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==Biography== | ==Biography== | ||
===Early Life=== | ===Early Life=== | ||
Calus was known as the '''Prince Designate''' to the Cabal Empire and to succeed the Empress before him. By the time of his birth, most of the throne's power had been taken over by a military aristocracy known as the [[Praetorate]], who strictly controlled his life to a degree he openly compared to slavery. While he was born near the end of her life, the Praetorate feared a succession crisis and forced the previous Empress to live upon a [[Leviathan (ship)|ship]] that was kept near light speed constantly, using the relativistic effects to slow her ageing to an effective eternity. Calus believed that she eventually committed suicide due to her powerlessness and isolation.<ref>'''[[Beloved (lore)|Beloved]]''', "[[Beloved (lore)#I am seven years old.|I am seven years old.]]"</ref> | Calus was known as the '''Prince Designate''' to the Cabal Empire and to succeed the Empress before him. By the time of his birth, most of the throne's power had been taken over by a military aristocracy known as the [[Praetorate]], who strictly controlled his life to a degree he openly compared to slavery. While he was born near the end of her life, the Praetorate feared a succession crisis and forced the previous Empress to live upon a [[Leviathan (ship)|ship]] that was kept near light speed constantly, using the relativistic effects to slow her ageing to an effective eternity. Calus believed that she eventually committed suicide due to her powerlessness and isolation.<ref>'''[[Beloved (lore)|Beloved]]''', "[[Beloved (lore)#I am seven years old.|I am seven years old.]]"</ref> | ||
Before her death, Calus's mother gave him the ritual blade [[Heartshadow]] as it was customary of all Cabal royalty.<ref name="Heartshadow">'''Bungie (2022/5/24)''', ''[[Destiny 2]]: [[Season of the Haunted]] - Item Description: [[ | Before her death, Calus's mother gave him the ritual blade [[Heartshadow]] as it was customary of all Cabal royalty.<ref name="Heartshadow">'''Bungie (2022/5/24)''', ''[[Destiny 2]]: [[Season of the Haunted]] - Item Description: [[Heartshadow]]''</ref> | ||
===Reign=== | ===Reign=== | ||
{{quote|For centuries, I led the revels of my empire, and the stars themselves burnt sweet and clear. But in time the jealous and the tight-fisted rose up and sent me into exile.|Emperor Calus}} | {{quote|For centuries, I led the revels of my empire, and the stars themselves burnt sweet and clear. But in time the jealous and the tight-fisted rose up and sent me into exile.|Emperor Calus}} | ||
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">'''[[Beloved (lore)|Beloved]]''', "[[Beloved (lore)#I am a few days older.|I am a few days older.]]"</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 name="BLVD 2">'''[[Beloved (lore)|Beloved]]''', "[[Beloved (lore)#I am centuries old.|I am centuries old.]]"</ref> He named his newborn daughter [[Empress Caiatl|Caiatl]] after the brightest star in Torobatl's sky,<ref name="Duality">'''Bungie (2022/05/27)''', ''[[Destiny 2]]: [[Season of the Haunted]] - [[Duality (dungeon)|Duality]]''</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">'''[[Beloved (lore)|Beloved]]''', "[[Beloved (lore)#I am thirty-five years old.|I am thrity-five years old.]]"</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]] - [[Duality (dungeon)#Repressed | 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">'''[[Beloved (lore)|Beloved]]''', "[[Beloved (lore)#I am a few days older.|I am a few days older.]]"</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 name="BLVD 2">'''[[Beloved (lore)|Beloved]]''', "[[Beloved (lore)#I am centuries old.|I am centuries old.]]"</ref> He named his newborn daughter [[Empress Caiatl|Caiatl]] after the brightest star in Torobatl's sky,<ref name="Duality">'''Bungie (2022/05/27)''', ''[[Destiny 2]]: [[Season of the Haunted]] - [[Duality (dungeon)|Duality]]''</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">'''[[Beloved (lore)|Beloved]]''', "[[Beloved (lore)#I am thirty-five years old.|I am thrity-five years old.]]"</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]] - [[Duality (dungeon)|Duality]]: [[Duality (dungeon)#Second Repressed Memory|Second Repressed Memory]]''</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 the [[Consul]], a prominent member of the Praetorate, into the wastelands of Torobatl.<ref name="Inaugural Address">'''Bungie (2017/9/8)''', ''[[Destiny 2]] - Item Description: [[Inaugural Address#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"/> | 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]] - Item Description: [[Inaugural Address#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"/> | ||
