Introduction 16 Chosen of Battles 58

Chosen of Secrets 58
Game System Basics 17
Chosen of Endings 59
This Book at a Glance 17
The Solar Exalted 60
Lexicon 17
Solar Exalt Advantages 60
Inspirational Media 20
Anima 60
Classics 20
Solar Castes 60
Comics 20
Dawn 61
Fiction 20
Zenith 61
Movies 20

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Twilight 62
Television 21
Night 62
Video Games 21
Eclipse 63
Chapter One: Welcome to Creation 22 The Abyssal Exalted 64

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The World and Its Making 23 Abyssal Exalt Advantages 64
Origin of the Exalted 23 Anima 64
Places in Creation 26 Abyssal Castes 64
The Center 26 Dusk 65
The North 29 Midnight 65
The East 31 Daybreak 66
The Dreaming Sea 34 Day 66
The South 35 Moonshadow 67
The West 37 The Alchemical Exalted 68
Other Realms
Chapter Two: The Exalted
Exalted of Creation
Exalted of Other Realms
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44
45
46
Alchemical Exalt Advantages
Anima
Alchemical Castes
Adamant
Jade
68
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69
69
70
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Reading This Section 47 Moonsilver 70
Core Rules Required 47 Orichalcum 70
Exalt Advantages 47 Soulsteel 71
Caste or Aspect 47 Starmetal 71
The Dragon-Blooded 48 The Getimian Exalted 72
Dragon-Blooded Exalt Advantages 48 Getimian Exalt Advantages 72
Anima 48 Anima 72
m

Dragon-Blooded Aspects 49 Getimian Castes 73

Air 49 Spring 73
Earth 49 Summer 73
Fire 50 Autumn 74
Water 50 Winter 74
Wood 51 The Infernal Exalted 76
Infernal Exalt Advantages 76
Sa

The Lunar Exalted 52

Lunar Exalt Advantages 52 Anima 76
Anima 53 Infernal Castes 76
Lunar Castes 53 Azimuth 77
Full Moon 53 Ascendant 77
Changing Moon 54 Horizon 78
No Moon 54 Nadir 78
Casteless 55 Penumbra 79
The Sidereal Exalted 56 The Liminal Exalted 80
Sidereal Exalt Advantages 56 Liminal Exalt Advantages 80
Anima 56 Liminal Aspects 81
Sidereal Castes 57 Blood 81
Chosen of Journeys 57 Breath 81
Chosen of Serenity 57 Flesh 82

3
TABLE OF CONTENTS
 Marrow 82 Physique 124
Soil 83 Presence 125
The Exigents 84 Ranged Combat 125
Creating an Exigent 85 Sagacity 125
Janest’s Exalt Advantages 85 Stealth 125
The Great Curse 87 War 125
Rules 87 Deciding What to Roll 126
Great Curse Manifestation 87 Stunting 126
Social Influence 128
Chapter Three: Character Creation 96

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Virtues 128
Step 0: Session Zero 97 Intimacies 130
Step 1: Concept 97 Intensities 131
Step 2: Attributes 97 Influence Actions 131
Step 3: Abilities 97

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Resisting Influence 134
Step 4: Charms 99
Combat 136
Step 5: Merits 99
Timing 136
Step 6: Virtues and Intimacies 103
The Flow of Combat 136
Step 7: Finishing Touches 104
Making Attacks 136
Advancement 107 Combat Actions 138
Gaining Milestones 107 Combat Modifiers 139
Advancing in Power 108 Defenses 139
Advancement Templates 108 Building Power 140
Choosing Charms 110
Warrior
Priest
Savant
Trickster
e 110
110
111
112
Gambits
Combat Movement
Damage and Health
Special Combat
Using Physique
141
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143
146
150
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Broker 112
One-Roll Resolution 151
Chapter Four: Systems 114 Ventures 151
Venture Systems 151
Basic System 115
Types of Ventures 156
Building the Pool and Counting Successes 115
Action Under Duress 156
Action Types 115
Crafting 156
Opposed Actions 116
Embassy Ventures 158
m

Extended Actions 116

Information Gathering 161
Determining Difficulty 117
Magical Workings 162
Success and Failure 117
Travel 162
Bonuses and Penalties 118
Warfare 163
Teamwork 118
Command 165
The Dice Limit 119
Measuring Time 120 Chapter Five: Storytelling Exalted 166
Sa

Attributes 121 The Basics of Running Exalted: Essence 167

Force 121 Preparations: Session Zero 167
Finesse 121 Creating Characters and the Circle 173
Fortitude 121 The First Session 174
Abilities 122 Creating A Campaign 175
Athletics 122 Ending a Campaign 177
Awareness 122 Single Exalt-Type Stories 177
Close Combat 122 Mixed-Group Stories 179
Craft 122
Chapter Six: Charms,
Embassy 123
Sorcery, and Martial Arts 180
Integrity 124
Navigate 124 Charms 181
Performance 124 What are Charms? 181
Modes 181

4
EXALTED: ESSENCE
 Presentation Format 181 Strange Tongue Understanding 198
Using Charms 182 Integrity 198
Creating Merits with Charms 184 Loyal Guardian Approach 198
Guarded Mind Meditation 199
Universal Charms 185
Integrity-Protecting Principle 199
Excellency 185
Motive-Discerning Technique 199
[Ability] Excellency 185 Resolve Bolstering Declaration 199
Athletics (Evasion) 185 Righteous Lion Spirit 199
Flickering Shadow Evasion 185 Sagacious Reading of Intent 200
Flow Like Blood 185 Spirit-Maintaining Maneuver 200
Mongoose-and-Cobra Escape 185

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Stubborn Boar Defense 200
Reed in the Wind 186 Navigate 200
Athletics (Movement) 186 As the Crow Flies 200
Eagle-Wing Style 186 Beast-Uplifting Harmony 200
Graceful Crane Stance 186 Calling the Rider’s Companion 200

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Lightning Speed 187 Fathoms-Fed Spirit 200
Monkey Leap Technique 188 Hardship-Surviving Spirit 201
Awareness 188 Hidden Shortcut Revelation 201
All-Encompassing Sorcerer’s Sight 188 Immortal Mariner’s Advantage 201
Ambush Sensing Premonition 189 Rider-and-Mount Unity 201
Crafty Observation Method 189 Swift Artillery Technique 201
Enhanced Senses 189 Trackless Region Navigation 202
Evidence-Discerning Method 189 Performance 202
Jade Leaves a Trail 189 Distracting Patter Technique 202
Sagacious Reading of Intent 190 Flawless Brush Discipline 202
Spirit-Cutting Glance 190 Greatness-Inspiring Aura 202
Witness Rapport Technique
Close Combat (Attack)
Arsenal-Summoning Gesture
Dragon Coil Technique
Excellent Strike
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191
191
191
191
Masterful Performance Exercise
Memetic Dogma Discipline
Poetic Expression Style
Spirit-Manifesting Word
Soul-Stirring Cantata
202
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203
203
203
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Fists of Iron Technique 192 Subtle Expression Method 203
Guard-Breaking Technique 192 Physique (Might) 203
Heaven Thunder Hammer 193 Armored Scout’s Invigoration 203
Many-Attacks Technique 193 Ten Ox Meditation 203
Swift Counterattack 193 Physique (Resistance) 204
Close Combat (Defense) 193 Arsenal-Summoning Gesture 204
Bulwark Stance 193 Body Mending Meditation 204
m

