Taken War: Difference between revisions

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*Every [[Echo of Oryx]] destroyed
*Every [[Echo of Oryx]] destroyed
**[[Oryx, the Taken King|Oryx]] killed in the material realm
**[[Oryx, the Taken King|Oryx]] killed in the material realm
***Oryx killed inside his [[Throne World]]
***Oryx killed inside his [[Throne World]]<ref name="King's Fall"/>
***All pretenders to the Throne killed ([[Malok, Pride of Oryx]] and [[Alak-Hul, the Darkblade]])
***All pretenders to the Throne killed ([[Malok, Pride of Oryx]] and [[Alak-Hul, the Darkblade]])<ref name="Chalice"/><ref name="Sunless"/>
*Entire [[Court of Oryx]] killed
*Entire [[Court of Oryx]] killed
**[[Blood of Oryx]] left without leadership
**[[Blood of Oryx]] left without leadership
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*[[Skyburners]]'s leadership heavily weakened
*[[Skyburners]]'s leadership heavily weakened
**Cabal forces and fleet heavily degraded
**Cabal forces and fleet heavily degraded
***Cabal sent a support request to the Empire, leading to the [[Red War]]
***Cabal sent a support request to the Empire, leading to the [[Red War]]<ref name="Outbound"/>
*Awoken leadership weakened
*Awoken leadership weakened
**Awoken forces and fleet heavily degraded
**Awoken forces and fleet heavily degraded
**[[Petra Venj]] becomes regent
**[[Petra Venj]] becomes Acting Regent-Commander<ref name="Telesto"/>
*Fallen forces from every House heavily degraded  
*Fallen forces from every House heavily degraded  
**[[Orbiks Prime]] destroyed and [[Keldar, Archon Priest]] killed
**[[Orbiks Prime]] destroyed and [[Keldar, Archon Priest]] killed<ref name="WOM"/>
***House of Wolves leadership permanently broken  
***House of Wolves leadership permanently broken<ref name="WOM"/>
*[[Vex]] structures across the system infested by [[Taken]] ([[Vault of Glass (location)|Vault of Glass]] nearly corrupted entirely)
*[[Vex]] structures across the system infested by [[Taken]] ([[Vault of Glass (location)|Vault of Glass]] nearly corrupted entirely)<ref name="Paradox"/>
*[[Riven]] is corrupted by Oryx
*[[Riven]] is corrupted by Oryx<ref name="Great Hunt Robes"/>
**Remaining [[Ahamkara]]s left in Sol are killed by the Nine<ref>'''Bungie (2018/9/4)''', ''[[Destiny 2]]: [[Forsaken]] - [[Lore]]:[[Lore:The Dreaming City|The Dreaming City]], [[Lore:The Dreaming City#Lore entry|Lore entry]]''</ref>
**Remaining [[Ahamkara]]s left in Sol are killed by the Nine<ref>'''Bungie (2018/9/4)''', ''[[Destiny 2]]: [[Forsaken]] - [[Lore]]:[[Lore:The Dreaming City|The Dreaming City]], [[Lore:The Dreaming City#Reextinction|Reextinction]]''</ref>
**Riven's eggs are Taken
**Riven's eggs are Taken
***[[Taranis]] scatters the uncorrupted eggs at the cost of his life<ref>'''Bungie (2023/11/28)''', ''[[Destiny 2]]: [[Season of the Wish]] - [[Lore]]:[[Lore:Gifts and Bargains|Gifts and Bargains]], [[Lore:Gifts and Bargains#Last Bargain|Last Bargain]]''</ref>
***[[Taranis]] scatters the uncorrupted eggs at the cost of his life<ref>'''Bungie (2023/11/28)''', ''[[Destiny 2]]: [[Season of the Wish]] - [[Lore]]:[[Lore:Gifts and Bargains|Gifts and Bargains]], [[Lore:Gifts and Bargains#Last Bargain|Last Bargain]]''</ref>
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'''The Reef:'''
'''The Reef:'''
*Most of the Awoken fleet
*Most of the Awoken fleet
*Three of five Armada Paladins
*[[Paladin]]s [[Abra Zire]], [[Pavel Nolg]] and [[Yasmin Eld]] confirmed dead<ref name="Telesto"/>
*Mara Sov and Uldren Sov missing (presumed dead)
*Mara and Uldren Sov, [[Pavel Nolg]], [[Kalli]], [[Sedia]] and [[Shuro Chi]] presumed dead<ref name="Telesto"/>
|casual2=
|casual2=
'''Hive:'''
'''Hive:'''
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*Countless Taken
*Countless Taken
|casual3='''Cabal:'''
|casual3='''Cabal:'''
*Losses to Blind Legion: 35% percent (first stages)
*Losses to Blind Legion: 35% percent (first stages)<ref name="Losses">'''Bungie (2015/9/15)''', ''[[Destiny]]: [[The Taken King]] - [[Ghost scan]]s: [[Ghost scan#Phobos|PHO-FBK-8]]''</ref>
*Losses to Sand Eaters: 58% (first stages)
*Losses to Sand Eaters: 58% (first stages)<ref name="Losses"/>
*Losses to Dust Giants: 39% (first stages)
*Losses to Dust Giants: 39% (first stages)<ref name="Losses"/>
*Large numbers Taken or killed (later stages)
*Large numbers Taken or killed (later stages)
*Most of the Cabal fleet  
*Most of the Cabal fleet  
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==Events==
==Events==
===Prelude===
===Prelude===
{{References|section}}
For centuries, the Guardians of the Last City have fought with the Hive to prevent them from invading Earth and destroying the Traveler, only in the recent years have the Guardians been able to make progress in driving the Hive back. The Hive in the system were led by Crota, Son of Oryx who brought about the [[Great Disaster]] after the Guardians sought to retake the Moon. A fireteam led by [[Eriana-3]], a survivor of the battle, sought revenge against the Hive Prince, but her team failed in killing Crota. Only Eris Morn survived that mission and has since then feared Crota's return and has sought the means to destroy him and avenge her fallen comrades. Her fears came true when Crota's servants endeavored to resurrect their master and have him lead an all-out invasion of Earth.  
For centuries, the Guardians of the Last City have fought with the Hive to prevent them from invading Earth and destroying the Traveler, only in the recent years have the Guardians been able to make progress in driving the Hive back. The Hive in the system were led by Crota, Son of Oryx who brought about the [[Great Disaster]] after the Guardians sought to retake the Moon. A fireteam led by [[Eriana-3]], a survivor of the battle, sought revenge against the Hive Prince, but her team failed in killing Crota. Only Eris Morn survived that mission and has since then feared Crota's return and has sought the means to destroy him and avenge her fallen comrades. Her fears came true when Crota's servants endeavored to resurrect their master and have him lead an all-out invasion of Earth.  