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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 [[Nessus]] soon afterwards and began consuming it. | 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 [[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 | 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> | ||
[[File:CalusRobots.jpg|thumb|300px|The many robots of Calus]] | [[File:CalusRobots.jpg|thumb|300px|The many robots of Calus]] | ||
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===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>'''Bungie (2021/2/9)''', ''[[Destiny 2]]: [[Season of the Chosen]] - [[Presage]]''</ref><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>'''Bungie (2021/2/9)''', ''[[Destiny 2]]: [[Season of the Chosen]] - [[Presage]]''</ref><ref>'''Bungie (2021/2/9)''', ''[[Destiny 2]]: [[Season of the Chosen]] - [[Lore:Captain's Log|Captain's Log]]: [[Lore:Captain's Log#ENTRY 1 - Charon's Silhouette|ENTRY 1 - Charon's Silhouette]]''</ref> | ||
Calus had the ''Glykon'' anchor off of [[Phobos]], at the edge of the Anomaly left by the disappearance of Mars.<ref>'''Bungie (2021/2/9)''', ''[[Destiny 2]]: [[Season of the Chosen]] - [[Lore:Captain's Log|Captain's Log]]: [[Lore:Captain's Log#ENTRY 5 - Feast Your Eyes|ENTRY 5 - Feast Your Eyes]]''</ref> 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.<ref>'''Bungie (2021/2/9)''', ''[[Destiny 2]]: [[Season of the Chosen]] - [[Lore:Captain's Log|Captain's Log]]: [[Lore:Captain's Log#ENTRY 6 - Excess of Avarice|ENTRY 6 - Excess of Avarice]]''</ref> 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.<ref>'''Bungie (2021/2/9)''', ''[[Destiny 2]]: [[Season of the Chosen]] - [[Lore:Captain's Log|Captain's Log]]: [[Lore:Captain's Log#ENTRY 8 - Acheron's Wall|ENTRY 8 - Acheron's Wall]]''</ref><ref>'''Bungie (2021/2/9)''', ''[[Destiny 2]]: [[Season of the Chosen]] - [[Lore:Captain's Log|Captain's Log]]: [[Lore:Captain's Log#ENTRY 10 - Blood in the Barrel|ENTRY 10 - Blood in the Barrel]]''</ref> | Calus had the ''Glykon'' anchor off of [[Phobos]], at the edge of the Anomaly left by the disappearance of Mars.<ref>'''Bungie (2021/2/9)''', ''[[Destiny 2]]: [[Season of the Chosen]] - [[Lore:Captain's Log|Captain's Log]]: [[Lore:Captain's Log#ENTRY 5 - Feast Your Eyes|ENTRY 5 - Feast Your Eyes]]''</ref> 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.<ref>'''Bungie (2021/2/9)''', ''[[Destiny 2]]: [[Season of the Chosen]] - [[Lore:Captain's Log|Captain's Log]]: [[Lore:Captain's Log#ENTRY 6 - Excess of Avarice|ENTRY 6 - Excess of Avarice]]''</ref> 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.<ref>'''Bungie (2021/2/9)''', ''[[Destiny 2]]: [[Season of the Chosen]] - [[Lore:Captain's Log|Captain's Log]]: [[Lore:Captain's Log#ENTRY 8 - Acheron's Wall|ENTRY 8 - Acheron's Wall]]''</ref><ref>'''Bungie (2021/2/9)''', ''[[Destiny 2]]: [[Season of the Chosen]] - [[Lore:Captain's Log|Captain's Log]]: [[Lore:Captain's Log#ENTRY 10 - Blood in the Barrel|ENTRY 10 - Blood in the Barrel]]''</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.<ref>'''Bungie (2022/05/27)''', ''[[Destiny 2]]: [[Season of the Haunted]] - [[Duality (dungeon)#Repressed | 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.<ref>'''Bungie (2022/05/27)''', ''[[Destiny 2]]: [[Season of the Haunted]] - [[Duality (dungeon)|Duality]]: [[Duality (dungeon)#Ninth Repressed Memory|Ninth Repressed Memory]]''</ref> 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>'''Bungie (2022/05/27)''', ''[[Destiny 2]]: [[Season of the Haunted]] - [[Duality (dungeon)|Duality]]: [[Duality (dungeon)#Tenth Repressed Memory|Tenth Repressed Memory]]''</ref><ref>'''Bungie (2022/05/27)''', ''[[Destiny 2]]: [[Season of the Haunted]] - [[Duality (dungeon)|Duality]]: [[Duality (dungeon)#Eleventh Repressed Memory|Eleventh Repressed Memory]]''</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.<ref>'''Bungie (2022/2/22)''', ''[[Destiny 2]]: [[Season of the Risen]] - [[Vox Obscura]]''</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.<ref>'''Bungie (2022/2/22)''', ''[[Destiny 2]]: [[Season of the Risen]] - [[Vox Obscura]]''</ref> | ||
