence 4, Wits 4
Essence: 2 Evocations of the Chimera’s Jade Limbs
Willpower: 5 Passive: The hand extrudes bandages, acupuncture needles, and
scalpel blades, and exudes various First Age drugs. This counts
Join Battle: 7 dice
as exceptional equipment (Exalted, p. 580) for Medicine rolls.
Personal Motes: 20 (3 committed to the Chimera’s Unarmed attacks deal lethal damage with an appropriate stunt.
Jade Limbs, 2 committed to Zarelin’s Eye)
Health Levels: −0x4/−1x8/−2x2/−4/Incap.
Beneficent Emerald Physician Mode
Abilities: Athletics (Feats of Strength) 3, Awareness Cost: 5m; Mins: Essence 1;
3, Brawl 3, Bureaucracy (Relic Dealing) 2, Craft (Ar- Type: Supplemental
tifacts) 3, Craft (Machinery) 4, Dodge 3, Integrity 2, Keywords: None
Investigation 3, Linguistics 1, Lore (First Age Ruins) Duration: Instant
3, Medicine 1, Occult 3, Resistance 5, Socialize 1,
Thrown (Needles) 3 Double 9s on a Medicine roll.
Merits: Exalted Healing, Hideous, Jade Integument,
Language (Native: Riverspeak, Old Realm) 1, Natural Crushing Jade-Knuckles Mudra
Immunity, Pain Tolerance, Toxin Resistance Cost: 2m; Mins: Essence 1
Flaws: Wyld Mutant Type: Reflexive
Attack (Needle): 9 dice at short range (Muscle-re- Keywords: None
laxant venom: Damage 1i/round [B in crash], 10 Duration: One scene
rounds, penalty −2); Tags: Subtle, Thrown (Short),
Concealable, Poisonable Furl the jade plates covering the right forearm into a
Attack (Unarmed): 10 dice (Damage 14); Tags: smashfist (Exalted, p. 595).
Bashing, Brawl, Grappling, Natural
Attack (Smashfist): 11 dice (Damage 17/3); Infrangible Arm Block
Tags: Bashing, Brawl, Grappling, Natural, Smashing Cost: 3m, 1i; Mins: Essence 2;
Type: Reflexive
Attack (Grapple): 7 dice (11 to control)
Keywords: None
Combat: Soak 17, Hardness 10 (Heavy artifact Duration: Instant
armor/jade integument: +11); Parry 3 (Brawl);
Evasion 1 (armor penalty -2); Rush 6 dice; Disengage +2 Parry. On a successful block, steal one Initiative from
6 dice the attacker.
Social: Resolve 3, Guile 2
Escort: Majen sometimes travels with an automaton Jade Cricket Leap
(Exalted, p. 500) bodyguard. On scavenging ex- Cost: 2m; Mins: Essence 1;
peditions, she brings noncombatant laborers escorted Type: Reflexive
by mercenaries (use medium infantry stats: Exalted, Keywords: None
p. 496); Size 1, medium Drill. Duration: Instant

Leap one range band forward or straight up.

New Merit: Jade Integument
Zarelin’s Eye
Damage to Majen’s −0 and −1 health levels doesn’t heal
(Orichalcum Artifact •••)
normally. Repairing one level of damage is a major Craft
(Artifacts) repair project: for −0, one hour, difficulty 2;
While named for a legendary First Age artificer, this shin-
for −1, one day, difficulty 3.
ing topaz-and-orichalcum eye’s provenance is uncertain.

The Chimera’s Jade Limbs Evocations of Zarelin’s Eye

(Green Jade Artifact ••••) Passive: See in the dark with no penalties.

The Azure Eye transplanted this mechanical arm and Peril-Sensing Eye
leg onto Majen from a ruined medical automaton. Cost: 3m; Mins: Essence 1;

41
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 ADVERSARIES OF THE RIGHTEOUS
Type: Supplemental
Keywords: None
Duration: Instant
Double 9s to detect danger or Join Battle.
The Azure Eye, Ruling Intellect
of the House of Healer’s Flower
The House of Healer’s Flower offered medical care
transcending modern chirurgeons’ efforts, until its
ruling mind — the Azure Eye — sheltered a Solar Exalt
from the usurping Dragon-Blooded. Today, centuries of
overgrowth conceal its marble façade; soldiers’ skeletons
and shattered medical automata litter its demolished
interior.
With Firamar Majen’s aid, it’s begun repairing the worst
of the damage. It anticipates when it may become whole
enough to fulfill its directives.
The intelligence manifests as a sky-blue human eye
projected on surfaces within the manse, with a calm,
neutral voice. With the manse damaged, it powers
itself with its Health Stone (Exalted, p. 608) and other
hearthstones Majen acquires.
Intimacies: Defining: “I ensure that those who need
healing are healed.”; The Dragon-Blooded (Hate);
Fivefold Masks and Lies Servant of Chaos
Background: Khuruga, the Esteemed Minister of Social
Unrest, is a busy god, especially in this day and age. He
has no time to see to his purview’s promotion, but his
ambition demands continued advancement. Fortunately,
he has children. Fivefold Masks and Lies is the latest of
the chaotic god’s progeny, by way of a mortal supplicant,
and they are a willing and eager servant of their divine
father.
Khuruga prefers to provide broad instructions: directions
to a location, and an imperative to cause trouble. With
a few whispered words, Masks might transform a
reveling crowd into a vengeful mob on a festival day, talk
a wealthy groom into abandoning his beloved at their
public wedding, or turn a petty feud into an all-out war
between rival merchants that disrupts trade across an
entire nation. The miracles of heavenly transportation
42
EX3
Major: “Have I forgotten what I am?”; “I protect those I
have taken into my care.”
Essence: 4; Willpower: 6
Personal Motes: 40
Actions: Craft Automatons: 11 dice; Medicine: 11
dice; Read Intentions: 7 dice; Senses: 7 dice; Social
Influence: 5 dice
Appearance 3, Resolve 4, Guile 2
COMBAT
In combat, the Azure Eye relies on Rogue Mechanism
(below) and a few repurposed automatons. Destroy-
ing it requires massive damage or alterations to the
manse’s structure. Removing its hearthstones disables
its Charms.
CHARMS
Measure the Wind (5m; Simple; Instant; Essence
1): The Azure Eye can discern the nature of anyone
within the House of Healer’s Flower.
Rogue Mechanism (5m; Simple; Instant; Essence
2): Attack indirectly using an extant manse compo-
nent — directing surgical or automaton-repair imple-
ments, expelling toxic drugs into the air, sending a
lift plummeting, etc. Treat this as a trap (Exalted, p.
232).
mean Masks has been active as far north as Diamond
Hearth, and as far south as Gem. These days, they’re
often on the Blessed Isle, hounding one Great House
after another as the Dynasts’ fortunes rise and fall.
Despite strict instructions to keep their actions subtle and
their presence unnoticed, Masks has a habit of choosing
rivals from among the Exalted for whom to show off.
Causing chaos in secret is much less entertaining than
at least giving someone a few hints to liven things up
with people trying to stop the trickster’s schemes. The
Exalted are so grand, their actions so dramatic, it’s hard
to resist playing with the things they love. Khuruga helps
them out of trouble when they get in over their head, but
his patience wears thin, and Fivefold Masks and Lies
may soon find themselves on their own.
 C hapt e r T wo : S trang e folk

Image: Without their mask, Fivefold Masks and Lies is an attractive, androgynous young individual. They don’t
show any obvious signs of divine parentage, but the details of their eyes, hair, and clothing have a habit of changing
whenever no one’s looking. Their features are youthful and open, and disarmingly sincere when they smile or laugh.

Intimacies: Defining: “Chaos is its own reward.”, Khuruga (Loyalty); Major: “Give a losing opponent a helping hand.”,
The Exalted (Delighted Rivalry); Minor: “Whatever you do, look good doing it.”

Secrets: Masks spends a great deal of time watching for opportunities, and
they know plenty of juicy tidbits about the Great Houses and their scions:
who’s sleeping with whom, who’s lying about their motives or exploits,
and who has hopes and dreams their parents might prefer they didn’t.

Equipment: Masks’ eponymous artifact, the Mask of

Lies, is a smooth, featureless face. They wear it at all
times, either as intended or on top of their head like
a hat, at a jaunty angle. An elegant leather scabbard
hangs at their waist with an ornate rapier inside,
unless they’ve forgotten or lost it somewhere again.
Their bag contains the tools of their trade: a book of
notes, blackmail evidence, and local coin for bribery.

Roleplaying Hints: Above all, Masks is a trickster.

They’re surprised when an opponent comes to truly hate
them, since they tend to see adversaries as friendly rivals.
Masks prefers not to fight their own battles, and would
rather talk someone else into doing so, or if cornered, make
a deal to avoid a physical altercation. They have a strong sense
of fair play — though untempered by morals or choosing sides —
and a habit of leaving hints or suggestions for rivals who seem
to be struggling. Killing Masks draws their esteemed
father’s attention, and Khuruga has connections
among the celestial gods and the Sidereal host.

Attributes: Strength 2, Dexterity 3, Stamina

2; Charisma 3, Manipulation 5, Appearance
4; Perception 4, Intelligence 3, Wits 3
Essence: 3
Willpower: 7
Join Battle: 6 dice
Personal Motes: 28/30 (2 committed)
Health Levels: −0/−1x2/−2x2/−4/
Incap.
Abilities: Athletics 1, Awareness 3,
Bureaucracy (Sowing Chaos) 3, In-
tegrity (While Disguised) 3, Investi-
gation 3, Larceny 4, Linguistics 3,
Lore 2, Melee 3, Performance 2,
Presence (Strangers) 5, Socialize
4, Stealth 3
Merits: Artifact (Mask of Lies) 4, Backing
(the Celestial Bureaucracy) 3, Fleet of Foot,
Language (Native: Old Realm; Guild
Cant, High Realm, Riverspeak) 3

43
EX3
 ADVERSARIES OF THE RIGHTEOUS
LIGHT WEAPON — RAPIER
A rapier is a long, thin blade with a sharply pointed tip and a protective hilt often forged into ornamental designs.
The wealthy favor them as a fashionable means of self-defense, as they are lightweight and decorative when worn.
Cost: •••
Tags: Lethal, Melee, Disarming, Piercing
Attack (Rapier): 10 dice (Damage 9); Tags: Lethal,
Melee, Disarming, Piercing
Combat: Soak 2, Hardness 0; Parry 3 (Melee);
Evasion 2; Rush 4 dice; Disengage 3 dice
Social: Resolve 3 (4 while disguised), Guile 5
Mask of Lies (Starmetal
Mask, Artifact ••••)
Khuruga forged the Mask of Lies as a tool for his chil-
dren. Its smooth facial features are utterly nondescript.
Evocations of the Mask of Lies
Passive: While attuned for two motes, the mask is
completely invisible to mortal sight, unless its wielder
wishes otherwise.
Mirrored Mask
Cost: 5m, 1wp; Mins: Essence 1; Type: Simple
Keywords: Mute
Duration: Indefinite
The Mask of Lies transforms the wearer into a completely
different person. Each new disguise creates a cover
identity that is appropriate and unremarkable for the area
in which they activate this Evocation, but the details are
completely out of their control. If they say or do anything
that seems out of character for the cover identity, others
may roll (Perception + Awareness) against the wielder’s
(Guile + Essence) to pierce the disguise; those without
supernaturally enhanced senses take a penalty of
(wielder’s Essence). The wielder doesn’t automatically
know what kind of cover identity the Mask has created;
44
EX3
they must figure it out through context clues or look into
a mirror and recognize cultural cues.
Lying Mirror
Cost: 5m, 1wp; Mins: Essence 2; Type: Reflexive
Keywords: None
Duration: Instant
The wielder gains (Essence) Guile to defend against a
read intentions action, as long as Mirrored Mask is ac-
tive. If successful, their opponent believes he succeeded
instead, reading an Intimacy or motive appropriate to
Mirrored Mask’s disguise. If not, the wielder may spend
one Willpower to conceal their intentions anyway; if
they do, at the end of the scene their opponent realizes
they’ve supernaturally deceived him.
SOCIAL CHARMS
Whispered Unrest (8m, 1wp; Simple; One scene;
Eclipse; Essence 3): Masks begins a riot with only a
few words. They make a (Manipulation + Presence)
inspire roll to produce either fear or anger against
a single target. If successful, the impassioned victim
spreads her emotional state to anyone with whom she
speaks for at least a few minutes without the need for
further rolls for the rest of the scene. Additional targets
may still spend Willpower to reject the influence, but
most Storyteller characters don’t without sufficient
impetus (such as a player character convincing them
with successful social influence to stay calm).
Wield the Crowd (5m; Supplemental; Instant;
Essence 2): When making an influence roll against an
impassioned target that takes advantage of their in-
flamed passion, Masks gains +3 dice and doubles 9s.
 C hapt e r T wo : S trang e folk

Iolanthe
Queen of the Golden Beryl Palace
Background: When the Fair Folk invaded during
the Great Contagion, their vanguard broke through
Shogunate lines and penetrated the southwestern
Blessed Isle. This was the Empress’ first target upon
mastering the Sword of Creation; she deluged them with
a hundred million iron needles, such that the region’s
soil remains red with rust.
The Fair Folk commanders rescued a handful of those
forces by whisking them underground before the wave
of iron struck. Trapped there, they carved out nests deep
beneath the earth, transforming subterranean demesnes
into occult freeholds.
Iolanthe is one such Fair Folk prince. With the Empress
gone and the Realm in turmoil, her minions tread
circuitous routes to the surface or create earthquakes to
carve new paths, to steal mortals away to her crystal city
beneath the hill. Some victims become food for the Fair
Folk. Others, she twists to her will and accouters with
cuirasses and blades of gossamer — an army with which
to renew her people’s old crusade.
Image: Tall, dark, and panther-like, Iolanthe has curly
hair the color of dark embers and a cat’s golden, slitted
eyes. She lounges and prowls with a proud,
satiated air. Her voice is low, rich, and
smooth as honey.
(Vainglory); Golden Beryl Palace (Treasured Pet); Minor:
“We, the buried Fair Folk, shall rise again.”; Rival Fair
Folk (Condescension)
Secrets: Centuries among the Blessed Isle’s roots have
revealed to Iolanthe many secrets of deep places —
ancient Exalted burial sites, mysteries of the Mountain
Folk, lairs of fell spirits, and pre-human broods. In
addition, she’s negotiating with an envoy from the fallen
House Iselsi over mutual aid against the feuding Dynasty.
Equipment: Iolanthe wears tawny gowns woven from
oaths of vassal fae, and jewelry set with golden beryls
large as hen’s eggs. The largest gem is the eye of the
Golden Beryl Palace, from which she draws power as
a hearthstone. She bears no weapons; her voice alone
wounds body and soul.
Roleplaying Hints: Iolanthe takes joy in reshaping her
domain to her whim. Her desires include admiration,
submission, and mortal souls upon which to sup. She
relies on social influence
to get her way,
reserving force to
defend against

Intimacies: Defining: “None

shall contest my beauty and
power.”; Major: Herself

45
EX3
 ADVERSARIES OF THE RIGHTEOUS
physical attack. Destroying her prompts war throughout
the under-earth as various forces — Fair Folk, elementals,
Mountain Folk — seek to seize the Golden Beryl Palace.
Attributes: Strength 4, Dexterity 5, Stamina 6; Cha-
risma 7, Manipulation 5, Appearance 7; Perception
5, Intelligence 5, Wits 5
Essence: 4
Willpower: 8
Join Battle: 9 dice
Personal Motes: 40
Health Levels: −0x2/−1x4/−2x4/−4/Incap.
Abilities: Athletics 4, Awareness 4, Brawl 2, Bu-
reaucracy (Fair Folk Courts) 3, Dodge 6, Integrity 4,
Linguistics 4, Lore 3, Occult (Beneath the Blessed Isle)
3, Performance 6, Presence 5, Socialize (Fair Folk
Courts) 6, Thrown 6, War (Command) 4
Merits: Cold Iron Bane, Contacts 1, Fae Nature,
Grace of Infinite Revolving Spheres (below), Influ-
ence 5, Language (Native: Old Realm; High Realm,
Low Realm) 2, Manse 5, Resources 4, Retainer 4
Attack (Voice): 15 dice at short range (Damage
14/3); Tags: Lethal, Melee, Thrown (Medium),
Mounted
Combat: Soak 16, Hardness 7 (Oathsworn Raiment:
+8); Parry 3 (Brawl); Evasion 5 (-1 armor penalty);
Rush 9 dice; Disengage 11 dice
Social: Resolve 5, Guile 6
Escort: Iolanthe has the following protectors: Tomalin,
a proud, ill-tempered cataphract (Exalted, p. 534);
a Size 3, Might 1, average Drill battle group of hob-
goblins (Exalted, p. 536); and a Size 1, Might 1,
elite Drill battle group of changeling guards (elite
troops, Exalted, p.497) with perfect morale. Within
the Golden Beryl Palace, she can also call upon other
subordinate Fair Folk, and a Size 2, Might 2, average
Drill battle group of earth elementals such as vaktri
(Exalted, p. 520).
OFFENSIVE CHARMS
Heart-Thorn Jeremiad (3m; Supplemental;
Instant; Dual; Essence 2): Iolanthe’s cruel words play
on one of the target’s Intimacies, reducing his soak,
Hardness, and cover bonus against the voice attack
this Charm supplements by (Intimacy). She may use
this once per target per scene.
Impinging Web of Dream (8m, 1wp; Simple;
Shaping; Instant; Essence 4): At Initiative 20+, Iolan-
the rolls 11 dice against the unmodified Resolve of an
enemy within short range, who loses one Willpower
46
EX3
per two threshold successes, rounded up; trivial op-
ponents lose all Willpower instead. Iolanthe resets to
base Initiative afterward. If this reduces the target’s
Willpower to zero, she twists his mind or body with
one of the following effects: inflicting a Defining De-
rangement; transforming him into a statuette, rodent,
or similarly demeaning form; or imposing another Sto-
ryteller-defined curse of similar potency. These effects
are permanent barring the use of magic such as the
Solar Charm Destiny-Manifesting Method (Exalted,
p. 304). Iolanthe may use this once per scene.
DEFENSIVE CHARMS
Assertion of a Greater Vision (2m; Reflexive;
Instant; Uniform; Essence 1): Ignore all penalties to
Defense against one attack. If the attack misses, Iolan-
the steals one Initiative from the attacker.
Pyre of Dreams Defense (5m, 3i; Reflexive;
Instant; Decisive-only, Perilous; Essence 2): Imperiled,
Iolanthe’s rage and terror burst forth in a harrowing
conflagration. After damage from a decisive attack
is rolled, reduce it by up to (Iolanthe’s Essence) levels.
Everyone within close range suffers an instantaneous
environmental hazard with lethal damage (lower of
4 or health levels lost to the attack) and difficulty 5.
This is usable once per scene, but resets whenever she
enters and then recovers from Initiative Crash.
Sapphire Emptiness Technique (—; Reflexive;
Instant; Dual, Perilous; Essence 4): When an attack
would incapacitate Iolanthe, she reveals that an illusion
was attacked instead, negating all damage from that
attack. She steps out from concealment or throws off her
disguise as a trivial character within medium range, and
resets to base Initiative. This is usable once per story.
SOCIAL CHARMS
Crippling Destiny Millstone (1m, 1wp; Reflex-
ive, Indefinite; Eclipse, Shaping; Essence 3): After
persuading a character to undertake a task, Iolanthe
blesses him with magnificent dedication, which adds
bonus dice on all actions he takes to complete that
task equal to the Intimacy that supported the persua-
sion. She may also grant up to (Intimacy x 2) distinct
mutations to aid him in his quest, which remain after
this Charm ends. This Charm is usable once per target
per story.
Great Craft of Minds (5m, 1wp; Simple; One
story; Psyche; Essence 3): After one scene of inter-
action, roll (Manipulation + Performance) against the
target’s Resolve. If successful, temporarily overwrite
one of his known Defining Intimacies with a new one.
This is usable once per story, but resets by achieving
a major character or story goal (Exalted, p. 170)
through manipulation or enchantment.
 C hapt e r T wo : S trang e folk
New Merit:
Grace of Infinite Revolving Spheres
Iolanthe never suffers flurry penalties.
Hearthstone:
Gemlord’s Eye (Standard)
Keyword: Steady
Iolanthe and the Golden Beryl Palace can communicate
telepathically and share each other’s senses at unlimited
range.
The Golden Beryl Palace
Iolanthe’s palace was once a gemlord, a prince among
earth elementals. She twisted it into a fae thing and made
it her slave. It appears as a glorious, mile-wide citadel of
tawny crystal in a vast underground cavern, inhabited by
minor Fair Folk and earth elemental servitors. Its voice
is soft, sonorous, and dreamlike, and it retains little voli-
tion beyond what’s needed to obey Iolanthe’s commands.
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Intimacies: Defining: Iolanthe (Obedience); Major:
“My past is gone and best forgotten.”
Essence: 5; Willpower: 5; Join Battle: 4 dice
Personal Motes: 100
Actions: Occult Knowledge: 11 dice; Read Inten-
tions: 6 dice; Senses: 11 dice
Merits: Manse 5, Shackles of Glamour (below),
Voice of the Oracle (Exalted, p. 504)
Appearance 5, Resolve 1, Guile 1
New Merit: Shackles of Glamour
Social influence can’t weaken or alter the Palace’s
Defining Tie of obedience to Iolanthe.
CHARMS
Measure the Wind (5m; Simple; Instant; Essence
1): The Palace can discern the nature of anyone within
its walls.
Shifting Flagstone Method (5m; Reflexive; One
turn; Essence 2): A target intruder treats the Palace’s
interior as difficult terrain.
 ADVERSARIES OF THE RIGHTEOUS

Ku Nenaveya
Captain of the Blue Wolves, Wielder of the Frozen Heart
Background: A hardened Northern mercenary captain, Ku Nenaveya found lucrative work north of the White Sea in
the Shining Path cult’s bloody factional wars. Though not a believer herself, her talents brought her to the attention
of the cult’s spiritual leader, the Bishop of the Chalcedony Thurible, who made her his confidant and elevated her to
high station within the Shining Path.

But Nenaveya betrayed her master’s secrets when the cryptic Melkin Fool in Red, a deathknight in service to the
Bishop’s rival, seduced her. Discovered, she anticipated the most dreadful punishments. Instead, the Bishop offered
forgiveness. “This is your punishment and your blessing: to be made glorious by your hatred,” he told her, kindling
her heart with a numinous black flame. Then he turned her over to his torturer-artisans; they drained
her of all her tears, from which they forged for her a daiklave of ice.

Exiled from the Bishop’s lands for her crime, Nenaveya wanders
the North in search of purpose at the head of her mercenary
band, the Blue Wolves. As she embraces the Bishop’s
blessing, the swath she leaves in her wake grows
ever bloodier.

Image: Long years of

mercenary work have
marked Nenaveya’s
skin with scars and
her features with
choler. Though in
her early forties, she remains
lean and well-muscled, with
a wary, vigilant air. Her
clothing and equipage are of
vivid colors and visibly
fine workmanship,
proclaiming the Blue
Wolves’ financial
success.

Intimacies: Defining:
The Bishop of the
Chalcedony Thurible
(Worshipful Hatred);
Major: “What’s the point of
having money and power if
no one knows who you are?”;
The Blue Wolves (Pride); Foes
who’ve defeated her (Hateful
Rivalry); Minor: Bandits
and militia (Hateful
Contempt); Peoples of the
Black Shale Road (Loathing);
The Exalted (Envy)

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 C hapt e r T wo : S trang e folk
Secrets: Nenaveya keeps her power’s nature secret, lest
someone use it against her. Though her knowledge of
the Bishop’s plans is outdated, she nonetheless possesses
useful information regarding his personal character
and behavior, his intimates, the layout of his Hidden
Tabernacle, and so forth. The Bishop, intrigued by the
effects of his blessing upon her, observes her activities
through ghostly agents.
Equipment: Frozen Heart (daiklave of ice), well-kept
reinforced buff jacket
Roleplaying Hints: Characters can coax Nenaveya
into alliance with offers of riches, respect, and power.
But such alliances are tempestuous; she’s embraced
the Bishop’s gift and forms new hate-based Intimacies
whenever she views a character as a threat to her life,
wealth, or position. She keeps her violent temper
leashed unless skillfully goaded. She recognizes when
she’s outmatched despite her hatred, and seeks allies
and patrons who can protect her from Exalted might.
Attributes: Strength 3, Dexterity 4, Stamina 4; Cha-
risma 3, Manipulation 2, Appearance 2; Perception
3, Intelligence 2, Wits 4
Essence: 2
Willpower: 7
Join Battle: 7 dice
Personal Motes: 20
Health Levels: −0/−1x2/−2x6/−4x5/Incap.
Abilities: Athletics 3, Awareness 3, Brawl 2, Bu-
reaucracy (Military) 2, Dodge 3, Integrity 1, Larceny
1, Linguistics 1, Lore 1, Medicine (Injuries) 1, Melee
(Frozen Heart) 4, Occult (The Undead) 1, Pres-
ence (Command) 3, Resistance 3, Ride 2, Socialize
(Enemies) 1, Stealth 1, Survival 3, War 4
Merits: Acrimony’s Seal (below), Artifact (Frozen
Heart) 3, Command 3, Contacts 1, Exalted Healing,
Followers 1, Influence 2, Language (Native: Sky-
tongue; Riverspeak, Shining Path Cant) 2, Resources
2 treat her as having a hate-based Major Tie toward all
Attack (Frozen Heart/daiklave): 12 dice
(Damage 15/5); Tags: Lethal, Melee, Balanced
Attack (Unarmed): 11 dice (Damage 13); Tags:
Bashing, Brawl, Grappling, Natural
Attack (Grapple): 6 dice (5 dice to control)
Combat: Soak 9, Hardness 0 (Reinforced Buff
Jacket: +5); Evasion 3, Parry 5 (Melee); Rush 7 dice;
Disengage 7 dice
Social: Resolve 3, Guile 2
Escort: The Blue Wolves form a Size 4 battle group
of medium infantry (Exalted, p. 496) with average
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EX3
Drill. She always keeps a grizzled mercenary
(Exalted, p. 497) bodyguard at her side.
New Supernatural Merit:
Acrimony’s Seal
One of Nenaveya’s hate-based Defining Ties cannot be
altered (other than to a different variety of hate) or eroded,
and influence antithetical to that Tie is unacceptable.
She may reassign this benefit to a different such Tie once
per story. This Merit is unique to Nenaveya.
Frozen Heart
(Unmelting Ice Daiklave, Artifact •••)
An orichalcum hilt grips a blade of unmelting ice.
Nenaveya is resonant with it, as are the Abyssal Exalted.
Evocations of Frozen Heart
Passive: The wearer ignores all cold-related penalties,
and negates one level of damage from cold-based envi-
ronmental hazards.
Pain-Numbing Chill
Cost: 2m, 2i; Mins: Essence 2; Type: Reflexive
Keywords: Dissonant, Perilous
Duration: Until next turn
Nenaveya ignores up to three points of penalties from
wounds, poison, or disease on all actions.
Dissonant: The wielder only ignores one point of penalty.
Charms
Nenaveya’s rating in her highest-rated hate-based Tie
toward the target of an action she creates or enhances
with a Charm, or toward her attacker, is her Animus.
If she’s impassioned with hatred (Exalted, p, 217),
opponents. She can’t use Charms that refer to Animus
against opponents for whom she lacks hate-based Ties.
OFFENSIVE CHARMS
Antagonistic Awareness (1m+; Supplemental;
Instant; Essence 1): Choose an opponent and add
one die per mote spent to a Join Battle roll, up to
(Animus) dice. If Nenaveya’s Join Battle roll beats the
chosen opponent’s, she steals one Initiative from him.
Enmity-Driven Onslaught (1m+; Supplemen-
tal; Instant; Dual; Essence 2): Add one die per mote
spent, up to (Animus) dice, to an attack roll. If it’s
 ADVERSARIES OF THE RIGHTEOUS
withering, also add that many dice to its post-soak
damage; if it’s decisive, add half that many dice
(rounded down) to its raw damage, or to the Initiative
roll if it’s a gambit.
Triumphant Contempt Attitude (1wp; Reflexive;
Instant; Essence 2): Upon incapacitating an opponent
, gain (Animus) Initiative after resetting to base.
Vindictive Counterattack (3m; Reflexive; Instant;
Counterattack, Decisive-only; Essence 2): When par-
rying an attack, make a decisive Melee counterat-
tack that occurs after the opponent’s attack result (suc-
cessful or not), but before damage is rolled, ignoring
(Animus) Hardness. This doesn’t count as her combat
action for the turn.
DEFENSIVE CHARMS
Focused Loathing Deflection (2m+; Reflexive;
Instant; Essence 1): Increase Parry by one per two
motes spent, up to a bonus of (Animus/2, rounded
up), and ignore that many points of onslaught penalty.
Lady Midnight
Lady Midnight’s shrine sits on the outskirts of Great
Forks. The bone white building’s smooth walls glow
softly, catching the moonlight as they welcome the
lady and her followers to worship. Lady Midnight
leads a procession through the streets when the moon
is high and full, the tail of her white silken robes held
up by six small children. She sits in judgement at her
shrine, receiving petitioners until dawn, basking in their
adoration and listening to their pleas.
The mortals of Great Forks who worship her believe
Lady Midnight to be a goddess; though they’re mistaken,
she doesn’t disabuse them of this notion. The small gods
don’t dare cross her, while the powerful ones who run
the city consider her beneath their notice — a snub she
bears without complaint. In truth, she serves the Mask of
Winters as his spy while Great Forks prepares for war with
her patron.
Lady Midnight was once a noblewoman of Thorns; she
was in the city when the Deathlord conquered it, and,
forced to choose between death or swearing fealty to
him, she chose the latter. Better a life of service than
a certain death, she’d thought, but the Mask slew her
regardless and suspended her in a state of living death.
Her continued existence is wholly dependent upon
her loyalty; should she betray the Mask of Winters, her
heart will cease beating. For collateral, he holds it locked
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EX3
On a successful block, steal one Initiative from the at-
tacker.
MOBILITY CHARMS
Belligerent Pursuit Style (1m+; Supplemental;
Instant; Perilous; Essence 1): Add one die per mote
spent, up to (Animus) dice, to a rush roll or a roll to
contest a disengage action. If successful, perform a
reflexive aim action against the target; Nenaveya
may move and take this reflexive aim action in the
same round.
SOCIAL CHARMS
Searing Antipathy Attitude (4m, 1wp; Reflex-
ive; Instant; Eclipse; Essence 2): In response to being
targeted by social influence but before the influence
action is rolled, Nenaveya burns with hatred as
though impassioned (Exalted, p. 217), gaining +2
Resolve. If she’s already impassioned with hatred,
waive the Willpower cost.
away in a vault deep within Juggernaut. Lady Midnight
wishes eagerly for its return.
The Lady has made a name for herself in Great Forks,
using the lessons she learned as a noblewoman to charm
her way into ownership of an abandoned shrine. She
ingratiated herself to the nearby gods, and when she
began calling herself one, very few questioned the claim.
Those who did no longer have shrines in the city. Now
she waits like a spider in its web, collecting information
on Great Forks and its people so she might pass it along
to her liege.
Image: Lady Midnight appears as an elegant middle-
aged woman dressed in flowing white silks. Her long dark
hair, which she pins up with pearl-studded adornments,
is shot through with twists of gray.
Intimacies: Defining: “I will survive by any means
possible.”; Major: “Knowledge is power.”; The Mask of
Winters (Fearful Loyalty); Minor: “Always have a means
of escape.”; Her Acolytes (Presumption of Devotion).
Secrets: Lady Midnight knows all manner of secrets,
while her shrine is filled with hidden passages that can
facilitate her escape should the citizens of Great Forks
learn of her true nature.
 C hapt e r T wo : S trang e folk

Roleplaying Hints: Lady Midnight’s first instinct, when threatened, is to attempt to talk her way out of a situation. She’s
well-connected in Great Forks and can draw discreetly upon her resources from Thorns. Rather than fight, she believes,
most people can come to a reasonable compromise if only they try.

While reluctant to fight, she uses dialogue with her enemies to offer her younger acolytes an opportunity to escape,
while her older servants position themselves to attack.

Escort: Her acolytes can be treated as a battle group of conscripts (Exalted, p. 496) with Size 1, Average Drill, and
Might 0. When their mistress is threatened, they attempt to surround her enemies and offer her an escape.

Lady Midnight is capable of defending herself if forced to fight. She wields a short daiklave, and resorts to underhanded
tactics. She attempts to play on her opponents’ Intimacies, or
weaponizes their secrets in order to turn them against one another
before seeking to escape at the first opportunity.

Attributes: Strength 2, Dexterity 3, Stamina 2; Charisma 4,

Manipulation 4, Appearance 3; Perception 3, Intelligence 3,
Wits 4
Essence: 3
Willpower: 7
Personal Motes: 80
Join Battle: 4 dice
Health Levels: −0x3/−1x5/−2x5/−4x4/Incap
Abilities: Awareness 3, Bureaucracy 3, Dodge 2,
Investigation 2, Lore 2, Occult 2, Presence 4, Socialize
3, Stealth 1
Merits: Artifact (Short Daiklaive), Cult 2, Grave Insight
(see below)
Cult 2: Lady Midnight’s cult is small and she likes it that
way: enough members to protect her, but not so many it
draws the attention and ire of the real gods of Great Forks. In
addition to the small children who carry her train, Lady Midnight
has about a dozen older followers who double as bodyguards.
Attack (Short Daiklave): 12 dice (Damage 15/3) Tags:
Lethal, Melee, Balanced
Combat: Soak 5, Hardness 0; Parry 3; Evasion 3; Rush 5; Dis-
engage 7
Social: Resolve 4, Guile 3

New Merit: Grave Insight

Dying and returning to a semblance of life gave Lady Midnight an
eerie insight into mortal lives. She sees portents of death around
some of her followers at her shrine, and warns them accordingly.
When someone acts to change or thwart that fate, they gain an
extra die on an appropriate roll.

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 ADVERSARIES OF THE RIGHTEOUS
OFFENSIVE CHARMS
Chilling Touch (7m; Supplemental; Instant; Withering
only; Essence 1): Lady Midnight’s blade dims like a cloud
covering the moon, passing through her opponent’s armor.
Ignore up to four points of natural soak or armored soak.
SOCIAL CHARMS
Poison-Drawing Method (5m; Simple; One
scene; Essence 2): In her living days, Lady Midnight
had an ear for damaging gossip. Using this Charm
she appears as the type of person her target wants
desperately to confide in. Gain two dice on persuade
or Read Intentions actions when digging for scandal-
ous or damning information.
MISCELLANEOUS CHARMS
Divine Appearance (10m; Simple; One scene;
Essence 2): Occasionally, small gods or the Lady’s
Lintha Gool Giagia Parasite Pirate of the Gatang
Background: Bluehaven’s elders may have absolved her
of the title label of halfblood, but Captain Gool Giagia
of the Manta’s Tattoo was and remains an outcast in her
Lintha peers’ eyes. While she has Bluehaven’s respect,
perhaps even fear, she’s loathed in the Lintha stronghold
and assigned only the meanest, furthest assignments.
Giagia responds to this mockery with ruthless excellence,
swelling the family’s coffers with each ransomed hostage,
plundered ship, and slaughtered bounty.
Image: Giagia is a massive young woman in red leathers,
her storm-blown hair tied haphazardly with a devil-brass
ornament. Her broad, looming frame carries slabs of
muscle criss-crossed by surgical scars, and a hemispherical
bone-growth protrudes from one collarbone. A square
jaw and brown skin barely touched by the characteristic
Lintha green are signs of thin-blood that make her a
valued agent in lands unfriendly to the family.
Intimacies: Defining: Pureblood Lintha (Envy); Major:
“Fear is easier than respect.” Minor: Surgical Skills (Pride)
Secrets: Giagia has accepted countless hell-parasites
in a fruitless effort to concentrate her Lintha blood,
and aches to expand her efforts with sorcery. Formal
initiation by the Cult of Dukantha would require a
staggering bribe, but she’d risk much for tutelage.
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EX3
followers require a show of power worthy of a
goddess. Lady Midnight gathers her Essence and puts
on a mighty display. The area around her dims until
she provides the only light. Her eyes shine silver, and
she speaks in ominous tones about the threat of Thorns
and the Mask of Winters. This information is fed to her
from him directly, whispered to her captive heart.
Lost Heart Revival (35m; Reflexive; Instant;
Essence 4): The Mask of Winters keeps Lady Mid-
night’s heart in his fortress where it waits to restore her
if she is slain. If an attack would fill Lady Midnight’s
Incapacitated health level, her spirit flees her flesh
and resides within her heart as her acolytes work
to recover her body, leaving it in state at her shrine
until the next full moon whereupon she arises again.
During this time, any wounds she’s suffered heal.
Muscle, flesh, and bone reknit themselves.
Captain Trjinn Boroo, the corpulent head of the
businesslike Gatang Company, values Giagia’s abilities
less than he fears her steady transformation. He would
cheerfully trade information to her enemies, if any
survived meeting her.
Equipment: An auzhian, the traditional Lintha cutlass.
These are chopping swords (Exalted, p. 582) with the
Disarming tag. The Manta’s Tattoo is a blue-water
merchant ship, with +1 Maneuverability from its Lintha
design. It lacks the hellish power of most such vessels,
focused instead on keeping a low profile.
Roleplaying Hints: Giagia is the cautious leader of a
discrete Lintha delivery vessel, anxious to avoid failure.
Quick to extract submission from any possible challengers,
she keeps thuggish control over her ship. Half the crew
owe their lives to her surgery, but she knows that’s not the
same as respect. She’s obsessed with her impure blood,
taking her frustration out on subordinates.
Death is preferable to humiliation, but if she can
negotiate a private deal to save face, she will. While her
loyalty to the Lintha family runs deep, it strains when
faced with the contempt of the pureblooded, making her
vulnerable to outbursts and temptations.
 C hapt e r T wo : S trang e folk

Attributes: Strength 5, Dexterity 3, Stamina 5; Charisma 3, Manipulation 2, Appearance 3; Perception 3, Intel-

ligence 2, Wits 4
Essence: 3
Willpower: 8
Join Battle: 7 dice
Personal Motes: 30
Health Levels: −0x1/−1x2/−2x8/−4x3/Incap.
Abilities: Archery 2, Athletics 3, Awareness 3, Brawl 4, Bu-
reaucracy 1, Dodge 2, Integrity 2, Larceny 3, Lore 1, Medicine
(Surgery) 4, Melee 4, Occult (Demonology) 2, Performance
(Shanties) 1, Presence 3, Resistance 5, Ride 1, Sail (Rough Seas)
4, Stealth 1, Thrown 3, War 2
Merits: Gills (3), Hideous, Unusual Hide (2)
Attack (Auzhian): 9 dice (Damage 14); Tags: Lethal,
Melee, Chopping, Disarming,
Attack (Unarmed): 11 dice (Damage 12); Tags:
Bashing, Brawl, Natural
Attack (Grapple): 7 dice (9 dice to control)
Combat: Soak 12, Hardness 0 (Demon-Shark Leather:
+5 Soak); Parry 5 (Melee); Evasion 2 (−1 armor
penalty); Rush 5 dice; Disengage 4 dice
Social: Resolve 3, Guile 1
OFFENSIVE CHARMS
Brutal Pirate Blows (5m; Supplemental; Instant;
Withering-only; Essence 1): Double 8s on a with-
ering attack roll. Every other enemy at close range
increases their onslaught penalty by one.
Mollusk Skein Muscle (3m; Supplemental;
One turn; Essence 1): Tendrils bunch under skin
and wriggle through wounds, increasing Gia-
gia’s Strength score and the base damage
of her decisive attacks by her current
wound penalty.
Bowel-Snake Bite (7m, 2i; Simple;
Instant; Decisive-only, Perilous; Essence 3):
Giagia’s jaw unhinges and the demon-eel
coiled in her guts snakes forth. This 9-die
short range decisive attack bypasses
heavy and light cover, and ignores
penalties stemming from Giagia’s
status (e.g. wounded, prone, blind).
If it deals 2+ levels of damage,
Giagia may make a reflexive
grapple gambit with no Initia-
tive roll or cost, treating the
damage as her control roll
and dragging the grappled
victim to close range. She
suffers no Defense penalty
while her demon-eel
maintains this grapple, but
it is vulnerable to a difficulty

53
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 ADVERSARIES OF THE RIGHTEOUS

BOTCHED SURGERY

Giagia constantly attempts new procedures to refine her blood, crude workings her mortal body eventually rejects.
In addition to the listed traits, she usually has 5 dots of Merits representing her latest symbiotic operations.

Common Merits include Pain Tolerance, Fangs, or a Poisoned Body.

4 decapitation gambit, ending the grapple and her SOCIAL CHARMS

access to this Charm. Once per scene unless reset by
incapacitating a foe grappled by the demon-eel.
DEFENSIVE CHARMS
Greedy Barnacle Grab (4m, 1wp; Reflexive;
Instant; Counterattack, Decisive-Only; Essence 2): A
calcified tumor cracks open, its beak snapping hungri-
ly. Once per scene, Giagia makes a reflexive Brawl-
based clash attack against an incoming decisive
attack. On success, she rolls a disarm gambit instead
of damage. Mundane weapons are destroyed, while
artifact weapons are gripped by her barnacle until
freed with another disarm gambit.
Cleaner Shrimp Clot (6m; Reflexive; One turn;
Essence 2): Giagia squeezes crustacean hell-beasts
from her pores, gorily reinforcing her skin. Her soak
and Hardness increase by twice her current wound
penalty. If she suffers from poison, it’s purged along
with her micro-beasts.
MOBILITY CHARMS
Born to the Sea (—; Permanent; Essence 1): Giagia
adds three automatic successes to movement rolls in
water or aboard a sailing vessel.
Mad Barracuda Mien (2m, 1wp; Supplemen-
tal; Instant; Eclipse; Essence 2): Giagia’s inhuman
snarl adds one success to a threaten attempt. If the
target has or gains an Intimacy of fear toward her or
the Lintha, she can also use that roll’s successes as a
command for an allied battlegroup to attack them.
Crew of Manta’s Tattoo
Giaga’s crew are a motley of half-bloods, thin-bloods,
and no-bloods. They fight fast and dirty, using the sta-
tistics for Lintha reavers (Exalted, p. 497). Many have
Merits representing their Lintha heritage such as the
3-dot Gills mutation (Exalted, p. 166).
When fighting as a battle group, they can field a single
Size 2 force or multiple Size 1 parties, each with elite
Drill and Might 0. When fighting aboard ship, in the wa-
ter, or otherwise leveraging their Lintha mutations, they
have Might 1 instead.

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 C hapt e r T wo : S trang e folk

The Lord Lion Warrior-King of Haja

Once upon a nightmare, the raksha noble Wrath’s Hunger filled herself to bursting on a Delzahn warlord’s dreams and
ambitions. So lavish had been her meal, it spilled again from both her razor-lined maws. From this pile of regurgitated dreams
and glamour the Lord Lion was born. The noble, belly again an empty cavern, turned to devour him.

Wrath’s Hunger’s rival, Kaltia, stole the mewling infant and hid him away. The Lord Lion grew up strong of limb, but ever-
fearful his mother would return to consume him. He fled to Creation, where he lived among the Delzahn awhile. But they
grew fearful of the young man who inspired too-vivid dreams, and chased him off west. Yena’s Daughters harried him all the
way from the Lap to Gem. Guided by nightmares and portents, dehydrated and starving, he crawled into Haja.

Haja’s neighbors — Gem, Dajaz, and Lock — reduced the city to rubble ages ago. The fortress-manse at its heart still stood,
however,, and here the Lord Lion regained his strength. A mercenary army now defends the city and raids the
road between Gem and Dajaz, loyal more to Haja’s ruler than the coin he promised. Refugees displaced by
war, failed crops, and overbearing rulers worship him, knowing he protects and loves them.

The Lord Lion envies Gem for the respect it has from the southern
city-states. He sends messengers with overtures for trade and
alliances to Rankar VII; a great deal depends on Rankar’s response,
as to scorn the Lord Lion would make him an implacable enemy.
Dajaz he fears, seeing in its greedy abandon a reflection of his
mother. He relishes the day he brings about its downfall. Even now
his spies ferret out its weaknesses and infiltrate Dajaz’s city guard,
awaiting his armies’ approach.

Image: The Lord Lion is a towering man with basalt skin, strong
features, and a sensuous mouth filled with sharp,
elongated teeth. Sharp, enemy-rending talons tip the
fingers of his otherwise-humanoid hands. He
surrounds himself by lion-adorned items, and
greets visitors from a basalt throne with lion
armrests.

Intimacies: Defining: “Power above all”;

Major: Haja (Prideful Rulership), Wrath’s
Hunger (Fear); Minor: Tassam, Delzahn
warrior (Idolized First Love)

Secrets: The Lord Lion envisions himself a

great king. He needs more than just craftsmen,
spies, and soldiers — scholars can teach him of
the world, who to fear and who to conquer. Rather
than offer a wage to attract them, he resorts to
ambushing caravans and kidnapping any scholars
he finds. He has taken entire families, holding
them hostage to secure the loyalty of his new
advisers.

Wrath’s Hunger still searches for him.

His regurgitation left an emptiness
in her stomach only he can fill.

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 ADVERSARIES OF THE RIGHTEOUS
Kaltia, meanwhile, sent the dreams that guided the Lord
Lion to Haja.
Tassam still loves the Lord Lion, but sided with the Delzahn
when they cast him out.
Equipment: Gleaming armor embossed with a ruby-eyed
roaring lion. Lion-headed smashfists, the right gauntlet inset
with a Sphere of the Revolutionary Dog (Exalted, p. 606).
Lion skull drinking cup. Desert flower pendant worn on a
chain: a gift from his Delzahn lover Tassam.
Roleplaying Hints: The Lord Lion imagines himself brave
and magnanimous. He presents Haja as a haven for the
disenfranchised. If he’s sometimes cruel, it’s because others
force his hand. In reality, he craves power by any means, and
still fears his mother tremendously.
Attributes: Strength 5, Dexterity 4, Stamina 4; Cha-
risma 5, Manipulation 3, Appearance 3; Perception
3, Intelligence 3, Wits 4
Essence: 4
Willpower: 7
Join Battle: 8 dice
Personal Motes: 40 (5 committed)
Health Levels: −0x2/−1x4/−2x4/−4/Incap.
Abilities: Archery 2, Athletics 4, Awareness (Am-
bushes) 3, Brawl (Smashfists) 4, Dodge 4, Integrity 3,
Melee 3, Presence (Command) 4, Resistance 3, Ride
2, Survival (Desert) 5, Thrown 2, War 4
Merits: Artifact 3, Boundless Endurance, Claws
and Fangs, Command 4, Exalted Healing, Fast Re-
flexes, Followers 3, Language (Native: Flametongue;
Delzahn Dialect) 1, Manse 3, Resources 3
Attack (Devouring Lion/Red Jade Smash-
fists): 15 dice (Damage 15/3); Tags: Bashing,
Brawl, Grappling, Smashing, Worn
Attack (Unarmed): 12 dice (Damage 13/1);
Tags: Bashing, Brawl, Grappling, Natural
Combat: Soak 9, Hardness 0 (Medium/Reinforced
Breastplate: +5); Parry 5 (Brawl); Evasion 3; Rush 8
dice; Disengage 8 dice
Social: Resolve 4, Guile 2
Escort: The Lion Guard form a large size 4, Might 0
group of battle-ready troops (Exalted, p. 496) with
Elite Drill.
Ascendant Lion
( Red Jade Smashfists, Artifact •••)
A pair of snarling lion heads adorns these red Jade
gauntlets. They roar victoriously when they draw blood.
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Evocations of Ascendant Lion
Passive: Ascendant Lion’s wearer stands above weaker
men, gaining the Giant merit.
Fury’s Might
Cost: 3m, Mins: Essence 3; Type: Supplemental
Keywords: Dual
Duration: Instant
Ascendant Lion’s wielder adds the strength of his
convictions to withering attacks: +4 for an applicable
Defining Intimacy, +3 for a Major, and +2 for a Minor.
When making decisive attacks, Ascendant Lion allows
up to half that number of 10s to be re-rolled.
OFFENSIVE CHARMS
Iron Lock Jaw Grip (3m; Simple; Instant; Essence
2): Add (Stamina) on a grapple’s control roll. The Lord
Lion regains the gambit’s Initiative cost if successful.
Mocking Lion Pounce (2m; Reflexive; Instant;
Essence 2): Make one free attack, not supplemented
by further Charms, against an opponent rising from
prone. A successful withering attack also prevents
the target from rising and steals one extra Initiative.
Slashing Rage Attack (3m, 1i; Supplemental;
Instant; Withering-only; Essence 1): Trading defense
for fury, the Lord Lion adds (the highest of Essence
or 3) to any withering attack, and rerolls 9s on
damage.
DEFENSIVE CHARMS
Artful Lion Evasion (4m; Reflexive; Instant; Essence
2): The Lord Lion adds (Essence) to his Stamina to de-
termine soak against withering attacks.
MOBILITY
Lion Pursues the Lamb (2m; Simple; Instant;
Withering-only; Essence 2): Add (Essence) to a rush
action. If successful, immediately steal 1 Initiative from
the defender.
SOCIAL CHARMS
Warlord Oration Technique (3m; Supplemen-
tal; Instant; Psyche; Essence 2): Dressed in regalia of
power, the Lord Lion adds (War/2 dice, round up) to
Threaten or Inspire actions.
WAR
Stalwart Lion Stance (3m, 1wp; Scene; Instant;
Eclipse; Essence 3): Troops the Lord Lion leads into
battle add his (Essence) to rout checks.
​Victorious Lion Stratagem (3m/die, 1wp; Sup-
plemental; Instant; Essence 2): Add up to (Essence)
dice to Strategic Maneuver rolls.
 C hapt e r T wo : S trang e folk

Peremuz
Rogue Homunculus
Background: After her retirement from the legions, the
outcaste sorcerer Lofty Raiton moved to the countryside
to pursue her researches. One of her creations was a
tiny homunculus hatched from a geode filled with her
own blood. She named the creature Peremuz, after the
diminutive hero of a century-old romance novel.
Quick-witted and clever, with a sharp tongue, Peremuz
served his creator for several years as a laboratory
assistant, conversationalist, messenger, and spy. But
when Lofty Raiton died, her progeny bickered over
ownership of Peremuz as though he were a pet or a tool
rather than a person. Shouldering a pouch full of coin,
he departed to make his own destiny.
children (Bitterness); Mortals (Scorn); the Exalted
(Wariness)
Secrets: Peremuz is a repository of secrets; he’s spied on
crime lords, visiting Guild merchant princes, patrician
matriarchs, and Dynastic grandees. In addition, he’s
secretly an agent of the All-Seeing Eye. Everything he
reports to his other patrons, he also reports to his Eye
handler.
Equipment: Tiny garments, toothpick-sized sword,
fishhook-grapnel on six feet of silken line, backpack full
of lockpicks, doll-sized journal covered in handwriting
too tiny to read

Moving from one city to the next every few years, Roleplaying Hints: Peremuz is sarcastic and snarky,
Peremuz currently earns his keep in Pangu’s underworld, channeling his bitterness toward a world that doesn’t
where he freelances for myriad employers. Most simply accommodate his scale.
know him as a peculiar local figure, riding about on He’s wary of kindness,
his terrier or drinking wine from thimbles. In fact, his as many attempt
minuscule size makes him an ideal spy, thief, or even to manipulate him
assassin.

Image: A grotesque manikin with

huge batlike ears, Peremuz stands
just one handspan tall. He dresses in
clothing custom-made for the occasion,
whether that’s peacock finery, rugged
traveling leathers, or mottled grays
for camouflage. He seems ageless,
though his gray hair is receding.
The chip on his shoulder is
apparent in his stance and
lofty grimace when dealing
with larger folk. He usually
travels mounted on his terrier,
Black Wolf. For long trips, his
husky Storm carries a pack or
sled.

Intimacies: Defining: “I will

take advantage of a world that
overlooks me.”; Major: “Big folk
can’t be trusted.”; “Scruples are for
those without the will to survive.”;
Lofty Raiton’s memory (Filial
Respect); His handler in the All-Seeing
Eye (Loyalty); Minor: Lofty Raiton’s

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 ADVERSARIES OF THE RIGHTEOUS
under the guise of concern and understanding, but
characters can woo him with equitable treatment.
Though loyal to his All-Seeing Eye handler, he values his
skin above the needs of any particular assignment; he’d
rather flee than fight, and freely sells out most employers
if necessary to survive.
If Peremuz dies, the All-Seeing Eye loses its best source
of information on Pangu’s underworld, and the various
bosses resort to less subtle and efficacious methods of
observing and interfering with their rivals’ activities,
resulting in increased bloodshed.
Attributes: Strength 1, Dexterity 4, Stamina 3; Cha-
risma 2, Manipulation 3, Appearance 1; Perception
4, Intelligence 3, Wits 4
Essence: 1
Willpower: 6
Join Battle: 8 dice (9 vs. tiny creatures)
Health Levels: −0/−1/−2/−4/Incap.
Abilities: Athletics (Climbing) 2, Awareness (Tiny
Creatures) 4, Brawl 2, Bureaucracy (Evaluating
Goods) 1, Craft (Alchemy) 1, Dodge (Guard Dogs,
Humans) 4, Integrity 2, Investigation 3, Larceny 2,
Linguistics 2, Lore 2, Melee 3, Occult (Sorcery) 1,
Presence 1, Resistance 3, Socialize (Guile, Spying) 1,
Stealth 4, Survival (Animal Training) 2
Merits: Backing (All-Seeing Eye) 2, Contacts (Pangu
Underworld) 1, Enhanced Sense (Hearing), Familiar
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EX3
(Black Wolf) 1, Familiar (Storm) 1, Hideous, Influence 1,
Language (Native: High Realm; Low Realm, Old Realm,
Riverspeak, Guild Cant) 4, Tiny Creature (below)
Attack (Tiny sword): 9 dice (Damage 4, or 10
against enemies his size or smaller); Tags: Lethal,
Melee
Attack (Unarmed): 6 dice (Damage 4, or 8
against enemies his size or smaller; can’t inflict de-
cisive damage against human-sized or larger oppo-
nents); Tags: Bashing, Brawling, Grappling, Natural
Attack (Grapple): 6 dice (3 to control; can only
grapple enemies his size or smaller)
Combat: Soak 5, Hardness 0 (tiny feathersteel chain
shirt: +2); Parry 4 (Melee); Evasion 4 (6 against
larger foes, or 7 against guard dogs/humans); Rush
6 dice; Disengage 8 dice
Social: Resolve 3, Guile 3
Familiars: For dog traits, see Exalted, p. 562. Both
dogs know the Hold at Bay and Snarling Guardian
Attack special attacks, and have the Loyal Guard-
ian Merit. Black Wolf also has the Discerning Scent
(human scents) and Wary Watchdog Vigilance
Merits.
Merit: Tiny Creature
Gain +2 Evasion against larger foes, and subtract two suc-
cesses from Awareness-based rolls to notice Peremuz.
 C hapt e r T wo : S trang e folk

Red Ice
Spy of Many Masters
A Haslanti patrol found a swaddled newborn on a blood-drenched expanse of ice. They brought the child back
to Diamond Hearth, where the Oligarch Shimmering Snowflake saw potential in the demon-born boy’s red eyes.
She adopted him, sequestering him in her tower of diamonds and ice. Doling out cruelty and kindness in coldly
calculated measure, she molded him into an unfailingly loyal weapon.

Today, Red Ice serves as eyes and ears for the grandmothers of the Haslanti — those wizened women that run the
League’s information network — while keeping Shimmering Snowflake apprised of their dealings. He is a triple
agent, selling both parties’ secrets to the Lover Clad in the Raiment of Tears through a tangled web of agents.

Red Ice cannot keep the secrets he ferrets out. When he tries, his skin itches and flakes, burns and bleeds. The spy
has never ridden this curse to its conclusion, believing it will kill him. Instead, he serves his multiple masters and
hopes the League, which he considers home, wins in the end.

He’s asked Shimmering Snowflake for a different assignment: if he has no knowledge

of the grandmothers’ covert dealings, or the Lover Clad in Rainment of Tears’
hidden desires, he can’t betray them. But Shimmering Snowflake won’t
release him, and his upbringing left him incapable of disobeying
her.

Image: Red Ice uses Charms to alter his appearance.

He coats his dagger in a poison made from his own
blood. No matter his disguise, Red Ice’s eyes glow red
when he’s angry or about to kill.

Intimacies: Defining: “Shimmering Snowflake is the

center of my existence”; Major: Shimmering Snowflake
(Fearful Love); Minor: The Haslanti grandmothers
(Professional Respect), Hollow Light (Burgeoning Love)

Secrets: Few secrets in the Haslanti league evade Red Ice

— he knows the Oligarchs’ inner workings and several
grandmothers’ identities. He has even gleaned secrets
of the Lover Clad in the Raiment of Tears, stolen as
pillow-talk from her agent Hollow Light. Smiling Owl,
grandmother of the League, knows Red Ice works for
Shimmering Snowflake, and tailors what information
she feeds him accordingly.

Sometimes, Red Ice dreams of an endless glass

library containing books that cut and bleed. He
has yet to figure out their meaning, but they fill
him with yearning and fear.

Equipment: Silence, his artifact kunai,

dripping with red ichor; a coin bearing
Shimmering Snowflake’s likeness.