Flow Like Blood 193 Captivating Battlefield Display 204

Heavenly Guardian Defense 193 Iron Kettle Body 204
Loyal Guardian Approach 194 Malady-Resisting Meditation 204
Portentous Warding Defense 194 Ox Body technique 204
Craft 194 Power Gathering Temper 205
Clever Improvisation Method 194 Spirit Strengthens the Skin 205
Durability-Enhancing Procedure 194 Presence 206
Efficient Crafting Technique 195 Battalion-Breaking Shout 206
Sa

Flawless Counterfeit Technique 195 Captivating Battlefield Display 206

Morale-Boosting Meal 195 Cat’s Puffed Tail 206
Quickening the Forge 195 Dread Tiger’s Symmetry 206
Sudden Trap Attack 195 Glorious Presence Technique 206
Terrain-Altering Advantage 196 Greatness-Inspiring Aura 206
Wonder-Crafting Initiation 196 Harmonious Presence Meditation 206
Embassy 196 Irresistible Presence Technique 207
Bureau-Breaking Method 196 Listener-Swaying Argument 207
Deft Official’s Way 197 Second Chance Approach 207
Illimitable Master Fence 197 Suspicion-Allaying Gesture 207
Jade Leaves a Trail 197 Underling-Promoting Practice 207
Motive-Discerning Technique 197 Worshipful Lackey Acquisition 207
Morale-Boosting Meal 198 Ranged Combat 208
The Perfect Bargain 198 Arsenal-Summoning Gesture 208
The Perfect Price 198 Arrow Storm Attack 208
Second Chance Approach 198 Double Distance Technique 208

5
TABLE OF CONTENTS
 Glorious Exalted Bolt 208 Iron Maiden’s Kiss 219
No Arrow Wasted 208 Soul-Drinking Bite 219
Phantom Arrow 208 Void Avatar Embodiment 219
Reflex Shot Technique 209 Craft 220
Revolving Bow Discipline 209 All-Consuming Entropy Attack 220
Sharpshooter’s Clever Tricks 209 Haunting Monumental Artifice 220
Streaming Arrow Stance 209 Embassy 220
Sagacity (Knowledge) 209 Ghost-Emperor Edict 220
All Encompassing Sorcerer’s Sight 209 Killing Words Technique 221
Archive Mind Mentality 209 Reverent Mortuary Witness 221

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Essence-Lending Method 210 Integrity 221
Glorious Exalted Bolt 210 Murder-Saint Dedication 221
Harmonious Academic Methodology 210 Wickedness-Unveiling Method 221
Necromantic Initiation 210 Navigate 221
Sorcerous Initiation 211
Stepping Outside Existence 221

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Spirit-Cutting Glance 211
Unhallowed Ghost Ship 222
Spirit-Manifesting Word 211
Performance 222
Spirit-Repelling Diagram 211
Spirit-Slaying Stance 211 Elegy for the Fallen 222
Swift-Hands Casting 212 Withering Dirge 222
Truth-Rendering Gaze 212 Physique 222
Will-Bolstering Method 212 Death Needs Nothing 222
Wonder-Crafting Initiation 212 Cadaverous Torpor Technique 222
Sagacity (Medicine) 212 Presence 223
Master Physician Technique 212 Corpse-Commanding Attitude 223
Flawless Diagnosis Technique 213 Death-Pact Ascension 223
Wellness-Restoring Meditation
Stealth
A Drop Amongst the Ocean
Distracting Patter Technique
Doubt-Sealing Heist
e 213
213
213
214
214
Ghost-Emperor Edict
Killing Words Technique
Reverent Mortuary Witness
Ranged Combat
First Blood Impulse
223
223
223
223
223
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Evidence Placing Method 214 Hundred Paces Bite 223
Flawless Counterfeit Technique 214 Sagacity 223
Flawlessly Impenetrable Disguise 214 Life-Mocking Assembly 223
Guiding Shadow Shroud 214 Pestilence-Bearing Touch 223
Illimitable Master Fence 214 Stealth 224
Perfect Shadow Stillness 215 Stifled Cry Exercise 224
Seasoned Criminal Method 215 Shadow Cloak Technique 224
Suspicion-Allaying Gesture 215
m

War 224
War 215 Arise and Slaughter 224
Battalion-Breaking Shout 215 Life-Mocking Assembly 224
Battle Plan Rumination 215 Shadowed Warfare Methodology 224
Cunning Warrior Regimen 215 Alchemical Charms 225
Fearless Vanguard Technique 215 General 225
League of Iron Preparation 216
Augmented Attribute 225
Mouse Conquers the Lion 217
Portable Utility Compartment 225
Sa

Panic the Wounded Beast 217

Finesse 225
Rally the Broken Company 217
Underling-Promoting Practice 217 Artificer’s Keen Eye 225
Worshipful Lackey Acquisition 217 Battle Form Mimicry 225
Better Than New 225
Exalted Charms 217
Bone-and-Steel Destruction 225
Abyssal Charms 218 Contingency Preparation Axiom 226
Athletics 218 Effective Leadership Algorithm 226
Death Approaches 218 Efficient Planning Matrix 226
Ebon Lightning Flash 218 Fine-Tuning 226
Awareness 218 Phase Shifting Apparatus 226
Corpse Questioning Technique 218 Subtle Concept Introduction Method 226
Wickedness-Unveiling Method 218 Force 227
Ghostly Sentinel Technique 219 Advisor’s Sage Instruction 227
Close Combat 219 Celestial Overseer Concordat 227
Artful Maiming Onslaught 219 Exhaustive Interrogation Method 227

6
EXALTED: ESSENCE
 Future-Proclaiming Canticle 228 Elemental Burst Technique 236
Insightful Managerial Aptitude 228 Fivefold Resonance Sense 236
Lifesign Detecting Scan 228 Dragon Vortex Attack 236
Machine-God Protector Mode 228 Stealth 236
Morale Building Declaration 228 Flowing God-Dragon Stance 236
Omnipresent Guardian Directive 228 Rose-Among-Thorns Distinction 237
Perfected Union Patterning 228 War 237
Priority-Discerning Protocol 228 Dragon Vortex Attack 237
Relentless Tracking Protocol 229 Flaw-Finding Examination 237
Truth-and-Lies Detection 229 Storm-Calling Strategies 237