===Ascension into a Disciple=== | ===Ascension into a Disciple=== | ||
After disappearing for two years, Calus | 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|Lunar Pyramid]] formerly piloted by [[Nezarec, Final God of Pain|Nezarec]]. He now has reinforced his Loyalist troops with Scorn, as well as also controlling [[Nightmares]] created by the connection with the Pyramid.<ref>'''Bungie (2022/5/24)''', ''[[Destiny 2]]: [[Season of the Haunted]] - [[Operation: Midas]]''</ref> 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.<ref>'''Bungie (2022/5/24)''', ''[[Destiny 2]]: [[Season of the Haunted]] - [[H.E.L.M.]] Radio Message: [[H.E.L.M.#Season of the Haunted|Caiatl's Leviathan Report]]''</ref> | ||
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 [[Uldren Sov|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 is 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.<ref>'''Bungie (2022/5/24)''', ''[[Destiny 2]]: [[Season of the Haunted]] - [[Sever - Shame]]''</ref><ref>'''Bungie (2022/5/24)''', ''[[Destiny 2]]: [[Season of the Haunted]] - [[Sever - Reconciliation]]''</ref> | 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 [[Uldren Sov|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 is 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.<ref>'''Bungie (2022/5/24)''', ''[[Destiny 2]]: [[Season of the Haunted]] - [[Sever - Shame]]''</ref><ref>'''Bungie (2022/5/24)''', ''[[Destiny 2]]: [[Season of the Haunted]] - [[Sever - Reconciliation]]''</ref> | ||
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 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.<ref>'''Bungie (2022/5/24)''', ''[[Destiny 2]]: [[Season of the Haunted]] - [[Catharsis]]''</ref> | |||
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 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.<ref | |||
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 Disciple of the Witness, thereby becoming the harbinger of a Second Collapse. She further states they had merely bought themselves time and now they must prepare themselves for when The Witness returns.{{Citation needed}} | 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 Disciple of the Witness, thereby becoming the harbinger of a Second Collapse. She further states they had merely bought themselves time and now they must prepare themselves for when The Witness returns.{{Citation needed}} | ||
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With the situation clear, the Guardian was tasked by both [[Osiris]] and the Cloud Strider [[Rohan]] to storm The Typhon Imperator and destroy the Radial Mast before Calus has a chance to link it up with the Veil. However, Calus anticipated this and used the Radial Mast as a trap. Upon arriving in the arena where the Radial Mast was kept, Calus appeared before the guardian in his psionic form to mock them, excited that they were going to be "tonight's entertainment" in a final test of strength and also gloated that he had no riches to give them this time. Calus then unleashed a horde of [[Taken]] and a few of his [[Garaask, Undying Inferno|Shadow Legion]] [[Kar'uul, Indomitable Champion|champions]] on the Guardian while trying to convince them to join him all the while. The Gaurdian, however, ignored Calus's banter and was able to expose the Radial Mast, only for a Cabal shield to surround it before they had a chance to destroy it. As Calus sent more Taken and Shadow Legion into the arena, the Guardian was forced to use a [[Strand]] Anomaly to fend them off, but it would ultimately render them vulnerable and exhausted. Recognizing that the Guardian wouldn't be accepting his offer to join him, Calus sent in one of his commanders, [[Val Bho'kaurl]], to finish off the weakened guardian. Calus told the Guardian that they could not escape oblivion and that they should embrace their end. However, the Guardian ended up receiving surprising assistance from Empress Caiatl, who showed up in a [[Empress's Thresher|Thresher]] and bombarded the arena, creating an opening for the Guardian to escape, which angered Calus. With Caital's Help, the Guardian successfully escaped the Typhon Imperator with their life. But regardless, they still failed in their mission and Calus was able to secure the Radial Mast.