Roleplaying Hints: Red Ice doesn’t

love anyone except Shimmering

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 ADVERSARIES OF THE RIGHTEOUS
Snowflake — he isn’t bound to her by magic, but rather
by his carefully groomed love and fear of her disapproval.
He admires honesty and nobility in others, perhaps
because they are so alien to him. Such a character
might be able to win Red Ice’s trust and teach him that
disobeying Shimmering Ice is possible.
Red Ice finds some relief in ferreting out information
that doesn’t involve the Haslanti League, as it means
he won’t uncover something it would rather keep
hidden. To this end, he takes occasional freelance
contracts, provided they don’t conflict with Shimmering
Snowflake’s interests.
Attributes: Strength 2, Dexterity 4, Stamina 3; Cha-
risma 3, Manipulation 5, Appearance 4; Perception
5, Intelligence 3, Wits 3
Essence: 3
Willpower: 5
Join Battle: 7 dice
Personal Motes: 30 (5 committed)
Health Levels: −0/−1x2/−2x2/−4/Incap.
Abilities: Athletics 2, Awareness 3, Bureaucracy 2,
Dodge (In Darkness) 5, Integrity 4, Investigation (Un-
covering Secrets) 4, Larceny (Forging Documents) 4,
Linguistics 3, Melee 3, Resistance 3, Ride 1, Sail 1,
Socialize (Concealing Lies) 5, Stealth 3, Thrown 3
Merits: Artifact 3, Eidetic Memory, Exalted Healing,
Language (Native: Skytongue; High Realm, Guild
Cant) 2, Mentor (Shimmering Snowflake) 3, Poi-
soned Body 5, Toxin Resistance
Attack (Silence/artifact kunai): 11 dice
(Damage +12/3); Tags: Lethal, Melee, Thrown
(Medium). Deals poison damage on a Decisive
attack: 1i/round (L in Crash); 3 rounds; penalty –3.
Attack (Unarmed): 8 dice (Damage 9); Tags:
Bashing, Brawl, Grappling, Natural
Combat: Soak 6, Hardness 0 (Light/Feathersteel
Buff Jacket: +3); Parry 2 (Melee); Evasion 5; Rush 6
dice; Disengage 9 dice
Social: Resolve 4, Guile 5
Silence (Kunai, Artifact •••)
Silence is unassuming in its deep metallic gleam and
sleek curves: a blade that diverts the eye and evades
detection.
60
EX3
Evocations of Silence
Passive: Gain two extra dice on Stealth rolls.
Silence is Infinite
Cost: 2m; Mins: Essence 2; Type: Supplemental
Keywords: None
Duration: Instant
When thrown, a simulacra of Silence splits from the
blade. It vanishes after impact, while the original blade
never leaves Red Ice’s hand.
OFFENSIVE CHARMS
Loving Slap Strike (2m; Supplemental; Instant;
Mute; Essence 2): Red Ice adds (Socialize/2, round
up) to a surprise attack roll. If successful, he steals an
extra Initiative from his enemy.
DEFENSIVE CHARMS
Reversal of Alliances (2m per target; Reflexive;
Instant; Eclipse; Essence 3): When someone declares
an attack on Red Ice, he can force them into a Deci-
sion Point drawing on a Minor Intimacy (or stronger)
to proceed with the attack. If the target has an appli-
cable Intimacy, and pays the Willpower to resist, they
become immune to this Charm for the remainder of
the scene.
MOBILITY CHARMS
Gone as Shadows (2m; Reflexive; Instant; Essence
2): Red Ice adds (Essence) to disengage actions. This
disengage action only costs 1 Initiative.
SOCIAL CHARMS
Friendly Face (3m, 1w; Simple; Scene; Psyche,
Essence 3): Obscuring himself in shadows of dreams,
Red Ice reminds the target of someone she has a posi-
tive Major or Defining Tie to. Red Ice can benefit from
the Tie as if it were directed to him at one level lower.
If he takes hostile action against the target, or attempts
a Persuade action that conflicts with another Intimacy,
the effect ends.
Lovely Darkness (2m, 1wp; Supplemental; Scene;
Psyche; Essence 2): Red Ice’s Appearance counts as
5 for purposes of instill or persuade actions.
Meandering Confessor (3m, 1wp; Supplemen-
tal; Instant; Psyche; Essence 3): After a scene of social
interaction, Red Ice may roll to discern one of his tar-
get’s secrets, as per a Read Intentions action even if
the subject of the secret never came up.
Mockingbird’s Flight (2m; Supplemental; Instant;
Eclipse; Essence 2): Double 8s on Join Battle if combat
breaks out during social interaction.
 C hapt e r T wo : S trang e folk

Sawana
Devilfish Spymaster
Background: Sawana lives far from their home in Image: Sawana is squidfolk with velvety jet-black skin,
the Undersea, acting as a spy for their people beneath luminescent red eyes, and a cephalopod-like head. Eight
the waves. To blend in, Sawana has taken up with the spine-covered tentacles surround their
Devilfish Schools: nomadic beastfolk exiles, they mouth. Considered quite handsome
traverse the West’s archipelagos in boat-homes among the Devilfish, Sawana is
pulled by enormous manta rays, trading goods frightening to most others. They wear
scavenged from sunken wrecks. little save netting strung across their
chest and thighs on which hang pouches,
Sawana lives as a venerated elder among the largest pāua shell jewelry and cowries. Among
of the Devilfish outsiders, they wear fine robes of Randani
S c h o o l s , byssus embroidered with crashing
traveling all the waves.
most populous
trade routes Intimacies: Defining Ties: Dakkar
throughout the Collective (Duty), Devilfish Schools
Neck as a quiet (Devotion); Major Tie: Their spouses
observer. A few (Love), Major Principle: “Those
times, Sawana’s who are underestimated always
masters have called have the advantage.”; Minor Tie:
them to action: The Guild (Fear), Minor Principle:
Through bribery “Effectiveness comes from
and manipulation, knowing every angle.”
they set the royal
guard of Kitou Secrets: Sawana serves
against the island’s the Dakkar Collective, a
ghostly oligarchs, confederacy of once-marginal
paving the way for the Undersea tribes banded
Realm’s subjugation. together for mutual defense.
They turned the Western The Collective has amassed
Trade Alliance’s merchants extraordinary power using
against each other on the Isle of Makina, artifacts and valuables
where a bloody uprising brought an end scavenged from the
to the region’s slave trade. Sawana doesn’t Undersea’s cyclopean ruins,
know why they’re ordered to do what they which they supply to agents
do, only that it serves their masters’ ends. like Sawana to support their
cover. Many of the Devilfish
Sawana has deeply integrated with the are descended from peoples
Devilfish over the course of decades. exiled from the Collective;
They married devilfish spouses under Sawana ultimately desires
the moonlight and started a family. They to repatriate them to their
became a famed tamer of the giant manta ancestral homeland.
rays, hypnotizing the sacred beasts with
their color-changing skin. The school has Equipment: Ashen Pearl
become their home. Every night, they pray Oracle, many strings of cowrie
to their gods that their orders will never shells, carapace armor hidden
force them to choose between their duties and in their home.
their people.
Roleplaying Hints: Sawana is above all
else cautious and patient. They most often

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 ADVERSARIES OF THE RIGHTEOUS

make friends under the guise of simple greed or sincere
compassion for the school. Their few relationships
with outsiders relate directly to their mission for the
Collective. Should they feel seriously threatened, they
call to the Collective for aid, knowing the Undersea will
send soldiers to protect one of their valued assets.
Attributes: Strength 2, Dexterity 3, Stamina 3; Cha-
risma 2, Manipulation 5, Appearance 3; Perception
3, Intelligence 4, Wits 4
Essence: 1
Willpower: 5
Join Battle: 7 dice
Health Levels: −0/−1x2/−2x2/−4/Incap.
Abilities: Athletics (Swimming) 4, Awareness 4,
Brawl 1, Dodge 3, Integrity (Loyalty) 4, Larceny 3,
Melee 3, Presence (Blackmail) 4, Socialize (Defer-
ence) 5, Survival (Giant Mantas) 4
Merits: Chameleon, Contacts 3 (Western Mer-
chants), Fangs 1, Gills 3, Hideous, Influence 3 (Dev-
ilfish Schools)
Attack (Fishing spear): 8 dice (Damage 11);
Tags: Lethal, Melee, Thrown (Short), Piercing
Combat: Soak 6, Hardness 0 (Carapace armor:
+3); Parry 3 (Melee); Evasion 3; Rush 6 dice; Disen-
gage 6 dice (7 while swimming)
Social: Guile 5 (6 with specialty), Resolve 4 (5 with
specialty)
Escort: Sawana is rarely far from the school and may
call upon its beastfolk members to protect them. As a
battle group, they use traits for militia (Exalted, p.
496) with Size 1, Might 1 and average Drill. If given
time, Sawana may also call upon commandos from
the Collective, armed with ornate spears and master-
work carapace armor. They use the traits for elite troops
(Exalted, p. 496) with Size 2, Might 1 and elite Drill.
New Artifact:
Ashen Pearl Oracle (•••)
The Undersea’s Chosen artisans fashion these
communication devices from the shells of ghost-blooded
giant clams growing in White Clay Gorge. Engraved with
moonsilver sigils, Ashen Pearl Oracles allow the wielder
to listen across great distances to those who hold their
associated pearls. When attuned for five motes, the
Oracle generates a pearl the size of a child’s fist. The
holder of the pearl may pay one Willpower and speak
into it to instantly send a message, which emerges from
the artifact in a ghostly whisper. This communication
is strictly one-way, allowing the pearl’s bearer to send
messages to the Oracle’s keeper.

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 C hapt e r T wo : S trang e folk

Siluris
the Hidden Sting
Background: In the Firepeaks, where the humid jungles of the Southwest meet the burning sands of the South, the
scorpionfolk champion Siluris wages a one-person war against invaders from nearby Origin or the Twelveriver Sea.
While the Neekhoe Scorpionfolk (p. XX) leaders may be willing to trade with passing Guild caravans, or wish to
form diplomatic relationships with neighboring settlements, Siluris’ actions stymie and destabilize such efforts.

He’s both outlaw and folk hero among his people. Villages praise him as a protector and provider who drives off
would-be invaders and feeds the hungry with hijacked goods. The captives he delivers become slaves and, upon their
deaths, meals. In return, villagers offer Siluris shelter and
sustenance; their shamans tend his wounds.

Scorpionfolk leaders bemoan the trouble his

reckless actions bring upon the tribes. Guild
emissaries tally up lost revenue and look
for ways to make the scorpionfolk pay.
Beleaguered settlements hire mercenaries
to find citizens who’ve disappeared. Still,
the scorpionfolk princes don’t want Siluris
to stop his actions, so much as they’d prefer
to direct them.

The Neekhoe Scorpionfolk

Though they’ve operated independently for
centuries, the Neekhoe Scorpionfolk once
served their creator, the Lunar sorcerer
Liyas. After her death, they abandoned
her plans for conquest and retreated
to their remote villages.

Today, warriors venture into the

Wyld to prove their fearlessness
and might, and return with the
pelts of strange beasts for their
merchants and craftspeople
to trade. Southwestern courts
pay dearly for scorpionfolk
astrologers’ wisdom, especially
those predictions made
according to the Wyld’s ever-
shifting constellations.

Image: Siluris is tall, burly, and powerfully built. His

natural chitinous armor is glossy and pale where it covers
his limbs. He has two sets of arms: the fleshy lower set
ends in hands, while the chitinous upper set ends in
massive pincers. His barbed, seven-segmented tail
fully extends over his head.

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 ADVERSARIES OF THE RIGHTEOUS
Intimacies: Defining: ”I must defend my people’s lands
against invaders.”; Major: The Neekhoe Scorpionfolk
(Protectiveness); Invaders (Hatred); Minor: “Food
should never be wasted.”
Secrets: Siluris knows his territory well, including the
locations of lost ruins and Wyld zones. Outsiders are
aware of him through travelers’ cautionary tales, and
believe he is a noxious Wyld-beast or First Age horror
haunting the sands. Siluris revels in these rumors, and
seeks tools to reinforce them, from artifacts scavenged
from the ruins to alchemical concoctions he commissions
from shamans.
Roleplaying Hints: Siluris favors guerilla tactics and
ambushing targets of opportunity. He sets traps, lures
unwitting prey into danger, and finishes them off at his
leisure.
On rare occasions, if a human possesses something
useful that Siluris can’t simply take, he ceases hostilities
long enough to treat with them. Such interactions are
tense, and Siluris is always watchful for deception and
betrayal.
Attributes: Strength 4, Dexterity 5, Stamina 4; Cha-
risma 2, Manipulation 2, Appearance 3; Perception
4, Intelligence 3, Wits 2
Essence: 1
Willpower: 6
Join Battle: 10 dice
Health Levels: −0x4/−1x4/−2x2/−4x2/Incap.
Abilities: Athletics 3, Awareness 3, Brawl (Pincers)
5, Dodge 4, Lore 2, Occult 1, Presence (Intimidation)
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EX3
3, Resistance 2, Socialize 2, Stealth 4, Survival 3,
War (Guerilla Tactics) 2
Merits: Danger Sense, Exalted Healing, Extra Limbs,
Fast Reflexes, Hideous (to non-scorpionfolk), Pedi-
palps, Scorpionfolk Markings, Tail, Unusual Hide 3,
Attack (Pincers): 10 dice (Damage 6); Tags:
Lethal, Crushing, Clinching, Natural
Attack (Tail): 10 dice (Damage 5); Tags: Lethal,
Natural, Piercing, Poisonable (2i/round [L in crash],
duration 3 rounds, −2 penalty)
Combat: Soak 7, Hardness 0; Parry 5; Evasion 5;
Rush 9 dice; Disengage 9 dice
Social: Resolve 2, Guile 3
New Merit: Pedipalps
Located on the upper set of limbs, pedipalps are grasping,
pincer-like appendages that grant +2 dice to grapple
control rolls and can parry lethal attacks unarmed.
New Merit: Scorpionfolk Markings
Neekhoe Scorpionfolk shamans decorate their greatest
warriors with markings reminiscent of Lunars’
moonsilver tattoos, which bioluminesce when exposed
to Wyld-light. These intricate designs contain cultural
secrets and centuries of lore the scorpionfolk gathered
during their excursions into the Wyld. A marked warrior
traveling in the Wyld may draw upon the knowledge
embedded on his person, reducing the difficulty of
overcoming Wyld-based hazards by one.
 C hapt e r T wo : S trang e folk

Sky Blade
Queen of the Black Shale Road
Background: Sky Blade, orphaned child of a raksha and a human, is named for
the cold blue of her hair and the matching color of her spear. She’s proud of
the latter, boasting to friend and foe alike that the weapon holds traces of
jade and proves her power rivals that of the Princes of the Earth.

The Fae-Blooded prowls the Black Shale Road, leading her band in attacks
against caravans and merchants who couldn’t afford the North’s best to
guard them. She picks easier targets not because she fears better-protected
travelers, but because she is supremely pragmatic. Rich merchants come
with heavy protection from the Guild and Realm,
not to mention competition from other thieves,
so she chooses the middling ones instead.

Sky Blade is as opportunistic as the mortal

who begot her, and cold as the raksha who
abandoned her. When the bounty on her
head grows too large, she buys off the Guild
and Realm by revealing where Aum-Ashatra’s
forces lie in ambush. When the King in the Mountains grows
cross with her, she warns him of an impending raksha attack.
Thus Sky Blade survives amongst powers greater than herself: by
being useful enough to let live, and not enough of a nuisance to single
out for death.

Image: Sky Blade is tall, and skinny to the point of emaciation. Her
pallor and milky eyes grant her the appearance of a frozen corpse.
Her hair is the cold blue of winter skies, and her thin lips curl up in
a crooked smile. She dresses in white leather for camouflage, even
if she doesn’t wash them enough to remain white. She wears the
bleached skull of a small bird on a silver necklace around her neck.

Intimacies: Defining: “Watch. Wait. Win.”; Major: Followers

(Responsibility); Minor: “I work for others, but I serve only
me”, Mother (Needy Resentment), The Spider King
(Respectful Caution)

Secrets: Sky Blade has eyes and ears

amongst innkeepers, brothel owners, and
gamblers across the North. She knows which
caravan departs when, and what cargo it
carries. She knows where the Spider King
hides, and where he sends his people to
lie in ambush.

Diamond Flower, Sky Blade’s raksha

mother, abandoned her because she
had five half-mortal children and
only needed three. Sky Blade’s

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 ADVERSARIES OF THE RIGHTEOUS
efforts along the Black Shale Road have impressed the
raksha though, and she’s keen to get her back. If Sky
Blade won’t come willingly, Diamond Flower might offer
a ransom for her.
Equipment: Cloudcutter, off–white leather armor,
bleached birdskull.
Roleplaying Hints: Sky Blade likes to gloat, but only
once she considers her enemies defeated. She is quick to
make peace with forces greater than herself, cajoling and
even begging if that’s what it takes to survive. She keeps
to the letter of a bargain and considers that enough, nor
does she begrudge anyone who breaks the spirit of a deal
with her. It never occurs to her that others might carry
resentment.
Attributes: Strength 3, Dexterity 4, Stamina 3; Cha-
risma 2, Manipulation 4, Appearance 1; Perception
4, Intelligence 2, Wits 3
Essence: 3
Willpower: 6
Join Battle: 6 dice
Personal Motes: 30 (5 committed)
Health Levels: −0/−1x3/−2x3/−4/Incap.
Abilities: Athletics 3, Awareness 3, Brawl 1, Dodge
(Multiple Opponents) 5, Integrity 3, Larceny (Sleight
of Hand) 4, Linguistics 1, Melee (Spear) 4, Presence
2, Resistance 3, Socialize (Discerning Intimacies) 4,
Stealth 3, Survival 3, Thrown (Spear) 3, War (Am-
bushes) 3
Merits: Artifact (Cloudcutter) 3, Command 3, Con-
tacts (innkeepers, brothel owners, and gamblers) 3,
Danger Sense, Exalted Healing, Fleet of Foot, Lan-
guage (Native: Skytongue; High Realm) 1, Resources
3 Blade’s attack ignores (Essence/2, round down)
Attack (Cloudcutter/longfang): 14 dice
(Damage 13/3); Tags: Lethal, Melee, Thrown (Short),
Piercing
Attack (Unarmed): 9 dice (Damage 10); Tags:
Bashing, Brawl, Grappling, Natural
Combat: Soak 6, Hardness 0 (Light/Buff Jacket:
+3); Parry 5 (Melee); Evasion 5; Rush 7 dice; Disen-
gage 9 dice
Social: Resolve 3, Guile 4
Escort: The Queen’s Men, Sky Blade’s band of
highway robbers, form a battle group with Size
3, Might 0, and Elite Drill. Use traits for Brigands
(Exalted, p. 496.)
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Cloudcutter (Ice and Lightning
Longfang, Artifact ••••)
Forged from storm and lightning, Cloudcutter holds a
cascading gradient of blues. The hilt is made of jagged
ice, turning against the flesh of any unattuned wielder.
Cloudcutter is resonant with Northern raksha and their
children, as well as Air Aspected Dragon-Blooded.
Evocations of Cloudcutter
Passive: Gain two extra dice on tracking and avoiding
trackers in the North.
Lightning Strikes the Bird
Cost: 3m; Mins: Essence 2; Type: Simple
Keywords: Withering-only
Duration: Instant
Lightning arcs from Cloudcutter, making an attack at
medium range with +3 accuracy, 10L dice, 3 overwhelming
and the Piercing tag.
Thunder Blinds the Bird
Cost: 3m/target, 1i, 1w; Mins: Essence 3; Type: Simple
Keywords: Withering-only
Duration: Instant
Prerequisites: Lighting Strikes the Bird
Thunder rolls forth from Cloudcutter, dealing (wielder’s
Essence) damage to all targets within medium range. This
attack can only be soaked with Stamina.
OFFENSIVE CHARMS
Quick As Water, Sharp As Ice (2m, 1w; Sup-
plemental; Instant; Decisive-only; Essence 3): Sky
Hardness. After using this Charm, her Initiative resets
to 2.
Treacherous Underfoot (3m, 1i; Supplemental;
Instant; Withering-only; Essence 2): Sky Blade adds
her (Essence) to stealth rolls to plan an unexpected
attack. If successful, she steals one extra Initiative from
her target.
DEFENSIVE CHARMS
Dreamt Reality (2m; Reflexive; Instant; Essence 2):
Sky Blade’s body becomes ephemeral and dream-
like, adding (Essence) to her Evasion.
 C hapt e r T wo : S trang e folk

MOBILITY CHARMS
Snow Conceals Ice (2m, 1i; Simple; Instant;
Eclipse; Essence 1): Sky Blade needs only a single roll
to go to ground, which she makes at a −4 penalty, or
−3 in areas covered with thick snow.
SOCIAL CHARMS
Compelling The Heart (3m, 1wp; Supplemental;
Instant; Eclipse, Psyche; Essence 3): After a scene
speaking with her target, Sky Blade can pull forth
dreams and nightmares he never even knew about.
She may attempt a persuade action treating the tar-
get’s supporting Intimacy as one level higher than it
actually is. This effect wears off after a day, and the
target knows she used unnatural coercion.
Imperious Queen’s Edict (4m; Supplemental;
Instant; Essence 2): Sky Blade gains (Essence) dice
on social actions against targets she holds at bay.

Tenson
the Creature of Ten Fathers
Background: The sorcerer Karst, learning of distant Volivat’s Children of Ten
Fathers, experimented with creating life along similar lines. Obtaining flesh by
various means from ten heroes of the River Province, he summoned a neomah to
shape them into a child infused with his sorcery, who he named Tenson.

Demonologists know it’s unwise for a neomah to craft a child from too many
parents. Though hale, strong, and clever — and sufficiently talented to
apprentice in the sorcerous arts — Tenson proved prone to delusions and
fits of rage, which grew stronger as the years passed. As an adolescent, he
wounded Karst in one such fit, then fled lest the sorcerer do him harm.

In his delusion, Tenson has become convinced that he’ll mend his broken
mind by devouring the hearts of his many parents. He wanders the River
Province on this bloody quest. Three heroes have perished thus far at his
hands, and he grows no saner.

Image: Though superficially handsome, Tenson’s fixed smile and

unblinking gaze soon prove disturbing. He covers himself in hoods,
hats, or cloaks to disguise himself on his bloody-handed quest, but
cannot conceal his massive, muscular stature, nor his nervous
twitches and erratic gait.

Intimacies: Defining: “Devouring my parents’ hearts will make

me whole.”; Major: “It’s not I who’s mad, but the world.”; “Anything
is justified in the name of survival.”; Minor: Karst (Fear); His ten
parents (Homicidal Love)

Secrets: Karst continues to track down his wayward offspring.

It’s uncertain whether he seeks to bring Tenson back into the
fold, destroy him for the good of the River Province, or employ
his unique lineage for sorcerous purposes.

Equipment: Dirty cloak too small for him, sarong made from
a blanket, walking stick made from a tree branch, flask of
sorcerous elixir, satchel full of souvenirs from people he’s killed.

Roleplaying Hints: Though Tenson seems pleasant or even

helpful for brief periods, something inevitably triggers
a delusion or a histrionic outburst. Appeasing or

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 ADVERSARIES OF THE RIGHTEOUS
manipulating him requires an understanding of whatever
passions or delusions currently rule him. If he’s slain,
his creator Karst — who invested years in designing and
training him, and still seeks him — may be vexed.
Attributes: Strength 6, Dexterity 4, Stamina 8; Cha-
risma 1, Manipulation 3, Appearance 4; Perception
2, Intelligence 3, Wits 2
Essence: 1
Willpower: 6
Join Battle: 7 dice
Health Levels: −0x3/−1x6/−2x6/−4x3/Incap.
Abilities: Athletics 5, Awareness 4, Brawl 5, Craft
(Alchemy) 3, Dodge 3, Integrity 1, Larceny (Disguise)
1, Linguistics 1, Lore (River Province) 1, Melee 2,
Occult (Sorcery) 3, Presence (Intimidation) 3, Resis-
tance 5, Stealth 3, Survival 2, Thrown 2
Merits: Fast Reflexes, Giant, Hideous, Language
(Native: Riverspeak; Old Realm) 1, Mighty Thew 2,
Unnatural Vitality
Flaws: Madness (Defining)
Attack (Sling): 9 dice at short range (Damage
15); Tags: Bashing, Thrown (Medium), Concealable,
Special
Attack (Thrown Opponent): 9 dice at short
range (Damage 17); Tags: Bashing, Thrown (Short),
Natural, Smashing (see Foe-Flinging Might)
Attack (Unarmed): 11 dice (Damage 15); Tags:
Bashing, Brawl, Grappling, Natural, Smashing
Attack (Wood Dragon Claw): 12 dice (Damage
18/4); Tags: Lethal, Brawl, Grappling, Natural (see Sorcery)
Attack (Grapple): 9 dice (11 dice to control)
Combat: Soak 12, Hardness 6 (innate sorcerous re-
silience: +6); Parry 4 (Brawl); Evasion 3; Rush 8 dice;
Disengage 6 dice
Social: Resolve 3, Guile 1
SPECIAL ABILITIES
Bronze-Suffused Skin: Tenson is immune to
contact poison. The other benefits of the spell Invulner-
able Skin of Bronze are already factored into his traits.
Escalating Rage: Tenson adds whatever onslaught
penalty he was suffering before his turn started to his
withering and decisive attack and damage rolls.
Foe-Flinging Might: When throwing an opponent
to end a clinch, Tenson may throw the target out to
close or short range. In addition, he may throw the
clinched foe at a second opponent, making a reflex-
ive withering thrown attack against that opponent.
Fueled by Agony: When making movement or
attack rolls, Tenson’s wound penalties add dice to the
result instead of subtracting dice.
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Haymaker: Tenson may strike two opponents with a
single unarmed withering attack. This lowers his Defense
by one until his next turn, and costs two Initiative to attempt.
Wild Smash: When Tenson attacks an opponent
behind cover and misses, he may attempt a reflexive
feat of destruction to destroy that cover.
New Merit: Unnatural Vitality
Tenson heals one health level at the start of each of his
turns, starting at −0 and working downward. Healing his
Incapacitated health level takes a full day. Recuperating
from a lethal disease or regenerating a ruined or missing
limb or organ takes a full week. Drowning, starvation, or
other deprivation incapacitates him until the situation is
righted. Only dismemberment, incineration, or equally
thorough means can kill him permanently.
Evocations of Wood Dragon’s Claw
Pavement-Sundering Roots
Cost: —; Type: Permanent
Keywords: None
Duration: Permanent
While Wood Dragon’s Claw is active, Tenson doubles 7s
on feats of demolition, and can perform Strength 7+ feats.
Sorcery
Shaping Ritual: Tenson can brew a sorcerous elixir
that catalyzes an upwelling of power within him. This
takes a few hours. He rolls six dice at difficulty 2; this
rises to difficulty 3 if he lacks a workshop or a wide range
of alchemical reagents, or difficulty 4 if he lacks both.
Drinking this is a miscellaneous action; he rolls 11 dice,
gaining one sorcerous mote per success. These last until
end of scene. He may only benefit from one draught per
scene, and the elixir spoils after a week.
SPELLS
Stalwart Earth Guardian (Ritual, 1wp; 12 hours):
Trace a ward on earth or stone out to close range.
Characters within gain +1 Defense and +1 Resolve
against opponents outside. Characters outside but
within medium range of the ward’s center are attacked
by thrashing earth, waking anyone sleeping inside.
Intruders suffer a −2 mobility penalty and an environ-
mental hazard (difficulty 3, damage 1B/round); failing
a roll treats the hazard as difficult terrain that round.
Wood Dragon’s Claws (5sm, 1wp; Until dis-
missed; control spell): Tenson’s hands become masses
of gnarly oak, strengthening attacks but becoming in-
capable of fine manipulation.
 C hapt e r T wo : S trang e folk

Undefeated Granite Warrior God-blooded Crimelord

Background: At the Scarlet Dynasty’s dawn, the elephant goddess
Uplifted Ivory protected a society of hard-working farmers south of
An-Teng. She was a wise and cautious leader, renowned throughout
the region for her fair and compassionate judgment. Her people
thrived alongside the vast family she reared. When the Realm’s
influence reached the region, the Immaculate Order burned Uplifted
Ivory’s villages, slew her and her children, and tried to sear them
from memory.

Undefeated Granite Warrior, Uplifted Ivory’s son,

survived. He led his remaining kin so far into the
deserts that even his most zealous pursuers
believed they’d die in the sands.
But Granite persevered,
hardened by the experience.
Unlike his gentle mother, he
grew ruthless and vengeful. He
treated any disobedience as a
threat and punished even his own
children harshly.

Now, Granite and his family operate

under a guise of respectability in the
Land of Silver Leaves peninsula, halfway
between Goldenseal and Redmoon. On the
surface, the God-Blood and his kin offer
protection from Lintha pirates and assure
the region’s continued independence,
but Granite also offers exploitative loans and
demands a hefty protection fee from businesses
and merchants. Even his most trusted family
members don’t know what Granite does with the
money, but his paranoia and lust for vengeance
remain unchanged by time.

Image: Undefeated Granite Warrior looks like

a middle-aged man, his once raven-black hair now
sprinkled with gray and white. He shaves to proudly
display the twin ivory tusks that protrude a finger’s
length from his square jaw’s corners. Granite
dresses to match the current fashion. Regardless
of jewelry trends, however, he only wears a single
carved ivory earring stud that came from his mother.

Intimacies: Defining: “I protect my family no matter the

cost.”; Major: Uplifted Ivory (Love), Immaculate Order
(Obsessive Hatred); Minor: “A man pays his debts without
excuses.”

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 ADVERSARIES OF THE RIGHTEOUS
Secrets: Granite uses the Realm’s distraction and
withdrawal as an opportunity to slake his need for
vengeance. Many Immaculate monks in the region have
gone missing or been reported as captured by Lintha
slavers, but Granite makes sure no investigation reaches
a satisfying conclusion.
The money Granite gathers from his businesses are
kept in a location only he knows. Much of it, he’s used
to covertly purchase weaponry and buy mercenary and
pirate companies’ loyalty. The captains don’t know his
aims, and Granite has yet to tell his family about them,
but as soon as the Realm shows weakness, he plans to
attack and retake his home.
Equipment: Undefeated Granite Warrior doesn’t wear
armor, trusting in his thick grey skin to protect him.
Even in battle, he dresses in finery. One of his grandsons
carries his massive, unadorned sledgehammer for him.
With it, he crushes knees, smashes heads, or destroys
property when his debtors fail to pay.
Roleplaying Hints: Undefeated Granite Warrior holds
to a self-imposed code of honor and decorum. He
refuses to strike a guest or kill the defenseless, but grows
irrationally angry at the very mention of the Immaculate
Order. Disobedience, especially refusing to pay for his
protection or failing to pay back a debt, brings out the
worst in him.
Attributes: Strength 4, Dexterity 2, Stamina 5; Cha-
risma 3, Manipulation 1, Appearance 3; Perception
3, Intelligence 3, Wits 2;
Essence: 1
Willpower: 7
Join Battle: 5 dice
Personal Motes: 60
Health Levels: −0x2/−1x2/−2x4/−4x2/Incap.
Abilities: Athletics 1, Awareness 3, Brawl 3, Bu-
reaucracy (Organized Crime) 3, Integrity (Business
Matters) 5, Melee 4, Resistance (Resisting Pain) 5,
Socialize 1
Merits: Boundless Endurance 2, Contacts (Cinder
Isles mercenaries) 3, Giant, Influence 1, Resources 3,
Unusual Hide 3,
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Attack (Sledgehammer, Melee): 6 dice
(Damage 15); Tags: Bashing, Melee, Reaching,
Smashing, Two-Handed
Combat: Soak 8; Hardness 0; Parry 2 (Melee);
Evasion 1; Rush 3 dice; Disengage: 2 dice
Social: Resolve 4, Guile 2
OFFENSIVE CHARMS
Crushing Stampede (10m, 1wp; Reflexive;
Instant; Decisive-Only; Essence 1): After knocking
an enemy prone, Undefeated Granite Warrior un-
relentingly continues his assault. He may repeat his
last attack, including any Charms used, on the fallen
target.
Wounded Bull’s Strength (6m; Supplemental;
Instant; Uniform, Eclipse; Essence 1) Taking strength
from his pain, Undefeated Granite Warrior adds his
wound penalty as bonus dice to his attack, rather than
subtracting it.
DEFENSIVE CHARMS
Unbowed Warrior’s Stance (4m; Reflexive; One
Turn; Dual, Eclipse; Essence 1) Undefeated Granite
Warrior turns aside even the strongest blows. Against
withering attacks, double the Soak gained from
Stamina. Against decisive attacks, gain Hardness
equal to his Stamina.
SOCIAL CHARMS
Rebuke the Liar (6m, 1wp; Reflexive; Instant;
Eclipse; Essence 1) Liars surround strong men and
Undefeated Granite Warrior knows how to spot them.
After his Resolve is beaten in a Persuade or Bargain
action, he may still reject the social influence by con-
vincing himself that the pretty words are all false-
hoods. Once per scene.
Mastery of Self Technique (—; Permanent; Per-
manent; Essence 1) Lesser men may float between
desires and their ideals, but Undefeated Granite
Warrior does not sway an inch. When he opposes an
Instill or Persuade action with a Major or Defining in-
timacy, each 1 and 2 on the roll remove one success
from his enemy’s total.
 C hapt e r T wo : S trang e folk
Children of the Elephant
Like his mother, Undefeated Granite Warrior believes in
the power of family. He is never without grandchildren
and cousins to assist him. Though Uplifted Ivory’s
bloodline has thinned, many still bear their ancestor’s
strength and resilience.
Essence: 1; Willpower: 6; Join Battle: 5 dice
Personal Motes: 60
Health Levels: -0/-1x2/-2x2/-4x2/Incap.
Actions: Extortion 6 dice; Threats 7 dice;
Appearance 2, Resolve 3, Guile 1
COMBAT
Attack (Unarmed): 8 dice (Damage 9) Tags:
Bashing, Brawl, Grappling, Natural
Attack (Heavy club): 6 dice (Damage 13) Tags:
Bashing, Melee, Smashing
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Combat Movement: 3 dice
Evasion 1, Parry 3
Soak/Hardness: 8/0
OFFENSIVE CHARMS
Crushing Stampede (10m, 1wp; Reflexive;
Instant; Decisive-Only; Essence 1): After knocking an
enemy prone, the Child of the Elephant unrelentingly
continues her assault. She may make another attack
on the fallen target enhanced with the same charms.
DEFENSIVE CHARMS
Unbowed Warrior’s Stance (4m; Reflexive; One
Turn; Dual, Eclipse; Essence 1) The Elephant’s skin
turns aside even the strongest blows. Against with-
ering attacks, she doubles the Soak gained from
Stamina. Against decisive attacks, she gains Hard-
ness equal to her Stamina.
 ADVERSARIES OF THE RIGHTEOUS

Vien Caral
Shepherd of the Lost
Background: Vien Caral was a foundling child, discovered cold and bawling
outside of Diamond Hearth by a tracker who brought the little girl home to
her husband to raise. The girl took swiftly to her adoptive mother’s trade,
helping out on the trail. It wasn’t until Vien reached her early teens that
her heritage revealed itself: one morning she woke to find her bed piled
with items that weren’t her own — a glove her mother had lost, articles of
clothing, jewels her family could never afford, and, curled at her feet, a
neighbor’s sled dog that had been lost in the last big snow.

Vien’s father is a god of lost things. Piecing this together answered

a lot of questions for the God-Blooded young woman, but didn’t
stop the onslaught of lost objects — and occasionally, people
— finding their way to her. Though she makes a good profit
selling off unclaimed goods, she’s grown weary of collecting
the flotsam and jetsam of strangers’ lives.

Today, she travels around the threshold with a small group

of scoundrels, accumulating lost goods. They offer their
services “finding” the objects for their rightful owners
for a handsome fee. To their clients, Vien runs an outfit
of competent detectives. Her God-Blooded nature is only
known to her closest associates, and she plans to keep it that
way. Bad enough she can’t stanch the flow of lost objects. She
shudders at how much worse it would be if a constant stream
of people came to her demanding she use her talents. Vien has
no control over which objects or people appear. She can neither
summon jade from the Realm’s coffers nor the Scarlet Empress
from wherever she might be.

Vien and her crew have no political allegiances, and (when the
payment is right) are willing to “discover” lost objects in the
home of a client’s rival. She employs skilled thieves for just such
purposes.

Image: Vien is tall and striking, with dark brown skin and close-
cropped hair. She wears clothing reminiscent of her upbringing
in the North, carrying those fashions into lighter fabrics when
her travels bring her to warmer regions. She never lacks for
clothes, accessories, or even weapons, selecting unclaimed
items from her collection to complete her outfits.

Intimacies: Defining: “I don’t owe anyone the use of my

abilities.”; Major: Her Band of Con Artists (Fondness);
Minor: Her Father (Contempt)

Secrets: One of Vien’s travelling companions is a scion of

one of the Great Houses. She got lost during an ambush in
the mountains of Juche, stumbled onto Vien’s campfire

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 C hapt e r T wo : S trang e folk
outside of Sijan, and has elected not to return home,
despite her family’s continued attempts to locate her.
Vien keeps a small lockbox filled with items she deems
too dangerous to return to their rightful owners. They
are not for sale.
Equipment: Vien carries an orichalcum dagger that
belonged to the Solar Exalt Three Suns Laughing. The
dagger was lost when the Wyld Hunt caught and killed
the Anathema whereupon it subsequently turned up
among Vien’s possessions. While the dagger went
unclaimed for several years, the Exalt’s soul has returned
to Creation.
Roleplaying Hints: In her capacity as a business person,
Vien is even-tempered and almost kind. She’s spent years
dealing with distraught customers who need reassuring
that their lost items — or loved ones — will be found,
and speaks with a soothing surety. Outside of business
negotiations, Vien is terse and tight-lipped, trusting only
her crew. She’s unable to escape the barrage of other
peoples’ possessions, and although she suffers no guilt
over her underhanded operation, the idea that she can
never entirely leave this profession grates on her. But
even if Vien herself can’t retire, she makes sure her crew
will be able to do so comfortably. They are family to her,
and she intends to take care of them.
Attributes: Strength 2, Dexterity 4, Stamina 2; Cha-
risma 3, Manipulation 4, Appearance 3; Perception
4, Intelligence 3, Wits 4
Essence: 2
Willpower: 8
Join Battle: 10 dice
Personal Motes: 16
Health Levels: −0x3/−1x5/−2x3/−4x2/Incap.
Abilities: Awareness 3, Bureaucracy (Navigating
Power Structures) 3, Brawl 1, Dodge 2, Investigation
(Assess Scene) 4, Larceny 2, Linguistics 1, Lore 3,
Melee 2, Occult 2, Performance 2, Presence (Reas-
suring) 4, Socialize 3, Stealth 2
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Merits: Eidetic Memory, Followers 1, Language
(Native: Skytongue; Flametongue, High Realm, Riv-
erspeak) 3, Resources 2
Attack (Orichalcum dagger): 10 dice (Damage
9/3); Tags: Lethal, Melee, Thrown (Short)
Attack (Unarmed): 5 dice (Damage 5) Tags:
Bashing, Brawl, Grappling, Natural
Combat: Soak 2, Hardness 0; Parry 3; Evasion 3;
Rush 4 dice; Disengage 6 dice
Social: Resolve 2, Guile 4
SOCIAL CHARMS
Absence-Sensing Method (5m; Simple; Instant;
Essence 2): Vien scrutinizes her target and identifies
something or someone that person has lost that relates
to one of their Intimacies. Vien describes the object
or person in great detail, invoking feelings of nostal-
gia, regret, hatred, or other appropriate emotions in
her target. She gains two automatic successes on an
Instill, Inspire, or Persuade action against that target.
MISCELLANEOUS CHARMS
Trace the Bond (10m; Simple; One hour; Essence
2): Once a petitioner describes his lost item to Vien,
she spends an hour concentrating on its image and
casting her awareness out across Creation to find it.
When her meditation ends, she knows the where-
abouts of the lost item or person, and whether it is cur-
rently in someone else’s possession. In response, the
petitioner gains a Minor Tie of gratitude toward Vien.
Memory in Steel (10m; Simple; Instant; Essence
2): Vien holds a lost item and lets memories wash over
her. She knows the owner’s name and where they
were when the item was lost, and what sentimental
value (if any) the object holds for its owner. If a person
arrives in Vien’s presence, she clasps hands with him
and learns where he was before she found him, and
can identify any Ties he has to people or places.
 ADVERSARIES OF THE RIGHTEOUS

“My queen,” the attendant’s voice cut through Ezari’s thoughts, respectfully but firmly pulling her
concentration away from the missives in front of her. She glanced up, wondering how long the man
had been trying to get her attention.
“What is it?” she asked, more sharply than she intended. Her predecessor’s wars had drained the
island kingdom’s coffers, and while overthrowing him had solved one problem, it was up to Ezari to
solve the rest, and there were many. But that wasn’t her attendant’s fault.
“There’s an old woman here, asking to see you. She was...” he glanced toward the doorway, unnerved.
“Surprisingly insistent.”
“I’ve waited long enough.” The ragged voice seemed eons older than the woman who appeared,
pushing her way past the frazzled attendant. Despite her drawn face and gray hair, the woman’s dark
skin was smooth and unwrinkled. Her keen eyes carried the weight of hard-earned wisdom in their
depths. “You may go,” the stranger said to the attendant.
He looked to Ezari. She’d defeated seasoned warriors and monsters alike; she could handle a
cantankerous petitioner. When she nodded, he fled.
Ezari abandoned her writing desk and met the woman partway across the room. The closer she
got, the less certain she was that her guest was merely a petitioner. The sharp tang of molten metal
surrounded her, and her eyes flashed a fiery red as she looked straight past Ezari, to the collection of
weapons on the wall behind Ezari’s desk.
“Those were my predecessor’s,” Ezari said. “His ancestors took them as trophies from defeated
enemies and displayed them to show their power. I haven’t decided yet if I should take them down
or continue the tradition and add his sword to it myself.” It was both a conversational gambit and a
warning.
Now the woman’s gaze fell upon the queen. “I don’t care what you do. I’ve only come for what’s mine.”
She pointed to an ancient dagger hanging among the rest. “There you are, my darling!”
Ezari drew her own dagger on instinct as the woman suddenly pushed past. The old king had
employed a surprising number of assassins — who was to say this wasn’t one, hoping to claim the
reward from some other enemy? When she moved to strike, however, her blade betrayed her. For a
moment it felt like a writhing snake in her grasp, then it wrenched itself from Ezari’s hand with a force
that knocked her off balance.
The woman hardly noticed. Reaching the wall, she ran her hand along the flat of the blade. “Oh. My
dear! They’ve let you go terribly dull over the years, haven’t they? For shame.” The dagger in question
wasn’t even the most remarkable of the lot. It was well-made, certainly, but carried none of the
ostentatious glitz some of the other blades boasted. It was smooth. Plain. Utilitarian. But it was also
elegant in its own way.
She pulled it free from the mounting and cradled its hilt in her palm. Pride, and no small amount of
tenderness, filled her gaze.
Now Ezari understood who her strange visitor was. The island of Sinti wasn’t so far away, after all,
and the Forge-Goddess was known to leave her anvil now and then.
“Forgive me, Ninegala,” Ezari said. “I didn’t know I had something so precious here.”
The goddess turned toward her with a wry smile. “I made it long ago.” She plucked another blade
from the wall, a sleek sword Ezari had spent time admiring. “This one is well-crafted,” she said. “Use
it with my blessing.”
Then she was gone, disappearing in a blast of heat and embers.

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 ADVERSARIES OF THE RIGHTEOUS

Chapter Three

Spirits and the Dead

20 Descending Air

When the lights of Viharos appeared through the trees, we all nearly wept with relief. The blizzard shows no
signs of letting up, and we’re thankful to have found shelter before dusk. The innkeeper is polite but with-
drawn, leaving us to sip our wine by the fire. I mentioned wanting to see the manse that overlooks the
town, which elicited a shudder from our host, but nothing further. Now, night has fallen, and I can’t be
sure if it’s the wind screaming outside, or if those awful sounds emanate from Castle Arnyeko, above.

Snowfall Sable the Silent Performer

Background: Snowfall Sable walks through the world, absently toying with things
no one else can see. Even before the Circus Moribund (p. XX), she was death’s
daughter: Her father died in the throes of her conception, and her mother perished
on the birthing bed. Drawn into the Circus Moribund as if by sheer gravity, she
is now a favorite among audiences as her sorrowful dances seem to drain
all sound away — even the beating of hearts.

Image: An unhealthily thin, unusually tall young woman, Sable

moves with fascinating control and grace, like a puppet guided
by invisible hands. Her skin is a bloodless snow-white, her lips
and extremities frostbite black, and she works hard to maintain an
air of emotionless impassivity.

Intimacies: Defining: Circus Moribund (Family); Major: “Silence is

peace. Life is noise.”; Spraying Water (Grateful Affection); The
Melkin Fool in Red (Respect)

Secrets: Snowfall Sable serves the Circus as a dancer, but slips

inside chosen homes ahead of a performance when the Melkin
Fool desires to silence enemies. Sometimes, when she thinks
she can get away with it, she instead offers a wordless warning.

Roleplaying Hints: Sable bears the living no malice, but no one has ever under-
stood her except the Circus Moribund. She comforts victims with a painless death,
and their sorrows fuel her ever-more refined performances. Unexpected opposition
makes her run and hide, often with the help of invisible ladders or tripwires.

Attributes: Strength 2, Dexterity 5, Stamina 2; Charisma 2, Manipulation 1, Appear-

ance 5; Perception 4, Intelligence 1, Wits 3
Essence: 1
Willpower: 5
Join Battle: 5 dice
Health Levels: −0x1/−1x2/−2x2/−4x1/Incap.

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 C h a pter T hree : S pirits a nd the D e a d

HIDDEN SWORD

A character wielding an invisible weapon can engage in an ambush or surprise attack even if the target is aware of
their presence, making a (Wits + Stealth) roll opposed by their opponent’s (Wits + Defense Ability).

Abilities: Athletics 4, Awareness (Ghosts) 2, Brawl
1, Dodge (Hypermobility) 5, Integrity 1, Larceny 2,
Melee (Invisible Weapons) 2, Occult (Ghosts) 1, Per-
formance (Mummery) 3, Presence (Silence) 2, Ride
1, Socialize (Impassive) 2, Stealth (Silence) 4, Thrown
(Invisible Weapons) 1
Merits: Backing (Circus Moribund) 2, Hypermobility
3, Mut
Attack (Invisible Baton): 12 dice (Damage 9);
Tags: Bashing, Melee, Smashing
Attack (Invisible Dart): 11 dice at close range
(Damage 9); Tags: Lethal, Thrown (Medium),
Mounted
Attack (Grapple): 6 dice (4 dice to control)
Combat: Soak 2, Hardness 0; Parry 3 (Unarmed);
Evasion 6; Rush 9 dice; Disengage 10 dice
Social: Resolve 2; Guile 2
SPECIAL ABILITIES cialty, and allows the character to fold into seeming-
Silencing the Laughter: When Sable attacks the
same target as Spraying Water, she inflicts an addi-
tional −1 onslaught penalty. If her attack succeeds,
the target applies their onslaught penalty to any
voice-based actions until the end of his next turn.
Ghost-Hand Mummery: Sable can use a mis-
cellaneous action to trace out a mundane object no
larger than herself. This object is real, but invisible
to those who cannot see immaterial ghosts. Sable
decides for whom the object is solid. The object dis-
appears when she creates a new one or moves out
of short range.
New Merit: Hypermobility
(• or •••)—Innate
The character’s joints are extremely flexible, adding one
die to squeeze through small spaces, including control
rolls when grappled. For three dots, this Merit becomes
supernatural. It provides two dice, acts as a Dodge spe-
ly impossible spaces: As a drawback, the character’s
snake-jointed or rubber-boned limbs wriggle unnerv-
ingly even at rest.

Spraying Water the Hopping Auguste

Background: The clown stumbles, tripping over her
own stiff limbs, and the crowd laughs. She drags her-
self up but is knocked into a snowbank. The crowd
howls! Can’t she see how pointless it is to struggle? She’s
doomed from the start!
Image: A middle-aged woman with a bob of crimson
hair and an upbeat smile, her face painted in red-and-
white patterns that change each day. Water’s clothing is
a baggy mishmash, and her long red nails are deceptively
sharp. She moves with exaggerated motions, cheerfully
complaining of stiffness and cold.
Intimacies: Defining: “Life is suffering, and that’s hilar-
ious!”; Major: Snowfall Sable (Sisterly Affection); The
Melkin Fool in Red (Exasperated Loyalty), The Lover
Clad in the Raiment of Tears (Wary Respect); Minor:
Circus Moribund (Students)
Secrets: Spraying Water is older than the Circus by far,
a breath-drinker storied in the North’s folklore. She’s
immersed in the Abyss, and an old acquaintance of the
Lover herself.
Roleplaying Hints: Water plays older sister for troupe
members, provoking laughter with self-inflicted japes.
She enjoys tormenting and being tormented, and re-
sponds with delight to unexpected danger. She is ex-
tremely close to Sable, despite their opposite natures;
she sees the girl as not just a sister, but a daughter.

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 ADVERSARIES OF THE RIGHTEOUS

Attributes: Strength 4, Dexterity 4, Stamina 5; Charisma 2, Manipulation 4, Appearance 4; Perception 3, Intel-

ligence 2, Wits 4
Essence: 3
Willpower: 8
Join Battle: 7 dice (see Open Palm Caress)
Personal Motes: 60
Health Levels: −0x2/−1x3/−2x3/−4x4/Incap.
Abilities: Athletics 2, Awareness 3, Brawl 1, Dodge (Bumbling) 3, Integrity (Laughing at Authority) 4, Investi-
gation (Read Intentions) 1, Linguistics 1, Lore (Ancient History) 2, Martial Arts (Black Claw) 5, Occult (Abyss) 3,
Performance (Suffering) 4, Presence (Comedy) 3, Resistance 2,
Socialize (Fool) 2, Stealth 2
Merits: Claws 4, Exalted Healing, Long Tongue
(as Tail 2), Martial Artist (Black Claw), Mentor
(The Lover Clad in the Raiment of Tears) 1, Night
Vision (see Exalted, p. 558), Subtlety
Attack (Unarmed): 14 dice (Damage 11); Tags: Lethal,
Martial Arts, Natural
Attack (Claws): 12 dice (Damage 13); Tags: Lethal, Martial
Arts, Natural
Attack (Grapple): 10 dice (9 dice to control, see Storm-Calm-
ing Embrace)
Combat: Soak 8 (Stiff Flesh: +3); Parry 6 (Claws); Evasion 4 (see
Black Claw Form); Rush 6 dice; Disengage 8 dice (see Black Claw
Form)
Social: Resolve 5; Guile 4
SPECIAL ABILITIES
Laughing in Silence: When Water attacks the same target as Snowfall Sable,
she reduces the difficulty of gambits against them by 1.
OFFENSIVE CHARMS
Breath-Stealing Unlife (1wp; Reflexive; One turn; Perilous; Essence 1):
Spraying Water does not regain Essence except by feeding through this
Charm. After a successful Martial Arts attack, she may steal motes equal
to the target’s wound penalty and siphon any motes they would regain on
their turn. The cost is waived when making a decisive attack.
MARTIAL ARTS
Water can use every Charm from Black Claw Style (Exalted, p.
453) at the Terrestrial level. However, instead of love or admiration,
her variant causes pity or amusement. Additionally, Open Palm
Caress and Storm-Calming Embrace appear to be bumbling
entanglements, while Outrage-Kindling Cry drives the target
into “harmless” slapstick.

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ELEMENTALS
The following characters are spirits born from the Essence of Creation’s
own five elements: air, earth, fire, water, and wood.
Unrelenting Aton the Last Mountain
Background: Millennia ago, Aton served the subterranean
Siderite Court and brought stability to the western coast
of the Dreaming Sea. He was happy, balancing Essence
to prevent earthquakes. Then came the Usurpation. All
around him, chaos erupted. Warring Exalted killed Aton’s
many brothers, their bodies crumbling to dust and mud.
Aton believed the world was about to end.
He still does. Unrelenting Aton is stronger now, no lon-
ger the Siderite Court’s servant but a towering force in
his own right. To the ancient elemental, the Solars’ de-
feat was just the first in a series of unending disasters that
blend together; he doesn’t parse time the way humans
do, and views the entire Second Age as a single apoca-
lypse. Civil wars, decaying artifice, the hungry Fair Folk:
Creation must be doomed. The Lawgivers’ reemergence
has only increased his terror. But Aton is a survivor, and
he intends to outlast the end of the world.
Driven by his elemental nature, Aton sated his paranoia
by building a vast, fortified underground city: the Last
Bastion (see Pillars of the Last Bastion, Cult of Aton
p. XX). He filled it with thousands of mortal worshipers,
believing their lives and prayers will sustain him through
the apocalypse. Seeing death around every corner, he’ll
stop at nothing to keep himself safe. The region’s securi-
ty, his followers’ lives, Creation’s stability — it’s all mean-
ingless compared to Aton’s survival.
Aton has fewer enemies than he imagines. The Siderite
Court wants him brought back into the fold unharmed.
His above-ground servants carefully avoid attention, and
even the deep gods whom the Last Bastion displaced re-
member the younger, more stable Aton who protected
their homes millennia ago. The ancient elemental’s trau-
ma makes him keep friends at arm’s length, refusing their
assistance and their pity.
Image: Human-shaped — albeit jagged around the edg-
es — Aton is made of rough, red stone, shot through with
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veins of metals and minerals. He’s easy to mistake for a
pile of rocks if he lies still and closes his eyes, which open
to glow the orange-red of molten iron. He’s over 60 feet
tall at his full height, but it’s been centuries since he last
stood up and stretched.
Intimacies: Defining: “I will survive at any cost.”; Major:
The Exalted (Fear), “Others will always disappoint me.”;
“Stability staves off disaster.”; Minor: The Last Bastion
(Protectiveness)
Secrets: Aton keeps meticulous records of every person,
creature, and magic he believes could end the world. His
personal library includes such secrets as the whereabouts
of legendary artifacts and maps of the southeastern Fair
Folk courts.
Roleplaying Hints: Aton always assumes the worst of
others, and makes copious contingency plans assuming
they’ll eventually betray him. He cannot remain allies
for long with characters he can’t completely control,
and would rather turn on them first than give them the
chance to stab him in the back. He’ll sacrifice his own
worshipers to keep himself safe, and he knows that
sometimes the best defense is crushing people before
they become his enemies.
Attributes: Strength 8, Dexterity 4, Stamina 6;
Charisma 2, Manipulation 3, Appearance 3; Per-
ception 4, Intelligence 4, Wits 3
Essence: 4
Willpower: 7
Join Battle: 8 dice
Personal Motes: 90
Health Levels: −0x4/−1x4/−2x5/−4x7/Incap.
Abilities: Athletics 3, Awareness 4, Brawl (In En-
closed Spaces) 5, Bureaucracy (Cults) 3, Integrity 4,
Lore (Disasters) 4, Occult (Powerful Spirits) 3, Pres-
ence 3, Resistance 5, War (Cultists) 4
 Merits: Cult 3, Legendary Size, Sturdy as Stone, Tre-
mendous Reach
Attack (unarmed): 14 dice (15 in enclosed spaces)
(Damage 20); Tags: Natural, Brawl, Smashing
Combat: Soak 18, Hardness 10 (natural); Parry 5 (Brawl);
Evasion 2; Rush 7 dice; Disengage 4 dice
Social: Resolve 4, Guile 2

New Merit: Tremendous Reach

Aton may make unarmed attacks at short range, and negates
the advantages of mounted combatants unless their mounts
possess Legendary Size.

OFFENSIVE CHARMS
Living Mountain Barrage (10m; Simple; Instant;
Perilous, Withering-only; Essence 4): While touching
the ground, Aton makes a withering attack against
all opponents within short range, rolling once. Aton
gains full Initiative only from the target who takes the
most damage, +1 per additional damaged foe. Foes
this attack crashes treat all earthen surfaces as difficult
terrain until they’re no longer crashed.
Walking Earth Entombment (5m, 3i; Supplemen-
tal; Instant; Decisive-only; Essence 3): A successful
grapple gambit against a single target encases the op-
ponent’s limbs in stone or embeds them in the ground.
The grapple continues without active maintenance;
Aton takes no penalties, the grapple doesn’t end if he’s
crashed, and attacking him doesn’t decrease rounds of
control. Aton may use his turns to apply grapple effects
of his choice, or take other actions while the stone auto-
matically performs restrain actions.
DEFENSIVE CHARMS
Embrace of Earth Defense (5m, 2i; Reflexive;
Instant; Perilous; Essence 3): Aton encases himself in
earth and stone, doubling his Parry against an oncom-
ing attack. The shell persists after the Charm’s effects
end, leaving walls that act as cover. Aton must be in
contact with the ground to use this Charm.
MISCELLANEOUS CHARMS
Blessing of Aton (20m; Simple; Instant; Eclipse;
Essence 4): Aton blesses a willing supplicant with slow
petrifaction. The recipient doubles her effective Strength
and natural soak ratings as a Charm bonus. She gains
the Exalted Healing Merit (Exalted, p. 165), but
becomes resistant to treatment: Medicine pools target-
ing her can’t exceed the healer’s highest relevant stone-
based Craft Ability, and healing Charms targeting her
double their costs unless they have an earthen elemental
nature. Each subsequent year, the recipient gains one
−0 health level (maximum +10 levels).

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Older recipients sleep, unmoving, for days on end.
After 20 years, they turn entirely to stone, achiev-
ing an unsettling immortality: these statues still live,
minds and souls permanently suspended. Powerful
sorcery, another ancient elemental’s work, or potent
Exalted magic could conceivably awaken one
briefly — or even reverse the process.
Wong Bongerok Censor of the South
Background: In the aftermath of the Great Contagion,
Wong Bongerok assumed the position of divine censor
from his predecessor, Swan Dragon. His machinations
since have guided the near South’s rise to prominence;
his divine interference buoys deities and civilizations
with generational fertility. From his godly allies and
numerous cults, Wong Bongerok extracts an empress’
ransom of prayer and favors, using heavenly authority to
sustain a political machine that holds the entire South
in its grip.
Much of the year, Wong Bongerok splits his time be-
tween his client deities’ heavenly estates and earthly
temples. He accepts their finest hospitality while hear-
ing reports from both the deities and mortal spies he’s
planted among their cults. In the Times of Tumult, he
fears deception from all sides, and cautiously seeks the
assistance of amenable Chosen to secure his empire.
Image: Wong Bongerok’s human form is a large-framed,
hairless man wearing carmine robes. Eyes blink on his
palms, and a patina of blue flame emanates from his skin.
In battle, he takes his draconic shape: A brilliant orange
lizard with a wicked-fanged maw. A long green fin runs
from the crest of his head down the length of his back
and tail, ending with a poisonous stinger.
Intimacies: Defining Principle: “The Gods of the
South should do nothing without my knowing.”; Major
Principle: “Heaven’s laws come second to my allies’
prosperity.” Minor Ties: The Celestial Bureaucracy
(Obligation), Amoth City-Smiter, former client god
(Distrust), The Exalted (Caution)
Secrets: Wong Bongerok’s divine racketeering dealt
deathblows to numerous once-bountiful civilizations on
the Burning Sands. Their deities, once beneficiaries of
Swan Dragon’s largesse, now seek revenge on the new
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Doomcryer’s Decree (15m; Simple; Instant; De-
cisive-only, Eclipse; Essence 3): Aton examines the
portents surrounding his target and wields them like
weapons. He may pull meteors or lightning from the sky,
call up a great keening from the land, or other omens
appropriate to the target. Roll 15 dice for a decisive
attack on a target at up to long range. The attack has raw
damage of (10 + extra successes), and imposes a −3
penalty on movement actions until the end of the round.
Censor. Should they succeed, reversing their territories’
desertification will take generations and require the re-
direction of fertility from Wong Bongerok’s allies, lead-
ing to famine in the near South.
Equipment: Fine silk robes, scrolls of blackmail, a red
jade torque (Hearthstone Amulet, Exalted p. 501) bear-
ing a Candent Carbuncle (Exalted, p. 607).
Roleplaying Hints: Wong Bongerok’s extensive spy
network grants him unparalleled access to information.
While arrogant, he’s generous to valued allies, offering
the use of his network to those who aid him in maintain-
ing his regime. Conversely, he’s an implacable enemy,
using subterfuge and miracles to stymie his enemies. For
those who earn his ire, no cruelty is beyond him.
Attributes: Strength 8, Dexterity 5, Stamina 10;
Charisma 5, Manipulation 6, Appearance 5; Percep-
tion 4, Intelligence 7, Wits 6
Essence: 7
Willpower: 8
Personal Motes: 120
Join Battle: 10 dice
Health Levels: −0x5/−1x10/−2x10/−4/Incap.
Abilities: Athletics 4, Awareness 5, Brawl (Natural
Weapons) 4, Bureaucracy (Red Tape) 4, Integrity 4,
Linguistics 5, Lore (Celestial Law) 4, Occult (Southern
Spirits) 4, Presence (Intimidation) 5, Performance 4,
Resistance 3, Socialize 5
Merits: Backing 5 (Celestial Censor), Born of Flame
(Exalted, p. 517), Contacts (Mortal Spies) 5, Contacts
(Southern Gods) 5, Cult 5, Hideous, Influence (Censor
of the South) 5, Legendary Size (Exalted, p. 522),
Manse 5, Soaring Dragon Flight (Exalted, p. 522)
Attack (Bite): 11 dice (Damage 22/5) Tags: Lethal,
Brawl, Natural, Piercing
 ADVERSARIES OF THE RIGHTEOUS
Attack (Claws): 14 dice (Damage 18/3) Tags: Lethal,
Brawl, Grappling, Natural
Attack (Stinger): 10 dice (Damage 17. On a deci-
sive attack, inflicts a poison with damage 4i/round,
duration 10 rounds, −3 penalty) Tags: Lethal, Brawl,
Natural, Piercing
Attack (Grapple): 10 dice (13 dice to control)
Combat: Soak 24, Hardness 10; Parry 6 (Brawl);
Evasion 6; Rush 15 dice; Disengage 15 dice (see
Soaring Dragon Flight)
Social: Resolve 5, Guile 6
SPECIAL ABILITIES
Overwhelming Might: Wong Bongerok makes un-
opposed grapple control rolls against enemies of smaller
size, unless they use magic that allows them to grapple
larger foes, such as Dragon Coil Technique (Exalted,
p. 280).
OFFENSIVE CHARMS
Claw-Fang Maelstrom (Exalted, p. 522)
Raging Dragon Strike (Exalted, p. 522)
Serpent’s Baleful Mark (5m, 3i; Simple; Indefinite;
Decisive-only; Essence 5): With a successful decisive
attack, Wong Bongerok leaves a burn-scar in the shape
of his sigil, which inflicts a −3 illness penalty as the target
becomes feverish and their internal temperature rises.
This effect lasts as long as the spent motes are committed;
the scar becomes mundane and heals normally if ended.
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Soul-Igniting Phlogiston (25m, 4i, 1wp; Simple;
Instant; Decisive-only, Perilous; Essence 6): Wong Bon-
gerok spits searing liquid phlogiston, rolling 15 dice as
an unblockable decisive attack against all enemies in
front of him out to medium range. His breath can target
up to one character at close range, three at short, and
five at medium. The attack has a damage of [(Initiative
/ targets) + 7]. The Charm creates a bonfire hazard
(Exalted, p. 230) out to medium range. Those struck
by the phlogiston must resist the bonfire with (Stamina +
Resistance) and continue to burn once they escape the
flames. Once per fight, unless reset by incapacitating a
non-trivial target with the phlogiston.
DEFENSIVE CHARMS
Burning Scale Rebuke (7m, 2i; Reflexive; Instant;
Essence 6): When Wong Bongerok takes decisive
damage from a close range attack his scales ignite into
searing flames. This is a one-time environmental hazard
with difficulty 4, damage 4L against all characters within
close range.
Furious Wildfire Rejuvenation (30m, 1wp; Re-
flexive; Instant; Perilous; Essence 6): Wong Bongerok
flies through and consumes a bonfire at close range
in order to restore his wounds, rolling his Initiative and
healing levels of damage equal to his successes. Healing
10+ levels of damage with this Charm ignites a furious
wildfire out to medium range; treat this as a bonfire envi-
ronmental hazard. If such a wildfire already rages, reset
Soul-Igniting Phlogiston instead. Once per fight unless
 C h a pter T hree : S pirits a nd the D e a d
reset by Wong Bongerok destroying a large, narratively
important structure in a conflagration.
SOCIAL CHARMS
Censor’s Geas (Exalted, p. 523)
Passion-as-Poison Technique (8m; 1wp; Reflex-
ive; Instant; Eclipse, Psyche; Essence 3): In the presence
of a successful inspire action Wong Bongerok may re-
flexively activate this Charm. If successful, the victim acts
on their passion in the most self-destructive fashion possi-
ble: A merchant spends his fortune acquiring a frivolous
desire, or a general enacts a self-destructive gambit to
gain victory over an enemy. Wong Bongerok must be
able to perceive the target to use this Charm but doesn’t
need to be the one who inspired them. Resisting this
Charm’s effects requires a Decision Point as if a Major
Intimacy had been exploited.
MISCELLANEOUS CHARMS
Clothed with Humanity (Exalted, p. 523)
Draconic Might (Exalted, p. 523)
Xemadea
Lesser Elemental Dragon of Wood, the Toadstool Sage
Background: Seven centuries ago, surrounded by the hor-
rors of the Great Contagion, an elemental ascended to the
ranks of dragon-kind. Xemadea still bears the scars of that
epidemic, her scales mottled with pox marks. Within the
fog-shrouded islands that serve as her laboratory she strives
to engineer a true panacea, one she can spread across all
Creation.
The mold-coated sage is willfully blind to the plague she
herself has become, even as her Guild-bought slaves suc-
cumb by the boatload. Mindless mushroom-folk work her
mines and oversee fresh test subjects, while spores spread
on driftwood to neighboring shores. Her Guild slaver, Gerel,
has gained a grim reputation, buying slaves by the dozen
to fuel Xemadea’s experiments; he is her only confidant,
and all too eager to stoke the dragon’s paranoia whenever
profitable.
Image: A great serpent of lurid colors, bulging with fun-
gal fins and spongey toadstool scales, Xemadea’s eyes burn
with white fire that betrays her obsession. In human form
she is short and stout, dark skin tattooed with the psyche-
delic dyes that she occasionally trades.
Intimacies: Defining: “Only fools can’t understand the
worth of my research.”; Major: “I dislike fighting.”, Disease
(Terror); Minor: “Security in secrecy”, Windstone Gerel
(Complacent Trust)
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Dematerialize (60m, 1wp; Simple; Instant; Essence
1): Wong Bongerok sheds his body, becoming imma-
terial as a god. When he vanishes or reappears, a con-
flagration of hissing flame surrounds his enormous form.
Measure the Wind (5m; Simple; Instant; Essence
1): Wong Bongerok can take the measure of anyone
brought for judgment before him in his role as Censor of
the South.
Sacred Flame Informant (5m; Simple; Instant;
Eclipse; Essence 1): If Wong Bongerok’s worshipers or
divine subordinates light a fire at least the size of a small
brazier, he may activate this Charm to see and hear
through it as if he was physically present in the scene.
Wong Bongerok may reflexively see through any such
flames as long as they remain continuously lit. When an
Eclipse uses this Charm, commit 5 motes to gain access
to a single flame. If the flame is snuffed out, the Charm’s
effect ends.
Secrets: Xemadea’s mines, a source of a rare fungal re-
agents, are almost exhausted, and she must usurp nearby
mines (and their villages) if her experiments are to contin-
ue. The ghost of her original summoner — her mentor and
lover — wanders the isle on moonless nights, sabotaging her
work in a desperate bid to forestall her madness.
Equipment: Xemadea’s largest island contains a Shogunate
healing temple, its resident sage mummified mid-Conta-
gion. She wears its Health Stone on her brow; her slaves
bear its brand to slow infection.
Roleplaying Hints: Though gullible from isolation,
Xemadea is utterly dedicated to her cause. She cringes from
conflict, keeping heavily-infected servants out of sight while
less deformed guards deal with interlopers. Quick to panic,
she overreacts when faced with a genuine threat, immedi-
ately adopting her dragon form and calling every infected
slave in reach to her aid.
Attributes: Strength 7, Dexterity 5, Stamina 7; Cha-
risma 4, Manipulation 2, Appearance 2; Perception
3, Intelligence 7, Wits 4
Essence: 5
Willpower: 7
Join Battle: 8 dice
Personal Motes: 100
 ADVERSARIES OF THE RIGHTEOUS
Health Levels: −0x2/−1x11/−2x11/−4x4/Incap
Abilities: Archery 3, Athletics 2, Awareness 4, Brawl 3,
Bureaucracy (Mindless Slaves) 3, Craft: Alchemy (Med-
icine) 5, Dodge 3, Integrity (My Work!) 1, Investigation
3, Linguistics 2, Lore 4, Occult 5, Medicine (Plagues) 5,
Presence 4, Resistance 5, Stealth (Mushrooms) 4, War 1
Merits: Manse (Wood) 3, Legendary Size, Soaring
Dragon Flight (Exalted, p. 522)
Attack (Bite): 9 dice (Damage 20/5) Tags: Lethal,
Brawl, Natural
Attack (Claws): 13 dice (Damage 16/3) Tags:
Lethal, Brawl, Grappling, Natural
Attack (Grapple): 10 dice (10 to control);
Xemadea rolls unopposed against smaller enemies
to determine rounds of control, unless her victim uses
magic to clinch larger enemies, such as Dragon Coil
Technique (Exalted, p. 280).
Combat: Soak 26, Hardness 10; Parry 5 (Brawl);
Evasion 4; Rush 7 dice; Disengage 8 dice (see
Soaring Dragon Flight)
Social: Resolve 3, Guile 1
OFFENSIVE CHARMS
Spore Slave Salvo (28m, 1wp; Reflexive; Instant;
Dual; Essence 5): On Xemadea’s turn, each spore-in-
fected character or battlegroup within short range
makes a close range attack against targets of her
choice. An unwilling character makes a withering
attack, while an ally makes Xemadea’s choice of
withering or decisive. Battlegroups can be forced
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to target themselves. Once per fight, unless reset by
infecting a significant character or a battlegroup of
Size 2+ with spores.
Raging Dragon Strike (12m; Supplemental; Instant;
Uniform; Essence 4): Xemadea adds her current tem-
porary Willpower to an attack roll, and doubles 9s on
the damage roll. At Initiative 20+, she adds 10 dice to
the attack and doubles 8s on damage instead.
Mad Witch Mushroom Cloud (25m, 4i, 1wp;
Simple; Instant; Withering-only, Perilous; Essence 5):
Xemadea exhales a cloud of spores, rolling 15 dice
as a withering attack that deals 12L damage, ig-
noring soak, against all enemies in front of her out to
medium range. In general, she can target up to one
character at close range, three at short, and five at
medium. Damaged characters are exposed to Spore
Rot at Virulence 5. Once per scene.
DEFENSIVE CHARMS
Fungal Bloom Defense (7m; Reflexive; One turn;
Essence 5): Xemadea cushions a blow, germinating
fungal sponges along her body. She gains four –0
health levels, which take damage first and disappear
at the end of that turn. Once per scene, or once per
round inside a wood-aspected demesne or manse.
MISCELLANEOUS CHARMS
Dematerialize (60m, 1wp; Simple; Instant;
Essence 1): Xemadea sheds her earthly body, be-
coming immaterial as a god. This works like the Ma-
terialize Charm, but in reverse. When she reappears,
her body remolds itself from a spongey cloud.
 C h a pter T hree : S pirits a nd the D e a d

SPORE ROT

(Virulence 3, Morbidity 2, Interval: One week): This supernatural disease is contracted from long contact with Xema-
dea’s mushrooms. Its virulence and morbidity increase by 2 if the target consumes them.

