Editing Emperor Calus
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{{tabbed infobox | {{tabbed infobox | ||
|title1= Main | |title1= Main | ||
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|image=[[File:CalusHeraldInfo.jpg|300px]] | |image=[[File:CalusHeraldInfo.jpg|300px]] | ||
|species=[[Cabal]] | |species=[[Cabal]] | ||
|faction=[[Loyalists | |faction=[[Loyalists]] <br> [[Disciples of the Witness]] | ||
|rank= [[Cabal Emperor]] <br> [[Ultra]] | |||
|mission= [[Catharsis]] | |mission= [[Catharsis]] | ||
|gender= Male | |gender= Male | ||
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}} | }} | ||
|species=[[Cabal]] | |species=[[Cabal]] | ||
|faction=[[Shadow Legion | |faction=[[Shadow Legion]] <br> [[Disciples of the Witness]] | ||
|rank= [[Cabal Emperor]] <br> [[Ultra]] | |||
|class= [[Colossus]] {{c|Phase 1}} <br> [[Gladiator]] {{C|Phase 2}} | |class= [[Colossus]] {{c|Phase 1}} <br> [[Gladiator]] {{C|Phase 2}} | ||
|mission= [[Desperate Measures]] | |mission= [[Desperate Measures]] | ||
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At some point, Calus came into possession of the Imperial Trinket: an [[Ahamkara]] bone that originated from the extinct civilization known as the [[Harmony]] which had passed hands through the Cabal Emperors.<ref name="BLVD 9">'''Bungie (2023/2/28)''', ''[[Destiny 2]]: [[Lightfall]], [[Lore]]: [[Beloved (lore)|Beloved]] - [[Beloved (lore)#I am a few days older.|Entry 9]]'' </ref> While he initially desired nothing at first, the emperor would suffer from bouts of depression and ennui under the Praetorate's grip. It was there that he had desired someone to love him unconditionally; a desire that became fulfilled when Calus sired a single daughter with a consort who left him unsatisfied except for their only child to brood.<ref>'''Bungie (2023/2/28)''', ''[[Destiny 2]]: [[Lightfall]], [[Lore]]: [[Beloved (lore)|Beloved]] - [[Beloved (lore)#I am centuries old.|Entry 8]]''</ref> He named his newborn daughter [[Empress Caiatl|Caiatl]] after the brightest star in Torobatl's sky,<ref>'''Bungie (2022/05/27)''', ''[[Destiny 2]]: [[Season of the Haunted]] - [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OSF9E997dEg Duality | Enter the Dark Shrine: "The Brightest Star in Our Sky"]''</ref> which itself was named after a loanword from the [[Hive]] language - as its base form, "aiat", means "it is this way because it can be no other way", "caiatl" means "it does not always go as it needs to go"<ref name="BLVD 4">'''Bungie (2023/2/28)''', ''[[Destiny 2]]: [[Lightfall]], [[Lore]]: [[Beloved (lore)|Beloved]] - [[Beloved (lore)#I am thirty-five years old.|Entry 4]]'' </ref> Caiatl had also shown a curiosity for the world beyond, which Calus recognized having the same fascinations as him despite his worries for her.<ref>'''Bungie (2022/05/27)''', ''[[Destiny 2]]: [[Season of the Haunted]] - [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ktJ-kldPd-s Duality | Second Repressed Memory: "Grow Up Knowing Only Celebration"]''</ref> | At some point, Calus came into possession of the Imperial Trinket: an [[Ahamkara]] bone that originated from the extinct civilization known as the [[Harmony]] which had passed hands through the Cabal Emperors.<ref name="BLVD 9">'''Bungie (2023/2/28)''', ''[[Destiny 2]]: [[Lightfall]], [[Lore]]: [[Beloved (lore)|Beloved]] - [[Beloved (lore)#I am a few days older.|Entry 9]]'' </ref> While he initially desired nothing at first, the emperor would suffer from bouts of depression and ennui under the Praetorate's grip. It was there that he had desired someone to love him unconditionally; a desire that became fulfilled when Calus sired a single daughter with a consort who left him unsatisfied except for their only child to brood.<ref>'''Bungie (2023/2/28)''', ''[[Destiny 2]]: [[Lightfall]], [[Lore]]: [[Beloved (lore)|Beloved]] - [[Beloved (lore)#I am centuries old.|Entry 8]]''</ref> He named his newborn daughter [[Empress Caiatl|Caiatl]] after the brightest star in Torobatl's sky,<ref>'''Bungie (2022/05/27)''', ''[[Destiny 2]]: [[Season of the Haunted]] - [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OSF9E997dEg Duality | Enter the Dark Shrine: "The Brightest Star in Our Sky"]''</ref> which itself was named after a loanword from the [[Hive]] language - as its base form, "aiat", means "it is this way because it can be no other way", "caiatl" means "it does not always go as it needs to go"<ref name="BLVD 4">'''Bungie (2023/2/28)''', ''[[Destiny 2]]: [[Lightfall]], [[Lore]]: [[Beloved (lore)|Beloved]] - [[Beloved (lore)#I am thirty-five years old.|Entry 4]]'' </ref> Caiatl had also shown a curiosity for the world beyond, which Calus recognized having the same fascinations as him despite his worries for her.<ref>'''Bungie (2022/05/27)''', ''[[Destiny 2]]: [[Season of the Haunted]] - [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ktJ-kldPd-s Duality | Second Repressed Memory: "Grow Up Knowing Only Celebration"]''</ref> | ||
After Caiatl’s birth, the Emperor would become driven by a gluttonous desire to be even greater than his current self. He would continue to use the Imperial Trinket and its [[Anthem Anatheme|wish magic]] to lead a populist revolution; removing the Praetorate and restoring the Emperor's power.<ref name="BLVD 9"/> He would further cement his newfound power by exiling | After Caiatl’s birth, the Emperor would become driven by a gluttonous desire to be even greater than his current self. He would continue to use the Imperial Trinket and its [[Anthem Anatheme|wish magic]] to lead a populist revolution; removing the Praetorate and restoring the Emperor's power.<ref name="BLVD 9"/> He would further cement his newfound power by exiling [[The Consul]], a prominent member of the Praetorate, into the wastelands of Torobatl.<ref name="Inaugural Address">'''Bungie (2017/9/8)''', ''[[Destiny 2]]: Playstation 4, Activision Blizzard, [[Weapon|Weapon Lore]]: [[Inaugural Address]]''</ref> It is inferred that Caiatl's mother was later killed by Calus at some point after her departure, as he selfishly desired her daughter's affection all to himself.<ref name="BLVD 4"/> | ||
By his side during the revolution stood his long-time friend and protector [[Shayotet]], who stopped numerous attempts to kill Calus. Under his rule, the Cabal Empire became a seat of all-encompassing hedonism and revelry. His accomplishments during that time included redistributing Praetorate wealth to the people, granting citizenship to the Imperial Legions, and putting down various alien threats such as the [[ | By his side during the revolution stood his long-time friend and protector [[Shayotet]], who stopped numerous attempts to kill Calus. Under his rule, the Cabal Empire became a seat of all-encompassing hedonism and revelry. His accomplishments during that time included redistributing Praetorate wealth to the people, granting citizenship to the Imperial Legions, and putting down various alien threats such as the [[Sindu]], the [[Clipse]], and the [[Psion]]s' [[OXA Machine]]. However, when the OXA machine was rebuilt by the savant [[Otzot]], Calus was impressed enough by her genius to order the machine preserved and hold a festival in her honor, elevating Otzot to his court as Imperial Dreamer.<ref name = "Cabal Booklet">[[Cabal Booklet]]</ref> He would also disregard Cabal tradition by implementing draconic and byzantine bylaws into the [[Rite of Proving]], abusing its power to push his own imperial agenda until it eventually fell out of practical usage.<ref>'''Bungie (2021/2/9)''', ''[[Destiny 2]]: [[Season of the Chosen]] - Quest Item Lore: [[Hammer of Proving]]''</ref> By that time, he transformed the Cabal Empire into a shell of its former self; forming his own cult of [[Loyalists]]. | ||
His reign was not without personal troubles. When Caiatl was at age three, Calus had sired new children with a new female consort more appropriate to his station. Calus invited her to visit her newborn half-siblings while he nursed them despite her own personal misgivings. Inside the bower, she asked her father if her own mother was dead only for him to deflect the question by asking her to sing to her newborn siblings. This only raised Caiatl's concerns that Calus would be willing to forsake his children, a fact Calus would reassure by stating that selective breeding was proof of his love for her.<ref>'''Bungie (2023/2/28)''', ''[[Destiny 2]]: [[Lightfall]], [[Lore]]: [[Beloved (lore)|Beloved]] - [[Beloved (lore)#I am three. My father is pregnant again.|Entry 1]]''</ref> His affection, however, would ultimately not extend to his consort who expressed worried concerns with her lover's unfulfilled political promises to the ex-Praetorate families that approved their match. As they fought over his disregard for policy and external security, Calus went on to gaslight her consort accusing her of making him unhappy and calling her a curse and killer. She would strike the emperor out of anger, to which he then immediately called off their engagement and disowned their children he had been brooding in his pouches, forcing her to leave the palace along with her babies. <ref>'''Bungie (2023/2/28)''', ''[[Destiny 2]]: [[Lightfall]], [[Lore]]: [[Beloved (lore)|Beloved]] - [[Beloved (lore)#I am three. Something has gone wrong between the woman and my father.|Entry 3]]''</ref> | His reign was not without personal troubles. When Caiatl was at age three, Calus had sired new children with a new female consort more appropriate to his station. Calus invited her to visit her newborn half-siblings while he nursed them despite her own personal misgivings. Inside the bower, she asked her father if her own mother was dead only for him to deflect the question by asking her to sing to her newborn siblings. This only raised Caiatl's concerns that Calus would be willing to forsake his children, a fact Calus would reassure by stating that selective breeding was proof of his love for her.<ref>'''Bungie (2023/2/28)''', ''[[Destiny 2]]: [[Lightfall]], [[Lore]]: [[Beloved (lore)|Beloved]] - [[Beloved (lore)#I am three. My father is pregnant again.|Entry 1]]''</ref> His affection, however, would ultimately not extend to his consort who expressed worried concerns with her lover's unfulfilled political promises to the ex-Praetorate families that approved their match. As they fought over his disregard for policy and external security, Calus went on to gaslight her consort accusing her of making him unhappy and calling her a curse and killer. She would strike the emperor out of anger, to which he then immediately called off their engagement and disowned their children he had been brooding in his pouches, forcing her to leave the palace along with her babies. <ref>'''Bungie (2023/2/28)''', ''[[Destiny 2]]: [[Lightfall]], [[Lore]]: [[Beloved (lore)|Beloved]] - [[Beloved (lore)#I am three. Something has gone wrong between the woman and my father.|Entry 3]]''</ref> | ||
