Editing SoF Exalted/CC Summary (section)

=Character Concepts=


Once you have an agreed CamPL, that should start to inform the kinds of characters that would be appropriate in the game. Drawing on the agreed details of the setting (eg where and when in Creation) and specific premise (eg a particular location and who the PC group are), try to encapsulate what your character is about in a few sentences or so.

Something that CamPL will determine is just what sorts of characters are available. These are outlined in more detail below.


==Non-Exalted Character Types==


While the focus of the core game is often on Exalts, they're not the only people in Creation who are out there doing important things. There are a variety of non-Exalted types from mortals to the children of powerful beings with supernatural power flowing through their veins. Not only that, there are a lot of them, they are the majority of PC types in existence.


===Mortals===

The vast bulk of the population of Creation are mortals, teeming in their untold millions. While it could be easy to dismiss them because of their short lifespans and lack of Essence, they are the bedrock upon which every society rests. Without the common man or woman, the great heroes have nothing to eat, drink or wear, no one to fight and die for. One additional nuance is that many of the Exalted begin their lives as mortals, discovering their heritage or destiny later in life.


'''Ordinary Mortals'''

Most mortals are average people who might have a trade or a craft. Farmers, artisans, labourers, priests, merchants and the like. Tradition, inherited privilege, hard work, practised skill and applied effort are some of the ways they get by. They are built using the Mortal or Expert Mortal CamPLs, and they have no Advantages that are out of the ordinary or supernatural in origin. 


'''Heroic Mortals'''

A small subset of the ruck and run of humanity are just a little bit more capable and competent than the rest. Whether by birth, circumstance or some other factor, they excel. It is usually from amongst Heroic Mortals that Exaltation happens, the divine choosing those who have already distinguished themselves to be their chosen champions. They are built using the Heroic Mortal CamPL.


'''Enlightened Mortals'''

An even more select group are those who by exposure to the Wyld, extreme meditation and exercise, the application of divine powers or several other means have their spark of life Awakened. This allows them to manipulate Essence like the Exalted and other powerful beings, stealing just a fragment of that divinity for themselves. While they are normally built using the Heroic Mortal CamPL, they also get the Enlightened Mortal Power Package for free.

They may learn Terrestrial Martial Arts, Terrestrial Sorcery and have an enhanced use of Mortal Thaumaturgy. Note these are the only Powers that a mortal may learn.


'''Optional Rule: Gritty Consequences'''

Mortals are distinguished from all the supernaturally-powered beings in Creation by their fragility. They bleed profusely from wounds, suffer infection and disease, fall easily to poison. If you wish to evoke this in all its glory, even beyond what is covered in the SoF rulebook, one option is to use [http://voidstar.squarespace.com/storage/Gritty%20Consequences.pdf Gritty Consequences].

This means that when mortals take Consequences, they may take more than just time and rest to recover from, requiring medical attention. Needless to say, Exalts with their blessed constitutions do not need to worry about any of this.

 See pages 269 and 285 of the SoF rulebook for more information on Disease and Poison/Drugs.


===God-Blooded===

Where mortals have to make their way in life through luck and effort, the collection of beings known as God-Blooded do so because of their august heritage. Sired by powerful beings, they carry a spark of that divinity in their blood. They do not approach the true Exalted in sheer power, but they are even more numerous than the Terrestrial Exalted.

A God-Blooded character's nature is dependent on their parentage. This determines what Powers they have access to and their relationships with other powerful beings. God-Blooded are often the champions, priests and emissaries of either their divine parents or some other powerful being. While there are a minority wandering around searching for a purpose, or working for mortal organisations, most fall into intermediary roles in the supernatural world.


'''Demon-Blooded'''

The Demon-blooded born from the union of a demon and a mortal. These children often inherit physical and supernatural features from their Demon parent. There are two distinct catagories of Demon-Blooded, the Hellspawn and the Yozi-kin. The chief difference between the two appears to be the means by which they are empowered. Hellspawn draw their power from their lineage, whereas Yozi-kin are empowered by their patron.


'''Fae-Blooded'''

The Fae-Blooded are the result of the mating between a Fair Folk and a normal mortal. Unlike either of their parents, Fae-Blooded can function equally well in both the unshaped chaos of the Deep Wyld and Creation itself. Fae-Blooded tend to be very flamboyant and excessive in all things. Whatever they do, they do with gusto. Wherever they go, they leave their mark in lustful excess. They are comfortable in brothels, taverns, theaters with dramatic performances, or anywhere with strong emotion. 


