Words of the Chosen

Version 4.1

Lord Darkview

November 2019
 Preamble

Exalted is a role-playing game which has captivated its fans for over such alleged infringement is permissible under fair use principles in
a decade. Its unique blend of classical myth and literature, realis- U.S. copyright laws. If you believe material has been used in an unau-
tic geopolitics and cultures, and high-flying anime and kung fu, all thorized manner, please contact me using the feedback form.
blended into a single, immersive pan-ur-myth, offers something in its
lore for any player. However, some players prefer aspects and styles Useful Resources and Links
of play other than those emphasized in the canon game mechanics. • Exalted 3rd Edition Corebook
This has resulted in the creation of many fan-adaptations of the game,
of which this is yet another. • Godbound (Deluxe Edition)
Godbound: A Game of Divine Heroes is a newer game about
game about characters who share much in common with those of Ex- • My Godbound Character Sheet (for Google Docs)
alted. The setting and mechanics of Godbound are quite distinct,
yet they echo many themes also present in Exalted. It thus seems nat- • My Godbound House Rules
ural to blend the mechanics of Godbound with the lore of Exalted
to create a vastly different play experience. Such is this adaptation. • Feedback Form

Using This Adaptation Change Log

This is not a complete game! You must have the Godbound and Ex-
alted game books to be able to play. Specifically, Godbound (Deluxe
Edition) is required for the mechanics of play, and a sufficient num-
ber of Exalted books are required to understand the terminology,
setting and lore. Neither game’s mechanics, definitions, setting, or
lore are substantially detailed or reproduced in this document. Hav-
ing Lexicon of the Throne is optional, but strongly recommended.
The basic rules of play are assumed to be those of Godbound
(Deluxe Edition), modified as this document stipulates. Cross-
referencing will be necessary both within this document and with the
source material. For this reason, it is strongly recommended to read
the document in its entirety before playing. Effort has been made
to include relevant hyperlinks and page references to speed up nec-
essary cross-referencing. When a page number is specified without a
source, assume it refers to Godbound (Deluxe Edition).
I also strongly encourage using My Godbound House Rules.
While not required, some of the options can definitely help with
the particulars of Exalted-style gameplay.
Disclaimer
No copyright is claimed in regards to either Exalted or Godbound.
To the extent that material may appear to be infringed, I assert that
• Previous version February 2018 (Verses of the Champions).
• Rewording and editing throughout document.
• Lexicon of the Throne content used where appropriate.
• Redesigned Chosen significantly. Magical Themes, Castes,
and Great Flaws changed throughout.
• Added to the list of General Words.
• Exigents custom word list discarded. They now use use Gen-
eral Words, plus a custom Word based on their Patron.
• Lunars lost the ability to bind any gift, and instead “adapt” to
any Word (gaining some but not all the benefits of binding).
Lunar Word requirements were loosened.
• Infernals had a full Word structure overhaul, Shintai inter-
grated as a gift, and gained Devil-Tiger support.
• Alchemicals gained Colossus and Polis support, and lost access
to Sorcery and Necromancy.

1
 Contents

1 Preamble 1 5 Martial Arts 20

5.1 Crane Style . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 20
2 The Chosen 3 5.2 Eagle Style . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 21
2.1 The Solar Exalted . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5 5.3 Golden Home of Wanderers Style . . . . . . . . . 21
2.2 The Dragon-Blooded . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6 5.4 Rat Style . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 22
2.3 The Exigent Exalted . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7 5.5 Snake Style . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 22
2.4 The Lunar Exalted . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8 5.6 Throne Shadow Style . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 23
2.5 The Sidereal Exalted . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9 5.7 Tiger Style . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 23
2.6 The Abyssal Exalted . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10 5.8 Wood Dragon Style . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 24
2.7 The Infernal Exalted . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11 6 Allies, Foes, Beasts, and Spirits 25
2.8 The Alchemical Exalted . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 15 6.1 Demons . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 25
6.2 Elementals . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 25
3 Gameplay Changes 18 6.3 Fair Folk . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 26
3.1 Treasures . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 18 6.4 Gods . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 26
3.2 Immaterial Creatures . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 18 6.5 Spirit-Touched . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 26
6.6 Undead . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 26
4 Ritual and Primordial Magic 19 6.7 The Exalted . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 27
4.1 Thaumaturgy . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 19
4.2 Sorcery, Necromancy, and Protocols . . . . . . . . 19 7 Acknowledgements 28

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 The Chosen
Mechanically, the Exalted function as themed Godbound (p. 224).
They follow the normal rules for Godbound except as described in
this chapter of the document.
Incongruous Demigods
Exalted and Godbound follow many of the same archetypal trap-
pings. Both are mortal heroes raised to divine power by forces
that are beyond their control. Yet they differ in certain crucial
ways. Foremost, Godbound often share few things in common
with each other. Meanwhile, the Exalted divide into categories
based on their nature, and these categories shape their powers,
politics, and growth in distinct ways. Godbound measure their
powers in Words and gifts, which immediately grant broad and
profound capabilities. Exalted measure their powers in Charms,
which are more specialized and build on one-another to increase
in specificity and power. Godbound timelines are measured in
months and years, with power almost independent of age. Exalted
may live for centuries, and elders are vastly more powerful than
their juniors. The Godbound world of Arcem is also dwarfed in
size and complexity by the Exalted world of Creation.
The upshot is that the Exalted here will differ in some sub-
stantial mechanical ways from their original presentation. This
is deliberate. This goal is not total fidelity to the original source
material, as Exalted is clearly best for that purpose. Instead, the
goal to take the Godbound mechanics, and alter just enough to
allow players to enjoy the sort of characters, world, and stories
that Exalted has to offer while using a different system.
Keep in mind the following differences between the original
Exalted, and those seen here:
• Exalted have broad arrays of powers from the beginning,
and grow in stamina and versatility rather than the maxi-
mum effects of their powers.
• No powers or capabilities are limited to Elder Exalted. Abil-
ities may be level-gated, but they are not age-gated.
• All Exalted can contribute to a fight. The gap between the
warrior and sage is much reduced.
• Large same-Exalt groups may have more duplication in pow-
ers. Mixed-Exalt teams are more compatible, systems-wise.
• All Exalted will be able to directly impose changes on a large
scale from a very early point.
3
Patron
Each of the Exalted types was forged by a unique being, and this be-
ing has left their mark on their Chosen. Most Exalted of the same
type share a single Patron or small group of Patrons. For most, the
effects of their Patron is entirely wrapped up in their magical themes.
For a few others that have multiple potential Patrons, the particular
Patron can have effects on many of their other characteristics.
Magical Themes
Each of the Exalted has several magical themes relating to their
patron, philosophy, style, or place in the world. Any invocation
of power by an Exalt needs to fit these themes. This includes ev-
ery bound gift, invoked miracle, or impossible change made to the
world. Just having the Word, Effort, Influence, and Dominion is
not enough. The Exalt’s player should be able to describe their use
of power in a way that expresses the themes of their Exaltation.
Consequently, while many Words are shared among the Exalted,
their powers will differ in practice. Each type of Exalted will have a
greater propensity to some gifts, miracles, and projects than others;
and even similar power will likey manifest differently.
Caste
Some Exalted types are divided into Castes, each with its particular
anointed roles. The impact of Caste varies by Exalt type, but it always
provides advantages in specific contexts or grants to some otherwise
unique ability.
Anima Banner
All Exalted have an Anima Banner which manifests as they spend
Effort. The appearance and brilliance of the banner is thematically
colored by an Exalt’s type and caste, but is also individualized. An-
ima Banners use the rules for Incandescent Power (p. 225), except as
noted otherwise. The displays associated with the first, second, and
third point of overt Effort are analagous to the Faint, Glowing, and
Iconic levels described in Exalted.
Great Flaw
Some types of Exalted suffer from a Great Flaw. The general sort
of flaw is determined by the Exaltation’s type, though the specifics
may be individualized. If so, the Exalt’s player may have a hand in
choosing the particulars.
Words
Words represent the magical prowess of the Chosen in broad fields.
If an Exalt is adept at martial combat, they will likely have Sword.
Gifted orators may have Command or Passion. While Exalts with
the same Word may have some overlapping effects, differing magical
themes will create distinctions in what powers Exalted types can use
and how they manifest.
All Exalted begin with three or four bound Words, drawn from a
list dicated by the character’s Exaltation type. This list includes both
General Words and Words in line with the Exalt’s magical themes.
These lists can be expanded at the GM’s discretion.
General Words
General Words represent magical abilities that are easily conceivable
as some outgrowth of mortal talents. All Exalted may bind such
Words. Such powers are not derived from skill alone, and the mag-
ical themes of the Exalted color which abilities they can manifest.
General Words include the following:
Martial Arts
All Exalted are natural martial artists, with the martial arts being
represented by Strifes. For the first True Strife learned by an Exalt,
the cost of the initial and final techniques are reduced to to one-half
gift point each (allowing full mastery of the True Strife for three gift
points). Additionally, many Exaltations themselves act as teachers
for some particular Martial Arts.
Sorcery and Necromancy
All Exalted can master Sorcery and Necromancy, to varying extent.
The particulars will depend on the Exalt type.
Level and Power
An Exalt’s level represents cultivation of their personal essence.
This is usually a function of experience, which can indirectly re-
flect age.

From Godbound: Free/Deluxe Edition: • Newly Exalted are level 1. They are mighty by the standards
of mortals and lesser spirits, but are not yet ready to shake
• Alacrity • Journeying the foundations of the world.

• Artifice • Knowledge • Exalted coming into their power are level 2-3. This is akin
to Dynastic Dragon-Blooded in or having just graduated
• Beasts from secondary school, or a Celestial Exalt who has spent
• Might
• Bow few seasons exploring their abilities.
• Passion
• Command • Exalted with mature skills and power are level 4-5. Most
• Sorcery Exalted that survive long enough will reach this point.
• Deception Dragon-Blooded frequently settle at this level, and even the
• Endurance • Sword progress of Celestial Exalted slows noticeably hereafter.

• Health • Wealth • Exalted who have nearly perfected their Essence reach level
6-9. Dragon-Blooded who reach this point are rare and usu-
ally do so only after decades or centuries of discipline and
From Lexicon of the Throne: deed. Celestials reach this point more readily, but still after
many years of great accomplishment and fortitude.
• Dance • Music
• Exalted who have perfected their Essence are level 10. They
• Desire • Theft plateau in personal development, and no longer gain lev-
els. Instead, they often focus on gaining power indirectly
• Murder • War through legacy projects, mentorship, and artifice. Every 50
experience points, they may regain use of their divine fury
From My Godbound House Rules: if it has been expended, and unbind a gift to reassign its
points elsewhere.
• Grace • Trade Exalted naturally age and die at the same rate they would in
an ordinary Exalted game. Their lifespans are so long that this is
Restricted Powers rarely a relevant concern for any PC over a campaign, though it is
Some Exalt types are limited in their ability to bind gifts, invoke mir- certainly relevant for NPCs.
acles, or use Influence and Dominion.

