The Exiles

Lore & Background

Wraeclast serves as a dumping ground for those deemed unworthy of society elsewhere, cast out by Oriathan decree rather than divine design. The ruins scattered across the land are not remnants of previous Exiles, but ancient civilizations—specifically the Vaal—that predate the current cycle of punishment. The current Exile stands apart from their predecessors due to an unusual capacity for growth. Through exposure to ancient powers and artifacts, they unlock latent potential that allows them to ascend beyond normal human limits. This evolution transforms them from mere victims into formidable entities capable of altering the fate of the world. Despite their isolation, the Exiles inevitably intersect with larger conflicts involving gods, demons, and cults. Their journey often leads them to dismantle dark powers on the island, such as the thaumaturgical schemes of Malachai, a thaumaturgist of the Eternal Empire, rather than a servant of Atziri.

In Their Own Story

The cold rain stung like needles against exposed skin as the ship vanished into the fog behind him. He stood alone on black sand, the scent of salt and rot filling his lungs. There was no welcome party, only the distant howl of wolves and the crushing weight of the grey sky. He tightened his grip on a rusted blade, knowing that death waited in every shadow.

Reader's Guide

The Exiles serve as the primary protagonists within the narrative of Wraeclast, representing a recurring class of outcasts sent to die on the island shores. Unlike local inhabitants or monsters, these individuals arrive from foreign lands, bearing crimes or burdens too heavy for their home societies. Their goals shift between mere survival and the ambition to conquer the island's dark powers. Members are solitary figures who rarely form lasting bonds due to the harsh environment. They interact with key factions such as Zana’s network, the Harbingers, and various cults seeking power through sacrifice. In the broader conflict, the Exiles act as a variable that disrupts established orders, often dismantling tyrants like Atziri or Malachai. Their role is defined by resilience. Each new arrival possesses unique potential, manifesting in specialized abilities known as Ascendancies. This makes them unpredictable threats to the island’s ecosystem of horrors. Ultimately, they seek escape, though some choose to remain and reshape Wraeclast into a fortress against greater evils.

Did You Know?

• The cycle of Exiles is not a divine punishment but a penal colony system established by Oriath.
• The ruins found in Act One are primarily Vaal ruins, not remnants of Oriath civilizations.
• Malachai was a thaumaturgist of the Eternal Empire, not a high priest serving Atziri.
• Many Exiles die before they even reach the first village, lost to the island's monsters.