Editing Taken (section)

==History==
===The Ancient Past===
[[File:Oryx Battles Akka.jpg|thumb|220px|Auryx faces the Worm God, Akka]]
{{Quote|The Hive entity Oryx/Aurash is deploying a paracausal ontopathogenic weapon that infects and subverts Ecumene forces. The weapon operates on individual targets. Targets are abducted and returned as compliant Hive slaves with inexplicable and physically illegal abilities. All Ecumene clients should IMMEDIATELY devote all economic and cognitive resources to a countermeasure. <br>Fight hard. We stop the Hive here, or see our galaxy devoured.|[[Ecumene]] Crisis Council}}<ref name="EtS"/>
In the distant past, the [[Hive]] god Auryx sought to obtain the power to Take to help him defeat the [[Ecumene]]. He killed his two sisters to gain an audience with [[Akka, the Worm of Secrets|Akka]], the [[Worm]] god of Secrets, whom he then slew in turn. Auryx stole the secrets from its flesh and wrote them upon a set of tablets he named the Tablets of Ruin. Having communed with the Deep  itself, he returned with the power of Taking, mantled as Oryx, the Taken King.<ref>'''Bungie (2015/9/15)''', ''Destiny: The Taken King - Grimoire:Enemies/Books of Sorrow, [[Grimoire:Enemies/Books of Sorrow#XXVI: star by star by star|XXVI: star by star by star]]''</ref> With this new power, Oryx waged war upon the Ecumene and defeated them utterly for one thousand, one hundred and forty years and conjured back his two sisters in the same way he had killed them.<ref>'''Bungie (2015/9/15)''', ''Destiny: The Taken King - Grimoire:Enemies/Books of Sorrow, [[Grimoire:Enemies/Books of Sorrow#XXIX: Carved in Ruin|XXIX: Carved in Ruin]]''</ref><ref name="EtS"/>

During the [[Golden Amputation]] Oryx Took the [[Tai Emperor Raven]] and assured the defeat of the [[Taishibethi]].<ref name="aga"/> When the [[Vex]] invaded his [[Ascendant Realm|Throne world]] Oryx Took and turned them against one another, eventually expelling the cybernetic machines from his domain.<ref name="AEFAO"/> Later, aboard the Nicha Thought-ship Oryx encountered and Took Quria,<ref>'''Bungie (2015/9/15)''', ''Destiny: The Taken King - Grimoire:Enemies/Books of Sorrow, [[Grimoire:Enemies/Books of Sorrow#XLIII: End of Failed Timeline|XLIII: End of Failed Timeline]]''</ref> the Vex mind which had orchestrated the organized invasion of his Throne, and later gifted it to his sister Savathûn as a present.<ref>'''Bungie (2015/9/15)''', ''Destiny: The Taken King - Grimoire:Enemies/Books of Sorrow, [[Grimoire:Enemies/Books of Sorrow#XLIV: strict proof eternal|XLIV: strict proof eternal]]''</ref>

