Orichalcum Caste

 

Unlike in Creation, the Exalted do not rule Autochthonia. Instead, the assorted branches of the Tripartite set the political, theological and economic policies that guide the lives of all citizens. The Chosen serve as official heroes of the state, the reincarnated champions of the past armed with the most powerful weapons and tools of the present. When and where Alchemicals preside, they do so by example and through the wisdom of their counsel. Nowhere is this more true than in the Orichalcum Caste, whose members define themselves as leaders and sages. The Archons are universally stronger, smarter and bolder than mortals, and in the meritocratic society of Autochthonia, such attributes carry tremendous weight. The Shining Ones stand as the brightest examples of the Great Maker’s inspiration, brilliant in every sense of the word. They are the visionaries who can truly conceive of utopian grandeur and then rally civilization toward that grandeur. They are also torches against the darkness, the defenders of progress who wield fire and lightning against all who threaten their forward march.

Without exception, Orichalcum Caste Exalted are forceful, convincing and inspiring, but they are not always approachable or even likeable. Confidence easily blossoms into arrogance, and Orichalcum Castes often find themselves at philosophical odds with their Exalted peers. Ironically, the superhuman extremes of Archon talent and vision set them apart from the tradition-bound hierarchy of Autochthonian society. The most brilliant among them often grow frustrated that no one else can keep up with their creative bursts, and so, these luminaries cloister themselves in their private laboratories or research institutes, emerging only to unveil some new wonder of technology or social theory. Other Shining Ones turn their talents toward martial pursuits, deploying their devastating Charms and invented weapons against gremlins and the enemies of their nation.

Given their penchant for progress and evolution, most Shining Ones modify themselves regularly and eagerly improve their Essence at every opportunity. Archons view their physical enlargement and ultimate transformation into cities as a sacred metamorphosis. The final stage of Alchemical development allows these Exalted to realize their utopian dreams, finally building the idealized infrastructures and communities they have invented for centuries. Such communities widely differ in their layout and protocols, pushing the edges of acceptable dogma in the name of perfection. The inhabitants of these golden cities tend to be the most liberal Autochthonians, following the example of their patropoli. Some of the most alien and advanced Exalted transform themselves into research institutes where only the brightest minds gather in think tanks dedicated to solving particular issues of philosophy or science. A minority of Archons become fortresses, dedicating their potent resources to military research. The citizen-soldiers of these complexes test advanced weapon systems in raids against gremlin nests, baiting the Void-tainted monstrosities to follow them so that their cities can test their own upgraded defenses.

Caste Markings: The Charms of the Orichalcum Caste are constructed of highly burnished brass, gold and orichalcum. Windows of crystal and hardened glass reveal bubbling fluids, spinning gears and sliding pistons driving force and Essence to power the implanted artifacts. The animas of the Archons blaze with golden fire and actinic vortices of white lightning. Metal brought into this field of power often sparks and sizzles with traces of energy for minutes afterward.

Anima Effect: For a reflexive cost of 5 motes, members of the Orichalcum Caste may charge their bodies with golden lightning for a scene. Whenever they strike in close combat, this energy visibly surges at the point of contact. Similarly, all projectiles crackle with a destructive nimbus as they leave the Exalt’s hand or weapon. This power adds the character’s Essence to the damage of all attacks.

Caste Attributes: Orichalcum Castes are forceful beings in every respect: immensely strong, unquestionable and brilliant without measure. As such, their Caste Attributes are Strength, Charisma and Intelligence. Players and Storytellers should note that Archons with high Charisma are not necessarily likeable, so much as they are literally awesome. To question their authority or knowledge is simply unthinkable.

Associations: The color yellow, gold, orichalcum, the element of lightning, illumination, inspiration, leadership, excellence

Sobriquets: Shining Ones, Archons, Flames of Autochthon, Blessed of Noi

Concepts: Defender of the people, advisor to the Tripartite, cleric of the Great Maker, mad scientist

 

 

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