The Exemplars
Overview
Section titled “Overview”The Exemplars are the Fifth Order — created after the schism that birthed the Necrosynths to prevent another split. They draw from all four traditions, serve as arbiters between Orders, and keep the Archives.
Luden, the protagonist, is an Exemplar.
Philosophy
Section titled “Philosophy”“Balance is not weakness. It is the strength to hold all truths at once.”
| Principle | Meaning |
|---|---|
| Balance | No single philosophy is complete |
| Judgment | Someone must arbitrate between Orders |
| Mastery | Competence across all traditions |
| Guardianship | Some knowledge requires neutral keepers |
The Exemplars believe that the other Orders, while valuable, are incomplete. Only by integrating all perspectives can one approach true understanding.
Requirements
Section titled “Requirements”Becoming an Exemplar is the most demanding path:
| Requirement | Description |
|---|---|
| Transfer | Must come from one of the four Orders |
| Cross-training | Must demonstrate aptitude in all four traditions |
| Testing | Rigorous evaluation of balance and judgment |
| Acceptance | Must be accepted by existing Exemplars |
Not every Knight can become an Exemplar. The aptitude for holding multiple truths is rare.
Capabilities
Section titled “Capabilities”Exemplars are generalists who can:
Combat
Section titled “Combat”| From | Capability |
|---|---|
| Ashen | Controlled aggression; direct engagement |
| Weave | Tactical analysis; precision |
| Current | Defensive techniques; stamina |
| Veil | Misdirection; adaptability |
Not as specialized as any single Order, but more versatile than all.
Non-Combat
Section titled “Non-Combat”| Role | Capability |
|---|---|
| Arbitration | Settling disputes between Orders |
| Investigation | Neutral inquiry into conflicts |
| Archive keeping | Maintaining the central repository |
| Diplomatic | Representing the Orders to civilians and aliens |
The Archives
Section titled “The Archives”Exemplars serve as Keepers of the Archives — the central repository of all knowledge.
| Level | Access |
|---|---|
| Open Stacks | All Knights |
| Restricted | Rank III+ with justification |
| Sealed Vaults | Ordermaster/Sovereign authorization |
| The Abyss | Sovereign only |
See: The Archives
Culture
Section titled “Culture”The Integration Meditation
Section titled “The Integration Meditation”Exemplar practice involves:
- Moving between elemental visualizations
- Holding contradictions without resolution
- “The four are one; the one is four”
- Finding the center between extremes
Relationships
Section titled “Relationships”| With | Relationship |
|---|---|
| The Ashen | Grudging respect — “At least they can fight” |
| The Weave | Intellectual kinship — complexity appreciated |
| The Current | Spiritual connection — “They understand the center” |
| The Veil | Mutual wariness — “Judgment and secrecy conflict” |
Internal Conflict
Section titled “Internal Conflict”Exemplars struggle with:
- Superiority — The belief they’re “above” other Orders
- Decision paralysis — Seeing all sides, choosing none
- Isolation — Not fully belonging to any tradition
- Burden — The weight of knowledge others don’t carry
Hierarchy
Section titled “Hierarchy”| Rank | Title | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| I | Novice | Rare; most join from other Orders |
| II | Exemplar | Standard Knight |
| III | Arbiter | Can adjudicate disputes |
| IV | Lord Commander | ”The Balanced Hand” |
| V | Ordermaster | ”The Center” |
Above the Exemplar Ordermaster sits The Sovereign — who must be an Exemplar but transcends even that.
The protagonist is an Exemplar, which gives him:
| Advantage | Significance |
|---|---|
| Archive access | Can research the ancient pact |
| Cross-Order respect | Can work with any tradition |
| Neutral position | Not suspected of factional bias |
| Versatile capability | Can handle diverse challenges |
| Judgment role | Trusted with impossible decisions |
Luden’s Journey
Section titled “Luden’s Journey”| Book | Role |
|---|---|
| Book 1 | Witness to genocide; carrier of terrible knowledge |
| Book 2 (Herald’s Cry) | Griever; finder of the beacon; marked one; researcher |
| Book 3 (Watcher’s Song) | Guide to the sequence; sender of the signal |
His Exemplar status makes him uniquely qualified to fulfill the ancient pact.
The Bond
Section titled “The Bond”Exemplars often form bonds with Knights from other Orders:
- Shared Companion resources upon death of one
- Deep trust across philosophical differences
- The ultimate loss — when a bonded partner dies
Luden’s bond-brother is from another Order. When he dies in Book 2 (The Herald’s Cry), the grief becomes the catalyst for the beacon scene.
See: The Beacon Scene
Questions to Resolve
Section titled “Questions to Resolve”- Who is the current Exemplar Ordermaster?
- Where is their headquarters?
- What is Luden’s original Order before becoming Exemplar?
- What is the bond-brother’s name and Order?
- How many Exemplars exist total?
- What is the Sovereign’s relationship to the Exemplars specifically?