===The Taken War===
''Main article: [[Taken War]]''
[[File:Oryx-story-mission.png|thumb|300px|left|Echo of Oryx]]
{{quote|What Crota began, I complete. My will… conquers all!|Oryx, the Taken King}}<ref>'''Bungie (2015/9/15)''', ''Destiny: The Taken King - [[Cayde's Stash]]''</ref>
The [[Taken War]] was a major, system-wide conflict fought between the Hive, led by Oryx, and all other races in the system. The war began as a direct result of [[the Guardian]]s [[Crota's End|slaying]] Oryx's son, [[Crota, Son of Oryx|Crota]], to stop an attempted invasion of [[Earth]].<ref>'''Bungie (2014/12/9)''', ''Destiny: [[The Dark Below]] - [[Crota's End]]''</ref> Oryx brought his fleet to [[Saturn]] and made free use of the power to Take in his assault on the Solar System. He Took [[Fallen]], Vex, and [[Cabal]] in enormous numbers, besides his own Hive, and began blighting the system with his Taken forces.<ref>'''Bungie (2015/9/15)''', ''Destiny: The Taken King''</ref> When he unleashed his [[Dreadnaught]]'s superweapon against Queen [[Mara Sov]]'s fleet, he also Took the [[Techeun]]s [[Sedia]], [[Kalli]], and [[Shuro Chi]], and through them was able to spread his Taken forces into the [[Dreaming City]].<ref>'''Bungie (2018/9/4)''', ''Destiny 2: Forsaken - [[Lore]]:[[Lore:Truth to Power|Truth to Power]], [[Lore:Truth to Power#Medusa|Medusa]]''</ref><ref name="Awakening">'''Bungie (2018/9/4)''', ''[[Destiny 2]]: [[Forsaken]] - [[Awakening (mission)|Awakening]]''</ref> There, he encountered the Ahamkara Riven, who tricked him into wishing she was Taken rather than using his own power, thus retaining a modicum of free will.<ref>'''Bungie (2018/9/4)''', ''Destiny 2: Forsaken - Item Description: [[Great Hunt Suit#Hood of the Great Hunt|Hood of the Great Hunt]]''</ref>

====The Taken Prince====
[[File:Malok_2.jpg|thumb|300px|Taken Prince, Malok]]
{{Quote|Malok! Listen — I took you from your mother, my sister / Your shape is new / This shape is poison — the shape of secrets / I name you Malok, which means My Poison / A prize to taunt sister [[Savathûn]] / Steal now for me.|Oryx, the Taken King}}<ref>'''Bungie (2016/4/12)''', ''Destiny: [[April Update]] - Grimoire:Enemies/The Taken, [[Grimoire:Enemies/The Taken#Malok, Pride of Oryx|Malok, Pride of Oryx]]''</ref>
With Oryx's defeat, his surviving Taken were released from his control and rendered independent but directionless.<ref name="Keksis">'''Bungie (2016/4/12)''', ''Destiny: April Update - Grimoire:Enemies/The Taken, [[Grimoire:Enemies/The Taken#Keksis, the Betrayed|Keksis, the Betrayed]]''</ref> As such, many began calling out for a new hand to guide them, singing a song of waiting until an answer came as Oryx's absence was worse to them than the agony he inflicted.<ref name="First song">'''Bungie (2025/2/4)''', ''Destiny 2: Episode: Heresy - Lore:[[Lore:Songs of Descent|Songs of Descent]], [[Lore:Songs of Descent#First Song of the Taken|First Song of the Taken]]''</ref> Oryx was assumed to be the only known entity to date to have possessed the power to Take, but following the Taken War, others such as [[Malok, Pride of Oryx]] developed the ability to manipulate Taken and their blights.<ref name="Blighted Chalice">'''Bungie (2016/4/12)''', ''Destiny: April Update - [[Blighted Chalice]]''</ref> In particular, with assistance from the Techeuns and [[Variks]], the [[Reef]] was able to capture a large number of Taken within their [[Prison of Elders]] and developed a reliable method for infusing Taken energy into their arms and armor.<ref>'''Bungie (2016/4/12)''', ''Destiny: April Update - Grimoire:Enemies/The Taken, [[Grimoire:Enemies/The Taken#Report: Taken Power|Report: Taken Power]]''</ref>

===Resurgence===
[[File:TitanHunter_vs_TakenCabal.jpg|thumb|left|300px|[[Grask, the Consumed]]]]
{{Quote|The Taken King is dead. Yet his armies writhe and claw at our worlds.|Eris Morn}}<ref name="Blighted Chalice"/>
Two years later, during the events of the [[Red War]], the Taken were found in the [[European Dead Zone]], having corrupted a [[The Dark Forest|forest]] outside of [[the Traveler]]'s shard. Initially considered just wandering monsters attracted to the shard's [[Light]], the [[Vanguard]]'s opinion changed when a [[Red Legion]] [[Grask, the Consumed|commander]] was also somehow converted into a Taken, even though Oryx had been defeated before the invasion.<ref name="Lake">'''Bungie (2017/9/6)''', ''Destiny 2 - [[Lake of Shadows]]''</ref>