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Fortitude 229 Ramparts of Obedient Earth 237
Body Reweaving Matrix 229 With One Mind 237
Identity Obfuscation Matrix 229 Getimian Charms 238
Lifesign Detecting Scan 229 Motes and the Getimians 238
Material Resistance Procedure 229
General 238

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Outlier Analysis Method 229
Optical Shroud 229 Alchemic Power Reserve 238
Reinforced Chassis 229 Fate-Unwinding Denial 238
Relentless Tracking Protocol 230 Space-and-Time Understanding 238
Terraforming Protocol 230 Summoned from Time 238
Verbatim Recall 230 Finesse 238
Dragon-Blooded Charms 231 Bent Reality Stance 238
Elemental Aura 231 Devil-Queen’s Court 238
Distilled-Emotion Elixir 239
Athletics 231
Here-and-Everywhere Approach 239
Dragon Surmounts the Waterfall 231 Forgetting the Lie 239
Safety Among Enemies
Awareness
All-Encompassing Earth Sense
Fivefold Resonance Sense
Sense-Riding Technique
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231
231
231
232
Sleeper-Guiding Whisper
Unavoidable Confrontation
Force
Culture-Hero Usurpation
Finding the Chorus
239
240
240
240
240
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Close Combat 232 Icon-Obliterating Passion 240
Current Sweeps to Sea 232 Ideology Redefinition Trick 240
Dragon-Graced Weapon 232 Perspective-Consuming Grandeur 241
Drowning Embrace 232 Reality Embellishment Approach 241
Root-and-Hand Merging 232 The Filial Chain 241
Craft 233 Throne-Smashing Ambition 241
Flaw-Finding Examination 233 Wall-Denying Fury 241
Passion-Inflaming Artistry 233 Fortitude 242
m

Stones-from-Rubble Restoration 233 Constant Problem Tactic 242

Embassy 233 Courage-Decanting Alchemy 242
Thoughtful Gift Technique 233 Folding Space 242
Wind-Carried-Words Technique 233 One-on-One Imprisonment 242
With One Mind 233 Spatial Disjunction 242
Integrity 234 Truth is Relative 243
Granite Curtain of Serenity 234 Unforged Masterworks 243
Oath of the Ten Thousand Dragons 234 Infernal Charms 244
Sa

Unflagging Vengeance Meditation 234 Devil-Body Incarnation 244

Navigate 234 Athletics 244
Benediction of the Living Ship 234 Joy in Violence 244
Blazing Charger Attack 234 Skin-Flaying Wind Dance 244
Performance 234 Awareness 244
Passion-Inflaming Artistry 234 Joy in Violence 244
Wind-Carried Words Technique 234 Naked Soul Insight 244
Physique 234 Witness to Darkness 245
Elemental Protection Technique 234 Close Combat 245
Presence 235 Death of All Happiness 245
Entombed Mind Technique 235 Hideous Hundred-Limb Strike 245
Ranged Combat 235 Wrath-Stoked Onslaught 245
Arbor Sentinel Technique 235 Craft 246
Elemental Burst Technique 236 Claiming the Devil’s Due 246
Sagacity 236 Embassy 246
7
TABLE OF CONTENTS
 Golden Years Tarnished Black 246 Finesse Charms 254
Naked Soul Insight 246 Black Wind of Desire 254
Our Little Secret 246 Bone Deep Body Reconfiguration 255
Unbreakable Laws of Hell 246 Death-Sensing Probe 255
Integrity 246 Honored Memories of Mastery 255
Acquainted with Deception 246 Soft Touch of Hospice 255
Body Obeys Ego 246 Tomb and Ruin Inspection 255
Broken Silence Laughter Defense 246 Web of Veins 255
Cosmic Transcendence of (Virtue) 247 Weeping Crimson Gaze 256
Endless Nightmare Vigilance 247 Force Charms 256

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Inevitable Betrayal Insight 247 Autopsy-and-Dissection Glance 256
Intolerable Burning Truths 247 Bloodslick Crimson Barb 256
Will-Crushing Force 247 Deathbound Mania 256
Navigate 248 Embodied Resonance Transplant 256
Desert-and-Flame Endurance 248 Ever-Steady Graveward Heart 257

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Oasis-Scouring Malediction 248 Muscle-Hemorrhaging Exertion 257
Taste-of-Hell Infliction 248 Unliving Industry 257
Performance 248 Fortitude Charms 257
Devil Emperor Edict 248 Blossoming Clot Ministrations 257
Symphony of Sinful Prayers 248 Breath-Tasting Ward 257
Wish-Granting Wickedness 248 Cyclic Scythe 257
Physique 249 Investiture of Flesh 257
Ceaseless Demon Hunger 249 Life-Scaffolding Survival 258
Desert-and-Flame Endurance 249 Pain Syphoning Sigh 258
Endless Nightmare Vigilance 249 Unleash Homunculus 258
Scars Become Armor
Venom Blood Revenge
Viridian Rust Defense
Presence
Broken Silence Laughter Defense
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249
249
249
249
Lunar Charms
Shapeshifting Charms
Ant-and-Yeddim Wisdom
Chimera-Soul Expression
Changing Phases Transformation
259
259
259
259
259
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Devil Emperor Edict 249 Hybrid Body Transformation 259
Golden Years Tarnished Black 249 Many-Faced Moon Transformation 259
Our Little Secret 249 Manifold Hunter’s Tactics 259
Ranged Combat 249 Mountainous Spirit Expression 260
Blinded by Hellfire 249 Finesse 261
Death of All Happiness 249 Cunning Anglerfish Decoy 261
Sagacity 249 Hungry All-Consuming Cloud 261
Constructive Convergence of Principles 249 Hunter-Baffling Quarry’s Curse 261
m

Dark Miracle Mimicry 250 Laughing Devil Distraction 261

Inner Devil Unchained 250 Living Hive Transformation 261
Mind-Hand Manipulation 250 Predator-and-Prey Mirror 261
Shadow Spite Curse 250 Quicksilver Second Face 262
Skin-Twisting Metamorphosis 250 Shadow Talon Execution 262
Symphony of Sinful Prayers 250 Force 262
Stealth 250 Beast-Soul Awakening 262
Our Little Secret 250 Boundary-Marking Meditation 262
Sa

Nemesis Self Imagined Anew 250 Butterfly Eyes Mirage 262

War 251 Grasping Pseudopod Method 263
Every Man A Devil 251 Insidious Lunar Transformation 263
Liminal Charms 252 Kraken-Arm Lash 263
Laughing Devil Distraction 263
Liminal Natures 252
Memory-Drinking Meditation 263
Liminal Aspect Modes 252 Nightmare Scar Memento 263
General Charms 252 Sharing Luna’s Gifts 264
Corporeal Reformation 252 Fortitude 264
Gravedigger’s Elan 252 Adder Fang Method 264
Last Exhalation of Secrets 253 Boundary-Marking Meditation 264
Life, Death, and Rebirth 253 Creation Spanning Passion 264
Scent of Blood 253 Cunning Anglerfish Decoy 264
Towering Corporeal Pillar 254 Dauntless Yeddim Caravan 264
True Undeath 254 Insidious Lunar Transformation 264
Undying Body 254