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At court, Calus was wary of [[Umun'arath]], his Evocate-General, for her paranoia and obsessive fixation on war. Caiatl would also grow up similarly despite his efforts. <ref name = "Cabal Booklet"/> In truth, his efforts are probably part of the reason that Caiatl came to trust Umun'arath over him, as while he sincerely cared for her, he was emotionally abusive towards her, even killing her pet [[War Beast]], [[Milos]], out of jealousy, leading to Caiatl's deep resentment of him and what she came to view as his fundamental cowardice, selfishness and desire to be loved without working towards becoming respected. <ref>'''Bungie (2022/5/24)''', ''[[Destiny 2]]: [[Season of the Haunted]] - [[Weapon|Weapon Lore]]: [[Unforgiven]]''</ref> <ref>'''Bungie (2023/2/28)''', ''[[Destiny 2]]: [[Lightfall]], [[Lore]]: [[Beloved (lore)|Beloved]] - [[Beloved (lore)#I am exactly that old when I realize that my father, the Emperor Calus, is full of shit.|Entry 10]]'' </ref> Overtime, his mistrust of Umun'arath grew until the night of Caiatl's homecoming when the emperor openly refused to honor the Legions out fighting beyond Torobatl as per tradition; much to the Evocate-General's fury as she openly lashed at Calus for his complacency. Calus would angrily retort Umun'arath by proclaiming the point of existing was for pleasure itself; anything else beyond that and his selfish love for Caiatl meant nothing to him.<ref>'''Bungie (2023/2/28)''', ''[[Destiny 2]]: [[Lightfall]], [[Lore]]: [[Beloved (lore)|Beloved]] - [[Beloved (lore)#I am thirty-five. It is later the same night of my homecoming.|Entry 7]]'' </ref> | At court, Calus was wary of [[Umun'arath]], his Evocate-General, for her paranoia and obsessive fixation on war. Caiatl would also grow up similarly despite his efforts. <ref name = "Cabal Booklet"/> In truth, his efforts are probably part of the reason that Caiatl came to trust Umun'arath over him, as while he sincerely cared for her, he was emotionally abusive towards her, even killing her pet [[War Beast]], [[Milos]], out of jealousy, leading to Caiatl's deep resentment of him and what she came to view as his fundamental cowardice, selfishness and desire to be loved without working towards becoming respected. <ref>'''Bungie (2022/5/24)''', ''[[Destiny 2]]: [[Season of the Haunted]] - [[Weapon|Weapon Lore]]: [[Unforgiven]]''</ref> <ref>'''Bungie (2023/2/28)''', ''[[Destiny 2]]: [[Lightfall]], [[Lore]]: [[Beloved (lore)|Beloved]] - [[Beloved (lore)#I am exactly that old when I realize that my father, the Emperor Calus, is full of shit.|Entry 10]]'' </ref> Overtime, his mistrust of Umun'arath grew until the night of Caiatl's homecoming when the emperor openly refused to honor the Legions out fighting beyond Torobatl as per tradition; much to the Evocate-General's fury as she openly lashed at Calus for his complacency. Calus would angrily retort Umun'arath by proclaiming the point of existing was for pleasure itself; anything else beyond that and his selfish love for Caiatl meant nothing to him.<ref>'''Bungie (2023/2/28)''', ''[[Destiny 2]]: [[Lightfall]], [[Lore]]: [[Beloved (lore)|Beloved]] - [[Beloved (lore)#I am thirty-five. It is later the same night of my homecoming.|Entry 7]]'' </ref> | ||
One of Calus' pleasures was the Coliseum, and one day, an albino gladiator, bleached from prolonged exposure to solar radiation due to being cast out as an infant, named [[ | One of Calus' pleasures was the Coliseum, and one day, an albino gladiator, bleached from prolonged exposure to solar radiation due to being cast out as an infant, named [[Ghaul]] made his first appearance there. Ghaul's patient skill and unusual coloration soon made him a favorite of Calus', and the Emperor eventually made him [[Primus]] of the [[Red Legion]], where he believed his talents would be put to better use as the head of the most fearsome [[Cabal]] legion ever assembled. Calus grew to love Ghaul like a son and believed they were kindred spirits who both envisioned a newer, more perfect world.<ref>'''Bungie (2017/9/8)''', ''[[Destiny 2]]: PlayStation 4, Activision Blizzard, [[Ghost Primus]]''</ref> | ||
===Midnight Coup and Exile=== | ===Midnight Coup and Exile=== | ||
[[File:Midnight Coup event.png|300px|thumb|Empress Caiatl's retelling of the Midnight Coup]] | [[File:Midnight Coup event.png|300px|thumb|Empress Caiatl's retelling of the Midnight Coup]] | ||
Behind Calus’ back, however, Ghaul was in fact organizing a [[Midnight Coup (event)|coup]] with the Consul and some of Calus's closest friends, family and advisors: Umun'arath, Shayotet, Otzot, [[Moli Imoli]], [[Iska'al]], and Caiatl; all of whom had shared concerns for the Cabal's future under his | Behind Calus’ back, however, Ghaul was in fact organizing a [[Midnight Coup (event)|coup]] with the Consul and some of Calus's closest friends, family and advisors: [[Umun'arath]], [[Shayotet]], [[Otzot]], [[Moli Imoli]], [[Iska'al]], and [[Caiatl]]; all of whom had shared concerns for the Cabal's future under his deprived rule.<ref name = "Cabal Booklet"/> Calus had grown suspicious of Ghaul and considered sending a spy to trace his movements, but the emperor would instead declined to take any action against him as Calus felt guilt to doubt him at the time; an act he would later regret not taking much later.<ref name="conspirator">'''Bungie (2017/9/8)''', ''[[Destiny 2]]: PlayStation 4, Activision Blizzard, [[Conspirator]]''</ref> | ||
While Calus and his Loyalist Cabal were engaged in pompous revelry, Ghaul launched his coup in the dead of night. With the Red Legion storming into Calus' palace, seizing and/or killing political supporters, the emperor immediately ran to his throne to retrieve the Imperial Trinket meant to save him from this fate. Caiatl, however, was waiting for him sitting upon it with the Ahamkara bone in hand. Despite his pleas for help, his daughter crushed the bone in hand and declared she would not be weak.<ref name="CBCaiatl">'''Bungie (2017/9/8)''', ''[[Cabal Booklet]] - [[ | While Calus and his Loyalist Cabal were engaged in pompous revelry, Ghaul launched his coup in the dead of night. With the Red Legion storming into Calus' palace, seizing and/or killing political supporters, the emperor immediately ran to his throne to retrieve the Imperial Trinket meant to save him from this fate. Caiatl, however, was waiting for him sitting upon it with the Ahamkara bone in hand. Despite his pleas for help, his daughter crushed the bone in hand and declared she would not be weak.<ref name="CBCaiatl">'''Bungie (2017/9/8)''', ''[[Cabal Booklet]] - [[Cabal_Booklet#My_Daughter:_Caiatl.2C_the_Princess-Imperial|My Daughter: Caiatl, the Princess-Imperial]]''</ref> Ghaul was prepared to execute the deposed emperor with his own [[Cabal Severus|blade]], only to be stayed by Caiatl's hand.<ref>'''Bungie (2022/05/27)''', ''[[Destiny 2]]: [[Season of the Haunted]] - [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uBFTxG-4sbc Duality {{!}} Navigate the Mindscape: "Caiatl Stayed My Blade"]''</ref> With the Emperor being too popular to simply execute, Ghaul, his Red Legion, and the Consul arrested Calus and an unknown number of supporters in his own court and exiled them aboard [[The Leviathan]], imprisoned within the [[Menagerie]] and taken far from the Empire along a pre-programmed course, far into the cosmos.<ref>'''Bungie (2017/9/8)''', ''[[Destiny 2]]: PlayStation 4, Activision Blizzard, [[Midnight Coup]]''</ref> | ||
