TranscendentMortals
CharlesGray : The TranscendentMortals
The Transcendent Mortals
The Lunars claim that they created them. So do the Solars, and the Siderals, and even the Abyssals. But in truth, maybe none of them “created” them, although they have all developed methods to create them. They are the transcendent mortals, mortals who stand between exalts and mortals, powerful beyond the dreams of most mortals, capable of leading mighty armies and standing against even a weak exalt—but still mortal. Some believe that Autocthon may have created them—others wonder if maybe they’re simply an example, just as mortals learning supernatural martial arts in the first place, that not all barriers are insurmountable. Regardless, they exist, nobody knows how many, but they exist, and in the time of tumult, they may be preparing to leave their own mark on creation.
History
There were always legends of mortals who wree able to match the chosen, at least the weaker chosen. Sometimes it was due to luck, sometimes skill, but they had power. In a world full of godblooded, many discounted these stories, assuming they were simly some supernatural entity that had been mistaken for a human—there were enough, truthfully. However, the exalted soon realized that they did exist—a level of mortal above the heroic mortals, sharing some of the traits, if lesser, of the exalted. These few became great bodyguards, warriors and soldiers in the exalted armies, marching against beings tht normal mortals could never hope to stand against. In the long golden age of the deliberative, the Transcendent mortals continued to aid their superiors, and the various exalted studied methods to unlock “normal” (actually heroic mortals) essence in such a way that they could transcend their limits. Some supernatural charms were developed to allow this, where the exalt poured a little of his power and experience into a mortal—which limited their ability, but more than a few loyal servants found themselves exalted above their companions, if below the chosen. Other methods, including magical devices and long and grueling excercises were also used—and as difficult as initially unlocking a mortals essence was, these were far more difficult. Even among the great mortals, not many could achieve this level of power. And as the deliberative fell into decadence, the opportunity was taken away by many of the chosen—the schools were closed and strict limitations were placed on how many mortals the celestial exalted could raise up in this manner—many of the Solars were no longer interested in doing so. However, the Siderals defied the solars, already thinking of what it would take to defeat the Law givers. Using their powers of astrology, they arranged events so suitable moretals would find themselves challenged in such a way as to unlock their essence, to provide soldiers against the mad solars. Granted, they were weak, terribly weak when compared to the law givers…but they enough, in combination with the mightier dragonblooded, the Siderals…and the fact that most of them had no other choice.
During the Shogunate there were fewer transcendent mortals—the Siderals were no longer arranging things to create more of them, but there w3re still quite a number. If they were not as mighty as many elder dragonblooded, they were able to hold their own against younger ones, and many shogunate Daimyos used them as spies and aids. However, the contagion killed them as easily as it killed the dragon blooded, and the resultant destruction of much of creation reduced their numbers. Today, the transcendent mortals are rare, often appearing in areas where the challenges to life demand such transcendent mortals, or in the very few places where the old methods are still available. Strong and powerful, they stand as an example of mortal humanity that is not helpless…that may take a role in its own destiny.
What stories will your family tell of the day you stood up?
TranscendentMortalsinCreation (not done)
Well, it's my first wikipage-- so it shows. Hopefully I'll get better.