8
EXALTED: ESSENCE
 Kraken-Arm Lash 264 Heartless Maiden Trance 271
Relentless Lunar Fury 264 Under the Crimson Banner 271
Sharing Luna’s Gifts 265 Solar Charms 272
Shattered Yoke Fury 265 Athletics 272
Spider-Amid-Roses Discernment 265 Unfettered Sun Evasion 272
Sidereal Charms 266 Awareness 272
Athletics 266 Meditation on Rivalry 272
Avoidance 266 Unconquered Sun’s Sight 272
Invisible Motion 266 Close Combat 272
Awareness 266 Behemoth-Slaying Attitude 272

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Efficient Secretary Technique 266 Glorious Solar Arsenal 272
Last Vision 266 Orichalcum Battle Soul 273
Of Truths Best Unspoken 266 Star-Cleaving Crater 273
Close Combat 266 Craft 273
Heartless Maiden Trance 266 Joyous Handiwork Genius 273

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Craft 267 Technique-from-Taste Approach 274
Mending Warped Designs 267 Embassy 274
Embassy 267 Vacant Station Scheme 274
Cash and Murder Games 267 Integrity 274
End Debate 267 Aspect of the Virtuous Warrior 274
Icy Hand 267 Principle-Maintaining Method 274
Lover’s Oath 267 Sun King Radiance 274
Willing Assumption of Chains 267 Navigate 274
Integrity 267 God-Bearing Juggernaut 274
Deferred Wounds 267 Ship-Claiming Stance 275
Force Decision
Unavoidable Sorrow
Navigate
Fortuitous Wandering
In the Nick of Time
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268
268
268
268
Waves-and-Rivers Ranging
Performance
Phantom-Conjuring Performance
Rocks and Storms Chorus
Virtue-Shaping Harmony
275
275
275
275
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Ordained Bridle of Mercury 268 Endurance of a Thousand Cuts 275
Wilderness-Commanding Practice 268 Glorious Solar Arsenal 276
Performance 269 Presence 276
Abandoned Words Curse 269 Dissident-Searing Intent 276
Defense of Shining Joy 269 Hypnotic Tongue Technique 276
Faultless Ceremony 269 Ranged Combat 276
Physique 270 Dazzling Flare 276
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Heartless Maiden Trance 270 Glorious Solar Arsenal 276

Shield of Mars 270 Observer-Deceiving Attack 276
Unswerving Juggernaut Principle 270 Sagacity 276
Presence 270 Healer’s Boundless Grace 276
Abandoned Words Curse 270 Wyld-Shaping Technique 277
Cash and Murder Games 270 Stealth 277
Force Decision 270 King of Thieves Spirit 277
Icy Hand 270 Shroud of Night’s Law 277
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Shield of Mars 270 War 277

Shun the Smiling Lady 270
Behemoth-Slaying Attitude 277
Under the Crimson Banner 270
General of the All-Seeing Sun 277
Ranged Combat 270
Solar Tactician’s Acumen 278
Shadow-Piercing Needle 270
Strawmaiden Janest Charms 279
Transcendent Hatchet of Fate 270
Athletics 279
Sagacity 271
Deep-Rooted Tenacity 279
Efficient Secretary Technique 271
Seven League Stride 279
Of Truths Best Unspoken 271
Awareness 279
Unavoidable Sorrow 271
Willing Assumption of Chains 271 Bone-Setter’s Discernment 279
Stealth 271 Creation-Embracing Gaze 279
Stalks Have Eyes 279
Name-Pilfering Practice 271
Taste of Familiar Earth 279
Thought-Swiping Distraction 271
Strawmaiden’s Calling 280
Walking Outside Fate 271
Craft 280
War 271
9
TABLE OF CONTENTS
 Prodigious Bounty 280 The Five Immaculate Dragon Styles 291
Stout-Hearted Brewing Style 280 Air Dragon Style 291
Watering Parched Fields 280 Cloud-Treading Method 291
Embassy 280 Air Dragon Form 291
Sister to Aurochs 280 Lightning Strike Style 291
Physique 281 Wrathful Winds Roar 291
Belle of the Bee 281 Earth Dragon Style 291
Fieldhand Hefts the Haywain 281 Stillness-of-Stone Strike 292
Giant-Toppling Spirit 281 Earth Dragon Form 292
Millstone Meteor Technique 281 Hungry Earth Strike 292

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No Time for Idle Dreaming 282 Shattering Fist Strike 292
Rough-Spun Hero Raiment 282 Fire Dragon Style 292
Stalk Blunts the Sickle 282 Searing Edge Attack 292
Towering Redwood Stature 282 Fire Dragon Form 293
Performance 282 Fiery Blade Attack 293

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Caller of Wind and Rain 282 Overwhelming Fire Majesty Stance 293
Presence 282 Water Dragon Style 293
Fieldhand Clarion 282 Drowning-in-Blood Technique 293
Simple and Resounding Honesty 283 Flowing Water Defense 294
Sweat and Toil Radiance 283 Water Dragon Form 294
This Far and No Further 283 Foe-Restraining Whirlpool 294
Vermin Clearing Shout 283 Wood Dragon Style 295
Navigate Charms 283 Soul-Marking Strike 295
Boundary-Marking Meditation 283 Wood Dragon Form 295
Sister to Aurochs 283 Unbreakable Fascination Exercise 295
Sagacity Charms
Caller of Wind and Rain
Prodigious Bounty
Martial Arts
Crane Style
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283
283
284
284
Soul Mastery
Sidereal Styles
Prismatic Arrangement of Creation Style
Four Magical Materials Form
Soul Fire Shaper Form
295
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296
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Empowering Justice Redirection 284 Games of Divinity Form 297
Fluttering Cry of Warning 285 Prismatic Arrangement of Creation Form 297
Crane Form 285 Sorcery and Necromancy 299
Humbling Enlightenment Commentary 285 Casting a Spell 299
Ebon Shadow Style 285 Initiation Charms 299
Nothing but Shadows 285 Sorcerous Initiation 299
Ebon Shadow Form 286 Necromantic Initiation 299
Throat-Slitting Shadow Strike 286
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Shaping Rituals 299