On the Leviathan, Calus wallowed in despair for an unknown amount of time until a strange event shook him out of his stupor. The Leviathan had come up against what seemed to be an expanse of utter nothingness and was seized by an [[The Witness|unknown force]] that shorted out the navigation systems and the course the conspirators had set.<ref>[[Lore:The Chronicon|The Chronicon]], "DLXXVIII"</ref> Against the recommendations of his advisors, Calus donned a pressure suit and went outside the Leviathan to behold the void. Staring out into the nothingness, he heard whispers in an unknown language and witnessed the nothingness disperse to reveal an [[Black Fleet|armada of ships]]. He then experienced a vision of the [[Final Shape|impending destruction of many worlds and beings]], including himself, and was told by the whispering voice that he had been chosen as the herald of the coming end.<ref>'''Bungie (2017/9/8)''', ''[[Destiny 2]], [[It Stared Back]]''</ref> Awed by this revelation, Calus resolved that he would watch this force consume the light of the universe, and that all among the last of the living would know his greatness.<ref>'''Bungie (2017/9/8)''', ''[[Destiny 2]], [[Calus' letter]]''</ref> After twelve hours outside the Leviathan, Calus returned to his Loyalists, who had feared him dead. | On the Leviathan, Calus wallowed in despair for an unknown amount of time until a strange event shook him out of his stupor. The Leviathan had come up against what seemed to be an expanse of utter nothingness and was seized by an [[The Witness|unknown force]] that shorted out the navigation systems and the course the conspirators had set.<ref>[[Lore:The Chronicon|The Chronicon]], "DLXXVIII"</ref> Against the recommendations of his advisors, Calus donned a pressure suit and went outside the Leviathan to behold the void. Staring out into the nothingness, he heard whispers in an unknown language and witnessed the nothingness disperse to reveal an [[Black Fleet|armada of ships]]. He then experienced a vision of the [[Final Shape|impending destruction of many worlds and beings]], including himself, and was told by the whispering voice that he had been chosen as the herald of the coming end.<ref>'''Bungie (2017/9/8)''', ''[[Destiny 2]]: PlayStation 4, Activision Blizzard, [[It Stared Back]]''</ref> Awed by this revelation, Calus resolved that he would watch this force consume the light of the universe, and that all among the last of the living would know his greatness.<ref>'''Bungie (2017/9/8)''', ''[[Destiny 2]]: PlayStation 4, Activision Blizzard, [[Calus' letter]]''</ref> After twelve hours outside the Leviathan, Calus returned to his Loyalists, who had feared him dead. | ||
With control of the Leviathan back in his hands, Calus set out on a long voyage of his own, ''"[plumbing] the secret places of the cosmos"'', visiting strange realms and old ruins. This cemented both his conviction that his hedonistic philosophy was correct and his intent to retake his empire.<ref name = "Cabal Booklet"/> Along the way, he gathered forces to strengthen his Loyalists. He created the [[ | With control of the Leviathan back in his hands, Calus set out on a long voyage of his own, ''"[plumbing] the secret places of the cosmos"'', visiting strange realms and old ruins. This cemented both his conviction that his hedonistic philosophy was correct and his intent to retake his empire.<ref name = "Cabal Booklet"/> Along the way, he gathered forces to strengthen his [[Loyalists]]. He created the [[Shadows]] as his elite champions, allied with aliens such as the [[Clipse]]<ref>'''Bungie (2017/9/8)''', ''[[Destiny 2]]: PlayStation 4, Activision Blizzard, [[Armor_of_Rull#Gauntlets_of_Rull|Gauntlets of Rull]]''</ref> and the [[Sindu]]<ref name="HotAD">'''Bungie (2017/9/8)''', ''[[Destiny 2]]: PlayStation 4, Activision Blizzard, [[Armor_of_the_Ace-Defiant#Helm_of_the_Ace-Defiant|Helm of the Ace-Defiant]]''</ref>, and sent messages promising that whoever slew his conspirators would be given great wealth and glory. He would also target his own daughter, giving his Shadow assassin the [[Heartshadow]] blade to impale with during her failed assassination. She would instead return the enactine blade broken in two along with the crushed head of his own Shadow.<ref>'''Bungie (2021/2/9)''', ''[[Destiny 2]]: [[Season of the Chosen]] - [[Lore]]: [[Lore:Empress#CHAPTER 3: ASSASSIN|Empress: CHAPTER 3: ASSASSIN]]''</ref> <ref>'''Bungie (2023/2/28)''', ''[[Destiny 2]]: [[Lightfall]], [[Lore]]: [[Beloved (lore)|Beloved]] - [[Beloved (lore)#I am centuries old.|Entry 2]]'' </ref> That would soon became a tradition between Caiatl and her father as both parties kept passing the ceremonial blade between each other, being their only effective means of communication for the time being.<ref name="Heartshadow"/> Eventually, he set a course for the [[Sol]] system, which the Red Legion was planning to assault. He sent his Shadows on a mission to assassinate Ghaul which failed, but he learned of [[Guardian|other warriors]] in the system that might serve his purposes. <ref name="SB">'''Bungie (2017/9/8)''', ''[[Destiny 2]]: PlayStation 4, Activision Blizzard, [[Armor_of_the_Fulminator#Shadow.27s_Bond|Shadow's Bond]]''</ref> <ref name="RotF">'''Bungie (2017/9/8)''', ''[[Destiny 2]]: PlayStation 4, Activision Blizzard, [[Armor_of_the_Fulminator#Robes_of_the_Fulminator|Robes of the Fulminator]]''</ref> | ||
For an unknown period of time, Calus has been using the Leviathan to consume planets and grind their soil into dust to mix with spores from the flowers in the Pleasure Gardens to create "[[Royal Wine]]", which he would then consume to give himself vast psionic powers. | For an unknown period of time, Calus has been using the Leviathan to consume planets and grind their soil into dust to mix with spores from the flowers in the Pleasure Gardens to create "[[Royal Wine]]", which he would then consume to give himself vast psionic powers. | ||
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===Return to Power=== | ===Return to Power=== | ||
[[File:CalusWine.jpg|thumb|300px|Emperor Calus returns]] | [[File:CalusWine.jpg|thumb|300px|Emperor Calus returns]] | ||
After the death of Ghaul, Calus immediately set to work on reclaiming the empire. He gave elements of the now leaderless Red Legion the chance to "join the loyalist regime," sending them on missions to collect geological data on Nessus with the intent of converting the soil of the planet into Royal Wine.<ref>'''Bungie (2017/8/9)''', ''[[Destiny 2]], [[Invitation from the Emperor]]''</ref> The Leviathan arrived at | After the death of Ghaul, Calus immediately set to work on reclaiming the empire. He gave elements of the now leaderless Red Legion the chance to "join the loyalist regime," sending them on missions to collect geological data on Nessus with the intent of converting the soil of the planet into Royal Wine.<ref>'''Bungie (2017/8/9)''', ''[[Destiny 2]]: Playstation 4, Activision Blizzard, [[Invitation from the Emperor]]''</ref> The Leviathan arrived at Nessus soon afterwards and began consuming it. | ||
Calus extended an invitation to [[The Guardian]] to board his vessel for slaying Ghaul. The Guardian would accept Calus' challenge and lead a raid team through Calus' palace and defeat his Loyalist army; confronting Calus in person in his throne room. Seemingly facing off against the exiled Cabal Emperor, the Guardians witness his strange powers and after dealing critical damage, they find that the Calus they are facing is actually a robotic Automaton. Regardless, the Guardians succeed in destroying the robot. Before the machine's destruction, Calus boasts about his power and claims to know the "real truth" about the galaxy. Nonetheless, he rewards the Guardians for completing his challenge and offers them a place by his side should they seek him out. As the Guardians step past the machine's body into a large room to claim their reward, they see countless robotic bodies, all in the image of Emperor Calus.<ref>'''Bungie (2017/8/9)''', ''[[Destiny 2]], [[Leviathan (raid)|Leviathan]]''</ref> | Calus extended an invitation to [[The Guardian]] to board his vessel for slaying Ghaul. The Guardian would accept Calus' challenge and lead a raid team through Calus' palace and defeat his Loyalist army; confronting Calus in person in his throne room. Seemingly facing off against the exiled Cabal Emperor, the Guardians witness his strange powers and after dealing critical damage, they find that the Calus they are facing is actually a robotic Automaton. Regardless, the Guardians succeed in destroying the robot. Before the machine's destruction, Calus boasts about his power and claims to know the "real truth" about the galaxy. Nonetheless, he rewards the Guardians for completing his challenge and offers them a place by his side should they seek him out. As the Guardians step past the machine's body into a large room to claim their reward, they see countless robotic bodies, all in the image of Emperor Calus.<ref>'''Bungie (2017/8/9)''', ''[[Destiny 2]]: Playstation 4, Activision Blizzard, [[Leviathan (raid)|Leviathan]]''</ref> | ||
[[File:CalusRobots.jpg|thumb|300px|The many robots of Calus]] | [[File:CalusRobots.jpg|thumb|300px|The many robots of Calus]] | ||
At some point months later, the Leviathan consumed a chunk of Nessus that contained a powerful [[Vex]] Mind, [[Argos, Planetary Core]], the entity responsible for converting Nessus into a perfect Vex world, creating a massive barrier which caused the world-eater to clog up and malfunction. Emperor Calus immediately called upon the aid of the Guardians to destroy the Vex intrusion, where they succeeded and repaired the Leviathan. However, as they destroyed the [[Vex Mind]], the barrier protecting itself was removed, thereby threatening the Guardians to be consumed by the fiery inferno of the Leviathan. Calus then saved the Guardians from being sucked into the Leviathan afterwards, where he rewarded and congratulated them for their efforts. The Cabal Emperor once again offers them more than just the power of the Light, as Calus demonstrated that he can keep them safe. He also warns them that the "end" is near and therefore must be ready, as he will find them again.<ref>'''Bungie (2017/12/5)''', ''[[Destiny 2]]: [[Curse of Osiris]], [[Leviathan, Eater of Worlds]]''</ref> | At some point months later, the Leviathan consumed a chunk of Nessus that contained a powerful [[Vex]] Mind, [[Argos, Planetary Core]], the entity responsible for converting Nessus into a perfect Vex world, creating a massive barrier which caused the world-eater to clog up and malfunction. Emperor Calus immediately called upon the aid of the Guardians to destroy the Vex intrusion, where they succeeded and repaired the Leviathan. However, as they destroyed the [[Vex Mind]], the barrier protecting itself was removed, thereby threatening the Guardians to be consumed by the fiery inferno of the Leviathan. Calus then saved the Guardians from being sucked into the Leviathan afterwards, where he rewarded and congratulated them for their efforts. The Cabal Emperor once again offers them more than just the power of the Light, as Calus demonstrated that he can keep them safe. He also warns them that the "end" is near and therefore must be ready, as he will find them again.<ref>'''Bungie (2017/12/5)''', ''[[Destiny 2]]: [[Curse of Osiris]], Playstation 4, Activision Blizzard, [[Leviathan, Eater of Worlds]]''</ref> | ||