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 The Solar Exalted

Patron Words
The Solar Exalted are the Chosen of the Unconquered Sun. The Solar Exalted may bind General Words, Sun, and Peak Human.
Each Solar begins bound to four Words, at least one of which must
Magical Themes be Sun or Peak Human.
The magic of the Solar Exalted flows from the pinnacle of human
skill and is supplemented by limitless inner virtue, force, energy, and Martial Arts
power. Their magic is particularly capable at imposing and preserv-
The Solar Exaltation itself counts as a teacher for True Strifes associ-
ing order in the face of chaos.
ated with virtue, light, being a champion of others, or facing impos-
sible foes. At the GM’s discretion, past lives may act as teachers for
Castes
other True Strifes.
Each Solar Exalted belongs to one of the five Solar Castes: Dawn,
Zenith, Twilight, Night, or Eclipse. The Exalt’s player can choose the
Exalt’s Caste. The Caste counts as a bonus fact benefiting any action
Sorcery and Necromancy
relating to its role, aptitudes, and talents (as described in Exalted). The Solar Exalted can master Sorcery up to Solar Circle, and Necro-
Additionally, once per scene, the Exalted may invoke a miracle relat- mancy up to the Labyrinth Circle.
ing to their Caste without needing to commit Effort.
Celestial Senses
Great Flaw The Solar Exalted always know the time of day and relative position
Each Solar is cursed to respond severely to experiencing or witness- of the Sun.
ing a particular event. The Solar’s player chooses the triggering event,
which should relate to one of the chief virtues of Compassion, Con-
viction, Temperance, or Valor. The player also chooses a response, Lords of Creation
which should be a subversion of the same virtue. The subversion can The Solar Exalted are effectively the first among equals, in both
be a time of forsaking the virtue, becoming an extreme cariacature lore and gameplay. The Sun Word is one of the most powerful
of it, or interpreting it bizarrely. and flexible Words. While they are otherwise limited to General
When the established trigger occurs, the Solar is compelled to Words, a Solar’s unfettered miracles and straightforward themes
respond accordingly. If that response causes the Exalted some extra allow them to exploit those Words to the fullest.
difficulty (whether immediate or in the future), they gain a point of Yet a Solar is not intrinsically more powerful than other Ex-
Dominion. An Exalt cannot gain more than one point of Dominion alted. Their raw numerical traits are no greater. Their themes
per session this way. and Word lists circumscribe their powers to those linked to Skill.
The Exalted may suppress the compulsion, but they must com- Finally, other Exalted can access similar powers through gifts.
mit Effort until the next time they yield to the compulsion. This As in a traditional Exalted game, new players will likely find
allows them to ignore all such compulsions for the remainder of the the Solar Exalted the easiest to play.
session or day (whichever is longer).

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 The Dragon-Blooded
Patron
The Dragon-Blooded are the Chosen of The Elemental Dragons.
Magical Themes
The magic of the Dragon-Blooded flows from rigorous training, a
lineage of greatness, harmony with their fellow Dragon-Blooded, and
affinity for one of the five elements (as signified by their Aspect).
Aspects
Each Dragon-Blooded has one of the five Elemental Aspects: Air,
Earth, Fire, Water, or Wood. The Exalt’s player can choose the Ex-
alt’s Aspect, which replaces Caste for the Dragon-Blooded. The Ex-
alt is automatically bound to the appropriate Word (Sky, Earth, Fire,
Sea, or Wood, respectively), hereafter called the Aspect Word.
Anima Flux
Dragon-Blooded benefit from the effects of Wizard’s Wrath (p. 51)
when their Anima Banners are at the Glowing or Iconic level; this
effect manifests in a way appropriate to their Aspect. Worthy Foes
can only be affected by one such Fray die per Aspect each round.
Dragon-Blooded are immune to the Anima Flux of other Dragon-
Blooded (regardless of Aspect).
Great Flaw
The Dragon-Blooded are not afflicted by a Great Flaw.
Words
The Dragon-Blooded may bind General Words, and their Aspect
Word. Each begins bound to three Words, one of which must be
their Aspect Word. Dragon-Blooded may bind additional Words at
a cost of two gift points apiece (rather than three).
Word of Wood
This Word pertains to the element of Wood and all its associations:
growth, nourishment, instinct, abundance, cultivation, and decay
(though not reproduction). Its inherent bonuses and gifts match
those of the Fertility Word (p. 40), except for the following:
• Lesser gifts: Scent the Prey (p. 33) replaces Birth Blessing.
• Greater gifts: Lord of the Wild (p. 33) and Deplete Health (p. 42)
replace Cornucopian Blessing and Sever the Line.
6
Restricted Powers: Gifts and Miracles
A Dragon-Blooded can only use miracles associated with his Aspect
Word, and must be fourth level or higher to replicate greater gifts.
A Dragon-Blooded must be fourth level or higher to bind greater
gifts, and can only bind greater gifts associated with his Aspect Word.
Restricted Powers: Dominion Limitations
Dragon-Blooded need not spend Dominion to gain levels. They do
not gain monthly Dominion from cults or being a free divinity, and
gain no benefits or gifts associated with the Apotheosis Word. They
cannot impose Impossible changes on the world; they must first un-
dertake to make those changes Plausible or Improbable.
Dragon-Blooded cannot create Artifacts with abilities analogous
to greater gifts, other than greater gifts of their Aspect Word.
Martial Arts
The Dragon-Blooded Exaltation itself counts as a teacher for True
Strifes associated with any of Creation’s five elements. If a Dragon-
Blooded learns such a Strife, he may add the analogous Aspect Word
to the list of Words he may learn (though it will not be treated as an
Aspect Word for him).
Sorcery and Necromancy
The Dragon-Blooded can master Sorcery up to the Terrestrial Circle,
and Necromancy up to the Shadowlands Circle.
Ten-Thousand Dragons
The Dragon-Blooded are indeed weaker than their celestial coun-
terparts. Their restricted access to greater gifts, miracle use, and
Impossible changes mean they often need to tackle tasks carefully,
stubbornly, and in greater numbers. Some abilities will remain
permanently outside the reach of any Dragon-Blooded.
Yet the Dragon-Blooded are still mighty. They alone of the Ex-
alted hold the innate power over the elements; through this, they
can be almost unparalleled engines of destruction. Their Anima
Flux makes them dangerous to almost any foe. Most importantly,
they are legion: for each of the other Exalted, there are dozens of
Dragon-Blooded, bound by powerful ties of blood and loyalty.
 The Exigent Exalted
Patron
The Exigent Exalted is the Chosen of a god. Their Patron is the god
that forged the Exaltation in divine fire from its own essence, and
may or may not have survived the process. This is true even if the
Exaltation passes through an intermediary–it is the original Patron’s
essence that matters.
The Patron’s nature determines several facets of the Exigent:
his Anima Banner, the nature of the Patron Word, his potential at
Sorcery and Necromancy, which martial arts are natural to it, and
whether it can be passed to future Exalted after its host dies. The
player and GM should outline some details regarding the Patron at
the outset, as this will help to design the rest of the Exalt.
Magical Themes
The magic of an Exigent Exalted flows from the unique purviews of
his Patron. While the Exigent will generally be able to apply powers
much more broadly than his Patron, the Patron’s themes will usually
show through in how the Exigent’s magic functions. The player and
GM should ennumerate at least five appropriate magical themes.
Alone among the Chosen
Currently, very little has been published canonically about the Ex-
igent Exalted. We only know that their powers are related to their
divine patron. Due to this, some improvisation is necessary.
Each Exigent Exaltation is unique in their Exaltation’s history
and Patron, and has a Word unlikely to be posessed by any other
Exalted. They also have fewer liabilities than most other Exalted
both mechanically and socially, as the Exigents are accepted al-
most anywhere. Yet the Patron’s purview is likely to limit the
places where that power can be applied, which may lead to in-
teresting complications and situations in play.
7
Castes
The Exigent Exalted do not have Castes.
Great Flaw
The Exigent Exalted are not afflicted with a Great Flaw.
Words
The Exigent Exalted may bind General Words, and their Patron’s
Word. Each Exigent begins bound to three Words, one of which
must be their Patron’s Word.
The Patron’s Word is a de facto Word of Creation based upon
that god’s portfolio and powers. As an example, a harvest god’s Ex-
igent might have the Harvest Word, with gifts involving agriculture,
celebratory festivals, and literally or figuratively scything through op-
position. The player and GM should work cooperatively to design
the Patron’s Word, including its gifts.
Martial Arts
The Exigent’s Exaltation counts as a teacher for True Strifes associ-
ated with the themes of its Patron. At the GM’s discretion, past lives
may act as teachers for True Strifes (if the Exaltation reincarnates).
Sorcery and Necromancy
The Exigent Exalted can generally master Sorcery up to the Celestial
Circle, and Necromancy up to the Shadowlands Circle. Exceptions
do exist: extremely weak or magically averse patrons might reduce
their limits to lower Circles, while extremely powerful or magically
adept patrons might allow them to access the top Circles.
 The Lunar Exalted

Patron Adapted Physique

The Lunar Exalted are the Chosen of Luna. The Lunar Exalted benefit from The Prowess of the Perfect Form (p. 230)
for determining their minimum Attributes and hit points.
Magical Themes
The magic of the Lunar Exalted flows from unsurpassed tenacity, in-
Martial Arts
stinct, adaptability, combined with the might of a force of nature and
a touch of primal chaos. Their magic is particularly capable at ma- The Lunar Exaltation itself counts as a teacher for True Strifes as-
nipulating physical form, pressuring things until they break or adapt, sociated with animals, predation, adaptation, instincts, and chaos.
and protecting chosen companions. At the GM’s discretion, past lives may act as teachers for other True
Strifes.
Castes
Each Lunar Exalted belongs to one of the Lunar Castes: Full Moon, Sorcery and Necromancy
Changing Moon, and No Moon. The Exalt’s player can choose the
The Lunar Exalted can master Sorcery up to the Celestial Circle, and
Exalt’s Caste. Once per scene, the Exalted may invoke a miracle re-
Necromancy up to the Labyrinth Circle.
lating to their Caste without needing to commit Effort.

Great Flaw Celestial Senses

Each Lunar Exalted has an Innate Weakness (see Godbound, p. 225) The Lunar Exalted always know the day of the lunar month; the di-
to a specific (or specifically treated) material. This weakness may be rection and distance to the nearest entrance to Creation if without,
shared with other Lunars, but is not universal to all Lunar Exalted. and to the nearest exit from Creation if within.
The Lunar’s player should select this weakness with the GM.
Additionally, Lunars have a Tell chosen by the Exalt’s player. The
Tell is a subtle but specific animal trait that is present in all their Wardens of the Wyld
forms. The Tell is usually beneath notice, as human and animal The Lunars are both ferociously powerful and highly unpre-
species frequently have odd traits in Creation. Someone in a po- dictable. There is no such thing as a fragile Lunar, the Shapeshift-
sition to carefully study the Lunar could identify the Tell, if he had ing Word is extremely flexible, and their abilities allow for incred-
previously observed it. This occurance should be quite rare, however. ibly customized builds.
Yet Lunars also have limitations. Their choice strengths in
Words some areas are balanced by weaknesses in others. If they choose
The Lunar Exalted may bind General Words, Night, Birds, and In- to adapt many new Words and gifts, they lose access to miracles
sects. Each begins bound to three Words, at least one of which must and the ability to enact world-changes. Their weakness also allows
be Alacrity, Endurance, Might, or Shapeshifting. well-prepared foes to threaten them more effectively.
A Lunar may spend one gift point to “adapt” to a Word. The Exalted fans are sometimes divided over the nature of Lunar
Exalt may the Word’s intrinsic abilities and bind its gifts, but can- themes and what powers they should have. The open gift selection
not use it for mundane tasks, miracles, or Influence and Dominion allows GMs and players to tailor Lunars to their liking, whether
projects. A Lunar may adapt to any Word in this way, though the Ex- that means staying to the canonical or drawing inspiration from
alt’s magical themes still limit its use. Given sufficently long stretches fan-works like Terrifying Argent Witches.
of downtime, adaptations can usually be changed.