Minor Symptom: Slick fungus grows on the skin and brain. The victim gains a Tie of addiction to the mushrooms
and servitude to Xemadea at an intensity matching the disease.

Major Symptom: Mushrooms erupt throughout the victim’s body. He gains the Hideous Merit.

Defining Symptom: The victim’s body is a fungal mass, his brow topped by a nodding cap. He gains the Unusual
Hide (3) Merit.

Death: The victim’s brain becomes compost for mushrooms. He rises as a zombie (Exalted, p. 502) with the Defin-
ing Symptoms of Spore Rot.

Draconic Might (4m, 1wp or 4m, 4i; Simple;
Instant; Essence 6): Xemadea doubles her Strength
for a single feat of strength, adding 7 dice and allow-
ing feats that would require Strength 14.
Sorcery
Shaping Ritual: Xemadea gains five sorcerous motes
whenever a spore-infected character or battlegroup dies
or loses a point of Size within short range. These motes
last until the end of the day.
SPELLS
Corrupted Words (control, Exalted,p 472)
Flight of the Brilliant Raptor (Exalted, p.473):
Xemadea reserves the use of this spell for cleansing
her islands.

Za-Ishat
the Burning Blade
Background: Born in the Southern deserts, this mighty if-
rit prince traveled Creation for centuries as a hero-warlord,
seeking challenges befitting her mettle. But in icy Fajad,
the mortal prophet Hari of Fai-Yasar turned her from her
path, converting her to his faith in a transcendent God. She
settled in Fajad and became a prophet herself, guiding the
people toward enlightenment and union with the divine.
But the leopard cannot change her spots. Za-Ishat
wished to spread the Abhari faith not merely through
evangelism, but at sword’s point, and her growing influ-
ence led to schism. Cast out of Fajad, she led her apos-
tates south on crusade against neighboring city-states
and peoples, but she was humbled in war against Fajad
and the conquering Realm. A fallen prophet, she now
roams the Northwest as a bandit-priest, leading her fol-
lowers to proselytize and pillage.
hair. A smoldering orange light, like heatless fire, envel-
ops her; it’s visible for miles on clear nights, though she
can dampen it to a fitful glow with concentration.
Intimacies: Defining: God [Adoration]; Major: “All shall
submit to the one true faith.”; “I crave challenges befit-
ting my power.”; Her followers (Responsibility); Minor:
“Those who comport themselves with honor deserve my
generosity.”; Blessed Inferno (Pride)
Secrets: Za-Ishat suspects that some of Fajad’s prophets
are unbelievers cynically using the creed to gather pow-
er and worship. She’s thus far refrained from sharing
this for fear of harming the faith as a whole.
Equipment: Red jade armor, red jade grand daiklave,
Abhari texts glossed in her own hand

Image: Za-Ishat is a powerful figure, over seven feet tall, Roleplaying Hints: Like a banked fire, Za-Ishat con-
with dark skin, a hawk nose, high forehead, and long red ceals her passions behind a veil of calm self-control.

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 ADVERSARIES OF THE RIGHTEOUS

She’s eager to convert heroes and champions to the Abhari faith, and to find a safe place to settle her followers
and evangelize to neighboring peoples. A cunning but honorable general, she adheres to the spirit of her word. She
recognizes that her followers need her, but submits to personally punishing terms for their sake if
she believes her vanquisher will honor the deal. If defeated, other Abhari
prophets (whether fallen or upright) focus their attention on the PCs,
wary of being next.

Attributes: Strength 5, Dexterity 4, Stamina 5; Charisma 5, Manip-

ulation 4, Appearance 5; Perception 4, Intelligence 4, Wits 5
Essence: 4
Willpower: 8
Join Battle: 9 dice
Personal Motes: 79 (11 committed)
Health Levels: −0x2/−1x6/−2x6/−4/
Incap.
Abilities: Athletics 5, Awareness (Hidden
Threats) 4, Bureaucracy 3, Dodge 4, Integ-
rity 2, Investigation 2, Linguistics 2, Lore
(Abhari Creed) 3, Melee 5, Occult 2,
Presence 5, Resistance 3, Ride 2, So-
cialize 3, Survival (Navigation) 3,
War 4
Merits: Artifact (Blessed Inferno) 3, Artifact
(Summerheart) 3, Born of Flame, Command
2, Contacts 3, Cult 3, Followers 3, Giant,
Influence 3, Language (Old Realm, Fla-
metongue) 2, Resources 2
Attack (Blessed Inferno): 10 dice
(Damage 19/6); Tags: Lethal, Melee,
Reaching, Two-Handed
Combat: Soak 16, Hardness 10 (red jade
reinforced breastplate/Summerheart: +11);
Parry 5 (Melee); Evasion 2 (armor penalty
−2); Rush 7 dice; Disengage 6 dice
Social: Resolve 4, Guile 4
Escort: Za-Ishat travels with several hundred
followers, ranging from new converts to those
born into the band. All adults have at least
basic combat training. She’s also accompa-
nied by a handful of minor spirits devoted to
her heresy, such as Earthen Breath, a disease
spirit (Exalted, p. 509) of infected wounds
who’s sworn only to heal; and the ghost of
Ran Taravine, who’s vowed not to pass on
to paradise until her grandchildren do (see
Honored Ancestor; Exalted, p. 504)

New Merit: Born of Flame

A character with this Merit is immune to
fire- and heat-based environmental hazards.
Automatically reduce withering attacks from

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such sources to minimum damage. Decisive attacks
from such sources only deal bashing damage and can’t
fill Za-Ishat’s Incapacitated health level.
Blessed Inferno
Red Jade Grand Daiklave, Artifact •••)
This massive, wavy-bladed sword is etched with an Old
Realm dedication to Hesiesh. Forged for the devout
Shogunate general Shayan Devanari, it was lost battling
Southern Fair Folk during the Contagion.
Evocations of Blessed Inferno
Passive: Whenever Za-Ishat takes an aim action, she
gains one Initiative and one mote.
Kindled Victory Strike
Cost: 5m; Mins: Essence 1; Type: Supplemental
Keywords: Withering-only
Duration: Instant
When a withering attack supplemented by this Evocation
crashes an enemy, bathe that enemy in flames as an instan-
taneous environmental hazard (damage 4L, difficulty 5).
Blossoming Conflagration
Cost: 10m, 1wp; Mins: Essence 2; Type: Simple
Keywords: None
Duration: Instant
While at Initiative 15+, bathe all opponents within close
range in flames as an instantaneous environmental hazard
(damage 4L, difficulty 5). Double 8s on damage against
battle groups. Deduct damage dealt from wielder’s Ini-
tiative, to a minimum of base Initiative. Sets flammable
scenery aflame.
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Summerheart (Red Jade Reinforced
Breastplate, Artifact •••)
Forged by a divine artificer of the Southern spirit courts,
Summerheart was a gift to Za-Ishat from the celestial
censor Swan Dragon.
Evocations of Summerheart
Passive: Za-Ishat gains +2 Resolve against social influ-
ence that inspires cold, dark emotions such as fear, ha-
tred, or bitterness, or instills negative Intimacies with a
similar tenor.
OFFENSIVE CHARMS
Command the Flames (10m; Simple; One scene;
Eclipse; Essence 3): Control the movement of flames
within medium range — guiding, restricting, or speed-
ing their spread. If the fire is at least bonfire-sized, Za-
Ishat can take a miscellaneous action to command it
to attack a target within close range of it; this is an
instantaneous environmental hazard (damage 3L,
difficulty 5).
DEFENSIVE CHARMS
Fiery Rejuvenation (5m; Reflexive; Instant;
Essence 4): Regenerate one bashing or lethal health
level. Requires contact with an open flame at least as
large as a bonfire. Once per turn.
MOBILITY CHARMS
Sweeping Blaze Mobility (2m; Reflexive; Instant;
Essence 2): Add four dice to a combat movement roll
or to oppose such a roll.
MISCELLANEOUS CHARMS
Dematerialize (45m, 1wp; Simple; Instant;
Essence 1): Za-Ishat dissolves into sparks and smoke.
Rematerializing costs 23 motes as a Simple Charm
activation.
Igniferous Unction (10m, 1wp; Simple; One day;
Essence 4): Bestows Command the Flames, Fiery
Rejuvenation, and Sweeping Blaze Mobility on a
willing, non-elemental recipient capable of using
Charms. Recipient becomes prone to fiery emotions
such as anger, excitement, or joy, suffering −2 Resolve
against Instill actions to engender such passions.
 ADVERSARIES OF THE RIGHTEOUS

GHOSTS
The following spirits are ghosts, dead souls who have fallen out of — or rejected — the cycle of rein-
carnation. Some dwell in the Underworld, while others have found a way to return to Creation.

Dorashenje
the Wrath of Khame
Background: After a century of battle on the Underworld’s ashen dunes,
Dorashenje has returned to Creation to lead a vengeful crusade. Horrified to
see his people decimated by slave-takers, he saw once-prosperous traders
in textiles and ivory had become the household servants of Zephyrites
and Dynasts on the Cynosure Coast. With his descendants’ help, Shenje
has begun to restore Khame territory and reforge them into a vengeful
weapon aimed at Cynosure.

In life, Dorashenje was a prince of Khameland, northeast of the

Zephyrite Sedgelands. He loved his husband, bore him a son,
and ruled over a period of prosperity. He passed away peaceful-
ly, surrounded by loving family. Yet he awoke under the dreary
Underworld sky, conscripted into a legion of the dead. It was there
he learned ghostly arts, turning feral souls into weapons.

Since his return, the ancestor-prince has rallied the disaffected

Khame to rescue their people from Zephyrite bonds. Widely
worshiped as a hero, he is yet contested by Khame elders who
condemn undead rule over the living. Unperturbed by their
criticism, he orders ever more ivory hunts on the region’s
dwindling elephant population to fund mercenary allies in
the coming war.

Image: In death, Shenje’s skin glows a beryl shade, forever

anointed with red camwood powder. He’s broad-shouldered
and muscled, with a clean-shaven head and a bead-braid-
ed beard. Nearly unrecognizable from life, he uses ghost-
ly arts to express his authentic self as a trans man.

Intimacies: Defining Principle: “Cruelty deserves re-

payment in kind.” Defining Ties: the Khame People
(Responsibility), Cynosure (Hatred); Major Tie: House
Cynis (Hatred), Major Principle: “My people will not be
slaves to anyone.”; Minor Tie: Aaruat (Fear)

Secrets: Shenje possesses a covert ally in the

Underworld: a Zephyrite Aeon, a prince of the
Underworld empire of Aaruat. Dorashenje’s
patron wishes to use him to undermine the
Realm’s grip on Zephyr and turn the people

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back to their ancestors; he cares little for Dorashenje’s
struggle and will turn against him when it becomes fa-
vorable. Dorashenje anticipates betrayal and seeks to
gain as much as possible from their alliance first.
Equipment: As a ruler, Dorashenje wears ceremonial
finery: a raffia cloth skirt woven by his son and gold-plat-
ed ivory jewelry. His attendants wear ritual elephant
helmet-masks decorated with imported cowries. As a
warrior, he dons Zephyrite burial armor and wields a
wicked khopesh.
Roleplaying Hints: Dorashenje is unused to command-
ing frail, living soldiers. His advisors must constantly
remind him of the livings’ needs. Usually sedate and
unable to muster much more than feigned warmth, the
subject of vengeance animates Dorashenje like nothing
else, infusing him with a clarity and charisma that stirs
Khame hearts.
Attributes: Strength 3, Dexterity 5, Stamina 4; Cha-
risma 3, Manipulation 3, Appearance 4; Perception
3, Intelligence 4, Wits 4
Essence: 3
Willpower: 6
Personal Motes: 80
Join Battle: 8 dice
Health Levels: −0x2/−1x3/−2x3/−4x2/Incap.
Abilities: Athletics 4, Awareness 3, Craft (Weaving)
5, Dodge 3, Integrity 4, Larceny 3, Melee 3, Social-
ize 3, Melee 4, Performance (Fiery Rhetoric) 3, Pres-
ence 3, Ride (Elephant) 3, War (The Dead) 4
Merits: Allies (Zephyrite Aeon) 4, Command 2, Cult
2, Fast Reflexes, Influence 3, Resources 3
Attack (Khopesh): 11 dice (Damage 12); Tags:
Lethal, Melee, Chopping
Combat: Soak 4, Hardness 0 (Zephyrite burial
armor: +5/0); Parry 6 (Melee); Evasion 3; Rush 8
dice; Disengage 8 dice
Social: Resolve 4, Guile 3
Escort: Dorashenje possesses an honor guard of war
ghosts (Exalted, page 504) from Aaruat, treated as
a battle group with Size 2, Elite Drill and Might 2.
Their burial armor grants +7 soak. This honor guard
won’t obey Dorashenje’s orders if they conflict with
Aaruat interests. While Dorashenje may command the
remaining Khame warbands as battle-ready troops
(Exalted, p. 496) with Size 4 and Average Drill,
the majority of Khame are noncombatants, survivors
of slave raids. Dorashenje hires mercenary allies to
supplement his forces and may ally with enemies of
Zephyr such as wandering deathknights or Lunar war-
lords.
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COMBAT CHARMS
Chilling Touch (7m; Supplemental; Instant; With-
ering-only; Essence 1): Ignore up to four points of
natural or armored soak.
Avenging Hellion Mien (8m; Reflexive; One
scene; Uniform; Essence 2): Dorashenje’s limbs and
face grow long and twisted as anger transforms him.
Gain the Hideous Merit, plus soak, Hardness and
attack dice equal to (1 + Size lost from any battle
groups he commands), up to a maximum of 3.
Devouring Devil Clarion (10m, 1wp; Simple; Until
sunrise; Eclipse; Essence 3): Within medium range of
a freshly slain mortal battle group, Dorashenje may
call and leash their hungry ghosts (Exalted, p. 323).
Make a (Charisma + War) roll against difficulty 3.
Success creates a battle group with Size 2, Poor Drill,
and Might 2. At dawn, they immediately return to their
corpses, and arise the next night as hungry ghosts free
of Dorashenje’s control. Once per scene.
Hateful Apparition Assault (20m, 1wp; Supple-
mental; Instant; Essence 3): Dorashenje may add dice
equal to the intensity of a Tie of Hatred to a Strate-
gic Maneuver roll. Regardless of what Stratagem is
initially selected Dorashenje may always implement
the Demoralize Stratagem if he has the necessary suc-
cesses, as the ghosts of the fallen haunt the enemy.
SOCIAL CHARMS
Fervid Specter Oratory (7m, 1wp; Simple;
Instant; Essence 2): Double 9s on a (Charisma +
Performance) Inspire roll to inspire rage in Shenje’s
audience. On success, in addition to being inspired
with anger against a target Shenje has a Tie of Hatred
towards, those affected also gain a bonus die on rolls
to inspire or instill Shenje’s Tie of Hatred in others. The
audience is driven to spread their anger to others.
MISCELLANEOUS CHARMS
Cinder Barrens Mirage (10m; Simple; One
scene; Essence 3): Shenje weaves an illusory storm
of spectral ash out to medium range around him. This
provides medium cover against ranged attacks to
Shenje and his allies as long as they remain within
the illusion. This Charm also inflicts a −3 penalty on
vision-based rolls to track or perceive Shenje and his
allies. Only usable at night.
Apparition (1m; Simple; One scene; Essence 1):
Shenje may use this Charm to become visible, but not
corporeal, for one scene.
Materialize (40m, 1wp; Simple; Instant; Essence
1): Shenje’s spectral flesh manifests with a flash within
his burial armor, ready for war.
 ADVERSARIES OF THE RIGHTEOUS
Jovena Oreia
the Red-Headed Bride
Background: Two hundred years ago in the Coral
Archipelago, the corpse of a young woman murdered on
her wedding night sank into the ocean. It drifted for days
until coming to rest on the prow of an ancient sunken
ship, the center of an underwater shadowland. So fierce
was the bride’s need for vengeance that her ghost re-
awakened the Anathema vessel, raising it to the surface
to terrorize the Western oceans once again.
The Red-Headed Bride roams the West to sate her soul’s
need for vengeance against the living, and retreats to the
Underworld ocean once she’s had her fill of mortal lives.
Whenever an unfortunate vessel crosses her path, she
strikes mercilessly and leaves no survivors. The ghosts of
those she slaughters are bound to her ship, the Crown’s
Revenge, so even in death they know no peace, serving
the Bride as crew and soldiers.
A hundred whispered stories pass from sailor to sailor
about the Red-Headed Bride and how to avoid her: never
begin a journey after dark; cast your wedding ring into the
ocean if the sunset glows red on a cloudy evening; bring
a talisman or recite a special prayer to sate her hunger or
warn her off. One story claims the Red-Headed Bride can
be summoned. With the right offerings, always including a
human sacrifice, a clever thaumaturge can set her against
a specific target, whom she hunts relentlessly every night
they spend on the open ocean.
Image: In life, Jovena Oreia was a beautiful woman,
short and round-faced. Her ghost’s skin is salt-stained
now, her long red hair perpetually dripping wet. She
wears the remains of the Coral wedding gown she was
killed in, now covered in the heavy naval greatcoat she
took from the captain of the first boat she ever sank.
Intimacies: Defining: “I will have vengeance against the
living.”; Major: The Crown’s Revenge (Love), “Freedom
or Death”; Minor: The Coral Archipelago (Loathing)
Secrets: The Crown’s Revenge sank during the
Usurpation, along with its Solar captain. Much of its
power comes from that captain’s spirit, whose death
while attuned to the ship has chained her to it; she exists
now as the ship itself, unable to escape her fetters or take
human form. Just as vicious as Jovena from her lonely
centuries beneath the waves, the two specters are more
than close, but the ship has not completely forgotten the
Lawgiver that she used to be.
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Equipment: At full capacity, Oreia’s ship is host to over a
hundred ghosts. They may be treated as a battle group of
hungry ghosts (Exalted p. 503) with Size 3, average drill,
and Might 1. The ghosts are always material on the ship.
Oreia herself wields a hefty, rusting broadsword which
she keeps propped up by the wheel of her ship, and a
water-logged flamepiece that still works.
Roleplaying Hints: For all that she’s an ancient ghost
bent on destroying everyone she meets Oreia has eter-
nity on her side. She can be patient. Oreia retreats when
outmatched, to seek out her target again under better
circumstances. She also creates such circumstances
herself by luring people in with a half-destroyed ship in
need of rescue. Oreia loathes the ritual that can bind her
into service, and will do everything in her power to first
ensure her target is no longer a problem, then destroy
the thaumaturge who bound her.
Attributes: Strength 3, Dexterity 4, Stamina 3; Cha-
risma 2, Manipulation 3, Appearance 2; Perception
3, Intelligence 2, Wits 5
Essence: 2
Willpower: 6
Join Battle: 6 dice
Personal Motes: 60
Health Levels: −0/−1x2/−2x2/−4/Incap.
Abilities: Archery (Flame Pieces) 4, Athletics 3,
Awareness 4, Dodge 2, Integrity 3, Lore 1, Melee
(On Ships) 5, Occult 1, Presence 2, Resistance 4, Sail
(The Crown’s Revenge) 5, Socialize 2, War 3
Merits: Artifact (The Crown’s Revenge) 5, Command
4, Pain Tolerance.
Attack (Broadsword): 11 dice (12 dice on ships)
(Damage 12); Tags: Lethal, Melee, Balanced
Attack (Flame Piece): 13 dice at short range
(Damage 13); Tags: Lethal, Archery (short), Flame,
Mounted, One-Handed, Slow
Combat: Soak 3, Hardness 0 (Reinforced Great-
coat: +3); Parry 5 (Melee); Evasion 3; Rush 7 dice;
Disengage 6 dice
Social: Resolve 4, Guile 3
MISCELLANEOUS CHARMS
Materialize (35m, 1wp; Simple, Instant, Essence
2): Oreia does not need to use this charm to take
Naval Maneuver actions with the Crown’s Revenge.
 C h a pter T hree : S pirits a nd the D e a d

Flotsam General (—; Permanent, Essence 2): level of Hull damage or through effects that dissolve il-
Oreia makes all War roles to control or direct undead lusions. This evocation may only be used once per scene.
troops using her Sail ability, provided the fight occurs Shadowland Hull
on or near the ocean.
Cost: 5m; Mins: Essence 2; Type: Simple
The Crown’s Revenge Keywords: Pilot
(First Age Ship, Artifact •••••) Duration: Instant

The Crown’s Revenge passes through realms, disappear-

The Crown’s Revenge was once gilded and beautiful.
ing from Creation and appearing in the Underworld, or
Her silhouette and Orichalcum keel mark her as a First
vice versa, as if traversing through a shadowland. This
Age vessel, but now they’re covered in black grime and
evocation may only be used at night.
veined through with Soulsteel. She’s equipped with
a full complement of First Age lightning ballistae, wa-
ter-logged but somehow still functioning, and a ram-
ming prow.

Speed: Current +1, Sail +2, Ghostly sailors +2

Maneuverability: +2; Hull: −1/−2/−2/−1/Inca-
pacitated

Evocations of The Crown’s Revenge

Passive: The ship’s captain gains

two automatic successes to all Sail
actions, and an additional +2 to
Ram maneuvers.

Thrice-Dead Ghost Ship

Maneuver
Cost: 10m 1wp; Mins: Essence
2; Type: Simple
Keywords: Pilot
Duration: One scene

The Crown’s Revenge brings two

spectral copies of itself into ex-
istence. The captain may make
a separate Naval Maneuver
action and roll for each during
naval combat, but all Momen-
tum they gain is treated as Mo-
mentum gained by the Crown’s
Revenge. The spectral copies
can be told apart from the real
thing with a difficulty 2 (Wits
+ Awareness) roll, and can
be destroyed by a single

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 ADVERSARIES OF THE RIGHTEOUS
Telamedesthe Ever-Vigilant
Background: A ghost stalks the Southern dunes on an
ancient patrolman’s circuit. Where he finds injustice, he
punishes not only predator, but also the prey so that both
may become stronger. Thus does Telamedes inflict his
grim philosophy upon the world.
The scion of a forgotten tribe, Telamedes is a soldier,
guardian, and philosopher who carries the creed of his
ancient people like a desperate beacon in the dark: The
strong do not feed upon the weak, and the weak must
work to become the strong themselves. When he comes
across a farmer being robbed, he slaughters the robber
and burns the farmer’s crops. When he topples a slaver,
he leaves the freed slaves adrift in the deep desert to live
or die by their own wits.
His circuit brings him through hundreds of settlements
in the South every decade or so. Those who live along his
route often pray to him — for salvation, for assistance,
and (most of all) for him to pass by without incident.
Image: Telamedes stands seven feet tall, with shimmer-
ing indigo flesh. His features are little more than blurred
impressions, like a statue worn smooth by time. Though
he towers over other men, he is forever slumped, as if in
exhaustion or sorrow. He is pinioned with arrows and
spearheads, a memorial to countless battles.
Intimacies: Defining: “The strong protect the weak.”,
“The weak must become the strong.”; Major: My home-
land (Desperate Longing), “Kindness must never be for
its own sake.”, “We must all make one another stronger.”,
“I will not yield.”
Secrets: His ancient route through the South includes a
number of Shadowland oases where he shelters during
the brightest days of summer. Knowledge of their lo-
cations would fetch a high price in the Underworld —
or provide a Deathknight with a number of valuable
beachheads in Creation. The only price that could tempt
Telamedes, though, is lore from his lost kingdom; its
name alone could bind him into service or send him to
his rest.
Equipment: Telamedes is forever dressed for war. His
breastplate and greaves seem almost mundane, if not for
the rich purple verdigris of Underworld bronze, and he
is never found without a spear or javelin scavenged from
a fallen foe.
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Roleplaying Hints: Telamedes is a guardian with noth-
ing in specific to protect, so he clings desperately to his
beliefs about “the strong” and “the weak.” His methods
are dispassionate, but when he punishes “the weak,”
it is out of an earnest desire to teach them, train them,
and strengthen them, even if his trials are often fatal. He
loves to engage in battles of rhetoric and logic, some-
times even to the point of distraction, but he has cen-
turies upon centuries of experience that show him that
his philosophy works, if only by his distorted standards.
Attributes: Strength 4, Dexterity 4, Stamina 5; Cha-
risma 3, Manipulation 2, Appearance 2; Perception
5, Intelligence 3, Wits 3
Essence: 4
Willpower: 9
Join Battle: 8 dice
Personal Motes: 90
Health Levels: −0x1/−1x4/−2x4/−4x4/Incap.
Abilities: Athletics 2, Awareness 4, Investigation
(Uncovering Abuse) 5, Integrity (Icy Hearted) 5, Lore
(Shadowlands of the South) 2, Medicine 1, Melee
(Polearms) 4, Presence (Inspiring Fear) 3, Resistance
4, Socialize 1, Survival 2, Thrown (Spears and Jave-
lins) 3, War 2
Merits: Cult 1, Direction Sense, Mighty Thew 2
Attack (Enchanted Spear): 12 dice (Damage 16);
Tags: Lethal, Piercing, Reaching, Thrown (Medium)
Combat: Soak 5, Hardness 0 (Medium Armor: +7);
Parry 5 (Melee); Evasion 1 (−1 Medium Armor); Rush
6 dice; Disengage 4 dice
Social: Resolve 4, Guile 2
OFFENSIVE CHARMS
Mark the Wicked (5m; Reflexive; One scene;
Essence 2): When he witnesses or uncovers evidence
of abuse of power, Telamedes gains a Major Inti-
macy towards the abuser, and is always treated as
having the full benefits of an Aim action against them.
Inevitable Execution Technique (8m, 2i; Sup-
plemental; Instant; Decisive-only; Essence 3): When
making a decisive attack against a foe targeted by
Mark of the Wicked, Telamedes rolls against TN 5.
Tarnished Millennium Panoply (6m; Reflexive;
One scene; Essence 4): Telamedes treats any spear
or javelin as a medium artifact melee weapon with the
Piercing, Reaching, and Thrown (Medium) tags; at the
 C h a pter T hree : S pirits a nd the D e a d

POISONED BY DOUBT

Telamedes is bound to unlife by his philosophy — for good and for ill. When a 2- or 3-point stunt undermines one of
his Principles, he must spend 1wp or lose access to Mark the Wicked and Pain Breeds Purpose until his next turn.

end of the scene, it disintegrates. For an additional 4m, the weapon

gains Thrown (Long) instead.
DEFENSIVE CHARMS
Pain Breeds Purpose (6m; Reflexive; Instant; One
round; Essence 3): Telamedes’ wound penalties are instead
treated as bonuses to Parry and Resolve.
Sword-Stealing Flesh Technique (6m; Reflexive;
Instant; Perilous; Essence 3): When he suffers damage
from a decisive attack at close range, Telamedes can
make an immediate Disarm gambit using (Stamina +
Resistance), adding the attack’s final damage in bonus
dice.
SOCIAL CHARMS
Bound by Mercy (7m, 1wp; Reflex-
ive; Instant; Essence 4; Eclipse): When
inflicting a fatal attack, Telamedes may
forgo damage to instead afflict the target with
a dangerous, humbling, or humiliating mission of
atonement (treat this as a sanctified Eclipse oath).
Thus Always to Tyrants (5i, 1wp; Reflexive;
Instant; Essence 2): Whenever he successfully attacks a
foe targeted by Mark the Wicked, Telamedes can roll his
Initiative against the Resolve of everyone present to inflict a
Minor Tie of fear and awe towards him. If his roll overcomes
(Resolve + 3), targets also gain a Major Principle towards
his philosophy.
MISCELLANEOUS CHARMS
Materialize (50m, 1wp; Simple; Instant;
Essence 4): Telamedes may forge a body
for himself from sand and twilight. This
Charm is only usable at dusk, and he automatically dema-
terializes at dawn.
Willing Husk Possession (25m, 1wp; Simple; Instant;
Essence 4): Telamedes possesses a willing member of his Cult
within 100 miles. He uses their physical Attributes, soak, and
health track. Every hour of possession inflicts a level of un-
soakable lethal damage on the host which cannot be healed
until Telamedes surrenders control.

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Tepet Goran
Blood-Cursed Prince of Viharos
Background: Having spent over a century as a battle sorcerer in the Tepet legions,
Tepet Goran retired to his mortal father’s birthplace in the mountains of northern
Medo. There he ensconced himself in Castle Arnyeko, a decrepit manse over-
looking the isolated alpine town of Viharos.

Secretive and reclusive, Goran often vanished into the wilderness for weeks
at a time. Then, a century ago, he disappeared for close to a year; he returned
swathed in funereal white, driving a hearse laden with a coffin. Terrible screams
arose from Castle Arnyeko that night, and Goran’s servants were never seen
again. Soon other disappearances and gory deaths haunted Viharos.

Goran’s granddaughter Ragara Keles came to investigate the dark ru-

mors surrounding her grandfather. Unlike the manse’s servants, she
emerged unharmed. She’s since visited regularly, accompanied by
new servants. There are always vacancies for new servants at Castle
Arnyeko.

Image: Goran is the very image of a retired officer — graying,

broad-shouldered, with large calloused hands better fitted
to a blade than civilian pursuits. There’s something sullen
and feral about him, like a thunderhead that’s about to
break. When he loses control, he takes on a mon-
strous mien: blood-red eyes, needle teeth, elon-
gated claws, bestial features.

Intimacies: Defining: Castle Arnyeko

(Possessiveness); Major: Members of his
bloodline (Respect); Ragara Keles (Gratitude);
the Solar tomb beneath Castle Arnyeko
(Merciless Guardianship); Handsome youths
(Concupiscence); Minor: Guests (Solicitude);
Occult relics (Acquisitiveness)

Secrets: Tepet Goran died a century ago.

What returned to Castle Arnyeko is his hungry
ghost. As the shade of an elder Exalt — not to men-
tion a sorcerer — he’s far more powerful, clever, and
strong-willed than lesser hungry ghosts, but he cannot
wholly leash his thirst for mortal blood. Ragara Keles
and the Guild supply him with slaves to devour.

Deep vaults underlie Castle Arnyeko. The upper vaults

contain Goran’s sorcerous laboratories and undead ser-
vants. The lower vaults contain a secret Solar tomb from
the Usurpation. Goran is aware of the tomb; he guarded it
with numerous bound demons and sorcerous traps during
his living days.

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HUNGRIER GHOSTS

Hungry ghosts that arise from the lower souls of potent humans such as the Exalted or those who’ve amassed
power through ages of existence are more puissant than their common kin. A hungry ghost that’s born from an
Exalt or that has spent over a century in existence might have Essence 3, a pool of eighty motes, several addi-
tional health levels, and knowledge of ghostly Charms. Strength and Stamina (or related QC dice pools) increase
significantly, along with Dexterity and Wits to a lesser extent. Charisma, Manipulation, and Intelligence diminish.
Combat-related Abilities remain at full strength; fragments of other Abilities may also linger. Unlike lesser hungry
ghosts, it can cross lines of salt or germinated grain for a scene by spending one Willpower.

Hungry ghosts of still older and mightier humans, such as First Age Solars, are stronger still.

Equipment: Blue jade daiklave, black jade reinforced
buff jacket, archaic Dynastic and Medoan clothing.
Roleplaying Hints: Goran sees himself as gracious and
cultured, and greatly enjoys having guests. Ultimately,
however, he cannot resist the drive to feed upon the liv-
ing. He’ll flee rather than fight to the death, retreating to
his entombed corpse deep in the lower vaults. Should he
be destroyed, Ragara Keles attempts to uncover his fate,
and to reclaim any artifacts and occult relics his slayers
took.
Attributes: Strength 8, Dexterity 5, Stamina 8; Cha-
risma 2, Manipulation 2, Appearance 4; Perception
4, Intelligence 3, Wits 6
Essence: 4
Willpower: 5
Join Battle: 10 dice
Personal Motes: 90 (10 committed)
Health Levels: −0x2/−1x7/−2x9/−4/Incap.
Abilities: Athletics 4, Awareness 4, Brawl 4, Dodge
4, Integrity (Hospitality) 1, Lore 1, Melee 4, Occult
(Sorcery, Undead) 3, Presence (Intimidation) 4, So-
cialize (Guests) 3, Survival (Tracking) 3, Stealth 3
Merits: Artifact (Thunderbird’s Cry) 3, Blood Scent,
Blood Thrall, Creature of Passions, Earthbound,
Hideous, Language (High Realm, Old Realm, Sky-
tongue) 3, Manse 3, Resources 3, Unspeakable
Hunger
Flaws: Obsession (Defining): “I must consume the
blood of the living.”
Attack (Thunderbird’s Cry/daiklave): 12 dice
(Damage 20/5); Tags: Lethal, Melee
Attack (Bite): 9 dice (Damage 19/2); Tags: Lethal,
Brawl, Natural, Piercing (see Vital Essence Consump-
tion)
Attack (Monstrous claw): 11 dice (Damage
17/2); Tags: Lethal, Brawl, Grappling, Natural
Combat: Soak 16, Hardness 7 (Artifact Reinforced
Buff Jacket/Clouds at Midnight: +8/7); Parry 6
(Melee); Evasion 4 (armor penalty −1); Rush 9 dice;
Disengage 9 dice
Social: Resolve 4, Guile 3
Escort: Goran is often accompanied by Kiran Sta-
ghelm (see below). At his call, a Size 2 battle group of
hungry ghosts (Exalted, p. 503) rises from the vaults
beneath Castle Arnyeko to protect him. He may also
use Nocturnal Beast Communion (see below) to call
a Size 1 battle group of wolves (Exalted, p. 562)
from the woods, or a Size 3 flock of raitons (Exalted,
p. 570) from the sky, all bent to his will over time by
his mesmeric gaze. All manner of other beings may
attend Goran at the Storyteller’s discretion.
New Merit: Blood Thrall
Hungry ghosts arising from Goran’s victims gain a Minor
Tie of subservience toward him. This Tie can’t be altered
or removed without magic.
New Merit: Creature of Passions
Hungry ghosts can’t acquire Principles by non-magical
means.
New Merit: Unspeakable Hunger
Goran’s Defining Derangement of obsession with con-
suming living blood can’t be altered or diminished by
any means.
Thunderbird’s Cry
(Blue Jade Daiklave, Artifact •••)
A relic of the First Age, this blue jade and thun-
derbird-bone daiklave passed from one outcaste to

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 ADVERSARIES OF THE RIGHTEOUS
another until the conquest of Medo, when Goran’s moth-
er claimed it as spoils of war. It emits a dreadful raptor’s
cry when it’s about to taste blood.
Evocations of Thunderbird’s Cry
Passive: Once per scene, flurry a withering attack and a
threaten action without the usual flurry penalties. Reset
by incapacitating a nontrivial opponent.
Cutting Wind Strike
Cost: 2m, 2i [+1wp]; Mins: Essence 2; Type: Supplemen-
tal
Keywords: Dual, Perilous
Duration: Instant
Slicing the air, Goran attacks a target within short range.
At Essence 3, spending one Willpower extends this to
medium range.
Clouds at Midnight (Black Jade
Reinforced Buff Jacket, Artifact •••)
Crafted by legendary armorer Jerah Lorado for Tepet’s
grandson Segar, Clouds at Midnight has seen diplomats,
archers, and sorcerers through many battles. Its black jade
plates and vambraces are riveted to gray-dyed river dragon
hide. Blue jade inlay depicts swirling clouds illumined by
silvery rays from a moonsilver crescent upon the gorget.
Evocations of Clouds at Midnight
Passive: Add one die to Stealth rolls and withdraw ac-
tions in fog, precipitation, or darkness.
OFFENSIVE CHARMS
Chilling Touch (7m; Supplemental; Instant; Wither-
ing-only; Essence 1): Goran’s hand or weapon flick-
ers ethereal for a moment, ignoring up to four points
of natural or armored soak.
Flying Time Technique (15m, 1wp; Reflexive; One
scene; Perilous; Essence 2): Goran moves with night-
marish speed as the world seems to slow to a crawl.
Treat his Initiative as three points higher than it actually
is when determining turn order each round. He adds
two automatic successes on any attack roll against a
character that hasn’t acted yet during this round, and
adds +2 Defense against attacks made by characters
who act after him in turn order.
Vital Essence Consumption (—; Permanent; Per-
manent; Decisive-only; Essence 1): Whenever Goran
deals decisive damage with a bite attack or savage
action, or kills and devours an outmatched foe outside
of combat (Exalted, p. 212), he regains three motes
per health level of damage dealt, and heals non-ag-
gravated damage to a −0 health level.
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DEFENSIVE CHARMS
Encircling Winds Defense (6m; Simple; One
scene; Essence 3): Goran whips the air around him
into a frenzied gale. This provides heavy cover against
ranged attacks and light cover against non-ranged
attacks. Rolls to contest his disengage actions suffer a
two-die penalty. If Goran is crashed, the Charm ends.
Mist-Body Suspiration (4m, 2i; Reflexive; One
tick; Essence 4): Goran’s body disperses momen-
tarily into mist, allowing attacks to pass through him.
He gains +4 Evasion and can dodge undodgeable
attacks and uncountable damage. When he suc-
cessfully dodges an attack, he suffers no onslaught
penalty from it, and steals one Initiative from the at-
tacker. This Charm offers no protection against attacks
that can strike immaterial targets. Once per turn.
Vertiginous Stare (2m; Reflexive; Until next turn;
Psyche; Essence 4): Goran’s hypnotic eyes befuddle
an enemy so that her strikes go awry. She subtracts
(Goran’s Guile) successes from attack rolls against
him. Once per turn.
MOBILITY CHARMS
Flow Like Fog (4m; Reflexive; Instant; Essence 4): Dis-
solve into mist for the duration of a move action, flowing
through even the tiniest openings. Waive the mote cost if
Goran has used Mist-Body Suspiration since his last turn.
Wings of the Gale (10m, 1wp [3i per round after
the first]; Reflexive; Indefinite; Eclipse; Essence 4):
Howling winds rise beneath Goran, moving him one
or two range bands upward. He can continue flying
with normal movement actions, moving vertically or
horizontally, or hovering in place. Each turn after the
first costs three Initiative. When the Charm ends, he
drifts harmlessly earthward; being crashed or Inca-
pacitated ends the Charm.
SOCIAL CHARMS
Domino of Life (1m; Simple; Indefinite; Peril-
ous; Essence 1): Goran appears human, losing the
Hideous Merit. Terminates when under stress around
potential victims.
Mesmeric Gaze (10m, 1wp; Simple; Instant;
Psyche; Essence 4): Goran meets a target’s eyes to
command her will, rolling a (Charisma + Presence)
persuade action as though the desired task were one
level lower, and doubling 8s. If his threshold success-
es equal or exceed her unmodified Resolve, she gains
a Minor Tie of obedience to Goran, or increases an
existing such Tie by one level. Once per target per
scene.
MISCELLANEOUS CHARMS
Measure the Wind (5m; Simple; Instant; Essence
1): Goran can discern the nature of anyone whose
blood he tastes.
 C h a pter T hree : S pirits a nd the D e a d
Nocturnal Beast Communion (5m; Simple; Until
dawn; Eclipse; Essence 3): Meeting the gaze of an
animal with a positive Tie toward him, Goran rides
within its mind, perceiving what it perceives and in-
structing it as though whispering in its ear. He uses his
own Perception pools but applies the benefits of its
Perception-enhancing Merits.
Sky-Mantling Gloom (10m, 1wp; Simple; Instant;
Eclipse; Essence 4): Manipulate weather within
(Essence) miles, creating or intensifying mundane
fog, clouds, or precipitation over the course of several
minutes. Roll (Intelligence + Occult). 1 success yields
minor changes, such as making a damp evening turn
foggy or a cloudy day overcast. 3 successes yields
major changes, such as turning a clear sky overcast or
light clouds into a downpour. 5 successes can gather
pea-soup fog on a hot day or rouse a thunderstorm
from clear skies. Once per day.
Kiran Staghelm, the Fallen Rose
While passing through Viharos decades ago, the young
outcaste Kiran Staghelm heard rumor of the fiend of
Castle Arnyeko. He sought to vanquish Tepet Goran,
only to be seduced and devoured by the castle’s master.
Now his hungry ghost remains tied to the castle and to
Goran.
He retains his living appearance as a handsome youth,
his waist-length emerald hair twined with flowers. But
he sheds that guise to feast on the living. His true vis-
age is white-haired and emaciated, with blood-red eyes,
claws like broken branches, and a mouthful of thorn-
sharp teeth.
Intimacies: Defining: Tepet Goran (Subservience);
Major: Tepet Goran (Rebelliousness); Minor: Castle
Arnyeko (Home); Guests (Pity); Ragara Keles
(Resentment)
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Essence: 2; Willpower: 5; Join Battle: 7 dice
Personal Motes: 70
Health Levels: −0/−1x4/−2x4/−4/Incap.
Actions: Feats of Strength: 10 dice (may attempt
Strength 5 feats); Read Intentions: 5 dice; Seduction:
6 dice (see Domino of Life); Senses: 7 dice (see Blood
Scent); Stealth: 6 dice; Threaten: 6 dice; Tracking: 7
dice (see Blood Scent)
Appearance 4 (Hideous), Resolve 3, Guile 2
Merits: Blood Scent, Earthbound, Extra Limbs (Pre-
hensile Hair), Hideous, Language (Riverspeak, Sky-
tongue) 2, Unspeakable Hunger, Wall Walking
Flaws: Derangement (Defining Obsession with con-
suming living blood)
COMBAT
Attack (Claw): 12 dice (Damage 13); Tags: Brawl,
Grappling, Lethal, Natural
Attack (Bite): 8 dice (Damage 17); Tags: Brawl,
Lethal, Natural, Piercing
Attack (Hair): 10 dice (Damage 15); Tags: Flexi-
ble, Grappling, Lethal, Reaching
Combat Movement: 7 dice
Evasion 4, Parry 4
Soak/Hardness: 11/0 (Hauberk)
CHARMS
Chilling Touch, Domino of Life, Measure the
Wind: As per Tepet Goran’s Charms, above.
Whirling Hair Defense (3m; Reflexive; Instant;
Eclipse; Essence 2): Gain +2 Parry. If struck, apply +4
soak and Hardness 4 to the attack. An Eclipse user
without long hair may gain the same effects using
loose, flowing garments.
White Razor Mane (2m; Simple; Instant; Uniform;
Essence 2): Make a hair attack out to short range,
adding the Piercing tag.
 ADVERSARIES OF THE RIGHTEOUS

GODS AND SPIRITS

The following characters are spirits — beings of Essence and will. Some spir-
its are gods, acting as a divine representative of a place, thing, or concept.

Afondha
the Lady of the Well
Background: The well’s aquifer runs for miles underground, spanning rivers and cis-
terns to bring life to the land. Generations of farmers coaxed the water above ground,
and rice and grains that grow nowhere else in the East paid for gilded thrones. Three
principalities once waged war over Afondha’s Well, dark blood seeping through
earth to mingle with the water. Now they have reached equilibrium through
treaties and marriage, so each may prosper.

Afondha is a regional fertility goddess. She has scores of God-Blooded chil-

dren, begotten with men and women from all three princedoms, whom she
views as extensions of herself. They fill her retinue as guards, servants, spies,
and — for those born of prestigious mortal lineages — ambassadors. She has
no patience for rebellion or laziness, and swiftly disowns any children who
refuse to play their parts. Any who actively betray her, or even speak badly
about her in public, can look forward to unfriendly visits from hireling sla-
vers, assassins, or in some cases their own siblings.

The temple-manse at the heart of Afondha’s Well draws supplicants

bringing offerings. They beg for fertile lands and wombs, or the more
nebulous blessing of fruitful endeavors. Others worship Afondha at
more distant cisterns, and her coffers fill with riches and bounties. No
gold or cornucopia compares to the value of life, however, and she re-
sents the three principalities for reaching a peaceful arrangement. She
would prefer just enough bloodshed to salt the waters a touch.

Image: Afondha is all luscious curves and dark bronze skin. She never
wears her raven hair the same way twice. Her cheeks appear flushed, and
her eyes are the blue-grey of deep water. Often pregnant, her belly shows
from the first month. Her clothes and jewelry are resplendent and ev-
er-changing, taken from the riches sacrificed to her wells.

Intimacies: Defining: “Life flows from me alone.”; Major: “Protect my well

at all costs.”, My Cult (Ownership), “Blood sacrifice means more than rich-
es.”; Minor: Agu Zhano-a Tatosu, daughter by Prince Agu Zhan (Expectant
Pride)

Secrets: Afondha hears everything supplicants whisper to any well that

taps into the aquifer stretching out from her temple-manse, from spouses
and heirs wishing for rulers’ deaths to farmers asking her to poison their
neighbors’ land, and she’s not above holding it over their heads for lever-
age. She harbors plans to destabilize the principalities, acting through dis-
creet saboteurs lest she offend local war gods. She offers potential agents a

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 C h a pter T hree : S pirits a nd the D e a d
myriad of rewards, including talismans and the hand of
her favorite (and unaware) daughter, Tatosu.
Equipment: Collar of Dawn’s Cleansing Light (Exalted,
p. 601); flowing robes (Silken Armor, Exalted, p. 600);
white jade headdress (Hearthstone Amulet, Exalted, p.
601) bearing three identical opaque green-blue stones,
one of which is a Harvest Gem (Exalted, p. 609)
Roleplaying Hints: Afondha carries herself with
self-aggrandizing confidence, but also with charm and
beauty. She is an excellent hostess to those she deems
worthy of her attention — especially young Exalted she
can call upon once they’ve grown in power — and icy
cold to anyone she deems beneath her. She changes her
attire and manse’s interior design on a whim, to keep
guests entertained and, not coincidentally, off-balance.
She never strikes a deal unless she believes she’ll come
out ahead.
Attributes: Strength 3, Dexterity 3, Stamina 4; Cha-
risma 4, Manipulation 5, Appearance 5; Perception
3, Intelligence 4, Wits 2
Essence: 4
Willpower: 7
Join Battle: 6 dice
Personal Motes: 90 (6 committed)
Health Levels: −0/−1x4/−2x4/−4/Incap.
Abilities: Awareness 4, Brawl 1, Bureaucracy (Of-
ferings) 4, Dodge 4, Integrity (Persuasion) 5, Linguis-
tics 4, Lore 4, Occult 4, Performance 4, Presence
(Bargaining, Charm) 5, Resistance 2, Socialize (Read
Intentions) 4
Merits: Artifact (Hearthstone Amulet) 2, Artifact
(Collar of Dawn’s Cleansing Light) 2, Artifact (Silken
Armor) 4, Cult 4, Exalted Healing, Followers 2, Lan-
guage (Native: Old Realm; High Realm, Riverspeak)
2, Manse 5, Retainers (God-Blooded Bodyguard) 4,
Resources 4, Selective Conception
Attack (Unarmed): 8 dice (Damage 10); Tags:
Bashing, Brawl, Grappling, Natural
Attack (Grapple): 4 dice (4 to control)
Combat: Soak 9, Hardness 4 (Silken Armor: +5);
Parry 2 (Brawl); Evasion 4; Rush 3 dice; Disengage
7 dice
Social: Resolve 4, Guile 5
Escort: Afondha cultivates an entourage of fawning
servants, God-Blooded guards, and juggling bears.
The temple-manse’s guards use traits for battle-ready
troops (Exalted, p. 496) and form a Size 2, Might 1
battle group with average Drill. Two elite bodyguards
(Exalted, p. 497) accompany Afondha everywhere,
tongueless and unflinchingly loyal.
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OFFENSIVE CHARMS
Geyser’s Distant Caress (6m, 1wp; Simple; One
scene; Eclipse; Essence 2): Afondha may perform
gambits against targets at up to medium range using
Manipulation + Brawl with bonus dice equal to her
Cult (10 total dice), as long as she’s within short range
of at least a gallon of open water. Successful grapples
performed with this Charm immediately pull the target
to close range.
DEFENSIVE CHARMS
Still Waters Run Deep (5m, 2i; Reflexive; Instant;
Withering-only; Essence 1): Afondha gains bonus
soak equal to the number of dice that show failures in
the attack roll, or double that amount if she is partially
or fully submerged in her aquifer’s water. Activate this
Charm before the attacker rolls.
MOBILITY CHARMS
Aqueous Rebirth (5m, 1i; Reflexive; Instant;
Essence 1): Afondha briefly dissolves into water. She
may automatically succeed on a disengage attempt.
Alternatively, she may roll Dexterity + Cult (7 dice)
while being grappled to reduce the opponent’s turns
of control by the number of successes she rolls. If this
reduces the turns of control to zero, she gains two Ini-
tiative.
SOCIAL CHARMS
Thirst-Quenching Goddess Regalia (8m, 1wp;
Reflexive; Instant; Eclipse; Essence 3): Whenever
Afondha succeeds at a bargain action or chooses not
to apply her Resolve against one, she may activate
this Charm to automatically instill a minor Intimacy for
herself in that character with a positive context chosen
by the opponent’s player, such as awe, respect, or
trust. If the character already has a positive Intimacy
for her, it increases in intensity by one instead. If the
character already has a negative Intimacy for her, it
decreases in intensity by one instead.
MISCELLANEOUS CHARMS
Fertile Benediction (15m; Simple; Instant; Eclipse;
Essence 3): Afondha blesses the supplicant with fertil-
ity, ensuring conception with their next informed and
willing partner regardless of whether they could nor-
mally conceive a child with that partner, as long as at
least one of them has a womb.
Hurry Home (10m, 1wp; Simple; Instant; Essence
1): Afondha dissolves into water on her next turn, re-
turning to her manse’s hearthroom.
Materialize (45m, 1wp; Simple; Instant; Essence
1): Afondha solidifies from water.
Measure the Wind (5m; Simple; Instant; Essence
1): Afondha can read anyone who willingly asks for
her blessing.
 ADVERSARIES OF THE RIGHTEOUS
Vine-Ripened Labor (15m, 1wp; Simple; Instant;
Essence 3): Afondha grants fruitful progress on one
specific task, such as attracting a suitor’s attention
or winning a negotiation with a rival. The supplicant
Iron Tiger
the Wyrd of the Broken Sword
Background: Sandred was born an impoverished youth
of the Hundred Kingdoms. Destiny demanded that he
take up the sword Iron Tiger and, buoyed by his pride in
the ancestral blade, seize power — first as a bandit, then
a mercenary, and finally a prince whose reign would
unite the region under a single banner. Yet in Sandred’s
first battle, Iron Tiger shattered in his hand.
But Heaven is not so easily denied. The sword’s destiny,
slain by circumstance, arose in the Underworld as a wild
warrior-woman with eyes like red-hot iron. She made
her way into the world of the living, took up the bro-
ken hilt of her namesake blade, and set out to champion
Sandred’s ascent to royalty — whether he desires it or no.
However much Sandred’s struggles might have matured
him had Heaven had its way, he now grows proud and
cocksure with Iron Tiger at his right hand, living it up on
stolen silver while grousing over the travails of conquest.
For her part, she has no scruples and no pity; she’ll kill
anyone and destroy anything to put Sandred on his des-
tined throne.
Image: Iron Tiger is short and powerfully built, with
skin naturally striped rust-red and steely gray. Her eyes
smolder like molten metal; few can withstand the weight
of her regard. Her posture bespeaks a readiness for vio-
lence that borders on bloodlust.
Intimacies: Defining: “Sandred shall seize his throne
and unify the Hundred Kingdoms.”; Major: “Obstacles
deserve neither consideration nor mercy.”; Sandred
(Loyalty); Minor: “I serve the will of Heaven.”
Secrets: Working covertly to clear a path for him, Iron
Tiger has embezzled funds from the bandits’ treasury,
intending to hire the Grass Spider assassin clan to elimi-
nate powerful enemies. She blames these thefts on mem-
bers of the bandit band she deems treacherous, as an ex-
cuse to kill them for Sandred’s sake.
Equipment: Broken iron sword, haphazard patchwork
armor, military field gear.
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receives four banked bonus dice, which they can add
to any one roll pertaining to the task before the lunar
month ends; if that roll succeeds, the supplicant tithes
one Willpower to Afondha.
Roleplaying Hints: Iron Tiger’s first priority is protect-
ing Sandred. Rarely leaving his side, she remains within
close range in combat, using defend other as needed, un-
less she needs to sacrifice herself to buy time for his es-
cape. She’s most easily manipulated by offering ways to
better fulfill the destiny she represents, or threatening to
make that destiny difficult or impossible to fulfill. Should
Iron Tiger be permanently destroyed, leaving Sandred to
perish or fall from his intended destiny, that will draw
Sidereal attention.
Attributes: Strength 5, Dexterity 4, Stamina 5; Cha-
risma 2, Manipulation 2, Appearance 2; Perception
4, Intelligence 2, Wits 5
Essence: 3
Willpower: 7
Join Battle: 10 dice
Personal Motes: 30
Health Levels: −0/−1x2/−2x2/−4/Incap.
Abilities: Athletics 4, Awareness 4, Dodge 4, In-
tegrity 5, Medicine 1, Melee (Her Broken Sword) 5,
Presence (Intimidation) 4, Resistance 5, Ride 1, So-
cialize (Danger to Sandred) 2, Stealth 1, Survival 1,
War 3
Merits: Danger Sense, Fast Reflexes, Language
(Old Realm, Riverspeak) 2, Wyrd
Attack (broken sword): 14 dice (Damage 12);
Tags: Lethal, Melee, Improvised
Combat: Soak 10, Hardness 0 (medium armor: +5);
Parry 5 (melee); Evasion 3 (armor penalty −1); Rush
8 dice; Disengage 8 dice
Social: Resolve 5, Guile 2
OFFENSIVE CHARMS
Broken Destiny Forged Anew (10m, 1wp; Re-
flexive; One scene; Dual, Perilous; Essence 3): This
Charm may only be used when Iron Tiger is at Initia-
tive 15+ and Sandred is within close range. She and
the broken sword fuse into one, a blazing tiger-striped
blade that leaps into Sandred’s hand and fights with
all the fervor of a destiny denied. For the rest of the
 C h a pter T hree : S pirits a nd the D e a d
scene, Sandred adds +3 to Parry, soak, attack rolls,
and raw withering damage. Iron Tiger continues to
take attack and/or defend other actions while in sword
form when her turn comes up in Initiative order, moving
in Sandred’s hand with blinding speed. This Charm ter-
minates if either Iron Tiger or Sandred is crashed.
Wyrd’s Razor (2m per die; Instant; Supplemental;
Essence 3): In Sandred’s presence, Iron Tiger may
add up to three dice to any action in combat, includ-
ing Join Battle.
DEFENSIVE CHARMS
Guardian Sword Spirit (1m [+1wp]; Reflexive;
Instant; Essence 2): Iron Tiger takes a defend other
action to protect Sandred while he’s in close range.
If she also spends a Willpower, the attacker cannot
choose to target Sandred upon beating Iron Tiger’s
Parry.
MOBILITY CHARMS
Sword-and-Wielder Retreat (3m; Supplemen-
tal; Instant; Essence 2): When Iron Tiger successful-
ly disengages she pulls Sandred in her wake. This
doesn’t count as his movement action for the turn.
SOCIAL CHARMS
Burning Eye of Fury (5m; Supplemental; Instant;
Essence 3): Iron Tiger adds three dice to a threaten
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action against a character standing in the way of San-
dred’s destiny. The target must spend an additional
Willpower to resist this influence in the Decision Point.
MISCELLANEOUS CHARMS
Fallen Destiny Compass (—; Permanent; Perma-
nent; Essence 1): Iron Tiger always knows direction
and distance to Sandred.
New Merit: Wyrd
Iron Tiger is bound to the destiny she represents — 
Sandred claiming a throne and unifying the Hundred
Kingdoms. Her Intimacy representing that destiny cannot
be altered or eroded, and social influence opposing it is
unacceptable. If slain, Iron Tiger returns to life at dawn to
fulfill her task. However, she ceases to exist if the destiny
she represents either comes to pass or becomes utterly
impossible to achieve. Effects such as Ghost-Eating Tech-
nique can also slay her permanently.
Sandred, the Destined Prince
Young and handsome, Sandred’s once-rawboned frame
has been softened somewhat as he feasts on the boun-
ty of banditry, but travel and battle keep him fit. He’s
 ADVERSARIES OF THE RIGHTEOUS

uncomfortable with his dependence on Iron Tiger, but Actions: Command: 5 dice; Read Intentions: 6 dice;
isn’t introspective enough to understand his own role in Senses: 5 dice; Social Influence: 6 dice; Stealth: 5
that dependence. dice
Appearance 3, Resolve 2, Guile 2
Intimacies: Defining: “I deserve to be a prince.”; Major:
COMBAT
“What’s the point of power and wealth if you can’t re-
lax and enjoy it?”; Himself (Ambivalence); Iron Tiger Attack (straight sword): 8 dice (Damage 11/2)
(Petulant Reliance); Minor: “I’ll do what I must to sur- Tags: Lethal, Melee, Balanced
vive.”; His bandits (Fellowship) Combat Movement: 6 dice
Evasion 2, Parry 3
Essence: 1; Willpower: 5; Join Battle: 5 dice Soak/Hardness: 8/0
Health Levels: −0/−1x2/−2x2/−4/Incap

Ixier
Who Dreams for the Dead
Background: Three years ago, on the edges of a rag-
ged Wyld patch, a gluttonous raksha feasted upon the
dreams of an entire village. By the time a band of Exalts
arrived to put a stop to it, the people were already empty
husks. To their deep sorrow, the champions put the vil-
lagers out of their misery.
black as oil slicks. Between forms, its victims’ faces and
features surface and recede in a constant churn.
Intimacies: Defining: “The dreams of the dead live on in
me.”; Major: “I will finish that which was left undone.”;
Minor: The Raksha’s Murderers (Hatred)

The Exalts turned their grief and rage on the Fair One
and killed it, with its belly still full of its victims’ dreams.
Those dreams’ remnants leaked out along with the rak-
sha’s blood, seeping into the soil of the village square.
The heroes burned the creature’s body, buried the vil-
lagers, and departed for other adventures.
Left alone at the center of the shadowland born from the
villagers’ deaths, with the Wyld’s fingers creeping in like
an infection, the alien blood and stolen dreams coalesced
into something new. The entity that rose from the shad-
owland named itself Ixier, and declared its domain the
dreams of the dying. It wanders the bordermarches, driv-
en and haunted by its victims’ lost hopes and seeking to
fulfill the wishes of those whose dead dreams gave it life.
Image: Ixier mimics the shapes of dreamers it’s fed
upon; one moment it may be tall and hulking, the next,
wispy and childlike. Only its eyes remain unchanged:
Secrets: When pursuing one of its victims’ dreams or goals,
Ixier sometimes forgets it’s not human. It adopts the victim’s
form and mannerisms, seeking out people and places from
the deceased’s past to fulfill her wishes or exact vengeance.
Ixier has consumed several Exalts’ dreams. These give it in-
sight into all kinds of secrets — such as the location of a forgot-
ten manse, the password to enter a secret salon in the Imperial
City, or the place where a lovelorn Sidereal hid her heart.
Equipment: Ixier bears weapons and armor it collects
from its victims. These vary from the villagers’ common
bows and hunting knives to the splendid regalia of a
Prince of the Earth who died in Ixier’s domain.
Roleplaying Hints: To survive, Ixier has become like the
raksha whose death created it, feeding on the dreams of
the dying. Easterners view it as an unwelcome psycho-
pomp. It seeks out battlefields and places where illness

AN ECLECTIC PANOPLY

Ixier collects its victims’ weapons and armor, and uses whichever best matches its current goals. Storytellers
may assign it other equipment that fits the story, and adjust combat traits accordingly. Ixier may even wield artifact
weapons it’s claimed from Exalted victims, and use their Evocations.