'''Ghost-Blooded'''

The child of a ghost and a mortal, only possible through the use of the powerful magics. Ghost-Blooded are highly valued by the Deathlords, as they are mortal servants who can use necromancy, and are often chosen to become Abyssal Exalted. 


'''God-Blooded'''

The most common of the God-Blooded are those for whom all those with mixed mortal and supernatural heritage are named. They are the children of humans and either gods or elementals.


'''Half-Castes'''

Half-Castes are the children of the (non-Terrestrial) Exalted who have inherited a small share of their parent's power. There are five varieties of Half-Caste, corresponding to each of the (non-Terrestrial) Exalted. 

* Golden Children are the offspring of the Solar Exalted. 
* Moon-Born are sired by the Lunars. 
* Star-Blessed are the children of the Sidereals. 
* Shadowwalkers are the children of the Abyssals. 
* Grandchosen of the Yozis are the get of the Infernals.


==Exalted Character Types==

All types of Exalted are the chosen champions of some powerful, divine patron. One and all they are exceptional in some way, even before their Exaltation they would have been noteworthy. How this Exaltation manifests depends entirely on the divinity which empowered them. All Exalts receive the same Power package for free, but beyond that their Powers depend on their type.


===Terrestrial Exalted===

Also called the Dragon-Blooded, these are the champions of the five Elemental Dragons. For the last millennium and a half, they were the unquestioned rulers of Creation itself. Despite being the weakest Exalted in terms of raw power, the Terrestrial Exalts are the most numerous by far. 

Terrestrial Exaltation is a matter of breeding; those of purer and more powerful blood are more likely to produce offspring that Exalt. As with Celestial Exaltation, Lytek has some control over the process and determines the time and place, usually during adolescence. 


'''Air Aspect'''

The Terrestrial Exalted aligned to the Aspect of Air make up the light footed scholars and assassins of Creation. Also called the Children of Mela, members of the Air Aspect caste are closely in touch with the Element of Air. Air Aspects of good breeding will have light blue or white tinted skin. 


'''Earth Aspect'''

The Terrestrial Exalted aligned to the Aspect of Earth are the stable and productive craftsmen of the Realm as well as its best generals. Also called the Children of Pasiap, members of the Earth Aspect caste are closely in touch with the Element of Earth. 


'''Fire Aspect'''

The Terrestrial Exalted aligned to the Aspect of Fire make up the socialites and soldiers of the Dragon-Blooded. Also called the Children of Hesiesh, members of the Fire Aspect caste are closely in touch with the Element of Fire. 


'''Water Aspect'''

The Water Aspect Dragon Blooded are much like their element – slippery. Sailors without peer, masters of the Martial Arts, and brilliant Bureaucrats are but a few of the titles that Aspects of Water can carry. Also called the Children of Daana'd, members of the Water Aspect caste are closely in touch with the Element of Water.  Water Aspects of good breeding will have blue-green tinted skin, ranging from aqua blue to ebony black. As they age this deepens till the eldest have skin the black of the darkest deeps of the ocean. 


'''Wood Aspect'''

The Wood Aspect Dragon Blooded are far more than simply healers and rangers. They are the horsemen, the performers, the wise men of their kind, constantly aware of the cycles of life around them. They are strongly connected to life, it almost seems that they live in a different version of creation than others of their kind. Also called the Children of Sextes Jylis, members of the Wood Aspect caste are closely in touch with the Element of Wood. Wood aspects of good breeding will have green tinted skin, the scent of fresh flowers, plants, or trees around them, or, if they are old and well-bred enough, might even sprout flowers in their hair, especially around the temples. 


===Celestial Exalted===

The Celestial Exalted are the chosen champions of the gods. The Exaltation occurs when the Celestial Essence attaches itself to a person's soul. Those so blessed are chosen for various reasons, but all are Exalted for their capacity to use the Exaltation to it's fullest. Candidates are chosen by Lytek, the god of Exaltation. They were all created as weapons and servants of the causes of their patrons and are potentially the most powerful beings in all of Creation and beyond. 


====Solars====

Known also as the Lawgivers, the Solar Exalted are the champions of the Unconquered Sun. Once the masters of Creation, the Solars were betrayed and usurped by their trusted advisors and soldiers. Most Solars were unable to be reborn until recently, their Exaltation trapped in the Jade Prison, and the Wyld Hunt was organized to slay those few who did find a way to reincarnate. 