At some point, Red Legion [[Psion]]s used their psionic powers to successfully harness and infuse Taken energy into themselves and their superiors, empowering them with Taken-powered weapons and shielding. However, this effort was stopped by the Guardian.<ref>'''Bungie (2017/9/6)''', ''Destiny 2 - [[Dark Alliance]]''</ref>

On Io, it was discovered by Ikora and [[Asher Mir]], that the Taken had established a foothold on [[Echo Mesa]] after being drawn there by remnants of the Traveler's Light.<ref>'''Bungie (2017/9/6)''', ''Destiny 2 - [[Sacrilege]]''</ref> They had even attempted to open a portal into the Ascendant realm, but the Guardian intervened and closed said portal.<ref name="Guests">'''Bungie (2017/9/6)''', ''Destiny 2 - [[Unexpected Guests]]''</ref>

The Taken began to appear in greater numbers and were noted to have "interacted" with the Vex. The Guardians discovered that Taken affiliated with Quria had been kidnapping local Vex in Blights to corrupt them as Taken and form a new army after their many losses in the Taken War. Quria would employ [[Ir Arok, Tongue of Quria]] to accomplish this plan, but would be foiled by the Guardian, who killed [[Elatiox, Beloved of Quria|Elatiox]] and [[Erosus, Spawn of Quria|Erosus]], Ir Arok's lieutenants, and dismantled the Taken's plans of corrupting the Vex.<ref>'''Bungie (2017/9/6)''', ''Destiny 2 - [[Premeditation]]''</ref><ref name="CA"/> Ir Arok would then lead one final assault into the [[Pyramidion]] with the intent to capture the Vex collective like Oryx had done before but would be intercepted and destroyed by the Guardian. Though many Vex had become corrupted, their efforts prevented the Taken from corrupting the Vex collective once more.<ref>'''Bungie (2017/9/6)''', ''Destiny 2 - [[The Long Play]]''</ref>

Through this, it became apparent that Savathûn had assumed control of the Taken, due to Quria being under her control according to the [[Books of Sorrow]].<ref name="Key"/>

After his defeat on [[Mars]], the spirit of the Worm God [[Xol, Will of the Thousands]] found asylum among the Taken of Io, who began to stir. Following the trail left by these, Guardians ventured into the depths of the moon to find where they came from, and after defeating hordes of Taken led by resurrected foes from their past, Xol gave himself to them as a weapon, the [[Whisper of the Worm]].<ref name="Whisper">'''Bungie (2018/5/8)''', ''Destiny 2: [[Warmind (expansion)|Warmind]] - [[The Whisper]]''</ref>

===The Curse of the Dreaming City===
[[File:TakenKalli.jpg|thumb|300px|Taken Techeun Kalli]]
{{Quote|The [King] despaired in his final moments. Rightly so. His vengeance denied.|Riven}}<ref>'''Bungie (2018/9/4)''', ''Destiny 2: Forsaken - Item Description: [[Great Hunt Suit#Gloves of the Great Hunt|Gloves of the Great Hunt]]''</ref>
In the years following the Taken War, the Dreaming City was infested by leftover Taken and their [[Blight]]s undisturbed until Oryx's sister reached out towards the Taken Riven and gave her a new purpose.<ref>'''Bungie (2018/9/4)''', ''Destiny 2: Forsaken - Item Description: [[Great Hunt Suit#Boots of the Great Hunt|Boots of the Great Hunt]]''</ref> Now able to exert her influence from beyond her prison, Riven manipulated the partially Taken [[Uldren Sov]] into unleashing an [[Voice of Riven|agent]] of hers from the City, which the Guardian quickly killed.<ref>'''Bungie (2018/9/4)''', ''Destiny 2: [[Forsaken]] - [[Nothing Left to Say]]''</ref> [[Petra Venj]], investigating the source of Uldren's corruption and the Taken within the city, surmised Riven as the cause after having made contact with Queen Mara Sov at the [[Oracle Engine]]. At the Queen's behest, Petra enlisted the support from the [[Vanguard]] to have Riven killed and her heart cleansed of her Taken essence.<ref name="Awakening"/>