8
 The Sidereal Exalted
Patron
The Sidereal Exalted are the Chosen of the Maidens of Destiny.
Magical Themes
The magic of the Sidereal Exalted flows from disciplined practice,
cosmic martial arts, and being able to both read destiny and alter fate.
Their magic is particularly capable at discerning and altering cause-
and-effect relationships, creating desired downstream consequences.
Castes
Each Sidereal Exalted belongs to one of the five Sidereal Castes: Jour-
neys, Serenity, Battles, Secrets, or Endings. The Exalt’s player can
choose the Exalt’s Caste. The Caste counts as a bonus fact benefit-
ing any action relating to its role, aptitudes, and talents (as described
in Exalted). Additionally, once per scene, the Exalted may invoke a
miracle relating to their Caste without needing to commit Effort.
Great Flaw
The Sidereal Exalted have Undestined Powers and Limits (p. 232),
which prevents them from using Dominion to change the world ex-
cept through a proxy, and causes their identity and deeds to become
confused and forgotten over the course of a few months or years.
Words
The Sidereal Exalted may bind General Words, Fate, Luck, and
Time. Each Sidereal begins bound to three Words, at least one of
which must be Fate.
9
Martial Arts
In addition to being Skilled in Strife (p. 226), all Sidereals can learn
or develop any Strife by observing related phenomena, even without
the aid of a teacher. Some Strife techniques have benefits exclusive
to Sidereal adepts. Further, all Sidereals begin with one True Strife
fully mastered, at no cost.
Sorcery and Necromancy
The Sidereal Exalted can master Sorcery up to the Celestial Circle,
and Necromancy up to the Labyrinth Circle.
Celestial Senses
The Sidereal Exalted always know the month of the year, the direc-
tion and distance to the nearest entrance to Yu Shan if without, and
the direction and distance to the nearest exit from Yu Shan if within.
Masters of Fate
The Sidereal Exalted have a powerful array of abilities. Their spe-
cial Words enable more clever, indirect play, while martial arts
can allow a lot of customization and combat power. Additionally,
they have access to information from Fate, which often provides
vital clues as to how to direct their attention. This encourages a
behind the scenes playstyle, while still enabling a direct approach.
Yet Sidereals do face some difficulties. In particular, their
smaller selection of Words and need for proxies can limit their
ability to enact the world changes they desire. It also affects the
reliability of critical capabilities and friends day-to-day. This is
in addition to the stresses being a functionary of Heaven entails.
Even as a bureaucrat, a Sidereal’s life will always be interesting.
 The Abyssal Exalted
Patron
The Abyssal Exalted are the Chosen of the Deathlords.
Magical Themes
The magic of the Abyssal Exalted flows from the pinnacle of human
skill, supplemented by the irresistible gravity of death, entropy, and
oblivion. Their magic is particularly capable at ending life and inter-
acting with the dead.
Castes
Each Abyssal Exalted belongs to one of the five Solar Castes: Dusk,
Midnight, Daybreak, Day, or Moonshadow. The Exalt’s player can
choose the Exalt’s Caste. The Caste counts as a bonus fact benefit-
ing any action relating to its role, aptitudes, and talents (as described
in Exalted). Additionally, once per scene, the Exalted may invoke a
miracle relating to their Caste without needing to commit Effort.
Great Flaw
The Abyssal Exalted resonate with Oblivion and are dissonant with nearest Shadowland.
life and its positive associations. The Abyssal will occassionally feel
compelled to further some dark inclination of the Neverborn. These
usually involve the destruction of things particularly hated by the
Neverborn, but may occassionally involve something to ensure the
Abyssal does not become attached to Creation.
When the established trigger occurs, the Abyssal is compelled to
respond accordingly. If that response causes the Exalted some extra
difficulty (whether immediate or in the future), they gain a point of
Dominion. An Exalt cannot gain more than one point of Dominion
per session this way.
The Exalted may suppress the compulsion, but they must com-
mit Effort until the next time they yield to the compulsion. This
allows them to ignore all such compulsions for the remainder of the
session or day (whichever is longer).
Words
The Abyssal Exalted may bind General Words, Death, and Lich King.
Each Abyssal begins bound to four Words, at least one of which must
be Death or Lich King.
Martial Arts
The Abyssal Exaltation itself counts as a teacher for True Strifes as-
sociated with darkness, death, despair, or vengeance. At the GM’s
discretion, past lives may act as teachers for other True Strifes.
Sorcery and Necromancy
The Abyssal Exalted can master Sorcery up to the Celestial Circle,
and Necromancy up to the Void Circle.
Celestial Senses
The Abyssal Exalted always know the direction and distance of the
Champions of the Dead
If the Solars are the long-lost lords of Creation, Abyssals are
the long-sought champions of the dead. They possess the same
strengths, and are a source of inspiration to those in need. Almost
everything said for the Solars goes for their Abyssal counterparts.
The primary differences in play likely relate to where they are
and who they interact with. The Solars are often free agents, and
likely reside primarily in Creation. Abyssals are mentored by the
most powerful actors in the Underworld: the Deathlords, will
likely spend much of their time there, have frequent interactions
with the Dead, and may find themselves unwelcome in Creation.
10
 The Infernal Exalted

Patron Words
The Infernal Exalted are the Chosen of the Yozi. The Yozi are the The Infernal Exalted may bind General Words, and Yozi Names.
mutilated and forsaken architects of Creation, creatures of immea- Each Infernal begins bound to four Words, at least one of which
surable size, vast purviews, and alien thought. must be their Patron’s Yozi Name.

Magical Themes Martial Arts

The Infernal Exaltation itself counts as a teacher for True Strifes as-
The magic of the Infernal Exalted flows from the Yozi to whom they
sociated with pure expressiveness, primal force, or outright malevo-
are bound. Each Yozi’s set of themes is incredibly unique, broad,
lence. At the GM’s discretion, past lives may act as teachers for other
detailed, and beyond the scope of this document to reproduce (see
True Strifes.
The Manual of Exalted Power: The Infernals, pp. 105-107).
Powers derived from a bound Yozi Name must keep to the themes Sorcery and Necromancy
of the namesake Yozi. Infernal powers derived from other Words still
The Infernal Exalted can master Sorcery up to the Solar Circle, and
need to comply with a Yozi’s themes, but it can be any Yozi whose
Necromancy up to the Labyrinth Circle.
Name the Infernal has bound.
Celestial Senses
Castes
The Infernal Exalted always know the direction and distance to the
Each Infernal Exalted belongs to one of the five Castes: Slayer, Male- nearest entrance to Malfeas if without, and the direction and distance
factor, Defiler, Sourge, or Fiend. The Exalt’s player can choose the to the nearest exit from Malfeas if within.
Exalt’s Caste. The Caste counts as a bonus fact benefiting any action
relating to its role, aptitudes, and talents (as described in Exalted).
Additionally, once per scene, the Exalted may invoke a miracle relat- Princes of Hell
ing to their Caste without needing to commit Effort. The Infernal Exalted are a mighty force unleashed on Creation.
They posess the raw power of a Solar or Abyssal Exalted, but are
Great Flaw something different. All are natural sorcerers, monsters in the
making, and have the backing of Hell itself. Instead of being
Each Infernal has particular urges, which epitomize an aspect of their
champions of others as Solars and Abyssals might be, they are
Patron’s nature. The Exalt’s player chooses the specific urge and the
champions of themselves. The Infernal Exaltation is about the
sorts of situations in which it manifests.
actualization of will as a cosmic principle, whether the Yozi’s will
When the established trigger occurs, the Infernal is compelled to or that of the Exalt.
respond accordingly. If that response causes the Exalted some extra Yet, their benefactors’ evil designs likely do not align with the
difficulty (whether immediate or in the future), they gain a point of Infernals’ long term interests. They may be celebrities in Malfeas,
Dominion. An Exalt cannot gain more than one point of Dominion but few there can truly be trusted. Moreover, their powers are
per session this way. constrained by the alien nature that is the source. The only so-
The Exalted may suppress the compulsion, but they must com- lution left to the Infernal is to redefine themselves in accordance
mit Effort until the next time they yield to the compulsion. This with a purpose only they know, and then impose that reality on
allows them to ignore all such compulsions for the remainder of the everyone else–not unlike those who came before.
session or day (whichever is longer).

11
Yozi Names
Yozi Names are Words distilling and expressing the essence of a Yozi’s
themes and powers. The Words themselves are not literally the Yozi,
their powers, or their their soul-hierarchy. They are simply a way
through which the Chosen can manifest some part of a Yozi’s nature
(see The Manual of Exalted Power: The Infernals, pp. 105-107).
Yozi Names provides tremendous versatility for invoking miracles
and changing the world with Influence or Dominion. However, the
Yozi’s nature sharply circumscribes this power. Binding additional
Yozi Names also makes an Infernal’s General Words more flexible
by expanding the thematic options for their use.
Binding a Yozi Name also allows a character to bind associated
gifts. All gifts of Yozi Name are treated (and costed) as greater gifts:
the titans are too grand to deal in lesser powers.
Greater Gifts Faster Than Thought
Devil-Heart Shintai Manifestation Action
The Infernal can transform into a terrible form called a Shintai. The
Shintai’s appearance and gifts are chosen by the Infernal upon ini-
tially binding this gift. Shintai may be significantly larger or smaller
than a human, and may have bestial features or other cosmetic dis-
tinctions. When choosing the Shintai’s gifts, the Infernal’s player
may choose gifts from any Word (regardless of whether the Infernal
could ordinarily bind it, and with the GM’s permission), and may
spend as many Gift points as the Infernal possesses. Gifts selected
cannot be changed later, but the Shintai gains new gift points at the
same rate as the Infernal.
Transforming into their Shintai takes an action and requires
committing Effort for the day. It grants the following traits:
• It uses the Infernal’s Attributes, Base Attack Bonus, Effort,
Saves, and Move speed.
• Its AC is 5; this can only be modified by gifts.
• It has Level × 3 hit points; this cannot be modified. It has full
hit points the first time it is used each day.
• It can attack twice per action.
• Its natural melee attacks inflict 1d8 damage.
• Its Fray die is 1d12.
• It can only use its assigned gifts, and no other powers.
• It cannot use Miracles, except to defensively dispel.
The Infernal reverts to his usual shape at the end of the scene,
when the Shintai is reduced to zero hit points, or when the Infernal
uses an action to revert to their normal form. If the Shintai was re-
duced to zero hit points, the Infernal loses their next turn and all but
one of their hit points; otherwise, the Infernals pre-transformation
hit points are restored. The Shintai can only be used once per scene,
and any injuries or lost hit points affect it when invoked in subse-
quent scenes that day.
An Infernal must be fourth level or higher to bind this gift, and
it may be bound as a gift of any Yozi Name. This gift’s effects cannot
be replicated by a Miracle.
12
Greater Gifts of Adorjan
Cyclone of Knives On Turn
Commit Effort. For the duration, your Fray die increases to 1d12
and harms all foes in sight, including worthy foes and allies.
Detach From Meaning Action
Commit Effort for the day. Everyone within 200 feet immediately
becomes non-magically hidden in their current position (including
yourself). Everyone except you recognizes that they are hiding, but
cannot recall why they are hiding or what they were previously doing.
Worthy foes can negate this with a successful Spirit save.
(Smite) Instant
As the Alacrity gift of the same name (p. 30).
Gust of Unanticipated Demise Constant
Whenever you attack an unsuspecting foe (from hiding, when they
are distracted, etc.), your damage is read straight and is maximized.
Perpetual Motion Pattern On Turn
Commit Effort. Your movement speeds are doubled (to a minimum
of 60 feet), and you may start your move before your standard action
and finish your move after. Opponents in melee no longer get an
Instant free attack when you move out of range. Provided you con-
tinue moving, you never need to eat, sleep, or otherwise rest.
Whispers Fade Away Action
Commit Effort for the day. Silence any number of targets within
earshot, including yourself. Targets cease making any audible sounds
until the end of the scene or until you release them. Worthy foes
can negate this with a successful Hardiness save.
Greater Gifts of Cecelyne
Arbitrary-Prohibition Trap Action
Commit Effort for the day, choose any number of targets in sight,
and assert some law of personal conduct. This law should be a single,
simple sentence. For the rest of the scene, the chosen targets must
obey that law, provided the results would not be outright suicidal or
emotionally intolerable. Worthy foes can ignore this law with a suc-
cessful Spirit save. This law also has no hold on your clear superiors.
Cross the Desolation Constant
You are immune to hazards of temperature, always succeed in forag-
ing, and double your traveling speed in wastelands. By walking for
five full days into any wasteland, you may gradually cross into The
Endless Desert. Conversely, by walking for five full days into the
Endless Desert, you may cross into any wasteland in Creation that
you choose.
Desert-Radiating Presence Action
Commit Effort for the day. The land you designate within a 10 mile
radius becomes an utter wasteland. The area becomes at least as
inhospitable to life as a desert, and devoid of useful resources. Veg-
etation dies instantly. If used as a gift (and not a miracle), you may
destroy a terrain-based Faction feature. You may leave oases within:
small areas of immense abundance.
Wrathful King’s Grasp Action
You utterly crush any object you hold, regardless of its construction
or magical properties. You can affect distinct parts of larger objects,
like ship masts or support pillars. If used on a partially-restrained
or grappled foe, you deal 1d12 straight damage. If that foe is fully
immobilized, you deal 1d12 straight damage per level instead.

