Cabal

Cabal
Overview
Other name(s):	"Space Turtle"
Focal world(s):	Mars, Phobos
	Destiny 2 spoilers
	Destroy the Last City
At war with:	The City ; Fallen ; Vex ; Hive ; Taken
Average height:	6,4foot
Average weight:	800 lbs
Distinctions:	Bulky physique ; Cleft upper lip ; Psychic (Psions only) ; Slender (Psions only)
Average lifespan:	Very long
	Destiny 2 spoilers
	Red Legion
	Destiny 2 spoilers
	Primus Ghaul

"I think you could follow a trail of shattered worlds all the way to their home."

— Grimoire description.^[4]

The Cabal are a warmongering race with a heavy-set, rhinoceros like appearance, and their ever expanding empire spreads through organization, efficiency, and corruption^[5]—their occupation of Mars is but a fraction of its full might.^[6] Few Guardians who have encountered the Cabal live to tell the tale, and on every front they have been found to dig in deep, fortifying their installations with razor wire.^[7]

Overview

"Embrace suffering. Only then can it be conquered."

— Bracus Tha'aurn^[8]

The Cabal are an extremely tough species, willing to defend their territory until every last one of them is dead.^[9] Their architecture is extremely industrial, with an emphasis on burrowing into mountains for defense.^[10] Their armor and technology can often be seen leaking a substance similar to oil and even emit smoke when damaged or worn.^[11] They are currently occupying Mars, contesting over territory with the native Vex programming as evidenced by the many Cabal ships seen bringing armies to and from the red planet.^[9]

Interestingly, the Cabal is the only hostile race up to date that does not appear to overtly feature worship in its culture—the Fallen worship their god-like Servitors, while Hive have devoted their entire religion to the worship of the Darkness, and Vex revere the unknown entity that is the Black Heart—but as of the Taken War evidence has been gathered that the Cabal revere a deity-like Emperor.^[12]

History

"We have just as much to learn from our enemies as we do from our past."

— Master Rahool^[13]

The Cabal arrived in the Solar System at some point following the Collapse. Encountering no meaningful opposition, they established a beachhead on Phobos, constructing massive facilities such as Fleetbase Korus^[14], Firebase Thuria^[15] during the invasion of Mars. In the long years since, the Cabal have steadily advanced in the face of countless losses at the hands of Vex and Guardian forces.^[16]

When a Cabal army goes to war it is exiled from the Empire, and is not permitted to return unless victory is secured.^[17] This presumably provides Cabal troops with the incentive and motivation needed to endure long-term campaigns, though they can still wear down eventually.^[18] Those on Mars show signs of exhaustion as they are forced to fend off endless Vex assaults in addition to devastating Guardian strikes. A Ghost that had infiltrated a Cabal base on the planet took note of visible dissent among their ranks: while some remained loyal to the Empire and obeyed their ancient orders without question, others did not, and tensions between the two groups may presage a schism.^[19] One unit, the Broken Legion commanded by Valus Trau'ug, even mutinied, massacring his superiors and attacking the Reef without authorization, resulting in their capture by the Awoken. For Trau'ug's treason and failure, Cabal High Command disavowed the entire legion, leaving them to rot in the Prison of Elders.^[20]

Prior to the start of the Taken War, the Vanguard speculated that a new task force; a "second fleet", led by the Skyburners was being assembled at Phobos for the purpose of invading Earth. After the arrival of Oryx, the Taken King and his Dreadnaught, however, the Cabal were forced to evacuate their Fleetbase and other sites in the system due to Taken infestations. In the ensuing battles, various detachments across Phobos and Mars suffered enormous casualties against the Taken, with the Sand Eaters losing 58% of their troops, the Blind Legion losing 35%, and the Dust Giants losing 39%.^[21] In addition, the entire local Cabal fleet was mobilized, and any ship that was not already on the move by the time the Guardian arrived on Phobos was believed to have been destroyed.^[22]

With the Skyburners being redeployed to reinforce the other battered Cabal during the course of the Taken War, the campaign against Earth would temporarily be placed on hold. Following this considerable setback, Primus Ta'aun, commander of the Skyburners, sent a report up the Cabal chain of command suggesting that the Hive technology aboard the Dreadnaught could be co-opted for Cabal use. Ta'aun also proposed any technology recovered could be used against Guardians, as the Primus had begun to realize that the Cabal battle strategy was becoming hopelessly mired in a losing attrition war with the City.^[2] His report reached the Cabal Emperor, who then ordered Ta'aun to personally board and capture the Hive vessel by any means necessary.^[12] In the aftermath of the Battle of Saturn, Ta'aun rammed his warship, the Dantalion Exodus VI, into the Dreadnaught in order to establish a beachhead. While leading a squad through the Mausoleum in an attempt to reach Oryx's ascendant realm, Ta'aun was Taken and transformed into Ta'aun, Hand of Oryx.^[23]

