BrilliantRain/DefaultAssumptions
One of the nice things about Exalted is that it has a large number of potential antagonists. However, that is also one of the big headaches for STs. Most STs are only going to be capable of using one or two major antagonist types, so what are the other guys doing? Not to worry, White Wolf has handily provided us with various reasons spread throught the books as to why the major players aren't doing anything right now, and I have complied them for ease of use right here. So without further ado....
Exalted Default Assumptions (aka. why they aren't attacking you right now)
The Realm is currently heavily embroiled with internal politics and is keeping all of their troops inside right now for intimidation purposes.
The Fair Folk are used to measuring events on the scale of decades to centuries, so they haven't quite noticed that now would be a good time to attack creation.
The Deathlords are likewise used to measuring events in decades to centuries and are either embroiled in complex schemes or waiting for the moment to be even more ripe than it is now.
The Bronze faction is busy trying to avert the Realm civil war and get more info about the Deathlords.
The Bull of the North is consolidating his position after the big war. (Or, alternately, he never existed.)
The Lunars are watching with amused smiles (and possibly popcorn) as civilization starts to unravel without them having to lift a finger.
And the Autochthonians simply haven't arrived yet.
Anyone not listed can usually be reduced in power to the point where they aren't really a major player anymore. For example, Lookshy can be given leaders with zero ambition, have it's stores of first age weapons reduced/eliminated, it's airships broken (thus practically destroying it's ability to field armed forces far away from the country), etc.
To use these assumptions in a game, simply apply them all, figure out who you want to be the major antagonist(s) and assume that that specific person or group has actually gotten it's act together and decided to actually get on with it.