Desire-Fulfilling Enslavement Action Greater Gifts of She Who Lives In Her Name
Present to a nearby person an object of great desire to him (money,
love, prestige, or anything else). For as long as he has that object, he Capacity-Restoring Will Action
must obey your orders. Lesser foes automatically accept the object. Choose a damaged person or thing. You restore that person or
Worthy foes can refuse or discard the object, and may resist each thing, as either Faultless Repair (p. 32) or Flesh Made True (p. 42).
such order with a successful Spirit save. Restorations are focused on an ideal that suits you, which may mean
omitting some fixes or adding small features that help you, even if
Manifest the Endless On Turn they hinder the victim or item’s intended function (GM’s discretion
Commit Effort. You can take actions as if you were a large mob (vast on specifics).
mob, if fifth level or higher). This allows you to act in multiple places
simultaneously or attack large numbers of foes at once. Your attacks Chaos-Purging Method On Turn
against mobs deal straight damage. Commit Effort for the day. Each round, as an action, you may negate
any low-magic or theurgy effect active or spell in the midst of being
Obeissance-Enforcing Aura On Turn cast. You may also alter the Wyld (and Fair Folk) as per the Artifice
Commit Effort. Your attacks automatically hit demons, gods, your gift Transmuter (p. 32).
worshipers, your servants, or your subordinates that are lesser foes,
and you have an invincible defense against them. For each extra Ef-
fort committed, you may extend these benefits to one extra person. Memory-Vivisection Inquiry Action
Commit Effort for the scene, and choose a target in sight and some-
thing you want to know from them. You dredge the most relevant
Greater Gifts of Malfeas memories to the top of the target’s mind and know them. This is
traumatic; victims are left catatonic for a day or more. Worthy foes
Eternal Brass Body Constant can resist the dredging with a successful Spirit save, and suffer a -4
All damage dealt to you is reduced by one. You recover from any penalty to all Attribute checks for the rest of the day rather than
crippling conditions within 15 minutes of suffering such injury. You being rendered catatonic.
are immune to any effects based on inflicting pain.

Inescapable Viridian Radiance On Turn

Commit Effort. You emit green light out to the horizon that pierces
all obstacles (especially buildings) which could conceal the presence
and actions of creatures. Everything touched by your light is revealed
to anyone in sight, and mundane or magical attempts at stealth or
disguise (other than those of the Deception Word) are defeated.
Mantle of Sovereign Will Constant
You are immune to any attempt at mental influence or persuasion,
magical or otherwise. You may consider such influences, but they
hold no exceptional persuasive power. You may also take a single
action against anyone who attempts an act of persuasion at Instant
speed and as if you stood beside them. This gift does not immunize
you from being misinformed or the gifts of the Deception Word.
Mind-Ideal Expression On Turn
Commit Effort. You can manipulate objects telekinetically out to a
range of 200 feet. You can also wield your mind as a magical weapon
with the same range, dealing a 1d10 damage die by throwing ene-
mies, cutting them with blades of mental force, or burning them
with crystal fire. You can also fly at your usual movement rate, and
can hover in place.
Perfected-Field Manifestation On Turn
Commit Effort. Each round, as an action, you can create shapes of
crystallized fire or force-fields. These creations can be any shape less
than 20 feet across, provided they have at least two symmetries. Trap-
ping or harming opponents functions as walls and zones of danger
(p. 27). These creations last as long as you commit the Effort.

Thrall-Making Shout Action Self-Optimizing Agenda Constant

As the Command gift of the same name (p. 35). Whenever you make a plan, you automatically recognize all po-
tential vulnerabilities based on available information. As the plan
Withering Balefire Flare On Turn progresses, any problems became instantly obvious to you, as do pos-
Commit Effort. You wield green corrosive fire as a magical weapon sible contingencies to address them. You also gain the benefits of
dealing 1d10 damage with a range of 200 feet. You gain the effects the Deception gift Deceiver’s Unblinking Eye (p. 37).
of Nimbus of Flame (p. 41), save that it affects attackers at any range.

13
 Greater Gifts of The Ebon Dragon
Assume the Dark Reflection Action
Commit Effort and choose a person you know well. You become a
Perfect Masquerade of that person (p. 37). You lose all your powers
(Words, Gifts, low magic, Theurgy, Strifes, and Shintai) except for
The Ebon Dragon Word and its gifts, and gain the powers of the
chosen person instead. You may only use that person’s powers in
ways appropriate to The Ebon Dragon Word. If you choose to end
this gift, that person can never again be chosen. This Gift automati-
cally ends if the chosen person dies.
Bitter Nemesis Perspective Action
Commit Effort and choose a person. You become that person’s
nemesis: you instantly learn everything that person loves and hates,
and take the opposite attitude towards those things. Your attacks,
saves, and Attribute checks to oppose that person gain a +4 bonus.
Worthy foes can make a Spirit save to not have their attitudes in-
stantly discovered, but those attitudes are automatically revealed if
you observe relevant behavior.
Body of Lies Constant
You gain the benefits of the Deception gifts Deceiver’s Unblinking
Eye and Liar’s Flawless Grace (p. 37). Additionally, attempts to
divine your location, nature, or mind, or fate return whatever you
wish for them to (rather than the truth).
Heroics-Thwarting Miasma (Smite) Instant
With a glance, you can tell if an action in sight is against your inter-
ests or if it is motivated by positive intents for others (such as helping
or protecting friends and loved ones). You may commit Effort for
the day to cause such actions to fail.
Soul-Corrupting Venom On Turn
Commit Effort. Your attacks deliver a curse of pure antagonism.
This does not affect the attacks’ damage or range, but they become
magical weapons. Foes struck by your attacks are blinded (p. 169),
they can no longer regain hit points, and they are now considered
a creature of darkness. The first time a worthy foe is struck during
a scene, he can make a Hardiness save to become immune to these
effects for the scene.
Sudden But Inevitable Betrayal Action
Commit Effort for the scene and choose a person in sight. That
person is cursed such that their emotions are inverted with respect
to their subjects—that which he once loved, he now hates; that which
he once enjoyed, he now fears; and so forth. Worthy foes can resist
this with a successful Spirit saving throw.
14
The Roar of the Devil-Tiger
Some Infernals who live long enough may chaff under the will of
the titans to whom they are bound. The Yozi are creatures of vast
power and will, but that will is alien and not the Exalt’s, and that
power is only a lure. To be so close to the font of power from
which Creation arose is tantalizing, and to not be able to express
it as one wishes is insulting.
An Infernal can cast aside the Yozi’s will and assert their own,
in a moment of profound revelation. Such an Infernal must be
level 6 or higher, with at least three bound Yozi Names. It will be
up to the GM when an appropriate moment has occured, and if
any rituals besides are required.
Upon this proclamation, the Infernal permanently and irrevo-
cably loses all Yozi Names he has bound. In their place, he gains
a new Name, and it is his own. Creating this Word is akin to
creating a concept Word (Lexicon of the Throne, p. 38), and
is a cooperative exercise between the player and the GM. This
Word will resemble a Yozi Name in that it has themes of powers,
styles, and personality. The powers should be a blend of aspects
from the various powers the Infernal previously posessed, espe-
cially those from their Yozi Names. The stylistic and personality
aspects should be a reflection of the Exalt’s taṇhā. These are his
deepest, intransient desires: his aspirations, preferred methods,
objects of fascination, philosophical principles, relationships, and
so forth. These are carried to a point of spiritual fetishization: an
Infernal fascinated by fire will find that many of his powers work
by burning away things or leaving them alight in the aftermath,
while another craving supremacy will find his powers often func-
tion by subjugating others. The Infernal’s player and GM should
ennumerate a list of themes for the Infernal’s taṇhā, which may
evolve over time as the Infernal becomes more in touch with his
deeper self. The player and GM should then draft a set of at
least six greater gifts to act as chief manifestations of the Infer-
nal’s Name.
The Infernal immediately is refunded the gift point value of the
lost Yozi Names, minus the cost for his new Name. He may also
refund or keep old gifts associated with the Yozi Names, depend-
ing on how they suit his new themes. Any refunded points can
be spent on new gifts immediately.
The Infernal is forever changed by this. No longer imprisoned
by the trappings of the Yozi, his bindings are his own taṇhā. Truth
to himself has new meaning, as it is the font of all his power. He
may be changed physically, such as in altered appearance or anima
banner. Even if not obvious, a dedicated and clever servant of the
Yozi will be able to reveal this.
The world is changed too, by his actions. The Infernal has em-
blazoned his name on Creation itself. His will is now akin to a
Yozi Name, and Names have power. At the least, the successor
to his Exaltation will bear his Name, and other nascent Infernals
might seek it out for power and patronage as well. His name might
be evoked by magi for powerful rituals and glorious artifice. Per-
haps the seeds of truth spun into the world will one day lead to
a result the Devil-Tiger never could have anticipated; and on that
day he will in spirit be as every other creator before and after.
 The Alchemical Exalted
Patron
The Alchemical Exalted are the Chosen of Autochthon.
Magical Themes
The magic of the Alchemical Exalted flows from divine despiration,
loyalty to a greater society, technological development and improvi-
sation, mechanical expertise, and modular design.
Castes
Each Alchemical Exalted belongs to one of the six Alchemical Castes:
Orichalcum, Moonsilver, Jade, Starmetal, Soulsteel, and Adamant.
The Exalt’s player can choose the Exalt’s Caste. The Caste counts as
a bonus fact benefiting any action relating to its role, aptitudes, and
talents (as described in Exalted). Additionally, once per scene, the
Exalted may invoke a miracle relating to their Caste without needing
to commit Effort.
Great Flaw
An Alchemical Exalted are not afflicted with a Great Flaw.
Tools of a Titan
The Alchemical Exalted do not have the raw power or en-
durance of the other Exalted, at least not at first. What they do
have is tremendous adaptability: with the time and resources to
prepare, an Alchemical can equip the right gifts to tackle any situ-
ation. However, they have fewer gifts and less Effort, which limits
their capabilities. Planning and preaparation are essential.
Much like in Exalted, Alchemicals can eventually become
Colossi or Poleis. Each stage grants a tremendous increase in size
and potentially power, but radically alters the playstyle. Alchem-
icals may become even more powerful than their counterparts,
but their mobility and capacity for adventure is limited. GMs and
players should consider the impact each evolution will have on
the character and the game as a whole.
15
Words
Alchemicals follow all the rules for creating and playing The Arrayed
(p. 227), except that they cannot install more than two Word echo
links using gift slots, and their permanently bound Word must be
one of three specific to their Caste.
• Orichalcum Caste: Knowledge, Might, or Sun
• Moonsilver Caste: Alacrity, Deception, or Shapeshifting
• Jade Caste: Command, Earth, or Endurance
• Starmetal Caste: Alacrity, Knowledge, or Sorcery
• Soulsteel Caste: Command, Death, or Endurance
• Adamant Caste: Deception, Fate, or Might
At levels 4 and 6 an Alchemical can bind the Colossus and Polis
Words, respectively. These Words do not occupy Word or gift slots,
though they do require intensive ritual overhauls at a Vats complex.
Each overhaul requires a specified amount of celestial shards and
Dominion, which may come from the Exalt or others.
Restricted Power: Miracles
An Alchemical Exalted cannot use miracles to replicate greater gifts
of slotted Word echo links.
Martial Arts
The Alchemical Exaltation itself counts as a teacher for True Strifes
associated with machinery, industry, or the role of their Caste. At the
GM’s discretion, past lives may act as teachers for other True Strifes.
Sorcery, Necromancy, and Protocols
Alchemical Exalted can master Man-Machine and God-Machine Pro-
tocols, but cannot learn Sorcery or Necromancy.
Colossus
Only Alchemicals of fourth level or higher can bind the Colossus Phantom Zone Projection Array Action
Word. Binding the Word of Colossus represents transformation of Commit Effort. You and those within you are banished into Else-
the Alchemical Exalted into a living warstrider-temple. This Word where. You and they can act normally, and have an invincible de-
cannot be used for miracles. fense against being located. You and they cannot perceive the outside
world save by a Simulcast Sentience Simulacrum. Once this gift is deac-
Upon binding this Word, the Alchemical selects a sacred arma-
tivated, you and those within you return to the point where you left
ture (p. 206) which will become his new body. He must be at least
on first activating this gift. If you die in Elsewhere, your body and
level 6 to select a medium-class armature, and at least level 8 to select
those within are returned. Activating or inactivating this gift takes
a large-class armature. Constructing this armature costs Dominion
one full hour.
and celestial shards normally, and the transition to this new body
involves complex rituals. He may transition to a new armature later,
Simulcast Sentience Simulacrum Constant
though the rituals must be conducted anew, and any increase in the
You may create and deploy a “drone” copy of your pre-Colossus,
Dominion and celestial shard cost must be paid.
human-size form. Making a drone requires one month and con-
The Alchemical gains a shape and size similar to the armature, as sumes one Celestial Shard. This drone shares all your traits and
well as its movement type(s) and speed. He may use the armature’s abilities except those related to the Colossus or Polis Word. It draws
AC and saving throws if those values are better than his own. He can from your Effort, Influence, and Dominion, but takes damage inde-
lift, carry, or break objects that would make sense for the armature’s pendently, and is destroyed if reduced to zero hit points. You can
size and form. He also gains a number of bonus hit points equal to only consciously control either your body or the drone; once per
the armature’s hit dice; these hit points are always lost first, and can scene, you may shift which you are controlling. The uncontrolled
only be restored via the same processes that would be required to re- body or drone becomes inactive unless attacked, which activates a
pair and maintain a godwalker (p. 205). Finally, he gains a number defensive autopilot. You may only have one drone at a time.
of Void component slots based on his armature class, which may be
used to install any divine component other than a divine actuator (p. Transcendent Temple Symbiosis Constant
208). Small-class armatures grant one slot, medium-class armatures Your internal structure is altered to house an amount of people up
grant two slots, and large-class armatures grant three slots. to a Power 1 Faction. Your body provides enough resources and
amenities for them to live comfortably inside of you indefinitely.
Elsewhere technology creates larger space on the inside for them and
Lesser Gifts does necessarily match the outside proportions of your armature.
You may also choose one Feature to grant the Faction; this Feature
All-Purpose Fabrication Multiplex Constant
may be changed with a retrofitting operation during downtime.
When binding this gift, choose a Feature. Any faction you reside
with gains that Feature for the duration of your presence. When
the faction uses Dominion to create improbable changes related to
Greater Gifts
the Feature, those changes become plausible instead. This benefit
only applies if you remain with the faction for the project’s duration. Divine Ordinance Oblation Mechanism On Turn
You may bind this gift any number of times, gaining an additional Commit Effort. Whenever you make your first attack in a round, you
Feature each time. can immediately make one extra attack against any target in range.
This extra attack cannot benefit from effects that would cause it to
automatically hit, maximize damage, or produce additional attacks.
Heroism Advancing Sepulcher Constant
Everyone housed inside of your frame cannot be targeted or harmed Heaven Stairway Translocation Nexus Constant
until the bonus hit points granted by the Colossus Word are fully You house Elsewhere tunnels that connect directly to allied Vats
depleted. Even thereafter, your self-defensive gifts and miracles ap- Complex. These can transport creatures and objects as large as a
ply to them as well, and they use your AC and saving throws if those man in the case of small-class armatures, scaling up to the size of
values are better than theirs (determine before rolling). You can com- a two-oxen cart for large-class armatures. It takes one day to cross
mit Effort to enable such protected individuals to also make attacks through the Elsewhere tunnel to arrive at the destination.
while under your protection, using the better of their or your base
attack bonus, damage, and range. War-Populous Community Center Action
Commit Effort for the day to launch a swarm of violent machine
Hyper-Adaptive Resource Deposit Point Constant spirits from hangars installed within your frame. This counts as a
You gain one Void component slot, which may be used to install any 20-HD Brazen Legion (pg. 153) with any extra movement types and
appropriately sized divine component other than a divine actuator speed you have. They must be commanded by you and cannot stray
(p. 208). You may bind this gift any number of times, gaining one more than 300 meters without deactivating. You can activate this
additional Void component slot each time. gift a maximum number of times per day based on your armature
size: 1 for a small-class, 2 for a medium-class, and 3 for a large-class.