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{{Main|Battle of Saturn}}
{{Main|Battle of Saturn}}
[[File:Battle on Saturn.jpg|300px|thumb|Awoken fleet engaging the [[Dreadnaught]]]]
[[File:Battle on Saturn.jpg|300px|thumb|Awoken fleet engaging the [[Dreadnaught]]]]
{{Quote|The Awoken have played their part. This… was all part of the plan. Guide them, my Hidden friend... It is all up to you now.|Queen Mara Sov<ref>'''Bungie (2015-9-15)''', ''[[Destiny]]: [[The Taken King]], [[The Coming War]]''</ref>}}
{{Quote|The Awoken have played their part. This… was all part of the plan. Guide them, my Hidden friend... It is all up to you now.|Queen Mara Sov<ref name="TCW"/>}}
The [[Awoken]] of the [[Reef]] were the first to respond to the Hive God's invasion. Queen [[Mara Sov]] gathered her fleet to engage the [[Dreadnaught]], Oryx's capital ship, directly in the [[Battle of Saturn]]. When conventional weapons failed, the Queen and her [[Techeun]]s unleashed the [[Harbinger]]s, energy weapons of mysterious power. While they tore through the lesser Hive ships, the Dreadnaught was unscathed. In retaliation, Oryx unleashed his [[Oversoul]], which obliterated the Queen's fleet in a single blast, including her flagship and a few of Oryx's own ships.<ref>'''Bungie (2015-9-15)''', ''[[Destiny]]: [[The Taken King]], [[The Coming War]]''</ref> Though no body was recovered, the Queen was assumed dead, and [[Petra Venj]] was named Queen Regent.<ref>'''Bungie (2015-9-15)''', ''[[Destiny]]: [[The Taken King]], [[Grimoire]]: [[Grimoire:Inventory/Special Weapons#Telesto|Telesto]]''</ref> However, the battle succeeded in its primary objective, halting Oryx's fleet and keeping it locked outside of the inner system.<ref>'''Bungie (2015-9-15)''', ''[[Destiny]]: [[The Taken King]], [[The Coming War]]''</ref>
The [[Awoken]] of the [[Reef]] were the first to respond to the Hive God's invasion. Queen [[Mara Sov]] gathered her fleet to engage the [[Dreadnaught]], Oryx's capital ship, directly in the [[Battle of Saturn]]. When conventional weapons failed, the Queen and her [[Techeun]]s unleashed the [[Harbinger]]s, energy weapons of mysterious power. While they tore through the lesser Hive ships, the Dreadnaught was unscathed. In retaliation, Oryx unleashed his [[Oversoul]], which obliterated the Queen's fleet in a single blast, including her flagship and a few of Oryx's own ships.<ref name="TCW"/> Though no body was recovered, the Queen was assumed dead, and [[Petra Venj]] was named Acting Regent.<ref name="Telesto">'''Bungie (2015/9/15)''', ''[[Destiny]]: [[The Taken King]] - [[Grimoire]]:[[Grimoire:Inventory|Inventory]]/[[Grimoire:Inventory/Special Weapons|Special Weapons]], [[Grimoire:Inventory/Special Weapons#Telesto|Telesto]]''</ref> However, the battle succeeded in its primary objective, halting Oryx's fleet and keeping it locked outside of the inner system.<ref name="TCW"/>