Mantis Style 286
Bargain with Mara 300
Iron-Arm Block 286 Machine-God Weaving Engine 300
Crushing Claw Technique 286 Ifrit Pact 301
Mantis Form 286 The Jasmine Gems of Mishiko 301
Unfolding Retribution Strike 287 Raksi’s Teachings 301
Righteous Devil Style 287 Soul-Perfecting Elixir 301
Blossom of Inevitable Demise 288 Student of the Heptagram 301
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Righteous Devil Form 288 The Talisman of Ten Thousand Eyes 301
Burning Judgment Halo 288 Theanoan Method 301
Caress of 1,000 Hells 288 Wanaasan Exorcist 301
Snake Style 288 Wyld Wisdom 301
Serpentine Evasion 288 Disciple of the Neverborn 301
Snake Form 289 Half-Souled 301
Uncoiling Serpent Aura 289 Skull Diarist 301
Tiger Style 289 Student of the Raiton Academy 302
Crimson Leaping Cat Technique 289 Universal Spells 302
Tiger Form 289 First Circle Spells 302
Angry Predator Frenzy 290 Cirrus Skiff 302
White Reaper Style 290 Death of Obsidian Butterflies 302
White Reaper Form 290 Flying Guillotine 302
Bleeding Crescent Strike 290 Hound of the Five Winds 302
Flickering Corona Barrier 290 Lightning Spider 303
Snow Follows Winter 290 Theft of Memory 303
10
EXALTED: ESSENCE
 The Violent Opening of Closed Portals 303 Supernatural Qualities 320
Second Circle Spells 304 Battle Groups 322
Cantata of Empty Voices 304 Battle Group Recovery 323
Hideous Confusion of Tongues 304
Animals 324
Ivory Orchid Pavilion 304
Shadows of the Forgotten Past 304 Creating Animals 324
Wheel of the Turning Heavens 304 Lunar Animal Forms 324
Third Circle Spells 304 Animal Qualities 324
Atrocious Fire Transformation 305 Additional Animals 327
Mirage of Protective Shelter 305 Mortals and Exalted 329

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Rain of Doom 305 Agent of the Wyld Hunt 329
Sorcery Spells 305 Aristocrat 329
First Circle Spells 305 Champion 330
Flames of Unyielding Purity 305 Savant 331
Silent Words of Dreams and Nightmares 305

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Soldier 331
Spoke the Wooden Face 306
Unbreakable Bones of Stone 306 Sovereign 332
Wood Dragon’s Claw 306 Gods and Monsters 334
Second Circle Spells 306 Behemoth 334
Magma Kraken 306 Celestial God 334
Travel Without Distance 306 Deathlord 334
Unity of Dreams 306 Demons 336
Third Circle Spells 306
Elementals 337
Chariot of the Blazing Sun 306
Fair Folk 337
Total Annihilation 307
Necromancy Spells
First Circle Spells
Door of the Dead
Five Gifts
Raise the Skeletal Horde
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307
307
307
307
Ghost
Walking Dead
Chapter Eight: Panoply
Basic Equipment
338
339
340
341
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Stones Worn Smooth 307 Equipment Examples 342
Trawling the Dark Waters 307 Customizing Weapons 343
Second Circle Spells 308 Everyday Wonders 344
Gentle Call of Lethe 308 Artifacts 344
Shield of Shattering Bones 308
Evocations 344
Slumber of the Wandering Shade 308
The Magical Materials 345
Third Circle Spells 309
Lesser Wonders 346
m

Barless Gate 309

Inauspicious Citadel 309 Greater Wonders 347
Sorcerous Workings 310 Manses and Demesnes 351
Ambition 310 Hearthstones 352
Means 312 The Freedom Stone 352
Results 312 Gem of Omens 352
Summoning 313 Gem of the Wind-Blade 352
Ivy-Hilt Gemstone 352
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Chapter Seven: Antagonists 314

Jewel of Swift-Strike 352
What’s an Antagonist? 315 Lantern-Soul Diamond 353
Using This Section 315 Life Drain Stone 353
Antagonists and Players Characters’ Abilities 315 Root-of-the-Earth Gemstone 353
Building Your Seven Leaping Dragon Stone 353
Own Antagonist 315 Twin Crescent Stone 353
Roleplaying Social Threats 316
Qualities 316 Appendix 354
General Qualities 316 Exigents and Custom Charm Creation 354
Exalted Qualities 317 Charm Adaptation and Modification 354
Social Qualities 318 Third Edition Conversion Guide 358
Spirit Qualities 318 Converting Characters 358
Outnumber Qualities 319

11
TABLE OF CONTENTS
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F rom a balcony high above her city, the sorcerer-queen watches her apefolk
army drill. Dawn limns the horizon with its first golden strands. Later to-
day, a Silver Pact emissary will speak of vengeance against the Realm, asking
m

for both her input and her blessing. In the meantime, her books of sorcery call;
even after all these centuries, she still has much to learn.

F ar away, a soulsteel-clad knight rides through the city of Thorns. Hoof-

Sa

beats echo off the stalls of a once-vibrant market, its brilliant banners now
faded. Ghosts bow their heads as the deathknight passes. The living avert their
eyes. The rising sun merely makes the shadowland’s gray light a little paler.
He passes through the city gates, toward a castle of jagged bone. Within, the
Abyssal’s master waits.

O n an icy northern plain, three figures seek a forgotten tomb’s entrance. The
body interred within was once, a forgotten age ago, the youngest of the
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three. Inside, she hopes, is the orichalcum daiklave whose familiar weight might
jar loose some memories. The sun climbs above the clouds, illuminating a sigil
buried beneath the ice — one matching the glowing golden mark on her forehead.
m

I n a grand room in Yu-Shan, an old man reads the future in the weave of
fate, frowning at what his divinations reveal. Concerned about what he has
foreseen, he heaves himself to his feet and sets off along heaven’s jade-lined
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streets. The sun streams through a gate standing in a vast pavilion. On the
other side, it’s mid-morning on the Blessed Isle.

F ive Dynasts resplendent in jade armor march forth from the Imperial
City. The noonday sun shines upon them, catches the edges of daiklaves
and grimcleavers. The weapons already have glorious histories, earned at the
hands of these warriors’ ancestors. Now, the young Dragon-Blooded set out to
forge new legends, intent on slaying Anathema in the Wyld Hunt.
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A mong Chiaroscuro’s jagged glass towers, a man who never was consults
a star chart. His enemies have set destinies spinning like plates, and he
intends to send them all crashing to the ground. He’s seen another way things
m

might turn out, a better way. The sun dances on the water in Chiaroscuro’s bay;
on the horizon, a ship that never existed unfurls its sails.

T he Machine-God’s Chosen accepts her technician’s hand as she steps into the
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daylight. She blinks in the afternoon sun and machinery whirs behind her eyes
as they adjust to the brightness. Her new implants tingle with potential. She excit-
edly waits for the technician to declare everything in order before testing them out,
but she loves the familiarity of routine as much as the thrill of new possibilities.

W aves lap at the ankles of the Tide God’s Daughter. Even here, Wu-Ji-
an’s bustle reaches her ears. Newfound power courses through her,
along with a directive from the god who died to make her his champi-
on. The setting sun turns the sea a heartachingly molten gold. The waves
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climb higher as the tide comes in, washing away the Exigent’s footsteps as
she begins her task.