[[File:Riven Raid.jpg|thumb|left|300px|Riven of a Thousand Voices, the Taken Ahamkara]]

A Guardian Raid team was quickly formed and breached their way into the corrupted [[Keep of Voices]], where they freed the Techeuns Kalli and Shuro Chi from their Taken corruption. While the Taken Riven baited the Guardians into killing her,<ref name="LW">'''Bungie (2018/9/4)''', ''Destiny 2: Forsaken - [[Last Wish]]''</ref> they inadvertently made a single collective wish, allowing Riven to alter the rules of ascendancy within the Dreaming City. In ending the Ahamkara, Riven's wish cursed the realm; warping it in-between physical reality and the Ascendant Plane, with Taken energies saturating and engulfing huge portions of the city.{{Citation needed}}

As the curse continued to blight the Dreaming City for three weeks, Petra was able to identify the true source of the city's Taken curse: [[Dûl Incaru, the Eternal Return|Dûl Incaru]], a daughter of the Witch-Queen and the mastermind behind her mother's scheme to access the [[Distributary]] using the Awoken secrets found within the City,<ref>'''Bungie (2018/9/4)''', ''Destiny 2: Forsaken - Lore:Truth to power, [[Lore:Truth to Power#react.7Cchoose.7Cact|react|choose|act]]''</ref> commanding the curse from Mara's desecrated throne-world of [[Eleusinia]]. Upon the third week of the curse, the Guardians charged the dimensional rift generator of the [[Blind Well]] and opened a rift into Eleusinia, where they could confront the Witch and her [[Darkblade|Fatesmith]] bodyguards.<ref>'''Bungie (2018/9/4)''', ''Destiny 2: Forsaken - [[The Shattered Throne]]''</ref>

However, upon the death of Dûl Incaru, the Dreaming City reverted to the state it was in when the curse was first unleashed. The curse then spread in the same manner it had previously, with it being revealed that the curse trapped the Dreaming City within a time loop that resets whenever Dûl Incaru is killed. Through messages left by an unknown sender, it is revealed that the loop was made possible through the wish Riven granted upon her "death", and modeled upon Vex simulations overseen by Quria, Blade Transform.<ref>'''Bungie (2018/9/4)''', ''Destiny 2: Forsaken - Lore:Truth to Power, [[Lore:Truth to Power#asudeM|asudeM]]''</ref>

In the closing acts of the [[Battle of the Forges]], a small contingent of Taken would attempt to stop the Guardian from recovering [[Ada-1]]'s memories but would be slain in the process.<ref>'''Bungie (2018/12/4)''', ''Destiny 2: [[Season of the Forge]] - [[Lost Souvenir]]''</ref>