Later on, Oryx would have his forces invade the Reef in retaliation for their defiance. Oryx even managed to partially breach and Take the [[Dreaming City]], the mysterious homeland of the Awoken. While in the Dreaming City, Oryx encountered an [[Ahamkara]], [[Riven]], said to be the last of her kind. There, the Taken King Took Riven and began to create bargains with the wish-making entity.
Later on, Oryx would have his forces invade the Reef in retaliation for their defiance. Oryx even managed to partially breach and Take the [[Dreaming City]], the mysterious homeland of the Awoken. While in the Dreaming City, Oryx encountered an [[Ahamkara]], [[Riven]], said to be the last of her kind. There, the Taken King Took Riven and began to create bargains with the wish-making entity.<ref name="Great Hunt Robes">'''Bungie (2018/9/4)''', ''[[Destiny 2]]: [[Forsaken]] - Item Description: [[Armor of the Great Hunt (Warlock)#Robes of the Great Hunt|Robes of the Great Hunt]]''</ref>


===Discovery of the Taken===
===Discovery of the Taken===
{{Quote|The base is a loss. We have reports of these "Taken" across the system.|[[Zavala]]<ref>'''Bungie (2015-9-15)''', ''[[Destiny]]: [[The Taken King]], [[The Coming War]]''</ref>}}
{{Quote|The base is a loss. We have reports of these "Taken" across the system.|[[Zavala]]<ref name="TCW"/>}}
Oryx began blighting the system, beginning on [[Phobos]]. The [[Skyburners]] stationed there discovered strange activity and began to investigate; shortly after, huge numbers of [[Cabal]] were being taken and made to fight their comrades. The base commander, [[Primus Ta'aun]] ordered a mass evacuation, which caught the notice of the [[Vanguard]]. Fearing the activity was a prelude to a new Cabal offensive, they sent the [[Guardian]] to investigate. The Guardian arrived at the base as the last of the Cabal were desperately evacuating and was confronted by a vision of Oryx, who declared his intention to eliminate the Guardian and unleashed his Taken upon them. The Guardian barely escaped just as more Taken overwhelmed the base. Oryx's Taken hit Mars at the same time, delivering massive casualties to the [[Dust Giants]], [[Blind Legion]], and [[Sand Eaters]] legions of Cabal on the planet's surface.<ref>'''Bungie (2015-9-15)''', ''[[Destiny]]: [[The Taken King]], [[The Coming War]]''</ref>
Oryx began blighting the system, beginning on [[Phobos]]. The [[Skyburners]] stationed there discovered strange activity and began to investigate; shortly after, huge numbers of [[Cabal]] were being taken and made to fight their comrades. The base commander, [[Primus Ta'aun]] ordered a mass evacuation, which caught the notice of the [[Vanguard]]. Fearing the activity was a prelude to a new Cabal offensive, they sent the [[Guardian]] to investigate. The Guardian arrived at the base as the last of the Cabal were desperately evacuating and was confronted by a vision of Oryx, who declared his intention to eliminate the Guardian and unleashed his Taken upon them. The Guardian barely escaped just as more Taken overwhelmed the base. Oryx's Taken hit Mars at the same time, delivering massive casualties to the [[Dust Giants]], [[Blind Legion]], and [[Sand Eaters]] legions of Cabal on the planet's surface.<ref name="TCW">'''Bungie (2015/9/15)''', ''[[Destiny]]: [[The Taken King]] - [[The Coming War]]''</ref>