When [[Val Ca'uor]] and the Red Legion invaded the Leviathan directly, Calus called upon the Guardians once more to expel them. Several of his Loyalists were slain and one of his duplicates was destroyed personally by Ca'uor; however, with Calus assisting the Guardians with his own psychic powers, Ca'uor was killed, the Red Legion Fleet decimated and his forces routed. Calus watches with glee as Ca'uor dies and is impressed that the Guardians have grown "fat from strength and power." Calus tells the Guardians that he awaits the day they will stand by his side when the end comes.<ref>'''Bungie (2018/5/8)''', ''[[Destiny 2]]: [[Warmind (expansion)|Warmind]], [[Leviathan, Spire of Stars]]''</ref> | When [[Val Ca'uor]] and the Red Legion invaded the Leviathan directly, Calus called upon the Guardians once more to expel them. Several of his Loyalists were slain and one of his duplicates was destroyed personally by Ca'uor; however, with Calus assisting the Guardians with his own psychic powers, Ca'uor was killed, the Red Legion Fleet decimated and his forces routed. Calus watches with glee as Ca'uor dies and is impressed that the Guardians have grown "fat from strength and power." Calus tells the Guardians that he awaits the day they will stand by his side when the end comes.<ref>'''Bungie (2018/5/8)''', ''[[Destiny 2]]: [[Warmind (expansion)|Warmind]], Playstation 4, Activision Blizzard, [[Leviathan, Spire of Stars]]''</ref> | ||
===Season of Opulence=== | ===Season of Opulence=== | ||
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{{Quote|Ah. Finally found you. You're a busy little light. Do you recognize me? It's your beloved Emperor Calus. I've been watching you. And all your good work. I believe you're ready. It's time you and I met more intimately. I've sent a gift to Nessus for you. I'll see you soon - o champion mine.|Emperor Calus}} | {{Quote|Ah. Finally found you. You're a busy little light. Do you recognize me? It's your beloved Emperor Calus. I've been watching you. And all your good work. I believe you're ready. It's time you and I met more intimately. I've sent a gift to Nessus for you. I'll see you soon - o champion mine.|Emperor Calus}} | ||
At one point, Calus contacts the Guardian via [[Werner 99-40]] and gifts them the [[Chalice of Opulence]], a symbol of their nomination as a Shadow of Calus. He also invites them to the [[Menagerie|Menagerie]] to compete for pleasure and glory. | At one point, Calus contacts the Guardian via [[Werner 99-40]] and gifts them the [[Chalice of Opulence]], a symbol of their nomination as a [[Shadows of Calus|Shadow of Calus]]. He also invites them to the [[Menagerie|Menagerie]] to compete for pleasure and glory. | ||
Around the time, Calus bred [[ | Around the time, Calus bred [[Gahlran]] as a Shadow of the [[Hive]] in order to wear the [[Crown of Sorrow]], a Hive artifact that was recovered by a [[Hunter]] in the emperor's service named [[Katabasis]]. This plan goes awry as Gahlran is corrupted by the Crown's powers and goes insane, much to the emperor's chagrin - though it was ultimately fortunate that he chose another to bear its power, as the Crown was in reality an attempt by [[Savathûn, the Witch-Queen]] to put him under her control. Nonetheless, with Gahlran under the control of the Witch-Queen, the mad Shadow rallied the imprisoned Hive within the depths of the Leviathan's Menagerie. Wanting his former Shadow put down, Calus calls upon his Guardian allies once again, offering more riches and rewards upon their success. After a perilous struggle against the Sorrow-bearer and the Hive's wicked rituals, the Guardians succeeded in putting Gahlran down and retrieving the crown, thereby saving the Leviathan from the threat of a Hive incursion. | ||
Pleased with their success, Calus rewards the Guardians as promised but also officially makes them his Shadows of Earth, creating a [[The Tribute Hall|Tribute Hall]] in honor of their deeds. Several of the Guardians would accept Calus' offer and pledge themselves up as Shadows, much to the suspicions of [[Aunor Mahal]] of the [[Praxic Order]]. Despite the mistrust in the Cabal Emperor though, [[Ikora Rey]] and [[Zavala]] agreed to leave Calus alone citing his deterrence against the Red Legion, though under continued [[Vanguard]] surveillance. | Pleased with their success, Calus rewards the Guardians as promised but also officially makes them his Shadows of Earth, creating a [[The Tribute Hall|Tribute Hall]] in honor of their deeds. Several of the Guardians would accept Calus' offer and pledge themselves up as Shadows, much to the suspicions of [[Aunor Mahal]] of the [[Praxic Order]]. Despite the mistrust in the Cabal Emperor though, [[Ikora Rey]] and [[Zavala]] agreed to leave Calus alone citing his deterrence against the [[Red Legion]], though under continued [[Vanguard]] surveillance. | ||
Later on, still wanting a Shadow to command the Hive, Calus sends an invitation to [[Eris Morn]], a former Guardian Hunter who has a deep history with the Hive. Knowing of such history, the exiled emperor aims to have Eris Morn become the Shadow of the Hive in place of Gahlran. He would also meet with the renegade [[Lightbearer]] called | Later on, still wanting a Shadow to command the Hive, Calus sends an invitation to [[Eris Morn]], a former Guardian Hunter who has a deep history with the Hive. Knowing of such history, the exiled emperor aims to have Eris Morn become the Shadow of the Hive in place of Gahlran. He would also meet with the renegade [[Lightbearer]] called [[The Drifter]]; the latter wanting to size up the emperor in his first and only meeting. He issues Calus a warning not to cross him nor the Guardians he counts in his crew before leaving, as Calus states that his friends were his first. | ||
===Arrival of the Pyramids=== | ===Arrival of the Pyramids=== | ||
A year later, Calus would relay word that [[ | A year later, Calus would relay word that [[Caiatl's Emissaries|emissaries]] of his daughter [[Caiatl]] were tracing his movements, having murdered a [[Shadows of Calus|Shadow]] agent of his in the process of eliminating [[Red Legion]] personnel with [[The Fourth Horseman]].<ref>''' Bungie (2020/3/10)''', ''[[Destiny 2]]: [[Season of the Worthy]], PlayStation 4, Activision Blizzard, [[In Rides A Pale Horse]]''</ref> | ||
With the appearance of the [[Black Fleet]] and the disappearance of planets in the [[Sol System]], Calus and his Loyalists had gone into hiding along with the Leviathan having left Nessus' orbit. Soon after Caiatl began rallying the Cabal remnants across the system to her side, calling for the capture of her father. | With the appearance of the [[Black Fleet]] and the disappearance of planets in the [[Sol System]], Calus and his Loyalists had gone into hiding along with the Leviathan having left Nessus' orbit. Soon after Caiatl began rallying the Cabal remnants across the system to her side, calling for the capture of her father. | ||
===After the Arrivals=== | ===After the Arrivals=== | ||
Following the disappearance of [[Mercury]], [[Mars]], [[Titan (moon)|Titan]], and [[Io]], Calus attempted to communicate with [[The Witness|the Witness]]. In conjunction with a small crew of Loyalists and a Guardian confidant named Katabasis, Calus used [[Scorn]] and the Crown of Sorrow, aboard a ship called the ''[[Glykon Volatus]]'', to demand an explanation for the fleet's actions, which Calus had seen as underwhelming. Further investigation would reveal that Calus also desired to obtain power from the Darkness using the same manner as the aforementioned communion and share it with the crew he had sent. By this point, Calus' physical form had become decrepit, and he spent much of this time within a containment frame which constantly supplied him with Royal Wine.<ref>https://www.ishtar-collective.net/entries/entry-1-charons-silhouette?highlight=royal+wine</ref> | Following the disappearance of [[Mercury]], [[Mars]], [[Titan (moon)|Titan]], and [[Io]], Calus attempted to communicate with [[The Witness|the Witness]]. In conjunction with a small crew of Loyalists and a Guardian confidant named [[Katabasis]], Calus used [[Scorn]] and the [[Crown of Sorrow]], aboard a ship called the ''[[Glykon Volatus]]'', to demand an explanation for the fleet's actions, which Calus had seen as underwhelming. Further investigation would reveal that Calus also desired to obtain power from the Darkness using the same manner as the aforementioned communion and share it with the crew he had sent. By this point, Calus' physical form had become decrepit, and he spent much of this time within a containment frame which constantly supplied him with [[Royal Wine]].<ref>https://www.ishtar-collective.net/entries/entry-1-charons-silhouette?highlight=royal+wine</ref> | ||
Calus had the ''Glykon'' anchor off of [[Phobos]], at the edge of the Anomaly left by the disappearance of Mars. Calus then made the Scorn wear the Crown, stitching their minds together through the use of [[Egregore]], and then have his Councilors channel his will through it and speak to the Darkness. Although the communions initially failed, eventually they succeeded, and the ''Glykon'' plunged into the Anomaly, then became overrun by Scorn and Egregore, while Calus disappeared. | Calus had the ''Glykon'' anchor off of [[Phobos]], at the edge of the Anomaly left by the disappearance of Mars. Calus then made the Scorn wear the Crown, stitching their minds together through the use of [[Egregore]], and then have his Councilors channel his will through it and speak to the Darkness. Although the communions initially failed, eventually they succeeded, and the ''Glykon'' plunged into the Anomaly, then became overrun by Scorn and Egregore, while Calus disappeared. | ||