===A Dangerous Gambit===
[[File:Likeness of Nokris In Battle.jpg|thumb|300px|A [[Likeness of Nokris]]]]
{{Quote|Primevals are the oldest Taken my banks can find. How'd I pull this off? If you knew, you'd be running this thing instead o' me.|The Drifter}}<ref>'''Bungie (2018/9/4)''', ''Destiny 2: Forsaken - Item Description: [https://www.ishtar-collective.net/items/primeval-slayer Primeval Slayer]''</ref>
Around the same time, a rogue Lightbearer with a modicum of control over the Taken emerged. This Drifter had managed to jury-rig his [[Ghost]] with parts salvaged from the Ghosts of his former crew, allowing it access to paracausal spectra beyond that of the Light, including the Darkness-aligned powers of the Taken.<ref>'''Bungie (2019/3/5)''', ''Destiny 2: [[Season of the Drifter]] - Item Description: [https://www.ishtar-collective.net/entries/illicit-reaper-bond Illicit Reaper Bond]''</ref> With it, the Drifter could create Motes of Darkness and employ them as part of a game called "[[Gambit]]", pitting Guardians against foes he attracts from all over the system, as well as each other, in a bid to harvest these Motes for himself.<ref name="Gambit">'''Bungie (2018/9/4)''', ''Destiny 2: Forsaken - [[Gambit]]''</ref> Gambit would even give Guardians the experience of being Taken as "'''Invaders'''" through portals infused with sterile neutrinos.<ref>'''Bungie (2018/9/4)''', ''Destiny 2: Forsaken - [[The Drifter]]: [[Drifter#Quotes|"This is what the Taken feel. Revel in this.]]''</ref> He was eventually gifted a subsection of [[Unknown Space]] from the Nine, which he dubbed [[The Haul]], where he caged the leftover Taken from Oryx's army whilst building his own.<ref name="A Gift">'''Bungie (2019/3/5)''', ''Destiny 2: Season of the Drifter - [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wFtmr___dSw A Gift]''</ref><ref name="BSOABI>'''Bungie (2018/9/4)''', ''Destiny 2: Forsaken - Lore:[[Lore:A Drifter's Gambit|A Drifter's Gambit]], [[Lore:A Drifter's Gambit#Bright Side of a Bad Idea|Bright Side of a Bad Idea]]''</ref> Among these Taken summoned during these Gambit matches are exceptionally powerful and ancient Taken known as [[Primeval]]s, which he can summon using Motes of Darkness.<ref name="Gambit"/>

The Drifter would continue perfecting his methods, eventually unveiling [[Gambit Prime]] and [[The Reckoning]] to the Guardians.<ref>'''Bungie (2019/3/5)''', ''Destiny 2: Season of the Drifter''</ref> The [[Praxic Order|Praxic]] [[Warlock]] [[Aunor Mahal]], who had been studying him for some time, determined that he had obtained the ability to create "counterfeit" Taken and Primevals by coupling his [[Bank (Gambit)|banks]] to the Haul gifted to him by the Nine. These entities were modeled after what he feared the most, with the most powerful being a [[Likeness of Oryx]].<ref name="Potential"/>

===The Core of Io===
{{quote|Don't bother guessing the Taken's intentions. Ask instead what is sought by the hand that directs them.|Eris Morn}}<ref name="Core"/>
Undeterred by the fall of the [[Hidden Swarm]] and the Guardians hunting [[Nightmare]]s on Luna, Savathûn [[The Festering Core|unleashed]] a Taken army upon a massive Vex computational array on Io, to corrupt and assume control over the supercomputer. However, the Vanguard detected a power surge beneath the [[Pyramidion]], where the array is located, and sent in a fireteam to investigate. The Guardians soon discovered the feud between the Vex and Taken as they fought for control over the array, and promptly made it their mission to prevent the Taken from assuming command over the machine, refusing to give the Witch Queen another advantage. Fighting past the array's Vex defenders and the invading Taken, the Guardians made it to the center, where the Taken infestation was anchored, to remove the Blight. There, the Guardians confronted [[Baurisk, Envoy of Savathûn]], slaying the Taken Incendior and clearing the array of blights, leaving to allow the Vex to finish off any lingering Taken.<ref name="Core">'''Bungie (2019/10/1)''', ''Destiny 2: [[Shadowkeep]] - [[The Festering Core]]''</ref>