The Taken then began to appear across the system in large numbers, officially beginning the Taken War.  
The Taken then began to appear across the system in large numbers, officially beginning the Taken War.  
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===Removing the Blights===
===Removing the Blights===
[[File:Oryx Echo.jpg|300px|thumb|An Echo of Oryx.]]
[[File:Oryx Echo.jpg|300px|thumb|An Echo of Oryx.]]
Though Oryx vanished from the material realm, he continued to blight the system. Only by attacking the source of the blights on each planet could the Vanguard direct their attention on ending Oryx himself. Defeating the Taken's Champions helped to narrow down the source of the blights. [[Cayde-6]] tracked down the source of the blight on Earth to an Echo of Oryx hiding in [[King's Watch]], where it was defeated.<ref>'''Bungie (2015-9-15)''', ''[[Destiny]]: [[The Taken King]], [[Kings of Decay]]''</ref> [[Ikora Rey]] discovered a message from [[Praedyth]] coming from the [[Vault of Glass (location)|Vault of Glass]]; however, this was a [[Vex]] ploy to get the Guardian to remove the Taken that had invaded the Vault, as Praedyth had long since died. The blight on Venus was tracked down to the top of [[The Citadel]], where another Echo of Oryx was encountered and defeated.<ref>'''Bungie (2015-9-15)''', ''[[Destiny]]: [[The Taken King]], [[Entropy's Pinnacle]]''</ref> Commander [[Zavala]] discovered another Echo of Oryx on Mars, this time using a secret entrance under [[Freehold]] to invade the [[Black Garden]]. The Echo was driven from the Garden and was defeated finally on [[Phobos]], in the very room where the War had begun.<ref>'''Bungie (2015-9-15)''', ''[[Destiny]]: [[The Taken King]], [[Fear's Embrace]]''</ref>
Though Oryx vanished from the material realm, he continued to blight the system. Only by attacking the source of the blights on each planet could the Vanguard direct their attention on ending Oryx himself. Defeating the Taken's Champions helped to narrow down the source of the blights. [[Cayde-6]] tracked down the source of the blight on Earth to an Echo of Oryx hiding in [[King's Watch]], where it was defeated.<ref>'''Bungie (2015-9-15)''', ''[[Destiny]]: [[The Taken King]], [[Kings of Decay]]''</ref> [[Ikora Rey]] discovered a message from [[Praedyth]] coming from the [[Vault of Glass (location)|Vault of Glass]]; however, this was a [[Vex]] ploy to get the Guardian to remove the Taken that had invaded the Vault, as Praedyth had long since died.<ref name="Paradox">'''Bungie (2015/9/15)''', ''[[Destiny]]: [[The Taken King]] - [[Paradox]]''</ref> The blight on Venus was tracked down to the top of [[The Citadel]], where another Echo of Oryx was encountered and defeated.<ref>'''Bungie (2015-9-15)''', ''[[Destiny]]: [[The Taken King]], [[Entropy's Pinnacle]]''</ref> Commander [[Zavala]] discovered another Echo of Oryx on Mars, this time using a secret entrance under [[Freehold]] to invade the [[Black Garden]]. The Echo was driven from the Garden and was defeated finally on [[Phobos]], in the very room where the War had begun.<ref>'''Bungie (2015-9-15)''', ''[[Destiny]]: [[The Taken King]], [[Fear's Embrace]]''</ref>


The Reef aided the [[Last City]] in this phase of the war, helping to clear blights and defeat Champions on [[Earth]], [[Venus]], and [[Mars]]. However, the Reef was also interested in looking for signs of the missing Queen, and preventing an opportunistic [[House of Wolves]] from rising to power again, as they attempted to make a new home on Mars under the leadership of [[Orbiks Prime]]. With Variks and Petra's aid, the Guardians were able to track the Wolves down and destroy Orbiks Prime, leaving the Wolves broken and leaderless once more.<ref>'''Bungie (2015-9-15)''', ''[[Destiny]]: [[The Taken King]], [[Prime's Path]]''</ref>
The Reef aided the [[Last City]] in this phase of the war, helping to clear blights and defeat Champions on [[Earth]], [[Venus]], and [[Mars]]. However, the Reef was also interested in looking for signs of the missing Queen, and preventing an opportunistic [[House of Wolves]] from rising to power again, as they attempted to make a new home on Mars under the leadership of [[Orbiks Prime]]. With Variks and Petra's aid, the Guardians were able to track the Wolves down and destroy Orbiks Prime, leaving the Wolves broken and leaderless once more.<ref name="PP">'''Bungie (2015/9/15)''', ''[[Destiny]]: [[The Taken King]] - [[Prime's Path]]''</ref>


===The Cabal's Struggle===
===The Cabal's Struggle===
[[File:Shield Brothers.jpg|300px|thumb|The Shield Brothers enter the fray.]]
[[File:Shield Brothers.jpg|300px|thumb|The Shield Brothers enter the fray.]]
In addition to dealing with the Taken and Hive plaguing the system, the Guardians also had to attend with the remnants of the Cabal Legions that remained following Oryx's arrival and Primus Ta'aun's mission to ram into the Dreadnaught with his own warship to establish a beachhead. However, following Ta'aun becoming Taken and eventually being killed by the Guardian, the Skyburners Legion continued to fight a hopeless war of survival aboard the Dreadnaught, all in the name of their mission that their Dominus placed upon them. The Guardians maintained constant surveillance on the Cabal's position on the Hive vessel, ensuring they don't gain any ground and take out any remaining field commanders that stray from the ship  
In addition to dealing with the Taken and Hive plaguing the system, the Guardians also had to handle the remnants of the Cabal Legions that remained following Oryx's arrival and Primus Ta'aun's mission to ram into the Dreadnaught with his own warship to establish a beachhead. However, following Ta'aun being Taken and eventually being killed by the Guardian, the Skyburners Legion continued to fight a hopeless war of survival aboard the Dreadnaught, all in the name of their mission that their Dominus placed upon them. The Guardians maintained constant surveillance on the Cabal's position on the Hive vessel, ensuring they didn't gain any ground and take out any remaining field commanders that strayed from the ship  