16
Polis
Only Alchemicals of sixth level or higher can bind the Polis Word.
Binding the Word of Polis represents transformation of the Exalt into
a living city, embodyment of the Autocthonian state, and guardian
of Autocthon himself. This Word cannot be used for miracles.
Binding this Word requires a complex ritual, 30 Dominion
points, and 6 celestial shards. Initially, this permits the Alchemical
to install a Birth of the Metropolis echo link (p. 178), and nothing
more. When the Alchemical arrives at a location worthy to found
their Polis, they activate that gift. Their body unfurls into a living
cityscape, and they can realize the rest of their Polis powers.
Polis Traits
The Alchemical no longer can move under their own power, and ef-
fectively has no physical body with which to directly manipulate the
world. As an action, he can place their persepective at any vantage
point they choose in the Polis; he can activate gifts or take actions
using muncipal infrastructure at the site.
Foes can attack the Features, gifts, or citizen faction of the Polis
without directly harming the Alchemical himself. Only effects di-
rected at his soul gem can cause him injury, and he has an invincible
defense against all such effects whose sources are not in the imme-
diate presence of his soul gem. He gains 50 bonus hit points, but
may only apply his self-defensive traits to his soul gem. He loses the
ability to enter a divine fury (p. 21) upon reaching zero hit points,
and instantly dies instead.
The Alchemical also gains a number of Void component slots
equal to twice the Power of his citizen faction, which may be used to
install any divine component other than a divine actuator (p. 208).
If the Alchemical had bound the Colossus Word, he loses all
benefits of that Word. The gift Advanced Simulacrum Support Bay will
enable him to create a drone which benefits from the Colossus Word
and its gifts, even if the Alchemical cannot directly use these abilities.
If he has not bound Colossus before Polis, he may still do so after-
wards to enable creation of Colossus drones.
The Citizen Faction
A citizen faction generally comes to settle the Polis shortly after its
founding. The Alchemical does not control this faction, but may
communicate with its leadership. The faction performs vital mainte-
nance on the Polis, provides essential crews for most muncipal-level
gifts, and may serve as the Alchemical’s cult. The faction’s Power de-
pends on its population: Power 1 if less than 30,000 people, Power
2 if between 30,001 and one million people, and Power 3 if over
one million people. The Alchemical’s level must exceed the faction’s
Power by 5 to support it.
Select a number of Features and points of Problems equal to
the Power of the largest citizen faction the Alchemical has ever held.
These represent key physical, spiritual, geographic, or geomantic ad-
vantages or failings of the Polis: resource deposits, helpful or dan-
gerous neighbors, or degenerating systems. They are permanent,
and can never be lost or ameliorated. Neither the Alchemical nor
their faction can use Dominion to permanently enhance their own
features, though the Alchemical can create temporary features with
Influence. If further Problems are aquired in play, the faction can
address them with Dominion but the Alchemical cannot.
17
Destruction
A Polis can be destroyed in two ways. The first is through destruction
of the Alchemical’s soul gem. This requires an enemy to locate it,
fight past its defenses, and reduce the Alchemical to zero hit points.
The second is maintenance failure. Physical and spiritual Prob-
lems afflict a Polis as well as its citizen faction. If the Trouble such
Problems amount to would overwhelm the largest faction the Polis
has ever held, the Polis succumbs. While difficulties such as social
problems are not counted, they can destroy the citizen faction, thus
dooming the Polis from lack of maintenance.
In the event that a Polis dies from either event, the city begins to
rapidly crumble. It provides no further amenities, and soon transi-
tions from a place of shelter to danger for its inhabitants.
Lesser Gifts
Birth of the Metropolis
As the City-Seed gift of the same name (p. 178).
Courage of the Multitude
As the Cities gift of the same name (Lexicon of the Throne, p. 14).
One of the Many
As the Cities gift of the same name (Lexicon of the Throne, p. 14).
Sire of Stone and Street
As the Cities gift of the same name (Lexicon of the Throne, p. 14).
Unseen Barricades
As the Cities gift of the same name (Lexicon of the Throne, p. 14).
Word on the Street
As the Cities gift of the same name (Lexicon of the Throne, p. 14),
save that it only functions within the city that is the Polis.
Greater Gifts
Advanced Simulacrum Support Bay Constant
This gift functions as the Colossus gift Simulcast Sentience Simulacrum,
save that you may create two drones, one for each of your human-
form and Colossus-form. The latter gains the benefits of the Colos-
sus Word and any Colossus gift echo links you have installed. The
cost to make or replace them is unchanged, but does not include
the cost of any divine components outfitting the Colossus drone
(and these will be lost if the drone is destroyed). You are still lim-
ited to controlling only either one drone or your Polis self at any time.
Vats Complex On Turn
Commit Effort. You have a Vats Complex capable of supporting
the removal, installation, creation, and repair of Alchemical gift and
Word echo links, including your own. This site can also be used
to overhaul the systems of Alchemicals, and in the rarest of circum-
stances (as determined by the GM) to create new ones.
 Gameplay Changes
Treasures
Demesnes, Manses and Hearthstones
Demesnes are rated on a 1-5 scale, depending on the raw power that
can be drawn from them. While certain rituals may require demesnes
of specific power and aspect, their utility is rather limited.
Manses allow full exploitation of a demesne. Building a manse is
much like creating an artifact, save that time and labor requirements
are as constructing a large, mystically significant building. The con-
stant greater gift Taming the Dragonline allows the owner of the manse
to harmonize with it for five years at a time (rather than a day), in-
creases his Effort by the rating of the underlying demesne while he
is within the manse, and allows him to claim a hearthstone from the
manse. The manse may contain other powers, and is treated as if it
had Effort equal to its underlying demesne level.
Hearthstones allow the bearer (if harmonized to the source
manse) to recover Effort more quickly, regardless of how far they are
from the source manse. A hearthstone has Effort equal to one-half
the source manse’s demesne, rounded up. As an action, the bearer
may commit one Effort from the hearthstone for the day; doing so
causes one Effort he previously committed for the day to instead be
committed until the end of the scene. Some hearthstones provide a
lesser gift to the bearer at a cost of providing less Effort; a gift that
requires Effort reduces the hearthstone’s Effort by one, a gift that
does not require Effort reduce the hearthstone’s effort by two.
Immaterial Creatures
An immaterial (or dematerialized) creature cannot interact with mat-
ter. They are generally imperceptible to material creatures without
the aid of magic (though they can still sense the material world).
They cannot affect or move objects, attack, or be attacked except
with magic or magical weapons. Creatures can only be immaterial
in Creation; in all other realms (Yu Shan, Malfeas, the Underworld,
the Wyld, Autochthonia), all creatures are always materialized. The
following three gifts relate to immaterial creatures:
Dematerialize/Materialize Action
Commit Effort for the day. If you are a naturally material creature,
you dematerialize for up to a day. Conversely, if you are a naturally
immaterial creature, you materialize for up to a day. You may return
to your natural state by ending the gift. This lesser gift is only avail-
able to spirits.
18
Artifacts
Artifacts costing greater than 15 Dominion require one or more
hearthstones to function. Each full 15 points of Dominion cost re-
quires one Effort from a hearthstone to be committed. This committ-
ment must be maintained while the artifact is in use; removing the
hearthstone will turn off the artifact until it is replaced. The hearth-
stone’s Effort is committed for the day on the artifact’s first use, and
unavailable for other purposes (including other artifacts). If a hearth-
stone powering an artifact is removed and returned to the same ar-
tifact that day, the artifact will resume functioning. Artifacts vary in
how many hearthstones they support: some need a single, powerful
hearthstone while some can use multiple, lesser hearthstones.
Warstriders
Warstriders use the rules for godwalkers (p. 202), with a few excep-
tions. First, the pilot can use their miracles, gifts, and techniques
if they would make sense for the armature. Second, the pilot may
supplement the godwalker’s Effort with his own. Third, godwalker
pilots do not suffer sympathetic damage. Finally, the warstrider ar-
mature, engine, and all components are treated as a single artifact of
their total Dominion cost for calculating hearthstone requirements.
Hurry Home Action
Commit Effort for the day. At the start of your next turn, you vanish
from your current location and reappear in your spirit sanctum (or
similar lair). If you have been bound to a summoner, you instead
appear by their side. This greater gift is only available to spirits.
Spirit-Vanquishing Approach On Turn
Commit Effort. You may see, hear, or otherwise sense immaterial
creatures. You may interact with those beings as if they were material
(allowing you to attack them), if you wish. If you reduce a spirit
to 0 Hit Dice, you may permanently and utterly destroy that spirit.
Spirits instantly know that you have bound this gift. Exalted who
have mastered a True Strife, been initiated into Primordial Magic,
or bound Words relating to awareness or mysticism may bind this
ability as a lesser gift. Miracles cannot replicate this gift.
 Ritual and Primordial Magic

Thaumaturgy Adapting Spells

Thaumaturgy and other types of lesser ritual or prayer magic use the The spells of Godbound and Exalted are largely thematic and
rules for Low Magic (p. 56). narrative effects, rather than deeply mechanical ones. As such,
compatibility is a minor issue between systems, and both sources
Sorcery, Necromancy, and provide usable spells. In some specific cases, an Exalted spell has
a specific mechanical effect, in which case some translation may
Protocols be necessary.