===Witch Queen's Interference===
[[File:CourtofSavathun2.jpg |300px|thumb|Court of Savathûn]]
{{Quote|Not all the Taken we encounter are the same. Many still hold allegiance to some distant Hive incantation, though it is no longer connected to Oryx.|Eris Morn}}<ref>'''Bungie (2020/6/9)''', ''Destiny 2: [[Season of Arrivals]] - Item Description: [https://www.ishtar-collective.net/items/breakin-some-taken Breakin Some Taken]''</ref>
Following the [[The Almighty Crisis|destruction]] of the [[The Almighty|Almighty]], the Vanguard would confirm the arrival of the [[Black Fleet]] itself, with the Pyramids touching down on worlds all around the Solar System, even disabling [[Rasputin]] in the process. With their arrival, Eris Morn would attempt to meet the Pyramids on Io to learn of their intent. However, [[Nokris, Supplicant to Savathûn]] ambushed Eris with the Taken and one of [[Savathûn's Witness]] [[Shrieker]]s to shroud the Cradle with the Witch-Queen's influence. The Guardian, who was ordered to follow her by [[Zavala]], would attempt to save Eris only to be pulled into Savathûn's court, where they would be overwhelmed by Witness Shriekers until Eris rescued them from the Ascendant Plane. After pulling through her injuries, Eris and the Guardian would discover a [[Tree of Silver Wings|Tree of]] [[Tree of Silver Wings (Io)|Silver Wings]] and harness the [[Seed of Silver Wings|seed]] within its roots.<ref>'''Bungie (2020/6/9)''', ''Destiny 2: Season of Arrivals - [[A Shadow Overhead]]''</ref>
[[File:KellEcho.jpg|thumb|300px|left|The Kell Echo]]
After a heated meeting with Zavala, Eris enacts a [[Contact|plan]] to harvest the darkness from the [[Pyramid Scale]]s for the seed with the help of the Drifter and help to clear up the messages with the destruction of the Witnesses corrupting them. Detecting the ploy, Savathûn would deploy her Taken to sabotage these Darkness harvesting operations to prevent the Guardians from learning of the Black Fleet's messages to them.<ref>'''Bungie (2020/6/9)''', ''Destiny 2: Season of Arrivals''</ref>

Meanwhile, the Drifter would devise a plan to delve into the Nine's realm and meet with them once again to ask the question, "What is the Darkness?" The Guardian would venture into the Haul, which was rearranged to answer the question, and battle an army of counterfeit Taken led by the [[Kell Echo]]. After braving these encounters, they learned that the Darkness isn't that different from the Light, and should be utilized as a means to survival as the Guardian did with the Motes throughout the inscrutable corners of the realm.<ref name="Prophecy">'''Bungie (2020/6/9)''', ''Destiny 2: Season of Arrivals - [[Prophecy]]''</ref>

===The Crow and the Hawk===
Following Savathûn's failed attempts to interfere with the Black Fleet's messages to the Guardians, the Witch Queen was forced to go into hiding to avoid its retaliation.<ref>'''Bungie (2020/11/10)''', ''Destiny 2: [[Season of the Hunt]] - [[Vanguard Transmissions]]''</ref> In addition, Uldren Sov emerged, now risen as a Lightbearer named Crow. While working with Guardians to hold back the invasion of Xivu Arath, they would find that Taken had begun stirring in the EDZ again. The Guardian would travel to the region's dam, where they found Taken aligned with Savathûn. Guided by an ethereal hawk, the Guardian would defeat the Taken and head into a portal, which led them to the [[Hallowed Rift]], where a shard of the Traveler lay. The Guardian would defeat the Lightdrinker siphoning energy off of the shard, and find [[Hawkmoon]], now rebirthed in the Light. The Lighbearers would return over the weeks to protect the Shard from more Taken incursions.<ref>'''Bungie (2020/11/10)''', ''Destiny 2: Season of the Hunt - [[Harbinger (Exotic Mission)|Harbinger]]''</ref>