A
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sickly green sun burns over the demon city as one of its princes readies for
war. Demons attend her, girding her with orichalcum armor crafted in hell’s
own forges. She is glorious and terrible, and soon Creation’s tyrants will tremble
and fall to her wrath. Her daiklave’s hilt is carved from an enemy’s femur; she rais-
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es the sword, signaling the march’s commencement. The demons roar.

A t dusk the line between shadowland and Creation is almost imperceptible, but
the Dark Mother’s Chosen knows the moment she crosses over it. She feels
the change deep down, in bones that weren’t always her own, just as she knows her
quarry isn’t far ahead. Some ghosts need extra convincing to go to their rest.

T he sun sets over Creation, but glory, destiny, vengeance, and duty never
sleep.
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 Exalted: Essence welcomes new and returning
fans of Exalted alike to the world of Creation. This
book opens the doors to the wonder and majesty of epic
heroes striding across a fantasy world unlike any other.
They tangle with physical, emotional, and structural
threats far greater than those of everyday mortals.
Essence condenses the high-flying action of
Exalted Third Edition into an easily digestible ver-
sion, so Storytellers can guide new players on their first
steps toward incredible adventures. Its pages provide a
general overview of Creation — Exalted’s unique set-
ting — alongside rules for playing all 10 Exalt types, a
simplified ruleset, Storytelling advice, and customiz-
able antagonist templates. It’s everything a Storyteller
or player needs to get started in one book.
This book is compatible with Exalted Third
Edition and all of its subsidiary books. Consider it a
companion and supplement — a jumping-off point for
myriad chronicles or as an introduction to the expand-
ed Exalted Third Edition rules.
Game System Basics
Exalted: Essence is a tabletop roleplaying game,
where one Storyteller adjudicates the game and plans
the main story beats, while usually two to five players
e and wonders for Exalted characters to use.
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create unique characters using the rules in this book.
Together, the players and their characters interact with
the shared world and story being built at the table, or
over the internet in some fashion.
Characters in Exalted resolve actions and address
challenges by assembling pools of 10-sided dice based on
m
their character’s Attributes, Abilities, and other factors.
Players roll their dice pools against a difficulty usually
set by the Storyteller, which is the number of successes a
character needs to create to succeed at their action. When
a player rolls, every die that comes up as either 7, 8, or 9
counts as one success and every die that comes up as 10
counts as two successes. If the result is at least as many
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successes as the difficulty, the roll succeeds; any successes
in excess of the difficulty are called extra successes, and
they often provide additional benefits. If a player’s total
successes are less than the difficulty, the roll fails. If there
are no successes and at least one die showing a 1, this is
called a botch, which is a critically bad failure. Certain
special powers or circumstances may change these rules,
but it is always spelled out if they do.
This Book at a Glance
Chapter 1: Welcome to Creation explains the his-
tory of Exalted’s setting, its current state of affairs, and
dozens of places from which characters may originate
Game System Basics – This Book at a Glance – Lexicon
and Storytellers can set games. It also covers the mag-
ical realms surrounding Creation, should players wish
to engage with them.
Chapter 2: The Exalted explains the 10 playable
Exalt types — those chosen by the myriad gods of Creation
— and provides the unique rules for using each in games.
Chapter 3: Character Creation provides a de-
tailed explanation for building an Exalted character.
e
Chapter 4: Core Rules contains the basic rules for
playing the game, such as when to roll dice, how to ad-
judicate ties, the steps of combat, etc.
Chapter 5: Storytelling includes all the advice
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new and returning Storytellers need for running games
of Exalted: Essence.
Chapter 6: Charms details all the special powers
accessible to Exalted characters.
Chapter 7: Antagonists covers the threats
Exalted characters may face in a game.
Chapter 8: Panoply is a listing of equipment, gear,
Appendix: This includes information on making
custom material as well as converting characters to and
from Exalted Third Edition.
Lexicon
Age of Sorrows: The current time period in which
the game is set. Also called the Second Age.
Anathema: Those named as threats to Dragon-
Blooded rule by the Immaculate Order and pursued by
the Wyld Hunt.
anima: The display of divine power caused by
Exalted using Essence.
artifact: An item of great magical power, often
forged from the magical materials.
aspect: Some types of Exalted, like Dragon-
Blooded and Liminals, are divided into multiple as-
pects, reflecting their personality and nature.
caste: Some types of Exalted, like Solars and
Lunars, are divided into multiple castes, reflecting
their individual role and prowess.
caste mark: A symbol of power that appears on
some Exalted’s foreheads, indicating their caste.
Charm: The inherent powers of the Exalted, pow-
ered by Essence.
Creation: The world of Exalted — an enormous
flat plane inspired by a variety of real-world and fan-
tasy cultures.
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daiklave (DAI-klayv): An artifact sword.
Deathlords: Ancient ghosts possessing enormous
power. They hold dominion in the Underworld.
demesne (dih-MAYN): A place of raw magical
power, which may produce a hearthstone. Manses can
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be built on demesnes to harness their power.
demon: Spirits who resides in Malfeas.
Dynast: A member of the Realm’s Scarlet Dynasty,
often Exalted.
elemental: Spirits of the natural world, made of
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Creation’s five elements. They are physical beings.
Essence: The power that makes up Creation and
fuels its magic.
Evocation: A unique Charm type unlocked from
artifacts.
Exalted: Humans empowered by Essence to defeat
the makers of the world. Also called the Chosen. There
are 10 types of Exalted: Abyssals, Alchemicals, Dragon-
Blooded, Exigents, Getimians, Infernals, Liminals,
Lunars, Sidereals, and Solars.
Exaltation: The moment in which a mortal be-
comes Exalted.
18
INTRODUCTION
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Exigent: An Exalt created by a god lesser than the
Celestial Incarnae.
Fair Folk: Intelligent monsters that live in the
Wyld.
Five Maidens: The Incarnae of the stars: Mercury,
Maiden of Journeys; Venus, Maiden of Serenity; Mars,
Maiden of Battles; Jupiter, Maiden of Secrets; and
Saturn, Maiden of Endings. They are the patrons of the
Sidereal Exalted.
ghost: An undead shade that is the lingering high-
er soul of a human.
ghost, hungry: A monstrous undead creature that
is the lingering lower soul of a human.
god: A spirit that holds a purview over some part of
Creation, from an individual river to the concept of war.
They are immaterial beings.
Great Curse: An ancient curse levied on the
Exalted for their defiance against the makers of the
world.
hearthstone: A magical gem created by a demesne
or manse.
 Immaculate Order: The Realm’s state religion,
which controls the worship of spirits and prosecutes
the Wyld Hunt against Anathema.
Incarnae, Celestial: The gods who rule in Yu-Shan,
and rebelled against their makers: The Unconquered
Sun, Luna, and the Five Maidens.
Luna: The shapeshifting Incarna of the moon
whose blessing empowers the Lunar Exalted.
magical materials: Magical metals or stone often