'''Dawn Caste'''

The Dawn Caste of the Solar Exalted is filled with the soldiers, generals, and martial champions of the Unconquered Sun. Some of Creation's greatest warriors herald from their ranks, as Dawn Caste essence shards manifest only in warriors. Even so, a warrior can take many forms ranging from war veterans to gang leaders.


'''Eclipse Caste'''

The Eclipse Caste Solar Exalted are most commonly Exalted from bureaucrats, diplomats, and couriers-- those who excel at social interaction. Where the other Solars represent mastery over Combat, Performance, Sorcery, and Stealth, the Eclipse Caste Solars are masters of negotiation and deal-making. Where a Dawn Caste might use his sword to defeat an army on the battlefield, an Eclipse will use his mastery of words to defeat a nation in its courts. 


'''Night Caste'''

The Night Caste of the Solar Exalted are usually exalted from the best spies, assassins, and thieves Creation has to offer. In the First Age the Night Caste solars served as silent assassins and enforcers of the law, allowing the light of the Sun to shine through even in darkness, and in the Second Age, some Night Castes are returning to this duty.


'''Twilight Caste'''

The Twilight Caste Solar Exalted are most commonly Exalted from scholars, and artisans-- those who are dedicated to the pursuit of knowledge and education. The Twilight Caste are best known for their powerful dominion over the realms of sorcery and magic. Since the Solars are the only Exalted with natural access to the highest circle of sorcery (The Solar Circle), many of the greatest sorcerers in Creation have been Twilight Castes.


'''Zenith Caste'''

The Zenith Caste Solar Exalted are priests, prophets and mystics. The Golden Bulls lead their circlemates into the fight against the Creatures of Darkness.


====Lunars====

These mighty savages are the champions of Luna. The Lunars were once the mates of the Solar Exalted, as well as their bodyguards and commanders of their armies. The Lunar Exalts either fled to the hinterlands of the Threshold after the Usurpation or died alongside their mates in futile battle. Today, most of these shapeshifting warriors live as barbarians, blaming the downfall of the Solars (and even their inability to save them) on civilization's softening effects.

The Lunar Exalted are the Chosen of Luna and are the most chaotic and savage of the Exalted. In the First Age the cunning shapeshifters were skilled fighters and capable generals who were commonly bonded in wedlock to the Solar Exalted. Those that did not die with their Solar mates fled to the edges of Creation. 


'''Changing Moon Caste'''

The Changing Moon Caste are the tricksters of Luna, masters of social influence, force of personality, persuasion and deceit. They defend Creation and the Silver Pact with their cunning, deception, and persuasion. Using guile or raw animal magnetism, Changing Moons trust in their ability to get other beings to do what is necessary. They are unmatched spies, assassins, and leaders. 


'''Full Moon Caste'''

The Full Moon Caste of the Lunar Exalted are the warriors of Luna, masters of physical force, agility, toughness and endurance. Named after the time when Luna is at her strongest, Full Moons defend Creation with their might, beating back the Wyld and other threats with moonsilver-edged blades or even their own claws and fangs.

Unquestionably the greatest warriors of the Silver Pact, they are unparalleled among the Exalted in might. Few beings can take on a Full Moon in combat, and even freshly tattoed Nightfangs are a challenge. They carry through battles and can leap out unhurt, shrug off the pain of wounds, or even redirect blows back to their opponents. While younger members of the Caste rely on their strength, those that survive to an older age move like quicksilver through blows and strike at key areas, crippling foolish opponents. 


'''No Moon Caste'''

The No Moon Caste are savants of Luna, masters of knowledge, thought, inquiry and the arcane. It was the No Moons who discovered the secret of their caste-affixing moonsilver tattoos, and they explore the secrets of the world under the cloak of Luna's dark nights.

No Moons are the sorcerers and savants of the Silver Pact, and hold much of their lore and history in oral tradition and dusty tomes. They are also the priests of Luna, a task once held by the lost Waxing Moon Caste. While other Lunar Castes can learn the charms needed to make form-fixing tattoos, No Moons learn them easier and faster than others, securing them an important place in the Pact. 


====Sidereals====

Also known as the Viziers, the Sidereal Exalted are the champions of the Five Maidens and the keepers of Fate. The Chosen of the Maidens are the savants and astrologers of the Exalted, as well as matchless martial artists.