Sorcery Spells, Necromancy Spells, and Protocols use the rules for
Theurgic Invocations (p. 62), except as noted otherwise. Each of the
Interchangability
The seemingly substantial differences between Sorcery and Necro-
three ascending Theurgy degrees is analagous to the respective cir-
mancy are sometimes more stylistic than functional. While there
cles of Primordial magic; eg: Invocations of the Gate are analagous
are some things only a single art can do (such as summoning
to Terrestrial Circle Sorcery, Shadowlands Circle Necromancy, and
demons with Sorcery, or raising the dead with Necromancy), most
Man-Machine Divine Protocols.
ends can be accomplished by multiple disciplines—albeit with
Theurgy Equivalent Equivalent Equivalent some individual peculiarities.
Degree Sorcery Necromancy Protocol With the GM’s permission, many spells can be adapted to other
Circle Circle Rank disciplines. Additionally, this is the reason for the low barrier
Gate Terrestrial Shadowlands Man-Machine to learning multiple disciplines; despite thematic differences and
Way Celestial Labyrinth God-Machine some protected niches, there is too much overlap to justify dou-
Throne Solar Void bling the required investment.

Initiation
To be initiated into the first circle of Sorcery, Necromancy, or Proto-
cols, a character must take a Fact representing his initiation into that Exaltation Maximum Maximum Maximum
discipline, and bind the gift Adept of the Gate. Initiation to high cir- Type Sorcery Necromancy Protocol
cles in the same discipline does not require taking additional Facts, Circle Circle Rank
but does require binding the gifts Adept of the Way and Throne. Solar Solar Labyrinth none
There are two restrictions, however. The first restriction is that a Dragon-Blooded Terrestrial Shadowlands none
character must be third level or higher to bind Adept of the Way, Exigent varies varies none
and fifth level or higher to bind Adept of the Throne. The second Lunar Celestial Labyrinth none
restriction is that each entity has limited potential in each discipline— Sidereal Celestial Labyrinth none
a maximum circle they can master. Abyssal Celestial Void none
A character can be initiated into a additional disciplines (eg: a Infernal Solar Labyrinth none
Sorcerer being initiated into Necromancy). The character must take Alchemical none none God-Machine
a fact representing his initiation into the new discipline. Thereafter,
his Theurgy-granting gifts also apply to his new discipline, allowing Casting Rituals
him to cast comparable spells (up to his potential character limits). For spells with rituals requiring specific reagents, timing, or actions
Exalts may learn multiple disciplines without directly inhibiting their (eg: Demon of the First Circle, Rain of Doom), these are essential
progress in either; magicians simply tend towards a single discipline parts of the spell and cannot be circumvented. This also prevents
for reasons of time and philosophy. casting such spells quickly or instantly.

19
 Martial Arts
Martial Arts use the rules for Strifes (p. 212), except as noted other-
wise in this document.
The Lesser Strifes are analogous to the Terrestrial Martial Arts.
Any mortal can learn them, with the aid of a teacher.
The True Strifes are analogous to the Celestial Martial Arts. Any
Exalt can learn them, as can most spirits or other enlightened indi-
viduals. The main barrier is that most characters are quite limited in
the Celestial Martial Arts they can learn without a teacher.
The Sidereal Martial Arts consists of two distinct types. The first
type is a small subset of True Strifes that have unique benefits to
Sidereal practitioners. Other Exalted may still learn them, but only
a Sidereal can fully utilize them. The other type is Sidereal gifts and
miracles which often take the trappings of martial arts.
The Exalted are natural martial artists. For the first Celestial
Martial Art they learn, the cost of the initial and final technique is
reduced to one-half gift point each (allowing full mastery for a to-
tal cost of four points). Additionally, the Exalted can do without a
teacher for a range of martial arts. These exemptions may come from
the Exaltation’s themes or the memories of its past lives. Among all
of Creation, the Sidereal Exalted have forever been and continue to
be the supreme martial artists.
Crane Style
Weapons and Armor: Crane style’s unarmed attacks are usually
sweeping, open-handed motions. It is compatible with the use of
paired war fans and hooked swords, but not with armor.
The Lesser Strife
Initiate: The initiate is immune to surprise.
Disciple: The disciple fly 50 feet as an action, and their attacks do
1d6 damage and count as a magical weapon.
Master: The can commit Effort for the day to counterattack once
against each opponent that attacks him until he takes a hostile act.
Techniques
Fluttering Cry of Warning Constant
You cannot be surprised. You also perceive surprise attacks against
nearby allies swiftly enough to warn them, preventing them from
being surprised.
20
Martial Arts Lore
Eliminating the restrictions on Exalted learning specific martial
arts above their tier has a few implications for the setting. Most
importantly, it eliminates the idea of needing to enlighten mortals
and Dragon-Blooded to reach their potential. These changes will
have little significance for most campaigns, but the GM should be
aware of and consider them.
Crossed Wings Denial Instant
When physically attacked, you may commit Effort for the scene to
negate that attack and all other attacks against you from that attacker
until the start of your next turn. You cannot take a hostile action
against any target on your next turn.
Feather-Stirred Arrow Deflection Instant
Commit Effort for the scene. If you are attacked by a physical projec-
tile, you may force your attacker to launch an identical attack against
a valid target of your choice (including themselves).
Wings Spread to Sky Action
Fly up to 50 feet, to a maximum height of 200 feet. If you do not fly
each turn while in midair, you fall immediately.
Beak Spears Frog On Turn
Commit Effort for the scene. If you are attacked by an opponent
within reach, you may immediately make a single attack against them.
This effect ends if you take a hostile action against any target.
Wisdom of the Celestial Crane Constant
Your unarmed attacks count magical weapon dealing 1d8 damage,
and your AC is reduced by 3 (to a minimum of 0). After striking
an opponent, you can speak to them an earnest lesson or warning.
The next scene where that opponent faces a situation related to that
lesson or warning, they must heed your words or suffer a +2 penalty
to AC and -2 penalty on all attack rolls for that scene. Worthy foes
may resist this effect with a save versus Spirit at the time they would
suffer the penalty. Any opponent may only be given one lesson or
warning per scene.
Eagle Style The Lesser Strife
Initiate: The initiate’s movement ignores partial obstructions, and
Weapons and Armor: Practitioners may use talons, khatars, and his unarmed attacks gain a 50 foot range.
light armor.
Disciple: The disciple’s AC is reduced by 2 (to a minimum of 0),
and can commit Effort for the day to move their target 300 feet (re-
The Lesser Strife sisted by a save versus Evasion).
Initiate: The initiate reduces their AC by 2 (to a minimum of 0)
Master: The master’s unarmed attacks do 1d6 damage, count as a
and doubling any speed when closing towards a foe or moving in a
magical weapon, and can strike immaterial targets.
downward direction.

Disciple: The disciple’s attacks unarmed count as a magical Techniques

weapon doing 1d6 damage, and he can glide down up to 30 feet
horizontally as long as he descends at least half that distance verti-
cally.
Master: The master may commit Effort for the scene to inflict 1d4
damage per level on a target within reach. If that target is below the
master, or the master started their action from several feet above the
target and descended to attack, the damage increases to 1d8 per level.
Techniques
Diving Hawk Approach Constant
The adept moves swiftly, reducing their AC by 3 (to a minimum of
0) and doubling any speed when closing towards a foe or moving in
a downward direction.
Raptor Talons Technique Constant
The adept’s unarmed attacks count as a magical weapon doing 1d10
damage.
Unrestrained Wanderer Method Constant
The adept has flawless balance and ignores any obstacle which would
not fully obstruct his passage. A Sidereal adept create a solid path of
golden essence in any direction or orientation as he moves, allowing
him and a handful of allies to walk over water and lava, on inverted
surfaces, or into midair.
Winding Path Assault Constant
Commit Effort. The adept collapses space between themselves and
their target, increasing the range of their attacks by 50 feet and caus-
ing their unarmed attacks to deal 1d6 damage. A Sidereal adept’s
instead deals 1d8 damage and ignores cover provided they know the
target’s location to within 10 feet.
Endless Expanse Buffer On Turn
Commit Effort. The adept dilates space around themselves, reduc-
ing their AC by 3 (to a minimum of 0) and doubling the effective
distance from any ranged attacker to him. A Sidereal adept also
halves the movement speed of opponents within 100 feet.

Eagle Eye Method On Turn Walking a Thousand Roads Action

The adept may commit Effort to gain visual acuity sufficient to see a Commit Effort for the day. The adept folds space to be in multiple
mouse from three miles distance (or similar feats). places at once. He occupies space as a small mob, but can only act as
one individual in the mob. He gains bonus hit points equal to half
Mighty Falcon Assault (Smite) Action his level (maximum 5); these cannot be healed and are lost before
The adept may commit Effort for the scene to inflict 1d6 damage normal HD or hit points. The effect ends at the end of the scene, or
per level on a target within reach. If that target is below the adept, or once the bonus hit points are lost. A Sidereal adept can attack mul-
the adept started their action from several feet above the target and tiple foes as if he were a mob, provided his attack does not require
descended to attack, the damage increases to 1d10 per level. committing Effort.

Gliding Wings Style On Turn Journey Launching Blow Action

The adept may commit Effort to turn a jump into a glide. He may Commit Effort for the scene. The adept strikes a blow which propels
move up to 60 feet horizontally as long as he descends at least half the victim (harmlessly, though perhaps disorientingly) to a location
that distance vertically. of their choice within 1000 feet which is not imminently harmful
(harmful locations include midair, underwater, on fire, or trapped).
Soaring Thermal Kata Action Worthy foes can resist this with an Evasion save. Sidereal adepts may
The adept can commit Effort for the day to rise up to 15 feet in the air choose a not imminently harmful location they own or have visited
as an action. They may continue rising using their action on consecu- in the last day.
tive turns, to a maximum height of 75 feet over their initial elevation.
Inescapable Psychopomp Stride Constant
The adept’s attacks count as magical weapons, and the adept can
Golden Home of Wanderers Style perceive immaterial targets as well as material. A Sidereal adept can
commit Effort for the day to instantly pursue a target that crosses vast
Weapons and Armor: Practitioners may use rope darts (or chain distances (as by teleportation) or between realms (between Creation,
diaklaives), but may not use armor. the Underworld, or Malfeas).