used in making artifacts.
Malfeas: Hell. Made of the twisted bodies of
the Yozis, the defeated titans who made the world.
Residence of demons.
manse: A demesne transformed into a livable, mag-
ical fortress, base, or residence. Produces a hearthstone.
mote: A game term for an abstract unit of Essence.
Charms have a cost in motes.
Realm, the: The ruling empire in the Age of
Sorrows, dominated by the Dragon-Blooded houses of
the Scarlet Dynasty. Founded by the Scarlet Empress.
shadowland: A liminal place
Underworld bleeds into Creation.
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Lexicon
sorcery: World-shaping magic, capable of vast, en-
during feats. Requires Will.
spirit: A kind of supernatural being, including
gods, elementals, ghosts, and demons.
Unconquered Sun: The Incarnae of the Sun, King
of Heaven, and God of Virtue, who empowers the Solar
Exalted.
Underworld: The realm of the dead. Home of
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ghosts, including the Deathlords.
Will: The power to shape sorcery. Requires rituals
to attain.
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Wyld: The formless chaos surrounding Creation.
Home of the Fair Folk.
Wyld Hunt: An institution of the Immaculate
Order dedicated to the eradication of Anathema.
Yozi: A name for the defeated titans who reside in
Malfeas. Demons arise from the Yozis.
Yu-Shan: Heaven. Home of the Celestial
Bureaucracy, which assigns jobs and roles to gods and
the Sidereal Exalted.
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 INSPIRATIONAL MEDIA
The following is a list of media that will inspire
Storytellers and players to get into the right mood and
mindset for playing Exalted: Essence.
Classics
The Iliad: This classic Greek poem features sta-
ples of Exalted campaigns — epic heroes whose be-
haviors lead them to extremes, a bloody war between
major political powers, and incredible battles where
unbelievable feats happen.
Comics
Kill Six Billion Demons (2016): Allison, an ordinary
college student, inherits the power and legacy of an an-
cient god-king and finds herself transported to a strange
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world caught up in the intrigues of seven terrifying demi-
gods. It provides inspiration for many key elements of
Exalted’s setting, like Exaltation and anima banners, as
well as spectacular fight scenes that illustrate what a clash
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between legendary demigods looks like.
Sailor Moon (1991): A manga classic, Sailor Moon is
about a group of young women who suddenly attain in-
credible cosmic power — and their destined duty to protect
the world. Between the themes of suddenly gaining tre-
mendous might, fighting with your friends at your side, and
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melodrama from your current and previous lives, Sailor
Moon hits all the beats for getting in an Exalted mood.
Fiction
The Dandelion Dynasty series, by Ken Liu (2015):
Described as a “silkpunk fantasy,” this quartet of novels fol-
lows an imperial dynastic lineage as they contend against
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the will of the gods. The first novel describes the dynasty’s
founding, as two very different men rebel together against
tyranny and grow friendly, but turn to rivalry after the
successful revolution. The whole story could be dropped
into the Western Direction of Creation and it’d fit right in
— there’s even daiklaves — but particular attention should
be paid to worldbuilding, the ensemble cast, and the nu-
anced musings on the downsides — and incidental cultural
changes — resulting from long imperial rule.
Grave of Empires trilogy by Sam Sykes (2019):
An action-packed epic dark fantasy series set in a world
torn apart by a war between the magic-wielding empire
20
INTRODUCTION
and the tech-using resistance. The main character pur-
sues her quest for bloody revenge while causing disas-
ters everywhere she goes. There’s drama, cool powers,
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incredible fights, magitech and a sharp left turn into
cosmic horror. Storytellers may find the story’s sharp
wit and irreverent humor matches the tone that many
Exalted games take on.
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The Hundred Thousand Kingdoms by N.K.
Jemisin (2010): Yeine pursues the mystery of her moth-
er’s death by navigating the politics of a powerful, mag-
ical empire. In the process she unleashes imprisoned
gods and gets caught up in the maelstrom of mundane
and cosmic intrigue. Ideal for the vast scale that Exalted
games can encompass as well as an excellent portrayal
of gods as people with rich inner lives and motivations.
The Masquerade series, by Seth Dickinson
(2015): When a young woman’s small island nation is
conquered by an invading empire, she vows to free her
people — but only too late discovers the seductive viral
power of imperial might. Featuring themes of gender
and feminism, race and sexuality, and imperialism and
economic conflict, the series delves into a thorough ex-
ploration of the cost of empire. Baru Cormorant her-
self, a mathematical prodigy, would easily translate into
a Dragon-Blooded “lost egg” adopted into the Scarlet
Empire’s Great Houses. The content can be bleak, so
read with caution.
The Stormlight Archive series by Brandon
Sanderson (2010): This ongoing epic-fantasy se-
ries is extremely good inspiration for any Exalted
game. From epic battles with heroes and villains alike
wielding shardblades (daiklave inspiration) to magic,
world-changing politics, and assassinations, the books
run the gamut of theme in a time of tumultuous change.
Multiple arcs throughout the series show how people
can rise from humble beginnings to become great, em-
powered heroes, and also how those heroes can work
together despite wildly different skills and knowledge.
Movies
Chinese Ghost Story (1987): A down-on-his luck
bureaucrat accidentally stumbles into a supernatu-
ral conflict when he squats in an abandoned building
and is kind to a young woman who turns out to be a
ghost. With the aid of a Daoist priest, he frees her from
servitude to a powerful ghost who makes excellent
Deathlord inspiration. It’s funny, exciting, heartfelt,
and a little gross. While on the lower end of the power
scale, it exemplifies what starting-level Exalted feels
like.
Detective Dee and the Mystery of the Phantom
Flame (2010): Famous detective Dee Renjie is pulled
from prison by Empress Wu to solve a crisis — officials
involved in the construction of a monument keep spon-
taneously combusting. An incredible showcase of using
supernal skill in non-combat scenes, this film doesn’t
skimp on gripping fight scenes as well. A must-watch
for new and returning Storytellers alike.
The Four (2014): Four constables are tasked with
rooting out a counterfeiting ring. As they investigate it
becomes clear that the people behind it have supernat-
ural power, transforming the film from an economic
mystery into an epic martial arts showcase. In addition
to being an excellent example of how to stitch together
characters with a variety of skills, it also prominently
features a disabled hero.
the damsel trapped in a tower on her wedding day e
The Princess (2022): In a subversion of the trope,
breaks out and fights her way to freedom. It’s an hour
and fifteen minutes of pure fight scenes with some sur-
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prisingly touching emotional beats mixed in. Excellent
inspiration for how to run and pace combat scenes.
Television
Demon Slayer (2019): While the overall premise
(an organization that fights a specific type of monster)
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is more focused than most Exalted games, the empow-
ered blades, named techniques, and overt expressions
of the characters’ power make great inspiration for
how to manifest Charms. The central antagonist’s hor-
rifying power also makes for good inspiration for Third
Circle demons, Deathlords, or ancient Exalted.