Ta'aun's bond-brothers Valus Mau'ual and Valus Tlu'urn then ventured deep into the Dreadnaught and planted explosives at its power core, either as part of a preconceived plan to force the Hive's surrender or to avenge their lost Primus or both. If allowed to succeed, the blast would have destroyed half of the Solar System. Fortunately, the two Shield Brothers were stopped by a Guardian fireteam before the explosives could be detonated.^[17] Their leaders vanquished, the surviving Cabal on Dantalion Exodus VI transmitted a distress signal to the rest of the Empire. Though the Guardian disabled this signal, they were unable to prevent it from reaching its intended recipient.^[24] The remaining Skyburners on the Dreadnaught continued to fight a desperate struggle to survive as their beachhead is slowly overrun by Hive and Taken. A little while after Oryx's defeat, a New Monarchy agent sent a report to his Executor superior and took note that given the immense loss of leadership—the Skyburners' Primus and his bond-brothers, Primus Sha'aul, Valus Ta'aurc, Valus Trau'ug, and a large mass of lesser Vals and Bracuses all dead or heavily outnumbered. With this, New Monarchy believes that the Cabal Empire will have no choice but to respond to the Guardian's attacks.^[25]

Recently on Mars, the Cabal have clashed with the resurgent House of Wolves, who have gathered on the red planet to heed the call of their new God-Servitor Orbiks Prime. Weakened by the casualties suffered in previous conflicts, the Cabal were unable to combat the scavengers as they took the Cabal's subterranean labyrinths for their own. The Guardians - guided by Variks - swiftly destroyed the Servitor, leaving the Wolves broken once more.^[26]

Destiny 2 spoilers

Two years after the Taken War, the Cabal Empire would respond to the Guardian's attacks, sending Ghaul, commander of the Red Legion, to launch a major surprise attack on the Last City.^[27]^[28]

Goals

"Without victory, we cannot go home!"

— Primus A'arn^[29]

While the Cabal are a clearly militaristic species with a penchant for conquest, as evidenced by the existence of the Psion client race, their exact motivation for coming to the Solar System is unclear. They have a fascination with the Vex and their technology^[30], as evidenced by their heavy presence at Vex sites across Mars, such as the gate to the Black Garden and the spire that unlocks it. The Cabal also sent an expedition to Mercury to investigate a Vex structure known as Vertigo, but the members of the expedition disappeared under mysterious circumstances without a trace.^[31] It is unknown if the Cabal have attempted to visit any other worlds apart from Mercury.

Given the numerous casualties suffered at the hands of the Guardians, the Cabal have set their sights on the City ^[32], looking to find ways of neutralizing their self-resurrection abilities before committing to war.^[2] Psion Flayers have been indicated to have already analyzed certain areas where Guardians cannot self-resurrect, such as the vicinity near the Black Garden, and that the Hive on the Dreadnaught possess the means of extending these areas. They are capable of very extreme tactics in the name of the Empire; from leveling entire planets for being in the way, to nearly blowing up half of the system. Cayde considers the Cabal to be war criminals for their brutality.^[17] Yet for all their ferocity, however, it has been noted that the Cabal seem to secretly be running away from something terrifyingly powerful - possibly the Darkness.^[10]

Biology

The Cabal are a bipedal, hulking, species that appears to be carnivorous, as evidenced by their many sharp, irregular teeth. They have wrinkled, leathery tan-grey skin, a tall skull, dark wide-set eyes, and a very high, inverted-V-shaped upper lip that exposes the Cabal's upper gums and fangs.^[33] They come from a warm, humid climate, so they have to be constantly hydrated within their suits.^[34] Therefore, while a resilient species, Cabal cannot survive in Mars's blistering environment without climate-controlled gel suits.^[12]

References in the Grimoire indicate that the Cabal have females serving in their rank and file. However, they are indistinguishable from the males in gameplay, making the Cabal seem androgynous in human eyes. Any visible sexual dimorphism has yet to be seen.^[12]

Hierarchy

"While reports have them centered on or around Mars, the true might of the Cabal is still wrapped in speculation."

— Cabal description.^[35]

The Cabal in the Solar System are but one arm of a vast interstellar Empire, and in the words of Valus Tlu'urn are "a few scout legions bogged down in attrition war". The nature of the upper echelons of Cabal leadership, including the identity of the leader of the Cabal in the Solar System,^[36] is unknown, except for the fact that the Cabal as a whole are ruled by an Emperor with final authority over military decisions.^[12]

Various military ranks appear among the identified Cabal leaders:

Bracus is a rank seen among Sand Eater Centurions. It is likely a lower rank and subordinate to Valus.
Val is a rank seen among Phalanx and Centurion bodyguards. It is likely a subordinate position to Valus.
Valus is a rank reserved for elite Centurions and Colossi, possibly a commanding rank. It is subordinate to Primus.
Primus is a rank seen for the commanders of the Blind Legion and the Skyburners. According to Cayde-6 this rank is equivalent to an admiral. It is currently the highest known Cabal rank. It is possible Primus is exclusive to specialized Legions. Sand Eaters and the Dust Giants, which are larger frontline regiments, have yet to show any commanders of that rank.