The Emperor had actually managed to commune with the Witness, and it told him to seek more in the anomaly of Mercury. Calus returned to the Leviathan and traveled to where Mercury once stood, plunging into the gravity shadow. Though he was afraid his ship would be torn apart like the ''Glykon'' had been, the Leviathan survived the trip, though changed. In this communion, Calus managed to truly converse with the Witness and understood what its plans were, even for him. He accepted his intended place as a [[Disciples of the Witness|Herald]] and resolved to prove his loyalty to their cause by shedding his body and becoming more than himself.<ref>[[Duality (dungeon)|Repressed Memories 9-12]]</ref> | The Emperor had actually managed to commune with [[the Witness]], and it told him to seek more in the anomaly of [[Mercury]]. Calus returned to the Leviathan and traveled to where Mercury once stood, plunging into the gravity shadow. Though he was afraid his ship would be torn apart like the ''Glykon'' had been, the Leviathan survived the trip, though changed. In this communion, Calus managed to truly converse with the Witness and understood what its plans were, even for him. He accepted his intended place as a [[Disciples of the Witness|Herald]] and resolved to prove his loyalty to their cause by shedding his body and becoming more than himself.<ref>[[Duality (dungeon)|Repressed Memories 9-12]]</ref> | ||
Sometime later, during the events of [[Lucent War|Opperation Elbrus]], Qabix, a member of the [[Psion Conclave]], began to broadcast Psionic propaganda that exhorted the members of the Imperial Cabal to mutiny and attempted to entreat them to defect. As Caiatl could not launch an attack on the broadcasting station without being viewed negatively in the army's eyes, she entreated the Vanguard to step in. A fireteam was deployed which managed to slay Qabix and shut down the broadcasts, despite the threat of an orbital bombardment being constantly present. Upon reaching the broadcast room, the fireteam discovered a chest and several other pieces of finery that appeared to have come from the Leviathan, and viewing of the propaganda revealed it to be a message involving a Psion, a golden statue of Calus offering "[[Darkness|Salvation]]", and a [[Pyramid]]. Calus would continue restocking the base with his cloned troops and resources, forcing the Guardians to periodically take it down again. | Sometime later, during the events of [[Lucent War|Opperation Elbrus]], Qabix, a member of the [[Psion Conclave]], began to broadcast Psionic propaganda that exhorted the members of the [[Imperial Cabal]] to mutiny and attempted to entreat them to defect. As Caiatl could not launch an attack on the broadcasting station without being viewed negatively in the army's eyes, she entreated the Vanguard to step in. A fireteam was deployed which managed to slay Qabix and shut down the broadcasts, despite the threat of an orbital bombardment being constantly present. Upon reaching the broadcast room, the fireteam discovered a chest and several other pieces of finery that appeared to have come from the Leviathan, and viewing of the propaganda revealed it to be a message involving a Psion, a golden statue of Calus offering "[[Darkness|Salvation]]", and a [[Pyramid]]. Calus would continue restocking the base with his cloned troops and resources, forcing the Guardians to periodically take it down again. | ||
===Ascension | ===Ascension to Herald=== | ||
After disappearing for two years, Calus returned with the Leviathan as a Disciple of the Witness, aiming to create a bond between his flagship and the [[The Lunar Pyramid| | After disappearing for two years, Calus returned with the [[Leviathan (ship)|Leviathan]] as a Disciple of [[the Witness]], aiming to create a bond between his flagship and the [[The Lunar Pyramid|Pyramid on the Moon]]. He now has reinforced his [[Loyalist]] troops with [[Scorn]], as well as also controlling [[Nightmares]] created by the connection with the Pyramid. [[The Guardian]] learns from [[Caiatl]] that when the Leviathan appeared in orbit of the [[Moon]], two hundred Loyalists departed and fled. The Loyalists encountered in the ship itself are newly spawned clones who act as an extension of Calus's will. | ||
As Eris Morn and the Vanguard began [[Operation: Midas]], the Guardian finds destroyed robotic copies of Calus and speaks with Calus through them. During an attempt to sever the [[Nightmare of Uldren|Nightmare of Uldren Sov]] from the [[ | As [[Eris Morn]] and the [[Vanguard]] began [[Operation: Midas]], the Guardian finds destroyed robotic copies of Calus and speaks with Calus through them. During an attempt to sever the [[Nightmare of Uldren|Nightmare of Uldren Sov]] from the [[Crow]], Calus tells the Guardian that they are just a grub fattened on the lies of the universe. He also tells them that he too was like them and that he will enjoy seeing the Guardian's reality shattered. He would further be amused with the Guardian's efforts to sever his connections to the Pyramid, getting into heated conversations with their allies in the process. | ||
Calus would ultimately succeed in his plan to become a Herald of the Witness and enter the Lunar Pyramid after manipulating his daughter, Caiatl, into brazenly challenging the Nightmare of Dominus Ghaul, leading to the severance ritual's failure, which gave him the time he needed to merge with the Pyramid. However, as the transformation had not fully taken effect, Eris gathers the Guardian, Crow, Zavala and Caiatl to conduct one last large-scale severance ritual to stop Calus from fully taking control of the Lunar Pyramid. Though Zavala and Crow would be attacked by Calus's Loyalists, the Guardian and Caiatl would find themselves within the Lunar Pyramid itself, meeting at the [[Chantry of the Darkest Hour]]. There Caiatl angrily demanded her father show himself, in which her father did so by revealing his true psionic form. The father stated his disappointment in his daughter's failures, doubts and of her decision to not stand by his side. Unleashing Fading Nightmares of those the Guardian had battled against along with a horde of Scorn and Loyalists, the Guardians were able to wound Calus by striking down the Fading Nightmares and having the [[Nightmare Harvester]] absorb them. After the last Nightmare had been defeated, Calus had been pushed back, disappearing in a psionic blast. Caiatl would confirm to Zavala that her father is gone, having given himself over to the Witness. | Calus would ultimately succeed in his plan to become a Herald of the Witness and enter the Lunar Pyramid after manipulating his daughter, Caiatl, into brazenly challenging the Nightmare of Dominus Ghaul, leading to the severance ritual's failure, which gave him the time he needed to merge with the Pyramid. However, as the transformation had not fully taken effect, Eris gathers the Guardian, Crow, Zavala and Caiatl to conduct one last large-scale severance ritual to stop Calus from fully taking control of the Lunar Pyramid. Though Zavala and Crow would be attacked by Calus's Loyalists, the Guardian and Caiatl would find themselves within the Lunar Pyramid itself, meeting at the [[Chantry of the Darkest Hour]]. There Caiatl angrily demanded her father show himself, in which her father did so by revealing his true psionic form. The father stated his disappointment in his daughter's failures, doubts and of her decision to not stand by his side. Unleashing Fading Nightmares of those the Guardian had battled against along with a horde of Scorn and Loyalists, the Guardians were able to wound Calus by striking down the Fading Nightmares and having the [[Nightmare Harvester]] absorb them. After the last Nightmare had been defeated, Calus had been pushed back, disappearing in a psionic blast. Caiatl would confirm to Zavala that her father is gone, having given himself over to the Witness. | ||
Though Calus had been defeated and the Leviathan is now silent, Eris claims that the battle was not a victory, as Calus had succeeded in his goal of becoming a | Though Calus had been defeated and the Leviathan is now silent, Eris claims that the battle was not a victory, as Calus had succeeded in his goal of becoming a Herald of the Witness, thereby becoming the harbinger of a Second Collapse. Thus, Eris states they had merely bought themselves time and now they must prepare themselves for when The Witness returns. | ||
===Arrival of the Witness=== | ===Arrival of the Witness=== | ||
When the [[Black Fleet]] finally moved on the Traveler following [[Rasputin]]'s sacrifice, Calus and his Shadow Legion fleet rode alongside and engaged the forces of the Coalition. Upon receiving a vision from the Traveler revealing the location of the Veil on Neptune, the Witness commanded Calus to go to Neptune and secure the [[The Veil|Veil]]. Calus obeyed, traveling to Neptune aboard his new flagship, the ''[[Typhon Imperator]]'', and led an invasion of the formerly-hidden Neptunian city of [[Neomuna]]. | |||
===Race to the Veil=== | ===Race to the Veil=== | ||
As the Typhon Imperator arrived at Neptune, Calus noticed the Guardian making their way through his fleet and was happy about their arrival. After asking them what they thought about his new [[Shadow Legion]] army, Calus laughed and told the Guardian to enjoy every small and hollow victory they could get, as he wanted them in the best of spirits when they eventually faced off against each other. Calus then took his Flagship and headed straight for the surface of Neptune, landing it on the outskirts of Neomuna in [[Ahimsa Park]]. | |||