Mobile Suit Gundam: Iron-Blooded Orphans
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(2017): “The sustenance of life is on the battlefield.”
Hundreds of years after a ruinous war, colonial sub-
jects seeking independence employ child soldiers who
strike out for themselves with long-abandoned weap-
ons of war. Iron-Blooded Orphans deals with enslave-
ment, neo-colonialism, and government corruption as
a way of life. The sizeable ensemble cast roving across
the solar system engaging in military conflicts could
easily translate to an Exalted campaign of wandering
heroes and problem-solvers.
Scrapped Princess (2003): A forgotten gem
from the early 2000s, this anime series takes place in
Inspirational Media
a post-apocalyptic world crouching on the bones of a
long-forgotten advanced civilization. The heroic cast
unravel the mysteries of the past, while protecting
the main character from persecution by the world’s
dominant religion. In addition to the setting reflecting
Creation, the plot makes for a good example of dealing
with the Immaculate Order and the Wyld Hunt.
Seirei no Moribito (2007): Balsa, a spear-wield-
ing woman from a country called Kanbal, tries to atone
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for her past by saving people’s lives, and gets entangled
in a plot involving a prince of the Yogo Empire. The
care and attention paid to different groups and cultures
evokes Creation’s diversity, and Balsa herself is quint-
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essentially Solar Exalted in her quiet skill and personal
motivations. Equally thoughtful and action-packed, it
expresses the calmer side of Exalted chronicles.
She-Ra and the Princesses of Power (2018): The
modern adaptation of the classic 80s cartoon features
a magical-world sitting in the ruins of a much more
technologically advanced society not unlike Creation.
The ensemble cast contains big personalities each
with their own unique suite of powers very similar to a
Circle’s composition.
Thunderbolt Fantasy (2016): This wuxia series
features traditional puppetry with a story about a group
of heroes pursuing a lost scroll containing dozens of
magical swords. There’s artifact weapons, a character
for every Exalt type you can think of, demons, travel
between realms, and plenty of interpersonal drama.
Perfect for understanding what Exalted is about.
Video Games
Assassins Creed Odyssey (2018): Ancient Greece
during the Peloponnesian War gives a great high-ac-
tion background to a dramatic story of family, legacy,
and hidden cults manipulating both the past and the
modern day. Playing a demigod child of Spartan roy-
alty with supernatural powers dealing with cutthroat
politics, warring against thousands on the battlefield,
and delving into the ancient ruins of a lost age of high
technology and magic is perhaps the closest repre-
sentation of Exalted play in video game form. Alexios
or Kassandra both make the ideal Dawn Caste Solar
Exalted, slaying giant monsters and dozens of foes with
equal aplomb.
Indivisible (2019): An epic fantasy action game,
Indivisible features a sprawling world, meddling gods,
and a group of powerful heroes trying to solve a prob-
lem. With a diverse cast and a ton of non-western aes-
thetics, Indivisible makes for great inspiration for what
a colorful mixed Circle looks like.
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 This chapter is a guide to Creation, Exalted’s unique setting. It gives an overview of Creation’s history, as well
as key locations in which Storytellers may want to set their games or from which players’ characters might hail.
THE WORLD AND ITS MAKING
Creation is a world of epic passions, heroism, and be-
trayal. It is the stage for the legends of the Exalted — mor-
tals raised up and granted phenomenal power as the cho-
sen of the gods. It is a world of miracles, where countless
gods, elementals, and other spirits dwell alongside mor-
tals, overseeing the world’s natural order…or using their
power to extort wealth, service, and worship. It is a place
where mortal kingdoms rise and fall, drawing strength
from wealth, labor, human cunning, and stolen magic.
The Exalted stand between the worlds of spirit and
mortal. For all their power, the Exalted are undeniably hu-
man, subject to all the joys and pains humanity brings with
it. With their heroism and villainy, they may save Creation
from its many enemies, or see it utterly destroyed.
Origin of the Exalted
The Exalted are the chosen of the gods, imbued
e The individual types of Exalted are detailed in
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with their divine patron’s own Essence. This power —
the gift of Exaltation — magnifies their talents many
times over and grants them miraculous abilities to ri-
val and even surpass the gods. Each Exalt is the heir to
a grand and terrible legacy left by the Exalted of ages
past, but each also has the freedom to write their own
legend upon the world.
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The Exalted were created in an act of rebellion. The
greatest of the gods sought to overthrow their creators,
for the ancient titans were cruel, capricious, and dan-
gerous to the very world they had made. Creation was
a plaything to them, and the lives of all the creatures in
the world were pieces in their games, to be discarded or
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destroyed on a whim. Because the gods were bound not
to harm their titanic creators, they instead gifted power
to mortal heroes who became the first Exalts.
This was the Divine Revolution, wherein the
Exalted and their armies overthrew the titans. In
battles that leveled mountains and drained seas, the
Exalted managed the unthinkable by slaying their oth-
erwise-immortal foes. For fear of death and the Exalted
who brought it, the surviving titans were sealed away
in an unbreakable prison for all eternity. At the end of
the revolution, the gods took their masters’ place in
Yu-Shan and rewarded their Exalted champions with
dominion over all Creation.
The World and Its Making
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THE EXALTED HOST
The first Exalted were made in service of a war,
each with their part to play. The numerous Dragon-
fil
Blooded, Chosen of the Five Elemental Dragons,
filled the upper ranks of this army over count-
less mortals. Clear-eyed Sidereals, Chosen of the
Maidens of Fate, strategized and advised. Infinitely
adaptable Lunars, Chosen of Luna, flitted from bat-
tle to encampment as irregulars and saboteurs. The
Solars, Chosen of the Unconquered Sun, led them
all — whether from the pulpit or the vanguard.
Chapter 2, beginning on p. 48.
The First Age
Though initially created for war, the Exalted are not just
warriors. They are priests and god-kings, whose words can
inspire and uplift millions or calm the fiercest battle. They
are sages and sorcerers, capable of building palaces of liv-
ing glass and raising entire cities into the sky. They are spies
and saboteurs, thieves and tricksters — the living embodi-
ments of cunning and secrecy. They are emissaries between
the world of mortal and spirit, peacemakers, and lawgivers
whose light can guide empires to greatness or ruin.
With these seemingly infinite talents, the Exalted
built an era of splendor known as the First Age. It was a
time of beauty and bounty as the Exalted tamed the wild
land of Creation and brought all mortals under their
protection. For thousands of years, the Exalted reigned
over the world, whether ruling from the paradise-city
of Meru, raising up kingdoms and nations, or forging
empires through bloody-handed conquest. This was an
age for poets and dreamers, savants and sorcerers; from
their palaces, the Exalted created breathtaking art and
impossible artifice to enrich and transform Creation.
Beneath the shimmer of the First Age, however, a
ravening darkness crept slowly into the hearts of the
Exalted. The time of wonders was also a time of deceit
and pride, vanity and bravado, excess and abandon.
23