'''Chosen of Battles'''

The Chosen of Battles are the warriors and generals of the Five-Score Fellowship. They are based at the Crimson Panoply of Victory, a fortress and training ground in Heaven. Their patron is the Maiden Mars.  They appreciate conflict, even if they don't enjoy it, and even if they don't care whether or not they win or lose, they recognize the importance of conflict itself. Those who are Exalted by the Chosen of Battles are often talented strategists or exceptional warriors even before they Exalt. As the Chosen of Mars, they pick which battles occur and which never come to pass. 


'''Chosen of Endings'''

The Chosen of Endings are the assassins and censors of the Five-Score Fellowship. They are based at the Violet Bier of Sorrows, an office-monetary in Heaven. Their patron is the Maiden Saturn. They are often preoccupied with death and cessation as children. Some spend their early years killing animals or ending friendships in an effort to better understand the phenomenon of finality. However, they understand that every "ending" is only a transition into a new moment, and they bring that understanding to their work. 


'''Chosen of Journeys'''

The Chosen of Journeys are the couriers and spies of the Five-Score Fellowship. They are based at the Golden Barque of the Heavens, a magnificent airship in Heaven. Their patron is the Maiden Mercury. They are filled with wanderlust, be it the desire to go somewhere or to get away from some place. They become skilled at the travel they enjoy and will continue journeys no matter the difficulties they may face, making them perfect for the purposes of the Maiden of Journeys. They also develop interests in the development of people and their own personal journeys, sometimes acting as guides toward enlightenment. 


'''Chosen of Secrets'''

The Chosen of Secrets are the counselors and sorcerers of the Five-Score Fellowship. They are based at the Forbidding Manse of Ivy, a library in Heaven. Their patron is the Maiden Jupiter. They find value in knowledge and secrets. They know that some knowledge is more valuable than other knowledge, and that secrets that are not widely known carry more value to those that want those secrets than secrets that are more widespread. They believe that secrets are sharper and finer weapons than any stilleto could ever be. 


'''Chosen of Serenity'''

The Chosen of Serenity are the diplomats and seducers of the Five-Score Fellowship. They are based at the Cerulean Lute of Harmony, a combination office, brothel and opium den in Heaven. Their patron is the Maiden Venus. They often enjoy life more than other people do and find joys in the simple pleasures in life. They don't seek pleasure for pleasure's sake, but they are looking for a realization of one's destiny through joy and serenity. 


===Other Exalted===

There are three other types of Exalted, with their own processes of creation and circulation.


====Abyssals====

The Abyssal Exalted are twisted Solar Exaltations, captured by the Deathlords and corrupted within a Monstrance of Celestial Portion. Commonly referred to as Deathknights, they are Exalted champions of the Deathlords and their Neverborn masters. They have only recently appeared, but they seem to be dark reflections of the returned Solar Exalted, with dark mockeries of the Solars' Caste Marks, Animas and even Charms.  


'''Day Caste'''

The counterparts to the Solar Night Caste, the Day Caste of the Abyssal Exalted are usually exalted from the best spies, assassins, and thieves Creation has to offer. In the Underworld the Day Caste Abyssals serve as silent assassins and enforcers of the law, bringing the darkness of the Underworld to every corner of Creation.


'''Daybreak Caste'''

The Daybreak Caste are most commonly Exalted from scholars, and artisans––those who are dedicated to the pursuit of knowledge and education. The Daybreak Caste are best known for their powerful dominion over the realms of necromancy, necrosurgery and magic. Since the Abyssals are the only Exalted with natural access to the highest circle of necromancy (The Void Circle), many of the greatest necromancers in the Underworld are Daybreak Castes, even though necromancy was discovered by Twilight Caste Solars. 


'''Dusk Caste'''

The counterparts to the Solar Dawn Caste, the Dusk Caste of is filled with the soldiers, generals, and martial champions of the Neverborn. Some of the Underworld's greatest warriors herald from their ranks, as Dusk Caste essence shards are given only to warriors. Even so, a warrior can take many forms ranging from war veterans to gang leaders.


'''Midnight Caste'''

The counterparts to the Solar Zenith Caste, the Midnight Caste are Priest-kings, prophets and mystics.