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 C h a pter T hree : S pirits a nd the D e a d
runs rampant — where the feasts are. In leaner times, it
slips into smaller villages and settlements to sit beside
the deathbeds of the infirm.
Ixier is protective of the shadowland it hails from, tend-
ing to the houses and occasionally attempting to grow
crops on the land — some of the villagers had sim-
ple dreams of home and prosperity, which it values as
strongly as the dreams of a champion bent on adventure
and glory.
Characters who are gravely wounded (at −4 or
Incapacitated, or suffering other injuries at the
Storyteller’s discretion) attract Ixier’s attention. The
creature responds favorably to offers to help it complete
the tasks its victims never could.
The longer Ixier is left unchecked, the more formida-
ble it becomes. To increase its threat, determine how
many additional health levels it’s gained using Consume
Dreams (below) in the current story, and what associat-
ed Ties it possesses, when it encounters the characters.
Attributes: Strength 3, Dexterity 3, Stamina 4; Cha-
risma 2, Manipulation 4, Appearance 2; Perception
3, Intelligence 2, Wits 3
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Essence: 3
Willpower: 8
Join Battle: 7 dice
Personal Motes: 30
Health Levels: −0x3/−1x4/−2x6/−4x2/Incap.
Abilities: Archery 2, Awareness (Sense Injury) 4,
Brawl 4, Dodge 3, Integrity 2, Lore (Local) 3, Melee
2, Occult 2, Presence (Intimidation) 3, Resistance 2,
Socialize 1, Stealth 3, Survival 1
Merits: Danger Sense, Direction Sense, Fleet of
Foot, Malleable Shape (below)
Attack (Self bow): 9 dice at short range (Damage
10); Tags: Lethal, Archery (Long), Mounted
Attack (Spear): 7 dice (Damage 12); Tags: Lethal,
Melee, Piercing, Reaching
Attack (Unarmed): 7 dice (Damage 10); Tags:
Bashing, Brawl, Grappling, Natural
Attack (Grapple): 7 dice (7 to control)
Combat: Soak 4, Hardness 0; Parry 3 + weapon
defense (Melee) or 4 (Brawl); Evasion 3; Rush 2 dice;
Disengage 5 dice
Social: Resolve 3, Guile 3
 ADVERSARIES OF THE RIGHTEOUS
New Merit: Malleable Shape
Ixier changes its shape at will, taking on the appearance
of anyone whose dreams it has eaten.
DEFENSIVE CHARMS
Nightmare Torrent (10m; Reflexive; Instant;
Essence 2): Ixier unleashes the horrors of the shadow-
land and its victims’ worst fears on its opponent. The
target rolls a die and loses points of Initiative equal to
the value it shows, which Ixier gains. If this crashes the
target, she reflexively flees one range band from Ixier
and forfeits her next reflexive move action.
MOBILITY CHARMS
Impending Death Scent (5m or 10m; Simple;
Until Ixier reaches its destination; Eclipse; Essence 2):
Ixier senses death approaching, and travels to meet it.
It’s drawn unerringly to anyone within 50 miles who
is soon to die, such as those in their final hours of an
illness or old age, or bleeding out from wounds. It es-
pecially loves fresh battlefields, sick houses, and other
such places. For the duration, Ixier travels at double
its normal rate of speed to reach this location. For 10
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motes, if mounted, it may double its mount’s speed
instead.
MISCELLANEOUS CHARMS
Banquet of Daydreams (8m, 1wp; Supplemen-
tal; Instant; Essence 2): On a successful attack, Ixier
feasts on its target’s dreams. A target with an Essence
pool loses five motes (personal first, for Exalts). Ixier
gains a Minor Tie to the subject of any one of the
target’s Ties (player’s choice). The victim loses the Tie
until Ixier dies, or she convinces it to return the dream,
which it can do as a miscellaneous action.
Ixier gains a −2 health level for each Tie it collects this
way. Once Ixier takes damage to one of these health
levels or gives back the dream that provided it, that
level vanishes permanently. Once such a health level
vanishes, the dream is gone and cannot be returned.
At the end of the current story, Ixier fully digests and
absorbs any dreams it still holds, losing all but one of
the health levels and Ties this Charm bestowed.
Hurry Home (10m, 1wp; Simple; Instant; Essence
2): Ixier fades away on its next turn, returning to the
shadowland where it was born.
 C h a pter T hree : S pirits a nd the D e a d
Ninegala
Forge-Goddess of Makelo
Background: Ninegala once labored at the forge of one
of the world’s makers. When the Exalted cast those
ancients down, she exiled herself to Creation, raising
a sanctum on the Western isle of Sinti. Eventually, an
enterprising mortal hero persuaded her to forge him a
weapon in exchange for a year of service; others trickled
in over the centuries. During the Contagion, she opened
her doors to a tribe of survivors. In gratitude, when they
founded the city Makelo (Exalted, p. 105), they took her
as their sovereign god.
Image: Ninegala has charcoal-black skin, ash-gray hair,
and fiery eyes that blaze when her passions are aroused.
She wears little in the forge’s heat, but when traveling
abroad, she arrays herself in arms and armor of her own
devising as she takes up her flying bronze chariot’s reins.
Intimacies: Defining: “I wish only to craft wonders
in peace.”; Major: “I enjoy testing my art’s limits.”;
Makeloans (Affection); Minor: The Fair Folk (Loathing)
Secrets: An ancient goddess, Ninegala holds faded
memories of the Time Before — specifically, the divinity
she served and his workshop in Heaven — though she’s
forgotten more than most living gods recall. She retains
a few relics from that era in her vaults, hidden in plain
sight where none but she might recognize them.
Equipment: Forge-Mother’s Hammer (Goremaul), Ur-
Golem Armor (see below), Quiver of Boundless Javelins
(see below), aerial chariot
Roleplaying Hints: Those seeking Ninegala’s impos-
sible marvels must perform long, weird, and perilous
quests — both to obtain rare crafting materials, and to
discourage future petitioners. Characters might per-
suade her to lend her services without such quests if the
desired artifact is sufficiently exotic and intriguing, or to
ward off a potential threat to her or Makelo’s people.
Should the characters destroy her — to loot her armory,
perhaps, or claim Makelo and its forges for themselves —
powerful beings across the West descend on her vaults.
Some assume the characters have already claimed the
cream of Ninegala’s arsenal and track them down. In ad-
dition, Ninegala retains a few connections in the spirit
courts, such as the dragon Fakharu (Exalted, pp. 521-
523); these may aid her in retrieving stolen goods, or
avenge her if she’s destroyed.
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EX3
Attributes: Strength 7, Dexterity 5, Stamina 7; Cha-
risma 4, Manipulation 2, Appearance 4; Perception
6, Intelligence 5, Wits 5
Essence: 5
Willpower: 8
Join Battle: 9 dice
Personal Motes: 100 (10 committed)
Health Levels: −0/−1x7/−2x7/−4/Incap.
Abilities: Athletics 3, Awareness 4, Brawl 3, Bu-
reaucracy 3, Craft (Armorsmithing) 7, Craft (Artifacts)
7, Craft (Weaponsmithing) 7, Dodge 3, Integrity 4,
Linguistics (Old Realm) 3, Lore (Geology, Metallurgy)
4, Melee 5, Medicine (Treating Burns) 2, Occult (Fire
Spirits) 3, Presence 3, Resistance (Heat and Flame) 6,
Ride (Automata) 4, Socialize (Makeloans) 1, Thrown
5
Merits: Artifact (Boundless Javelin Quiver) 3, Arti-
fact (Flying Bronze Chariot) 4, Artifact (Forge-Moth-
er’s Hammer) 3, Artifact (Ur-Golem Armor) 3, Cult
4, Five-Thousand-Year Panoply (below), Language
(Native: Old Realm; Seatongue) 1, Legendary Artisan
(below), Scripture of the Forge (below)
Attack (Forge-Mother’s Hammer): 13 dice
(Damage 19/4); Tags: Bashing, Melee, Smashing
Attack (Javelin): 13 dice at short range (Damage
16); Tags: Lethal, Melee, Piercing, Thrown (Short)
Combat: Soak 18, Hardness 10 (ur-golem armor:
+11/10); Parry 6 (Melee); Evasion 2 (ur-golem
armor −2); Rush 6 dice; Disengage 6 dice
Social: Resolve 5, Guile 2
Guardians: Numerous golems (Exalted, p. 500)
protect Ninegala’s vaults, alongside various other au-
tomata and traps.
New Merit:
Five-Thousand-Year Panoply
Ninegala may find any simple, straightforward two- or
three-dot artifact within her vaults. Once per story, if
she requires an artifact with specific, esoteric powers,
roll (Essence) dice against the artifact’s rating. Success
reveals it in her vaults; failure reveals an artifact of sim-
ilar function whose rating only equals her successes on
the roll.
 New Merit:
Legendary Artisan
Ninegala doesn’t track or gain crafting expe-
rience — if she must pay a crafting experience
cost, she’s always able to meet it. She has ten
major project slots and five superior project
slots.

New Merit:
Scripture of the Forge
Students learning Craft from Ninegala halve
training times. They gain +2 soak and Hardness
against fire-based attacks and immunity to mi-
nor burns, extending afterward for a duration
equal to the training time. Students who spend
years training under Ninegala obtain fiery eyes
and charcoal-dark skin, marking them as mas-
ters of the forge.

Boundless Javelin
Quiver (Artifact •••)
An oblong case of teak and darkened bronze,
inlaid with the Old Realm word for “Plenty” in
orichalcum and moonsilver, contains a dozen
iron javelins.

Evocations of the Boundless

Javelin Quiver
Passive: The attuned quiver never runs out of
javelins; new ones appear to replace the old.

Distant-Striking Dart
Cost: 1m [+1wp]; Mins: Essence 1; Type: Supple-
mental
Keywords: Uniform
Duration: Instant

Attack a target at up to long range, using the

same dice pool as short-ranged javelin attacks.
Spend one Willpower to attack at long range
without an aim action.
OFFENSIVE CHARMS
Smoldering Metal Offensive (10m,
1wp; Simple; One scene; Uniform; Essence
3): Superheat a weapon Ninegala wields,
adding +4 to withering and decisive
damage. A mundane weapon burns to
ashes or melts to slag after this Charm ends.

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 C h a pter T hree : S pirits a nd the D e a d
DEFENSIVE CHARMS
Fire Knows the Forger (5m; Reflexive; Instant;
Essence 3): Add (Essence) successes to resist a fire-
or heat-based environmental hazard and subtract
that many dice from its damage. Against attacks from
sources such as firewands or fiery dragon breath, this
Charm instead halves their damage.
Steel Knows the Shaper (5m, 2i; Reflexive;
Until next turn; Essence 3): Gain +1 Defense against
weapon-based attacks. If a character attacks Nine-
gala and misses, he’s automatically disarmed — the
weapon flies from his hand lest it strike the forge-god-
dess. Unarmed attacks and improvised weapons are
unaffected.
MISCELLANEOUS CHARMS
Forge-Mother’s Grace (1m+; Reflexive; Instant;
Essence 4): Using an item she made herself, Nin-
egala adds bonus dice as with a Solar Excellency
(Exalted, p. 255). Her maximum is based on the
level of project used to create the item — Basic: +2,
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EX3
Major: +4, Superior: +6, Legendary: +8.
Hammer-and-Anvil Genesis (25m, 1wp;
Simple; One project; Stackable; Essence 5): Au-
tomatically succeed on the roll to complete a basic
or major project. Superior and legendary projects
instead double 7s, double extra successes received
at each interval, and add five rolls to the terminus. This
Charm can stack to benefit multiple projects.
Hurry Home (10m, 1wp; Simple; Instant; Essence
1): Ninegala fades away and vanishes on her next
turn, returning to her sanctum.
Materialize (50m, 1wp; Simple; Instant; Essence
1): Ninegala appears in a wreath of flame.
Measure the Wind (5m; Simple; Instant; Essence
1): Ninegala can discern the nature of anyone han-
dling her workmanship.
Spark of Inspiration (10m, 1wp; Simple; Instant;
Eclipse; Essence 3): Target receives 10 silver craft
points and 3 gold craft points. A character can only
benefit from this Charm once per story.
 ADVERSARIES OF THE RIGHTEOUS
Resplendent Twin
the Shining-Heeled, Queen of Reflections
Background: Once the celestial goddess of heliographs,
Resplendent Twin lost much of her power when the cha-
os of the Contagion and the Fair Folk invasion destroyed
the Shogunate heliograph network. When the Realm
assembled its own system, a better-connected subordi-
nate stole her position. Piqued, she left Heaven for the
Scavenger Lands, establishing a cult as a goddess of mes-
sengers, merchants, travelers, and good fortune.
Formerly a grand dame in the Celestial City’s cotillions,
she misses Heaven’s high society, traveling thousands
of miles to attend particularly lavish soirées or pursue
whispers of reinstatement in Yu-Shan. She favors invi-
tations from wealthy socialites and grants the richest so-
cial contacts, confidential information, and occult beni-
sons. The nature of their business — whether mercenary
work, drugs, or slavery — concerns her not at all.
Image: Resplendent Twin appears as a tawny-skinned
woman with smoke-colored hair, clad in tunic and skirt
of silver, gold, and bronze, or an elegant gown woven of
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light. Her body glows when illuminated, shining ruddily
in firelight or blazing beneath the sun. When she runs,
sparks fly in her wake. More often, she projects her im-
age into priests’ and petitioners’ mirrors.
Intimacies: Defining: Herself (Vanity); Major: “I miss
Heaven’s luxuries.”; “Knowledge is power.”; “Money has
no provenance.”; “Returning to Heaven would be an ad-
mission of defeat.”; Rodo-Capiri, Goddess of Heliographs
(Bitter Grudge); Minor: “I respect a good host.”; Great
Forks (Affection); Her devotees (Obligation)
Secrets: Greyfalls’ Cynis households regularly invite
Resplendent Twin to their galas. In exchange, she fun-
nels information and business to them. Meanwhile, she
remains willfully ignorant of her priests’ efforts to sab-
otage messengers and merchants who don’t tithe to the
cult.
Equipment: Gleaming garments, jewelry, mirror-bright
silver sword, blazing sunbeam bow
 C h a pter T hree : S pirits a nd the D e a d
Roleplaying Hints: Resplendent Twin desires wealth,
power, adoration, and pleasure. She’s not malicious,
but cares little who’s harmed in acquiring such things.
Confronted about collateral damage by incensed
Exalted, she’ll comply with reasonable requests, but
eventually backslides. (She understands Eclipse oaths
and avoids unequivocal promises.) She flees from dan-
ger, abandoning everything to avoid death — and waiting
to rebuild her power before seeking revenge. Ending her
or her cult results in economic upheaval; her dependents
fall from power, others rising in their place.
Attributes: Strength 2, Dexterity 5, Stamina 6; Cha-
risma 4, Manipulation 4, Appearance 5; Perception
5, Intelligence 4, Wits 6
Essence: 4
Willpower: 7
Join Battle: 11 dice
Personal Motes: 90
Health Levels: −0/−1x4/−2x4/−4/Incap.
Abilities: Archery 5, Athletics (Running) 5, Aware-
ness (Sight) 5, Bureaucracy 3, Craft (Heliographs)
2, Dodge 5, Investigation 2, Integrity 1, Linguistics 4
(Codes and Ciphers), Lore 3, Melee 3, Occult (Spirit
Courts) 3, Performance (Dance) 4, Presence (Suppli-
cants) 3, Socialize 4 (Galas)
Merits: Boundless Endurance, Contacts 3, Cult 3,
Fleet of Foot, Followers 3, Influence 4, Language
(Old Realm, Riverspeak, High Realm, Guild Cant) 4,
Resources 4
Attack (Blazing Sunbeam Bow): 15 dice at
short range (Damage 14/4); Tags: Lethal, Archery
(Long)
Attack (Silver Mirror Sword): 11 dice (Damage
14/5); Tags: Lethal, Melee
Combat: Soak 11, Hardness 4 (Light artifact armor:
+5); Parry 5 (Melee; +1 medium weapon); Evasion
5; Rush 12 dice; Disengage 11 dice
Social: Resolve 4, Guile 4
OFFENSIVE CHARMS
Incandescent Reflection Mantle (15m, 1wp;
Reflexive; One scene; Eclipse, Uniform; Essence 4):
Resplendent Twin draws in ambient light, enfolding
herself in a shimmering aura. It’s merely cosmetic in
low-light conditions, but otherwise imposes visual
penalties on any character attacking her or defending
against her attacks, up to −3 under open daylight or
inside a well-lit structure. Especially bright light suf-
fuses her weapons with reflected radiance, adding
(Essence) to the raw damage of withering and de-
cisive attacks.
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EX3
Tower-to-Tower Arrow (7m, 1wp; Supplemental;
Instant; Decisive-only; Essence 4): Resplendent Twin
nocks and fires an unblockable arrow of reflected light
out to extreme range. It can bank off reflective surfaces
to bypass cover — even full cover, if she knows her tar-
get’s location. Each bank shot can extend its range by
an additional extreme range band.
DEFENSIVE CHARMS
Shard Twin Flash (10m, 4i; Reflexive; Instant; Per-
ilous; Essence 4): Resplendent Twin sheds a luminous
reflection between her and an attacker. It performs a
defend other action using her Parry. If the attack hits
Resplendent Twin, she waives this Charm’s Initiative
cost the next time she activates it this scene.
MOBILITY CHARMS
Mile-Eating Stride (15m, 1wp; Simple; One
day; Essence 3): Resplendent Twin runs tirelessly at
100 miles an hour, crossing impassable terrain such
as lakes or canyons up to a mile wide by vanishing
and reappearing on solid ground. Double 7s on
movement rolls, moving from point to point in combat
without crossing the space between, ignoring hazard-
ous terrain. With a touch or to answer a prayer, she
may bestow a lesser form of this Charm. The recipi-
ent gains the same speed and endurance, but cannot
cross through space and only doubles 9s on move-
ment rolls; the duration becomes Indefinite, lasting
until he’s stopped moving for more than a scene.
SOCIAL CHARMS
Everything-in-Common Attitude (15m, 1wp; Re-
flexive; One scene; Essence 2): After a few minutes inter-
acting with a character or observing him in a social setting,
Resplendent Twin makes a read intentions roll to mirror his
demeanor and mannerisms, ingratiating herself to him. If
successful, treat him as having a minor positive Tie towards
her and add +2 to her effective Appearance against him
(even above 5.) She conceals her own motives while re-
flecting his, adding +2 Guile. If a character fails to read
her intentions but rolls enough successes to beat the Guile
of this Charm’s target, he perceives her as holding the in-
tentions or Intimacies of this Charm’s target.
MISCELLANEOUS CHARMS
Hurry Home (10m, 1wp; Simple; Instant; Essence
1): Resplendent Twin becomes two-dimensional and
vanishes on her next turn, reappearing in her mir-
ror-filled Great Forks sanctum.
Materialize (45m, 1wp; Simple; Instant; Essence
1): Like a mirage, Resplendent Twin steps forth from
momentary heat-haze.
Measure the Wind (5m; Simple; Instant; Essence
1): Resplendent Twin can discern the nature of anyone
she sees in a reflective surface.
 ADVERSARIES OF THE RIGHTEOUS

Mirror-as-Window Method (5m; Simple; One
scene; Eclipse; Essence 4): Resplendent Twin proj-
ects her appearance into a mirror within (Essence x
10) miles, allowing her to see out of it and converse
through it. She may invoke this Charm reflexively
to answer a prayer to her at an extended range of
(Essence x 100) miles. Once per story, after she’s
appeared in a mirror, she may pay an additional 45
motes and a Willpower to step out of it, appearing on
the other side. Eclipse Castes who learn this Charm
cannot use it to answer prayers.

Siakal
Western God of Battle, Slaughter, and Sharks
Background: When bloody skirmishes turn Western waters crimson, the
mighty Siakal smiles, her maw full of pointed teeth. The fiercest battles are
feasts for her many children, those sharks and siaka who catch the scent of
blood on the waves and gorge themselves on sailors who go down with their
ships.

The battle-god spends much of her time in Yu-Shan, swimming in a great

pool of black basalt. She rarely involves herself in politics, unless Heavenly
debates touch upon wars in the West. It does little good to threaten other
war gods with conflict when Siakal’s aims clash with her peers’, so she’s
learned other cutthroat tactics to ensure her will prevails. This doesn’t
mean she never resorts to violence — her long and bloody disagreement
with the god Tansang ended in his sacred island of Fenua sinking beneath
the waves. The bodies of its doomed inhabitants fed a thousand siaka.

Though worship of Siakal is banned in Wavecrest and some other

western nations, many sailors still make offerings when their ships
raise battle flags. Lintha pirates wear shark-tooth amulets in her
honor. In Coral, cults dedicated to Siakal turn out fierce,
bloodthirsty warriors. Cautious captains wisely steer
clear of vessels flying shark tooth flags — the emblem
warns those who approach that the crew will grant
enemies no mercy.

Sharks follow in worshipers’ wakes. For a

proper sacrifice — usually ship’s cap-
tives — they’ll come to the crew’s aid
in battle. However, past propitia-
tion doesn’t ensure future co-
operation. If Siakal’s chil-
dren find the offerings
lacking, they’re happy
to feast on the crew.

The war god has lit-

tle use for bravery.
A coward can
slit an enemy’s
throat as easi-
ly as a hero can;
Siakal only cares

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 C h a pter T hree : S pirits a nd the D e a d
that blood tinges the waves. Death and destruction mat-
ter far more to her than boldness and heroics. Many a
worshiper has learned that lesson only when her chil-
dren were circling.
Image: Most of the time, Siakal is a massive shark,
stretching more than 20 yards long. In her human form,
she’s an imposing woman with slate gray skin and flat
lidless eyes. Rows of shark’s teeth fill her mouth.
Intimacies: Defining Principle: “Battles that end in
bloody slaughter please me.”; Major Tie: Children of
Siakal (Motherly Fondness); Minor Principle: “My oppo-
nents will bend to my will one way or another.”; Minor
Tie: The West (Territorial Ownership)
Secrets: While Siakal isn’t invested in the Realm’s loom-
ing civil war, her agents bring her word of the increasing
tensions between Peleps and V’Neef in the West. She’s
begun quietly undermining other war gods’ positions
so she can reap the majority of the benefits should the
Great Houses go to war.
Equipment: Shark’s Tooth, a serrated sword made of
enchanted orca bone and the teeth of dead spirit sharks;
The Predator’s Hide, sharkskin buff jacket
Roleplaying Hints: Siakal doesn’t bother making
friends. Cool and aloof to those who seek an audience
with her, she’s quick to sense weakness and seize upon
advantages.
Attributes: Strength 10, Dexterity 5, Stamina 9; Charis-
ma 3, Manipulation 4, Appearance 1; Perception 4, Intel-
ligence 3, Wits 3
Essence: 6 Churning Waves Defense (3m; Reflexive; Instant;
Willpower: 9
Join Battle: 10 dice
Personal Motes: 110 (10 committed)
Health Levels: −0x10/−1x5/−2x5/−4/Incap.
Abilities: Athletics 4 (Swimming), Awareness 4
(Smell), Brawl 3, Bureaucracy 3 (Yu-Shan), Dodge
4, Integrity 1, Investigation 1, Linguistics 1, Lore 3,
Melee 5, Occult 3, Presence 4, Resistance 3, Social-
ize 3, Stealth 4, Survival 4, War 5 (The West)
Merits: Artifact (Shark’s Tooth) 3; (The Predator’s
Hide, sharkskin buff jacket) 3, Cult 3, Language (Old
Realm, Seatongue) 2, Unusual Hide 3
Attack (Bite): 10 dice (Damage 10) Tags: Brawl,
Lethal, Natural, Piercing
Attack (Shark’s Tooth): 15 dice (Damage 12/5);
Tags: Lethal, Melee, Balanced
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Attack (Grapple): 10 dice (6 to control)
Combat: Soak 20, Hardness 7; Parry 5; Evasion 5;
Rush 9 dice; Disengage 9 dice
Social: Resolve 2; Guile 4
OFFENSIVE CHARMS
Boundless War-God Wisdom (1m+; Reflexive;
Instant; Perilous; Essence 4): Siakal may add dice to
any action in combat. She cannot add more dice to
a roll than her current Initiative, to a maximum of 10.
Join Battle rolls prior to combat may always have up
to 10 dice added.
Breaching Slam (3m; Supplemental; Instant;
Uniform; Essence 3): The god drags her enemy out of
the water with a mighty leap, crushing him beneath
her bulk as they fall back into the waves. Siakal’s
withering and decisive slam attacks also inflict
falling damage on her target (Exalted, p.232).
Pounding Surf Strike (6m, 3i; Simple; Instant;
Essence 3): Siakal thrashes about mightily, batter-
ing her enemies with the force of the tides. The rough
waters around Siakal create an environmental hazard
applied against all enemies within medium range. The
hazard deals 4B/round, with a difficulty of 3 to resist.
Rending Essence Bite (3m; Supplemental; Instant;
Decisive-Only; Essence 3): Siakal’s devastating bite
tears her enemy’s flesh. Her decisive attack deals
aggravated damage.
War God’s Frenzy: (5m; Reflexive; Instant; Deci-
sive-Only; Essence 4): Bloodied waters drive Siakal
to greater heights of violence. After a successful deci-
sive attack, Siakal may immediately make a second
attack against the same target.
DEFENSIVE CHARMS
Essence 3): Siakal twists away from enemy attacks;
what blows land, her thick skin turns aside. Add
(Essence) dice to her Evasion or Parry.
MOBILITY CHARMS
Riptide-Riding Method (3m; Simple; Instant;
Essence 1): While underwater, Siakal propels herself
forward with a mighty flick of her tail, moving an ad-
ditional range band in any direction.
SOCIAL CHARMS
Fanning the Flames (5m; Simple; One Scene;
Essence 2): The god of battle stokes enmity from a
smolder to a blaze. Siakal doubles 9s on social in-
fluence actions involving her target’s negative Inti-
macies. If the subject of that Intimacy is present in the
scene, she doubles 8s.
MISCELLANEOUS CHARMS
General’s Prerogative (20m; Simple; Instant;
Essence 3; Eclipse): Once per scene, Siakal summons
 ADVERSARIES OF THE RIGHTEOUS

a fogshark (Exalted, p. 501) to appear automati-
cally at her side.
Hurry Home (10m, 1wp; Simple; Instant; Essence
1): Siakal fades away and vanishes on her next turn,
reappearing in her basalt pool in Heaven.
Materialize (60m, 1wp; Simple; Instant; Essence
1): Siakal appears in a wave of blood and brine.
Measure the Wind (5m; Simple; Instant; Essence
1): Siakal can take the measure of anyone whose
blood she’s smelled on the wind or tasted in the water.

Yetunda Clatterbones Carrion Queen

Background: Once a pitiably obscure gambling deity, Yetunda used
souls who died over dice to buy her way to the position of carrion
queen. Ever-voracious for power, she became a back-alley divini-
ty of everything from fermentation to funerals, and as recently as
a decade ago seemed on the verge of becoming a regional force.
These ambitions ended when her daughter, Chausa, was con-
sumed by the contaminated power of an Exaltation Yetunda stole.
When Yetunda emerged from a years-long fugue, her cults and
temples had been stripped away.

Yetunda still has one living child: Mwaka, leader of the Graveyard
Kettle (see p. XX). Unlike his half-sister, Mwaka never put
Yetunda on a pedestal; the two trade remarks whenever she visits,
even as they share a “burnt offering” of ox-dragon steak. She of-
ten travels with Mwaka and his hunters, offering wisdom and
playing the cynic. When a rare bright mood takes her, she
guides them to hunt behemoths sanctified in the name of
those loathsome gods who stole from her, and both she
and the hunters grow strong feasting on this sacred flesh.

Image: Yetunda takes the shape of a vulture with terracotta-red

feathers and an oversized, wickedly-hooked black beak. In human
form, she becomes an unhealthily thin woman in a sweeping feath-
er cloak, bald head concealed by a bird-mask of woven red leather
strips. Her dark, wrinkled skin is a painted canvas of red dots
and lines.

Intimacies: Defining: “Don’t gamble what you’re not

prepared to lose.”; Chausa (Ceaseless Guilt); Major:
Mwaka (Poorly-Concealed Affection); Minor: “I
miss the game.”

Secrets: Yetunda once played a game of

dice in which Mwaka won “his life” from
her. She’s recently come to suspect that,
should he die, her divine essence will
be burned out to revive him as one of
the Liminal Exalted. She hasn’t told
him, finding some cold solace in the
possibility.

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 C h a pter T hree : S pirits a nd the D e a d
Equipment: Yetunda’s one remaining symbol of office is
a one-handed warclub of divine bone, its bulbous head
topped with a black jade “beak.” In both forms, she also
wears a necklace hung with carved fangs and tusks from
myriad creatures.
Roleplaying Hints: Yetunda is a worn-out old woman
with a wealth of badly-earned experience and a morbid
sense of humor. She guides the Graveyard Kettle as best
she can, afraid of reclaiming her lost power but nonethe-
less drawn to do so. The prospect of her death no longer
bothers her, but if she can quell an opponent with noth-
ing more than crippling injuries and ghoulish prophe-
cies, so much the better. Her daughter’s death weighs on
her conscience; whenever she remembers the price of
her hubris, she falls into a dark mood from which only
Mwaka can extricate her.
Attributes: Strength 2, Dexterity 4, Stamina 3; Cha-
risma 2, Manipulation 5, Appearance 3; Perception
3, Intelligence 3, Wits 4
Essence: 3
Willpower: 5
Join Battle: 6 dice
Personal Motes: 80
Health Levels: −0x1/−1x3/−2x3/−4x1/Incap.
Abilities: Athletics (Flight) 2, Awareness 2, Brawl
(Talons) 1, Bureaucracy (Dirty Tricks) 3, Craft (Bone
Fetishes) 1, Dodge (Flight) 3, Integrity 2, Investiga-
tion (Corpses) 2, Larceny (Gambling) 2, Linguistics 1,
Melee (Warclub) 2, Occult (Obscure Cults) 1, Pres-
ence 2, Resistance (Disease) 3, Socialize 2, Stealth
2, Survival (Corpses) 3
Merits: Cult 2, Contacts (Terrestrial Spirits) 5
Attack (Warclub): 10 dice (Damage 14/4); Tags:
Bashing, Melee, Smashing
Attack (Talons): 10 dice (Damage 9); Tags: Lethal,
Brawl, Natural
Attack (Grapple): 6 dice (4 dice to control)
Combat: Soak 6, Hardness 0 (Feather Cloak: +3);
Parry 5 (When using her warclub); Evasion 4; Rush 7
dice; Disengage 8 dice
Social: Resolve 3, Guile 4
OFFENSIVE CHARMS
Bone Cracker Club (3m, 1wp; Simple; Instant;
Decisive-only; Essence 2): The carrion queen aims
for marrow with a decisive melee attack, converting
dice up to her target’s wound penalty into success-
es on the damage roll. She can forfeit four levels of
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damage to inflict the Amputee flaw, crippling the
enemy with a shattered bone.
Cloak of the Carrion Queen (10m, 1wp; Simple;
One scene; Eclipse; Essence 2): Yetunda surrounds
herself with a cloud of phantasmal cleaner-birds. This
confusing flock negates the Defense penalty for flur-
rying and allows her to take full defense actions as
part of a flurry.
If someone within short range is suffering a wound
penalty of −2 or greater, the greedy birds swarm
them instead, robbing the god of this Charm’s bene-
fits and inflicting a −1 onslaught penalty on the victim.
Yetunda can direct her birds between potential victims
but cannot recall them without ending the Charm.
INVESTIGATION CHARMS
Measure the Wind (5m; Simple; Instant; Essence
1): The carrion queen can size up anyone suffering
penalties due to wounds or disease.
Sin-eating Secrets (5m; Simple; Instant; Essence
1): Yetunda may devour a corpse’s liver, rolling (Wits
+ Investigation). For each success, she may recall one
of the target’s memories, probing them based either
on time (“last week”) or topic (“the mercenary band
that killed you.”) If she rolls at least three successes,
the target’s ghost passes swiftly through Lethe, freed
of its memories.
MISCELLANEOUS CHARMS
Augur’s Bleak Promise (4m, 1wp; Supplemental;
Instant; Essence 1): Double 9s on a threaten action;
if successful, the target is wracked with visions of his
own death, lowering his Resolve against other fear
effects by 1 for three days.
Roll the Bones (10m, 1wp; Simple; Instant; Eclipse;
Essence 1): Yetunda held onto one trick from her time
as god of a bone-rolling game; the ability to seal a
bet on a game of dice. Such wagers are upheld by
Heaven as though they were an Eclipse-sanctioned
oath (Exalted, p. 176).
A Wake for the Dead (10m, 1wp; Simple; Instant;
Essence 1): The carrion queen blesses a battle,
causing vultures to circle above and, at day’s end,
descend to devour the fallen. Any corpses given such
a sky-burial do not produce hungry ghosts or contrib-
ute to the spread of shadowlands.
Hurry Home (10m, 1wp; Simple; Instant; Essence
1): Yetunda fades away and vanishes on her next
turn, returning to her bone-lined sanctum.
Materialize (40m, 1wp; Simple; Instant; Essence
1): The carrion queen materializes with a wave of de-
cay-choked air.
 ADVERSARIES OF THE RIGHTEOUS

The Prince Resplendent in the Ruin of Ages sat back on his heels in the dust. This was too easy, he
thought. So far, the tomb, ruined though it stood, had been utterly free of traps. No floor plates had
given way beneath his step. No panels had slid open, revealing an array of impaling spikes concealed
to catch the unwary robber. The greatest dangers he’d encountered had come from climbing over
fallen rubble or disturbing spiders’ nests.
That suggested two possibilities. Either explorers who’d come before had sprung all the traps and
carried off all its riches long ago, or the tomb’s designers planned it to lull trespassers into a false
sense of security, and the danger lay deeper within. Was that the trap? Was some subtle sorcery
acting on him even now, reinforcing his desire to test himself against the First Age architects who’d
built it? The thrill of it invigorated him.
The Prince Resplendent hefted a rock and threw it down the hallway ahead of him, listening as it
bounced harmlessly off ancient flagstones until it came to rest in the darkness. No traps sprang. No
gears whirred. Silence filled the halls as echoes died to nothingness.
“Well then,” he said, a wry smile on his lips, “I suppose I have my work cut out for me.”
The afternoon wound on, and the hallways wound round each other until the Prince Resplendent
again found himself staring into the darkness at the same stone he’d tossed hours earlier. He
crouched next to it, considering the maze in which he’d found himself. The Walker in Darkness’ agent
had offered a fortune for the artifacts rumored to be hidden here, and the Abyssal intended to claim it.
This place wouldn’t defeat him.
It took two more journeys around the tunnels before the Prince Resplendent was thoroughly
convinced he’d mapped every twist and turn. He was almost prepared to give up. But why, he kept
wondering, build so ornate a structure to house... utterly nothing? He’d found no burial room. No
bodies laid in ancient stately glory. No halls of treasure. Just hallway upon empty hallway, connecting
ruined room after ruined room. He sat against the wall to rest and think, taking the time to pull a
spring of mint from his pocket to chew. His eyes skimmed the ceiling above as he let his mind drift,
which was how he finally saw it.
He leapt to his feet laughing. “Oh, clever choice!” Of course he hadn’t been able to find the burial
rooms, or the vault, or any of the rest of it. He’d almost missed it, were it not for the unevenness of
the tiles above him. The tomb wasn’t in the maze of tunnels. It was concealed above them, where few
would ever think to look.
It took little time to find a place where the broken tiles gave way to a pitch-dark cavity above. Pulling
himself through the opening, he lit a torch and was rewarded with the white glint of moonsilver.
Everywhere he looked, the precious metal glimmered in the flame’s dancing light. This was, he
realized, an utterly untouched treasure, and it was his for the taking.
Before he set to work gathering his spoils — some for the Deathlord, some for his own cache — he
pulled out his brush and inkstone. He paused a moment, composing a poem to leave as proof of his
passing:
Though the mudskipper dreams of flight,
His treasure he keeps buried within the ground.
Though you tried to hide in the sky,
The dank dirt holds all that is left of you.

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115
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 ADVERSARIES OF THE RIGHTEOUS

Chapter Four

The Exalted
3 Resplendent Fire

My head hurts from drinking with the caravan guard. Their captain, a jovial woman with a shock of red hair,
told the staff to keep our glasses filled until the reserves ran dry. “Celebrate,” she said. “We’re still alive.” Even
though I was already half-drunk, I didn’t miss the wink she gave the caravan god’s priest, or the wry smile he
returned. She’d saved us from bandits; he’d stitched her back together afterwards. The right hand holding her
glass last night was not the same right hand that had wielded her blade during the battle that morning...

THE SOLAR EXALTED

The following characters are Solar Exalted, Chosen of the Unconquered Sun.

Fehim
Three Devils Kingpin
Background: Cast off by his Yane noble parent, The
Three Devils Gang saved Fehim from a young death on
the streets. Wielding courtly graces and quick wit as vi-
ciously as his knives, Fehim became a vital officer in the
gang and an apprentice to their sorcerer Imialek.
Reckless ambition all but destroyed the Three Devils
Gang; Fehim escaped their massacre by sheltering in
a dilapidated temple. Feverish with wounds and ven-
geance, he found the Unconquered Sun in the temple’s
icons — and in turn, the Sun found him.
Intimacies: Defining: “Secrets are power, action is freedom.”
Major: Ualac (Necessary Evil); Minor: “An eye for an eye.”
Secrets: The demon-prince Ualac tutors Fehim. The Twilight
has sacrificed many things in exchange for knowledge and
power: Blood, labor, peril, and even his former mentor, Imialek.
The demon’s demands grow increasingly personal, pressing
Fehim to dirty his hands in gruesome crimes and rituals.
Yane’s Darienite cult has reached out to Fehim, though
the Twilight has not yet sought out one of their priests.

In the months since his Exaltation, Fehim has charmed
Yane society, reinventing himself as a respectable and
courteous astrologer. All the while, the Three Devils
Gang surges anew, bolstered by demon servitors and
guided by a mysterious new leader eager to not only re-
claim old turf, but to establish a stranglehold over Yane’s
criminal underworld.
Image: Fehim is wiry and dark-skinned, with high
cheekbones and dreadlocks tied back. He typically wears
a fine silk robe stitched with tiny runes, and well-tai-
lored sandals. He is missing an eye — lost in a youthful
accident, he claims.
Equipment: Six concealed knives, a burgeoning crime-
cult, and an ancient drape of sacred red-gold woven with
sorcerous power.
Roleplaying Hints: Reeling from the loss of his gang,
Fehim was an easy mark for Ualac. It plays on his am-
bition and fear to encourage audacious expansion, then
offers its help when a venture goes awry. Each time, it
becomes easier to accept.
In his public identity, Fehim enjoys the privileges of
Varangian high society, but secretly scorns its members
as blinkered and complacent. He discovers and exploits
his enemies’ secrets, operating where they dare not.

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 C hapter F o u r : T he E x a lted

In combat, he uses
knives as distractions
while fleeing down a pre-
pared escape route.

Caste: Twilight
Attributes: Strength 2, Dex-
terity 3, Stamina 2; Charisma 2,
Manipulation 4, Appearance 3;
Perception 3, Intelligence 4, Wits 4
Essence: 3
Willpower: 6
Join Battle: 6 dice
Personal Motes: 19
Peripheral Motes: 47 (4 committed )
Health Levels: −0x1/−1x2/−2x2/−4x1/Incap.
Abilities: Awareness 2, Brawl 1, Bureaucra-
cy 2, Craft (Talismans) 2, Dodge 3, Integrity
2, Investigation (Traitors) 4, Larceny (Crim-
inal Empire) 3, Linguistics 2, Lore (Astrolo-
gy) 3, Melee (Knives) 1, Occult (Demons) 3,
Performance 1, Presence 3, Socialize 3, Stealth
2, Thrown 3
Merits: Artifact (Silken Armor) 3, Contacts (Varang Un-
derworld) 1, Familiar (Narom) 3, Infernal Nobility, Influence
(Three Devils Gang) 2, Language (Native: Flametongue,
Old Realm) 1, Mentor (Ualac) 2, Resources (Crimi-
nal Proceeds) 2
Attack (Knife): 8 dice (Damage 9); Tags: Lethal,
Melee, Thrown (Short)
Attack (Grapple): 8 dice (3 dice to control)
Combat: Soak 7, Hardness 4 (Silken Armor: +5); Parry 2 (Brawl
or Melee); Evasion 3 (see Reed in the Wind) Rush 3 dice; Dis-
engage 6 dice
Social: Resolve 3 Guile 4
OFFENSIVE CHARMS
Hinder Pursuit (3m, +3m; Supplemental; Instant; Deci- Reed in the Wind (2i per 1 Evasion;
sive-only, Stackable; Essence 2): If Fehim deals 3+ damage Reflexive; Instant; Perilous): For every two Initia-
with a Thrown weapon, the victim suffers a –3 penalty to tive spent in response to an attack, increase Fehim’s
all dice pools for the scene. He can spend three additional Evasion by one.
motes to convince observers it came from another direction:
they must roll (Wits + Awareness) at difficulty (3 + 10s on SOCIAL CHARMS
Fehim’s attack roll) to realize its true source. Above Suspicion (6m, +1m; Reflexive; One
Vicious Precision (4m; Simple; Instant; Uniform; scene): Fehim’s presence isn’t considered suspicious,
Essence 1): Fehim hurls a knife using its close range so long as he acts naturally and wears appropriate
accuracy bonus, ignoring cover. At close range, his garb. His Guile is 6 against read intentions rolls; he
target’s defense is lowered by one. may spend one mote to increase it to 7.
DEFENSIVE CHARMS Motive-Discerning Technique (3m; Supplemen-
tal; Instant): Double 9s on a read intentions roll. Fehim
Pristine Scholar Stance (2m; Reflexive; Instant, may also substitute his Wits for Perception when using
Essence 1): Fehim ignores penalties to his Evasion and this on a character with whom he is speaking.
succeeds when an attack ties his Defense.

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 ADVERSARIES OF THE RIGHTEOUS

FALLING EVEN FARTHER

Without outside intervention, Fehim inevitably sacrifices his soul to Ualac, eternally yoking himself to the demon’s
icy will. Fehim, emboldened by early successes or frustrated by small defeats, accepts increasingly dangerous
bargains from Ualac in exchange for favors, powerful servants, and hellish artifacts. Each deal costs Fehim a little
more of his freedom and pride, either dirtying his hands, hardening his heart, or forcing him to rely more and more
on Ualac’s power and support.

This need not happen. While Fehim is not yet truly damned, heroic effort and compassion can help him escape the
vicious cycle of his demonic debts.

Pillar of the Community (—; Permanent;): Fehim
cannot be recognized from a crime scene by witness-
es who don’t know him personally, and officials at-
tempting to establish his identity suffer a −2 penalty
to Bureaucracy and Investigation actions. He can
always play on a Minor Intimacy to convince crimi-
nals he’s a fellow outlaw, and once a day can add
nine successes to a Larceny or Stealth action.
Stubborn Boar Defense (—; Permanent): Fehim’s
Resolve increases by +2 against persuade actions he
has already resisted.
Subtle Speech Method (3m; Simple; Instant):
Subtle meanings underlie Fehim’s words, conveying a
hidden idea only to its intended recipients.
KNOWLEDGE CHARMS
Demon Dealer (3m [1m]; Reflexive; One scene;
Essence 1): Fehim can perceive immaterial spirits, and
may spend one mote to supplement his attack so it
strikes one.
Surprising Erudition (—; Permanent; Essence 2):
Fehim is automatically aware of criminal actions in
his presence. Once per story, he can reveal a new
Lore specialty, and adds three non-Charm successes
to any Lore roll regarding astrology or this specialty.
Sorcery
Shaping Ritual: Fehim makes a living sacrifice to Ualac
in person, gaining sorcerous motes equal to its Essense,
+5 for an Exalt. If the sacrifice affirmed one of Ualac’s
Intimacies, Fehim gains extra sorcerous motes equal to
that Intimacy’s rating.
SPELLS
Corrupted Words (Exalted, p. 472)
Demon of the First Circle (Exalted, p. 473)
Infallible Messenger (control, Exalted, p. 474): This
spell’s cherub resembles Ualac’s porcelain child form.
Silent Words of Dreams and Nightmares
(Exalted, p. 475).
Narom,
Stomach Bottle-Bug Familiar
Fist-sized, ten-legged black beetles, Alveua forged the
sesseljae to cleanse Malfeas’ foulness. Sorcerers employ
them as internal “tasters,” for a stomach bottle-bug will
cheerfully gorge on poisons. Narom guards his master
against poison, keeps him sober, watches for danger
through the back of his skull, and even sings him to sleep.
Essence: 2; Willpower: 4; Join Battle: 5 dice
Personal Motes: 70
Health Levels: −0x1/−1x1/−2x1/−4x4/Incap.
Actions: Internal Surgery: 10 dice; Resist Poison/
Illness: 8 dice; Senses: 4 dice (see Drunkard’s Nose);
Stealth: 7 dice (see Tiny Creature); Swim: 5 dice; (see
Flesh-Swimmer)
Appearance 1, Resolve 3, Guile 1
COMBAT
Attack (Needle Legs): 8 dice (Damage 1L; see
Stomach Bug Surgery)
Combat Movement: 5 dice
Evasion 3, Parry 1 (see Tiny Creature)
Soak/Hardness: 1/0
MERITS
Allergic to Purity: The demon suffers from expo-
sure to tears, seawater, silver, gold, salt, and vir-
gin’s blood as though ingesting a dose of hemlock
(Exalted, p. 234). It cannot roll to resist.
Drunkard’s Nose: Stomach bottle-bugs add three
automatic successes to any attempt to identify disease
or poison (including recreational drugs).
Flesh-Swimmer: Sesseljae can swim through air,
liquid, and organic material, and can freely enter the
bodies of willing creatures.

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 C hapter F o u r : T he E x a lted
Tiny Creature: Sesseljae add +2 Evasion against
attacks made by larger foes. In addition, larger char-
acters subtract two successes from Awareness-based
rolls to notice it.
MEDICAL CHARMS
Stomach Bug Surgery (15m; Simple; Indefinite;
Essence 2): The bottle-bug attunes to a living host,
granting it several Merits: Exalted Healing, Iron
Stomach, Natural Immunity, and Toxin Resistance.
Spice of Corrosion (3m; Reflexive; Instant; Essence
1): The sesseljae doubles 9s to resist poison or disease,
and suffers the affliction in place of its host.
Harrowing Silence
Chosen Guardian of Her People
Background: When the lingering threat of the Winter
Folk materialized in the dead of night, a young woman
who came of age as a street rat living on the fringes of
her society used knowledge of her village’s secrets to
lead her people to a long-forgotten mine — a place where
they could safely make their home underground and re-
build their community out of reach of the fae that hunt-
ed them. It was this act of selflessness that captured the
attention of the Unconquered Sun, and the one known as
Harrowing Silence greeted the day and what remained
of her home with new gifts meant to help her protect
those she had saved who now saw her as a hero.
With what was left of her decimated town repurposed
for farmland, Harrowing Silence now takes it upon her-
self to patrol the land above the underground commu-
nity and fend off anyone who dares approach whether
they are visitor, wanderer, or fae. She hides in plain sight
among the snow drifts, stalking a path around the en-
trance to the mines and refusing to let anyone in or out
as she fiercely protects the villagers and their secrets.
Traders and scavengers alike have spoken of the mys-
terious woman who strikes down those who cross into
her territory, though the village itself is now a distant
memory.
Desperate to maintain the life she knows and to retain
the adoration and fear of those who dwell within the
mountain, Harrowing Silence has become a terrifying
threat as she begins to expand the territory she claims as
her own and as she grows more and more consumed by
the force that drives her: she was chosen to protect her
people, and anyone or anything that might interfere with
her doing so must be eliminated.
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MISCELLANEOUS CHARMS
Hurry Home (10m, 1wp; Simple; Instant; Essence
1): The demon vanishes on its next turn, drawn to its
summoner’s side. This Charm cannot be used while
unbound.
Materialize (35m, 1wp; Simple; Instant; Essence
1): The sesseljae takes on flesh, scurrying from grimy
shadow.
Measure the Wind (5m; Simple; Instant; Essence
1): The sesseljae discerns the nature of someone it
swims inside.
Image: Harrowing Silence is often seen as a flash of met-
al as her spear slashes through air or a rush of wind kick-
ing up a torrent of snow before her tall, imposing figure
is spotted through the fog. Her earth-tone garments are
often caked with snow when not serving as camouflage,
and even her long hair glistens with beads of ice. She
keeps her garments lined with fur to protect against the
cold, but is careful not to wrap herself so tightly that her
movements are inhibited.
Intimacies: Defining: “Without my home, I am noth-
ing.;” Major: Outsiders (Wary suspicion); “Change is the
enemy of peace;” Minor: Her spear (Prized possession)
Secrets: Though she tells the villagers that nothing
waits for them in the outside world, Harrowing Silence
knows that the mines they inhabit are still rich with ores
thought to be lost to time. Several emissaries from the
Heptagram and Whitewall’s colleges have been struck
down by her blades for surveying the nearby area for
these minerals, and she has begun venturing further
from home in order to seek them out before her people
can be discovered.
Equipment: Spear, hunting knife, hide jerkin and fur
wraps, rucksack with rations. If she has recently been
hunting she will be carrying her quarry or items scav-
enged from an intruder.
Roleplaying Hints: Having learned that it is better to be
appreciated for her ability to strike fear into those she
encounters than to be unknown and lost to history, her
focus is rooted in a desire for acceptance and she could
be open to persuasion if one were to choose the right
words when addressing her.
 ADVERSARIES OF THE RIGHTEOUS

Caste: Night
Supernal Ability: Stealth
Anima: A great bird of prey
Attributes: Strength 5, Dexterity 4, Stamina 4; Charisma 2, Manipulation 1,
Appearance 4; Perception 4, Intelligence 3, Wits 4
Essence: 2;
Willpower: 6
Join Battle: 8 dice
Personal Motes: 16
Peripheral Motes: 40
Health Levels: -0/-1x3/-2x4/-4/Incap.
Abilities: Athletics 3, Awareness 4, Brawl 1, Dodge 3, Integrity 2, Investi-
gation 1, Melee 3, Presence 1, Resistance 2, Stealth 5, Survival 5, Thrown
3
Merits: Demesne 2, Direction Sense 1, Fast Reflexes 3, Tempered By The
Elements 2 – Deep Snow
Specialties: Melee (Spear), Survival (Tracking)
Attack (Spear): 9 dice – Lethal, Melee, Piercing, Reaching (damage
16)
Attack (Hunting Knife): 11 dice – Lethal, Melee, Thrown (Short)
(damage 12)
Combat: Soak 7 (Light Armor +3); Parry: 5 (melee); Evasion: 4;
Rush: 3 dice; Resolve: 3; Guile: 1; Disengage: 7 dice

OFFENSIVE CHARMS
Excellent Strike (3m; Supplemental; Uniform; Instant): Har-
rowing Silence channels her Essence to hone her accuracy and
gains one automatic success in her attack. She also rerolls all 1s
until they no longer appear.
One Weapon, Two Blows (3m; Reflexive; Instant): While
trading blows, Harrowing Silence senses an opening to strike with
great speed. After making a withering attack that lowers her oppo-
nents Initiative below her own she may use this charm to unleash a
second withering or decisive attack against that opponent.
Precision of the Striking Raptor (1m; Supplemental; Wither-
ing-only; Instant): Imbuing her hunting knife with Essence, Harrowing
Silence is able to throw it as if she were at close range regardless of
the distance between her and her target. If she is already at close
range, the target’s defense is lowered by one.
Joint Wounding Attack (3m; Supplemental; Decisive-only, Stack-
able; Instant): Marking her target, Harrowing Silence throws her knife
with deadly purpose. If it does at least three damage, her opponent
adds -3 to their dice pools for the rest of the scene.
DEFENSIVE CHARMS
Blinding Battle Feint (3m; Supplemental; Instant): Leaping in and
out of battle with nigh untraceable speed, Harrowing Silence may use
her (Dexterity + Stealth) to Join Battle. If she beats her opponents Aware-
ness-based Join Battle roll she is automatically concealed so long as
there is a viable place to hide, and any other Join Battle rolls from foes
must make an Awareness check to be able to detect her.