<ref>'''Bungie (2023/2/28)''', ''[[Destiny 2]]: [[Lightfall]] - [[Downfall]]''</ref> | With the situation clear, the Guardian was tasked by both [[Osiris]] and the Cloud Strider [[Rohan]] to storm The Typhon Imperator and destroy the Radial Mast before Calus has a chance to link it up with the Veil. However, Calus anticipated this and used the Radial Mast as a trap. Upon arriving in the arena where the Radial Mast was kept, Calus appeared before the guardian in his psionic form to mock them, excited that they were going to be "tonight's entertainment" in a final test of strength and also gloated that he had no riches to give them this time. Calus then unleashed a horde of [[Taken]] and a few of his [[Garaask, Undying Inferno|Shadow Legion]] [[Kar'uul, Indomitable Champion|champions]] on the Guardian while trying to convince them to join him all the while. The Gaurdian, however, ignored Calus's banter and was able to expose the Radial Mast, only for a Cabal shield to surround it before they had a chance to destroy it. As Calus sent more Taken and Shadow Legion into the arena, the Guardian was forced to use a [[Strand]] Anomaly to fend them off, but it would ultimately render them vulnerable and exhausted. Recognizing that the Guardian wouldn't be accepting his offer to join him, Calus sent in one of his commanders, [[Val Bho'kaurl]], to finish off the weakened guardian. Calus told the Guardian that they could not escape oblivion and that they should embrace their end. However, the Guardian ended up receiving surprising assistance from Empress Caiatl, who showed up in a [[Empress's Thresher|Thresher]] and bombarded the arena, creating an opening for the Guardian to escape, which angered Calus. With Caital's Help, the Guardian successfully escaped the Typhon Imperator with their life. But regardless, they still failed in their mission and Calus was able to secure the Radial Mast.<ref>'''Bungie (2023/2/28)''', ''[[Destiny 2]]: [[Lightfall]] - [[Downfall]]''</ref> | ||
However, when the time came, Calus' attempt to establish a link using the Radial Mast and the Veil ended up failing due to the Guardian's efforts in clearing out the Shadow Legion fortifications around the Veil, killing Val' Bor'kaurl, and destroying the Radial mast, at the cost of Rohan's life.<ref>'''Bungie (2023/2/28)''', ''[[Destiny 2]]: [[Lightfall]] - [[No Time Left]]''</ref> After which, Calus would inform the Witness about this setback while in a state of sleep. The Witness then explained that Calus feared loss and that fear was the cause of his failure. Angered by this, Calus began to scold The Witness on how he had led this invasion with vicious subjugation, broke through their enemy's defenses, and claimed the Veil with ease, all because he wanted it. While on the other hand, The Witness held the power of the universe within its grasp, yet never decided to do anything with it. The Witness became furious at Calus for questioning its judgment and interrupted his rant by shouting "ENOUGH!" at him, cracking reality around him. The Witness then ordered the Emperor to secure the Veil and that It would create the link between The Veil and The Traveler when the time came. Utterly terrified as he looked upon the Witness, Calus begged for its forgiveness as he began bleeding from his head. He complied with his master's wishes and ensured that The Witness's will shall be done, after which he awoke from his nightmare. Looking at his chalice for a moment, he angrily crushed it in his hand and then tossed it away, feeling humiliated and knowing that he must take matters into his own hands.