'''Moonshadow Caste'''

The counterparts to the Solar Eclipse Caste, the Moonshadow Caste are most commonly Exalted from bureaucrats, diplomats, and couriers - those who excel at social interaction. Where the other Abyssals represent mastery over Combat, Performance, Sorcery, and Stealth, the Moonshadow Caste Abyssals are masters of negotiation and deal-making. Where a Dusk Caste might use his sword to defeat an army on the battlefield, a Moonshadow will use his mastery of words to defeat a nation in its courts. 


====Alchemicals====

The Alchemical Exalted are built and granted power by their fellow Autochthonians, according to the ancient plans of Autochthon. Native to the machine world of Autochthonia, they are champions of industry and technology. The Alchemical Exalted have artificial bodies composed of the various Magical Metals, from which they derive their Castes. 


'''Adamant Caste'''

The Adamant Caste of the Alchemical Exalted are only known in rumor and legend, as this Caste is only theoretical - at least as far as mainstream Autochthonian society knows. The nomads of the Reaches, however, know the legends are true. The Adamant Caste report directly to the Divine Ministers, and are tasked with overseeing the Eight Nations and their Alchemical Champions. 


'''Jade Caste'''

The Jade Caste interact with mortals daily on an egalitarian footing. They are the public face of the Alchemicals and inspire laborers to work harder or rally fighters to defend the cities of Autochthonia. 


'''Moonsilver Caste'''

The Moonsilver Caste of the Alchemical Exalted are the secret agents, scouts and assassins of Autochthonian society. They are adept at disguise, deception and camouflage, serving the greater truth, and use their martial prowess and agility to strike down the enemies of state and god. They often delay the transitional growth that comes from increasing their Essence to continue to serve adequately in their duties, and when they do, they often turn their attentions to the threats that come from beyond their cities. 


'''Orichalcum Caste'''

The Orichalcum Caste of the Alchemical Exalted define themselves as the leaders and sages of Autochthonia. Being stronger, smarter and bolder than mortals, these exalts serve as bright examples of inspiration, vision and progress. Members of the Orichalcum Caste are forceful, convincing and inspiring, but they are not always likeable or approachable as they can display arrogance or find themselves at philosophical odds with others. 


'''Soulsteel Caste'''

The Soulsteel Caste of the Alchemical Exalted are the problem-solvers and enforcers of Autochthonian society. They are relentless in battle, never slowing or stopping, and their persistence is legendary. They are the Exalts who watch over Autochthonia, yet even the most brutal of these Sentinels give suspected criminals the opportunity to surrender peacefully. 


'''Starmetal Caste'''

The Starmetal Caste of the Alchemical Exalted lead like the Orichalcum Caste do, but they work behind the scenes while the Orichalcum Caste are recognizable figureheads. They are subtle and pragmatic, always planning ahead for contingencies and taking minimalist approaches to how they deal with others, and even how they fight. 


====Infernals====

The Infernal Exalted are Solar Exaltations tainted to the purposes of the mad Yozis, imbued with the strength and the madness of a demon during the Exaltation process. The term Green Sun Prince is used to refer to mortals who have agreed to serve the yozi and received one of the Solar Exaltations which have been tainted by the Yozis. 


'''Defiler Caste'''

The members of the Defiler Caste are sages and sorcerers. They serve the brilliant and judgmental She Who Lives In Her Name, who embodies the hierarchy and law of the demon realm. They possess brilliant insight and an unparalleled ability to directly influence reality with their wills, but aren't especially gifted at healing or teaching. 


'''Fiend Caste'''

The members of the Fiend Caste are diplomats and corruptors. They serve the manipulative and adversarial Ebon Dragon, who embodies the darkness of the demon realm. They're extremely adept at manipulation, deception, and crippling opponents, but are bad at honest persuasion. 


'''Malefactor Caste'''

The members of the Malefactor Caste are preachers and leaders. They serve the hypocritical and domineering Cecelyne, who embodies the endless desert surrounding Malfeas. They tend to be capricious, abusive fascists.


'''Scourge Caste'''

The members of the Scourge Caste are spies and assassins. They serve the insane and cataclysmic Adorjan, who embodies the scouring silent wind of the demon realm. Ironically, the members of this cast tend towards tremendous speed and little stealth capability. 


'''Slayer Caste'''

The members of the Slayer Caste are soldiers and generals. They serve the agonized and berserk daemon king Malfeas, who embodies the demon realm itself. As a result of Malfeas' influence, however, the Green Sun Princes of this caste are sadistic, unstoppable juggernauts more often than generals.