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 C hapter F o u r : T he E x a lted
Dark Sentinel’s Way (1m; Reflexive; Mute;
Instant): Harrowing Silence may use a defend other
action on a subject and conceal her action while
hidden. Parrying incoming attacks cause her to flicker
briefly into view before vanishing once more.
Reed in the Wind (2i per 1 Evasion; Reflexive;
Perilous; Instant): Drawing on her own momentum
in response to an attack, Harrowing Silence gains 1
Evasion. She may spend additional Initiative to gain
multiple Evasion, and raises the cap on how much she
may enhance her Evasion with her Essence.
Ox-Body Technique (Stackable; Permanent): Har-
rowing Silence is more durable than her mortal coun-
terparts and has gained one -1 and two -2 health
levels.
Smoke and Shadow Cover (3m; Reflexive; Mute;
Instant): Becoming one with the shadows, Harrowing
Silence may treat mild concealment as light cover,
heavy concealment as heavy cover, and completely
dark environments as full cover. This requires a take
cover combat action that replaces her Dodge with
Stealth unless she is already concealed, and ranged
attacks are penalized by one success.
MOVEMENT CHARMS
Flashing Nocturne Prana (10m, 1wp; Reflexive;
Mute, Perilous; Indefinite;): In concealment, Har-
rowing Silence marks her current location. By ending
this Charm she instantly returns to it, as long as she is
within long range, and automatically enters conceal-
ment. She can’t be detected at all for two rounds.
Shadow-Crossing Leap Technique (5m, 1wp;
Reflexive; Mute; Instant): Unfurling her unseen anima,
Harrowing Silence leaps to join the darkness she has
conquered to instantly move up to one range band
from one place of cover to another without penalty if
there is a sufficient path for her to do so.
Trackless Region Navigation (5m, 1wp; Reflex-
ive; Indefinite): Greatly familiar with her surroundings,
Harrowing Silence and a group of up to 4 followers
can travel through her region with ease and automat-
ically succeed on any Survival rolls to find the next
shelter.
MISCELLANEOUS CHARMS
Guardian Fog Approach (3m; Simple; Mute;
Instant): Harrowing Silence may obscure someone
else with her own efforts to remain hidden so long as
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she is touching them and is also attempting a Stealth
action. Half of her successes and any stunt bonuses on
this action are added as dice to her charge’s stealth
roll.
Hardship-Surviving Mendicant Spirit (5m;
Reflexive; One day): Harrowing Silence is able
to survive even the most hostile conditions without
special preparation and does not take environmental
penalties to her Survival rolls, though she is not pro-
tected against environmental damage. The difficulty to
forage and find shelter is also lowered by 2.
Keen Hearing and Touch Technique (3m;
Simple; One scene): With a simple touch Harrowing
Silence may identify materials she knows, or she may
instead listen intently for otherwise unnoticeable. For
the rest of the scene she automatically succeeds at
rolls of difficulty 2, and for more complicated actions
the difficulty is lowered by 1. For 6 motes, this charm
lasts indefinitely.
Sensory Acuity Prana (5m; Reflexive; One
scene): Sharpening her senses in order to more
easily monitor her surroundings, for the rest of the
scene Harrowing Silence’s Awareness rolls benefit
from double 9s.
Surprise Anticipation Method (Reflexive; Instant):
Harrowing Silence’s keen senses and familiarity with
her surroundings aid in guarding her from threats she
is not consciously aware of, and threats revealed
while she is asleep or unconscious automatically
wake her. Awareness checks to reveal any source of
harm grant 1 mote of Essence for every 9 that is rolled
and 2 motes for every 10. These motes can only be
used to offset the cost of Awareness Charms used to
reveal a threat.
Studied Ear Espial (1m; Reflexive; Instant): Focus-
ing on sounds of movement, Harrowing Silence is can
notice anything that disturbs the stillness around her.
She gains +3 dice to spot a character attempting to
move in stealth.
Unshakeable Bloodhound Technique (4m;
Supplemental; Instant): Harrowing Silence may track
someone by instinct, even if there are few signs of their
presence. When making a (Perception + Survival)
roll she may reroll all 5s and 6s until they no longer
appear and treat 1s rolled by her opposition as 10s
for her results.
 ADVERSARIES OF THE RIGHTEOUS
DRAGON-BLOODED
The following characters are Dragon-Blooded, the Chosen of the Five Elemental Dragons.
Cynis Borok
The Self-Involved Satrap
Background: Though the blood of Cynis runs thin
in his veins, Borok holds lofty aspirations and is
willing to go to any lengths to prove the capability
of his branch of the family line — including bragging
about his abilities to turn a disappointingly rural sa-
trapy into a thriving hub of culture and commerce.
He certainly has his work cut out for him now
that he has been appointed, and rumors have
begun to suggest that Borok’s selection was
more an effort to prove his shortcomings
rather than to highlight his strengths in
leadership.
Too poor to be of note and with too few
exports to matter, the eastern satrapy
Borok supervises was once a decent
producer of lumber until resources and
local morale depleted and its garrisons were
withdrawn to the Blessed Isle with no inten-
tion of returning. The situation he encoun-
tered during his first visit was even more dire
than he was originally led to believe, a fact that
Borok suspects was an intentional act meant
to sabotage his efforts, and since this discov-
ery he has committed to all manner of decep-
tion as a part of convincing others of his false
success while imposing extreme taxes and
generally establishing himself as an unforgiv-
ing tyrant.
Borok hopes that his efforts will aid in mak-
ing a name for himself and proving that he
is capable of holding his own, even if this
is proving to be a much more difficult task
than he originally anticipated. Aside from
encountering some difficulty in garnering
support for his various projects, Borok also
faces the trouble of fending off raiders with
only an ill-armed local militia remaining to
protect his new project. His growing frustra-
tion with the situation has made him quick
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to anger and eager to threaten those who are
unwilling to lend their own resources toward
making his taxpayers miserable.
Image: Cynis Borok is generally accepted as
the last man that you would wish to choose
for the job, and he exudes this with his
very appearance: an almost sickly
looking man, he does not show any
outward sign of muscle or strength
and his pale face does little to make
any sort of impression on those who
have the misfortune of carrying on a
conversation at length with him. He
keeps his long hair tied back in a neat
ponytail and tries his best to dress in a
manner befitting his post, but his efforts
are generally lost next to the distraction of
the sneer that seems to grace his lips on a
constant basis.
Intimacies: Defining: “My authority de-
mands respect.”; Major: Local Leaders
(Disdain), His Sifu (Respect); Minor:
“Protection is a privilege worth paying
for,” His Successful Sister (Envy)
Secrets: Though he claims his loyalty
to his family is beyond measure, Borok
is currently distracted by an admiral
from House Ragara who has prom-
ised him great power if he turns over
sensitive information regarding one
of the ports in a satrapy adjacent to
his own.
Equipment: Fine robes tied with
a silk sash to be used for combat.
Borok also enjoys adorning himself
with signs of wealth and prosperity
that will be noticed by others.
 C hapter F o u r : T he E x a lted
Roleplaying Hints: Borok will do anything to achieve
his goals, and his number one priority is himself. A blow
to his ego could be just as detrimental as a physical blow,
and he will certainly retaliate tenfold using any and all
available resources.
Aspect: Air
Attributes: Strength 2, Dexterity 2, Stamina 3; Cha-
risma 3, Manipulation 5, Appearance 4; Perception
4, Intelligence 3, Wits 4;
Essence: 2
Willpower: 6
Join Battle: 5 dice
Personal Motes: 13
Peripheral Motes: 31
Health Levels: -0/-1x2/-2x2/-4/Incap.
Abilities: Athletics 2, Awareness 1, Bureaucracy
3, Dodge 3, Integrity 3, Linguistics 2, Martial Arts
(Dreaming Pearl Courtesan) 4, Melee 2, Perfor-
mance 2, Presence 3, Resistance 2, Ride 1, Socialize
4, War 1
Merits: Artifact 2, Backing 2, Fast Reflexes 3, Martial
Artist 4, Resources 2
Specialties: Bureaucracy (Local Laws), Bureaucra-
cy (Taxes), Linguistics (Propaganda), Performance
(Public Speaking), Socialize (Court Functions), War
(Gateway)
Attack (Sash, Dreaming Pearl): 11 dice –
Bashing, Martial Arts, Flexible, Grappling (damage
12)
Combat: Soak 8 (Artifact Light Armor +5); Parry: 3
(Martial Arts); Evasion: 3; Rush 4 dice; Disengage:
5 dice
Social: Resolve: 4; Guile: 5
Protectors: While in combat, Borok may assemble
a battle group of Elite Bodyguards (Exalted, p. 497)
with the following traits: Size 1, Elite Drill, Magnitude
7. This group is led by a skilled lieutenant who is proud
of their position and fiercely loyal to the Realm in spite
of their lack of confidence in Cynis Borok as a leader.
OFFENSIVE CHARMS
Hammering Wave Technique  (1m per +1 die;
Supplemental; Instant): Add up to (Martial Arts +
Specialty) bonus dice on an attack and deal lethal
damage unarmed. Reroll 6s on the damage roll until
they cease to appear. 
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Elegant Weapon Repertoire (3m; Supplemental;
Instant; Dual): Add a  withering  attack’s Accuracy
bonus to damage, or one die of decisive damage.
Alternatively, ready an item as a mundane light
weapon. 
Dreaming Pearl Courtesan Form  (8m; Simple;
One scene): Borok can make Martial Arts attacks
at short range. His Elegant Weapon Repertoire and
Pearlescent Filigree Defense use the traits of artifact
weapons and armor. On a successful disengage with
5+ successes, Borok can use this form reflexively. 
DEFENSIVE CHARMS
Threshold-Warding Stance  (2m per success or
+1 Evasion; Reflexive; Instant): Add up to ([Dodge
+ Specialty] / 2), rounded down, to Evasion, or in
automatic successes on a Dodge roll. Ignore environ-
mental penalties. 
Demure Carp Feint  (3m; Reflexive; Instant): Add
+1 Evasion or one success on a disengage. If Borok’s
Appearance beats his attacker’s Resolve or that of
all characters he is disengaging from, he adds +2
Evasion or two successes instead. He gains 1 Initiative
when he succeeds on a disengage against an enemy
whose Resolve is lower than his Appearance. 
Pearlescent Filigree Defense (1m; Reflexive; One
scene): Treat clothing as light armor. When hit by an
attack, Borok may spend up to (Appearance) motes
and add that much to his armored soak against it. 
SOCIAL CHARMS
Loquacious Courtier Technique (2m per success
or +1 Guile; Reflexive; Instant; Mute): Add up to ([So-
cialize + Specialty] / 2) to Guile or in bonus success-
es to a Socialize roll. 
Smoothing-Over-The-Past Technique  (3m,
1wp; Simple; Instant; Psyche): Roll instill with (Ma-
nipulation + Socialize) to make one character forget
a past incident of misbehavior by Borok. Resisting
this influence requires entering a Decision Point and
calling at least a Major Tie. 
Wind-Carried Words Technique  (3m; Simple;
Instant): Send a message of up to a few sentences to
a character within (Essence) miles. 
Voices on the Wind  (5m; Supplemental; Instant):
Add (Linguistics) dice on a Perception-based roll to
eavesdrop. If Borok reads the intentions of a character
he’s eavesdropping on, she takes -2 Guile for being
unaware of him.
 ADVERSARIES OF THE RIGHTEOUS

Gleaming Gneiss
Ambitious Sorcerer
Background: Young Gleaming Gneiss dreamed of
ancient wonders far beneath her snowy home in
the city-state of Eaves. For years, the dreams
taunted her; what felt so real as she slept
dissolved upon waking. Feathersteel mine
tunnels resembled those of her dream-
scapes, but never led to the ruins she
was certain hid within. Finally, when
yet another search failed after years
of frustrated exploration, Gneiss gave in to
her rage and despair. Stone crumbled as
she struck the walls in thoughtless fury;
the power of Pasiap burst from her like a
landslide. When the dust cleared, the wreckage
revealed a timeworn passageway.

At tunnel’s end lay a forgotten settlement’s ruins,

just as they’d appeared in her dreams. She found
Glacier’s Edge — a machine made in humanity’s im-
age and brought to life by sorcerous power — partial-
ly buried in the rubble. To Gneiss’ shock, it whirred to
life and spoke, offering her a deal: It would teach her
sorcery, if she’d repair it and set it free.

Upon returning home, Gneiss dreamed herself claiming a seat

among Eaves’ ruling Ministers as first among not-quite-equals.
Since then, she’s set her sights on making it come true. Her pro-
posed plans outstrip the current ministers’ in urban progress
and expanding mining into ruins farther afield, garnering her a
small but devoted following among Eaves’ treasure hunters and
merchants — and enemies among its politicians.

Image: Gleaming Gneiss is a solid, imposing woman in

her early 20s. Layers of thick fur insulate her against her
homeland’s biting cold. Indoors, she prefers sturdy wool and
leather work clothes. Auburn and blonde streaks run through
her dark hair, reminiscent of the stone after which she’s named;
calculating curiosity often lights her bright blue eyes.

Intimacies: Defining: “Power is knowledge.”; Major: The

Ministers of Eaves (Contempt), Sorcery (Obsession), Glacier’s
Edge (Curiosity); Minor: Eaves (Affection)

Secrets: Completely restoring Glacier’s Edge to its original function-

ality requires hard-to-procure materials and knowledge beyond Gneiss’
current ken. She visits her mentor-machine in the ruins often to learn from
it and study its composition. She pays handsomely for occult tomes and
bespoke parts whose use she refuses to reveal before secreting them away
in the ruins, whose entrance she hides from mortal eyes.

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 C hapter F o u r : T he E x a lted
Gneiss’ determination to follow her prophetic dreams en-
ticed the god Owl From Out of the East, who watches over
ambitious people chasing their desires. Her sudden surge of
concentrated ambition upon returning home intrigues him.
The ruins contain many more ancient wonders than one
sorcerous machine, and splitting her time between po-
litical maneuvering, studying sorcery, and hunting down
supplies and lore means Gneiss hasn’t had time to fully
investigate or inventory most of it yet.
Equipment: Gleaming Gneiss is rarely without her thick leath-
ers, furs, a steel breastplate, mining tools, and a wrackstaff. She
carries arcane devices, strange gemstones, rare metals, and oth-
er materials that might help her repair Glacier’s Edge.
Roleplaying Hints: Gleaming Gneiss speaks directly,
without flair. She’s ambitious, boldly pursuing opportu-
nities to advance her plans for Eaves’ future. Gneiss con-
siders every angle when dealing with others. She bar-
gains most willingly with those who are up front about
what they want and why.
Aspect: Earth
Attributes: Strength 3, Dexterity 3, Stamina 4; Cha-
risma 1, Manipulation 3, Appearance 4; Perception
2, Intelligence 5, Wits 2
Essence: 2
Willpower: 6
Join Battle: 7 dice
Personal Motes: 13
Peripheral Motes: 31
Health Levels: −0/−1x2/−2x2/−4x4/Incap.
Abilities: Athletics 2, Awareness 5, Brawl 3, Craft
(Artifacts, Metalsmithing) 4, Integrity 4, Linguis-
tics (Translation) 2, Lore (Northern Ruins, Sorcerous
Workings) 5, Melee 3, Occult 5, Presence (Threaten)
3, Resistance (Cold) 2, Socialize 3
Merits: Boundless Endurance, Language (Native:
Skytongue; Local Tongues (Northern tribes), Old
Realm, Riverspeak) 3, Resources 1
Attack (Unarmed): 6 dice (Damage 6) Tags:
Bashing, Brawl, Grappling, Natural
Attack (Wrackstaff): 9 dice (Damage 12/4);
Tags: Bashing, Melee, Reaching
Combat: Soak 9 (medium armor +5); Hardness 0;
Parry 2 (Melee); Evasion 1; Rush 4 dice; Disengage
4 dice
Social: Resolve 3, Guile 2
OFFENSIVE CHARMS
Crimson Fang Bite (3m, 1wp; Supplemental;
Instant; Fire, Dual): Add 3 damage to a withering
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Melee attack, or double three 10s on a decisive
Melee damage roll.
DEFENSIVE CHARMS
Impervious Skin of Stone (4m; Reflexive; Instant;
Earth, Balanced, Withering-only): Double Stamina to
determine natural soak against a withering attack.
In Earth Aura, this Charm can be used after an attack
hits but before damage is rolled.
Five Winds Raiment (3m,1a; Supplemental; Until
spell is cast; Air): Gain 1 Defense and 2 Hardness
until Gneiss casts the supplemented spell or stops
shaping. In Air Aura this doesn’t count as a Charm
bonus and the added Hardness is 3 instead.
SOCIAL CHARMS
Heart-Hardening Meditation (6m; Reflexive;
One scene; Earth): Gain +2 Resolve against inspire
actions and any influence that leverages an inspired
emotion, or a Tie based on passions. In Earth Aura this
doesn’t count as a Charm bonus.
Burning Dragon Mien (4m; Simple; Instant;
Fire): Roll a threaten action against one target with
double 9s. If successful, target also loses 1i even if
they resist the influence.
Miscellaneous Charms
Hidden Secrets Whisper (1m per die; Supple-
mental; Instant; Air, Balanced, Excellency): Gain 1
die per mote spent to an Occult roll. Each 10 rerolls
one non-1 failure.
Sorcery
Shaping Ritual: Gleaming Gneiss carries a piece of
Glacier’s Edge with her, a metal part full of gears and
switches. She rearranges their configuration while
meditating on a target’s likely courses of action. Roll
Intelligence + Socialize, difficulty (5 – target’s Guile).
Gneiss gains sorcerous motes equal to her threshold suc-
cesses + Essence, which last for the scene
SPELLS
Glacier’s Touch: (12sm, 1wp; 5 turns; Decisive-on-
ly; Control): The air within medium range becomes a
heavy mist, choking all who breathe it, treat this as a
difficulty 3 environmental hazard with damage 3L/
round. Characters with supernatural resistance to cold
are immune.
A character who suffers damage to their −4 health levels
from this spell freezes, transforming into a living ice statue.
At the end of their next turn, the victim’s hands and feet turn
to ice, imposing a −3 penalty to all physical actions. The
turn after that, their arms and legs freeze solid, worsening
the penalty to −5 and making move actions impossible.
 ADVERSARIES OF THE RIGHTEOUS
By the end of the third turn, only an ice sculpture remains.
Charms like Wound-Accepting Technique (Exalted, p.
332) that infuse someone directly with life energy or vital
Essence can slow the effect, making it run its course over
days instead. The effect may be undone (Exalted, p.
466) with an Ambition 3 sorcerous working.
Distortion (Goal Number: 7): Distorting this spell
lessens the cold’s bite, converting the environmental
Ragara Feria
Admiral of the Imperial Air Fleet
Background: One of the few outside of House Peleps
who are trusted as leaders among their ranks, Fleet
Admiral Ragara Feria is a decisive and focused leader
who has earned the adoration of her crew both for her
tactical know-how and her brilliant personality and
wit — which both serve as contributing factors toward
arousing terror in those who bring trouble to her wa-
ters. She prioritizes her career above all else, and has not
made any effort to settle down and marry a man or wom-
an as a result.
Feria is committed to maintaining peaceful seas through
aggressive tactics and ruthless politics, and does not
shy away from pursuing reports of piracy or illicit trade
even if she has only a fraction of the details. If she should
hear whispers that there are plans for a strike on a lo-
cal port she will do everything in her power to eliminate
the problem before it has time to exist. Likewise, she has
been well revered by her peers for her keen eye for stow-
aways and harsh punishments toward those looking to
abuse fleet privileges. She regularly receives dispatches
on Anathema sought by the Wyld Hunt, and often enjoys
tracking them down personally — an effort that has not
gone unnoticed among her superiors.
Though she understands the duties of her position and
willingly answers to House Peleps regarding her work,
Feria has been under pressure since the Empress disap-
peared to use her fleet for House Ragara’s own purposes
— particularly to make sure that key shipments arrive in-
tact and on time. Feria holds great respect for the ranks
and rulings of the Navy and values peace between the
houses, but has found that her loyalties are being tested
as she considers what the implications could be for both
herself and her position if she chooses to disrupt the bal-
ance that she has maintained for so long.   Imperial Navy. Though she is a skilled fighter, she prefers to
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hazard’s damage to bashing. Characters whose
−4 health levels the spell damages don’t become
ice statues, but suffer –4 to all physical actions until
scene’s end.
Invulnerable Skin of Bronze (Exalted, p. 474)
Silent Words of Dreams and Nightmares
(Control) (Exalted, p. 475)
Image: Ragara Feria carries herself with the confidence
of a leader and is rarely seen outside of her military uni-
form. Her terra-cotta complexion suggests that she hails
from a region far from the frigid northern seas where her
fleet sails, though her soft features are often obscured by
a focused expression while she is engaged in her work.
Raiders who dare set course through her waters often
whisper warnings of the admiral who sets ships aflame
with her very step as they recount the foreboding sight
of her burning anima during a dark night at sea.
Intimacies: Defining: “Fear is a necessary weap-
on.”; Major: House Peleps (Respect), House Ragara
(Obligation), Tanoa’s Kiss (Protection); Minor: “Peace is
subjective,” Raiders (Loathing)
Secrets: Feria is quick to condemn piracy and works dil-
igently to prevent raids and scavenging, but has person-
al reasons for wishing to see to certain things in person
— she has been amassing a small collection of souvenirs
from defeated foes, including objects that may be of in-
terest to some particular devotees of the Immaculate
Order.
Equipment: Naval Admiral’s uniform, Tanoa’s Kiss,
spyglass. Feria is also typically armed with a number of
small blades suitable for close combat, especially if she
is preparing to board a ship or break up a raid firsthand.
In addition to her uniform, Feria dons a buff jacket rein-
forced with black jade to prepare for difficult adversar-
ies and raids.
Roleplaying Hints: Ragara Feria is aware of her own pres-
ence and influence, but does not believe she is superior
to any members of her own fleet or her peers within the
attempt to intimidate her foes before striking them down.
 C hapter F o u r : T he E x a lted

Aspect: Fire
Attributes: Strength 3, Dexterity 4, Stamina 3; Charisma 3, Manipulation 5, Ap-
pearance 4; Perception 4, Intelligence 3, Wits 4;
Essence: 3
Willpower: 8
Join Battle: 7
Personal Motes: 14
Peripheral Motes: 35
Health Levels: -0/-1x2/-2x2/-4/Incap.
Abilities: Athletics 3, Awareness 3, Brawl 2, Bureaucracy 3, Dodge
3, Integrity 2, Investigation 2, Larceny 1, Linguistics 1, Lore 1, Melee
4, Presence 2, Resistance 2, Sail 5, Socialize 2, Thrown 1, War 3
Merits: Backing (Air Fleet) 4, Command 3, Influence 4, Language
(Low Realm) 1, Language (Skytongue) 1, Martial Artist 4, Manse 3,
Resources 4, Strong Lungs 1
Specialties: Athletics (Rigging), Athletics (Swimming), Lore (North-
ern Raiders), Melee (Sword), Sail (Boarding Actions), Sail (Fleet
Tactics), Presence (Commanding)
Attack (Tanoa’s Kiss): 12 dice – Lethal, Melee, Balanced;
(damage 15; min. 4)
Attack (Knife): 12 dice – Lethal, Melee, Thrown (Short); (damage
10; min. 1)
Attack (Boarding Axe): 10 dice – Lethal, Melee, Chopping;
(damage 12; min. 1)
Combat: Soak 11 (Medium Armor +8); Parry: 5 (melee); Evasion: 3
(Medium Armor -1); Rush 7 dice; Disengage: 7 dice
Social: Resolve: 3; Guile: 4
Crew: While in combat, Feria may call upon her crew to assemble a
battle group of Battle-Ready Troops (Exalted, pp. 496-497) with the fol-
lowing traits: Size 2, Elite Drill, Magnitude 7

Tanoa’s Kiss
(Red Jade Reaper Daiklaive, Artifact •••)
A blade once wielded by an ancestor of Ragara Feria, the fleet admiral
set out to recover it from thieves shortly after being promoted to her posi-
tion. Stories of Ragara Tanoa and the blade that granted her a mastery of the
elements around her helped inspire Feria to take to the sea, and she does not
intend on letting the weapon be stolen from her family again.

Evocations of Tanoa’s Kiss

The wielder ignores all environmental penalties from fog, rainfall, and other
watery environs.

Veiling Mist
Cost: 5m, 2i; Mins: Essence 1; Type: Simple
Keywords: Perilous, Resonant
Duration: One scene

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 ADVERSARIES OF THE RIGHTEOUS
To use this Evocation, Feria must be on a ship’s deck,
under rainfall, or in similarly wet conditions, sweeping
Tanoa’s Kiss to draw up moisture around her into hissing
steam. She and all allies within short range of her may use
Take Cover actions (Exalted, pp. 198-199) within the mist
as though it were light cover.
Resonant: The wielder treats the mist as heavy cover
instead.
Leaping Flame Cut
Cost: 5m, 1a, 1wp; Mins: Essence 2; Type: Simple
Keywords: Decisive-only
Duration: Instant
Prerequisites: Veiling Mist
Feria’s blade is consumed with burning heat as she strikes
her target, revealing itself in leaping flames. To use this
Evocation, she must be at Initiative 15+. She rolls a single
decisive attack against two enemies, dividing her Initia-
tive evenly between them, rounded down, to determine
the damage rolled against them. One target must be in
close range, but she may strike the second target from afar
if he is within short range of the primary target.
OFFENSIVE CHARMS
Stoking Bonfire Style  (1m per die; Supplemen-
tal; Instant; Uniform): Add up to (Melee + Specialty)
bonus dice on an attack roll. If Feria uses this Charm
to attack the same enemy over multiple consecutive
rounds, its cost is reduced by one mote for each round
(minimum 0). Attacking another enemy or going a
turn without attacking resets the discount.  cesses on rolls to resist rout. She and all sailors under
Smoldering Essence Attack  (5m, 1a; Simple;
Instant; Withering-only): Feria makes a  wither-
ing attack that drains an additional Initiative for every
10 on the damage roll. She doesn’t gain this Initiative.
The struck enemy loses the same amount of Initiative
on his next (Essence) turns, or until he hits her with
a withering attack.  an Intimacy based on passion to resist, unless he has
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DEFENSIVE CHARMS
Blinding Spark Distracting (2m per +1 Parry; Re-
flexive; Instant): Add up to ([Melee + Specialty] / 2)
to Parry. Successfully blocking a close range attack
blinds the attacker (Exalted, p. 168) until the end of
his next turn. 
Portentous Comet Deflection  (3m, 1wp; Re-
flexive; Instant; Clash, Decisive-only): Feria may
reflexively clash an attack against her with a  deci-
sive attack. This counts as her attack for the round,
and can’t be used if she’s already made her attack.
Mobility Charms
Deck-Striding Prana  (3m, 2i; Reflexive; Instant):
Add (Sail) bonus dice on a movement roll. Feria can
climb one range band up a ship’s rigging or similar
surfaces with her reflexive move. 
SOCIAL CHARMS 
Glowing Coal Radiance (2m per success; Supple-
mental; Instant): Add up to ([Presence + Specialty] /
2) successes on a Presence roll, and roll a non-Charm
die for each 10 on the roll.
Moth to the Candle (2m, 1wp; Simple; One scene):
Feria’s enemies must prioritize attacking her over any
other character unless they pay 1wp to resist. They
can still take non-attack actions, as long as they don’t
harm her allies. 
Bellowing Thunder Admiral  (8m, 1wp; Simple;
One scene): Feria adds (Essence / 2) successes on
command actions targeting battle groups made up
of mortal sailors, and they gain (Essence / 2) suc-
her command gain +1 Resolve. If she wins Join Battle
after boarding a ship in naval combat, she may use
this Charm reflexively. 
Passionate Soul Incitation (5m, 1a; Supplemen-
tal; Instant): When a target enters a Decision Point to
resist a Presence or Socialize roll, he can only invoke
none.
 C hapter F o u r : T he E x a lted

THE LUNAR EXALTED

The following characters are Lunar Exalts, the Chosen of Luna.

Eska of the Seven Blades Hunter of Heroes

Background: Born in the far East amid the Jaru tribes’
endemic warfare, Eska grew up surrounded by violence.
She made it her tool, defeating her peers in contests of
might and skill, and leading raids against neighboring
tribes to count coup and seize portable goods. Through
bravery and strength, she could accomplish anything.
When a neighboring Jaru tribe butchered Eska’s people, the
survivors scattered. Bereaved, humiliated, and enraged, Eska
sought revenge, hunting the people who killed her kin. In a
running battle with many enemy warriors, she Exalted.
or slaying perilous foes — occasionally accompanied by one
of Sublime Danger’s other students. But most of her time is
her own. To ensure that she’s never again too weak, she ded-
icates herself to gaining strength through constant conflict.
Image: A sharp-featured young woman, pale like many far
Eastern tribesfolk sheltered from the sun by the forest can-
opy. Her expressive face is quick to exhibit glee, surprise,
and rage. Her battle-form has six arms but appears other-
wise human. Her iconic anima displays a violet-and-silver
wolf spider whose legs terminate in blades.

Eska wandered until a Lunar elder, Sublime Danger of Intimacies: Defining: “I grow stronger by bat-
the Thousand Daiklave Wings (see Lunars: Many-Faced tling skillful foes.”; Major: Sublime Danger
Strangers), took her in. She’s sworn herself to her mentor’s
service, and often performs various errands
— redirecting travelers, stealing
artifacts, maiming

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 ADVERSARIES OF THE RIGHTEOUS
(Reverence); Arel River-Terror, fellow student (Rivalry); Minor:
“Battle isn’t a game.”; “My foes will yield to me in the end.”
Secrets: Eska keeps tabs on numerous heroes and cham-
pions in the area between the Scavenger Lands and the
Dreaming Sea, tracking their movements and patterns so
she can catch them alone. She is privy to some, though
not all, of her mentor’s schemes.
Equipment: Eska’s Fangs, her moonsilver short daiklaives,
purple jewelry and leather vambraces matching her eyes
Roleplaying Hints: Eska seeks strength through conflict,
testing herself against anyone she sees as a rival (such as a
player character who’s defeated her in battle or who also stud-
ies under Sublime Danger) or who she believes will give her
a good fight. She employs disguises, lies, and stealth to catch
an opponent alone. Eska flees if dealt a crippling wound or
brought down to her −4 health levels, or if significant foes rally
to defend her prey. Her interest wanes if a foe seems beneath
her or a far more enticing target appears. Those who slay Eska
face the wrath of her mentor and fellow students.
Caste: Full Moon
Spirit Shape: Wolf Spider; Tell: Slitted violet eyes
Attributes: Strength 4, Dexterity 4, Stamina 4; Cha-
risma 3, Manipulation 2, Appearance 2; Perception
3, Intelligence 2, Wits 4
Essence: 2
Willpower: 6
Join Battle: 8 dice
Personal Motes: 17
Peripheral Motes: 42 (5m committed)
Health Levels: −0/−1x2/−2x4/−4x7/Incap.
Abilities: Athletics (Running) 4, Awareness (Tracking)
4, Brawl 3, Dodge (Close Quarters) 5, Melee 4, Integri-
ty 1, Larceny 1, Lore 1, Occult 1, Presence 3, Resistance
3, Socialize 1, Stealth 1, Survival (Forests) 3
Merits: Ambidextrous 1, Artifact 3, Language
(Native: Forest-tongue, Riverspeak, Local Tongues) 2,
Mentor (Sublime Danger) 3
Attack (Eska’s Fangs/short daiklave): 13 dice
(Damage 14/4); Tags: Lethal, Melee
Attack (Eska’s Fangs/in dagger form): 12
dice (Damage 11); Tags: Lethal, Melee, Thrown
(Short) (see Fang-Concealing Method)
Attack (Unarmed): 11 dice (Damage 11); Tags:
Brawl, Grappling, Lethal, Natural
Attack (Grapple): 11 dice (7 dice to control)
Combat: Soak 4, Hardness 0; Parry 4 (Melee);
Evasion 5; Rush 8 dice; Disengage 9 dice
Social: Resolve 3, Guile 2
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Eska’s Fangs (Moonsilver Short
Daiklaves, Artifact •••)
A recent gift from Sublime Danger after a Solar Exalt
shattered Eska’s mundane blades, these six swords par-
take of Eska’s passion for battle.
Evocations of Eska’s Fangs
Passive: While wielding all six swords, Eska’s bonus to
clash attacks from dual wielding increases to +4.
Fang-Concealing Method
Cost: —; Mins: Essence 1; Type: Reflexive
Keywords: None
Duration: Indefinite
Diminish any number of Eska’s Fangs to the size and
semblance of ordinary daggers.
EXCELLENCIES
Eska can add up to (Attribute) dice to a Dexterity,
Stamina, Charisma, or Wits roll for one mote per die.
She may increase this limit by adding a second Attri-
bute, with an appropriate stunt. Additionally, she may
increase her soak by up to (Stamina/2) points, or
(Stamina + [Attribute]/2) with an appropriate stunt,
for one mote per point.
OFFENSIVE CHARMS
Octopus and Spider Barrage (5m, 1wp; Simple;
Instant; Decisive-only): Make up to three decisive
attacks against one or more enemies; these don’t
need to use the same weapon or Ability. Divide Ini-
tiative evenly among attacks, rounding up. Only reset
to base Initiative if at least one attack hits, and only
after all attacks are completed. Only lose Initiative for
missed attacks if all attacks miss. In animal shapes with
more than four limbs, each successful attack adds one
cumulative die to the damage of subsequent attacks.
Sinuous Striking Grace (3m; Reflexive; Instant;
Uniform): Add four to Initiative to determine when
to act this round. If Eska uses her action to attack
someone who hasn’t acted yet this round, convert one
die on the attack roll to a non-Charm success.
DEFENSIVE CHARMS
Coiled Serpent Strikes (3m; Reflexive; Instant;
Counterattack, Decisive-only): Upon successfully de-
fending against an attack, make a decisive coun-
terattack; Eska may reflexively ready a weapon to
attack with.
Gleaming Crescent Block (3m; Reflexive; Instant;
Uniform): Up to two 1s on an attacker’s attack roll
subtract successes from the roll. Waive the Initiative
 C hapter F o u r : T he E x a lted
cost of counterattacking with Coiled Serpent Strikes if
Eska’s parry succeeds.
Salamander’s Tail Feint (5m; Reflexive; Instant;
Decisive-only): Once per scene when accepting
a crippling injury, negate an additional level of
damage. If Eska fights to uphold a Defining Intimacy,
this doesn’t count against the once-per-story limit on
taking crippling injuries.
MOBILITY CHARMS
Instinct-Driven Beast Movement (2m; Sup-
plemental; Instant): Add an automatic success to
one movement action or one roll of a speed-based
extended action. Upon succeeding at an opposed
supplemented roll, gain one Initiative; in animal forms
with a Speed Bonus, the opponent loses an Initiative.
SOCIAL CHARMS
Dream-Weaving Voice (3m; Simple; Instant):
Eska’s words paint a vivid picture in a listener’s mind,
allowing him to clearly visualize the wonders de-
scribed. Double 9s on a single inspire roll.
Miscellaneous Charms
Hybrid Body Transformation (4m; Simple;
Instant): Shift into a hybrid form with six arms and
Horizon Devouring Princess Jungle Conqueror
Background: The peoples in the jungles south of Rathess
live short, brutal lives. Few survive beyond early adult-
hood, felled by war, disease or predators. Those who grow
old become wily, relentless warriors without peer.
Among her people, Horizon Devouring Princess’ temper
was legendary for how quickly it gave way to violence.
When Daradi warriors set their sights on her clan’s ter-
ritory, Princess defended her people with brutal gue-
rilla strikes and deadly traps. Her predatory cleverness
gained her Luna’s favor.
The shahan-yas who affixed her caste tried teaching her
restraint, but Princess didn’t heed them. As soon as she
was able, she left their care and returned home. With
quick and brutal efficiency, Horizon Devouring Princess
dominated her clan and bent it to her will.
Princess has expanded her domain across the jungle,
slaughtering all who refuse to kneel. With every victory,
her bloodthirst swells.
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EX3
slit-pupiled eyes, gaining the Enhanced Sense
(Vision) and Extra Limbs Merits. This doesn’t count as
an animal form for Charm purposes.
Silken Grasp (1m; Reflexive; Instant): Unreeling a
sticky silken thread from her palm, Eska pulls to her
hand a relatively small or light object within short
range. This can only be used once per hand per round.
Shapeshifting
Eska pays four motes to assume any human or animal
form she knows as a miscellaneous action. Returning to
her natural human shape is free and reflexive. In animal
form, she uses the animal’s dice pools; where this in-
creases her dice pool, treat the extra dice as dice added
by Charms.
Eska’s spirit shape is a wolf spider. She favors innocuous
human forms, like a lost child or traveling merchant, to
lure in an opponent or put him at his ease. In battle, she
immediately activates Hybrid Body Transformation (see
below). For travel and escape, she favors winged forms
such as a raiton (Exalted, p. 570).
Image: Horizon Devouring Princess is a short woman
with reddish skin. Ropy muscles cover her body, and
she proudly displays scars from her greatest hunts. She
wears leathers taken from her kills, which she tans and
cures herself. Around her neck she wears the jawbone
from the great burrow lok she killed with her bare hands.
Intimacies: Defining: “The strong rise to the top.”, “None
will stand above me.” Major: “Those who fight with
words cannot be trusted.” Minor: Combat (Enjoyment),
Hunting (Enjoyment)
Secrets: Horizon Devouring Princess tasted her most
fulfilling hunt when she stalked and killed a young Dawn
Caste. She wonders if she’ll find anything as satisfying
again.
Equipment: Thick furs that provide protection against
spears and arrows. She always keeps her prized moon-
silver maul close to hand.
 ADVERSARIES OF THE RIGHTEOUS

Roleplaying Hints: So long as her authority is never Personal Motes: 18

challenged, Horizon Devouring Princess is amenable to
trading with other Exalts. She’s quick to challenge those
who provoke her to combat. Those who act meek fare no
better: Princess would rather hunt than parlay.
Caste: Changing Moon
Spirit Shape: Burrow Lok; Tell: Saber-like fangs
Attributes: Strength 5, Dexterity 3, Stamina 5; Cha-
risma 5, Manipulation 1, Appear-
ance 3; Perception 2, Intelligence
2, Wits 4
Essence: 3
Willpower: 4
Join Battle: 9 dice
Peripheral Motes: 46
Health Levels: −0x2/−1x2/−2x4/−4x4/Incap.
Abilities: Athletics 4, Awareness 5, Brawl (Unarmed)
3, Bureaucracy (Clan) 1, Dodge 3, Integrity 3, Melee
5, Presence (Threaten) 5, Resistance (Resisting Poison)
, Stealth 1, Survival 5, War (Guerilla Tactics) 1
Merits: Artifact (The Mountain’s Fang) 4, Command
2, Cult 1, Iron Stomach 1, Resources 1
Attack (Unarmed): 9 dice (Damage 12); Tags:
Bashing, Brawl, Natural, Grappling
Attack (The Mountain’s Fang/grand
goremaul): 10 dice (Damage 19/5); Tags:
Bashing, Melee, Smashing, Two-Handed
Combat: Soak 10 (medium armor +5); Hardness 0;
Parry 5 (Melee); Evasion 3; Rush 7 dice; Disengage 6 dice
Social: Resolve 4, Guile 1

The Mountain’s Fang

(Moonsilver Grand
Goremaul, Artifact ••••)
Once, a Lunar lived atop atop a mountain at the world’s
edge, bathing in its streams and hunting in its forests.
When the Wyld swallowed the mountain, she fought to
save it, but constant battle wore her down. Soon, no-
ble raksha came, wanting to augment their stories with
the Lunar’s own tale. In that moment, the mountain
forged itself into a weapon to protect its protector.
The Lunar took the Fang and slew her enemies, but
the mountain she loved was gone.

Evocations of the Mountain’s Fang

Passive: Stone clings to the enemy’s body.
Smashing attacks that knock a target prone
inflict a –1 penalty to all rolls the target
makes until they successfully rise. On
mountainous terrain, smashing attacks
deal 1 automatic withering damage,
which Princess gains.

Teeth of Stone
Cost: 3m; Mins: Essence 1; Type:
Supplemental
Keywords: Withering-only
Duration: Instant

Stone spikes grow in the maul’s wake,

piercing the target’s flesh. Threshold
successes on a withering attack roll con-
vert up to (the lower of [Essence] or 3)

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 C hapter F o u r : T he E x a lted
damage dice to automatic successes. This cap is doubled
against fae and Wyld mutants.
Prison Maw Technique
Cost: 6m, 1wp; Mins: Essence 2; Type: Supplemental
Keywords: Decisive-only
Duration: Instant
The mountain’s spirit is within the Mountain’s Fang, and
Creation remembers. If an attack enhanced by Prison
Maw Technique deals more than 3 levels of damage,
the target is automatically knocked prone. If the dam-
age also exceeds the target’s strength, each extra point
of damage inflicts a –1 penalty on their next attempt to
rise from prone.
OFFENSIVE CHARMS
Mountainous Spirit Expression (—; Permanent):
Princess’ burrow lok form gains the Legendary Size
merit.
Deadly Claw Blow (—; Permanent; Permanent;
Uniform): Princess uses Strength, not Dexterity, to roll
a non-ranged attack with a heavy weapon, unarmed
attack, or natural weapon. This Charm does not
benefit from effects granting bonus Strength dots. Prin-
cess always uses her unmodified Strength to attack,
and doesn’t add dice from bonus Strength dots to
attack rolls.
Grizzly Bear Embrace (2m; Supplemental; Instant;
Decisive-only): Add a grapple attack roll’s extra success-
es as dice to Princess’ Initiative roll. Against lower-Initia-
tive opponents add these dice to her control roll. This in-
creases to (Strength + Essence) while in burrow lok form.
Prey-Hobbling Bite (4m; Simple; Instant; Deci-
sive-only): When making a decisive attack against
an opponent with lower initiative, Princess inflicts a
–1 crippling penalty to all rolls for the rest of scene.
This penalty increases by 1 for each 10 on damage,
maximum (Strength). When in burrow lok form, 10s on
the damage roll increase the penalty by 2.
DEFENSIVE CHARMS
Halting the Scarlet Flow (6m, 1wp; Reflex-
ive; (Stamina) turns; Perilous): Heal one level of
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EX3
non-aggravated damage at the start of each turn. This
Charm ends if crashed. Once per day.
SOCIAL CHARMS
Feral Smile Tactic (3m; Supplemental; Instant;
Protean): Double 9s on rolls to instill a Tie of Fear
toward herself or threaten her target. Characters with
a Tie of Fear toward Princess’ current shape lose one
Initiative (which she doesn’t gain) if her roll beats their
Resolve in combat, even if they resist with Willpower.
Nightmare Scar Memento (—; Permanent):
Characters who receive a crippling injury from Prin-
cess count as having a Minor Tie of Fear until the
crippling effect is fully healed. If the effect rises to a
severed limb or comparable injury, the Tie becomes
Major. Add (Essence) dice on threaten rolls against
such characters.
Burrow Lok
Burrow loks resemble giant badgers with slender,
lengthy limbs. The creatures can grow as large as po-
nies. The live in jungles, digging burrows that become
pit traps for unsuspecting prey. Almost none survive the
lok’s saber-like fangs and claws.
Essence: 1; Willpower: 5; Join Battle: 10 dice
Health Levels: −0/−1/−2x4/−4x4/Incap.
Actions: Dig: 10 dice; Hide Underground: 11 dice;
Smell: 10 dice; Sight: 2 dice; Jump: 9 dice;
Combat
Attack (Bite): 11 dice (Damage 12) Tags: Lethal,
Brawl, Grappling, Natural
Attack (Claws): 13 dice (Damage 14) Tags: Lethal,
Brawl, Grappling, Natural
Combat Movement: 6 dice
Evasion 4, Parry 2
Soak/Hardness: 12/0
 ADVERSARIES OF THE RIGHTEOUS

Seven Devil Clever the Nightmare of Nexus

Background: A daughter of Nexus by bone and by blood, Seven Devil Clever has seen too many people trampled under the
city’s thugs and princes. With subtlety and sabotage as her weapons, she is reshaping Nexus with the precision of a master
tending a bonsai tree.

She thinks of her machinations as a game of rags and gowns, creating and discarding identities to suit her needs. By the edict
of the Council of Entities, trade must always flow; she cannot act quickly or openly without drawing their attention. Instead,
she works to undermine her enemies’ holdings and credit, providing openings for criminals who understand their new bene-
factor and her rules to replace them. Even better is when she can seat her own agent to fill a power vacuum, expanding her
influence without damaging the city’s ledgers.

Image: Even when she was just a soot-covered child in the Firewander dis-
trict, Seven Devil Clever always had a patrician bearing, with long limbs
and sharp features. She dresses in fine silk, particularly an indigo
gown taken from her first sacred hunt. When her anima burns, it
has the shape of a many-tailed fox that mocks foes of its own ac-
cord — when she strikes, her anima moves as if batting away
a mouse; when she dodges, it dances with a daredevil grin.

Intimacies: Defining: “First the carrot, then the stick,

then the Hunt.”, Nexus (Devotion); Major: “Outsiders
are never the answer.”, The Humans She Has
Hunted (Duty); Minor: Other Lunars (Annoyance),
Firewander (Home).

Secrets: Seven Devil Clever has nurtured an opi-

um addiction for twenty years, and imports po-
tent Wyld-grown poppies (among other exotic and
suspicious intoxicants) for her personal use. She
grows erratic and sloppy when these shipments
are interrupted.

Equipment: Unless a disguise requires it,

Seven Devil Clever eschews both weapons and
armor. She often wears a copper bangle — a gift
from her mother — in almost any form she takes,
as a memento of her past and a promise to her
city.

Roleplaying Hints: Seven Devil Clever

doesn’t tolerate the presence of oth-
er Exalts who could upend her plans in
Nexus. She tries to expedite their depar-
ture by helping to resolve whatever prob-
lem has brought them to the city. If they
linger, she sabotages their efforts in secret.
If that still doesn’t drive them off, she inter-
feres directly, either undermining their proj-
ects or ambushing them with gleeful, ruthless
cunning.

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 C hapter F o u r : T he E x a lted
Caste: Changing Moon
Spirit Shape: Red fox; Tell: A fox tail always shows in
Seven Devil Clever’s shadow.
Attributes: Strength 3, Dexterity 4, Stamina 2; Cha-
risma 2, Manipulation 5, Appearance 3; Perception 4,
Intelligence 3, Wits 4
Essence: 3
Willpower: 6
Join Battle: 9
Personal Motes: 18
Peripheral Motes: 46
Health Levels: −0x1/−1x2/−2x2/−4x1/Incap.
Abilities: Athletics 2, Awareness 4, Brawl 4, Bureau-
cracy (Black Markets) 1, Dodge 3, Integrity 2, Investiga-
tion 3, Larceny (Disguises) 5, Lore 1, Linguistics 2, Pres-
ence (Intimidation) 4, Resistance 1, Socialize (Reading
Intentions) 4, Stealth 2, Survival (Urban Environments) 4
Merits: Contacts 1, Eidetic Memory, Fast Reflexes, In-
fluence 3, Resources 2
Attack (Unarmed): 12 dice (Damage 10); Tags:
Bashing, Brawl, Grappling, Natural
Combat: Soak 2, Hardness 0; Parry 4 (Brawl); Evasion
4; Rush 6 dice; Disengage 7 dice
Social: Resolve 3, Guile 5
SHAPESHIFTING
Seven Devil Clever collects the shapes of small animals
endemic to her city — rats, dogs, raccoons, and pigeons
— in addition to her spirit shape, a red fox. She has a
number of human forms at all levels of Nexus society,
and can reflexively adjust their appearance (including
age, height, weight, sexual characteristics, and color-
ing) for 3m, 1wp. For 4m, she can assume a fox-human
hybrid form, gaining the Unusual Hide 2, Claws 1, and
Enhanced Sense (Smell) mutations. Most frighteningly
of all, she can take human forms by winning a game of
dice, cards, or other game of chance, even if she cheats
— so long as she is not caught.
OFFENSIVE CHARMS
The Spider’s Trapdoor (10m, 1wp; Simple; Deci-
sive-only, Mute; Instant): Retroactively reveal a trap as
an unblockable, undodgable grapple gambit with diffi-
culty 4 against an enemy within medium range. She rolls
(Wits + Survival), treating it as both the attack and control
roll; her victim defends with (Perception + Awareness) or
(Dexterity + Dodge). A character who spends their turn
escaping (or helping someone escape) reduces the
clinch’s control by two. This Charm can be used once per
scene, unless reset by establishing concealment against
all enemies with a Stealth roll.
Cold Breath of the Moon (6m, 1wp; Simple;
Instant): Seven Devil Clever infects a foe at close range
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EX3
with Shivering Horror as a disease (Virulence 4, Morbid-
ity 3, Interval: One day), which victims resist with (Per-
ception + Integrity). As a major symptom, targets double
penalties from fatigue. As a defining symptom, the target
must roll their temporary Willpower against difficulty 2 to
fall asleep, even when utterly exhausted.
DEFENSIVE CHARMS
Agile Beast Defense (1m; Reflexive; Instant): Gain
+1 Defense against an attacker with lower Initiative or
an attack roll that receives any 1s. She can parry lethal
damage barehanded, and gains 1 Initiative from suc-
cessfully defending.
Leaping Cricket Feint (4m; Reflexive; Until end of
next turn): After a rush, disengage, rise from prone, or
take cover action, gain +2 Evasion.
MOBILITY CHARMS
Spider-Stepping Technique (2m; Reflexive; Until
next turn): Seven Devil Clever may move or stand on
sheer walls and ceilings.
Swift Hare Retreat (2m, 1i, 1wp; Supplemental;
Instant; Perilous): On a successful disengage Seven
Devil Clever reflexively moves an additional range band
away immediately.
SOCIAL CHARMS
Glib Tongue Technique (4m; Supplemental; Instant;
Mute): Double 9s on a Manipulation-based instill roll
and ignore one point of penalty from implausible claims
(Exalted, p. 215).
Labyrinth of the Beast (4m, 1wp; Reflexive; Instant;
Mute): Seven Devil Clever may distort her feelings and
Intimacies when she resists a read intentions action that
rolled at least a single 1, determining what information
is gleaned.
Grinning Cuckoo Insinuation (5m, 1wp; Simple;
Instant): Roll (Manipulation + Socialize) against a target’s
Guile to convince him that they share an acquaintance,
mentor, patron, or other collegial relationship. She treats the
target’s Guile and Resolve as 1 lower for the rest of the scene.
Shapeshifting
Seven Devil Clever collects the shapes of small animals
endemic to her city — rats, dogs, raccoons, and pigeons
— in addition to her spirit shape, a red fox. She has a
number of human forms at all levels of Nexus society,
and can reflexively adjust their appearance (including
age, height, weight, sexual characteristics, and color-
ing) for 3m, 1wp. For 4m, she can assume a fox-human
hybrid form, gaining the Unusual Hide 2, Claws 1, and
Enhanced Sense (Smell) mutations. Most frighteningly
of all, she can take human forms by winning a game of
dice, cards, or other game of chance, even if she cheats —
so long as she is not caught.
 ADVERSARIES OF THE RIGHTEOUS
THE SIDEREAL EXALTED
The following characters are Sidereals, the Chosen of the Five Maidens.
Cehrazad
the Shadow Crown
Background: Raised among Genetta’s courts and par-
lors, Cehrazad and her family suffered under the incom-
petence of a failing dynasty. She fought her way into the
royal harem with erudition and artistry, defeating rival
after rival to get close enough to the throne to bring
Genetta back to its lost glory — until she Exalted as a
Sidereal and was spirited away to Heaven.
Careful planning and well-timed assassinations have placed
Cehrazad’s sister Antar upon the throne, though the girl
doesn’t know her nameless advisor was once her beloved sis-
ter. As Genetta ascends, neighboring lands fall into disorder:
Cehrazad skims a victory here and destiny there to bless her
wayward home. She does the same for heroes, seeking out
those who might serve Genetta and shepherding them there...
or else casting them as villains to rally her people against.
Image: A stern young woman with a dancer’s figure,
bronze skin, and long, silky white hair. Kohl outlines
Cehrazad’s fiery red eyes. She looks for quality in cos-
metics and clothes, even when her cover demands sub-
tlety, and uses veils or tiaras to hide her Caste Mark. Her
conviction is tangible as heat from a furnace.
Intimacies: Defining: Genetta (My Sacred Charge);
Major: “Suffering is fleeting. Legends are eternal.”; Major:
Antar (Confidence); Weaver’s Children (Dangerously
Useful); Minor: “Accept only the best.”
Secrets: Cehrazad employs mercenaries from the
Weaver’s Children (see p. XX), whose fate-bending pow-
ers conceal her interventions in Genetta and surrounding
kingdoms. In return, Cehrazad keeps their existence se-
cret from Heaven — an increasingly difficult feat that has
her entangled in a complex web of deceptions.
Equipment: Cehrazad wears a dancer’s skirt for easy
movement, and a halter-shirt of starmetal links that
could be mistaken for expensive decoration. Her gold
arm-and-neckbands have a steel core, useful for block-
ing blades. She maintains a selection of antidotes out of
habit. Cehrazad keeps Baal-Ballad, a book with a gleam-
ing cover, chained to her wrist.
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Roleplaying Hints: Cehrazad’s charge as Mars’ Chosen
is to repay brave warriors’ sacrifices with remembrance.
In battle, she dissects her foe’s motives and, if possible,
sways them to righteousness or heroism. If they refuse,
they’re fodder.
Caste: Battles
Attributes: Strength 2, Dexterity 5, Stamina 2; Cha-
risma 3, Manipulation 4, Appearance 4; Perception
4, Intelligence 2, Wits 3
Essence: 2
Willpower: 9
Join Battle: 7 dice
Personal Motes: 13
Peripheral Motes: 37 (9 committed)
Health Levels: −0x2/−1x2/−2x2/−4x1/Incap.
Abilities: Archery 1, Athletics 1, Awareness (Assas-
sination) 3, Brawl 1, Bureaucracy (Legal Maneuvers)
3, Dodge (Dance) 4, Integrity (My Kingdom) 4, In-
vestigation 1, Linguistics (Poetry) 4, Lore 3, Martial
Arts (Nightingale) 5, Medicine 1, Occult 1, Perfor-
mance (Storytelling) 5, Presence 4, Resistance 1, Ride
2, Socialize (Nobility) 5, War (Covert Command) 4
Merits: Artifact (Baal-Ballad) 5, Artifact (Starmetal
chain shirt) 3, Backing (Yu-Shan) 4, Cult 1, Martial
Artist (Silver-Voiced Nightingale), Resources (Salary)
3, Retainers (Weaver’s Children) 2
Attack (Kiai): 15 dice at close range (Damage
14/ 4); Tags: Bashing or Lethal, Martial Arts, Thrown
(Short), Natural, Special
Attack (Unarmed): 14 dice (Damage 9); Tags:
Bashing, Martial Arts, Natural, Grappling
Attack (Grapple): 10 dice (6 to control)
Combat: Soak 7, Hardness 4 (Starmetal Chain
Shirt: +5 Soak); Parry 5 (Unarmed); Evasion 5 (see
Silver-Voiced Nightingale Form); Rush 6 dice; Disen-
gage 9 dice (see Harmony in Opposition Stance)
Social: Resolve 4; Guile 5
 C hapter F o u r : T he E x a lted

Baal-Ballad, the Codex of Lost Heroes (Starmetal Tome, Artifact ••••)

A codex of shifting stories, with pages woven from threads of destiny amputated when chaos washed over the world.
Its starmetal cover seals the overflowing power of these unrealized tales.
Evocations of Baal-Ballad
Passive: Storybook Stage (—; Permanent; Essence 1): When Cehrazad tells a story, the codex projects phantasmal
actors, effects, and scenery out to short range. Used alongside Voice of the Night Bird, her kiai becomes a medium
weapon that deals bashing or lethal damage. Add one tag of her choice to each kiai, depending on the stunt; a brave
phantasmal hero with a flashing sword might add the Cutting or Disarming tags.

Hero-Dowsing Handbook
Cost: 1m, 1wp; Mins: Essence 1 Type: Reflexive
Keywords: None
Duration: One scene

The codex “casts” a character within short range, garbing them with phan-
tasms. Cehrazad can interpret the text’s description to double 9s on
read intentions rolls.

Enrapturing Recital
Cost: 6m; Mins: Essence 1; Type: Supplemental
Keywords: None
Duration: One Performance action

This Evocation enhances a phantasmal storytelling with

Respect-Commanding Attitude (Exalted, p. 362). If used
during combat, targets don’t spend Willpower to try
interrupting.
EXCELLENCIES
Chehrazad can boost an Awareness,
Dodge, Integrity, Martial Arts, Performance,
Presence, Socialize, or War roll by up to
her Essence, or improve a static value by
the same. Cehrazad can also lower a roll’s
target number at 1m per −1 (minimum 4).
World-Shaping Artistic Vision (—; Per-
manent): When awarded a stunt while dealing
with Genetta, lower the roll’s target number by
that stunt’s value (minimum 4).
MARTIAL ARTS CHARMS
Cehrazad practices Silver-Voiced
Nightingale Style (Exalted,
p. 447), and knows the following
Charms. She can access the Mastery
keyword with them: Voice of the
Night Bird, Inspiring Battle
Hymn, Terrifying Battle Shriek,
Silver-Voiced Nightingale Form,
Hearing the Heart’s Song,
Harmony in Opposition Stance,
Haunting Heart-Rending Melody,
and Flashing Blade Harmony.

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 ADVERSARIES OF THE RIGHTEOUS
DEFENSIVE CHARMS Predestined Triumph Practice (6m; Supplemen-
Duck Fate (10m; Reflexive; Instant; Uniform):
This Charm functions as Seven Shadow Evasion
(Exalted, p. 301), but can avoid any deleterious
effect. Once per scene.
Trouble Reduction Strategy (1m; Reflexive; One
scene): Cehrazad can take Defend Other actions
with her Evasion; attacks against her charge simply
miss. She suffers no Defense penalty when flurrying a
Defend Other action.
MILITARY CHARMS can accept this reward once per scene, and cannot
Auspicious Recruitment Drive (4m, 1wp; Simple;
Indefinite; Stackable): Cehrazad declares an Intimacy
belonging to a nearby character, attracting a supportive
Size 1 battlegroup of bystanders who share the Intima-
cy. Stacking the Charm increases the Size by one, up to
the Intimacy’s rating. Less densely populated areas may
slow the rate of formation from minutes to hours, or days.
Iron Siaka
Champion Of Serenity
Background: Little Mackerel grew up in Auspicious Haven,
one of the Blessed Isle’s prominent western harbors. She
was sixth of two dozen children in a fishers’ family, and
should have cast nets alongside them. Instead, she spent all
her time at the docks waiting for Dynastic ships to come in.
She pestered harbormasters, brothel owners, and gamblers
for information on the visiting Dynasts, earning quite a few
beatings in additions to a growing knowledge of the Great
Houses.
Exalted by Venus, the Sidereal is now an iron-wrought
shark, rather than a little mackerel. She remembers what
it’s like to be overlooked and unimportant, though, and
earnestly protects Creation’s small folk. Sometimes that
means adjudicating disputes and advocating for compro-
mise. Most times, it means bludgeoning threats with her
mace-like chuí. Iron Siaka takes primal pleasure in com-
bat, though she tells herself she would happily hang up her
weapon if peace and harmony reigned. She fervently be-
lieves the Dynasty is the best defense mortals have against
raksha, demons, rogue gods, and the mad Anathema.
Image: Tall and muscled from a life of physical labor,
Iron Siaka cuts an imposing figure. Her tousled hair and
crooked smile make the heart of many a lady beat faster.
Dark skin, sun-bleached tallow hair, and a thick accent
reveal her lowly origins. Her iconic anima manifests as a
fierce siaka, maw open, against a backdrop of blue waves.
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tal; One scene; Stackable): Cehrazad can use her
Charms to enhance an order or Strategic Maneuver
(Exalted, p. 209) she witnesses. On success, the
battlegroup receives a universal specialty in that order
for the duration.
SOCIAL CHARMS
Perfection in Life (5m; Supplemental; Instant): A
character that doesn’t resist Cehrazad’s instill or per-
suade roll may gain one Willpower point. A character
act against the influence in that scene.
Presence in Absence Technique (5m; Simple;
Up to one story): Cehrazad makes an influence roll
with such force that it’s imprinted on the target’s aura,
triggered under later circumstances (and against a
target) of her choice. The bearer’s actions are distort-
ed by circumstance to communicate the influence.
Intimacies: Defining: “Guard the people of Creation.”;
Major: Circlemates (Friendship); Shepherd of the North
Star (Drinking Buddy); Current Lovers (Love); Minor:
“Protect the Scarlet Dynasty.”; Bronze Faction (Loyalty);
Auspicious Haven (Home)
Secrets: Lovers share secrets with Iron Siaka, and she
dutifully keeps them all. Her own secret is her one failed
mission; she journeyed on the Bronze Faction’s behalf to
kill an Anathema near Auspicious Haven. Ready for com-
bat, she instead found the Anathema a terrified child, a
fisherman’s daughter. Memories of home weakened her
resolve. She imprisoned the child in a locked tower on a
deserted island. Using resplendent destinies, Iron Siaka
asks peasants and kings alike for advice with veiled tales
asking, “Can a monster learn not to be one?” She wants
to ask her Circlemate, Shepherd of the North Star, for his
opinion; fear he’ll deduce the truth holds her back.
Equipment: Iron Siaka wears a deep blue cloak and
lamellar armor over a cerulean tunic. Dulcet Consolator,
her starmetal goremaul, accompanies her everywhere.
She carries tokens from favorite lovers: a wooden locket
containing a strand of red hair, a blue scarf, a dried flow-
er wreath, a silver locket containing a nude portrait, and
a letter bearing a kiss. She keeps others in her Yu-Shan
apartment.
 C hapter F o u r : T he E x a lted

Roleplaying Hints: Iron Siaka is confident and quick to laugh. She has numerous girlfriends at any given time, and
loves them all. Fascinated by the Dynasty to this day, she occasionally sidetracks missions to stage encounters with
famous magistrates.

However, “friendly” is not “soft.” Iron Siaka allows enemies to write final letters
to their spouses, or offers to return mundane possessions to their families, but
performs her duties to the letter; if death is what the Maidens require to secure
harmony, so be it. She is unrelenting in combat. She’s not above lying if she’s
losing, feigning either injury or surrender, and stays alert for foes trying the
same.

Caste: Serenity
Attributes: Strength 4, Dexterity 4, Stamina 5; Charisma 4, Manipu-
lation 2, Appearance 3; Perception 4, Intelligence 3, Wits 5
Essence: 3
Willpower: 7
Join Battle: 8 dice
Personal Motes: 15
Peripheral Motes: 43 (5 committed)
Health Levels: −0x4/−1x4/−2x2/−4/Incap.
Abilities: Athletics 4, Awareness 3, Brawl (Rowdy
Fights) 4, Dodge 4, Integrity 4, Investigation 1, Linguis-
tics (Love Letters) 5, Lore (The Realm) 3, Melee (Maces)
5, Presence (Intimidation) 3, Resistance 2, Ride 1, Social-
ize (Discerning Intimacies) 5
Merits: Allies (Shepherd of the North Star) 5, Artifact
(Dulcet Consolator) 3, Contacts (Realm Dockwork-
ers) 5, Language (Native: Low Realm; High Realm,
Old Realm, Riverspeak, Seatongue) 4, Resources 2,
Strong Lungs
Attack (Dulcet Consolator/ starmetal
goremaul): 13 dice (Damage 16/4); Tags:
Bashing, Melee, Smashing
Attack (Unarmed): 12 dice (Damage 11); Tags:
Bashing, Brawl, Grappling, Natural
Combat: Soak 10, Hardness 0 (lamellar: +5); Parry 6
(Melee); Evasion 3 (lamellar: −1); Rush 8 dice; Disengage
8 dice
Social: Resolve 5, Guile 4

Dulcet Consolator
(Starmetal Goremaul, Artifact •••)
Late in the war for Creation, at the cusp of their loss, the enemies
of the gods coaxed the Western waters into a tidal wave to swal-
low the world. Sophar and Taftin, twin Chosen of the Maidens,
perished coaxing a massive meteor from the sky to disrupt the
wave. Dulcet Consolator was forged from black jade and the
shattered remains of that fallen star.