Growing desperate, Ta'aun's bond-brothers and chief lieutenants, [[Valus Mau'ual]] and [[Valus Tlu'urn]], launched an extreme plan to destroy their Hive and Taken enemies: by placing explosives on the Dreadnaught's power core. Whether to force the Hive into submission or to retrieve their lost Primus (whom are possibly unaware of his death), the destruction of the Dreadnaught's core would create a blast strong enough to wipe out half of the Solar System. Wishing to avert such a catastrophe, the Guardians form a strike team to disable to explosives before they detonate. Reaching the core, the Guardians face off against both of the bond-brothers, who remain determined to finish their mission and avenge their Primus. Despite their fire power and formidable teamwork, the Guardians prevailed against the bond-brothers, thereby saving the System.
Growing desperate, Ta'aun's bond brothers and chief lieutenants, [[Valus Mau'ual]] and [[Valus Tlu'urn]], launched an extreme plan to destroy their Hive and Taken enemies: by placing explosives on the Dreadnaught's power core. Whether to force the Hive into submission or to retrieve their lost Primus (who were possibly unaware of his death), the destruction of the Dreadnaught's core would create a blast strong enough to wipe out half of the Solar System. Wishing to avert such a catastrophe, the Guardians form a strike team to disable to explosives before they detonate. Reaching the core, the Guardians face off against both of the bond brothers, who remain determined to finish their mission and avenge their Primus. Despite their firepower and formidable teamwork, the Guardians prevailed against the bond brothers, thereby saving the System.


In light of the devastating losses to both the forces of the Last City and Oryx, the remaining Cabal forces transmitted a detailed distress signal directed to the head of the Cabal Empire, [[Dominus Ghaul]], to inform him of their casualties and findings. Although the Guardians learned of the transmission and intercepted it, the signal was nonetheless received by the Cabal Empire.  
In light of the devastating losses to both the forces of the Last City and Oryx, the remaining Cabal forces transmitted a detailed distress signal directed to the head of the Cabal Empire, [[Dominus Ghaul]], to inform him of their casualties and findings. Although the Guardians learned of the transmission and intercepted it, the signal was nonetheless received by the Cabal Empire. <ref name="Outbound">'''Bungie (2015/9/15)''', ''[[Destiny]]: [[The Taken King]] - [[Outbound Signal]]''</ref>


Years later, the Cabal would ultimately answer the signal, leading to the beginning of the [[Red War]].
Years later, the Cabal would ultimately answer the signal, leading to the beginning of the [[Red War]].
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The House of Wolves, attempting to rebuild their strength after Skolas's humiliating defeat and eventual death during the [[Wolf Rebellion]], rallied under the leadership of the renegade Archon, [[Keldar, Archon Priest|Keldar]], who managed to rebuild the Wolves's previous Prime Servitor, [[Orbiks Prime]]. With their leadership cemented, the Wolves took advantage of the Cabal's crippling losses against Oryx by settling on Mars and taking over strongholds once belonging to the Blind Legion. Variks's took notice of the Wolves's reemergence and sought to prevent them from becoming a threat again. Contacting the Guardians for aid, Variks relayed his findings on the Wolves's plans. The Guardians managed to drive Keldar out of hiding to take him out and eventually discover that Orbiks Prime was using the [[Conflux]] as a disruption against detection. Breaching past Wolf raiders and Cabal squads to the main Conflux site, the Guardians confronted the rebuilt Prime Servitor and its zealous defenders. Despite Orbiks's power and defenders, the Guardians managed to destroy the Prime Servitor for good, completely breaking the House of Wolves, leaving them at the mercy of the Cabal and the harsh martian environment.
The House of Wolves, attempting to rebuild their strength after Skolas's humiliating defeat and eventual death during the [[Wolf Rebellion]], rallied under the leadership of the renegade Archon, [[Keldar, Archon Priest|Keldar]], who managed to rebuild the Wolves's previous Prime Servitor, [[Orbiks Prime]]. With their leadership cemented, the Wolves took advantage of the Cabal's crippling losses against Oryx by settling on Mars and taking over strongholds once belonging to the Blind Legion. Variks's took notice of the Wolves's reemergence and sought to prevent them from becoming a threat again. Contacting the Guardians for aid, Variks relayed his findings on the Wolves's plans. The Guardians managed to drive Keldar out of hiding to take him out and eventually discover that Orbiks Prime was using the [[Conflux]] as a disruption against detection. Breaching past Wolf raiders and Cabal squads to the main Conflux site, the Guardians confronted the rebuilt Prime Servitor and its zealous defenders. Despite Orbiks's power and defenders, the Guardians managed to destroy the Prime Servitor for good, completely breaking the House of Wolves, leaving them at the mercy of the Cabal and the harsh martian environment.
[[File:Nixis Arrives.jpg|290px|thumb|Lost to the Taken, [[Nixis, Hunger of Oryx|Nixis]]]]
[[File:Nixis Arrives.jpg|290px|thumb|Lost to the Taken, [[Nixis, Hunger of Oryx|Nixis]]]]
On their part, the House of Winter remained relatively quiet following the death of their Kell, Skolas's failed rebellion and their raid on the Prison of Elders that led to the release of [[Aksor, Archon Priest|Aksor]]. However, with the Taken plunging the Fallen into disarray, the leaderless Winter Fallen desperately sought a way to survive. Without any true form of leadership however, they did not know how this could be done. Resolving to break into the Prison of Elders once again and recruit a new leader, the Winter Fallen took advantage of the Reef's distraction with the Taken and successfully raided the prison again. Their success was short-lived however, for while the Winter Fallen managed to gain the cyrocell that housed a capable leader, the Taken led a large attack on the Fallen, leading their candidate to become [[Nixis, Hunger of Oryx|Nic]]. As a result, Nixis and the Taken completely scattered the Winter Fallen. Fortunately, the Guardians were informed of the Winter's second theft of the prison and sought to repeat what they had done over a year prior. Traveling to Venus, The Guardians managed to fight past the fleeing Winter Fallen and the assaulting Taken to Nixis's location and before he could cause anymore damage, the Guardians managed to slay him. With their plan to find a new leader ending in failure, the remaining forces of the House of Winter had no choice but to desperately hide for the remainder of the war.
On their part, the House of Winter remained relatively quiet following the death of their Kell, Skolas's failed rebellion and their raid on the Prison of Elders that led to the release of [[Aksor, Archon Priest|Aksor]]. However, with the Taken plunging the Fallen into disarray, the leaderless Winter Fallen desperately sought a way to survive. Without any true form of leadership however, they did not know how this could be done. Resolving to break into the Prison of Elders once again and recruit a new leader, the Winter Fallen took advantage of the Reef's distraction with the Taken and successfully raided the prison again. Their success was short-lived however, for while the Winter Fallen managed to gain the cyrocell that housed a capable leader, the Taken led a large attack on the Fallen, leading their candidate to become [[Nixis, Hunger of Oryx]]. As a result, Nixis and the Taken completely scattered the Winter Fallen. Fortunately, the Guardians were informed of the Winter's second theft of the prison and sought to repeat what they had done over a year prior. Traveling to Venus, The Guardians managed to fight past the fleeing Winter Fallen and the assaulting Taken to Nixis's location and before he could cause anymore damage, the Guardians managed to slay him. With their plan to find a new leader ending in failure, the remaining forces of the House of Winter had no choice but to desperately hide for the remainder of the war.