<ref | However, when the time came, Calus' attempt to establish a link using the Radial Mast and the Veil ended up failing due to the Guardian's efforts in clearing out the Shadow Legion fortifications around the Veil, killing Val' Bor'kaurl, and destroying the Radial mast, at the cost of Rohan's life.<ref>'''Bungie (2023/2/28)''', ''[[Destiny 2]]: [[Lightfall]] - [[No Time Left]]''</ref> After which, Calus would inform the Witness about this setback while in a state of sleep. The Witness then explained that Calus feared loss and that fear was the cause of his failure. Angered by this, Calus began to scold The Witness on how he had led this invasion with vicious subjugation, broke through their enemy's defenses, and claimed the Veil with ease, all because he wanted it. While on the other hand, The Witness held the power of the universe within its grasp, yet never decided to do anything with it. The Witness became furious at Calus for questioning its judgment and interrupted his rant by shouting "ENOUGH!" at him, cracking reality around him. The Witness then ordered the Emperor to secure the Veil and that It would create the link between The Veil and The Traveler when the time came. Utterly terrified as he looked upon the Witness, Calus begged for its forgiveness as he began bleeding from his head. He complied with his master's wishes and ensured that The Witness's will shall be done, after which he awoke from his nightmare. Looking at his chalice for a moment, he angrily crushed it in his hand and then tossed it away, feeling humiliated and knowing that he must take matters into his own hands.<ref>'''Bungie (2023/2/28)''', ''[[Destiny 2]]: [[Lightfall]] - [https://youtu.be/7BLYLVaZVQ0?t=931 Calus Afraid]''</ref> | ||
====Final Stand==== | ====Final Stand==== | ||
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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.<ref>'''Bungie (2019/6/4)''', ''[[Destiny 2]]: [[Season of Opulence]] - [[Lore:Confessions|Confessions]]: [[Lore:Confessions#Entry V|Entry V]]''</ref> Sometime after these events, Calus ceased to appear in the flesh, instead making exclusive use of his robotic proxies when addressing his advisors.{{Citation needed}} It is implied that his robots no longer bear any resemblance to him as he is now, as in his own words, ''"...not what I appeared to be"'' and ''"...my form and my strength are inextricably linked."''<ref>'''Bungie (2017/12/5)''', ''[[Destiny 2]]: [[Curse of Osiris]] - Item Description: [[Sekris Suit#Robes of Sekris|Robes of Sekris]]''</ref> | 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.<ref>'''Bungie (2019/6/4)''', ''[[Destiny 2]]: [[Season of Opulence]] - [[Lore:Confessions|Confessions]]: [[Lore:Confessions#Entry V|Entry V]]''</ref> Sometime after these events, Calus ceased to appear in the flesh, instead making exclusive use of his robotic proxies when addressing his advisors.{{Citation needed}} It is implied that his robots no longer bear any resemblance to him as he is now, as in his own words, ''"...not what I appeared to be"'' and ''"...my form and my strength are inextricably linked."''<ref>'''Bungie (2017/12/5)''', ''[[Destiny 2]]: [[Curse of Osiris]] - Item Description: [[Sekris Suit#Robes of Sekris|Robes of Sekris]]''</ref> | ||
His interest in the Guardians continued to grow, as he hoped they would become his Shadows and even save them from being destroyed by the Leviathan, as they both defeated Ghaul and proved to him that there was more to them than just the powers they possess.{{Citation | His interest in the Guardians continued to grow, as he hoped they would become his Shadows and even save them from being destroyed by the Leviathan, as they both defeated Ghaul and proved to him that there was more to them than just the powers they possess.{{Citation}} 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.<ref name="CBInvitation"/> | ||