As the Typhon Imperator arrived at Neptune, Calus noticed the Guardian making their way through his fleet and was happy about their arrival. After asking them what they thought about his new Shadow Legion army, Calus laughed and told the Guardian to enjoy every small and hollow victory they could get, as he wanted them in the best of spirits when they eventually faced off against each other. Calus then took his Flagship and headed straight for the surface of Neptune, landing it on the outskirts of Neomuna in [[Ahimsa Park]]. | |||
As the Shadow Legion began invading and ravaging the city, Calus would stay aboard his ship to enjoy himself. He would later emerge from a dark sarcophagus in his new disciple armored form, boasting about how his semblance matched his inner beauty and how powerful The Witness had made him. After grabbing a crystalline object from a pedestal, Calus use his powers to transform it into a golden chalice. Grateful for his newfound powers, and noticing that the chalice was empty, Calus called for a toast to one of his [[Tormentor]] guards, only for it to not respond as it moved to stand guard at the Emperor's new throne, much to Calus' disappointment. The Witness would then manifest itself before Calus to check on his progress in finding the Veil. Calus would reassure The Witness that his forces were actively searching for the Veil and that the Neptunians, even with their advanced technology, wouldn't pose much of a threat. The Witness, then asked Calus if he had all that he ever wanted, to which Calus responded, that thanks to the Witness's power, he had become glorious. After The Witness left, Calus would turn to rest on his throne, ordering his troops to find the Veil as fast as possible so that he may move on and continue to live a life of luxury. | As the Shadow Legion began invading and ravaging the city, Calus would stay aboard his ship to enjoy himself. He would later emerge from a dark sarcophagus in his new disciple armored form, boasting about how his semblance matched his inner beauty and how powerful The Witness had made him. After grabbing a crystalline object from a pedestal, Calus use his powers to transform it into a golden chalice. Grateful for his newfound powers, and noticing that the chalice was empty, Calus called for a toast to one of his [[Tormentor]] guards, only for it to not respond as it moved to stand guard at the Emperor's new throne, much to Calus' disappointment. [[The Witness]] would then manifest itself before Calus to check on his progress in finding the Veil. Calus would reassure The Witness that his forces were actively searching for the Veil and that the Neptunians, even with their advanced technology, wouldn't pose much of a threat. The Witness, then asked Calus if he had all that he ever wanted, to which Calus responded, that thanks to the Witness's power, he had become glorious. After The Witness left, Calus would turn to rest on his throne, ordering his troops to find the Veil as fast as possible so that he may move on and continue to live a life of luxury. | ||
Later, Calus's forces would discover the location of the Veil. The Guardian could do nothing as The Shadow Legion began setting up heavy fortifications around The Veil's containment area. The Witness would later contact Emperor Calus to check up on his progress again, but this time, the Guardian's [[Ghost]] was able to intercept it, and ultimately became possessed by The Witness. Calus would inform the Witness that he had successfully captured the area around the Veil, but it would take some time to break through, in addition to dealing with interference from both the Guardian and the Neptunians. The Witness acknowledged this and reassured Calus that they could not stop fate before instructing Calus to link the [[Radial Mast]] and make sure that the Veil was destroyed once the link had been made. Calus agreed as the Witness released the Guardian's ghost. | Later, Calus's forces would discover the location of the Veil. The Guardian could do nothing as The Shadow Legion began setting up heavy fortifications around The Veil's containment area. The Witness would later contact Emperor Calus to check up on his progress again, but this time, the Guardian's [[Ghost]] was able to intercept it, and ultimately became possessed by The Witness. Calus would inform the Witness that he had successfully captured the area around the Veil, but it would take some time to break through, in addition to dealing with interference from both the Guardian and the Neptunians. The Witness acknowledged this and reassured Calus that they could not stop fate before instructing Calus to link the [[Radial Mast]] and make sure that the Veil was destroyed once the link had been made. Calus agreed as the Witness released the Guardian's ghost. | ||
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===Legacy=== | ===Legacy=== | ||
[[File:Screenshot 20240517 122416 Chrome.jpg|thumb|300px|The Guardian and Caiatl look upon Calus' remains]] | [[File:Screenshot 20240517 122416 Chrome.jpg|thumb|300px|The Guardian and Caiatl look upon Calus' remains]] | ||
However, Calus's demise would ultimately turn out to be exactly what The Witness wanted as the Guardian had unintentionally brought their Ghost too close to the Veil. While everyone was distracted by the death of the Emperor, the Witness would yet again take possession of the Guardian's Ghost and use it to create the link between the Veil and the [[The Traveler|Traveler]], allowing The Witness to open the way into the [[The Pale Heart|Pale Heart]] and finally bring about the [[Final Shape]]. Even after Calus's death, the remaining Shadow Legion forces in the system would continue to fight on in their Emperor's name and carry out the orders of the Witness. They would even fight within the Pale Heart alongside the Taken, Scorn, [[Sol Divisive]], [[House of Salvation]], [[Xivu Arath's Horde]] and [[the Dread]] to aid the Witness in bringing about the Final Shape. However, both before and after the Witness' death, there were signs that the Shadow Legion were splintering, with some not loyal to the Witness and answering to [[Freeborn Otzot|other | However, Calus's demise would ultimately turn out to be exactly what The Witness wanted as the Guardian had unintentionally brought their Ghost too close to the Veil. While everyone was distracted by the death of the Emperor, the Witness would yet again take possession of the Guardian's Ghost and use it to create the link between the Veil and the [[The Traveler|Traveler]], allowing The Witness to open the way into the [[The Pale Heart|Pale Heart]] and finally bring about the [[Final Shape]]. | ||
Even after Calus's death, the remaining Shadow Legion forces in the system would continue to fight on in their Emperor's name and carry out the orders of the Witness. They would even fight within the Pale Heart alongside the Taken, Scorn, [[Sol Divisive]], [[House of Salvation]], [[Xivu Arath's Horde]] and [[the Dread]] to aid the Witness in bringing about the Final Shape. However, both before and after the Witness' death, there were signs that the Shadow Legion were splintering, with some not loyal to the Witness and answering to [[Freeborn Otzot|other powers]]. | |||
==Personality and traits== | ==Personality and traits== | ||
[[File:Calus.png|thumb|300px|]] | [[File:Calus.png|thumb|300px|]] | ||
Calus' personality is defined by five key characteristics: his hedonism, his narcissism, his ruthlessness, his need to be adored, and his utter certainty in the ultimate [[Final Shape|victory]] of the Witness. As a hedonist, he loves opulence, extravagant displays, and pleasures of all kinds.<ref name="Booklet">[[Cabal Booklet]]</ref> As a narcissist, he considers himself godlike in status and power,<ref name="conspirator"/> is incapable of accepting any point of view other than his and immerses himself in royal scenery that often depicts his own image. When roused or denied, he is fully willing to use force to achieve his goals, throwing the old Praetorate to the mercy of mob justice without remorse and annihilating the | Calus' personality is defined by five key characteristics: his hedonism, his narcissism, his ruthlessness, his need to be adored, and his utter certainty in the ultimate [[Final Shape|victory]] of the Witness. As a hedonist, he loves opulence, extravagant displays, and pleasures of all kinds.<ref name="Booklet">[[Cabal Booklet]]</ref> As a narcissist, he considers himself godlike in status and power,<ref name="conspirator"/> is incapable of accepting any point of view other than his and immerses himself in royal scenery that often depicts his own image. When roused or denied, he is fully willing to use force to achieve his goals, throwing the old Praetorate to the mercy of mob justice without remorse and annihilating the [[Sindu]] fleet when they refused to join his loyalists.<ref name="HotAD"/> Fundamentally, however, Calus wants to love and be loved by those he rules. He abolished the Cabal Praetorate as he believed they abused their control of the Cabal Legions for their own benefit at the expense of the people's welfare, attempted to free the indentured Psions but was overthrown before he could complete the act, and considered the Consul and Ghaul turning the Cabal into a warmongering empire to be the ultimate betrayal to their way of life. <ref name = "Booklet"/> | ||