===The King's Fall===
===The King's Fall===
{{Quote|We have confirmed it among our number within the Hidden. I have asked Ikora's Warlocks to reach out, and they sense nothing. The Orb is quiet. On the Moon, his shrine is dark and cold. It is true: the Taken King is dead. The Hive's dark god, and his foul son, have been purged from the universe.|Eris Morn, undisclosed report to Osiris<ref>'''Bungie (2015-9-15)''', ''[[Destiny]]: [[The Taken King]], [[Grimoire]]: [[Grimoire:Activities/The Taken King#The Road to King's Fall|The Road to King's Fall]]''</ref>}}
{{Quote|We have confirmed it among our number within the Hidden. I have asked Ikora's Warlocks to reach out, and they sense nothing. The Orb is quiet. On the Moon, his shrine is dark and cold. It is true: the Taken King is dead. The Hive's dark god, and his foul son, have been purged from the universe.|Eris Morn, undisclosed report to Osiris<ref>'''Bungie (2015/9/15)''', ''[[Destiny]]: [[The Taken King]] - [[Grimoire]]: [[Grimoire:Activities/The Taken King#The Road to King's Fall|The Road to King's Fall]]''</ref>}}
[[File:D2 KingsFall Raid.jpg|The Final Clash with Oryx.|thumb|320px]]
[[File:D2 KingsFall Raid.jpg|The Final Clash with Oryx.|thumb|320px]]
With the blights eliminated and other threats maintained, the Vanguard made preparations to once again enter the Dreadnaught, and defeat Oryx for good. Oryx's Lieutenants still lived, most of them residing in the [[Court of Oryx]]. Eris had the Guardians depose the Court, as well as eliminate [[The Infantine]] before it could be infused with Taken power. Soon, there was none left but Oryx himself, as well as his closest allies, the [[Warpriest]], [[Golgoroth]], and his daughters [[Ir Anûk, Deathsinger|Ir Anûk]] and [[Ir Halak, Deathsinger|Ir Halak]].  
With the blights eliminated and other threats maintained, the Vanguard made preparations to once again enter the Dreadnaught, and defeat Oryx for good. Oryx's Lieutenants still lived, most of them residing in the [[Court of Oryx]]. Eris had the Guardians depose the Court, as well as eliminate [[The Infantine]] before it could be infused with Taken power. Soon, there was none left but Oryx himself, as well as his closest allies, the [[Warpriest]], [[Golgoroth]], and his daughters [[Ir Anûk, Deathsinger|Ir Anûk]] and [[Ir Halak, Deathsinger|Ir Halak]].  