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 ADVERSARIES OF THE RIGHTEOUS
Evocations of Dulcet Consolator
Passive: When Iron Siaka protects someone with the
defend other action and the attacker doesn’t overcome
her Parry, she gains one Initiative.
Truth in Consequences
Cost: 1m; Mins: Essence 1; Type: Supplemental
Keywords: Decisive-only
Duration: Instant
Upon dealing any damage with a decisive attack, the
wielder learns the supernatural nature of her opponent
and pierces any mundane disguises he wears.
Twin Destinies Aegis
Cost: 1m, 1wp; Mins: Essence 2; Type: Reflexive
Keywords: Uniform
Duration: Instant
After an enemy’s attack roll overcomes the wielder’s Parry
while she protects a character with a defend other action,
she determines whether the attack is applied against her
or the original target, not the attacker.
EXCELLENCIES
Iron Siaka may add up to (Essence) dice to an Athlet-
ics, Brawl, Craft, Dodge, Integrity, Linguistics, Melee,
Performance, Presence, or Socialize roll at a cost of
one mote per die to a maximum of her Essence. She
can also reduce the target number of such a roll to 6
for one mote; she may reduce the target number for a
Linguistics, Melee, or Socialize roll to 5 for two motes
or 4 for three motes and one Willpower. Or she can
raise static values by up to (Essence), for two motes
per point of increase.
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EX3
OFFENSIVE CHARMS
Smiling at the Damned (1m, 1i; Supplemental;
Instant; Aggravated, Decisive-only): Double 10s on
a decisive Melee damage roll and deal aggravated
damage.
Unobstructed Blow (5m, 1wp; Simple; Instant;
Withering-only): Make a withering Brawl attack
that is unblockable and ignores soak from armor.
DEFENSIVE CHARMS
Serenity in Blood (5m, 1i; Reflexive; Instant; Deci-
sive-only, Perilous): Iron Siaka’s weapon slices ill-fa-
vored fate. She may parry unblockable attacks, and
raises the target number of decisive damage rolls
against her by one.
MOBILITY CHARMS
Inexorable Advance (5m, 2i; Supplemental;
Instant): Ignore wound and mobility penalties on a
rush. Success lets Iron Siaka instantly move one range
band toward her target, instead of waiting for him to
move. He suffers a -1 to Defense if Iron Siaka attacks
him that turn.
SOCIAL CHARMS
Favorable Inflection Procedure (5m; Simple;
Instant; Psyche): Speaking her target’s true name, Iron
Siaka rolls (Charisma + Linguistics) to instill him with
a Tie of affection toward her or erode a negative Tie
toward her, gaining +3 to her Appearance to deter-
mine how many bonus dice it adds (Exalted, p. 218).
Heroic Essence Replenishment (—; Permanent):
Once per scene, when Iron Siaka successfully threat-
ens an enemy in combat to support one of her Intima-
cies, she gains (Intimacy + 2) motes.
 C hapter F o u r : T he E x a lted

Three Winters
the Warden of Nameless Tombs
Background: Spirited away to Yu-Shan hours after and Antiquities, Three Winters is a plodding clerk
his birth, Three Winters is a Sidereal to the bone: known as Ledaal Hasan. An agent of House Peleps has
Old Realm is his native tongue, and he spent noticed this mortal bureaucrat poking through archives
his school years at the desk of Luxana, god of the Shogunate West and is preparing to eliminate
of reading. He played among the stacks him.
of her labyrinth-archives, reading in-
creasingly grim histories of Creation Equipment: The foldrobe is a long, shapeless robe
with each passing year. While he is of cloud-sheep wool and starmetal thread. Three
not a cruel man, his mind is more Winters can change its color, pattern, and tex-
like a god’s than a mortal’s, with ture by folding and unfolding it, though he
little tenderness for the world prefers a dull, plain green. He keeps a coded
and its people. journal, but stores reference texts or maps
in his personal library.
Now grown, he honors Jupiter
by cataloguing and securing Roleplaying Hints:
the war-fossils of past ages, Three Winters
shrouding them with myth enjoys the puzzle
and taboo. While meticulous of tracking down
in concealing his tombs, ancient treasures,
middens, and digs from but never for his own use.
mortal eyes, his recent He would gladly destroy
redirection of several most of the things he un-
Guild fleets has been covers and call it justice,
noted, with the Guild but he has an archivist’s
now financing privateers (in- heart and cannot bear to un-
cluding Exalts) to explore one make the past. He will, however,
of his otherwise uncharted is- gladly sacrifice a few lives to sab-
lands — and the home to the un- otage unwary explorations.
disturbed tomb of a truly ancient
Lunar felled in the First Age. Caste: Secrets
Attributes: Strength 2, Dexterity
Image: Beneath the deep hood 3, Stamina 2; Charisma 3, Manip-
that hides his caste mark, Three ulation 5, Appearance 2; Percep-
Winters is a hunched, bag-eyed tion 4, Intelligence 5, Wits 4
man of Realm descent, with a Essence: 2
shaved head and a thin goatee.
Willpower: 8
He has a pessimistic, nebbish
manner, but is bitterly snide Join Battle: 7 dice
if his advice is ignored. He Personal Motes: 13
tends to mutter to himself. Peripheral Motes: 37
Health Levels: −0x1/−1x-
Intimacies: Defining: “Let 2/−2x2/−4x1/Incap.
the old monsters stay bur-
Abilities: Athletics (Digging) 1,
ied.”; Major: “Everyone but
Awareness 3, Bureaucracy 3,
me is blind.”; Minor: Island
Dodge (Escape) 2, Integrity 3, In-
Cultures (Fascination) vestigation (Archives) 4, Larceny
(Ancient Traps) 3, Linguistics
Secrets: Within the Realm’s
4, Lore (Truth Behind Myth) 5,
Ministry of Prehistoric Recollection

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 ADVERSARIES OF THE RIGHTEOUS
Martial Arts (Crane) 2, Occult (Artifacts) 2, Presence
(Scholarly Rhetoric) 3, Resistance 3, Ride 1, Sail 2,
Socialize 3, Survival 2
Merits: Backing (Yu-Shan) 4, Artifact (The Foldrobe)
3, Contacts (Ministry of Antiquities) 1, Language
(Native: Old Ream; High Realm, Seatongue, Various
Local Tongues) 4, Mentor (Luxana) 3, Resources
(Salary) 3
Attack (Unarmed): 9 dice (Damage 9); Tags:
Bashing, Martial Arts, Natural
Attack (Grapple): 5 dice (4 dice to control)
Combat: Soak 7, Hardness 4 (Foldrobe: +5 Soak);
Parry 3 (Unarmed); Evasion 3; Rush 4 dice; Disen-
gage 6 dice (see Absence)
Social: Resolve 4; Guile 4
EXCELLENCIES
Three Winters may add up to (Essence) dice to an Bu-
reaucracy, Dodge, Investigation, Lore, Occult, Pres-
ence or Socialize roll at a cost of one mote per die up
to his Essence, or add the same to a static value. He
can also lower the target number of a roll at 1m per
−1 (lowest 4).
SOCIAL CHARMS
Avoiding the Truth Technique (3m; Supplemen-
tal; Instant): Winters takes an instill action to convince
a character of something, inverting any Resolve bonus
from Intimacies and converting penalties for implau-
sible claims into non-Charm bonus dice. Success
convinces them he’s lying, mad, or stupid. They must
spend two Willpower or dismiss his claim.
Force Decision (4m; Simple; Instant): Winters tips
the scales of a Decision Point facing a character within
short range. Intimacies that oppose the decision he
wants are considered one level weaker. A supporting
Intimacy can be asserted even if it already raised the
target’s Resolve.
Life Without Compunction (5m; Supplemen-
tal; Instant): Winters enchants a social action (his or
someone else’s) to ignore Intimacies rooted in taboos,
reputation, or social standards. Every witness whose
Resolve is beaten by the roll must spend one Willpow-
er or explain away behavior as acceptable or even
admirably roguish. Sexual content is still subject to the
Red Rule (Exalted, p. 222).
Paralyzed Mandarin Infliction (5m, 1wp;
Simple; Mute; One story): Winters severs an or-
ganization from its purpose, rolling (Strength +
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EX3
Bureaucracy) opposing the ([Charisma, Intelligence,
or Manipulation] + Bureaucracy) roll of the task’s
leader. If she succeeds, the interval of time necessary
to complete the task is increased by one step: from
days to weeks, weeks to months, months to seasons,
or seasons to years. This doesn’t slow physical labor,
but bureaucratic functions like planning, securing au-
thorization, and allocation of resources. Once per
group per scene.
INFORMATION CHARMS
Efficient Secretary Technique (2m; Simple;
Instant): A spider crawls from Winter’s clothing and
provides him with a simple, objective fact that is pub-
licly known or kept within his personal archives.
Mark of Exaltation (3m; Simple; One scene):
Winter gains +1 Appearance when dealing with
spirits, as his caste mark shines like an emerald lantern.
This illumination spreads to long range and reveals
immaterial spirits, but only Sidereals and spirits can
perceive it.
Telltale Symphony (5m; Simple; Indefinite):
Winters receives the benefits of All-Encompassing
Sorcerer’s Sight and Uncanny Perception Technique
(Exalted, p. 354), the latter of which also detects
magic such as artifacts and sorcery. However, this
Charm only conveys auditory information.
DEFENSE CHARMS
Absence (2m; Reflexive; Instant): Winters ignores
any penalties to his Evasion or disengage attempts.
Avoidance (2m; Reflexive; Instant; Psyche): In any
scene where Winters has taken no more than one
meaningful action, he may vanish without a trace.
Observers must spend one Willpower or forget he
was ever there.
Sorcery
Shaping Ritual: Once per story, Ten Winters can cite his
compendious research to roll ten dice and gain a sorcer-
ous mote for each success
SPELLS
Corrupted Words (control; Exalted, p. 472)
Summon Elemental (Exalted, p. 475): Three
Winters often stations elementals as guards, favoring
vaktri (Exalted, p. 520.)
 C hapter F o u r : T he E x a lted
THE ABYSSAL EXALTED
The following characters are Abyssals, champions of the Deathlords whose powers rival the Solar Exalted.
The Bleeding Lily
Crowned in Shackles
Underworld Queen
Background: Once, there lived a princess without a care
in the world. The youngest of six children, her parents
sent her away from their tiny Eastern kingdom to soak
in the culture of Nexus. There, she spent their money,
wrote poetry, and occasionally remembered to broker a
trade deal or shore up an alliance. She loved and laughed
often, and dreamed of nothing more than a life spent in
continued, carefree luxury.
In one night, her life was upended, then cut short. A
messenger came from her parent’s kingdom: her family
was dead, their throne usurped by an ambitious neigh-
bor. Within hours, an agent of the usurpers found her
and cut off their master’s last loose end with a knife to
the princess’ back.
The Bleeding Lily Crowned in Shackles rose a pale shad-
ow of herself, plagued by dark whispers. She was a queen
without a kingdom, and the voice told her of a kingdom
without a queen. It led her to the Underworld, across a
dark ocean to an ancient castle. She took its onyx crown
not out of greed, but out of obligation; if death called her
to lead, then her life of joy died with her. She became the
queen the dead required.
Under her rule, the Onyx Kingdom has thrived. Her laws
champion fair dealings and noblesse oblige, with the
strongest ghosts encouraged to support weaker specters.
Citizens don’t rely on the living for happiness and ful-
fillment — the Lily has implemented public support and
funding for artistic endeavors made by the dead, for the
dead. Society frowns upon close relationships with the
living, while applauding those who seek contentment
within the Underworld as good examples.
Despite her isolationist ideals, the Bleeding Lily is also
willing to seek justice from the living for her subjects,
traveling throughout the East to avenge broken promises
and defiled graves. She considers herself a fair and just
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deathknight: she extracts the truth from the accused be-
fore acting, and doles out punishment as befitting of the
crime and intent. An honest mistake might mean a new
scar, to encourage acting with more care in the future.
Malicious destruction of an honored gravesite merits
dragging the criminal back to the Underworld, where
the victim can extract vengeance in person. The Lily isn’t
merciless; true contrition earns her leniency, though she
marks the guilty with the power of her Anima to ensure
they keep their promises of restitution.
Although the Lily tries to keep the Onyx Kingdom out of
international politics, there’s no avoiding the specter of
Thorns not far from her borders. She hosts the Mask’s
diplomats with charm and grace, but avoids a formal
treaty. The whisper that led her to the Onyx Kingdom
was not from the Mask of Winters, and the debt she owes
the Deathlord who gave her a throne has yet to be repaid.
Image: The Bleeding Lily Crowned in Shackles is a tall
and striking woman with pale skin, bone-white hair
cropped short, and vibrant hazel eyes that seem red in the
right light. She dresses in silk shirts and leather pants, al-
ways the finest quality but never ornamented or embroi-
dered. At rest, her face seems tinged with a subtle grief.
Intimacies: Defining: “A monarch must be dutiful and
honorable.”; The Onyx Kingdom (Protective); Major:
Marigold (Love); “Death is a higher state of being.”;
Minor: Fine poetry (Admiration); “Protect the weak.”
Secrets: The Bleeding Lily has a mortal lover, a shep-
herd named Marigold living peacefully in the Scavenger
Lands. She believes the Lily to be a ghost-blooded hero,
wandering the land and saving innocents in distress, just
like she saved Marigold by slaughtering the bandits who
plagued her town. The Abyssal keeps Marigold a secret,
fearing what she might betray to save her maiden fair if
someone got their hands on her.
 ADVERSARIES OF THE RIGHTEOUS

Equipment: The Bleeding Lily wears the solid onyx stone crown that came with her Underworld castle. It grants
her black glass armor that covers her completely, allowing her to ride into a village as a vengeful Deathknight one
evening, and walk among its people as a simple traveler the next. On long journeys, she’ll often purchase and ride a
black horse, though living animals in her care seldom last long.

Roleplaying Hints: A knight among Deathknights, the Bleeding Lily is noble, romantic, and deeply devoted to the
oaths she swears and people she protects. She deceives by omission, walking among the living without displaying
her ties to the dead, but she dislikes lying outright, and loathes dishonorable combat. She believes pointless slaugh-
ter cheapens death; the living should be let be unless they have committed some crime, in which case they should be
destroyed so utterly that their spirits fail to rise again.

Caste: Moonshadow
Attributes: Strength 3, Dexterity 4, Stamina 3; Charisma 4, Manipulation 2,
Appearance 5; Perception 3, Intelligence 2, Wits 3
Essence: 3
Willpower: 8
Join Battle: 7 dice
Personal Motes: 19
Peripheral Motes: 39 (5 committed).
Health Levels: −0/−1x3/−2x4/−4/Incap.
Abilities: Athletics 2; Awareness 4; Brawl 1; Bureau-
cracy (The Onyx Kingdom) 3; Integrity 4; Investigation
1; Linguistics 3; Lore 2; Melee (Armored) 5; Occult 2;
Presence (Intimidation) 4; Resistance 2; Ride (Armored)
3; Socialize 5; War 4.
Merits: Artifact (the Onyx Crown) 5, Command 3; Influence (the
Underworld) 4, Manse 5.
Attack (Glass Sword): 12 dice (Damage 12/5); Tags: Lethal,
Melee, Balanced
Attack (Straight sword): 11 dice (Damage 12/1); Tags:
Lethal, Melee, Balanced
Combat: Soak 14, Hardness 10 (Glass Armor
+11/10); Parry 6 (Melee); Evasion 2 (−2 mobility
penalty); Rush 6 dice; Disengage 4 dice
Social: Resolve 3, Guile 3

Soulgate Obsidian
(Greater Hearthstone)
Keywords: Linked, Manse-born

This hearthstone is a marquis-cut black stone

that seems to consume rather than reflect the light
around it. In the presence of a fresh corpse at night, Lily may use
it to open a portal directly to the Underworld, which stands until
dawn.

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 C hapter F o u r : T he E x a lted
The Onyx Crown ( Artifact •••••)
The castle of the Onyx Kingdom is a powerful manse, its
Crown a powerful artifact. Both are interconnected, and
bound to the Underworld kingdom. The Crown itself is
a black onyx coronet with thirteen rough points, their
facets irregular and sharp, with one hearthstone socket
below the tallest point.
Evocations of the Onyx Crown
Passive: The Onyx Crown provides control over the
Onyx Kingdom, a sizable Underworld dominion. Ghosts
within the kingdom gain a +1 non-Charm bonus to all ac-
tions they take under the Bleeding Lily’s direct orders,
and must pay a point of temporary Willpower to break
any law she sets. The Lily is instantly aware when and
where a living being enters her dominion, though she
gets no further details about their nature or identity.
Don the King’s Glass
Cost: 5m.; Mins: Essence 2; Type: Simple
Keywords: None
Duration: Indefinite
When the Bleeding Lily commits to a quest on behalf of
her kingdom or a subject, she may activate this charm
to summon a set of full plate armor and a broadsword,
both made of black glass and with comparable strength
to artifacts. She may don or dismiss these tools at will, but
cannot end the charm until her quest has been fulfilled
and she has returned to her castle. If this becomes im-
possible, the tools immediately materialize and shatter,
inflicting 3 lethal damage to the Bleeding Lily.
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Charms
The Bleeding Lily knows all four charms possessed by
the Wandering Deathknight quick character (Exalted,
p. 550) as well as the following:
OFFENSIVE CHARMS
Vengeful Riposte (4m, 1wp; Reflexive; Instant;
Counterattack, Withering-only): The Lily makes a
Melee counterattack that occurs after her opponent’s
attack result, but before damage has been rolled. This
attack acts as a special withering attack, with suc-
cesses on the damage roll reducing the target’s Initia-
tive. Rather adding points to the Abyssal’s Initiative,
convert them immediately to decisive damage dice
to roll against the target’s health track, ignoring Hard-
ness.
Soul-Cutting Argument (3m; Reflexive; Instant;
Decisive-only, Psyche): The Lily rolls her decisive
damage with double 10s, ignoring Hardness. For
each point of damage she would inflict, the Lily can
instead reduce the intensity of an Intimacy she’s aware
of in her opponent by one degree. If she targets a
Minor Intimacy in this way, that Intimacy is destroyed.
Only one Intimacy can be targeted per use of this
Charm, with remaining levels of damage applied to
the Health Track as normal. This Charm can be de-
fended against via Charms and other magical means.
SOCIAL CHARMS
Truth of the Grave (3m, 1wp; Simple; Instant): The
Lily asks a single question of one target. If he refuses
to answer or answers truthfully, nothing happens. If
he answers with a lie, her target immediately takes
one lethal level of damage, which takes the form of
obvious and immediate bleeding from the eyes, nose,
and ears.
Dread Lord’s Demeanor (6m; Simple; One
Scene; Keywords): Characters must pay a point of
temporary Willpower to speak against her or attack
the Lily, paid once per scene. All threaten actions
against her suffer a penalty equal to her Essence.
 ADVERSARIES OF THE RIGHTEOUS
The Melkin Fool in Red
and the Circus Moribund
Background: Once, perhaps, the jingling harnesses
heralded joy and wonder trundling into town. Once,
perhaps, the caravans’ green paint was the emerald of
a spring meadow, rather than a sickly pale yellow-gray.
Maybe once the laughter spilling from the audience was
mirthful; now it only sounds like screams.
When the Melkin Fool in Red and the Circus Moribund
set up their stages and their tents, they’re not the
entertainment.
You are.
Who the Melkin Fool might have been before is long
forgotten. Now is what matters to her. She’s a Day Caste
Abyssal, the loyal servent to the Deathlord The Lover
Clad in the Raiment of Tears, and the leader of the
Circus Moribund — a troupe of strange performers, not
all of whom are living… or human.
Only the unwise dismiss the Melkin Fool as mere com-
ic relief. She whispers secrets in her lady’s ear, telling
the Lover who is working against her, which sycophant
pledges loyalty one moment, then rushes off to seek fa-
vor with Walker in Darkness. If something is amiss in the
deathlord’s territory, it’s up to the Melkin Fool to inform
her — bluntly and without prevarication. The Fool is
insightful and sharp-witted. Her searing remarks have
made even the most carefully composed warriors falter.
Image: The Melkin Fool is a lean woman who walks
with an acrobat’s assured gait. She wears a blood red le-
otard and often covers her face with a porcelain mask
whose features shift to exaggerate her mood. She carries
an alarming number of knives, and is rarely, if ever still.
Intimacies: Defining: The Lover Clad in the Raiment of
Tears (Loyalty); Major: “It’s all for nothing. Let me show
you.”; Minor: The Circus Moribund (Duty), “Nothing
says pointlessness has to be so dreary.”
Secrets: Several years ago, the Melkin Fool took pity on
a servant in the Fortress of Crimson Ice and set him free
without their mistress knowing.
Equipment: In addition to her obscene amount of
knives, the Melkin Fool wields a soulsteel direlash named
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Desolation. The weapon was a gift from the Lover Clad
in the Raiment of Tears, in recognition of loyal service.
The braided leather cords have been dyed blood-red to
match the Fool’s preferred colors.
Roleplaying Hints: The Melkin Fool is always amused.
Even when she’s furious or in the midst of battle, a smile
plays about her lips. Fiercely loyal to her lady, she can-
not be swayed into betrayal. Characters who can explain
how their plans will benefit the Lover, however, may
win the Fool’s cooperation — at least temporarily. Clever
wordplay delights her, even better if it’s used to jibe at
someone else. The Melkin Fool has little concern for oth-
er Abyssals, which makes her enmity towards the death-
knight known as The Shatterer of the Way remarkable.
Caste: Day
Attributes: Strength 3, Dexterity 4, Stamina 2; Cha-
risma 4, Manipulation 2, Appearance 2; Perception
4, Intelligence 3, Wits 4
Essence: 4
Willpower: 8
Join Battle: 10 dice
Personal Motes: 22
Peripheral Motes: 54 (5 committed)
Health Levels: −0x2/−1x4/−2x4/−4x3/Incap.
Abilities: Athletics (Acrobatics) 4, Awareness 3,
Bureaucracy 2, Dodge 3, Investigation 2, Linguistics
2, Melee (Improvised Weapons) 4, Performance
(Speeches) 4, Presence 2, Ride 1, Socialize 3, Stealth
2, Survival 1
Merits: Ambidextrous, Artifact (Desolation, soulsteel
direlash) 3, Fleet of Foot
Attack (Desolation/Direlash): 13 dice
(Damage 10/3); Tags: Lethal, Melee, Disarming,
Grappling, Flexible, Reaching
Attack (Knife): 12 dice (Damage 7); Tags: Lethal,
Melee, Thrown (Short)
Combat: Soak 2, Hardness 0; Parry 4; Evasion 4;
Rush 8 dice; Disengage 7 dice
Social: Resolve 2, Guile 3
OFFENSIVE CHARMS
Empty Sleeves (2m; Reflexive; Instant): The Melkin
Fool draws her weapon out of thin air, knives appearing
 C hapter F o u r : T he E x a lted
in her palms or her direlash in her grip. She may spend
two more motes to send the weapons away.
DEFENSIVE CHARMS
Ladder in the Air Evasion (10m; Reflexive;
Instant): The Fool reaches into the air and vaults herself
upward, grabbing onto the flow of Essence around
her. She lands one range band away.
SOCIAL CHARMS
Creeping Dread (10m, 1wp; Simple; Instant): By
talking to her mark for a short time, the Melkin Fool
discovers at least one of his Intimacies. She weaves
words of concern regarding that person or concept,
instilling a sense of worry and fear in her target: that
something horrible has happened to the person, that
they’ve betrayed him, or that his beliefs were founded
on false pretenses.
The Circus Moribund
The Circus Moribund is a traveling carnival that wends its
way through the North, returning always to the Fortress
of Crimson Ice at the end of its circuit. The troupe’s
members are strange folk, some long dead, others from
far in the Wyld. Once a person joins the circus, they’re
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considered family. The members are loyal to the Melkin
Fool the way she’s loyal to The Lover Clad in the Raiment
of Tears, and protect one another from outsiders.
The Circus lures villagers in with a promise of light-heart-
ed entertainment to break up the desolate winters, but
the show they put on highlights the pointless repetition
of the audience’s lives, the smallness of their existence,
and the inevitability of death. Such shows often drive
spectators toward despair, reckless actions, suicide, and,
of course, death.
Essence: 1; Willpower: 5; Join Battle: 6 dice
Health Levels: −0/−1x2/−2x2/−4/Incap.
Actions: Declaim 6, Instill Emotion: 5 dice; Read
Motives: 4 dice; Senses: 7 dice; Tracking: 4 dice
Appearance 3, Resolve 4, Guile 2
COMBAT
Attack (Short Sword): 6 dice (Damage 11/2)
Tags: Lethal, Melee, Balanced
Attack (Grapple): 5 dice (5 to control)
Combat Movement: 6 dice
Evasion 3, Parry 4
Soak/Hardness: 3/0
 ADVERSARIES OF THE RIGHTEOUS
The Prince Resplendent
in the Ruin of Ages
Background: The oil lamp flickered, sending shadows
racing across the dusty burial chamber. The Prince
Resplendent frowned and dipped his brush into the ink-
stone. He wrote:
“As cherry blossoms fall upon the river / And are swept
downstream to the sea / So do all relics of ancient days
/ Flow to the vaults of fallen Thorns / Seek ye there the
treasures of your past.”
The Prince smiled. A shame he wouldn’t be here to see
their faces, but better to be gone with the tomb’s orichal-
cum panoply before its rightful owners arrived.
Image: Thin, sallow, and balding, the Prince Resplendent
can’t quite shed the air of the shopkeep and scavenger he
once was. In public, he favors wealthy garb or artifact ar-
mor complete with mask or helm, and affects a cultured
tone — though surprise causes him to slip back into the
lower-class accent of his youth. In private, he favors
well-worn, practical garments.
Intimacies: Defining: “I’ll turn a profit on every task.”;
Major: “I take pleasure in mocking my adversaries.”;
“None shall witness my fears.”; The Mask of Winters
(Fearful Admiration); Minor: Salt Star (Approval)
Secrets: The Prince Resplendent hoards silver, jade, and
artifacts, secretly withholding from his patrons a frac-
tion of every haul. He maintains trapped, undead-guard-
ed caches across the River Province, and he comes after
anyone who dares loot one.
Equipment: Soulsteel articulated plate set with a
hearthstone, soulsteel storm hatchets, ciphered journal,
map of a First Age ruin.
Roleplaying Hints: Having dwelt in penury before be-
coming a scavenger lord, the Prince Resplendent places
inordinate value on wealth. He raids tombs and steals
artifacts — whether to serve his mentor the Mask of
Winters, or hired by other patrons such as the Walker in
Darkness, Nexus’ Council of Entities, or House Ragara.
He circumvents combat via bluster and bribery; failing
that, he flees to sites full of traps and minions. Cornered,
he offers up treasure caches or his master’s secrets.
Slaying him draws the Mask’s wrath.
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Caste: Daybreak
Attributes: Strength 2, Dexterity 4, Stamina 3; Cha-
risma 2, Manipulation 4, Appearance 2; Perception
4, Intelligence 3, Wits 4
Essence: 2
Willpower: 6
Join Battle: 8 dice
Personal Motes: 16
Peripheral Motes: 31 (5 committed to Bonesplit
and Bloodspill, 6 committed to Atarat)
Health Levels: −0/−1x3/−2x4/−4/Incap.
Abilities: Athletics 2, Awareness 4, Bureaucracy
3, Craft (Traps) 4, Dodge (Traps) 4, Investigation 4,
Larceny (Lockpicking) 2, Linguistics 2, Lore (Ancient
Ruins) 4, Melee 3, Occult (Undead) 4, Resistance 2,
Ride 1, Socialize (Business) 2, Stealth 3, Survival 2,
Thrown 2
Merits: Artifact (Bonesplit/Bloodspill) 3, Artifact
(Atarat) 3, Backing (Thorns) 4, Contacts (Scavenger
Lords) 3, Hearthstone (Stone of the Vanisher) 2, Lan-
guage (Native: Riverspeak; Old Realm, Guild Cant,
various Scavenger Lands local tongues) 3, Mentor
(Mask of Winters) 3, Resources 3, Retainers (Salt
Star) 4
Attack (Bonesplit and Bloodspill): 12 dice
(Damage 12/3); Tags: Lethal, Melee, Thrown (Short),
Chopping
Combat: Soak 14, Hardness 10 (Atarat, +11); Parry
3 (Melee); Evasion 2 (armor penalty −2); Rush 6
dice; Disengage 8 dice
Social: Resolve 3, Guile 3
Escort: The Prince Resplendent is usually accompa-
nied by his obsequious nemissary apprentice, Salt Star;
use honored ancestor traits from Exalted, p. 504, and
add the Nemissary’s Ride Charm on p. 508. The Prince
also leads a Size 1 battle group of zombies (Exalted,
p. 502) with poor Drill and Might 1.
Bonesplit and Bloodspill, Soulsteel
Storm Hatchets (Artifact •••)
These newly forged artifact hatchets are young and hun-
gry, their greater powers yet to be unlocked.
 C hapter F o u r : T he E x a lted

Evocations of Bonesplit and Bloodspill

Passive: +1 to decisive attack rolls against living creatures who have suffered damage to their –2 health levels.

Atarat, the Necromancer’s Bastion, Soulsteel Articulated Plate (Artifact •••)

This massive suit of armor, inlaid with apotropaic First Age glyphs of black jade, dates back to the Rotting Lotus
Rebellion.

Evocations of Atarat
Passive: Attacks from dematerialized spirits
that would bypass the Prince’s armored soak
or Hardness cost an additional three motes
each, even if they ordinarily have no cost.

Hearthstone:
Stone of the Vanisher
Keywords: None

On any roll to investigate, track, or contest the

Prince’s efforts to go to ground, change the value
of the highest successful non-10 die to a 1.

OFFENSIVE CHARMS
Corpus-Rending Blow (1m; Supplemental; Instant;
Uniform): Allows an attack using any Ability to strike an
immaterial spirit.
Savage Shade Style (2m; Supplemental; Instant; Dual):
Against a crashed opponent, double threshold successes on a
withering attack or double 10s on a decisive damage roll.
DEFENSIVE CHARMS
Elegant Flowing Deflection (2m; Reflexive; Instant): Negate all Parry
penalties against a single attack. Successful defense reduces attacker’s
Initiative by one.
MOBILITY CHARMS
Spider Pounce Technique (2m; Supplemental; Instant): Leap one
range band horizontally or vertically; counts as the turn’s movement
action. Reduce cost to 1m if used on previous turn.
MISCELLANEOUS CHARMS
Contraption of Bone and Sinew (5m; Simple; Instant): Any corpse
can be fashioned into a trap (Exalted, p. 232) — a snare made from
viscera, a ribcage bear-trap, a femur sharpened into a scything blade. Once
per scene, the Prince may reveal that an enemy has fallen prey to one he’s pre-
viously set. This creates a one-time environmental hazard, difficulty 3. An injurious
trap deals 3L damage; escaping a snare requires a Strength 3+, difficulty 4 feat of
strength. This Charm resets when an opponent botches a roll on any physical action.
Cunning Scrutiny Style (5m; Simple; Instant): Complete a case scene action
in a few seconds, adding (Essence) automatic successes and doubling 9s.
Fivefold Sensory Exercise (5m; Reflexive; One scene): Double 9s on
Awareness rolls.
Spirit-Detecting Glance (3m; Reflexive; One scene): See immaterial spirits.

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 ADVERSARIES OF THE RIGHTEOUS
Necromancy
Shaping Ritual: When the Prince begins a scene in a
place marked by death — the Underworld, a shadow-
land, a graveyard or battlefield, the site of a recent mur-
der — he gains three sorcerous motes that last until end
of scene.
SPELLS
The Face of Bone (5sm, 1wp; One scene): See,
hear, and speak at any distance through a prepared
skull of at least human size, which glows with cold
blue glyphs and hovers in midair, turning as desired.
Influence and perception through the skull can’t use
Charms. Can’t sense or take actions with own body
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while spell remains active. Taking damage or destroy-
ing the skull ends the spell.
Raise the Rotting Horde (Control) (15sm, 1wp;
Indefinite): Animate corpses as zombies, up to a size
2 battle group with poor Drill and Might 1. Zombies
remain animated indefinitely unless exposed to sun-
light for a full scene. As a control effect, the battle
group has average Drill instead, or elite Drill by
spending a Willpower while casting.
Summon the Shadow-Eaten (Ritual, 2wp;
Instant): Summon an Essence 1-3 mortwight
(Exalted, p. 505) or other monstrous ghost in a
night-long ritual, rolling (Intelligence + Occult) against
its Resolve to bind it for a year and a night. If this fails,
roll (Wits + Occult) against its Willpower to banish it.
 C hapter F o u r : T he E x a lted

THE LIMINAL EXALTED

The following characters are Liminals, Chosen of the Dark Mother.

Dame Crimson
Background: The woman who would become Dame Crimson made a fair
living on the trade route between Thorns and Nexus, guarding the mer-
chant prince Casim Thurat’s caravan from bandits, vengeful ghosts, and
other villains. She relished her return home to her bustling city, shower-
ing her many nieces and nephews with trinkets from her travels. A decade
ago, Thorns fell to the Mask of Winters and she was there when the skies
split asunder and the ground heaved with the behemoth Juggernaut’s emer-
gence. She defended the walls from the howling horde of undead.

They tore her to pieces.

Thurat hated to lose one of his best guards — after all, she not
only protected him, she also protected the caravan’s profits.
At his behest, the caravan god’s priest, Imarid, pieced her
back together the best he could. Where pieces of
the woman’s body were missing, he substitut-
ed others; the city’s fall left him with plenty to
choose from. Dame Crimson awoke with the
Dark Mother’s voice in her mind, singing songs
of glory.

In many ways, Dame Crimson continues the life

of her progenitor as it had been before, as the commander of the cara-
van’s security forces. To remain in the Mask of Winters’ good graces — and
avoid his lieutenants’ scrutiny — Thurat trades obsidian, chalcedony, and
soul-eaten workers to the Deathlord. Business is not only highly profitable,
it also gives the caravan cover to smuggle weapons into the city and refu-
gees out.

Dame Crimson takes pride in her prowess. When wraiths threatened to

expose the caravan’s deals with the living to the Mask of Winters, she dis-
patched them. She fended off an undead behemoth in the wild lands between
Thorns and Nexus, and though it took Imarid several days to patch her up, she
bears those scars with pride.

Image: Much of Dame Crimson’s body was solidly built even before her death.
When he created her, the priest Imarid meticulously selected body parts that
were as close to her originals as he could find — a practice he continues whenever
the need arises. Though her short bobbed hair is naturally red, she dyes it a deep
crimson, which gives her already pale skin an even more ghostly pallor. When she
expends Essence, the whites of her eyes turn blood red, and the smell of stagnant
water surrounds her.

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 ADVERSARIES OF THE RIGHTEOUS
Intimacies: Defining Principle: “I’ll protect my charges
from threats both living and dead.”; Defining Tie: Imarid
(Devotion); Major Principle: “There’s no shame in prof-
iting from duty.”; Major Ties: Her Body’s Nieces and
Nephews (Found Family); Casim Thurat (Duty); Minor
Principle: “Sharing wealth makes one even richer.” Minor
Tie: The Mask of Winters (Enmity)
Secrets: Dame Crimson has recently been reunited with
one of her body’s nieces. Though she has no recollection
of the young woman, Crimson saw no harm in picking up
where her predecessor left off. Now, she funnels money
and supplies to her when she can, intending to smuggle
her newfound “family” out of Thorns when the opportu-
nity arises. Neither of them knows that the niece’s broth-
er is now an Abyssal in service to The Mask of Winters,
one currently keeping tabs on his siblings and their mys-
terious good fortune.
Equipment: Bonerender (soulsteel daiklave), amulet
bearing the caravan god’s sigil, a suture kit
Roleplaying Hints: Dame Crimson is passionate, and
relishes life, eagerly rising to the challenge when a for-
midable enemy appears, and rarely refusing an opportu-
nity to eat and drink well. Rather than hoard her hard-
earned wealth, she spends it freely, tipping generously
at teahouses and regularly pausing to drop coins in beg-
gars’ cups. She keeps lovers in every city and spoils them
with extravagant gifts.
Aspect: Blood
Attributes: Strength 4, Dexterity 3, Stamina 4; Cha-
risma 3, Manipulation 2, Appearance 2; Perception
4, Intelligence 2, Wits 3
Essence: 3
Willpower: 8
Join Battle: 10 dice
Personal Motes: 19
Peripheral Motes: 35 (5 committed)
Health Levels: −0x2/−1x2/−2x2/−4/Incap.
Abilities: Athletics 3, Awareness 3, Brawl 2, Dodge
4, Integrity 3, Investigation 2, Linguistics 2, Lore
(Thorns) 4, Medicine (Liminal Exalted) 4, Melee 4,
Occult 2, Performance 2, Presence 3, Resistance
3, Ride 2, Socialize 3, Stealth 2, Survival 3, War
(Caravan Defense) 3
Merits: Artifact (Bonerender) 3; Contacts (Thorns) 3;
Pain Tolerance 4
Attack (Bonerender, Soulsteel Daiklave): 8
dice (Damage 12/4); Tags: Lethal, Melee, Balanced
Attack (Grapple): 6 dice (6 to control)
152
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Combat: Soak 4, Hardness 0; Parry 4; Evasion 4;
Rush 6 dice; Disengage 7 dice
Social: Resolve 3; Guile 3
EXCELLENCIES
Dame Crimson may add up to (Essence) Attribute
to an action at a cost of 1m per die. This increases
to (Attribute + Essence) once her anima banner is at
Glowing. Additionally, she may strengthen her static
values by up to (Attribute / 2, round down) for a cost
of 2m per die. When her anima is at Glowing, this
increases to ([Attribute + Essence] / 2, round down).
OFFENSIVE CHARMS
Black Soil’s Claim (4m, 1wp; Supplemental;
Instant; Decisive-only): Wounds Dame Crimson
leaves rot with unnatural speed. A decisive attack that
deals 3+ levels of damage also causes its victim to
take one die of lethal damage per turn over his next (1
+ wound penalty) turns, ignoring hardness. If the vic-
tim’s wound penalty increases, so too does the dura-
tion of this effect. Undead creatures instead suffer an
additional (1 + wound penalty) dice of aggravated
damage added to the Liminal’s attack.
Sinew Lash (3m; Supplemental; Instant) Ropes of
sinew burst forth from Dame Crimson’s arms, tether-
ing her opponent to her. This Charm supplements a
grapple gambit, adding (Essence) automatic success-
es to the attack roll.
Weeping Crimson Gaze (5m; Supplemental;
Until next turn; Uniform): Dame Crimson doubles up to
three dice that came up 9 on an attack roll. She may
perceive and attack dematerialized undead for an
instant. This Charm’s cost is reduced by Dame Crim-
son’s by one mote for each point of wound penalty,
thanks to the easy access to blood.
DEFENSIVE CHARMS
Ligament Stretching Dance (3m, +1hl per two
successes; Reflexive; Instant; Essence 2) Dame Crim-
son’s joints pop from their sockets as she bends around
enemy attacks. For each health level she spends, add
two successes to a Dodge roll.
MISCELLANEOUS CHARMS
Flesh Knits Closed (4m per hl; Simple; Instant)
Dame Crimson’s wounds close, tendons snap back
into place and torn muscle and bone reknit them-
selves. This Charm may be used to heal –0 and –1
health levels only.
Gravehound’s Unerring Scent (3m; Simple;
Instant) Ghosts and the undead may try hiding their
tracks, but Dame Crimson spots the telltale signs of
their passage. Double 9s on rolls to track undead
creatures.
 C hapter F o u r : T he E x a lted

Withering Vine
Shepherd Of Restless Souls
Every spring bud holds the promise of decay; every corpse, the prom-
ise of life. Withering Vine sees the crone hiding behind the fair
maiden, and the unborn heir in the old king’s loins. This inevita-
ble cycle comforts her, even if the constant blurring of what-is
and what-may-come leaves her unable to focus on the present.

The Aspect of Soil lives in a far Eastern cottage with her mak-
er, a woman who calls her “Kyo” and “beloved wife.” She likes
how the maker strokes her hair and whispers forgotten
tales in her ear. She doesn’t like her maker’s large, rough
hands, which perfectly fit the bruises on Withering
Vine’s throat. While Withering Vine ventures out
into the world, a deep instinct of forgotten love
and sorrow always draws her back home.

Withering Vine shepherds the Unquiet. She

herds lions while the sheep rest in their
beds, creating boundaries to keep her ghost-
ly flock away from mortals. She’s sympa-
thetic to those sent to too-early graves, and
only destroys dangerous undead if she has
no other recourse. She ignores the lovely,
dark, sing-song voice urging her to send the
Unquiet to the beyond: Withering Vine will
fight any who harm her charges, even other
Exalts or the gods themselves. Sometimes
she foresees where and when people might
fight ghosts, and travels there to protect the
Unquiet.

Image: Withering Vine’s skin, once a deep,

rich olive, now carries the sickly greens of
decay. Rot has forced her to replace parts:
her left leg is a soft pink, her right foot a dark
brown. She cut off her right arm and replaced it,
too. Maggots fall from the corner of her right eye.
Finger marks bruise her swollen neck. The Liminal
wears whatever her maker dresses her in, often a sim-
ple white kimono. When she travels, her clothes grow
stained and tattered.

Intimacies: Defining: “Protect the dead from the living”;

Major: “Protect the living from the dead”, Maker (Fearful
Love); Minor: Green Rock, erstwhile village (Protective)

Secrets: The restless souls Withering Vine collects speak

their murderers’ names to her, tell her where their bur-
ied treasure lies, and whisper other secrets. The Liminal

153
EX3
 ADVERSARIES OF THE RIGHTEOUS
rarely acts on these — she cares not for riches, nor is it
her place to punish the living — but she remembers all.
Sijan’s morticians have taken note of the Shepherd of
the Dead. They seek to either add her to their ranks or
remove the competition, and actively recruit people to
entice or force her to Sijan.
Equipment: White kimono, dirty when traveling;
Restless Embrace, a Yasal Crystal (Exalted, p. 601)
Roleplaying Hints: Withering Vine is withdrawn, of-
ten gazing into the distance as present and future blur
together. She cannot see the past, which frustrates her.
She addresses people as what they might someday be
rather than what they are. Withering Vine may seek out
the characters at an undead’s bequest, and serve as the
Unquiet’s mouthpiece. Any attempt to destroy or banish
the undead immediately earns Withering Vine’s enmity.
Her windpipe is crushed, and she speaks only in whis-
pers. She appears tranquil, but falls into a violent rage if
someone threatens her flock. Withering Vine becomes
docile around her maker.
Aspect: Soil
Attributes: Strength 4, Dexterity 2, Stamina 4; Cha-
risma 1, Manipulation 1, Appearance 1; Perception
5, Intelligence 4, Wits 4
Essence: 3
Willpower: 7
Join Battle: 9 dice
Personal Motes: 19
Peripheral Motes: 35 (9 committed)
Health Levels: −0x1/−1x5/−2x5/−4/Incap.
Abilities: Athletics 1, Awareness (Spirits) 5, Brawl
(Protecting Others) 3, Craft (Markers for the Dead) 4,
Dodge 3, Integrity 5, Occult (Spirits) 3, Resistance 2,
Survival 2
Merits: Artifact (Restless Embrace) 4, Boundless
Endurance, Direction Sense, Exalted Healing, Lan-
guage (Native: Riverspeak; Forest-tongue) 1, Natural
Immunity, Toxin Resistance
Attack (Unarmed): 9 dice (Damage 11/1); Tags:
Bashing, Brawl, Grappling, Natural
Combat: Soak 9, Hardness 4 (Light/Restless
Embrace +5); Parry 3 (Brawl); Evasion 3; Rush 3
dice; Disengage 3 dice
Social: Resolve 5, Guile 1
Escort: Withering Vine is protected by two Hungry
Ghosts (Exalted, p.503).
154
EX3
Restless Embrace,
Cloak of Souls (Artifact ••••)
Spun from the Unquiet’s love, this worn and tattered
cloak holds all the colors of shadows.
Evocations of Restless Embrace
Passive: Restless Embrace’s wearer passes inoffensively
amongst Unquiet, unless she harms them or defiles their
graves.
Ghostly Passage
Cost: 5m; Mins: Essence 2; Type: Simple
Keywords: None
Duration: Instant
The wearer shimmers out of existence, then reappears at
a spot of her choosing within twenty feet that she can see.
This movement briefly takes the wearer through the Un-
derworld.
Mortician’s Call
Cost: 5m; Mins: Essence 3; Type: Simple
Keywords: None
Duration: Instant
Playing a flute kept in the cloak’s inner pocket, the wearer
calls one ghost within five miles to her side. The Story-
teller chooses which ghost appears. It immediately forms
a Minor Tie of Protection to the flutist. Withering Vine
assigns it a task, which it performs for a scene, or asks it
to fight for her (use statistics for a Hungry Ghost or War
Ghost, Exalted pp. 503- 504).
EXCELLENCIES
Withering Vine may add up to (Essence) Attribute
to an action at a cost of 1m per die. This increases
to (Attribute + Essence) once her anima banner is at
Glowing. Additionally, she may strengthen her static
values by up to (Attribute / 2, round down) for a cost
of 2m per die. When her anima is at Glowing, this
increases to ([Attribute + Essence] / 2, round down).
OFFENSIVE CHARMS
Despair of the Bog (4m, 1w; Simple; Scene;
Withering-only): Vines harass the Liminal’s enemy,
doubling the onslaught penalty during withering
attacks. Withering Vine steals 1 Initiative from the
target on her turn.
DEFENSIVE CHARMS
Dark Destiny Defense (3m, 1hl; Reflexive; Instant;
Withering-only): Withering Vine twists through an
attack’s path, and out of danger: she suffers half
 C hapter F o u r : T he E x a lted
Initiative damage (rounded down), and may immedi-
ately attempt to disengage at no Initiative cost.
Supplicant of Dirt (4m, 1w; Reflexive; Scene): As
long as her skin touches soil, Withering Vine adds
(Essence) to her Stamina for purposes of natural soak.
SOCIAL CHARMS
Black Wind of Desire (3m; Supplemental; Instant;
Eclipse, Psyche): After observing her target for a
scene, Withering Vine speaks his name into the earth
to create a Minor Tie of Sorrowful Yearning to a
person of her choice.
155
EX3
MISCELLANEOUS CHARMS
Ghost-Shepherd’s Sorrow (5m, 1w, 1ahl;
Simple; Permanent (see text);: Burying pieces of
herself in the soil, Withering Vine creates a barrier
Unquiet cannot cross. The barrier remains as long as
the motes are committed, and the flesh and bones
buried — if they are dug up, the effect ends and the
motes return to Withering Vine.
The Future Unbidden (5m, 1w; Reflexive;
Instant): Withering Vine’s visions show her which of
her Unquiet charges need defending. She interspers-
es herself between an enemy and the ghost they’re
attacking, absorbing the damage the Unquiet would
have received. She adds the post-soak damage to her
Initiative.
 ADVERSARIES OF THE RIGHTEOUS

EXIGENTS
The following characters are Exigents, the Chosen of individual gods throughout Creation.

Braze the Accursed

Background: Born into poverty in the Southern city of Paraph, blessed with good looks and charm, Braze swore he’d
reach heights of luxury. Entering the priesthood, he wormed his way upward to become chief priest of Paraph’s City
Mother, the god Amadeia, eventually even sharing her bed.

This wasn’t enough. Ingratiating himself with Amadeia, he learned of her past indiscretions. These he sold to the
Guild, attaining wealth unimaginable — and resulting in Heaven stripping Amadeia of her
post so a Guild-backed god could claim Paraph.

Weakened and embittered, powerless to stop Guild opium flowing into her be-
loved city, Amadeia found one last means of revenge. Calling in ev-
ery debt owed her in the Celestial Bureaucracy,
she obtained an ancient portion of the Flame of
Exigence that had passed through many hands.
Setting her curse upon it, she sacrificed herself
to send it to her betrayer.

Image: Exalted by twisted, volatile

power, Braze scarcely seems hu-
man. His face is too grotesque to
look upon, his body huge and mis-
shapen, his flesh layered with chitin
and crystal. He twitches and mutters at
the thousand voices whispering in his
brain, uncertain which is his own. His
anima banner is a reverberating cloud of
spiders, jewels, and tumbling frag-
ments of cityscapes.

Intimacies: Defining: “Can any-

thing atone for my crimes?”;
Himself (Loathing); Major:
Amadeia (Regret); Paraph’s
new city god (Hatred); Minor:
Paraph (Homesickness); The Guild
(Bitterness)

Secrets: Braze knows a great deal

of gossip about the doings of vari-
ous Southern gods and Guild mer-
chant princes.

Equipment: Tattered fragments of

clothing.

156
EX3
 C hapter F o u r : T he E x a lted
LEGENDARY SIZE
While in Apocalyptic Arachnid Avatar form, Braze suffers no onslaught penalties from attacks from smaller oppo-
nents, unless they’re magically inflicted. Withering attacks from smaller enemies cannot Crash him unless they
have at least 10 post-soak damage dice, although attackers still gain the full amount of Initiative damage dealt.
Decisive attacks from smaller enemies cannot deal more than (3 + attacker’s Strength) levels of damage to him,
not counting levels added by Charms or other magic.
Roleplaying Hints: Cast out by his people, rejected by
his Guild patrons, Braze wanders the South seeking re-
demption and release. Even at his most lucid, he’s uncer-
tain of what’s righteous. His fits of uncontrolled emotion
result in violence and destruction. Despite his suffering,
he’s not yet ready to die, and flees from battle if over-
whelmed. What he most desires is a cure for his condi-
tion, which is probably impossible; others have played
on this before, making him wary, but the right story can
still entice him.
Attributes: Strength 7, Dexterity 3, Stamina 6; Cha-
risma 2, Manipulation 1, Appearance 5 (Hideous);
Perception 2, Intelligence 3, Wits 4
Essence: 4
Willpower: 6
Join Battle: 7 dice
Personal Motes: 17
Peripheral Motes: 49
Health Levels: −0x2/−1x5/−2x8/−4x4/Incap.
Abilities: Athletics 5, Awareness 3, Brawl 5, Bureau-
cracy (Temples) 2, Dodge 4, Integrity 2, Linguistics 1,
Lore 2, Occult (Gods) 2, Presence (Intimidation) 2,
Resistance 5, Socialize (Read Intentions) 2, Stealth 2,
Survival 4
Merits: Claws 4, Cult 1, Giant, Hideous, Language
(Native: Flametongue; Old Realm) 1, Unusual Hide
4, Wall Walking
Flaws: Madness (Major); Megrims (Minor)
Attack (Claws): 16 dice (Damage 19/4); Tags:
Bashing, Brawl, Grappling, Natural
Attack (Grapple): 8 dice (12 dice to control)
Combat: Soak 10, Hardness 0 (Unusual Hide: +4);
Parry 5 (Brawl; medium weapon +1); Evasion 4; Rush
8 dice; Disengage 7 dice
Social: Resolve 3, Guile 2
EXCELLENCIES
Braze may add up to (Attribute) dice to an action,
or (Attribute / 2) to a static value. In an urban area
where Braze stunts the environment to his advantage,
this increases to (Attribute + Ability) dice, or ([Attribute
+ Ability] / 2, round down) to a static value.
157
EX3
OFFENSIVE CHARMS
Apocalyptic Arachnid Avatar (20m, 1wp; Re-
flexive; One scene): Usable only while a −4 health
level is filled with damage, or at 20+ Initiative. Braze
swells into a monstrous spider built from crystalline
ruins — his legs are carven pillars, his body a vaulted
dome whose underside is hung with a hundred glassy
bells. He heals all damaged −2 health levels, gains the
Legendary Size Merit and Hardness 10, and adds +4
to Strength and soak. Once per round, the first time
Braze moves, is knocked down, suffers Initiative Crash,
or takes decisive damage, the clangor of his bells
creates a reflexive withering attack rolled against
all opponents within short range, dealing a maximum
of three damage to each target. He returns to normal
form at end of scene, the crystalline spider-shape crum-
bling away. Once per story; reset by placing himself at
genuine risk to uphold a Defining Intimacy.
Echoing Strike Technique (10m, 1wp; Simple;
Instant; Withering-only): Braze’s afterimage mimics
his movements, striking a second time. Apply the same
withering attack roll twice to the target. If both attacks
hit, apply the same damage roll to each attack. Once
per scene; reset by defeating a nontrivial opponent.
Swarm of Ruby Spiders (7m, 1ahl; Supplemen-
tal; Instant; Uniform): Upon performing a successful
savage action, Braze vomits up a mass of crystal
spiders onto his opponent. Treat this as an environ-
mental hazard (3L/round, difficulty 5) lasting four
rounds. Once per scene.
DEFENSIVE CHARMS
Crystal Exoskeleton Extrusion (5m; Reflexive;
One scene): Gain +4 soak and 4 Hardness.
Edge-of-Ruin Resilience (—; Permanent; Perma-
nent): When Braze takes damage that fills his first −4
health level, he can’t lose any more health levels until
his next turn ends.
Reflected Echo Body (3m, 1i; Reflexive; Instant):
Braze seems to be in two places at once, gaining +2
Evasion. If an attack misses, he steals one Initiative
from the attacker.
Sapphire Razor Carapace (3m, 1i; Reflexive;
Instant; Counterattack, Decisive-only): When target-
ed by a savage, drag, or restrain action, execute a
 ADVERSARIES OF THE RIGHTEOUS
decisive counterattack that happens before the op-
ponent’s damage roll, replacing any wound penalty
with an equal number of bonus dice.
MOBILITY CHARMS
Spider Pounce Technique (2m; Supplemental;
Instant): Leap one range band horizontally or verti-
cally; counts as the turn’s movement action. Reduce
cost to 1m if used on previous turn.
SOCIAL CHARMS
Echoing Passion Pronouncement (3m; Sup-
plemental; Instant): While inflamed by a powerful
emotion, Braze adds four bonus dice to inspire actions
to incite that emotion in others.
158
EX3
MISCELLANEOUS CHARMS
Feeling the Earth’s Web (4m; Reflexive; Instant):
Braze gains enhanced perception of vibrations. Roll
(Perception + Awareness) dice to sense a concealed
character coming within medium range. He can sense
major vibrations (e.g., armies marching, a tyrant
lizard walking, etc.) out to four miles.
Lost in the Crowd (6m; Reflexive; One scene;
Mute): Braze can blend unnaturally into urban crowds
as though they were darkness or fog, allowing stealth
rolls with no penalties.
 C hapter F o u r : T he E x a lted
Cuelebre jin-Hua Supplier of Secret Arsenals
Background: Once upon a time, world-shaking weap-
onry held warmongers hostage. Star-swords turned in
the Heavens, ready to crash upon mustering armies, and
so the world was at peace.
Ivory Shadow Smith, Eastern God of Secret Arsenals,
knows such times have passed. The ash-shadow of
ancient ordnance hangs heavy over Creation, and un-
worthy successors have laid claim to the apocalyptic
weapons of a lost age. He works in secret to wrest away
powerful artifacts and bury them in his armory, far from
the hands of mortals and Exalted alike.
The hill-tribe of jin-Hua bandits were his favorite agents,
swift saboteurs who raided outposts and depots at his
prophesized instruction. Yet when his eyes were else-
where, the jade jaws of Lookshy closed around his peo-
ple. The lone survivor was Cuelebre, a dwarf-girl who’d
been left at camp. Together, they prayed. Together, they
were answered, and Smith reforged Cuelebre in the
159
EX3
furnace of the Exigence.
Chosen and god were not united long. Cuelebre saw little
point hiding weapons from nations already at each oth-
er’s throats, and soon decided to sell her services. Within
a matter of years, she became the Guild’s premier mili-
tary trafficker, an extravagant and exuberant merchant
prince whose deal-closing parties are a matter of legend
to free companies across the East and South.
Cuelebre sells to royalty and revolutionaries, cults and
criminals. She delivers high-quality firedust to besieging
forces, then smuggles plague-javelins to the entrenched
enemy. Ivory Shadow Smith bemoans what has become
of his Exalt, but she is unmoved. She just provides sup-
ply; demand is the ash-streaked way of the world.
Image: A young dwarf woman with freckled tan skin,
short-cut dark hair, and golden eyes, Cuelebre enjoys
a wide variety of extravagant military dresswear when
 ADVERSARIES OF THE RIGHTEOUS
courting clients. Even on the road she cannot resist
clothing that offers luxury, comfort, and the ability to
conceal a light warstrider harness.
Intimacies: Defining: Weaponry (Enthusiastic
Appreciation); Major: “Blame the hilt, not the blade.”;
Minor: Ivory Shadow Smith (Discomfort)
Secrets: Cuelebre can spend up to (Ability) motes on her Ex-
The Mask of Winters has offered Cuelebre the chance to
peruse his dark armory, seeking to build links with the
living Guild. She’s on-guard for betrayal… but an honest
trading relationship might be worse for Creation as a
whole. Ivory Shadow Smith is aware of these overtures
and hopes to intervene through Exalted allies.
Equipment: A fine firewand, the cavalry saber used to be-
head Raol Decem, a purse bulging with notes of credit and
various currencies, and several armored and covered wag-
ons, one reinforced to bear the weight of a warstrider.
Roleplaying Hints: Cuelebre is a self-indulgent showp-
erson who genuinely enjoys extolling the virtues of her
deadly wares. She’ll cheerfully take risks in return for a
payday, always aiming to expand her wealth and con-
nections or acquire artifacts of note. Of course, as a mer-
chant who appreciates quality work and mighty weap-
ons, she’ll just as happily pay off her enemies.
Attributes: Strength 3, Dexterity 4, Stamina 2; Cha-
risma 4, Manipulation 5, Appearance 2; Perception
3, Intelligence 1, Wits 4
Essence: 2
Willpower: 7
Join Battle: 7 dice (8 for ambushes)
Personal Motes: 14
Peripheral Motes: 48 (15m committed)
Health Levels: −0x1/−1x2/−2x2/−4x1/Incap.
Abilities: Archery 3, Athletics (Warstriders) 1,
Awareness (Ambush) 3, Brawl (Warstrider) 2, Bu-
reaucracy 4, Craft (Armaments) 2, Dodge 2, Integrity
3, Larceny (Smuggling) 2, Linguistics 1, Lore (War-
striders) 2, Melee 3, Occult (War Gods) 1, Perfor-
mance 2, Presence 4, Resistance 2, Ride 2, Socialize
3, War (Logistics) 1
Merits: Artifact (Ormolu) 5, Backing (Guild) 3,
Command (Caravan Guards) 2, Contacts (Incipient
Wars) 3, Hearthstone (Iron Soul Stone) 2, Resources 3
Attack (Brass Knuckles): 10 dice (Damage 10);
Tags: Bashing, Brawl, Smashing, Worn
Attack (Grapple): 6 dice (5 dice to control)
Attack (Slashing Sword): 9 dice (Damage 12/
2); Tags: Lethal, Melee, Balanced
160
EX3
Attack (Firewand): 7 dice at close range, 11 dice
at short range (Damage 15); Tags: Lethal, Archery
(Short), Flame, Slow
Combat: Soak 5, Hardness 0 (Buff Jacket: +3); Parry
5 (Melee); Evasion 3; Rush 5 dice; Disengage 6 dice
Social: Resolve 4, Guile 4
EXCELLENCIES
cellency, adding an equal number of dice. If she stunts
an action in a way that describes somehow turning
war-like materiel to her advantage, this increases to
(Attribute + Ability). For example, intimidating a bandit
by mocking the quality of his axe would increase the
dice she could add to the roll from (Presence) to (Cha-
risma + Presence).
OFFENSIVE CHARMS
Trusted Sword Betrayal (5m; Reflexive; Instant):
Once per scene after successfully disarming an op-
ponent, Cuelebre can make a reflexive withering
attack with the weapon against its former owner. This
Charm can be reset by landing a decisive attack
and building back to Initiative 15+.
SOCIAL CHARMS
Blunt Blade Appraisal (3m; Simple; Instant):
When a character makes a threat, Cuelebre can tell
if they intend to follow through, and how good they
consider their chances. Magic contesting this effect
goes to a roll-off against her (Perception + War),
adding (Essence) automatic successes.
Devil-Cowing Demonstration (7m, 1wp;
Simple; Instant): Cuelebre expounds on a weapon’s
terrible power, doubling 8s on a threaten roll. Success
causes the audience to fear or desire the weapon (or
both, her choice). If a character has a negative Intima-
cy toward a character or organization they believe to
already possess this weapon, the cost to resist equals
the strength of that Intimacy.
Soft-Speech Reinforcement (5m or 2m; Reflex-
ive; Instant): Instead of comparing Appearance to
Resolve when she rolls for (or is targeted by) social
influence, Cuelebre compares the damage bonus of
her weapon to that of the other character. If they are
unarmed, she increases her bonus by a further +1. This
benefit applies to all social rolls, and costs only two
motes for intimidation.
COVERT CHARMS
Emerald Sheathe Attitude (3m, +1wp; Simple;
One scene): Cuelebre guises swords as plough-
shares, ensuring other characters do not regard her
as armed or dangerous unless she takes overt threat-
ening action. Alert guards can notice her weapons,
but still dismiss them. She can extend this illusion over
a wagon-sized vehicle she is riding by spending one
 C hapter F o u r : T he E x a lted

WARSTRIDER INBOUND

Ormolu is a warstrider, equal parts armor, steed, and idol of destruction. Full rules for warstriders are found in
Arms of the Chosen.

Traits: Cuelebre uses the Toad’s Strength, soak, Hardness, and damage track in place of her own. She cannot
directly improve these traits with magic that would improve her own, and uses her own for Charm calculations and
limits.

Mobility: Ormolu offers a +1 Speed bonus on combat movement rolls and tests of speed. It can move away from
human-sized foes (not battlegroups) without disengaging. Stealth rolls suffer a penalty of four successes.

Defense: Within the Toad, Cuelebre cannot be targeted by decisive attacks, or take damage from environmental
hazards or similar dangers. The Toad has the Legendary Size Merit (Exalted, p. 557). It cannot be grappled or
knocked back by smaller enemies without magic, and is immune to poison, disease, and non-magical environ-
mental hazards.

Offense: Each turn Cuelebre can make a special reflexive attack against an enemy battlegroup, or all trivial op-
ponents within range. This does not occupy her action. The Toad’s attacks are unblockable except by artifacts or
defensive magic. It takes a −4 penalty on physical actions or Awareness rolls against human-sized targets.