Altogether, Calus is a figure of contradictions. He is an emperor enthroned by and supporting populism; he is capable of genuine altruism immediately following ruthless conquest; he is self-centered but dotes on his subjects; he is sure of the end of all things and his own death, but he is spurred to action and preserving what he can. | Altogether, Calus is a figure of contradictions. He is an emperor enthroned by and supporting populism; he is capable of genuine altruism immediately following ruthless conquest; he is self-centered but dotes on his subjects; he is sure of the end of all things and his own death, but he is spurred to action and preserving what he can. | ||
Calus has been imbued with potent psionic abilities by his Psion council, having the ability to pull individuals into what is called a mind prison; composed out of the sheer force of his psionic energy similar to an [[Ascendant Realm]], making him a force to be reckoned with.<ref>https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QCBJUGwKhmw</ref> Calus also claims to have knowledge on the true origins and purpose of the [[Traveler]], and to have encountered a far greater power during his travels. | Calus has been imbued with potent psionic abilities by his [[Psion]] council, having the ability to pull individuals into what is called a mind prison; composed out of the sheer force of his psionic energy similar to an [[Ascendant Realm]], making him a force to be reckoned with.<ref>https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QCBJUGwKhmw</ref> Calus also claims to have knowledge on the true origins and purpose of the [[Traveler]], and to have encountered a far greater power during his travels. | ||
Following his encounter with the "black edge," Calus had apparently undergone profound physical changes. His Councilor, [[Match]], claims to have seen him ingest exotic and dangerous substances, such as liquid helium-4 and pure neutronium, which would instantly kill any normal biological being. Some time after these events, Calus ceased to appear in the flesh, instead making exclusive use of his robotic proxies when addressing his advisors. It is implied that his robots no longer bear any resemblance to him as he is now, as in his own words, ''"I was not what I appeared to be"'' and ''"...my form and my strength are inextricably linked."'' <ref>'''Bungie (2017/9/8)''', ''[[Destiny 2]], [[ | Following his encounter with the "black edge," Calus had apparently undergone profound physical changes. His Councilor, [[Match]], claims to have seen him ingest exotic and dangerous substances, such as liquid helium-4 and pure neutronium, which would instantly kill any normal biological being. Some time after these events, Calus ceased to appear in the flesh, instead making exclusive use of his robotic proxies when addressing his advisors. It is implied that his robots no longer bear any resemblance to him as he is now, as in his own words, ''"I was not what I appeared to be"'' and ''"...my form and my strength are inextricably linked."'' <ref>'''Bungie (2017/9/8)''', ''[[Destiny 2]]: PlayStation 4, Activision Blizzard, [[Armor_of_Sekris#Robes_of_Sekris|Robes of Sekris]]''</ref> | ||
His interest in the Guardians continues to grow, as he hopes they will become his Shadows and even saved them from being destroyed by the Leviathan, as they both defeated Ghaul and proved themselves to him that there was more to them than just the powers they possess. Calus laments the brutal, militaristic nature of the Cabal Empire as it is now, and desires Guardians to lead efforts to restore it to its former glory. | His interest in the Guardians continues to grow, as he hopes they will become his Shadows and even saved them from being destroyed by the Leviathan, as they both defeated Ghaul and proved themselves to him that there was more to them than just the powers they possess. Calus laments the brutal, militaristic nature of the Cabal Empire as it is now, and desires Guardians to lead efforts to restore it to its former glory. | ||
Calus' decision to embrace his hedonism partly stems from the fact that he knows how the end of the galaxy is approaching quickly, and how he wished to revel in each small delight until the end comes. <ref>'''Bungie (2017/12/5)''', ''[[Destiny 2]]: [[Curse of Osiris]], [[I Am Alive]]''</ref>He states that the reason he won't kill the Guardian is because he's enamored with a warrior who won't yield in the face of such overwhelming despair.<ref>'''Bungie (2017/12/5)''', ''[[Destiny 2]]: [[Curse of Osiris]], [[Zenith of Your Kind]]''</ref> Overall, the only goal Calus strives for is the right to be the last survivor before his own end at the upcoming apocalypse. | Calus' decision to embrace his hedonism partly stems from the fact that he knows how the end of the galaxy is approaching quickly, and how he wished to revel in each small delight until the end comes. <ref>'''Bungie (2017/12/5)''', ''[[Destiny 2]]: [[Curse of Osiris]], PlayStation 4, Activision Blizzard, [[I Am Alive]]''</ref>He states that the reason he won't kill the Guardian is because he's enamored with a warrior who won't yield in the face of such overwhelming despair.<ref>'''Bungie (2017/12/5)''', ''[[Destiny 2]]: [[Curse of Osiris]], PlayStation 4, Activision Blizzard, [[Zenith of Your Kind]]''</ref> Overall, the only goal Calus strives for is the right to be the last survivor before his own end at the upcoming apocalypse. | ||
Calus appears to take issue with the [[Mara Sov|Queen of the Reef]], though not the [[Awoken]] people in general. His scribes state that at some future date his Shadows will kill the Queen for her defiance, and he personally mentions that if the Guardians come to live on the Leviathan that they cannot return to the [[Dreaming City]]. This likely has to do with their conflicting crowns, as Calus would not accept subservience to anyone but himself and the Queen notably bows to no one. He also loathes and pities the Hive, viewing the sword-logic as something they use as an excuse to hide their own fear of death; he states that given their repeated defeats at the hands of the Guardians, they would kill themselves as soon as they encountered them and save the Guardians the hassle if they truly believed it. Nonetheless, he wishes to civilize the Hive and induct them into his empire, saving them from themselves. | Calus appears to take issue with the [[Mara Sov|Queen of the Reef]], though not the [[Awoken]] people in general. His scribes state that at some future date his Shadows will kill the Queen for her defiance, and he personally mentions that if the Guardians come to live on the Leviathan that they cannot return to the [[Dreaming City]]. This likely has to do with their conflicting crowns, as Calus would not accept subservience to anyone but himself and the Queen notably bows to no one. He also loathes and pities the [[Hive]], viewing the sword-logic as something they use as an excuse to hide their own fear of death; he states that given their repeated defeats at the hands of the Guardians, they would kill themselves as soon as they encountered them and save the Guardians the hassle if they truly believed it. Nonetheless, he wishes to civilize the Hive and induct them into his empire, saving them from themselves. | ||
In ''Season of the Haunted'', the true scope of Calus's schemes and depravity would be revealed. Seeing the end coming, Calus sought to become the latest Disciple of the Witness in order to become its harbinger. He would continue to taunt the Guardians with flattery and vague threats as they sought to undo his plans, unconcerned with their efforts, finding them to be pointless. Eris Morn would speculate that perhaps Calus's initial "generosity" when he first revealed himself to the Guardians, showering them with gifts, was in fact a ruse for him to get close enough to understanding the Darkness without their interference. He was willing to use his daughter to complete his goals, at the same time showing disappointment in her not choosing to stand by his side. However, as shown when the Guardian's delved into the former Emperor's mind, they found that beneath his mountainous narcissism and hedonism, lay doubts and regrets over the choices he made in his life and what his relationship with Caiatl had become. Despite these deep-seated insecurities, the Emperor's said narcissism refused to let these regrets and doubts surface. | In ''Season of the Haunted'', the true scope of Calus's schemes and depravity would be revealed. Seeing the end coming, Calus sought to become the latest Disciple of the Witness in order to become its harbinger. He would continue to taunt the Guardians with flattery and vague threats as they sought to undo his plans, unconcerned with their efforts, finding them to be pointless. Eris Morn would speculate that perhaps Calus's initial "generosity" when he first revealed himself to the Guardians, showering them with gifts, was in fact a ruse for him to get close enough to understanding the Darkness without their interference. He was willing to use his daughter to complete his goals, at the same time showing disappointment in her not choosing to stand by his side. However, as shown when the Guardian's delved into the former Emperor's mind, they found that beneath his mountainous narcissism and hedonism, lay doubts and regrets over the choices he made in his life and what his relationship with Caiatl had become. Despite these deep-seated insecurities, the Emperor's said narcissism refused to let these regrets and doubts surface. | ||
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{{main|Leviathan (raid)}} | {{main|Leviathan (raid)}} | ||
[[File:CalusIDLE.gif|thumb|300px|Calus sitting idly on his opulent throne.]] | [[File:CalusIDLE.gif|thumb|300px|Calus sitting idly on his opulent throne.]] | ||