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 wishes to revel in each small delight until the end comes.<ref>'''Bungie (2017/12/5)''', ''[[Destiny 2]]: [[Curse of Osiris]] - Item Description: [[I Am Alive#Lore|I Am Alive]]''</ref> He states that the reason he won't kill the Guardian is that 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]] - Item Description: [[Zenith of Your Kind#Lore|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 wishes to revel in each small delight until the end comes.<ref>'''Bungie (2017/12/5)''', ''[[Destiny 2]]: [[Curse of Osiris]] - Item Description: [[I Am Alive#Lore|I Am Alive]]''</ref> He states that the reason he won't kill the Guardian is that 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]] - Item Description: [[Zenith of Your Kind#Lore|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,<ref>'''Bungie (2019/6/4)''', ''[[Destiny 2]]: [[Season of Opulence]] - [[Lore:The Chronicon|The Chronicon]]: [[Lore:The Chronicon#MCXII.|MCXII.]]''</ref> and he personally mentions that if the Guardians cannot return to the [[Dreaming City]] if they come to live on the Leviathan.<ref>'''Bungie (2019/6/4)''', ''[[Destiny 2]]: [[Season of Opulence]] - Emperor Calus: [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7m3zdU_FOSc "Good. Good. Now, will you consider living here upon the Leviathan? If you do, you must never return to the Dreaming City."]''</ref> 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.<ref>'''Bungie (2019/6/4)''', ''[[Destiny 2]]: [[Season of Opulence]] - Item Description: [[Shadow of Silence Suit#Shadow's Vest|Shadow's Vest]]''</ref> Nonetheless, he wishes to civilize the Hive and induct them into his empire, saving them from themselves.<ref>'''Bungie (2019/6/4)''', ''[[Destiny 2]]: [[Season of Opulence]] - Item Description: [[Shadow of | 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,<ref>'''Bungie (2019/6/4)''', ''[[Destiny 2]]: [[Season of Opulence]] - [[Lore:The Chronicon|The Chronicon]]: [[Lore:The Chronicon#MCXII.|MCXII.]]''</ref> and he personally mentions that if the Guardians cannot return to the [[Dreaming City]] if they come to live on the Leviathan.<ref>'''Bungie (2019/6/4)''', ''[[Destiny 2]]: [[Season of Opulence]] - Emperor Calus: [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7m3zdU_FOSc "Good. Good. Now, will you consider living here upon the Leviathan? If you do, you must never return to the Dreaming City."]''</ref> 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.<ref>'''Bungie (2019/6/4)''', ''[[Destiny 2]]: [[Season of Opulence]] - Item Description: [[Shadow of Silence Suit#Shadow's Vest|Shadow's Vest]]''</ref> Nonetheless, he wishes to civilize the Hive and induct them into his empire, saving them from themselves.<ref>'''Bungie (2019/6/4)''', ''[[Destiny 2]]: [[Season of Opulence]] - Item Description: [[Shadow of Judgement Suit#Shadow's Boots|Shadow's Boots]]''</ref> | ||
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 to become its harbinger.{{Citation needed}} 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.{{Citation needed}} 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 understand the Darkness without their interference.{{Citation needed}} 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.<ref name="Catharsis"/> However, as shown when the Guardians 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.<ref name="Duality"/> | 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 to become its harbinger.{{Citation needed}} 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.{{Citation needed}} 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 understand the Darkness without their interference.{{Citation needed}} 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.<ref name="Catharsis"/> However, as shown when the Guardians 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.<ref name="Duality"/> | ||
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*Calus is voiced by [[Wikipedia:Daren De Paul|Daren De Paul]]. | *Calus is voiced by [[Wikipedia:Daren De Paul|Daren De Paul]]. | ||
*Calus is the third Cabal character to speak English fluently. The first being Ghaul and the second, the Consul. | *Calus is the third Cabal character to speak English fluently. The first being Ghaul and the second, the Consul. | ||
*Calus inadvertently foresaw The Consul's death, as he wanted the Consul to die by his own weapons. | *Calus inadvertently foresaw The Consul's death, as he wanted the Consul to die by his own weapons. Ghaul was The Consul's weapon in overthrowing Calus and when he killed the Consul during the Red War, Ghaul unknowingly fulfilled that vision. | ||