21
 Plague Carrier’s Bite (Smite) Action
The adept can commit Effort for the day to deal up to 1d6 damage
Rat Style per level to a target within reach. Within 1d8 hours, that target
becomes sick with a disease inflicting a -4 penalty on all attacks and
Weapons and Armor: Practitioners may use cestuses, knives, Attribute checks, and lasting up to a week. The illness can be spread
khatars, and light armor. to lesser foes once it is symptomatic, if proper precautions aren’t
taken. Worthy foes can negate the initial infection and lesser foes
The Lesser Strife can negate subsequent infections with a successful Hardiness save.
Initiate: The initiate reduces their AC by 2 (to a minimum of
0) and has a Fact related to slipping restraints or moving quickly
through confined spaces.
Snake Style
Weapons and Armor: Practitioners may use a seven section sta�,
Disciple: The disciple’s unarmed attacks count as a magical hooked swords, and light armor.
weapon doing 1d6 damage. On hitting a lesser foe, the disciple may
steal a small item from the struck victim which is not in active use or The Lesser Strife
deliberately protected or hidden.
Initiate: The initiate is immune to poison, and their unarmed at-
tacks do 1d6 poison damage.
Master: The master may commit effort to know what a target is
focused on. If the target’s attention drifts elsewhere, the master’s Disciple: The disciple may negate the damage of an attack that
attack automatically hits strikes them once per combat.
Master: The master’s unarmed attacks do 1d8 poison damage. The
Techniques can commit Effort for the day after successfully hitting to read their
Scurrying Rodent Evasion Constant damage straight.
The adept is agile and nimble, reducing their AC by 3 (to a minimum
of 0) and giving them a Fact related to slipping restraints or moving Techniques
quickly through confined spaces.
Striking Cobra Technique Constant
Your first attack of each scene does maximum damage. Your AC is
Thieving Fink Claws On Turn reduced by 3 (to a minimum of 0), and you gain immunity to natural
The adept may commit Effort to have their unarmed attacks count and supernatural venoms and poisons.
as a magical weapon doing 1d8 damage. On a hit, they may steal a
small item from the struck victim, provided the item is not in active Armor-Penetrating Fang Strike On Turn
use or deliberately protected or hidden. Worthy foes can only be Commit effort. Your attacks ignore any improvement to a target’s
stolen from once per day in this way, and can negate the theft with Base AC from worn armor (effectively setting it to 9).
a successful Evasion save.
Snake Strikes the Heel Instant
Scheming Opportunist’s Eye On Turn When struck by an attack, you may commit Effort for the scene
The adept may commit Effort and choose a target within sight. They to launch an attack against your attacker (provided they are within
immediately know what their target is paying attention to or consid- reach). This attack automatically hits, and does maximum damage
ers important in the vicinity. If the adept is not the target’s focus to lesser foes.
or they are unaware of the adept, the adept’s next attack against the
target on that turn automatically hits. Uncoiling Serpent Prana Constant
Your unarmed attacks count as a magical weapon dealing 1d8 dam-
Lurking in Shadow Technique Action age, and gain a range of 30 feet. This technique counts as a Fact for
The adept may commit Effort for the scene to instantly hide in any checks dealing with acrobatics and contortion.
suitable concealment. This is proof against mundane detection, but
can be opposed by magic. It ends if the adept moves more than a Serpentine Evasion Instant
few steps from his location, takes an action to reveal himself, or is When struck by an attack, you may commit Effort for the scene.
discovered in another way. Negate the damage of that attack, and move up to 30 feet.

Swarming Vermin Method Instant Essence Venom Strike (Smite) Action

The adept may commit Effort for the scene in order to double their
movement for the turn and have their next attack automatically hit.
Foes struck by this attack must make an immediate Morale check,
unless they are immune to fear and disgust.
Commit Effort for the day to strike and automatically hit an oppo-
nent within reach, poisoning their essence. The attack counts as
either a magical weapon or poison, is read straight, and adds your
HD in damage (up to a maximum of +10). A victim can only be
affected by this technique once per day.

22

Throne Shadow Style
Weapons and Armor: Practitioners may use cestuses, gauntlets,
khatars, claws, and armor.
The Lesser Strife
Initiate: The initiate can create a Shadow Finger, granting them a
+1 attack bonus.
Disciple: The disciple may create two Shadow Fingers, and may
redirect attacks to those Shadow Fingers.
Master: The master may commit Effort for the day to steal a target’s
breath, inflicting a -4 penalty to the target’s Actions and Attribute
checks unless they succeed on a Hardiness save. Thereafter, their un-
armed attacks count as a magical weapon dealing 1d8 damage with
a range of 30 feet.
Techniques
Sifu’s Useful Fingers On Turn
Commit Effort. With a five minute lesson or lecture, a willing sub-
ject becomes a “Shadow Finger.” The Shadow Finger is immune
to unwanted emotion-affect effects, and the adept is aware if the
Shadow Finger is attacked. An NPC Shadow Finger also gains +1 to
hit. An adept can have up to one Shadow Finger per level or HD (to
a maximum of 10). These benefits end if the Technique is ended, but
are restored instantly on reactivation. Either the adept or a Shadow
Finger may renounce that Shadow Finger’s status at any time.
Lotus Eye Tactics Constant
The adept and their Shadow Fingers may strike dematerialized tar-
gets. If the adept or a Shadow Finger attacks a target, attacks by
Shadow Fingers on the same target in the same turn may use the
adept’s base attack bonus (to a maximum of +10) instead their own.
Shadow Lost in Court Constant
When the adept is attacked within 30 feet of a Shadow Finger, the
adept may choose to direct that attack to the Shadow Finger instead.
Pneuma-Sealing Strike Action
The adept hits a target and steals their breath. The target’s attacks
and Attribute checks suffer -4 penalty, and they begin suffocating.
The adept may use the breath as a magical weapon dealing 1d8 dam-
age with a range of 30 feet. The adept may end the effect by striking
the target again. The adept must commit effort for the scene to af-
fect a worthy foe, and such foes can attempt a save versus Hardiness
immediately and every five rounds thereafter to negate the effect.
Welcoming the Uninvited Guest Action
The Sidereal strikes a blow that reveals hidden or dematerialized foes
within 150 feet. Foes revealed remain so until they hide themselves
again. Worthy foes that are hidden (and not merely dematerialized)
may resist with a successful Evasion save.
23
Finger-Stealing Handshake Action
Commit Effort for the day. A number of lesser foes equal to the
adept’s level or HD (to a maximum of 10) switch sides to ally with
the adept in battle. These lesser foes count as Shadow Fingers for
the scene. Lesser who are leading the opposition or are otherwise of
plot significance cannot be affected in this way.
Tiger Style
Weapons and Armor: Tiger style’s unarmed attacks simulate rak-
ing slashes. It is compatible with a the use of claws, and with light
armor.
The Lesser Strife
Initiate: The initiate’s unarmed attacks do 1d8 damage and count
as magical weapons.
Disciple: Once per combat the disciple can move up to 150 feet
and attack as an action.
Master: The master may commit Effort for the day to launch an
extra attack each round until he goes a round without attacking.
Techniques
Striking Fury Claws Constant
Your unarmed attacks count as magical weapon dealing 1d10 dam-
age, though you must use Strength for attack and damage rolls to
benefit from this Technique.
Raging Tiger Pounce Action
Commit Effort for the scene. You move up to 150 feet and attack a
target at the end of that move. Lesser foes are knocked prone; worthy
ones may resist with a save versus Evasion.
Celestial Tiger Hide Constant
Your AC is reduced by 3 (to a minimum of 0). You may commit
Effort for the scene to reduce all damage from attacks by 1 for one
round (not cumulatively) as an Instant effect.
Spine-Shattering Bite Action
Commit Effort for the scene. You automatically hit with an attack
that cripples lesser foes: halve their movement and increase their
AC by two (to a maximum of 9). Worthy foes can resist with a save
versus Hardiness.
Undying Predator’s Roar Action
Commit Effort for the day. All foes within 50 feet must make an
immediate Morale check. This gift can only be used against a foe
once per scene (regardless of the number of practitioners), and PCs
are immune.
Angry Predator Frenzy On Turn
Commit Effort for the day. You may make an extra attack every
round, until you do not attack during a round.
 Enduring Oak Vitality Constant
The adept’s AC is reduced by 3 (to a minimum of 0), and he gains
Wood Dragon Style immunity to natural and supernatural venoms and poisons.
Weapons and Armor: Practitioners may use bo staves and armor. Endless Regrowth Meditation On Turn
The adept commits Effort for the day. He heals 1d8 hit points per
The Lesser Strife three levels, rounded up, at a rate of up to two per round.
Initiate: The initiate’s attacks count as a magical weapon doing 1d6
damage which can affect immaterial creatures and may count as poi- Eyes in the Trees Action
son. The adept chooses a target in sight and commits Effort, marking
them. As long as the Effort remains committed, the adept knows
Disciple: The disciple’s AC is reduced by 3 (to a minimum of 0), that target’s level or HD, cannot be surprised by the target, and can
and he gains immunity to natural and supernatural venoms and poi- always track the target.
sons.

Master: The master may commit Effort for the day and chooses a
target within 100 feet. That target is stunned and cannot take any
action until they are attacked or the scene ends. If they are attacked,
they can defend normally. Worthy foes can negate this effect with a
successful save versus Spirit.
Techniques
Spirit-Poisoning Technique Constant
The adept’s unarmed attacks count as a magical weapon doing 1d8
damage which can affect immaterial creatures and may count as poi-
son.
Unbreakable Fascination Kata Action
The adept chooses a target within 100 feet. That target is stunned
and cannot take any action until they are attacked or the scene ends.
If they are attacked, they can defend normally. To affect worthy foes,
the adept must commit Effort for the scene, and worthy foes can
negate this effect with a successful save versus Spirit.
Soul-Rending Blow (Smite) Action
The adept commits Effort for the day to inflict 1d6 damage die per
level on a target within reach. This damage cannot be healed without
gifts or powers of similar effectiveness. Each opponent can only be
affected by this or similar healing-resistant damage once per day.

24
 Allies, Foes, Beasts, and Spirits

Demons Neomah, the Maker of Flesh

Neomah look like hairless androgynes, yet have an allure and passion
All demons are spirits and naturally dematerialized in Creation. for their arts. They are ideal courtesans for Sorcerers to summon, and
They can use the gifts Materialize and Hurry Home. First circle also have the ability to create children from the flesh (or other tissues
demons are usually permanently destroyed when killed, while sec- and fluids) of multiple parents. They may commit Effort for the day
ond or third circle demons usually reform at some appropriate place to pacify and seduce any victim that fails a Spirit saving throw.
(usually in their sanctum or elsewhere in Malfeas) a while later.
Second Circle Demons
First Circle Demons
Second Circle Demons are truly unique entities and are frequently
The following four First Circle Demons represent common selec- ambitious, proud, and powerful. Such creatures can be modeled as
tions of the sorcerer for basic combat, transport, construction, and Weak or Established Parasite Gods (p. 148), and may have up to two
other needs. Innumerable other types of First Circle Souls exist, but bound Words or an array of gifts appropriate to their nature.
few are as well known or versatile.
Third Circle Demons
Agata Erymanthus Marotte Neomah
AC: 5 5 7 5 Third Circle Demons are the essential components underlying the
Hit Dice: 6 6 3 3 titanic Primordials themselves. Most have been around forever, and
Attacks: +6 +6 x 2 +2 x 4 +3 all have a firm identity and terrifying power. Such entities are at least
Damage: 1d6 straight 1d6 straight 1d6 1d6 as powerful as Dread Parasite Gods (p. 148), and may have multiple
Move: 60’ fly 40’ run 30’ run 30’ run bound Words or a vast array of gifts appropriate to their nature.
Saves: 12+ 12+ 13+ 13+
Morale:
Effort:
7
2
9
2
9
2
7
2
Elementals
The modern elementals are descendants of ancient elementals and,
Agata, the Beauteous Wasp after a fashion, lesser cousins of the five Elemental Dragons. Elemen-
Agata look like a giant wasp carved from crystal, and are emotionally tals are spirits that occur naturally out of imbalances in the dragon
fluid and unpredictable beasts. They are ideal mounts and beasts lines. They take known forms, such as Wood Spiders and Storm
of burden for Sorcerers. They may commit Effort for the day as an Mothers. They are naturally material creatures, and if killed are usu-
Instant effect to cause a hit to poison the victim, causing violent sick- ally permanently destroyed.
ness and a -4 penalty to all d20-based rolls for the day if the victim Elementals don’t have a particular charge the same way that gods
fails a Hardiness saving throw. do. Instead, they find tasks that help to rectifying imbalances in the
natural flows of elemental magic in the world. Their interests are typ-
Erymanthus, the Blood-Ape
ically quite circumscribed. They are ageless, however, and can grow
Erymanthus look like massive, red-furred apes studded with black significantly in power with time.
bone, and are vicious predators. They are ideal brawlers for Sorcer-
Gods hold little regard for elementals. However, elementals are
ers to summon. They may commit Effort for the day to emit a roar
incredibly dedicated, if narrowly attentive. They are heavily involved
dealing 3d6 damage to a target up to 50 feet away; the victim can
in the Spirit Courts. Despite not fully understanding the purpose
attempt an Evasion save for half damage.
of everything they do, are quite adept. While the elementals (and
Marotte, the Hopping Puppeteer terrestrial gods) are technically functionaries of the Celestial Bureau-
Marottes look like an oversized knot of tangled hair, yet each hair is cracy, they typically receive little notice. Thus, the Courts have some
a limb with its own objectives. They are ideal builders, able to work degree of autonomy.
over 100-times faster than any mortal. They are also talented assas- Most elementals can be adequately modeled using the rules for
sins: they may commit Effort for the day to secrete a narcotic bile Spirits (p. 161), running the range from Minor (most functionaries)
that will paralyze a victim for a scene if that victim fails a Hardiness to Mighty (lesser elemental dragons). They may have the gift Dema-
saving throw. terialize.