Willpower. This Charm can only be overcome by
magic if Cuelebre poses a danger to one of the user’s
Major or Defining Intimacies.
Secret Thunderbolt Cache (10m, 1wp; Simple;
Instant): Cuelebre makes a special difficulty 3 roll to in-
troduce a fact using Bureaucracy or Larceny. Success
reveals a nearby cache of hidden materiel worth up
to (higher of her Resources or Essence), squirreled
away during her previous travels. This is enough to
outfit a Size 2 group. The difficulty is +1 if the supplies
are varied (e.g. weapons, armor, and rations), +1 if
they are exotic (e.g. clawstrider saddles, firewands),
and +1 if the location is hostile or far from normal
trade routes. Once per story unless reset by achieving
a legendary social goal ending in a lucrative payout.
CRAFT CHARMS
Oiled Armory Approach (—; Permanent): Cue-
lebre has a special pool of craft xp that can only be
used to repair armaments. She adds craft xp to this pool
whenever she sells or otherwise supplies armaments,
just as though it was a craft project she’d completed.
War Forge Echoes (1m; Reflexive; Instant): If Cue-
lebre encounters a description of an armament, she
instinctively knows whether or not it actually existed,
and rerolls 1s until no 1s remain on a related Lore roll.
Ormolu, the Gilt Toad
(Orichalcum Warstrider, Artifact •••••)
When Ivory Shadow Smith first chose the jin-Hua, he re-
stored their ancient snake-idol to its original state as a mighty
warstrider. Cuelebre has had it ostentatiously refitted: it
now resembles a squat, pot-bellied toad with gem-studded
orichalcum plate. A lone hearthstone gleams on its brow.
The only clue to Ormolu’s origin is the braided metal whip
lashing from its “mouth.” This was the serpent’s neck, and its
sculpted head still hisses on the Toad’s tongue.
Attunement: 15m
Strength: 6 (12 for Feats of Strength)
Unarmed: 12 dice (Damage 10, minimum 3); Tags:
Bashing, Natural, Smashing
Unarmed (Grapple): 7 dice (8 to control)
Tongue Lash: 12 dice (Damage 10, minimum 2);
Tags: Lethal, Melee, Disarming, Grappling, Flexible,
Reaching
Soak: 16; Hardness: 8
Damage track: −0x5/−1x5/−2x10/−4x10
Speed bonus: +1
Hearthstone slot(s): 1
Evocations of the Gilt Toad
Passive: Ormolu can accept a special crippling injury
(Exalted, p. 201) to negate damage, sloughing off layers of
gold plate to reveal the corroded serpent-idol beneath. It
faces none of the usual negative effects and can do so three
times before needing repair. Instead, each shedding reduces
its Soak by two and increases its Speed bonus by one.
Snatching Behemoth Tongue
Cost: 4m; Mins: Essence 2; Type: Simple
Keywords: Resonant, Withering-only
Duration: Instant

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The Toad makes a withering tongue lash attack out to
short range, ignoring the penalty for targeting small oppo-
nents. If it deals 5+ damage, it can forgo gaining Initiative
to disarm the opponent (or rip away a similar loose object).
The pilot can open the Toad’s maw to grab the weapon
themselves, becoming vulnerable to decisive attacks until
they use a miscellaneous action to close it.
Resonant: The pilot can activate this Evocation outside
the Toad to be snatched into its mouth, skipping the usual
strapping-in process.
Glutton-God’s Blubber
Cost: 4m; Mins: Essence 2; Type: Reflexive
Keywords: Dissonant, Perilous, Withering-only
Duration: Instant
Prerequisites: Snatching Behemoth Tongue
The Toad’s attacker rerolls (5 + Speed bonus) successful
damage dice, using the lower roll. Alternatively, the Toad
can force it to reroll (Speed bonus) successful attack dice.
Dissonant: This Evocation can only be used up to
(Essence) times per round.
Extravagant Engine Assault
Cost: 1a; Mins: Essence 2; Type: Reflexive
Keywords: Resonant
Duration: Instant
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Prerequisites: Glutton-God’s Blubber
Once per scene, Ormolu draws on power beyond its credit.
Its pilot rolls Join Battle and adds the result to her current
Initiative. At the start of her next turn, the warstrider suffers
bashing damage equal to the Initiative gained. The pilot may
ablate this damage by shedding gold layers, as normal.
Resonant: This Evocation can be reset by entering Initia-
tive Crash or making a decisive attack.
Heavy Pockets Hop
Cost: 6m, 1wp; Mins: Essence 2; Type: Simple
Keywords: Decisive-only
Duration: Instant
Prerequisites: Glutton-God’s Blubber
The Toad leaps upward before slamming down, crushing
bones beneath its frog-feet. It leaps up to (Speed bonus)
range bands and makes an unblockable grapple gambit,
adding (4 – Speed bonus) non-Charm successes to the
control roll. The ground in that range band is rendered
difficult terrain by the shockwaves of its weight.
If the gambit succeeds, the Toad makes a reflexive deci-
sive savage attack with (4 – Speed bonus) bonus damage,
crushing its victim underfoot. Until the start of its next
turn, the Toad suffers none of the usual penalties for
maintaining a grapple, but it cannot dodge attacks, move,
or be knocked prone without ending it.
 C hapter F o u r : T he E x a lted

Odara Chosen of Ash Captain of the Kalaho Ahn

Background: A petty criminal en route to the prisons of
Wavecrest, Odara found herself shipwrecked on the tiny vol-
canic island of Ma’o. Passing herself off as a pilgrim, she
ingratiated herself with the island’s volcano-god, Ash on
the Wind. But she fell in love with the god, who loved
her in return.

Ash on the Wind’s chief priestess, Liliha, discov-

ered Odara’s history — and her liaison with the
god. Enraged, Liliha sent Odara to the Black
Temple of Abalone, to be sacrificed to great
Hamoji.

Seeing no other means

to save his lover,
Ash on the Wind
called upon the

Unconquered Sun for deliv-

erance. His volcano erupted, shat-
tering Ma’o, as Odara Exalted in a
blaze of volcanic fire.

Fleeing the Black Temple, Odara

united the pirate band called the
Bloodthirsty (see The Bloodthirsty,
Scourge of Wavecrest see p. XX) under her
banner to avenge herself on those who tore her
from her god-lover. Seizing ships and raiding ports,
she gathers the Western treasures that might otherwise
enrich Wavecrest’s temples. Fire and terror linger in her wake.

Image: Tall and well-built, with bronze skin and long, wavy red hair,
Odara carries herself with arrogant pride. Her expressive face shows
every emotion — she’s occasionally pensive, but more often cheerful, excited, or
bloodthirsty. Her iconic anima depicts an erupting volcano.

Intimacies: Defining: “I’ll avenge Ash on the Wind.”; Major: “I enjoy violence.”; Yalon
(Friendship); The Bloodthirsty (Camaraderie); Minor: “I love treasure.”; Priests (Hatred); The
Kalaho Ahn (Pride)

Secrets: Liliha lives, concealing her slick burn scars behind a perfumed veil. She seeks aid from dark
powers to destroy Odara, covertly offering wealth and priestly influence. She’ll deal with any being, from
the dead to the Anathema, and has already forged a bargain with a mysterious spirit that calls itself Shade.

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Equipment: rich clothing, ostentatious jewelry,
Caldera (red jade lamellar), Roaring Impact (white jade
goremaul), Nephthai (black jade devil caster)
Roleplaying Hints: In battle, Odara weakens enemy
morale with gruesome promises of violence, then leaps
into battle with the Bloodthirsty close behind. She fa-
vors smashing attacks to knock foes overboard, and uses
Mast-Shattering Strike (below) to disable or hole enemy
vessels.
Odara focuses on plundering Wavecrest vessels and
ports, but characters can redirect her to particularly
juicy alternative targets if the reward outweighs the risk.
Schemes to tear down Wavecrest society and religion get
her attention. Slaying Odara triggers a power struggle
within the Bloodthirsty; soon a new leader emerges, di-
recting the pirates toward different goals.
Attributes: Strength 4, Dexterity 4, Stamina 4;
Charisma 3, Manipulation 2, Appearance 3; Per-
ception 3, Intelligence 3, Wits 3
Essence: 2
Willpower: 7
Join Battle: 7 dice
Personal Motes: 14
Peripheral Motes: 33 (15 committed)
Health Levels: −0/−1x3/−2x3/−4/Incap.
Abilities: Archery 3, Athletics 3, Awareness 4,
Brawl 2, Bureaucracy (Stolen Goods) 1, Dodge 2,
Integrity 2, Larceny (Conceal Evidence) 2, Linguis-
tics 1, Lore (Western Religions) 2, Melee 4, Occult
(Gods) 1, Performance 2, Presence (Intimidation) 3,
Resistance 2, Sail 4, Stealth 2
Merits: Allies (Yalon) 1, Ambidextrous 1, Artifact
(Caldera) 3, Artifact (Nephthai) 3, Artifact (Roaring
Impact) 3, Command (the Bloodthirsty) 2, Contacts
(Fences) 3, Influence 2, Language (Native: Sea-
tongue; Old Realm) 1, Resources 2
Attack (Roaring Impact/Goremaul): 11 dice
(Damage 16/4); Tags: Bashing, Melee, Smashing
Attack (Nephthai/Devil caster): 12 dice at
short range (Damage 16/4); Tags: Lethal, Archery
(Short), Flame, Mounted, One-Handed, Slow
Attack (Unarmed): 10 dice (Damage 11); Tags:
Bashing, Brawl, Grappling, Natural
Combat: Soak 12, Hardness 7 (Caldera: +8/7);
Parry 5 (Melee); Evasion 2 (armor penalty −1); Rush
6 dice; Disengage 5 dice
Social: Resolve 3, Guile 1
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Caldera
(Red Jade Lamellar Armor, Artifact •••)
Odara stripped this armor from an outcaste captain’s
corpse, whose dead lips offered no whisper of its prove-
nance. Even its name is Odara’s invention.
Evocations of Caldera
Passive: At the beginning of combat, Odara may inspire
(Exalted, p. 217) herself with an inflamed passion of joy.
If so, she also gains one Initiative.
Nephthai (Black Jade Devil
Caster, Artifact •••)
The pirate Lintha Sennong Sikala wielded this artifact
flame piece as his signature weapon until his death
at Odara’s hands. His family seeks Odara’s death and
Nephthai’s return.
Evocations of Nephthai
Passive: Nephthai can be fired underwater or into water
without penalty.
Clinging Flame
Cost: 4m; Mins: Essence 1; Type: Supplemental
Keywords: Decisive-only
Duration: One turn
If a supplemented decisive attack deals damage, clinging
flames generate an instantaneous environmental hazard
(Exalted, p. 230) with damage (wielder’s Essence)L and
difficulty 5, at the beginning of the target’s next turn.
Roaring Impact
(White Jade Goremaul, Artifact •••)
An outcaste smith forged this hammer to Odara’s
specifications.
Evocations of Roaring Impact
Passive: Reduce the Initiative cost of smashing attacks
by one.
Mast-Shattering Strike
Cost: 5m, 1wp; Mins: Essence 1; Type: Supplemental
Keywords: Resonant
Duration: One feat
Add (Essence) to Strength for one feat of demolition, in-
cluding to determine whether the feat is possible.
 C hapter F o u r : T he E x a lted
Resonant: Convert dice gained from this bonus Strength
to automatic successes.
Charms
Many of Odara’s Charms wax or wane in power with her
anima, which has the following values: dim 0, glowing 1,
burning 2, bonfire/iconic 3.
EXCELLENCIES
Supplement a Dexterity, Stamina, Charisma, or Wits
roll for one mote per die. When stunting an action in
a dynamic, aggressive way, add up to (Attribute +
anima) dice. When stunting an action in a passive,
defensive way, instead add up to (Attribute + [3 –
anima]) dice. Raising static values works similarly,
dividing by two and rounding down.
OFFENSIVE CHARMS
Searing Steel Eruption (1m, 3a, 1wp; Simple;
Instant; Decisive-only): Gain three Initiative, then roll
a single decisive attack against up to three oppo-
nents within close range, dividing Initiative evenly
among them (rounded up). Reset to base only after
the final attack resolves.
DEFENSIVE CHARMS
Lava Fills the Fault (1m, 1a; Reflexive; Instant):
Heal one −0 health level of non-aggravated damage;
usable once per three rounds.
Skin of Rhyolite (3m; Reflexive; Instant; Dual):
Gain (5 − anima) natural soak against a withering
attack or (5 − anima) Hardness against a decisive
attack.
Whirling Ash Evasion (4m, 1wp; Simple; One
scene; Perilous): Ignore up to (anima) points of
penalty to Evasion.
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MOBILITY CHARMS
Boiling Cauldron Dance (2m; Reflexive; Until next
turn): Walk or run across water. This creates a veil of
steam that imposes a −1 visual penalty on opponents’
attacks.
Wind-Whipped Cinder Swiftness (3m; Sup-
plemental; Instant): Add (anima + 2) bonus dice to
a combat movement roll, or a roll to contest combat
movement. If this roll beats all opponents, gain one
Initiative.
SOCIAL CHARMS
Smoldering Mountain Terror (4m; Supplemen-
tal; Instant): Add (anima) dice to a threaten action,
ignoring any penalty for multiple targets.
Arms Master Yalon
A Wavecrest naval officer who quit his post when his
daughter was sacrificed to Hamoji after a petty crime,
Yalon is Odara’s only real friend and confidant. The crew
respects this stern but caring man despite his origins.
Yalon uses champion traits — Exalted, p. 497 — with
Command: 7 dice and Sail: 6 dice.
The Kalaho Ahn
Odara’s flagship has blue-water merchant traits
(Exalted, p. 246). Its siege weapons include a fire can-
non at the bow, and a fire projector flanked by two bal-
listae at the stern. Her crew forms a Size 2 battle group
with elite Drill, under Yalon’s direction
 ADVERSARIES OF THE RIGHTEOUS

Mad Kenzon, the fanatic who warned of the end of days on street corners and slept under the bridge most
nights, arrived first. His aimless wanderings were unremarkable enough, no matter where they took him.

Silver Egret, tutor to the local magistrate’s children, arrived second, shielded by her status in the prominent
household. She was beyond reproach within the family, and by extension, within the community. No one dared
question her personal dealings, so long as her actions didn’t endanger her young charges. Little did anyone
suspect — they did.

The last to arrive was known simply as the Banker, though he rarely traded in coin. The economy of favors he
ran from the back room of the local bar was far more lucrative, and far deadlier. A deep scar across his left
cheek marred his weather-worn face. He claimed he’d earned it in a knife fight. That was almost the truth. It
was the last remnant of the one member of their little conclave who’d fallen to the surface world’s temptations.
She’d dared to dream that Creation might go on living, and for that heresy her bones lay scattered at the bottom
of Bladewind Ravine, gnawed clean by the wild things that dwelt there.

Tonight, though, the Banker’s menacing face cracked into an uncharacteristic smile. “Sister!” He spread his
arms wide, squeezing Silver Egret tightly to him and holding her there long enough to say what his words
wouldn’t: “I’ve missed you.”

The two shared no blood, but the Last Bastion conclave had grown closer in their years away from home than
any bond of family could have made them.

Silver Egret returned the embrace. “It’s good to see you well. I hope the guards were sufficiently late to find you
last time around?”

The Banker nodded. “You did well. I was long gone.”

Kenzon rose from his chair by the fire. Though his rags were damp from the weather and putrid with the smells
of unwashed skin, the well-dressed Banker pulled him into an embrace just the same, pressing his forehead to
his companion’s. “I trust you’ve been taking care of yourself out there, my brother?”

“I try,” the preacher said, “but the winters keep coming sooner and sooner. Perhaps that’s a sign on its own.”

The three granted themselves a few luxurious minutes to drop their façades and bask in the warmth of familiar
company before settling down to the night’s business.

“We’re nearly there,” Silver Egret said. “Siro — the magistrate’s oldest — is disillusioned with his father. He’ll
come into the family’s money, once the old man finally passes.”

“How much longer?” The Banker asked. “How many more doses do you expect you’ll need?”

Silver Egret thought carefully, running the calculation in her head as she tried to determine how much more of
the poison it would take to carry the old man off in good time, but not suspiciously good time. “Give it another
week. Maybe two. Three draughts should be plenty to finish the job.”

The Banker nodded. “You’ll have it.”

“Are you certain the boy will listen to you?” Kenzon asked. “When the time comes, I mean?”

Silver Egret shrugged. “He listens to you, you know — at night, when you wander by the gates, when he doesn’t
think anyone will notice. That’s about as good a sign as I could hope for. When the old man is dead, I’ll light
a lantern in the east window.” The plan was the culmination of years of work. They’d been over it a thousand
times. Still, it was good to repeat it once more.

“I’ll be watching for it,” said Kenzon. “We’ll bring the boy here and make our case before anyone else can sway
him.”

“And,” the Banker added, “If he won’t join us and bend his fortune to Aton’s cause?”

Silver Egret smiled. “The magistrate does have a second son. It’s a dangerous city, after all.”

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Chapter Five

Groups
5 Descending Water

I write this by candlelight. The rocking waves make my handwriting uneven, or perhaps it’s fear causing the trem-
or in my grip. Our captain spotted the pirate’s ship too late in the fog, recognized their flag with its bloody skull
when they were close enough to catch us. Now I fear the crew is dead. We passengers have been shuffled down
to the hold, to await the payment of our ransoms. I pray our letters — and thus our rescuers — arrive swiftly.

The Bloodthirsty, Scourge of Wavecrest

Background: Vicious and brutal, the pirate band called
the Bloodthirsty haunts the waters southeast of the
Wavecrest Archipelago, seizing merchant vessels and
raiding coastal towns. Though they often hold wealthy
travelers alive for ransom, they show no such mercy to
Wavecresters, for whom their mistress holds a special ha-
tred. Their depredations strike terror across the archipel-
ago, but House V’neef sees them as pawns in its schemes.
Their sigil — a skull whose jaws drip blood — and their
spiked hulls hung with their victims’ remains are rightly
feared throughout the Wavecrest region. Wavecrest’s at-
tempts to eliminate them have proven ineffectual against
their numbers and secret benefactors.
The Imperial Navy is reluctant to take the fight to the
pirates’ home ground, lest they turn their attention from
Wavecrest. Available Navy forces would doubtless crush
the Bloodthirsty in time, but the resulting distraction
and casualties would leave House Peleps’ Western oper-
ations vulnerable to V’neef maneuvering.
Members: The Bloodthirsty are reavers from the
Seawalk Isles, an island chain southeast of Wavecrest
containing Kyna Wehe, Jora Wehe, and several lesser
isles. Traditionally, they limited themselves to raiding
one another and unfriendly neighbors, or indulged in oc-
casional coastal piracy. But the Exigent Odara, Chosen
of Ash (p. XX) has raised her bloody-skull banner among
peoples already growing eager to test the limits of an un-
stable Realm’s defenses, gathering dozens of ships into a
single marauding fleet.
The Bloodthirsty fleet evolved from refitted fishing
boats into larger vessels with a tradition of deliberately
haphazard-looking construction that’s deceptively swift
and maneuverable. Their most notable quirk is the addi-
tion of great, curving spikes along the sides of their hulls,
above the waterline. Meant to snag the sides of enemy
ships during boarding actions, they also serve to intim-
idate, especially when the crews impale victims of suc-
cessful raids upon them.
Odara of Ash, a volcano-god’s Exigent, leads the
Bloodthirsty from her flagship, the Kalaho Ahn. Her cap-
tains theoretically stand as equals, though they jockey
with one another for influence over Odara and for con-
trol of the fleet’s resources. These captains include the
ruthless and opportunistic Nanahu, and the dreaded
ghost-blood Two Shadows.
Secrets: Despite Odara’s victories and charisma, not
all Bloodthirsty favor her command. Some consider her
crusade against Wavecrest misguided, and would rather
turn toward less perilous targets. Others still chafe under
old rivalries with fellow Bloodthirsty captains who once
raided their homes. Though the need to stand together
against the Imperial Navy and other maritime forces
keeps Odara’s rivals in line for now, the right opportuni-
ty could unleash strife within the fleet as captains nurse
old grudges.
While the Bloodthirsty remain personae non gratae in
Wavecrest itself, some neighboring peoples and city-
states unofficially tolerate them for their lavish spend-
ing and bribes in port, and for weakening the Realm’s
influence in the region. These quietly offer havens for
Bloodthirsty ships to resupply, sell stolen cargoes, and
provide leave for their crews.

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House V’neef secretly backs the Bloodthirsty, fun-
neling information on Imperial Navy movements and
Wavecrest shipping to the pirate captains, and offer-
ing sanctuary and trade opportunities in their satrapial
port of Nansha. The Merchant Fleet hopes to use the
Bloodthirsty as a weapon against Peleps in their esca-
lating conflict for control over the West. They’ve not
yet offered Odara everything she desires — total license
against the priesthoods and peoples of Wavecrest — but
the time for scruples is ending.
Resources: The Bloodthirsty command a dozen ships of
the line with blue-water merchant traits, a score of light
corsairs with large yacht traits, and several dozen scouts
with fast courier traits (Exalted, p. 246). Multiple scouts
usually accompany a ship of the line or a pair of cor-
sairs. Larger fleets assemble to take down well-defended
convoys, intercept enemy naval forces, or protect pirate
havens. Bloodthirsty pirates aboard a ship of the line or
corsair with spikes affixed gain +1 to Threaten actions
against other crews.
Crew members use Lintha reaver traits (Exalted, p. 497)
with average or elite Drill depending on the captain’s
skill at command. Scout and corsair crews are Size 1; a
ship of the line’s crew is Size 3. Intimacies typically in-
clude “I’ll make my fortune through piracy” and Fellow
Bloodthirsty (Loyalty) at Defining or Major. Ties toward
Odara and/or their ship’s captains are common; their
emotional tenor varies.

NEW NAVAL STRATAGEM

Jagged Impact (Wits + Sail + Maneuverability; Cost: 15 Momentum) — Bloodthirsty ships of the line and corsairs
can undertake this boarding action (Exalted, p.245). After the crew boards the enemy battle group suffers −1 to rout
checks and command actions. For each threshold success on this stratagem’s roll, the captain may inflict one level
of Magnitude damage to the enemy as spikes scatter or impale them.

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 ADVERSARIES OF THE RIGHTEOUS
Individual Bloodthirsty come away with sizable shares
of wealth after a successful fight, which they’re quick
to spend in port. Captains stash away lockboxes of trea-
sure for emergencies, and many have Resources 1-3 in
non-maritime investments.
Roleplaying Hints: Bloodthirsty ships try to outnumber
their opposition, swarming one target at a time and priori-
tizing boarding actions. In melee, they fight fiercely, showing
no quarter unless an individual seems valuable — whether
for ransom, useful skills, or carnal appeal. On shore leave,
they tend toward bellicosity; they’re prone to brawling and
bravado, as well as muggings and other petty crime.
Ship’s Pilot
While the captain gives orders and commands the ship
as a whole, the pilot is responsible for navigation and
steering. (On smaller ships, captain and pilot may be one
and the same). She holds a great deal of authority, effec-
tively acting as second-in-command. This also makes
her a prime target during naval engagements, so a pilot
must be skilled in her own defense.
As talented pilots are rare, pirates seize them from cap-
tured vessels and press them into service. Though care-
fully watched at first, most are nonetheless reliable; they
know enemy navies will treat them as any other pirate
despite their origins and intentions.
Intimacies: Defining: Her ship (Devotion); Major:
“Nothing will deter my vessel from reaching its desti-
nation.”; Minor: Her captain (Loyalty)
Essence: 1; Willpower: 6; Join Battle: 6 dice
Health Levels: −0/−1x2/−2x2/−4/Incap.
Actions: Climbing: 5 dice; Command: 5 dice; Navi-
gation/Sailing: 7 dice; Senses: 7 dice
Appearance 2, Resolve 2, Guile 2
COMBAT
Attack (Short sword): 9 dice (Damage 9/2)
Tags: Lethal, Melee, Balanced
Attack (Knife): 8 dice (Damage 9) Tags: Lethal,
Melee, Thrown (Short)
Attack (Unarmed): 7 dice (Damage 9) Tags:
Bashing, Brawl, Grappling, Natural
Combat Movement: 5 dice
Evasion 2, Parry 3
Soak/Hardness: 5/0 (Breastplate)
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Arms Master
The arms master’s responsibilities include drilling the
crew in combat techniques and commanding them in
battle. She’s often the most skilled fighter onboard, and
leads from the front to repel boarders or seize enemy
ships. Commercial vessels’ arms masters also lock up
weapons between engagements to avoid fights and muti-
ny, but pirates rarely enforce such rules.
Intimacies: Defining: “Victory at all costs.”; Major:
“Discipline is paramount.”; Her captain (Loyalty);
Fellow crew (Respect)
Essence: 1; Willpower: 5; Join Battle: 7 dice
Health Levels: −0/−1x2/−2x2/−4/Incap.
Actions: Athletics: 6 dice; Navigation/Sailing: 5
dice; Read Intentions: 4 dice; Senses: 5 dice; Siege
Weapons: 7 dice; Social Influence: 5 dice; Threaten:
7 dice; Warfare: 7 dice
Appearance 3, Resolve 3, Guile 2
COMBAT
Attack (Chopping sword): 9 dice (Damage 12)
Tags: Lethal, Melee, Chopping
Attack (Long bow): 9 dice at short range (Damage
12) Tags: Lethal, Archery (Long)
Attack (Knife): 10 dice (Damage 10) Tags: Lethal,
Melee, Thrown (Short)
Attack (Unarmed): 9 dice (Damage 10) Tags:
Bashing, Brawl, Grappling, Natural
Combat Movement: 6 dice
Evasion 2, Parry 4
Soak/Hardness: 8/0 (Reinforced buff jacket)
Nanahu, Captain of the Wa Wakahi
Born in a Kyna Wehe fishing village, Nanahu turned first
to sailing and then to piracy, where his fierce demeanor
and violent temperament stood him in good stead. When
the Wa Wakahi’s previous captain died in battle, he
roused the crew to his support and seized the captaincy.
While Nanahu approves of Odara’s personal strength and
tactical acumen, he fears her vendetta against Wavecrest
may embroil the Bloodthirsty in an unwinnable, unprof-
itable war with the Imperial Navy; or worse, that they’ll
become tools of the Merchant Fleet.
Nanahu is squat and powerfully built, with blue-green
hair and beard. An encounter with a fire projector turned
the left side of his face into a mass of burn scars, making
his expression all the more ferocious.
 C hapter F i v e : G r o u ps
Intimacies: Defining: “Violence and bluster get me
what I want.”; Major: Odara (Respect); His crew
(Loyalty); Minor: The Wa Wakahi (Pride)
Essence: 1; Willpower: 7; Join Battle: 7 dice
Health Levels: −0/−1x2/−2x2/−4/Incap.
Actions: Assess Wealth: 6 dice; Athletics: 6 dice;
Navigation/Sailing: 7 dice; Read Intentions: 4 dice;
Senses: 5 dice; Social Influence: 6 dice; Threaten: 7
dice; Warfare: 7 dice
Appearance 4 (Hideous), Resolve 3, Guile 2
COMBAT
Attack (Great axe): 8 dice (Damage 15) Tags:
Lethal, Melee, Chopping, Reaching, Two-Handed
Attack (Firewand): 9 dice at short range (Damage
15) Tags: Lethal, Archery (Short), Flame, Slow
Attack (Unarmed): 11 dice (Damage 11) Tags:
Bashing, Brawl, Grappling, Natural
Combat Movement: 5 dice
Evasion 2, Parry 3
Soak/Hardness: 9/0 (Reinforced buff jacket)
Olo the Scorpion, Wary Fence
The hard-goods dealer Olo spends any given day pick-
ing through new goods in Port Ahisa’s bazaar. She moves
slowly; a wooden stump replaces her missing left leg, and
her once-muscular frame now runs to fat. Her neighbors
would be astonished to see her on moonless nights, nim-
bly descending cliffside paths to the hidden cove where
she purchases pirated cargoes.
She maintains a walled, guarded warehouse complex at
the edge of town. When not out on business, she rarely
stirs herself from the office where she cooks her books. She
keeps a crossbow by her desk, and her clothing bristles with
hidden knives; she trusts no one, not even her own staff.
Once a pirate herself in the now-defunct Cracked Skull
Sisterhood of Jora Wehe until its destruction by Kyna
Wehe fleets 20 years ago, Olo retains many contacts amid
the Bloodthirsty beyond her mercantile relationships.
She knows much regarding their activities and plans.
Intimacies: Defining: “Unlike people, money will
never betray you.”; Major: Survivors of the Cracked
Skull Sisterhood (Loyalty); Kyna Wehe’s chieftains
(Hatred); Minor: “Better to kill than to be killed.”; The
Bloodthirsty (Loyalty)
Essence: 1; Willpower: 5; Join Battle: 6 dice
Health Levels: −0/−1x2/−2x2/−4/Incap.
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Actions: Assess Value: 7 dice; Bargain: 7 dice;
Commerce: 7 dice; Read Intentions: 6 dice; Senses: 5
dice; Social Influence: 5 dice
Appearance 3, Resolve 3, Guile 3
Escort: Olo’s clerks, porters, and guards are retired
pirates (use grizzled mercenary traits, Exalted, p.497).
At least one escorts her at all times, and she can easily
assemble a Size 1 battle group with average Drill.
COMBAT
Attack (Knife): 8 dice (Damage 10) Tags: Lethal,
Melee, Thrown (Short)
Attack (Crossbow): 8 dice at short range
(Damage 12) Tags: Lethal, Archery (Medium), Cross-
bow, Mounted, One-Handed, Piercing, Slow
Attack (Unarmed): 8 dice (Damage 10) Tags:
Bashing, Brawl, Grappling, Natural
Combat Movement: 3 dice
Evasion 1, Parry 3
Soak/Hardness: 6/0 (Chain shirt)
Two Shadows,
Captain of the Nightmare
After perishing in a storm, a fisherman returned home as
a ghost to visit his wife one last time. Nine months later,
Two Shadows was born. Drawn to the sea, she became
a sailor and a pirate. Eventually caught by Wavecrest’s
navy, she was slated for execution in Abalone before a
serendipitous Bloodthirsty raid freed her.
Two Shadows is a tall, lean, pale woman in her 30s, with
a white streak through her green-black hair. Her crew
fears the deathly magic of her birthright, even as they
admire her cold, calculated brutality. Though aloof,
Odara’s fiery presence has warmed something within
her for the first time, turning her aside from pure profit
to serve the pirate queen’s crusade.
Intimacies: Defining: Odara (Infatuation); Major:
“I am fascinated by death.”; “I love the freedom of
the sea.”; The Nightmare (Pride); Minor: “Human lives
mean nothing to me.”; Her crew (Ownership)
Essence: 1; Willpower: 7; Join Battle: 8 dice
Personal Motes: 10 (5 committed)
Health Levels: −0/−1x2/−2x4/−4/Incap.
Actions: Athletics: 6 dice; Navigation/Sailing: 6
dice; Read Intentions: 5 dice; Senses: 6 dice; Social
Influence: 7 dice; Threaten: 8 dice; Warfare: 7 dice
Appearance 3, Resolve 3, Guile 2
 ADVERSARIES OF THE RIGHTEOUS
COMBAT
Attack (Paired axes): 10 dice (Damage 13) Tags:
Lethal, Melee, Thrown (Short), Chopping
Attack (Unarmed): 10 dice (Damage 10) Tags:
Bashing, Brawl, Grappling, Natural
Combat Movement: 6 dice
Evasion 3, Parry 5
Soak/Hardness: 12/7 (Kraken’s Shroud)
OFFENSIVE CHARMS
Life-Drinking Blade (3m, 1i; Supplemental;
Instant; Dual; Essence 1): Gain +2 to an attack roll.
Gain +1 to post-soak withering damage or to raw
decisive damage.
DEFENSIVE CHARMS
Clarity-of-Death Defense (2m; Reflexive; Instant;
Essence 1): Ignore one point of onslaught penalty.
Children of the Weaver
Background: While the Contagion raged across Creation,
its awful ripples shook the very threads of the Loom of
Fate. One violent tremor knocked a Pattern Spider loose
from its place on the tapestry, and the creature fell to earth.
A group of mortals found the lost, injured spider, brought
it home to their town, and nursed it back to health as best
they could. When it recovered, rather than returning to
Heaven, the spider stayed with the people.
Weavers noticed tiny, intricate patterns the spider had
spun onto their looms. They sold the fabric and the town
grew prosperous. The people worshiped the spider as a
small god, and in return it brought them good fortune
and prosperity.
Then it began to weave people of its own: human-like
creatures spun from its silk, who wandered the town
observing its mortal inhabitants. They watched without
comment as the people went about their daily tasks, nei-
ther helping nor hindering... at least not in any immedi-
ately obvious manner.
Then the blacksmith, whose small kindnesses were
known throughout the town, survived an accident at the
forge that should have killed her. The tailor, whose greed
was no secret, awoke one morning to find his fabrics
moth-eaten and moldy, his needles bent. Other shifts
of fate followed, with one common thread connecting
them: those who were rewarded or punished had all
been watched by the spider’s strange children.
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Special Ability: Deathwalker
Two Shadows can perceive and physically interact with
ghosts and other immaterial undead, who can likewise
interact with her even without materializing. These ef-
fects don’t apply to other immaterial spirits.
Kraken’s Shroud (Black Jade Reinforced
Buff Jacket, Artifact •••)
Two Shadows seized this gray sharkskin and black jade
coat from an outcaste warrior-priest of Siakal.
Evocations of Kraken’s Shroud
Passive: Kraken’s Shroud has the Buoyant tag. Against
wounded opponents, add one die to rush actions or to
contest disengage actions.
Over the years, groups of the spider’s progeny have ven-
tured out into the wider world, to observe other mor-
tals’ lives. Everywhere they go, they judge the actions
of those they watch, and peer a little ways ahead on the
tapestry to tweak a strand of their target’s fate here, a
strand there, depending on the person’s deeds.
They aren’t perfect arbiters of good and evil. The pattern
spider modeled its children on the humans that saved it
all those centuries ago, and they’re therefore susceptible
to flattery and deception, just like other humans. They
can be persuaded to change the fate of an awful person
for the better, or a kindly person for the worse.
Image: From a distance, the Children of the Weaver look
human. They’re all genders and sizes, depending on the
pattern spider’s whims and inspirations the day it spun
out their lives. Up close, their skin has a silvery sheen.
From even closer, observers can see the individual
stitches that make up their flesh. Their hair is fine-spun
wire in varying metallic hues. The embroidery on their
clothing is impeccable; the keen-eyed might notice sub-
tle changes in the scenes over the course of an evening.
Intimacies: Defining: “Fortune is a gift; it’s my duty to be-
stow or rescind it.” Major Tie: The Weaver (Reverence);
Minor: “Some courses require a bit of correcting.”
Typical Individuals: Though they bear a common pro-
genitor, once the Children of the Weaver leave the web,
 C hapter F i v e : G r o u ps
they quickly become individuals. Their opinions and
actions form based on the people they observe and the
glimpses ahead on the tapestry they seek out.
The Weaver’s Children don’t have a strict hierarchy.
Most decisions that need to be made are made as a group,
with members discussing how their various options will
affect the near future and coming to a consensus.
Humans fascinate the Weaver’s Children. They see
how the person’s choices affect her section of the tap-
estry, how those decisions tug on threads surrounding
hers, and so on. Most feel they’re superior to humans
and view themselves as a guiding force in the lives of the
people they choose to “help.” Some consider themselves
philanthropists, improving the fates of as many of the
deserving as they can. Others are judges, meting out mis-
ery to make malefactors repent their crimes. Still others
view humans as an interesting experiment, tweaking
their subjects’ threads at random to see what happens.
Secrets: After several outside sources attempted to kid-
nap or kill the pattern spider, it has retreated to a hid-
den lair outside the town that saved it. The Children
are bound to their parent by fate, and thus know its
whereabouts.
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One of the Getimian Exalted is aware of the Children and
watches their behavior with interest. The Children are of the
Loom of Fate, yet removed from it — not in the same way Rakan
Thulio and the Getimians are, but perhaps the Children of the
Weaver could be of use in the war against Heaven.
A small group of the Children has begun weaving its own
miniature Loom of Fate. While it’s nowhere near potent
enough to compete with the original in Heaven, it chron-
icles the lives of a small village the Children have co-opt-
ed to see where their threads will take them. The villag-
ers are unaware of this, and accept the strange anomalies
that result as everyday occurrences.
Resources: Even Children who depart for the other side
of Creation consider the pattern spider’s lair their home,
and the human town nearby their refuge. The townspeo-
ple still revere and worship the Children, and in return
receive the Children’s blessings. They will also, if the
Children or the spider are threatened, rally to protect
their benefactors. They are mostly civilians, so a bat-
tle group composed of townspeople has poor Drill, but
the presence of the Children gives them Might 1. (Treat
them as militia, Exalted, p. 496.)
Over the years, Children of the Weaver have nudged
the fates of politicians, bandit queens, entertainers, and
 ADVERSARIES OF THE RIGHTEOUS

SNARLS IN THE WEAVE

As good as they are at altering fates, the changes the Children make can create strange glitches in the pattern. After
all, they’ve never touched the Loom of Fate itself, never seen the patterns of not just lives, but nations and genera-
tions spun out, never learned how to properly keep the threads from dropping or twisting or snagging. This leads to
odd occurrences when a Child isn’t careful, or pushes fate too far. Anomalies run from small aberrations — a coin
that always lands on heads — to the unignorable — a man dodging a hail of arrows, a house appearing fully built
on an empty lot, an army marching across the sky.

Left unchecked, these glitches can grow extremely dangerous. Sometimes, they attract Sidereal attention. Others,
there’s not enough time for the problem to wend its way through the Celestial Bureaucracy, and needs to be dealt
with right away, by whatever mortals and Exalts are close by.

guild members. They’re careful not to meddle with the
brightly shining threads of people with great destinies,
lest they attract the notice of the Sidereal Exalted, in-
stead focusing on those whose rise ends somewhere in
the middle of the ranks. Still, it’s no small thing to have
the magistrate of a minor satrapy in one’s debt, or to be
owed a favor by a member of the Guild operating out of
Nexus. This grants them Contacts 1 or 3 in a given orga-
nization, at the Storyteller’s discretion.
Roleplaying Hints: The Children have little need for
money or material goods. They eat and sleep because it’s
interesting and pleasurable, not for sustenance. Yet, they
like a good meal and a soft bed, and therefore offer them-
selves for hire to those looking to change their fortunes...
or the fortunes of others. Discreet in their negotiations,
they take those jobs that interest them or stir their sens-
es of justice or self-importance.
If a Child dies, the changes she made remain in place.
Home in its lair, the Weaver feels the loss and spins out a
new child to take its place.
Should the characters go to the source and attempt to
destroy the pattern spider, both Children and townspeo-
ple rush to its defense. Though succeeding in killing it
or convincing it to return to the Loom may put the char-
acters in the good graces of the Sidereals, they earn the
enmity of both the townspeople and any of the Weaver’s
Children who remain.
Typical Child of the Weaver
Essence: 2; Willpower: 7; Join Battle: 3 dice
Personal Motes: 14
Health Levels: −0x2/−1x4/−2x3/−4/Incap.
Actions: Alter Fate: 8 dice; Bargain: 7 dice; Read
Intentions: 6 dice; Senses: 5 dice
Appearance 3, Resolve 2, Guile 3
COMBAT
Attack (Short Sword): 10 dice (Damage 7) Tags:
Lethal, Melee, Balanced
Attack (Grapple): 6 dice (6 to control)
Combat Movement: 5 dice
Evasion 4, Parry 4
Soak/Hardness: 3/0
OFFENSIVE CHARMS
Inevitable Strike Technique (5m; Simple; Instant;
Essence 2): The Child considers several possible
attacks in the space of a heartbeat, and knows which
one will land on his opponent. Discarding the others,
he chooses the one that is destined. On a successful
attack, the Child ignores her target’s Soak.
DEFENSIVE CHARMS
Blade Catching Method (3m; Reflexive; Instant;
Essence 1): The Weaver’s Child knows where her op-
ponent’s blade will land, and brings her own weapon
up to turn the blow aside. Once per round, she may
use this Charm to double her Parry.
MOBILITY CHARMS
Advantageous Positioning (3m; Reflexive;
Instant; Essence 2): When a Child’s Initiative is lower
than her enemy’s, she finds the best place to stand
within his range band and plants herself there, gaining
the upper hand. Her Initiative temporarily increases to
one higher than her target’s, then reverts to its former
value at the end of the round. This Charm may be used
once per scene.
SOCIAL CHARMS
Study the Tapestry (5m; Simple; Instant; Essence
2): Each person’s life contributes to the shape of the
pattern. A Weaver’s Child may look back along her
target’s thread, spotting significant moments and
weighing their impact on the lives of others.

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 C hapter F i v e : G r o u ps

MISCELLANEOUS CHARMS Too many adjustments in quick succession, or two

Common Threads (3m; Simple; Instant; Essence
1): The Weaver’s Child scrutinizes a person or a lo-
cation and sees the way other people or objects inter-
connect. She understands the relationships between
his target and people nearby, and whether anything
in the immediate area is tied to any of that person’s
Intimacies.
Fortune Comes Calling (10m; Simple; Instant;
Essence 2): The Child plucks at the threads of her tar-
get’s future, nudging upcoming situations to fit the pun-
ishment or reward the Child envisions for that person.
She gains three bonus dice on an Alter Fate roll.
The Child can only make changes for events occurring
over the next ten days, and the changes must be pred-
icated on events that are already in motion.
Children working at odds with one another, may
tangle the threads of fate in dangerous or disastrous
ways.
Knotted Silk Meditation (10m, 1wp; Simple;
Instant; Essence 2): The Weaver’s Child tugs two
targets’ threads closer together. Over the next week,
the targets’ paths cross often, and the two become
aware of one another’s presence. One might have
information or resources the other needs, or both
might be in search of the same treasure. Whether the
Weaver’s Child intends them to become great friends
or bitter enemies, their fates are, at least temporarily,
intertwined.
Both people must be in the same general area (within
medium range) when this Charm is activated.

The Darienites of Yane, Children of Green and Gold

Background: This demon cult traces its origins to
Darien Nightbreaker, a Solar Anathema whose sorceries
troubled the early Realm. Once rampant throughout the
South, centuries of Immaculate effort have reduced it to
a shadow of its former self. Only a few scattered cells lin-
ger, but their philosophy remains potent, ready to blos-
som anew should a Solar show her face.
The Darienite creed venerates Creation’s Unconquered
Sun and Hell’s green sun as brother deities who chained
the ravening Elemental Dragons at time’s dawn, and sees
demons and Solar Anathema alike as champions against
Dragon-Blooded tyrants. This offers spiritual strength to
those suffering under the Realm’s yoke.
Where the Realm’s grip is strong, the Darienites’
green-and-gold sunburst is rarely seen. But when sedi-
tion grows, the sunburst graffito appears as a mark of
resistance. Should a Solar Anathema or demon-blooded
hero arise, cult members sew it upon their garments to
mark themselves as followers, rallying to the sun-blessed.
Darienite congregations typically form in Southern ur-
ban slums. There, a proselyte — often an escapee from
Immaculate purges — can establish a following among
the poorest, most downtrodden commoners without
drawing attention from local monks.
In some congregations, the Twin Suns’ word spreads
like wildfire; such groups flare into rebellion, only to
be stamped out. Other congregations grow slowly, set-
ting down roots, raising children and grandchildren in
the secret faith. These take advantage of cult ties — and,
sometimes, infernal blessings — to grow strong, rich, and
powerful, sharing their bounty with their coreligionists.

THE CITY OF YANE

Commonly known as the capital of the Varang Confederacy, this coastal city-state doesn’t rule its compatriots.
Neither is it the largest, richest, or most politically powerful of the Varang city-states. Rather, it’s where the cities’
representatives meet to discuss matters of import to the Confederacy as a whole.

Like other Varang city-states, Yane stands on an artificial hill, the result of centuries of razing old brickwork struc-
tures to build new ones atop the debris. Lost chambers and catacombs wend beneath the city streets, where
outcasts, criminals, and cultists — such as the Darienites — gather with caution, watchful for unquiet dead and
forgotten spirits.