Legions

Blind Legion—Firebase Rubicon, The Iron Line, The Legion's Keep
Broken Legion—a renegade legion imprisoned in the Prison of Elders
Bone Crushers^[37]
Dust Giants—Giants' Pass, The Hollows, Rubicon Wastes, Valley of the Kings
Ice Reapers—Dust Palace, Prison of Elders/Challenge of the Elders
Sand Eaters—The Barrens and Scablands
Siege Dancers—Dust Palace and Trenchworks
Skyburners—Cerberus Vae III, Fleetbase Korus, Dreadnaught

Destiny 2 spoilers

Red Legion—Earth, The Last City^[27]

Named Individuals and Mini-bosses

Solar System Leadership

Primus Sha'aul—commander of the Blind Legion
Primus Ta'aun—commander of the Skyburners
Valus Mau'ual
Valus Ta'aurc—commander of the Siege Dancers
Valus Tau'ugh
Valus Tlu'urn
Valus Trau'ug—commander of the Broken Legion

Destiny 2 spoilers

Cabal Empire Leadership

Primus Ghaul—commander of the Red Legion^[28]

Major Characters

Minor Characters

Mentioned Only

Primus A'arn—Primus of unknown legion; slain by Oryx.^[29]

Command Structure

Legionary—frontline heavy infantry that form the backbone of the Cabal military. Equipped with jump jets, and armed with either a Slug Rifle (common) or Projection Rifle (rare).
- Elite Legionary
- Fleet Legionary
- Hardened Legionary
- Imperial Legionary
- Scout Legionary
Phalanx—defensive troops that create impenetrable walls for support. Equipped with a Slug Rifle and Cabal Shield.
- Elite Phalanx
- Fleet Phalanx
- Hardened Phalanx
- Imperial Phalanx
- Line Phalanx
Centurion—field commanders and special operation troops of the Cabal. Equipped with a Solar Shield and jump jets, and armed with either a Projection Rifle (common) or Slug Rifle (rare).
- Fleet Centurion
- Gunnery Centurion
- Imperial Centurion
- Line Centurion
- Scout Centurion
Colossus—elite heavy infantry units that lead the battle with their own ferocious size and strength. Armed with a Heavy Slug Thrower and have the ability to fire homing missiles from pods on the back of their armor. Can also unleash a three-hundred-sixty degree melee attack to inflict tremendous knockback and serious damage.
- Elite Colossus
- Fleet Colossus
- Imperial Colossus
Psion—creatures of an unknown species that serve the Cabal military and take on the role of scouts or pilots. Has psychic abilities and is armed a Slug Rifle. Can move around quicker than actual Cabal units.
- Elite Psion (Void Shield)
- Fleet Psion
- Psion Burner—specialist unit exclusive to Skyburners
- Psion Flayer
- Psion Operant

Destiny 2 spoilers

Uncategorized units:
- Red Guard—large cleaver-wielding Cabal which debuts in Destiny 2.^[27]
- Pawn—Four legged Cabal creature who debuts in Destiny 2.^[28]
- Energy-shield Phalanx^[28]

Technology

The Cabal rely upon a thick, black, oil-like substance to run much of their equipment composed of many unidentified chemicals, and is potentially toxic to non-Cabal.^[38] They possess technology, or potentially individuals which enable them to shape and transform the features of planetoids, much like the Hive, but not on the level of the Traveler. This technology has been used by them to draw Mars's moon, Phobos, very close to the planet.^[13]

Weaponry

"Say what you like about the Cabal. They know guns."

— Banshee-44

Destiny 2 spoilers

Energy Shield

Vehicles

Other

Cabal Battle Network

Trivia

A cabal is a group of people united in some close design together, usually to promote their private views or interests in a church, state, or other community, often by intrigue. Usually when organizations are labelled "cabal" it is a negative connotation that implies dark or sinister intent.^[39]
Concept art showed Cabal working together with Fallen, indicating a possible alliance between the two races similar to that of the Covenant from Bungie's acclaimed Halo franchise.^[40]^[41] However, this was later revealed to be concept art of the Taken.
Until The Taken King, the Cabal were the only enemy species who did not share a world with the Fallen. The Taken King added the remnants of the Fallen House of Wolves to Mars.
Strangely enough the Cabal Colossi are not completely helmeted but have their lower face exposed. This could be a developer oversight.
According to a speculative thread on DestinyTheGame based on inference from pre-Taken King mission content,^[42]^[43] the Cabal's original motivation for coming to the Solar System may have been to investigate the Warminds of Earth.^[44]