25
Fair Folk Spirit-Touched
The Fair Folk are strange invaders from beyond Creation. Having Spirit-Touched are the offspring of mortal humans and some type
nearly destroyed it once, they loiter in pockets of Wyld energy called of spirit. Such conceptions are born of all the same desires as ordi-
freeholds, or linger hungrily near its borders. Fair Folk feast on nary mortal affairs. Unlike those more ordinary relations, there is a
dreams and desires, manipulate emotion and illusion, and weave sto- small chance for such children to have gifts reflecting their spirit par-
ries that make sense only to them. ent’s nature. Such children are called god-blooded, ghost-blooded,
or demon-blooded, respectively. Occasionally, the children of pow-
Hobgoblin Lorelei Cataphract erful Celestial Exalted are similarly gifted; such children are known
AC: 7 7 3 as Half-Castes.
Hit Dice: 2 4 6
Spirit-Touched are adequately modeled as common or exceptional
Attacks: +2 +4 +6 x 2
humans (p. 154). They have at least one lesser gift, and any of their
Damage: 1d6 1d6 straight 1d8 straight
gifts may include ones representing iconic powers inherited from
Move: 30’ run 40’ run 50’ run
their spirit parents. A Spirit-Touched who becomes Exalted follows
Saves: 14+ 12+ 10+
the rules for Mortals Becoming Godbound (p. 195). They do not auto-
Morale: 9 7 11
matically maintain their inherited gifts, but may choose to purchase
Effort: 1 2 2
them with gift points (even without related Words).
The three most common varieties of Fair Folk seen on Creation’s
interior are humanoid in shape. Hobgoblins are small, ugly, come
in packs, steal, murder, and kidnap, and may have a gift related to
Undead
stealth or theft. Lorelei are beautiful, tempt people with illusions and Undead are the remnants of the living in body and mind. Besides
desire, and may have a few lesser Deception or Passion gifts. Cat- their corpse, mortals leave behind their hun soul—the seat of iden-
aphracts are fearsome warriors, and may have a few gifts related to tity and will, and their po soul—their animal instincts. Ordinarily,
combat prowess. Numerous other bestial and brutish varieties exist, by three days after death, the hun has passed into the cycle of rein-
mostly near Creation’s edges. carnation, the po has dissipated, and the body is severely decayed.
However, odd circumstances and the actions of powerful entities can
Gods alter the cycle, making them linger in the Underworld or, occasion-
ally, within Creation. Undead are foreign to life, and cannot recover
Creation is filled with gods of all different sorts, ranging in power Effort outside of the Underworld or Shadowlands.
from the little gods of small but significant objects to the mighty In-
carna themselves. Gods are spirits, and are naturally dematerialized Corpses and Constructs
in Creation. If killed, gods typically reform at some appropriate place
(usually in their sanctum) a while later. Skeleton/Zombie
A god’s primary task is governing the objects of their estate. Skeletons and zombies are corpses, reanimated by necromancers.
Some gods, but not all, have significant direct power over their es- They usually serve as warriors, servitors, or for manual labor. An-
tate. The god’s failure to maintain their estate will usually result in imals corpses may also be animated, but have the same traits unless
some eventual malfunction, the consequences of which can vary and the creature is very unusual. They are modeled as Ancalian Husks (p.
are up to the GM. 165),
Gods are members of the Celestial Bureaucracy. Celestial gods
are usually more powerful, have vast or important estates, and usually Spine Chain
reside in Yu Shan. Terrestrial gods are weaker, have smaller estates Spine Chains are one example of stitched-together corpse constructs
in Yu Shan, or may reside in Creation. Terrestrial gods are also more favored by necromancers. These strings of skeletal torsos and arms
likely to join the spirit courts. act as self-propelled ramparts, scaling ladders, and battering rams.
All gods wish for several things: more worship, more respect, and
a grander estate. These things often go together. Gods live long, and
pursue these agendas relentlessly. Gods also have basic emotions and AC: 9 Move: 50’ run
desires, and can be deeply affected by changes in their estates. Any of Hit Dice: 15 Saves: 11+
these motivations can drive gods to actions which might antagonize Effort: 2 Attacks: +5 x 6
or harm others. Morale: 12 Damage: 1d6
Most gods can be adequately modeled using the rules for Spir-
its (p. 161). Most gods are Minor, warlike gods (including Celes-
tial Lions) are Major, and the very powerful gods (Ahlat, Amoth) Barghest
are Mighty. Gods like the incarna are well-beyond Mighty Spirits in Barghests are massive, black mastiffs that are actually still alive, but
power. All gods have the gift Materialize, and those with sanctums have adapted to the Underworld. They hunt in packs, and are some-
have Hurry Home. They may have multiple bound Words or an array times commanded by the Neverborn’s servants. They are modeled
of gifts appropriate to their nature. as Pack Hunters (p. 155).

26
Ghosts
Ghosts are spirits. Most are naturally materialized in Creation dur-
ing the night. Daylight destroys them, dematerializes them, or drives
them into hiding. If a ghost is killed, roll 1d6. On a 1 or 2, it reforms
a while later; on a 3 or 4, it returns to the cycle of reincarnation; on a
5 or 6, it plunges into Oblivion and is utterly destroyed. These odds
may vary depending on the ghost.
Lunars and Sidereals feud internally over ancient philosophical dis-
agreements.
Though Godbound does not intend for the titular characters to
oppose one another—after all, the few PCs are the only ones of their
kind in the entire realm—such clashes between the Chosen are an es-
sential element of many Exalted games. What makes these conflicts
so memorable is the unique participants themselves.

Hungry Ghost Creating Chosen Antagonists

Hungry ghosts are the ghostly remnants of murder victims. They
To create an Exalted antagonist, first decide his Exaltation and level,
hunt their murderer, but will slay other victims as well. They are
as described in The Chosen. Next, select his Words and gifts;
modeled as Minor Spirits (p. 161), and have one or two predation-
gifts selection may not be necessary, especially for those Exalted
related lesser gifts.
with unrestricted miracle use. He also gains any relevant perks and
War Ghost bonuses from his Exaltation. Determine AC, HP, Effort, Saves, At-
War ghosts are the majority of troops within the Underworld. They tack Bonus, and Damage as if all Attribute Modifiers were +2. Ex-
serve Nephwracks, Deathlords, and the Abyssal Exalted. They are alted have a 30’ run movement speed, in addition to any granted
modeled as Minor Spirits (p. 161), and have the gift Materialize in by their powers. While Exalted are generally immune to panic, they
addition to one or two combat-related lesser gifts. may choose to flee a fight for various reasons: default to a Morale of
9 or 11, depending on their motivations in the fight. The Exalted
Mortwright
antagonists get at least one attack or action per opposing PC; if there
Mortwights are hun ghosts which were filled with hate, fear, or de-
are multiple Exalted antagonists, divide their allotted actions evenly
spair throughout life. They descend into the Labyrinth, becoming
among them (to a minimum of one action each).
less human and more bestial. They are modeled as Lone Hunters (p.
Alternatively, a GM may also simply use the stat-blocks from
155), with the gift Materialize and one or two predation-related lesser
other Dark and Terrible Foes (p. 145), with an Exalted overlay. While
gifts.
this is effective in a pinch, combats are not nearly as dynamic as they
Nemissary might otherwise be, since few foes have the variety of powers that the
Nemissaries are ghost spies, assassins, and saboteurs. They are mod- Exalted bring to bear.
eled as Major Spirits (p. 161), and have the gifts Materialize, Nemis-
sary’s Ride (they may commit Effort for the day to animate, inhabit, Chosen Examples
and control and possess a recently dead corpse), and one or two other The Bull of the North
lesser gifts. The Bull of the North is a Dawn Caste Solar Exalt who united most
Nephwrack of the Icewalker tribes and led them to victory over five Imperial Le-
Nephwracks are ancient ghosts maddened by the revelatory touch gions. His power has rapidly matured, and he is level 5. He is bound
of the Neverborn. They are modeled as Lesser Eldritch (p. 148), are to the Words of Command, Endurance, Journeying, and Sword.
bound to the Death Word, are Shadowlands Circle Necromancers,
AC: 3 Move: 30’ run
and have the gifts Materialize, Nemissary’s Ride, and up to three
Hit Points: 30 Saves: 9+
more lesser gifts.
Effort: 6 Attacks: +9
Morale: 11 Damage: 1d10+2 diaklaive
The Exalted
Peleps Deled
The Exalted are arguably the most powerful force Creation has ever The very definition of overzealousness, Peleps Deled is a Water As-
known, yet by far the fewest in number. Even the numerous Dragon- pect who has taken more loathing to internal heresy (as he sees
Blooded presently number in the tens of thousands at at most, and it) than the Anathema. A skilled martial artist, he has slain sev-
these heroes are spread out over the whole of Creation. Each of the eral peers, and is level 3. He is bound to the Words of Alacrity,
Exalted could claim a small kingdom unto themselves and never need Knowledge, Sea, and Sword, and has mastered The True Strife of
to come into conflict. the Drowning Tide.
Yet the history of Creation, writ large, is the story of the Ex-
alted and their great struggles against both the enemies of the world AC: 1 Move: 30’ run
and each other. To this day, that struggle continues. Immaculate Hit Points: 20 Saves: 11+
Dragon-Blooded and Bronze Faction Sidereals hunt Solar and Lunar Effort: 4 Attacks: +5
Exalted. Dynasts duel over distinctions and desires large and small. Morale: 11 Damage: 1d8+2 spear

27
 Acknowledgements

While this project was primarily my own writing, I cannot claim sole Members of the Exalted fan community have contributed inspi-
credit for all the ideas and formulations. It goes without saying that rational lore in their own right, and some of it has influenced this
neither Exalted nor Godbound are my work; beyond this, several document. Specifically, Terrifying Argent Witches is the work of fan
other devoted fans of those games have helped me create this through Revlid, and The Golden Home of Wanderers Style is adapted from the
inspirational discussion, their own work which I have adapted (with work of fan Melissa “JiveX” Xavier.
permission), and rigorous testing and feedback. TavelGorge’s Sponsored by Nobody podcasts led me to begin explor-
ing Godbound and seeing it as a viable complement to Exalted. His
Godbound is a Sine Nomine publication authored by Kevin
Exalted-to-Godbound Conversion also significantly influenced my own
Crawford. Specifically, Godbound game provides the mechanical
adaptation in its early iterations, and is the direct source for most of
underpinnings that this entire adaptation relies on. Additionally,
the Colossus Word.
Kevin Crawford is very involved with the Godbound player commu-
DragonMystic has developed his own adaptation, and its simple el-
nity, particularly in answering their questions, responding to feed-
egance influenced many of the changes from version 3.1 to 4.0. He
back, and sometimes creating more free material just because he was
also provided helpful comments on drafts for this document.
asked.
Mason Munden was exceptionally helpful when development
Exalted is published by White Wolf, with innumerable authors switched to LaTeX, contributing useful code and helping me debug.
and developers. Specifically, Exalted is the source for the terminol- Exthalion provided important testing of Alchemical adaptations,
ogy relating to the titular heroes, their antagonists, the lore, and so and helped brainstorm ideas critical to developing the Alchemical
forth which inspired all decisions made in this adaptation. Addition- Polis Word and Infernals, including suggesting key terminology.
ally, many of the authors and developers have maintained strong ties Raven Lane provided great help in tuning, testing, and critiquing
to the game’s community, which has contributed to over a decade of the project, using her game as a testing ground for ongoing changes.
fascination of at least thousands of fans. I also thank her players who put up with the ever-shifting rules.

28