With the Court soundly defeated, the Guardians used the rupture there to progress deeper into the Dreadnaught, killing his remaining Court one by one and finally confronted the Taken King in his true gigantic form. In the pivotal battle for the sake of the system, the Guardians destroyed Oryx's subjects and used his captured Light against him, defeating Oryx and ending his threat once and for all.<ref>'''Bungie (2015-9-15)''', ''[[Destiny]]: [[The Taken King]], [[King's Fall]]''</ref>
With the Court soundly defeated, the Guardians used the rupture there to progress deeper into the Dreadnaught, killing his remaining Court one by one and finally confronting the Taken King in his true gigantic form. In the pivotal battle for the sake of the system, the Guardians destroyed Oryx's subjects and used his captured Light against him, defeating Oryx and ending his threat once and for all.<ref name="King's Fall">'''Bungie (2015/9/15)''', ''[[Destiny]]: [[The Taken King]] - [[King's Fall]]''</ref>


===Pretenders to the Osmium Throne===
===Pretenders to the Osmium Throne===
{{Quote|The Taken King is dead. Yet his armies writhe and claw at our worlds.|Eris Morn<ref>'''Bungie (2015-9-15)''', ''[[Destiny]]: [[The Taken King]], [[Blighted Chalice]]''</ref>}}
{{Quote|The Taken King is dead. Yet his armies writhe and claw at our worlds.|Eris Morn<ref>'''Bungie (2015-9-15)''', ''[[Destiny]]: [[The Taken King]], [[Blighted Chalice]]''</ref>}}
[[File:Alakhul.jpg|300px|thumb|Alak-Hul emerges from darkness.]]
[[File:Alakhul.jpg|300px|thumb|Alak-Hul emerges from darkness.]]
The Taken War did not end with Oryx's defeat, unfortunately. The Taken continued to persist despite the loss of their master; though without Oryx's will to follow they began to slowly decay, they remained a significant threat that the Guardians had to continue fighting. With the Osmium Throne vacant, some powerful Hive and Taken saw an opportunity to seize it for themselves. One was [[Alak-Hul, the Darkblade]], a Hive Knight who Oryx had considered a foster son. Before Alak-Hul could break free of [[The Sunless Cell]] where Oryx had imprisoned him earlier for his attempted usurpation, and become the King of the Hive, he was defeated by a fireteam of Guardians.<ref>'''Bungie (2015-9-15)''', ''[[Destiny]]: [[The Taken King]], [[The Sunless Cell]]''</ref>
The Taken War did not end with Oryx's defeat, unfortunately. The Taken continued to persist despite the loss of their master; though without Oryx's will to follow they began to slowly decay, they remained a significant threat that the Guardians had to continue fighting. With the Osmium Throne vacant, some powerful Hive and Taken saw an opportunity to seize it for themselves. One was [[Alak-Hul, the Darkblade]], a Hive Knight who Oryx had considered a foster son. Before Alak-Hul could break free of [[The Sunless Cell]] where Oryx had imprisoned him earlier for his attempted usurpation, and become the King of the Hive, he was defeated by a fireteam of Guardians.<ref name="Sunless">'''Bungie (2015/9/15)''', ''[[Destiny]]: [[The Taken King]] - [[The Sunless Cell]]''</ref>


Sometime later, the Taken Knight [[Malok, Pride of Oryx]] enacted his own bid to claim dominance over the remaining Hive and Taken with his mastery of the blights to become the New Taken King. [[Variks, the Loyal]] received reports of Malok's activities and sent in the Guardian to investigate. Eventually, the Guardian was able to drive Malok out of the Dreadnaught and into the Hellmouth, where he met his end when confronted by a fireteam at the Shrine of Oryx.<ref>'''Bungie (2015-9-15)''', ''[[Destiny]]: [[The Taken King]], [[Blighted Chalice]]''</ref>
Sometime later, the Taken Knight [[Malok, Pride of Oryx]] enacted his own bid to claim dominance over the remaining Hive and Taken with his mastery of the blights to become the New Taken King. [[Variks, the Loyal]] received reports of Malok's activities and sent in the Guardian to investigate. Eventually, the Guardian was able to drive Malok out of the Dreadnaught and into the Hellmouth, where he met his end when confronted by a fireteam at the Shrine of Oryx.<ref name="Chalice">'''Bungie (2015/9/15)''', ''[[Destiny]]: [[The Taken King]] - [[Blighted Chalice]]''</ref>


[[Noru'usk, Servant of Oryx|Noru'usk]], a Taken Cabal Centurion incarcerated in the [[Prison of Elders]], had aspirations to become the next King where others (including Oryx himself) had failed but was struck down before he could escape and ascend the Throne.<ref>'''Bungie (2015-9-15)''', ''[[Destiny]]: [[The Taken King]], [[Grimoire]]: [[Grimoire:Enemies/The Taken#Noru'usk, Servant of Oryx|Noru'usk, Servant of Oryx]]''</ref>
[[Noru'usk, Servant of Oryx|Noru'usk]], a Taken Cabal Centurion incarcerated in the [[Prison of Elders]], had aspirations to become the next King where others (including Oryx himself) had failed but was struck down before he could escape and ascend the Throne.<ref>'''Bungie (2015-9-15)''', ''[[Destiny]]: [[The Taken King]], [[Grimoire]]: [[Grimoire:Enemies/The Taken#Noru'usk, Servant of Oryx|Noru'usk, Servant of Oryx]]''</ref>
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Pockets of [[Taken]] and their blights continued to be active, surviving into the [[Red War]]. They thrived within the [[European Dead Zone]] and on [[Io]], engaging the surviving Guardians, the invading Cabal [[Red Legion]] while infesting the Vex and Fallen.
Pockets of [[Taken]] and their blights continued to be active, surviving into the [[Red War]]. They thrived within the [[European Dead Zone]] and on [[Io]], engaging the surviving Guardians, the invading Cabal [[Red Legion]] while infesting the Vex and Fallen.