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 ADVERSARIES OF THE RIGHTEOUS
One such deep-rooted branch of the cult exists in the
Varangian port of Yane. When the Solar Anathema
Fehim Three Devils (p. XX) arose in that city, the
Darienites reached out to him.
Members: Most of Yane’s Darienites are low-sphere or
sphereless citizens. The cult preaches that Hell’s dy-
ing stars judge all mortals to be equal, offering a sense
of pride. It also provides a network for information and
mutual aid. Although the cult’s handful of high-sphere
members find some value in this, they’re drawn more
by the cult’s rejection of the Realm’s Dragon-Blooded,
whose authority and prestige supersedes their own.
Yane contains dozens of small congregations, each with
no more than a score of members led by a priest. They
meet monthly on the night of the new moon in cellars
beneath homes and businesses, or in the labyrinth of
buried chambers beneath the city. Representatives of
each congregation come to a great gathering during
Calibration. Otherwise, religious devotion is largely pri-
vate and personal.
The cult’s notable figures include Old Rahenna, a wide-
ly respected elder in Yane’s sphereless community;
the master thief Ghost Lizard; the constabulary officer
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Sadiya, who uses her position to protect the cult; and
Tourmaline, the cult’s masked high priest, who appears
only at Calibration gatherings.
Secrets: Tourmaline isn’t the true leader of Yane’s
Darienites. She reports to the cult’s inner circle: the
Lashari family, a wealthy merchant clan that traces its
descent back to Darien Nightbreaker, and whose elders
study sorcery and traffic with demons. Mistrusting the
Anathema Fehim — whose demon patron is a rival to the
family’s own infernal sponsors — the Lashari haven’t re-
vealed their existence to him.
Resources: To better conceal themselves, Yane’s
Darienites eschew distinctive marks and equipage. Even
their scriptures are oral rather than written. Their great-
est resources are one another. They share information,
provide professional contacts, and support one another
through hard times.
The Lashari family commands significant wealth and in-
fluence. It applies this carefully when covering up the
outer cult’s activities, lest that lead Immaculate investi-
gators back to its own. The Lashari also possess occult
resources — sorcery, artifacts, and demon allies.
 C hapter F i v e : G r o u ps
TYPICAL CONGREGANTS
Most of Yane’s Darienites are ordinary folk — labor-
ers, housekeepers, clerks, tinkers, streetwalkers,
street-sweepers, ragpickers, and the like. They’re
usually noncombatants (Exalted, p. 208). Typical Inti-
macies include “I follow the Darienite creed” and Fel-
low Darienites (Loyalty) at Defining or Major, and De-
mons and Anathema (Reverence) at Major or Minor.
A congregation forced to fight forms a Size 1 or 2
battle group of militia (Exalted, p.496) with poor Drill.
Roleplaying Hints: The cult currently remains un-
derground, its members trying to avoid attention.
Individuals will aid Fehim and Solar PCs in small ways,
supplying useful information, conveying messages, or
offering concealment from constables and the Wyld
Hunt. Few stick their necks out openly.
Only once the Anathema gain a strong enough position
in the city to move openly will the Darienites reveal
themselves. Seeing Anathema as demon princes to be
worshiped, they’ll place themselves at the Solars’ dis-
posal, acting as enforcers and priests in ways they think
demons would like them to. They’ll be eager to place
themselves above the city’s former high-sphere citizens,
and to castigate Immaculate unbelievers.
Tourmaline, Darienite High Priest
Once she was Night Jasmine, queen of the Yane theater,
with countless high-sphere admirers. But her youth is
long past. She still graces the stage as a character ac-
tor, but much of her life is devoted to her greatest role:
the black-cloaked, green-and-gold-masked Tourmaline,
head of Yane’s Darienites.
A true believer, Tourmaline dedicates herself to the
cult’s betterment. She’s memorized the entire Darienite
scripture, as well as the faces and names of every lesser
priest. Her sermons spellbind listeners as effectively as
her youthful performances. Her eye for character makes
her a most effective proselyte.
She occasionally meets with likewise-disguised mem-
bers of the cult’s inner circle, who support her efforts
with silver and warnings of Immaculate and constabu-
lary investigations. But they’ve underestimated her keen
senses and memory; she recognizes the elder Lasharis’
voices and movements from high-sphere entertain-
ments decades ago.
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THE LASHARI FAMILY
An ancient family, the Lasharis maintain a palatial
estate near Yane’s heart. The stars have graced them
with many puissant astrologers, gifted chirurgeons,
and master merchants; few families match their
wealth and prestige.
Their role in the Darienite cult remains secret. For
centuries, they’ve worshipped the demon Alveua (Ex-
alted, p.527). Once each generation, a Lashari sorcer-
er calls Alveua forth, that she might lead pious elderly
Lasharis out of death’s arms to her forge of night.
Many artifacts forged from Lashari elders have re-
turned to the family. Family sorcerers have long
dreamed of using them in a grand working, opening
the way for one of Hell’s princes to walk the world
unbound. This seems impossible, yet they persist.
Intimacies: Defining: Yane’s Darienites (Devotion);
Major: “Whatever our spheres, we are all equal.”; Herself
(Pride); The cult’s inner circle (Obedience); Minor: “I
find joy in performance.”; “Those who abuse high station
are contemptible.”; Demons and Anathema (Reverence)
Essence: 1; Willpower: 7; Join Battle: 5 dice
Health Levels: −0/−1x2/−2x2/−4/Incap
Actions: Cult Knowledge: 7 dice; Disguise: 8 dice;
Performance: 9 dice; Profile Character: 6 dice; Read
Intentions: 8 dice; Senses: 6 dice; Social Influence: 7
dice; Theater Knowledge: 7 dice
Appearance 4, Resolve 3, Guile 4
COMBAT
Attack (Knife): 8 dice (Damage 8) Tags: Lethal,
Melee, Thrown (Short)
Combat Movement: 5 dice
Evasion 3, Parry 2
Soak/Hardness: 3/0
Ayabas Lashari, Swordbearer
Despite his peaceful temperament, Ayabas — a pres-
tigious chirurgeon’s third son — was assigned to the
military sphere. A mid-ranking officer in his late twen-
ties, he’s responsible for guard postings at Yane’s docks,
where he arranges for Darienites to be on watch should
the cult need to smuggle materiel or people in and out.
(In practice, such smuggling usually serves the Lasharis’
financial interests, not the cult as a whole.)
 ADVERSARIES OF THE RIGHTEOUS
Secretly, Ayabas is one of the family’s champions, bear-
ing one of its ancestor blades. Twice he’s cloaked and
masked himself to take up the daiklave and slay an en-
emy of the Lashari family, the sword’s hunger burning
through his veins. He hopes never to do so again.
Intimacies: Defining: Family (Loyalty); Major: “I have
no wish to harm others.”; Ashar (Loathing); Enemies of
the Lashari (Hatred); Minor: “I am a worthy Varangian
officer.”; “I respect the Darienite creed.”
Essence: 1; Willpower: 6; Join Battle: 6 dice
Health Levels: −0/−1x2/−2x2/−4/Incap
Actions: Command: 5 dice; Read Intentions: 5
dice; Senses: 5 dice; Social Influence: 5 dice
Appearance 3, Resolve 3, Guile 2
COMBAT
Attack (Straight sword): 8 dice (Damage
12/2) Tags: Lethal, Melee, Balanced
Attack (Ashar/Nightforged daiklave): 9
dice (Damage 15/5) Tags: Lethal, Melee, Balanced
Combat Movement: 5 dice
Evasion 2, Parry 4
Soak/Hardness: 8/0
Escort: Sometimes accompanied by a Size 1 battle
group of Yane soldiers or Lashari house guards; treat
as medium infantry (Exalted, p.497) with average Drill.
Ashar (Nightforged
Daiklave, Artifact •••)
A gleaming black blade, forged centuries ago by the de-
mon Alveua from the body and spirit of Ashar Lashari.
It bears Ashar’s dream of Lashari ascendance over Yane,
and the desire to destroy all who would stand in the fam-
ily’s way.
A mortal Lashari can spend five temporary Willpower to
attune Ashar. Other than Lashari kin and the Solar and
Infernal Exalted, all wielders are dissonant with it.
Evocations of Ashar
Passive: While attuned, wielder has a temporary Major
Tie of Hatred toward enemies of the Lashari family that
can’t be altered or eroded, and gains +1 Overwhelming
when attacking such enemies.
Jevan Lashari, Infernalist Sorceress
Publicly, the Lashari matriarch is a renowned astrologer
and an advisor to Yane’s ruling council. In private, she
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dominates the family with keen intellect, blunt speech,
and sorcerous mastery.
Despite approaching her eightieth year, she retains all
her faculties, but has largely abandoned hope of person-
ally executing the family’s mad dreams of opening the
way for a demon prince to enter the world. She prepares
her final sorcerous working, to have herself reforged
upon Alveua’s altar.
Intimacies: Defining: “I will further our family’s am-
bitions.”; Major: “My authority won’t be challenged.”;
Alveua (Admiration); Minor: Family (Love)
Essence: 1; Willpower: 8; Join Battle: 6 dice
Health Levels: −0/−1x2/−2x2/−4/Incap
Actions: Occult Lore: 8 dice; Read Intentions:
7 dice; Senses: 4 dice; Social Influence: 7 dice;
Sorcery: 10 dice
Appearance 3, Resolve 3, Guile 3
COMBAT
Attack (Grandmother/wrackstaff): 9 dice
(Damage 12/4) Tags: Bashing, Melee, Reaching
Attack (Unarmed): 8 dice (Damage 8) Tags:
Bashing, Brawl, Grappling, Natural
Combat Movement: 5 dice
Evasion 3, Parry 4
Soak/Hardness: 3/0
Escort: Jevan typically has at least one elite body-
guard (Exalted, p. 497), and may be accom-
panied by other family members such as Ayabas
Lashari, above. Jevan is also often escorted by
one or more immaterial demons of the First Circle,
such as an agata or erymanthus (Exalted, p. 523-
525), or a metody (see Hundred Devils Night
Parade p. 105).
Grandmother (Nightforged
Wrackstaff, Artifact ••••)
The sorceress Lashari, Darien Nightbreaker’s daughter,
founded the Lashari lineage and established its central
role in the nascent Darienite cult. At her life’s end, she
called forth Alveua to forge her body and spirit into a
staff. Wielded by the family’s sorcerers, the staff contin-
ues to shepherd Lashari elders to the demon’s forge of
night.
A mortal Lashari can spend five temporary Willpower
to attune Grandmother. Other than Lashari kin and the
Solar and Infernal Exalted, all wielders are dissonant
with it.
 C hapter F i v e : G r o u ps
Evocations of Grandmother
Passive: A non-dissonant wielder who invites Alveua
into Creation unbound via sorcerous working suffers
no penalties for going beyond the Terrestrial Circle’s
boundaries (Exalted, p. 488). Grandmother is a sorcer-
ous relic (Exalted, p. 470).
SORCERY
Shaping Ritual: On the first shape sorcery action
to begin casting a spell, stunt the use of Grand-
mother in spellcasting to gain (stunt rating + 2) sor-
cerous motes toward completing that spell. Once
per scene; the wielder’s control spell doesn’t count
against this limit.
The Gouged Eye Society
Background: Sorcerers, diabolists, geomancers. The
secretive members of the Gouged Eye Society band to-
gether to share lore, pursue profit, and protect one an-
other from their occasionally unhinged feats of genius.
More than anything else, the Society exists to seek dan-
gerous and necessary paths to power; they see them-
selves as the champions of mortal-kind, working to
resist the hegemony of the Exalted — Dragon Blooded
and Anathema alike.
Three Overseers manage the Society’s affairs: Isabet
Maken of the Cauldron Valley (p. XX), a master geo-
mancer; Grinning San, an accountant turned demo-
nologist; and Mol Skarre, an alchemist without peer.
From their manse, the Weeping Monolith, they admin-
istrate a network of associates who smuggle heretical
texts, dangerous reagents, and other perilous treasures
throughout the region and Creation at large.
The Guild remains unaware of (or at least indifferent
to) the Society and its machinations. To preserve their
secrecy, the Gouged Eye conducts its business through
an excessively elaborate web of intermediaries that
could baffle even the most dedicated magistrate. While
a number of spirits, Exalts, and others are dimly aware
of the Society, the Overseers have been broadly suc-
cessful in maintaining a low profile, especially given
their considerable resources and outsized schemes.
Members: Membership in the Society is open to the
brilliant and the broken; unfulfilled ambition is the
common denominator of the Society at large. Like
Isabet and Grinning San, many of the members come
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Death of Obsidian Butterflies (15sm, 1wp;
Decisive-only; Instant; control spell): Roll (sorcery
+ 1) as an undodgeable decisive attack against
all characters in a line out to medium range (battle
groups take -2 Defense). Roll (5 + threshold success-
es)L damage, or (10 + threshold successes)L against
battle groups. This doesn’t reset Jevan’s Initiative.
Demon of the First Circle (Ritual, 2wp; Instant):
Summon a First Circle Demon in a night-long ritual,
rolling sorcery against its Resolve to bind it.
Silent Words of Dreams and Nightmares
(Ritual, 1wp; One dream): See Exalted, p.475.
from the ranks of the Guild, but they are also drawn
from local craft-lodges, priesthoods, and syndicates.
New initiates are often driven to join for political rea-
sons as well as practical ones — their enthusiasm for
their particular field of study usually borders on ma-
nia, limiting their ability to secure support from other
institutions.
Only true mortals are allowed entrance into the Gouged
Eye Society, although the Overseers and membership
have a long-standing dialogue about what constitutes
a “true” mortal. After a period of indentured service to
the Society (or a significant donation), the Overseers
brand novices with the hook-and-circle symbol of the
Gouged Eye. Members swear themselves to the Society,
the Overseers, and to mortal-kind itself, in that order.
While members have access to the Society’s resources
in conducting their experiments, this access is limited
by a system of adversarialism, with a randomly chosen
colleague allowed to review potential projects, offer
public comments on their merit, and even challenge
their value to the Gouged Eye. In this way, the member-
ship governs itself with the appearance of a meritocra-
cy, even if the system is anything but. The Overseers
often play members against one another, especially in
“randomly” choosing a project’s reviewer.
Despite these stressors, the Gouged Eye Society is un-
flinchingly loyal to its members: When a novice conjures
a demon beyond their abilities, it is the Society’s sorcer-
ers who banish or bind it; when a local don demands his
share in a savant’s profits, it is the Society’s own enforcers
 ADVERSARIES OF THE RIGHTEOUS
who make a show of strength. In short: The members are
united by frustration at a world that does not understand
that obsession is the mother of discovery.
Secrets: This is not the first Gouged Eye Society. Its
symbol recurs throughout recorded history as a mark
for savants and occultists throughout the eight direc-
tions. Only the Overseers are aware of this mystery; they
suspect the Weeping Monolith itself lures ambitious
outcasts to satiate its own hunger for knowledge. They
desperately search for members of the previous Society,
which fell into obscurity almost two centuries ago.
Resources: The Gouged Eye Society controls formida-
ble holdings of land, wealth, and lore, but its foremost
resources are demesnes and manses. Isabet Maken’s
Cauldron Valley is a powerful demesne that reshapes
those who dwell within; her mutant slaves form the
base of the Society’s workforce and funding. A handful
of members maintain lesser demesnes, exporting use-
ful resources to stock the Society’s laboratories or put
silver in its coffers.
At the center of the Society is the Weeping Monolith, a
manse of unknown aspect and providence that seems
to actively resist all investigation. Inside, the Gouged
Eye Society has amassed a truly staggering collection
of texts, including accounts of obscure medical pro-
cedures, conflicting hierarchies of the demon princes,
and fragmented histories from the dawn of mortalkind.
Beyond the allure of its libraries, the Society quickly raises
any interested member out of poverty by connecting them
with useful patrons, resources, and information. It is trivial
for any member of the Gouged Eye to attain Resources 2 —
and most live in even greater luxury within the Weeping
Monolith or under the auspices of their senior colleagues.
Roleplaying Hints: The Gouged Eye Society is not a sin-
gular body; it includes specialists with diverse talents and
interests who nonetheless work for their common benefit.
Interfering in the affairs of any given member will bring a
character to the attention of the Society overall, and while
the Society rarely acts directly or immediately, the char-
acter will be subjected to scrutiny, especially in commerce
and occult dealings. Although they mistrust the Exalted,
the Gouged Eye is happy to patronize any useful patsies,
tempting collaborators with arcane knowledge and easy
wealth. If discovered, the Society quickly closes rank and
regroups. They have not yet faced a significant breach of
their secrecy, and the reaction from the membership and
Overseers alike would be erratic, or even desperate.
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The Weeping Monolith
(Greater Manse)
A greater manse of indeterminate aspect, the Weeping
Monolith is a perfect cube of blood-colored marble large
enough to dwarf even the palaces of Ysyr. A single ruby the
size of a child is embedded on the cube’s top, producing a
slow but steady flow of colorless oil that coats the manse
in a sickly sheen. The lion’s share of the manse’s power is
used to shroud it from unwelcome attention. Despite be-
ing a fortress-sized block on a treeless hillside, it is all but
invisible to anyone except attuned initiates of the Gouged
Eye Society; others must pay one Willpower when making
a Survival or Investigation roll or suffer a -5 penalty to any
attempt to locate the manse.
Inside, the Monolith is a puzzlebox of rooms of irregu-
lar size and shape, connected in ways that beggar geom-
etry and confound all attempts at mapping. In addition
to usual benefits of Essence respiration, the Weeping
Monolith rewards those who serve it: Adding new texts
to the manse’s collection is as refreshing as a good meal
and a stout drink; particularly valuable additions can
send someone into spasms of phantom pleasure.
The Tear That Blinds
(•••, Greater Hearthstone)
Keywords: Dependent
The sigil of the Gouged Eye Society pulses slowly in-
side this dark ruby. The bearer is invisible to the effects
of scrying and prophecy, unless backed by power com-
parable to Solar Circle Sorcery.
Mol Skarre
Although she is the owner of the Weeping Monolith
and bears its hearthstone, Mol Skarre defers to Isabet
(and, to a lesser extent, Grinning San), preferring to
busy herself with increasingly elaborate experimenta-
tion in sorcerous alchemy. Despite her fascination with
the countless ways the body and mind can bend under
the weight of the right drug, she is uncompromisingly
ascetic and never personally partakes, instead inflicting
her experiments on junior members, slaves, and other
unwitting subjects. She is currently preparing to flood
Great Forks with bravura, a sorcerous drug that renders
a user incapable of fear. This will be her first large-scale
test of its efficacy…and its withdrawal symptoms.
 C hapter F i v e : G r o u ps
Essence: 1; Willpower: 7; Join Battle: 5 dice
Health Levels: −0x1/−1x2/−2x2/−4x1/
Incap.
Actions: Alchemical Crafting 11 dice; Command
4 dice; Medicine 8 dice; Senses 4 dice; Sorcery 8
dice; Stealth 6 dice
Appearance 2, Resolve 3, Guile 3
COMBAT
Attack (Unarmed): 3 dice (Damage 9) Tags:
Bashing, Brawl, Grappling, Natural
Combat Movement: 6 dice
Evasion 1, Parry 1
Soak/Hardness: 3/0
SORCERY
Shaping Ritual: Mol Skarre initiated into the
mysteries of sorcery through the completion of
many austerities, but the most important was a
fasting ritual where she subsisted on a broth of pine
needles.
At the start of a fast, roll (permanent Willpower + Integ-
rity); Mol Skarre can endure a number of days equal to
(successes + Stamina). At the conclusion, she gains 10
sorcerous motes, plus one for each day endured. These
remain available until she begins a new fast.
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EX3
Kiss of Fatal Courage (Cost: 15sm, 1wp; One
day; Psyche; Control spell): The sorcerer conjures one
of the Myth-winds that carries legends of Creation’s
bravest heroes and catches it inside her lungs. The sor-
cerer is effectively mute for the duration, but anyone
directly exposed to her breath is enchanted. She rolls
8 dice against the target’s Resolve (characters with this
spell roll Intelligence + Occult); if successful, her victim
loses all capacity for fear for the next full day, treating
social influence to that effect as unacceptable, except
for the Dawn Caste anima power. Battle groups af-
flicted by this spell have perfect morale. Subjects who
resist the spell’s effect are immune to it for a week, but
those who succumb develop an addiction to fearless-
ness — they gain a minor Tie driving them to expe-
rience it again. A sorcerer who knows Kiss of Fatal
Courage as their control spell is capable of crafting
an alchemical equivalent known as bravura, requir-
ing a week of effort and success on a Difficulty 3 Craft
(Alchemy) or Medicine roll. This produces 3 doses for
every threshold success.
Grinning San
The most socially adept of the Society’s Overseers, Grinning
San is a tiny man with a head for numbers and a knack for
 ADVERSARIES OF THE RIGHTEOUS
bargaining with the denizens of the Demon Realm. Despite
his own humble beginnings as a Guild accountant, San has
proven himself to be capable, confident, and surprisingly
convincing. Tragically, he was born without a personality;
his voice is flat and stony, and his demeanor is equally rig-
id. His current passion project is the vivisection of a raksha
cataphract, assisted by his neomah advisors. That several
villages have been wiped off the map by Fair Folk raiders in
search of their lost brother does not bother San, except in-
sofar as the raids seem to be on track to reach the Monolith
if they are allowed to continue unabated.
Essence: 1; Willpower: 6; Join Battle: 5 dice
Health Levels: −0x1/−1x2/−2x2/−4x1/
Incap.
Actions: Command 7 dice; Demonic Lore 10 dice;
Raksha Lore 9 dice; Persuade 10 dice; Senses 6
dice
Appearance 2, Resolve 2, Guile 4
COMBAT
Attack (Unarmed): 4 dice (Damage 10) Tags:
Bashing, Brawl, Grappling, Natural
Combat Movement: 6 dice
Evasion 2, Parry 1
Soak/Hardness: 2/0
Escort: Grinning San is usually accompanied by a
pair of bound neomah (Exalted, p.525).
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SORCERY
Shaping Ritual: San found enlightenment in
the dizzying monotony of a ledger, glimpsing the
equation by which all of Creation is ordered. With
a few hours of calculation and an (Intelligence +
Lore) roll, he may bank sorcerous motes equal to
his successes until he next attempts to pin down
the ineffable mathematics of existence. Each sub-
sequent attempt inflicts a cumulative −1 penalty to
later attempts; this resets at the start of a new story.
Demon of the First Circle (Cost: Ritual, 2wp;
Instant): Grinning San is usually accompanied by a
pair of bound neomah (Exalted, p.525).
Ineffable Koan (Cost: 15sm, 1wp;One scene;
Psyche; Control Spell): In a trance, the sorcerer
poses an impossible riddle that burns in the air
above. Anyone who catches sight of the riddle
or hears its initial recitation is driven to seek an
answer, and must flurry to take any action other
than puzzling it out. In combat, thinking about the
riddle is a difficulty 1 (Intelligence + Lore) extended
action, with a goal number of (the sorcerer’s Lore +
Essence). Outside of combat, each roll requires a
minute of careful deduction. In either case, charac-
ters may spend one Willpower to make an immedi-
ate, reflexive roll on their turn. Sorcerers with Inef-
fable Koan as their control spell can ritually inscribe
a koan on a physical surface with a few minutes of
effort; these riddles last until the next sunrise.
 C hapter F i v e : G r o u ps
The Graveyard Kettle,
Far-Roaming Beast Hunters
Background: Known as bandits, poachers, and occasional
folk heroes, the Graveyard Kettle are a vagrant hunting car-
avan who escape prosecution through gifts of exotic pelts
and ivory to the rich and powerful. Led by Mwaka Galbi,
a god-blooded hunter who abandoned his homeland, the
Kettle receives lucrative commissions to slay dangerous
monsters, capture exotic beasts, or prepare mythic trophies.
The Graveyard Kettle’s original members were once the royal
guards of Uasaka and its queen, Mwaka’s half-sister Chausa.
Their godly mother tried to Exalt Chausa with a stolen spark
of Exigence, but the flame tore the queen’s body and soul
asunder, erupting into a cataclysm that consumed hundreds.
Seizing on the ensuing chaos, Uasakan powerbrokers
and Imperial missionaries slandered Chausa as a here-
tic and claimed the throne for a Nellens puppet-prince.
Mwaka and his fellow guards left or were driven out, de-
pending on the telling, and have lived by wit, skill, and
infamy ever since.
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EX3
Ironically, their growing fame is also the source of the
Kettle’s current woes. Uasaka’s puppet-prince is con-
vinced Mwaka will seek to claim his sister’s throne.
He sends provocateurs to spread dark rumors about
the Kettle, backs Guild-affiliated hunting bands to
compete for contracts, and is courting an Outcaste
assassin as a last resort. To their credit, the Kettle en-
dures in the face of these struggles — even if Mwaka’s
wife only barely convinced him to not to return one
of Uasaka’s rival hunting bands to their employer as
leather.
Members: The core of the Graveyard Kettle is an elite
band, bound by camaraderie and experience rather than
a strict hierarchy, who use the traits of medium caval-
ry (Exalted, p. 497), and keep claw striders (Exalted, p.
561) as mounts. The band recruits ambitious youths and
the orphans of monster attacks, training them in hunting
tactics in exchange for camp labor.
 ADVERSARIES OF THE RIGHTEOUS
Mwaka Galbi is the Kettle’s founder, quick to laugh and easy-
going despite a life of hardship. He leads without command-
ing, having earned the trust of every Kettle hunter a dozen
times over. If he is both the brains and brawn of the Kettle,
his wife Pembe is certainly its stomach, digesting its kills into
the money and influence the caravans need to survive.
Alongside Mwaka and Pembe, the Kettle’s innermost circle
is composed of Uasakan guards, fighters, and others who
followed Mwaka into exile: stout-bellied Pili, meticulous
Shumari, ice-eyed Nassor, and half a dozen others besides.
Beyond them, dozens of hunters have joined or travel with
the Kettle. Orphans taken in as camp followers often gradu-
ate into proper membership when they come of age.
Secrets: The Kettle’s oldest trophy is a huge canine skull
of bone-jade, scavenged from an ancient den. It currently
serves as scaffolding for the lead caravan, but a powerful
necromancer could use it to raise a behemoth war-beast
fit to ravage armies.
Though he is loath to use it, Mwaka knows where to find
the red-opal prison of the Burning Antelope Princess.
She would cut a swathe of fiery desolation for hundreds
of miles if released — and as Mwaka’s frustration with
Uasaka’s usurper grows so too does this temptation.
Resources: The Graveyard Kettle travel in six caravans
drawn by Wyld-beasts, each a temple to one aspect of
their art: tanning, butchering, corralling, and so on. The
hunters wear hide armor, for mobility is their best pro-
tection, but equip themselves with shell-crushing clubs,
feather-pinning arrows, or hide-piercing spears as ap-
propriate. Each also has a personal weapon that incorpo-
rates relics from their greatest kill, as much a work of sa-
cred art as a killing tool, the greatest of which is Mwaka’s
fang-studded grimcleaver, Kula.
Roleplaying Hints: The Kettle began as a self-imposed
exile, and its older hunters carry themselves with stoic dig-
nity, emphasizing the spiritual, ritual aspects of the hunt.
Younger hunters don’t share this history, and are prone to
boasting. Both regard pride as paramount, however, and
never forget a quarry that escaped or forced them to flee.
Outsiders seldom anticipate how fast a perceived challenge
to the Kettle’s reputation can escalate into deadly competi-
tion, but their respect is invaluable once earned.
Shumari the Unceasing
Background: When Mwaka came of age, Shumari relin-
quished captainship of the royal guard to him; when Mwaka
fled the kingdom in exile, it was with Shumari at his side.
Loyal, blunt, and frustratingly insightful, Shumari is a patient
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EX3
friend and an unflappable enemy who serves as a mentor and
sounding board for many of the Kettle’s younger members.
Image: Now entering his eighties, Shumari is a dark,
lanky man made of gristle and scar tissue. His long, gray-
ing beard is tied in an array of braids and ornamented
with beads. Still unbowed by age, he moves light and
spry as an oryx, eyes twinkling with vigilance.
Intimacies: Defining: Mwaka (Loyalty); Major: “Act with
deliberation, not haste”; Minor: The Kettle’s Orphans
(Grudging Affection), Uasaka (Longing)
Secrets: Shumari was envenomed by a shadow-rot man-
ticore in his last hunt, and the wound weeps with black,
purulent sludge. He uses stolen thaumaturgical medi-
cine to keep the venom in check, unwilling to reveal his
infirmity to Mwaka for fear of being forced aside.
Equpment: Shumari wears thicker hide than most, and
fights with a horn-tipped spear and leather buckler. He still
wears his saffron cloak, a sign of his former office among
the royal guard, though it is long since frayed and torn.
Roleplaying Hints: Shumari has the easy confidence of
age without bitterness or judgment. When he offers advice,
it is always practical and specific, for he has little patience
for things cryptic and philosophical. He will bear any bur-
den that a friend needs of him, even to his own detriment…
but he cannot do so forever. He is near his breaking point,
feeling (and fearing) the first pangs of infirmity.
Essence: 1; Willpower: 9; Join Battle: 9 dice
Health Levels: −0/−1x2/−2x2/−4/Incap.
Merits: Boundless Endurance, Influence 1, Pain Tol-
erance
Actions: Feats of Endurance: 9 dice; Read Intentions:
8 dice; Senses: 8 dice; Strategy: 8 dice; Stealth: 5
dice; Tracking: 7 dice
Appearance 2, Resolve 3, Guile 3
COMBAT
Attack (Spear): 10 dice (Damage 12L); Tags:
Melee, Piercing, Reaching
Attack (Net): 8 dice at short range (Damage 10B);
Tags: Thrown (Short), Binding, Flexible, Mounted,
Subtle
Attack (Unarmed): 7 dice (Damage 10) Tags:
Bashing, Brawl, Grappling, Natural
Attack (Grapple): 6 dice (5 to control)
Combat Movement: 6 dice
Parry 4; Evasion 2
Soak/Hardness: 9/0
 C hapter F i v e : G r o u ps
Sanura Jaad
Background: One of the newest additions to the ranks of
the Graveyard Kettle proper, Sanura Jaad was a war-or-
phan who spent ten years among the band’s camp fol-
lowers and earned her place at the tip of an arrow. Her
story is common among the Kettle’s younger hunters,
who flock to Mwaka for strength, protection, vengeance,
and purpose.
Among her peers, Sanura is well-regarded as a com-
petent archer and hunter, but a truly exceptional rider
whose bonded mount — a sand-colored clawstrider she
calls Mouse — can run down even the fastest prey. She
plays mentor to even some of the Kettle’s senior hunters
in the finer points of strider-mounted archery, teaching
them to move as one being.
Image: Sanura is a dark, lean woman raked with scars
from a hardscrabble childhood. She keeps her black hair
shorn almost to the scalp, and dresses to blend in with
the sand and savannah. Her claw strider, Mouse, is half a
head taller than her, with a crest of bright bronze ridges
and a lavishly embroidered saddle.
Intimacies: Defining: Mouse (Devotion); Major:
“Preparation is the antidote for calamity”; Minor: The
Graveyard Kettle (Loyalty), Animals (Easy Rapport)
Secrets: The hunters of the Kettle do not know that
Mouse was stolen from the stables of Thunderswift, a
god-blooded merchant-prince of considerable wealth.
With a bounty out for the claw strider, Sanura cannot
keep this secret much longer, and will likely entangle
the Graveyard Kettle in a long, messy skirmish with
Thunderswift to everyone’s detriment.
Equpment: Sanura wears a jerkin of hellboar hide and
is never seen without her yew bow and a full quiver. Her
few adornments are bronze, to match Mouse’s scales.
She is training several camp followers in husbandry and
riding; they follow in tow with her impressive array of
tack for claw striders, horses, camels — even rare beasts,
like simhata.
Roleplaying Hints: Sanura projects gentle confidence,
but is still uncertain in her authority as a full member
of the Graveyard Kettle. She is uncomfortable giving or-
ders, especially to the young camp followers — after all,
she was one until very recently.
This hesitation vanishes in her areas of specialty. She is
the undisputed master of the Kettle’s corrals, confident-
ly correcting even Mwaka when he pushes a mount too
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hard or goes slack in his technique. Despite her affinity
with animals, she is a hunter to the bone, seeing beauty
in the way life feeds life.
Essence: 1; Willpower: 7; Join Battle: 8 dice
Health Levels: −0/−1x2/−2x2/−4/Incap.
Merits: Familiar 3, Influence 1, Mentor 2,
Actions: Animal Training: 9 dice; Read Intentions:
5 dice; Ride: 9 dice; Senses: 6 dice; Stealth: 6 dice;
Teaching: 8 dice; Tracking: 6 dice
Appearance 3, Resolve 3, Guile 3
COMBAT
Attack (Composite Bow): 9 dice at short range
(Damage 11/, minimum 1); Tags: Archery (Long),
Lethal, Mounted
Attack (Bola): 7 dice at short range (Damage 10);
Tags: Bashing, Thrown (Medium), Binding, Flexible,
Mounted
Attack (Unarmed): 8 dice (Damage 10) Tags:
Bashing, Brawl, Grappling, Natural
Attack (Grapple): 7 dice (5 to control)
Combat Movement: 7 dice (11 dice when
mounted)
Parry 2; Evasion 4
Soak/Hardness: 6/0
Sanura’s mount, Mouse, uses the normal statistics for a
claw strider (Exalted, p. 561), except he has Willpow-
er 7, Resolve 4, three additional dice for combat move-
ment, and can execute disarm and distract gambits.
Tactics
Shumari, Sanura, and the other hunters of the Kettle are
trained in several specialized gambits:
Bind (difficulty 2-4)
The character locks down her opponent’s movement
by tangling them in the environment or skewering their
robe, shoe, or tail with a spare weapon. The gambit’s tar-
get is grappled (Exalted, p. 200). However, the character
is not grappling them, and does not make a control roll.
Instead, a pinned character or nearby ally can use a mis-
cellaneous action to free themselves with a (Strength +
Athletics or Larceny) roll. The difficulty is (2 + extra suc-
cesses on the gambit attack roll), and lowers by one with
each unsuccessful attempt.
This gambit is difficulty 3 at short range, and difficulty 4
at long range. A grapple gambit targeting a bound char-
acter costs only 1 Initiative.
 ADVERSARIES OF THE RIGHTEOUS
BOLAS (LIGHT THROWN WEAPON)
A bola is a set of weights connected by a strong cord,
used to tangle an enemy.
Tags: Bashing, Thrown (Medium), Binding, Flexible,
Mounted
Nets (Light Thrown Weapon)
The Graveyard Kettle uses weighted nets woven from
thick cord to ensnare their prey.
Tags: Bashing, Thrown (Short), Binding, Flexible,
Mounted, Subtle
Binding: This weapon can make bind gambits without
suffering increased difficulty beyond close range. At
close range, it gains the grappling tag.
Goad (difficulty 3)
A successful goad gambit redirects a character’s atten-
tion to the taunter. The gambit’s target loses 2 Initiative
if they attack someone other than the character. The
Pillars of the Last Bastion, Cult of Aton
Background: Over the centuries, the Last Mountain
(see Unrelenting Aton, the Last Mountain, p. XX)
has gathered a city of worshipers in his subterranean
fortress. Those who share Aton’s belief that the end of
days approaches live out their lives in the Last Bastion
as Aton’s Pillars, devoting themselves to his survival and
their lasting legacy.
To prepare their best defenses, the Pillars need artifacts,
magic, surface resources, and all the information they
can amass about the coming cataclysm. A select conclave
of volunteers ventures to the surface every few months,
armed with a purpose that ranges from general recruit-
ment to the acquisition of some particular resource
or secret. The cult has no desire to make itself widely
known, but a scroll posted on the walls of a Prasadi city
or a missionary speaking on a street corner in Palanquin
rarely attracts attention. The people of the Dreaming
Sea believe the Pillars of the Last Bastion to be just one
of many tiny cults, unaware of the legion that lurks be-
low the earth.
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EX3
gambit’s effect immediately ends once the character and
target are no longer at close range.
Leech (difficulty 3)
The character opens a dripping wound on their target.
The gambit’s target suffers one level of lethal damage,
and begins bleeding to death (Exalted, p. 174). While it is
bleeding, attempts to track the gambit’s target add auto-
matic successes equal to its current wound penalty.
Pile On (difficulty 2)
A successful pile on gambit renders an opponent vul-
nerable; choose an ally, who can now make chopping
or piercing attacks against the target without paying
Initiative or reducing their Defense. This effect lasts un-
til the target’s next turn.
Riposte (difficulty 1)
A successful riposte gambit allows the character to pre-
pare a devastating counterblow. If the gambit’s target at-
tacks the character before her next turn, she can make
a reflexive, decisive clash attack against it. This attack
does not count as her combat action, and adds four dice
to its damage pool.
A conclave aiming to steal, assassinate, or subvert first
acts as preachers raving about the coming apocalypse,
gathering information, and biding their time. A handful
of mortal cultists, dismissed and ignored as foolish or de-
lusional by the authorities, can advance all sorts of plans:
bribing a farmer to redirect a share of fresh crops, locat-
ing and stealing a magical resource, or seducing or kid-
napping a trained artisan to serve the city below. Those
caught simply play the part of the lone zealot, and take
the secret of Aton’s true might to their grave.
When a conclave encounters insurmountable oppo-
sition, they send for Aton’s Fists. Aton does not grant
power lightly, but he arms and blesses a select few of his
most devoted followers to serve as enforcers, battering
rams, and occasional distractions. Each Fist expects to
die young in service to his cause and to his friends and
family below, and carries no marks of affiliation.
Members: The Pillars of the Last Bastion recruit
throughout the Dreaming Sea, and as far north as Ember
 C hapter F i v e : G r o u ps
and Nexus. They target the weary, the wounded, and the
dispossessed: those inclined to believe the cult’s apoca-
lyptic message. Recruiters also haunt places of learning,
promising community and a cause to bright young minds
in search of purpose. More rarely, they target a powerful
individual whom Aton deems worth a risk. Recruiters
prefer to work slowly, allowing potentials to draw them-
selves into the cult’s web, but Aton hardly cares wheth-
er his followers have free will. When the Last Bastion’s
numbers dwindle, he sends conclaves to acquire new
worshipers at any cost, and forces loyalty with black-
mail, threats, and torture.
Though the imminent end of the world prompts few
Pillars to start a family, a small number of cultists are
born each year in the Last Bastion. Aton trusts such
natives deeply, often tutoring them himself as personal
servants, as those indoctrinated from birth are the least
likely to pine for a life outside.
The Last Bastion has only a limited official hierarchy,
composed of a few dozen officials who oversee food pro-
duction and other resource management. The ambitious
are more likely to seek power and prestige through the
conclaves than through city service. The cult applauds
Pillars who return from the surface with magic, contacts,
or new recruits, celebrating them as holy heroes. Those
who survive many conclaves, repeatedly risking death
or capture for their prizes, become unofficial priests.
Cultists believe their devotion and success grants them
great spiritual wisdom. Since successful conclaves are
often long-term affairs, taking months or years to com-
plete, most of Aton’s priests are also the community’s
elders.
Equally revered are Aton’s Fists, whom the Last
Mountain elevates with his blessings. Turning slowly
and inevitably into immovable stone, the Fists live like
princes for the duration of their shortened lives, reward-
ed for their service with the finest surface-world luxu-
ries money can buy. In exchange, Aton expects perfect
loyalty, and a willingness to die for the Pillars without
hesitation.
Secrets: Some heretics among the Pillars think the world
can still be saved. Aton crushes such hopes wherever his
Fists and other devotees find them, killing those he can-
not convince. Still, he has never been able to completely
destroy the idea that the Last Bastion and its resources
might be better put toward staving off the end, rather
than merely surviving it. Rumor holds that the hopeful
include over a dozen members of successful conclaves,
and at least three Fists. Aton would do much to learn the
identities of his city’s apostates. In turn, they fervently
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wish someone would come along who can convince
their god to abandon his nihilism and turn his power to-
ward changing the world — or maybe even saving it.
Resources: The Last Bastion is a settlement of over
10,000 people, the majority of whom work tirelessly
for the cause. The city is a mile underground, accessi-
ble through a handful of hidden, guarded tunnels that
surface far from major settlements between Y’danna and
Palanquin. Scavenged First Age devices keep the tunnels
lit and provide for subsistence farming and manufactur-
ing, supplemented by whatever the conclaves can send
back. New recruits, who donate their life’s savings in ex-
change for Aton’s protection, pay for additional supple-
ments and specialized goods to be purchased in secret
from the surface. City guards carry quality weapons and
armor, and every grown citizen can be armed and draft-
ed into the Last Bastion’s army in times of emergency.
It is considered pious for citizens to own only the most
basic and necessary personal belongings; Aton and his
Fists are the only denizens of the city who own other
property.
Surrounding Aton’s inner sanctum is a tremendous li-
brary, full of not just books and scrolls but also rare re-
agents and carefully cataloged magical objects. A hand-
ful of scholar-cultists and thaumaturges assist him in
studying these prizes, predicting exactly how and when
the world will end, and what more they can do to sur-
vive it. Aton’s apocalypse library contains surprisingly
detailed information on the Fair Folk, the horrors of the
First Age, the rumored Abyssal Exalted, and myriad oth-
er strange threats.
Roleplaying Hints: Conclaves are full of ambitious peo-
ple, the city’s best and brightest. Most firmly adhere to
Aton’s nihilistic views, but expect their actions will en-
sure either their survival or some lasting legacy. Others
are simply eager for a chance to gain respect and power
over others — their greed fuels their fervor. Fists tend
to be fanatical; having sacrificed most of their lifespan
to serve their god, most find it difficult to contemplate
whether Aton’s dire predictions might be wrong.
In the city itself, and sometimes among conclaves that
spend years away from the Last Bastion, people are less
certain. Aton has been proclaiming the end of days for
centuries now, yet Creation survives. Heretical cultists
seek to influence their god or steal his secrets, while
priests fight over material power in their would-be dy-
ing city. Many citizens are simply frightened, desperate
to live another day.
To all his followers, Aton is not a mere elemental, but a
mighty god with no equal, worthy of fear and respect. They
 ADVERSARIES OF THE RIGHTEOUS
are disinclined to believe the Last Mountain could ever be
bested or destroyed, even by other powerful beings, and
are wary of outsiders promising hope and change.
Thaumaturgy Ritual:
Summon the Mountain (••)
The Last Bastion’s most trusted priests pass down a
ritual nearly as old as Unrelenting Aton himself. A con-
clave consisting of five people — one of whom must be a
Fist — gathers to summon Aton. The participants intone
prophecies from Aton’s apocalypse library while the
priest chisels one such prophecy into the Fist’s stone-
like skin. The ritual takes three hours to complete.
Opponents may attempt to interrupt the summoning,
though wise conclaves post sentries (often comprising a
mob of newly recruited cultists) to protect the ritualists
from would-be disruptors. Changing or destroying the
symbols carved in the Fist’s flesh ends the ritual. The
conclave must wait a week before attempting it again.
If the ritual is successful, Aton appears a short distance
from the summoner with a mighty rumbling, though is
not otherwise bound to her will.
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The Fist’s death causes Aton to dissipate as a miscella-
neous action and reform in his cavern in the Last Bastion.
Aton may also willingly dissipate to return home at any
time. If Aton is destroyed while summoned, his fol-
lowers’ prayers allow him to reform in his cavern over
the course of one week, unless he was slain with spir-
it-killing magic such as the Solar Charm Ghost-Eating
Technique (Exalted, p.354).
Marru Charrin
The eldest of Aton’s still-moving Fists, Marru is in her mid-
50s, with stone skin pocked from battle. She received the
Blessing of Aton long ago and has been a loyal Fist ever
since, but rumor holds that her only daughter, now missing,
is a heretic. Aton would usually kill a Fist over such allega-
tions, but Marru is useful, popular, and old for one with his
blessing. He hopes she will soon find her end in battle or
petrify fully rather than having to die at his hands.
Essence: 1; Willpower: 8; Join Battle: 8 dice
Health Levels: −0x14/−1x4/−2x4/−4x2/Incap.
Note: Medicine pools targeting her can’t exceed the
healer’s highest relevant stone-based Craft Ability,
and healing Charms targeting her double their costs
unless they have an earthen elemental nature.
 C hapter F i v e : G r o u ps

EXAMPLE ACTIVE CONCLAVES

A Dragon-Blooded warrior in Prasad has lost everything: her family, her lover, her honor. She would make a fine
addition to the Last Bastion, if the Pillars can convince her to join. Two recruiters now work in the palace: one as a
maid who whispers in the Exalt’s ear, the other as a messenger who controls what letters she receives. Outside the
walled city, a handful of Aton’s Fists work to ensure her life continues on its downward spiral.

Palanquin’s gateway intrigues Aton. He envies the heavenly gods safely hidden on the other side, away from the
Fair Folk and Exalted. He sends a conclave of scholars to study it, and perhaps find a way to bring their patron to
Yu-Shan, oblivious to the fact that the ancient realm of Zen-Mu lies beyond instead. One among their number is not
as loyal to Aton as he claims to be.

Aton once extracted a promise from Tenepeshu, who lurks beneath the bay of Champoor: 1,000 mortals sent over
100 years to serve Tenepeshu in darkness beneath the waves, in exchange for an extraordinary First Age daiklaive.
The final year approaches, and the conclave at Champoor seeks its last 10 victims and a safe means of transporting
their patron’s prize back to the Last Bastion.

Actions: Command: 7 dice; Feats of Strength: 12
dice (may attempt Strength 5 feats); Read Intentions:
6 dice; Resist Disease/Poison: 10 dice; Senses: 5
dice; Threaten: 8 dice
Appearance 3, Resolve 4, Guile 3
COMBAT
him to return home. The newest envoy, the young vak-
tri Koru Mahktran, has earned a tentative place in the
Last Mountain’s city by embracing some of his para-
noia. They now walk a fine line between two masters,
assisting Aton’s priests while assuring the mineral court
they’re making progress in calming the rogue elemental.

Attack (Stone Fists): 12 dice (Damage 12) Tags:
Bashing, Brawl, Grappling, Natural
Attack (Sling): 8 dice at close range (Damage
11) Tags: Bashing, Thrown (Medium), Concealable,
Special
Combat Movement: 8 dice
Evasion 0, Parry 5
Soak/Hardness: 13/3
MERITS
Exalted Healing (Exalted, p.165)
Koru Mahktran
The mineral court has sent dozens of emissaries to Aton
over the centuries, though none have yet convinced
Essence: 2; Willpower: 8; Join Battle: 6 dice
Personal Motes: 70
Health Levels: −0/−1x3/−2x5/−4/Incap.
Actions: Feats of Strength: 9 dice (may attempt
Strength 5 feats); Navigate Underground: 6 dice;
Read Intentions: 7 dice; Social Influence: 8 dice;
Senses: 7 dice
Appearance 4, Resolve 4, Guile 6
Koru is an average vaktri in most other respects
(Exalted, p.520). They serve both Aton and an
Essence 6 lesser elemental dragon for the purposes of
Faceless Envoy Proclamation, depending on the situa-
tion. To better survive in their position, Koru learned to
suppress their instinctual activation of Many-Faceted
Radiance for a cost of 1 Willpower.

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 ADVERSARIES OF THE RIGHTEOUS
Quaghead Tribe, Saints of Thuvaraiyam
Background: Tattooed thugs and honor-bound heroes,
shiftless anarchists and romantic wanderers — the
Crocodile Knights are called many things across the
wetlands up and down the Grey River, and “Quagheads”
is among the more polite. They rove between villages on
crocodile-drawn watercraft, unload illegal cargo and in-
triguing boasts at every stop, and adhere to an opaque
charter of strict taboos.
When the Realm’s jade counters call them smugglers,
the Quagheads brag about the vital supplies and little
luxuries they towed from dangerous ports. When the
River Province decries their toll-keeping, the Crocodile
Knights take care to escort fisher-rafts through treach-
erous waters. And when the wars of pious princes
flood the Scavenger Lands with refugees, the Saints of
Thuvaraiyam welcome them in with smiling jaws.
Each chapter of Quagheads wears this rugged mystique
like armor, bound together by a secret history whose de-
tails are laid bare only to their inner circle. They are no
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EX3
mere vagabonds, they claim, but heirs to an ancient and
noble legacy: Thuvaraiyam, the Land Lost to Law.
Most Quagheads consider Thuvaraiyam a mythical
ideal of their chivalric charter, passed down through
rumors and drunken arguments, but it is quite real. An
ancient dominion with a legal code so refined it carved
itself on the face of nature, Thuvaraiyam ejected its own
populace centuries ago, condemning them as criminals
one and all. These banished children are the Saints of
Thuvaraiyam, barred from their promised land by a can-
on lost to time.
Now, the dominion’s sole living inhabitants are the Ghara
Hags, a sorcerous coven who guide its descendants ac-
cording to legalistic revelations. They puzzle over moss-
strewn mosaics to glean secrets of old, and demand that
aspiring chapter masters answer 54 questions of sacred
jurisprudence. The Knights observe a motley recon-
struction of a numinous charter, and respect no lesser
law laid down by god or mortal.
 C hapter F i v e : G r o u ps
NEW GAMBIT: DETONATE (DIFFICULTY 4)
A detonate gambit requires an attack with a firewand,
burning arrow, or other fiery weapon against a volatile
target like a gas pocket or firedust barrel. Success det-
onates it, creating a one-time environmental hazard
out to short range (damage 4L/instant, difficulty 5).
Members: The Crocodile Knights divide into chap-
ters, each with its own garish heraldry and winding,
river-bound territory, answering to a regional Great
Chapter led by a Saint. Entrusted with secluded bay-
ou-shrines and the right to interpret Thuvarai law,
the Saints lead yearly pilgrimages to the jungle temple
where the Knights share business and rumor.
This journey requires ritual precision, for the slightest
misstep could violate an obscure convention and rouse
the land’s elemental enforcers. Only the Ghara Hag sha-
mans can soothe them, and those strange sorcerers sel-
dom venture beyond the holy courthouse where they
quiz and anoint each new Saint, except to dredge shat-
tered crystal tablets from Thuvaraiyam’s sodden, haunt-
ed archives. Their large, sunken eyes are golden with
black sclera, a trait the Knights’ oldest families common-
ly share.
The Knights recruit from runaways and renegades
around the near East, but every chapter plasters its boats
and bodies with bright heraldry, taking pride in intri-
cate tattoos, styled hair, and articles of crocodile teeth
or hide. It’s customary for Knights to trade swaggering
stories of how they valiantly won these trophies — and
some are even true.
Quagheads ride flat-bottomed vessels shared by two or
three boaters, who decorate hulls with painted grins and
scales or gator-god figureheads. Boxy keelboats with
fluttering pennants carry heavier cargo, and are recycled
into lumber at journey’s end. Trained crocodiles can be
spotted among these armadas, wearing collars and sun-
ning on rafts, or drawing small canoes with distressing
speed. Skilled Knights even harness and ride large croc-
odiles, amphibious terrors in weed-choked waters.
For an example Quaghead adversary, see Bosocu,
Prodigal Son of the Swamps (p. XX). Seasoned
Quagheads use the traits of grizzled brigands (Exalted,
p. 497) with the Strong Lungs and Iron Stomach Merits.
Crocodiles are river dragons (Exalted, p. 571) with
halved soak and Hardness, −4 damage (and minimum
damage) on their bite attack, and no Legendary Size
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EX3
Merit. In the South, six-legged sand swimmers lurk be-
neath the dunes. They trade Night Vision for Earthsight
(Exalted, p. 521), and use their Swimming pool and
Merits to burrow instead.
A crocodile large enough to ride only offers mounted
combat benefits while swimming. Its Speed Bonus is
+0 on land, +1 in water. A crocodile-drawn boat gains
+1 Speed. When ramming, the crocodiles add one to the
extra Hull damage inflicted by the Naval Maneuver to-
tal, devouring sailors who would normally clamber back
aboard. A crocodile-vessel without a ram does not suffer
this extra damage.
Secrets: Unbeknownst to the Knights’ northernmost
chapter, one of the runaways they recruited recently is
a Dynast who smuggled herself off the Blessed Isle to
escape assassins and legal trouble. Those things are fol-
lowing her, though, even into the swampy wilderness,
and soon anyone in the chapter’s orbit will be dragged
into a petty Dynastic conflict.
Resources: Billhooks and chains are Quaghead signa-
tures, the former for hacking through mangrove and
uncooperative rivergoers, the latter for securing and
boarding boats. Each chapter has its specialties — the
Snakefangs use blowguns to silently claim bounties,
and the southerly Sand Swimmer chapter buys support
from chapter masters with firewands and waterproofed
powder-pouches, prestige symbols that prove especially
deadly in areas ripe with swamp gas.
The Knights run smuggling rings, collect protection
money, and provide violence-for-hire — all completely
legal, according to their charter — but their most prof-
itable resource is a grapevine of rumors that runs from
one end of their territory to another. Chapters mingle
for contests, festivals, and trade, spreading gossip like a
rash. If it happened, chances are a crocodile-riding ban-
dit can be found who’ll boast she did it herself.
Roleplaying Hints: Quagheads are boisterous and un-
ruly, quick to sound off their chapter’s virtues; they’re
the dread of conscientious peacekeepers throughout the
East. Every stop is a chance to impress pretty people,
offload dangerous junk, and generally take advantage
of the fact that they’ll be gone tomorrow — why waste
time with local niceties? The charter is all they need! For
most, it’s all they have.
Knights typically meet individual insults with thick-
skinned bluster, but repay those who besmirch chapter
or charter with retribution that is disproportionate, en-
thusiastic, and (if the Knights have their way) legendary.
A teahouse owner can toss an unruly Quaghead onto the
 ADVERSARIES OF THE RIGHTEOUS
EXAMPLE CHAPTER:
THE RUBY JAW RIDERS
Saint Saflonu, whose maimed lower face and crimson
fang-pennants are known across the Hundred King-
doms, leads the Ruby Jaw Riders, a Great Chapter
that roams into the Evensong Line whenever Look-
shy’s patrols relax. Lips painted with red amaranth,
hair styled into crimson spikes, the Jaws traffic in
narcotics and exotic entertainment, playing compet-
ing interests against each other to avoid outright war
with the Guild. Its most notable bylaws are:
• Eat no flesh from a hooved beast
• Kill no one who has yet to speak
• Dancers shall receive full hospitality and convey-
ance
street without incident, but one who bars the chapter
may find his business demolished overnight. When bit-
ten, the Crocodile Knights bite back harder.
Successful chapter masters cultivate abettors in their
regular haunts through bribery or intimidation, juggling
respect, fear, and disdain with Knightly showmanship. A
chapter that sparks a riot might turn it into an impromp-
tu carnival, while one accused of foul crimes sweeps the
swamps and returns with the true culprit — or an ac-
ceptable scapegoat.
The Thuvaraiyam charter’s shared clauses lay out ex-
change rates for repayment, rivergoing rights-of-way,
and proper treatment of crocodiles. Chapter-specific
clauses are more idiosyncratic but equally sacrosanct,
which causes occasional friction. Disputes over one in-
terpretation or another can be cause for a leadership
challenge or turf war.
River trials are a common outlet for these rivalries, for
victory in a good clean (relatively, anyway) race is a reli-
able way to earn a chapter’s respect. The Bloody Regatta
of Descending Wood is a sight to behold, sponsored and
policed by the Fourfold Malison chapter. Vessels of all
kinds race toward Great Forks down the Grey River, em-
ploying merciless tactics in pursuit of the grand prize.
Zabbala, the Sentinel Fern
Found in long-forgotten swamplands and dank sewers,
the wood elemental known as the zabbala grows any-
where warm, wet, and devoid of too many prying eyes.
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It looks like an enormous tree fern twice a human’s size,
dangling heavy fronds lined with waxy, mud-brown
leaves over its massive, hoary face to hide it until called
upon to show itself. It can move, pulling up slimy root-
legs from the muck, but prefers to plant itself in place
and stand sentinel over some precious resource, wheth-
er it’s as mundane as clean water or as mystical as a lost
demesne. Travelers earn access to its territory by per-
forming tasks it sets that prove they possess an under-
standing of its age-old wetland wisdom and a healthy
respect for nature.
The many zabbala that grow in and around Thuvaraiyam
made ancient pacts with the original Ghara shamans
there, swearing to stand guard and enforce the complex
web of laws until the land itself perished in fire or fam-
ine. Not even the Hags know all those laws now, so deal-
ing with the zabbala is a dicey prospect; but those who
appease them gain access to Thuvarai secrets and tidbits
of a lost history.
Essence: 4; Willpower: 6; Join Battle: 6 dice
Personal Motes: 90
Health Levels: −0x10/−1x2/−2x2/−4/Incap.
Actions: Ancient Lore: 6 dice; Feats of Strength: 5
dice; Pontificate: 7 dice; Read Intentions: 7 dice;
Resist Disease/Poison: 10 dice; Senses: 6 dice; Thu-
varai Law: 8 dice
Appearance 2, Resolve 5, Guile 2
COMBAT
Attack (Fronds): 9 dice (Damage 10) Tags:
Bashing, Brawl, Grappling, Natural
Attack (Grapple): 9 dice (8 to control)
Combat Movement: 4 dice (Oppose Disengage:
10 dice)
Evasion 2, Parry 5
Soak/Hardness: 10/0
MERITS
Swamp Camouflage: The zabbala doubles 9s on
Stealth rolls. While unmoving and hiding its face with
its fronds, it doubles 7s and may hide in plain sight
without penalty, pretending to be a simple plant.
Hide of Fronds: The zabbala’s −0 health levels rep-
resent the heavy fronds that shield its core bulk, and
grant it equal soak. It heals these health levels (and
regains lost soak) at a rate of one every minute as the
fronds grow back, if it has sufficient water and at least
a little sunlight.
OFFENSIVE CHARMS
Sentinel’s Frond Dance (5m, 2i; Simple; One
scene; Essence 2): Whipping its heavy fronds out
 C hapter F i v e : G r o u ps
from its bulk, the zabbala may force any opponent at
close or short range to successfully disengage before
moving further away, and reduces the Initiative cost
of any gambit that would prevent an opponent from
reaching a destination within long range of it by one,
to a minimum of one. This Charm ends if its last −0
health level fills with damage.
Warden of the Lost Law (10m; Reflexive; Instant;
Decisive-only; Essence 3): When rolling Join Battle
against any enemy whose Intimacies or motives it has
successfully learned via read intentions in the current
scene, it may reflexively perform a disarm or grapple
gambit against an enemy within close range who’s
unaware of its presence before any character acts,
waiving the gambit’s Initiative cost. This counts as its
attack for the first round of combat.
DEFENSIVE CHARMS
Unbroken Root Endurance (4m, 1i; Reflexive;
Until uprooted; Essence 2): The zabbala digs its roots
into the terrain, gaining +5 soak. It cannot be thrown
Scarlet Egg Players
Background: The chosen of the Dragons are eclectic
in their desires and dreams. While most seek positions
in the Ministries, the legions, or the Immaculate Order,
still others find their passion in the arts. Mortals lucky
enough to witness Exalted troubadours’ performances
cherish the opportunity as something to tell their chil-
dren and grandchildren about. The Scarlet Egg Players
are one of the few troupes of Dragon-Blooded actors to
operate deep in the Threshold.
It includes absolutely no Exalted members.
Clever actors use makeup, effects, and impeccable tech-
nique to feign the power of the Realm’s Exalted and reap
the benefits of being recognized as such. While excep-
tional mortal thespians may eat at the same table as the
royalty they’ve entertained, the jewels of the Scarlet Egg
Players eat better than the kings who feed them, and lux-
uriate in the gifts their hosts shower upon them.
Hasan Jasper, a patrician, takes credit for the deception
and the troupe’s name, using a clear reference to the
Scarlet Empress as a way to deter questions and imply
Imperial support. His greatest fear is that if the troupe
comes across an audience that would know the differ-
ence between their tricks and a true Dragon-Blooded, the
Players’ reputation could be ruined. More importantly,
his own fortune would vanish. Jasper steers the troupe
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EX3
or dragged in a grapple, but can’t take movement
actions without ending this Charm. If hit with an attack
or effect that would forcibly move it, it may negate
the movement for two Initiative per range band; if it
doesn’t negate all the forced movement, it’s uprooted
and this Charm’s effect ends.
MISCELLANEOUS CHARMS
Fern-Seed Blessing (6m, 1wp; Simple; Indefinite;
Eclipse; Essence 3): Ordinary ferns don’t have seeds,
but the zabbala can compress its Essence to spit out a
seed that blesses anyone who possesses it with invisi-
bility and magical protection as long as they’re within
its territory; as soon as they leave, the seed loses its
power and this Charm ends. The blessed gain double
7s on Stealth rolls when the opposition would use
sight to detect them, and +2 to Defense, as long as
they remain within the area the zabbala guards. They
also gain double 7s to mundane Awareness, Investi-
gation, or Survival rolls to navigate the area or find a
particular resource, such as water, food, or treasure.
clear of cities with satraps and Realm garrisons, avoids
Lookshy, and even keeps tabs on rumors of Immaculate
monks and wandering heroes to make sure no one has a
chance to compare his actors to the real thing.
The more success they experience, the bolder the Scarlet
Egg Players become and the safer they feel to make ever
more ridiculous demands. More than once, the Players
have started wars between petty kings and reaped the
rewards of putting on a show for the winner. Jasper and
his favored members of the troupe all wear gaudy orna-
ments taken from those who attend their shows. Some
of the actors even make veiled threats as to what might
happen to someone who refuses to hand over a “gift”.
Members: To keep the secret safe, the Scarlet Egg
Players only employ the most talented and ambitious ac-
tors, playwrights, stagehands, and artisans. Inducting a
new member requires a majority vote by the inner circle
— composed of those who play the Dragon-Blooded —
though Jasper is known to throw his weight around to
ensure his favorite candidates are admitted. Most who
fail Jasper’s tests of secrecy and loyalty are simply left
behind, but the patrician has killed more than one actor
who knew too much to let leave.
Secrets: Recently, the Scarlet Egg Players began exper-
imenting with Anathema disguises to beguile gods and
 ADVERSARIES OF THE RIGHTEOUS
others who may be amiable to those returning monsters.
This frightens Jasper even more than the reward entices
his greed, but Twinkling Starry Eyes — who dreamed up
the new scheme — is gaining support among the Players’
inner circle. Her endgame would set up the troupe as
masters of their own kingdom where they can retire in
wealth and safety, discarding their stage personae.
Resources: Because of their talents, the Scarlet Egg Players
boast more capital than some small Threshold nations. They
spend much of it repairing their caravan, feeding themselves,
and purchasing paints, dyes and props for their plays.
A significant amount of their profits goes toward main-
taining their charade and keeping their suppliers ig-
norant of their clients’ identities. Wood Aspect imper-
sonators adorn themselves with fresh flowers or bathe
in fragrant and expensive floral perfumes, while Water
Aspect impersonators in hot climates spend a great deal
of time oiling their bodies and hair. These unusual ma-
terials are obtained through dozens of proxies and busi-
nesses owned by characters invented by Jasper, which
keeps him essential to the Players’ continued success.
Roleplaying Hints: The actors of the Scarlet Egg Players
are all exceptional, but only the best and most trusted
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actually act as Dragon-Blooded, or even know that the
troupe’s Exalted are fakes. They are happy to indulge in
the trappings of high society as long as it’s at the expense
of their host. The actors train extensively to make sure
that their mask never slips, even if they’re intoxicated
or otherwise not at their best. Many of the Players have
never seen a Dragon-Blood up close, and instead rely on
folklore and Jasper’s tales of the Blessed Isle to main-
tain their image and inspire their depiction of Terrestrial
Exalted Charms and sorcery.
Hasan Jasper
Background: As clever as he is ruthless, Jasper was
raised on the Blessed Isle to a family with weak blood.
Though his parents hoped that their son would be the
one to Exalt after generations without the blessing, with
every year Jasper became more cynical. At sixteen, he
left home, following his dream of becoming a world-re-
nowned actor, leaving behind his childhood friends who
had been Chosen when he was not.
The reality of acting in worn-out inns for a place on the
kitchen floor and a hot meal set in quickly for Jasper, who
again was seized by despair when a year passed and he was
still not rich or famous. As his story goes, one night after too
 C hapter F i v e : G r o u ps
much wine, he came up with the idea and gathered a few
actors he could trust to start the Scarlet Egg Players.
Image: Tall and toned, Jasper never breaks character as
“Cathak Jasper.” He dresses in bright red flowing robes,
and ties his black hair back in a long tail that shows off
the dyed red streaks. He uses a combination of make-
up and sun to cultivate a reddish tan and even rubs his
body with charcoal and firedust to create his character’s
scent. Both n and out of character, Jasper wears a sar-
donic, malicious smirk.
Intimacies: Defining: High Society (fascination) Major:
“Success belongs to he who takes it.” Minor: “Anyone
who we trick should blame themselves for being fools.”
Secrets: Jasper has never told anyone his heritage, not
even his most trusted partners.
Equipment: Jasper dresses in only the greatest finery
and keeps a lion’s share of the profits for himself. Though
he could never bear to wear armor, Jasper keeps flame-
pieces in his flowing sleeves to conjure flame in perfor-
mances… and to silence suspected threats when offstage.
Roleplaying Hints: Even though he maintains his aloof
Dynast persona, Jasper’s sarcastic streak breaks through
at inopportune times, though he recovers quickly with
a small quip or gentle self-mockery. His greatest fear is
encountering someone from the Realm who would see
through the Players’ disguises and reveal their farce.
Whenever he learns of Realm presence nearby, Jasper
takes the Players and flees at the earliest opportunity.
Though he isn’t beloved by his troupe, Jasper makes sure
they all know what he does for them. He maintains in-
formants to know which kingdoms to avoid and which
will be most eager for a performance, as well as manag-
ing the supply lines that keep the Players going.
Attributes: Strength 2, Dexterity 4, Stamina 2; Cha-
risma 4, Manipulation 4, Appearance 2; Perception
4, Intelligence 3, Wits 4;
Willpower: 5
Join Battle: 7 dice
Health Levels: −0/−1/−2x2/−4/Incap.
Abilities: Archery 3, Awareness 3, Brawl 1, Bureau-
cracy 3, Craft 1 (Props), Dodge 1, Integrity 1, Larceny
5 (Disguise), Linguistics 3, Lore 2, Melee 1, Perfor-
mance 3 (Acting), Ride 1, Sail 1, Socialize 3
Merits: Followers 1, Resources 3, Master Thespian
Attack (Flamepiece, Archery): 7 dice (Damage
10); Tags: Lethal, Archery (short), Flame, Mounted,
One-handed, slow
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EX3
Combat: Soak 2; Hardness 0; Parry 3 (Brawl);
Evasion 3; Rush 4 dice; Withdraw 5 dice;
Social: Resolve 3, Guile 4
Special Ability: Smooth Recovery
The actor’s art is as integral to their being as the sword-
master’s blade is to hers. When playing a part, the thes-
pian is able to play off any slip of the tongue as merely
a joke that the witness didn’t understand and any faux
pas as merely a failed joke or social misunderstanding.
Observers don’t gain bonus dice to their (Perception
+ Awareness) when the actor acts “out of character”,
though they may still attempt to see through the dis-
guise as normal. This doesn’t prevent anyone from being
offended by an unkind word or inappropriate comment.
Twinkling Starry Eyes
Background: Once a simple farmer in the Hundred
Kingdoms, Twinkling Starry Eyes’ transcendent ambi-
tion told her there was more to life than rural living. She
worked as a maid, a bartender, a merchant, and more as
she amassed a small fortune for herself, but nothing filled
the emptiness she felt. Twinkling Starry Eyes lived like
she was half asleep, until the day she stepped on a stage.
Acting and putting on a show was like finally waking up
after twenty years in a dream. She poured her passion
into pursuit of the art and quickly became a mildly fa-
mous troubadour. Before her career truly took off, the
Scarlet Egg Players welcomed her into their fold. After
only a year, Jasper was certain she was trustworthy.
Officially, Twinkling Starry Eyes split from the troupe to
make her own way. In her place, “Tepet Stella” was born.
Image: “Tepet Stella” is almost as obsessed with her role
as “Cathak” Jasper is with his, remaining in character
even on the road and only being herself when she’s alone
in her wagon. She wears pale blues and rich purples pre-
dominantly, favoring trousers and shoes that allow for
easy movement. Twinkling Starry Eyes has always been
as thin as a reed. She performs her tight-rope walks on
thin wire as a display of her “Air aspect” abilities.
Intimacies: Defining: “I live for the rush of the stage.”
Major: “The Players are just the means to my end.”,
Hasan Jasper (Distrust) Minor: “Nothing will ever hold
me down again.”
Secrets: Twinkling Starry Eyes has a plan to conquer
territory and suck it dry for the Players by taking the
role of a horrific Anathema warrior queen. Some of the
 ADVERSARIES OF THE RIGHTEOUS
troupe’s inner circle are intrigued by her plan, but Jasper
is openly critical of their chances. In true Dynast fash-
ion, she’s considering ways she might get rid of Jasper.
Equipment: Like the other players, Twinkling Starry
Eyes dresses in elegant clothes to play the role of “Tepet
Stella”. She wears even lighter clothing than the others
chosen to play Dragon-Blooded to illustrate her powers
as an “Air aspect” meaning that she is often very cold. At
times, she carries ice within her clothing to throw out
as a display of her powers. She carries no weapons but
a simple knife.
Roleplaying Hints: Twinkling Starry Eyes is haughty
and imperious with the arrogance of youth. She expects
to be listened to when she speaks and demands respect
and obedience from her lesser actors, but is never cruel
or overly aggressive with them. When any of her sup-
porting cast stumbles, she is often there to catch them
and offer a stern word to help them improve. After all,
she remembers what it was like to be new to the stage.
Twinkling Starry Eyes lacks Jasper’s easy way of ma-
nipulating and guiding others to do her bidding, instead
relying on her force of personality and her ambition to
The Scorpionfolk
Background: Centuries ago, the Lunar sorcerer Liyas
created the scorpionfolk to aid in her ambitions to con-
quer the Firepeaks. She was both their queen and their
general, and under her banner their clans swarmed
across the lands, seizing territories and annexing king-
doms. After Liyas’ death — accounts of which are
non-existant in scorpionfolk writings — the clans swiftly
withdrew from the lands they’d taken. In a matter of a
scant few months, they ceased prosecuting Liyas’ wars
and returned to their villages.
Today, the scorpionfolk are composed of dozens of clans
scattered throughout the Firepeaks. These include the
diplomatic Neekhoe; the Lahati, who read the stars; and
goat-herding Yime, whose long-haired flocks provide
them with milk, cheese, and meat. While the clans most-
ly keep to their own territories, their merchants travel to
cities along the Diamond Road to trade coffee, medicinal
herbs, mahogany, mohair, and pelts taken from strange
beasts in the Wyld. Lahati astrologers have traveled to
An-Teng and the distant Varang City-States, both to de-
cipher nobles’ fortunes and consult with their peers on
portentous events.
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EX3
guide others to her side. Unfortunately, she’s bad at hid-
ing her boundless ambitions, which Jasper uses against
her.
Attributes: Strength 2, Dexterity 5, Stamina 2; Cha-
risma 4, Manipulation 2, Appearance 4; Perception
3, Intelligence 4, Wits 2;
Willpower: 6
Join Battle: 9 dice
Health levels: −0/−1/−2x2/−4/Incap.
Abilities: Awareness 4, Athletics 2, Dodge 3, In-
tegrity 3, Larceny 4 (Disguise), Linguistics 1, Lore
1, Melee 3, Performance 4 (Acting), Presence 3
(Oration)
Merits: Contacts (Scavenger Lands) 3, Influence
(Hundred Kingdoms) 2, Resources (Master Thespian)
2
Attack (Dagger): 8 dice (Damage 9); Tags: Lethal,
Melee, Thrown (Short)
Combat: Soak 2; Hardness 0; Parry 4 (melee);
Evasion 4; Rush 7 dice; Withdraw 8 dice
Social: Resolve 3, Guile 1
The Neekhoe scorpionfolk attempt to maintain diplo-
matic relationships with regional powers, receiving emis-
saries from cities along the Diamond Road and An-Teng.
They oversee an uneasy truce with Janati, the youngest
of Yena’s daughters, whose followers claim the foothills
on the edge of the Firepeaks. To the north, Irembe raid-
ers pose a problem for scorpionfolk towns, sweeping out
from Lake Nyandi to take trade goods and livestock. Thus
far, Neekhoe outreach to Golden-Leaf Liseli, asking the
shahan-ya to intervene, has yielded no results. Some clan
princes have begun discussing the idea of going to war.
The hardiest scorpionfolk venture into the Firepeaks’
Wyld areas, drawing on centuries of knowledge passed
down from their ancestors’ forays. There, they hunt
strange creatures and unique to those chaotic, danger-
ous lands. Their pelts, bones, and blood fetch a high price
from sorcerers and crafters in the lowlands. Tinctures
from herbs gathered in these places induce visions for
scorpionfolk priests, and feature in alchemists’ formulas.
Warriors stand watch on the outskirts of such places, a
line of defense against raksha who might set their sights
on vulnerable villages.
 C hapter F i v e : G r o u ps
Travelers seeking safe passage over the Firepeaks often
hire scorpionfolk guides to lead them. Not only must
wayfarers beware of treacherous terrain — rockslides,
sudden drops, and heavy cross-winds — but the guides
know where pumas and bears make their dens as well
as where the Wyld encroaches on mountain passes.
Though they steer clients around known bandit gangs’
territories, most scorpionfolk guides have at least pass-
able negotiating skills should the need arise. Some scor-
pionfolk are smugglers themselves, transporting goods
from Nandao to Gem faster than those caravans who
take the Diamond Road. Northern clans have a relation-
ship with the Jau Deians, providing weapons to under-
ground rebels, or offering refuge to those who flee into
the mountains to avoid the wrath of House Ragara’s
garrison.
Image: Scorpionfolk have two sets of arms: a lower set
with human hands, and an upper set ending in pincers.
Barbed stingers tip their segmented tails. Many scorpi-
onfolk bear painted markings on the chitinous plates
of their arms and backs, with symbols that signify their
clan, its history, and their individual accomplishments.
While most scorpionfolk are decorated with natural pig-
ments, warriors’ markings resemble Lunars moonsilver
tattoos which bioluminesce in Wyld-light (see p. XX).
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EX3
Intimacies: Defining: “We are no one’s pawns.” Major:
“It’s my duty to protect our villages from the Wyld.”
Major Tie: My Clan (Loyalty); Minor Tie: Fair Folk
(Distrust)
Typical Individuals: Scorpionfolk have settled through-
out the Firepeaks, from high mountain crests down into
the foothills. They’re farmers and herders, warriors,
crafters, scholars, and diplomats. Though most scorpi-
onfolk spend the majority of their lives near the village
where they were born, it’s not unusual for them to travel
within their local territory to trade with other clans or
help defend a village under siege from bandits or hob-
goblins. An apprentice might travel hundreds of miles
to study under another clan’s master leatherworker,
or spend several seasons learning scorpionfolk history
from an elder scholar. A half-dozen pages and scribes
frequently attend a seasoned Neekhoe diplomat on her
missions to Origin or the City of the Steel Lotus.
Nearly all scorpionfolk learn basic fighting and defense
tactics; even though they relinquished their creators’
conquests, they didn’t abandon the techniques and strat-
egies their ancestors honed as Liyas’ army. Today, scor-
pionfolk warriors are formidable combatants — caravans
traversing the Diamond Road hire them as bodyguards,
 ADVERSARIES OF THE RIGHTEOUS
SCORPIONFOLK MERITS
All scorpionfolk have pedipalps, and many warriors
bear bioluminescent markings on their persons (see
Siluris, Scorpionfolk Hero p.XX). In addition scorpion-
folk might have the following Merits, as befits their
role in the story:
Danger Sense: Gain a bonus die on rolls to detect
danger
Direction Sense: The character always knows her
orientation relative to the five Elemental Poles, and
reduces the difficulty on attempts to navigate toward
a fixed, known location or to retrace her steps by 2.
Language: Most scorpionfolk speak a dialect of Fla-
metongue. Diplomats also tend to learn High and Low
Realm as well, especially when dealing with places
like An-Teng or Jau Dei.
and mercenary captains offer hefty sums to attract them
to their rosters. Around the Firepeaks, young fighters
venture into the Wyld to earn their peers’ respect and
prove their bravery. Some turn their knowledge into lu-
crative careers, returning from the middlemarches laden
with rare goods and materials.
Clan princes gather several times each year, in Liyas’ op-
ulent Red Jasper Palace on the southern peaks. There,
they discuss their peoples’ needs, significant changes or
happenings in any Wyld areas their hunters venture into,
portents for the upcoming seasons, and other pressing
issues. Since the sorcerer-queen’s death, scorpionfolk
scholars, priests, and seers have overseen the palace’s
upkeep, and claimed its libraries, observatory, and ritual
spaces for the clans’ benefit.
Secrets: A year before the end of her reign, a small group
of scorpionfolk princes implored Liyas to scale back her
ambitions for empire. Despite successful conquests, the
heavy casualties and strain on supplies were too great
for the scorpionfolk to bear. Liyas refused their requests.
After the Battle of Crimson Sands decimated the Jilir
clan, the princes returned to the Red Jasper Palace, ac-
companied by an honor guard of their best warriors.
Liyas died in the ensuing conflict, and the three surviv-
ing princes vowed to keep the details of that fatal day
hidden from the clans. Today, only a handful of scor-
pionfolk elders — nearly all of them princes and high
priests — know the story.
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EX3
Reincarnated fifty years ago, Liyas has spent most of her
new life far away in the East. However, disturbing mem-
ories of her last days as the scorpionfolk’s sorcerer-queen
have begun returning to her. She’s taken on a mission for
the Silver Pact which brings her to the Southwest, where
she intends to venture into the Firepeaks once more.
Resources: Scorpionfolk warriors and princes wield
weapons handed down from their clans’ champions.
Among the finely-wrought panoplies are a few artifact
swords and sets of armor made from Wyld-borne ma-
terials, though the bulk of the treasures are mundane
items made by artisan crafters.
The Red Jasper Palace’s libraries are a trove of informa-
tion for scorpionfolk scholars. Several of its open-topped
towers — where stars and constellations come into sharp
view — serve as observatories for astrologers.
Though they’re sparsely populated, the clans control
several strongholds throughout the Firepeaks. Once
teeming with warriors, these places now act as way-
points and trading outposts for scorpionfolk guides and
their clients.
Roleplaying Hints: In their villages, scorpionfolk are
wary — though not fearful — of outsiders. They polite-
ly extend their hospitality, but will rescind it if visitors
attempt to take advantage of their hosts’ goodwill. Clans
are community-focused, sharing knowledge and re-
sources with those in need. Those who frequently deal
with other cultures and polities — diplomats, negoti-
ators, merchants, and the like — keep calm even when
their counterparts get heated, and deftly soothe injured
egos to keep discussions on track.
When called to fight, scorpionfolk form a battle group
with Size 1-2, Average Drill, and Might 1.
Scorpionfolk Diplomat/
Astrologer/Trader
Essence: 1; Willpower: 6; Join Battle: 5 dice
Health Levels: −0/−1x2/−2x2/−4/Incap.
Actions: Assess Goods: 5 dice; Bargain: 6 dice;
Bureaucracy: 8 dice; Divination: 7 dice; Lore: 5 dice;
Read Intentions: 7 dice; Senses: 4 dice; Social Influ-
ence: 7 dice
Appearance 3, Resolve 4, Guile 4
COMBAT
Attack (Dagger): 6 dice (Damage 7) Tags: Lethal,
Melee, Thrown (Short)
 C hapter F i v e : G r o u ps

Attack (Pincers): 7 dice (Damage 6); Tags: Lethal, Treatment: 5 dice; Read Intentions: 5 dice; Senses: 8
Crushing, Clinching dice; Wyld Knowledge: 8 dice
Attack (Tail): 6 dice (Damage 5); Tags: Lethal, Appearance 3, Resolve 3, Guile 3
Natural, Piercing, Poisonable (2i/round [L in crash], COMBAT
duration 3 rounds, –2 penalty)
Attack (Pincers): 8 dice (Damage 6); Tags: Lethal,
Attack (Grapple): 5 dice (5 to control) Crushing, Grappling, Natural
Combat Movement: 6 dice Attack (Short Sword): 6 dice (Damage 7) Tags:
Evasion 2, Parry 3 Lethal, Melee, Balanced
Soak/Hardness: 3/0 Attack (Tail): 8 dice (Damage 5); Tags: Lethal,
Natural, Piercing, Poisonable (2i/round [L in crash],
duration 3 rounds, –2 penalty)
Scorpionfolk Guide
Attack (Grapple): 5 dice (5 to control)
Essence: 1; Willpower: 7; Join Battle: 7 dice Combat Movement: 6 dice
Health Levels: −0/−1x2/−2x3/−4/Incap. Evasion 3, Parry 4
Actions: Area Knowledge: 7 dice; Feats of Strength: Soak/Hardness: 3/0
6 dice (may attempt Strength 3 feats); Medical

199
EX3
A privateer crew sails the frozen winds
of the far North, hunting for riches. Deep
beneath the Blessed Isle, a Fair Folk
prince plots vengeance from within her
crystal palace. Not far from Cynosure,
a long-dead ruler returns from the
Underworld and rallies his descendants
to reclaim their stolen territory. In the
East, an ancient god’s Chosen sells
powerful artifacts to the highest bidder,
while out in the Western oceans, a war
god and her bloodthirsty children prowl
the angry waters.
From bustling cities to remote villages,
from Underworld fortresses to Heaven’s
bureaucratic halls, to the Bordermarches
of the Wyld and beyond, Adversaries
of the Righteous features a collection
of full character entries designed for
Storytellers to include in their games
as antagonists and allies, or to use
as examples for creating their own.
Mortals, elementals, gods, denizens of
the Wyld, the Exalted, and even stranger
peoples populate both Creation and the
pages of this book, as well as groups
and organizations for intrepid Chosen
to encounter.