*At one point, Calus uses the phrase "oh champion mine" in one of his letters, a phrase often used by [[Ahamkara|certain]] [[Worms|enemies]] of the Light, suggesting less than honorable intentions for the Guardians. | *At one point, Calus uses the phrase "oh champion mine" in one of his letters, a phrase often used by [[Ahamkara|certain]] [[Worms|enemies]] of the Light, suggesting less than honorable intentions for the Guardians. | ||
*Based on the Lore of [[Tilt Fuse]], Emperor Calus was once a client | **It was speculated that through the use of the [[Anthem Anatheme]], he had transcended his physical form to become the floating head seen within his Shadow Realm. However, in ''[[Season of the Chosen]]'', it was revealed that he was still alive in a decrepit mortal state. | ||
*Calus refers to the different classes of Guardians | *Based on the Lore of [[Tilt Fuse]], Emperor Calus was once a client to the Cabal weapons dealer [[Bracus Zahn]]. Zahn himself stated that the former emperor was his best client. | ||
*Revealed in the Leviathan-associated Raid armors, Calus hopes that once the Guardians stand beside them, each of the Guardian classes | *Calus refers to the different classes of Guardians as tribes. | ||
**He hopes that the [[Hunters]] become the navigators of his vessels, the assassins in his armies and the treasure hunters for his lost repositories filled with the empire's secrets. | *Revealed in the Leviathan-associated Raid armors, Calus hopes that once the Guardians stand beside them, each of the Guardian classes would have a special function in his restored empire. | ||
**He hopes that the [[Warlocks]] become his ambassadors, his technologists and his warrior-scientists to discover the secrets of the lost worlds his empire once ruled. | **He hopes that the [[Hunters]] become the navigators of his vessels, the assassins in his armies and the treasure hunters for his lost repositories filled with the empire's secrets. | ||
**He hopes that the [[Titan (class)|Titan]]s become the taskmasters to train his armies, both in personal combat and warfare, teach them to be both civilized during peace while vicious during wartime and teach his soldiers to be selfless yet persistent in battle. | **He hopes that the [[Warlocks]] become his ambassadors, his technologists and his warrior-scientists to discover the secrets of the lost worlds his empire once ruled. | ||
**He hopes that the [[Titan (class)|Titan]]s become the taskmasters to train his armies, both in personal combat and warfare, teach them to be both civilized during peace while vicious during wartime and to teach his soldiers to be selfless yet persistent in battle. | |||
*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]]''. | ||
*During the single | *During the single day game outage to prepare for the launch of Lightfall, Calus told players on Twitter to go touch grass.<ref>[https://twitter.com/Destiny2Team/status/1630368284993548288 '''@Destiny2Team:''' ''"Lightfall is arriving in less than 24 hours, Guardians. Consider this your reminder to watch out for any spoilers, mute any sensitive terms, and stay vigilant in the trenches of social media. Calus says so 😤"'']</ref> | ||
*Calus's dying words were "Cemaili". | *Calus's dying words were "Cemaili". The significance of this word is unknown, though, it can be an affectionate nickname which Calus used on her daughter, Caiatl, or this word is actually the name of Calus's missing lover, Caiatl's mother. | ||
==Gallery== | ==Gallery== | ||
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</gallery> | </gallery> | ||
==List of | ==List of Appearances== | ||
*''[[Cabal Booklet]]'' {{Fm}} | *''[[Cabal Booklet]]'' {{Fm}} | ||
*''[[Destiny 2]]'' {{1st}} | *''[[Destiny 2]]'' {{1st}} | ||
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**''[[The Final Shape]]'' {{Mo}} | **''[[The Final Shape]]'' {{Mo}} | ||
***''[[Episode: Echoes]]'' {{Mo}} | ***''[[Episode: Echoes]]'' {{Mo}} | ||
*''[[The Hidden Dossier]]'' {{Mo}} | *''[[The Hidden Dossier]]'' {{Mo}} | ||
*''[[Beloved (lore)|Beloved]]'' {{Mo}} | *''[[Beloved (lore)|Beloved]]'' {{Mo}} | ||
==References== | ==References== |