In the vast and intricate universe of the Exalted tabletop role-playing game, few factions are as pivotal or widespread as the Dragon Blood Champions. Officially known as the Dragon-Blooded or Terrestrial Exalted, these warriors are the Princes of the Earth. While they may lack the raw, reality-bending power of the Solar Exalted, their strength lies in their numbers, their unity, and their dominion over the world of Creation. This comprehensive guide explores the history, culture, abilities, and significance of the Dragon Blood Champions.
Who Are the Dragon Blood Champions?
The Dragon-Blooded are the most numerous type of Exalted in Creation. Unlike other Exalted who are chosen by deities, the Dragon-Blooded pass their power down through bloodlines. They are the scions of the Five Elemental Dragons (a creation of the Primordial Gaia) and are living embodiments of elemental force .
Key Characteristics:
- Hereditary Power: Their Exaltation is genetic. Children of the Dragon-Blooded have a chance to “Exalt” during puberty, inheriting their parent’s elemental aspect.
- Mortal Lifespans: Unlike the immortal Celestial Exalted, Dragon-Blooded age and die, though they can live for centuries.
- Masters of Synergy: Individually less powerful, their true might is revealed when fighting together, their elemental powers combining to devastating effect.
The Glorious and Tragic History
The history of the Dragon Blood Champions is the history of Creation itself.
The Usurpation
During the First Age, the Dragon-Blooded served as the armies and generals for the Solar Exalted. However, the Solars grew mad with power. Guided by the Sidereal Exalted, the Dragon-Blooded rose up during a holiday called Calibration. This event, known as The Usurpation, saw the Terrestrial hosts slaughter their Solar masters, seizing control of Creation for themselves.
The Shogunate Era
Following the Usurpation, the Dragon-Blooded established the Shogunate, a warrior-led society that ruled for nearly 700 years. This era was marked by honor, duty, and the slow decay of First Age technology.
The Realm
After the Great Contagion devastated the population, the Scarlet Empress—a powerful Dragon-Blood—seized control of the Imperial Manse and declared herself ruler of the Realm. She united the Dragon-Blooded families into the Great Houses, establishing a new empire that has lasted for over 760 years.
The Five Aspects of the Dragon Blood Champions
Upon Exaltation, a Dragon-Blood’s elemental nature manifests as one of five Aspects. This determines their personality tendencies and magical affinities.
| Aspect | Element | Personality & Role |
|---|---|---|
| Air | Wind & Lightning | Intellectuals, scholars, sorcerers, and spies. They are often aloof, analytical, and strategic. |
| Earth | Stone & Soil | The steadfast backbone of society. They are patient, stubborn, loyal, and serve as immovable generals and magistrates. |
| Fire | Flame & Heat | Passionate leaders, charismatic politicians, and aggressive duelists. They are the architects of change and war. |
| Water | Sea & Rivers | Flexible, adaptive, and subtle. They excel as merchants, diplomats, and assassins, flowing around obstacles with ease. |
| Wood | Forests & Growth | Nurturing life-givers and deadly hunters. They are connected to nature, medicine, and archery. |
Society: Where Do Dragon Blood Champions Live?
The Dragon-Blooded are not a monolithic group. Their society is divided into three main factions:
1. The Scarlet Dynasty (The Realm)
Located on the Blessed Isle, this is the heart of Dragon-Blooded power. It is composed of the Great Houses (eleven noble families) who constantly scheme and vie for the Scarlet Throne following the disappearance of the Scarlet Empress. They enforce the Immaculate Order, a religion that teaches that the Dragon-Blooded are the only rightful rulers and that all other Exalted are anathema (demons).
2. Lookshy
A militaristic city-state in the East, Lookshy is the remnant of the Shogunate’s Seventh Legion. It is a meritocratic society where Dragon-Blooded serve as officers, and every citizen is trained for war. They view the Realm as decadent and corrupt.
3. The Outcastes
These are Dragon-Blooded born outside the Realm and Lookshy. They might be lone warlords, protectors of remote villages, or mercenaries. Without the support of a Great House, they must rely solely on their own wits and strength to survive.
Gameplay Mechanics: Why Play a Dragon Blood Champion?
In the Exalted RPG, playing a Dragon-Blooded offers a unique experience compared to other Exalted types.
- Teamwork Makes the Dream Work: Their magical abilities (Charms) are designed for cooperation. A circle of Dragon-Blooded can unlock powerful anima effects that bolster one another.
- Political Intrigue: If playing in the Realm, the game is as much about navigating dynastic politics, managing your house’s honor, and arranging marriages as it is about combat.
- Elemental Versatility: The five Aspects allow for a wide variety of character concepts, from the fiery orator to the stoic earth general.
- Connection to Creation: Unlike the Solar Exalted who are outsiders looking in, the Dragon-Blooded are intrinsically connected to the world. They are its natural rulers and caretakers.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. Are Dragon Blood Champions weaker than Solars?
Yes, on an individual level. A Solar Exalted can outperform a Dragon-Blooded in their chosen field. However, a group of Dragon-Blooded working in perfect synergy can challenge a single Solar, and their sheer numbers make them the dominant political power in Creation.
2. How many Dragon-Blooded are there?
There are estimated to be around 10,000 Dragon-Blooded in Creation. This makes them the most numerous Exalted type by a significant margin, with other Exalted numbering only in the hundreds collectively.
3. What is the Immaculate Order?
The Immaculate Order is the dominant religion of the Realm. It teaches that the Dragon-Blooded are holy and destined to rule, while other Exalted (Solars, Lunars, etc.) are evil spirits called “Anathema” that must be destroyed.
4. Can Dragon-Blooded use Sorcery?
Yes, but they are limited to the Terrestrial Circle of Sorcery. The more powerful Celestial and Solar Circles are beyond their reach. However, they are the most common sorcerers in Creation simply due to their vast numbers.
5. What happened to the Scarlet Empress?
She disappeared several years ago, and her whereabouts remain a mystery. Her absence has plunged the Realm into a civil war known as the Houses War, as the Great Houses vie for control of the empty throne.
6. What does “Terrestrial” mean in this context?
“Terrestrial” refers to their connection to the earth and the five material elements. It distinguishes them from the “Celestial” Exalted (Solars, Lunars, Sidereals), who are connected to the stars and the heavens.
Conclusion
The Dragon Blood Champions are the bedrock upon which the world of Exalted is built. They are not just warriors; they are politicians, parents, generals, and rebels. They are the legions that hold back the chaos and the dynasties that plot in gilded palaces. Whether you are a player looking to dive into the political intrigue of the Realm or a storyteller crafting an epic saga, the Dragon-Blooded offer a rich and compelling narrative that is truly the heart of Exalted. They are, and always will be, the Princes of the Earth.