In [[Leviathan (raid)|Leviathan]], Emperor Calus will initially be immune to damage and will attack from afar with his Emperor's Gaze laser. He will summon an onslaught of Loyalists that must be killed, after which four unique | In [[Leviathan (raid)|Leviathan]], Emperor Calus will initially be immune to damage and will attack from afar with his Emperor's Gaze laser. He will summon an onslaught of [[Loyalists]] that must be killed, after which four unique [[Psion]]s will appear on each of the four plates around the throne room. They each will each have a unique symbol above them: a [[War Beast]], a chalice, a sun, or a pair of axes like the ones carried by [[Gladiator]]s. These symbols need to be memorized for the next section. After a brief pause, Calus will clap his hands twice to teleport all [[Guardian]]s into his mindscape, where they will be met with a giant projection of his head. Killing the Psions beforehand will just spawn extra enemies. | ||
There will be three Psionic charges that will teleport three players back to the throne room, while the remaining three are stuck inside. Those who remain inside will be inflicted with the Mind's Eye debuff, to show that they are being sucked in. If they are sucked in too far, then the Guardians will die. Those who remain in the throne room will have to kill more enemies, and the Psions from earlier will appear with the symbols appearing above them. In the mindscape, Calus' projection will show a symbol on his forehead. Each of the three players will each see a different symbol. Whichever symbol has not been seen is the symbol whose Psion in the throne room needs to be killed. This will repeat a total of four times for each symbol that does not appear. Those being sucked in, meanwhile, with have to kill two different kinds of Psions: regular Psions and their projections. The regular Psions must be killed so that their ruptures cannot send players into the air, and the Psion projections must be killed so that Calus doesn't use his Mental Collapse attack. As soon as they are all killed, Calus' projection will unleash a Psionic Overload, where he will spew purple skulls from his mouth. This is a sign that Calus is charging up an Imperial Nova attack that can wipe the entire team. He will be shielded while doing so. Destroy the shield to stop the attack, while the people inside will shoot down the skulls. Killing or damaging a skull grants a stack of the "Force of Will" buff, and these stacks are shared by the whole team. The more stacks the team carries, the more damage they can deal to Calus. After a while, Calus' projection will stop spewing Psionic Overload skulls, and three Psionic charges will appear that will teleport each player back into the throne room. | There will be three Psionic charges that will teleport three players back to the throne room, while the remaining three are stuck inside. Those who remain inside will be inflicted with the Mind's Eye debuff, to show that they are being sucked in. If they are sucked in too far, then the Guardians will die. Those who remain in the throne room will have to kill more enemies, and the Psions from earlier will appear with the symbols appearing above them. In the mindscape, Calus' projection will show a symbol on his forehead. Each of the three players will each see a different symbol. Whichever symbol has not been seen is the symbol whose Psion in the throne room needs to be killed. This will repeat a total of four times for each symbol that does not appear. Those being sucked in, meanwhile, with have to kill two different kinds of Psions: regular Psions and their projections. The regular Psions must be killed so that their ruptures cannot send players into the air, and the Psion projections must be killed so that Calus doesn't use his Mental Collapse attack. As soon as they are all killed, Calus' projection will unleash a Psionic Overload, where he will spew purple skulls from his mouth. This is a sign that Calus is charging up an Imperial Nova attack that can wipe the entire team. He will be shielded while doing so. Destroy the shield to stop the attack, while the people inside will shoot down the skulls. Killing or damaging a skull grants a stack of the "Force of Will" buff, and these stacks are shared by the whole team. The more stacks the team carries, the more damage they can deal to Calus. After a while, Calus' projection will stop spewing Psionic Overload skulls, and three Psionic charges will appear that will teleport each player back into the throne room. | ||
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===Desperate Measures=== | ===Desperate Measures=== | ||
In [[Desperate Measures]], Calus appears as the final boss of the mission, being the final fight of [[Lightfall]]. He appears in the chamber | In [[Desperate Measures]], Calus appears as the final boss of the mission, being the final fight of [[Lightfall]]. He appears in the chamber below [[The Veil]] and can be seen observing it when [[The Guardian]] arrives a few seconds after him. To start the encounter, a member of the [[Fireteam]] must either approach Calus past the rally flag, or step onto one of the side platforms, which will cause Calus to turn around and summon his Resonant Sun [[Cabal Slug Launcher]], beckoning any Guardian to fight him as considerable amounts of [[Shadow Legion]] pour into the arena to assist him. | ||
Calus takes up a substantial amount of the arena and is ruthless with his Resonant Sun attacks, which can either fire at the same rate of a normal slug launcher, or fire a rapid volley of up to ten shots at once, which will require him to cool down before firing again. Calus can also use a variant of the Cabal Cluster Missiles, snapping of his fingers to summon anywhere from three to seven pyramid scale missiles that home in on the closest opponent, even being able to re-lock on after one goes invisible. The scales inflict Pervading Darkness, which darkens the player's screen and kills them if they stack up to 10, but can be shot and have fairly low health. | Calus takes up a substantial amount of the arena and is ruthless with his Resonant Sun attacks, which can either fire at the same rate of a normal slug launcher, or fire a rapid volley of up to ten shots at once, which will require him to cool down before firing again. Calus can also use a variant of the Cabal Cluster Missiles, snapping of his fingers to summon anywhere from three to seven pyramid scale missiles that home in on the closest opponent, even being able to re-lock on after one goes invisible. The scales inflict Pervading Darkness, which darkens the player's screen and kills them if they stack up to 10, but can be shot and have fairly low health. | ||
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*Calus is the second person from an enemy race to side with the Guardians and the first of the [[Cabal]]. The first ally was [[Variks, the Loyal|Variks]]. | *Calus is the second person from an enemy race to side with the Guardians and the first of the [[Cabal]]. The first ally was [[Variks, the Loyal|Variks]]. | ||
*Calus greatly resembles several Roman emperors/rulers. Like Julius Caesar he overthrew a republic and much like Caligula he insists on being treated like a god and has gone mostly mad after a major life event. An interesting dynamic is that Calus massacred the Cabal senate upon coming to power while the opposite happened to Julius Caesar; in the end, both were betrayed, however, by those they held dear (Brutus and Ghaul) in a major conspiracy. | *Calus greatly resembles several Roman emperors/rulers. Like Julius Caesar he overthrew a republic and much like Caligula he insists on being treated like a god and has gone mostly mad after a major life event. An interesting dynamic is that Calus massacred the Cabal senate upon coming to power while the opposite happened to Julius Caesar; in the end, both were betrayed, however, by those they held dear (Brutus and Ghaul) in a major conspiracy. | ||
*Calus also shares a rivalry with the Drifter over the Guardians and their allegiance, despite sharing similar apocalyptic beliefs over the Darkness. | *Calus also shares a rivalry with the [[Drifter]] over the Guardians and their allegiance, despite sharing similar apocalyptic beliefs over the Darkness. | ||
*After the events of [[Presage]], the fate of Calus was unknown. However, during an interview with Games Radar, Nardin of the development team said "Calus is out there waiting, doing something, we're not really sure, but we're really excited to do things with him." | *After the events of [[Presage]], the fate of Calus was unknown. However, during an interview with Games Radar, Nardin of the development team said "Calus is out there waiting, doing something, we're not really sure, but we're really excited to do things with him." | ||
**Calus later returned as the main antagonist of ''[[Season of the Haunted]]'' and ''[[Lightfall]]''. | **Calus later returned as the main antagonist of ''[[Season of the Haunted]]'' and ''[[Lightfall]]''. | ||
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Gluttony-garden.jpg|Concept art of a Calus statue in the Pleasure Gardens | Gluttony-garden.jpg|Concept art of a Calus statue in the Pleasure Gardens | ||
CalusConceptArt1.jpg|Concept art of a more tyrannical Emperor Calus | CalusConceptArt1.jpg|Concept art of a more tyrannical Emperor Calus | ||
</gallery> | </gallery> | ||
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***''[[Season of the Witch]]'' {{Mo}} | ***''[[Season of the Witch]]'' {{Mo}} | ||
***''[[Season of the Wish]]'' {{Mo}} | ***''[[Season of the Wish]]'' {{Mo}} | ||
**''[[Into the Light]]'' {{Mo}} | **''[[Into the Light (update)|Into the Light]]'' {{Mo}} | ||
**''[[The Final Shape]]'' {{Mo}} | **''[[The Final Shape]]'' {{Mo}} | ||
***''[[Episode: Echoes]]'' {{Mo}} | ***''[[Episode: Echoes]]'' {{Mo}} | ||
*''[[Beloved (lore)|Beloved]]'' {{Mo}} | *''[[Beloved (lore)|Beloved]]'' {{Mo}} | ||