On Io, the Cabal attempted to siphon the remaining Traveler energy within the planet but the Light's energy drew in the Taken which took the Cabal by surprise as a great number of their forces were Taken, as it seems a mysterious entity is directing the Taken in Oryx's absence. Evidence points to Savathûn, one of Oryx's sisters and Witch-Queen of the Hive, and [[Quria, Blade Transform|Quria]], a [[Taken Hydra]] who was gifted to Savathûn after Oryx Took it. However, thanks to the Guardians efforts, the Taken failed to corrupt the Light and provide a bridge to their world.
On Io, the Cabal attempted to siphon the remaining Traveler energy within the planet but the Light's energy drew in the Taken which took the Cabal by surprise as a great number of their forces were Taken, as it seems a mysterious entity is directing the Taken in Oryx's absence. Evidence points to Savathûn, one of Oryx's sisters and Witch-Queen of the Hive, and [[Quria, Blade Transform|Quria]], a [[Taken Hydra]] who was gifted to Savathûn after Oryx Took it. However, thanks to the Guardians' efforts, the Taken failed to corrupt the Light and provide a bridge to their world.


In the European Dead Zone, the Taken primarily haunt a section of the Dead Zone, the Dark Forest, and engage both the Fallen and the Cabal. Following the Last City's liberation, the Guardians discovered a Taken plot to corrupt the EDZ with Taken energies, threatening their base at the Farm. Fortunately, the Guardians found and destroyed the Blights polluting the land and water of the area but at the center of the infestation, the Guardians battle against a Taken Cabal, Grask, the Consumed, a Phalanx belonging to the Red Legion. The Guardians managed to slay Grask but his appearance as a Taken only worries the Vanguard, as the Red Legion were not present during Oryx's invasion years prior, further confirming that someone, namely Savathûn, has assumed the Taken King's place.  
In the European Dead Zone, the Taken primarily haunt a section of the Dead Zone, the Dark Forest, and engage both the Fallen and the Cabal. Following the Last City's liberation, the Guardians discovered a Taken plot to corrupt the EDZ with Taken energies, threatening their base at the Farm. Fortunately, the Guardians found and destroyed the Blights polluting the land and water of the area but at the center of the infestation, the Guardians battle against a Taken Cabal, Grask, the Consumed, a Phalanx belonging to the Red Legion. The Guardians managed to slay Grask but his appearance as a Taken only worries the Vanguard, as the Red Legion were not present during Oryx's invasion years prior, further confirming that someone, namely Savathûn, has assumed the Taken King's place.  
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Following the Red War and the [[Hunt for the Scorn]], a greater Taken resurgence emerged in the Reef as Riven and Savathûn schemed to wholly corrupt the Dreaming City with a Taken Curse. Though the Guardian managed to slay Riven and stall the Taken surge, Savathûn continues to gain greater control over the Taken and Riven's final wish only strengthens the curse over the Dreaming City.
Following the Red War and the [[Hunt for the Scorn]], a greater Taken resurgence emerged in the Reef as Riven and Savathûn schemed to wholly corrupt the Dreaming City with a Taken Curse. Though the Guardian managed to slay Riven and stall the Taken surge, Savathûn continues to gain greater control over the Taken and Riven's final wish only strengthens the curse over the Dreaming City.


Furthermore, around the same time that [[Eris Morn]] discovered the [[The Lunar Pyramid|Pyramid]] on the Moon, the Taken make an assault on [[The Endless Gate]] on Io, battling the Vex in the area and corrupting the Vex installations within. With Eris's help, the Guardians and [[Zavala]] discover that Savathûn is once again making an assault against the Vex. Though the Guardians managed to prevent the Taken from infesting the Vex, Eris warns that Savathûn is preparing for something and that the Vanguard must be prepared for when the Witch-Queen shows her hand.
Furthermore, around the same time that [[Eris Morn]] discovered the [[The Lunar Pyramid|Pyramid]] on the Moon, the Taken make an assault on [[The Endless Gate]] on Io, battling the Vex in the area and corrupting the Vex installations within. With Eris's help, the Guardians and [[Zavala]] discover that Savathûn is once again assaulting the Vex. Though the Guardians managed to prevent the Taken from infesting the Vex, Eris warns that Savathûn is preparing for something and that the Vanguard must be prepared for when the Witch-Queen shows her hand.


==List of appearances==
==List of appearances==