===Quria's End===
[[File:Quria6.jpg|thumb|300px|Quria, architect of the Endless Night]]
Sometime later, the Vanguard would find itself having the Last City plunged into an [[Endless Night]]. At first, believing it to be entirely a Vex plot, the Guardians would ally with the Eliksni [[Splicer]], [[Mithrax, Kell of Light]] and his [[House of Light]] to combat the threat. Agreeing to the alliance and the Vanguard's offer to shelter his people within the Last City, Mithrax trains the Guardians in the ways of the Sacred Splicers to pierce into the [[Vex Network]] and battle with numerous Subjugated and Oppressive Minds, collecting their data and analyzing it.{{Citation needed}} After weeks of breaching into the Vex realm and collecting data, Mithrax would discover that Quria, the Dreaming Mind, is the one codifying the Endless Night, thereby realizing that Savathûn is truly behind the threat.<ref>'''Bungie (2021/5/11)''', ''Destiny 2: [[Season of the Splicer]] - [[Expunge: Labyrinth#Corrupted Labyrinth transcript|Expunge: Labyrinth]]''</ref>

News of Savathûn's role in the Endless Night is brought to the public, due to [[Lakshmi-2]] and the [[Faction]]s, inciting paranoia towards the Eliksni, creating unrest within the Last City.<ref>'''Bungie (2021/5/11)''', ''Destiny 2: Season of the Splicer - [[H.E.L.M.]] Radio Messages: [[H.E.L.M.#tabsection-6-2|Lakshmi's fourth broadcast]]''</ref> Despite this instability, the Guardians continue to work with Mithrax in combating Quria, fighting through Vex Domains infested with Taken, trying to pinpoint the Dreaming Mind's location and corner it. In time, Mithrax is successful in locating Quria, allowing the Guardians to enter the Nexus once more and confront the Dreaming Mind. Within the Nexus, the Guardians find it littered with Taken corruption but are ultimately able to face Quria. The Dreaming Mind uses its simulation powers and Taken abilities to combat the Guardians but is ultimately destroyed by the Guardians.<ref>'''Bungie (2021/5/11)''', ''Destiny 2: Season of the Splicer - [[Expunge: Delphi]]''</ref>

With the Endless Night's architect destroyed, daylight slowly returns to the Last City, but the situation between the Factions and the Vanguard reaches a boiling point. The Factions wish to expel the Eliksni from the Last City despite their aid in ending the Endless Night, even trying to influence new leadership in the Vanguard but the Guardians rebuff Lakshmi's entreaties. Aided by "[[Osiris]]", who Savathûn had taken the form of after he lost his Light, Lakshmi utilizes a Vex portal in an attempt to forcefully remove the House of Light but loses control, killing the [[Future War Cult]]'s leader, many of her followers, and allowing the Vex to attack the Last City.<ref>'''Bungie (2021/5/11)''', ''Destiny 2: Season of the Splicer - H.E.L.M. Radio Messages: [[H.E.L.M.#tabsection-9-2|Lakshmi's final broadcast]]''</ref> Rushing to aid Mithrax and his people, the Guardians are able to seal the portal and destroy the Vex and Taken attacking the Eliksni Quarters.<ref>'''Bungie (2021/5/11)''', ''Destiny 2: Season of the Splicer - [[Override: Last City]]''</ref>
[[File:Corrupted Techeun fight.jpg|thumb|300px|Guardians battling a Corruoted Techeun]]
===Xivu Arath's Return===
Following the destruction of Quria, Savathûn would lose control over the Taken.<ref>'''Bungie (2021/8/24)''', ''[[Destiny 2]]: [[Season of the Lost]] - [[Cocoon]]''</ref> Now under the presumed control of their original master, they began working alongside both the Hive forces of Xivu Arath and the [[Scorn]] to corrupt the [[Ley Lines]], hunt down Mara Sov's Techeuns, and ultimately capture Savathûn.<ref>'''Bungie (2021/8/24)''', ''Destiny 2: Season of the Lost - [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YKnQb-JY_kk Cocoon | Wayfinder's Voyage | Season of the Lost]''</ref> Xivu Arath made use of the Taken as shock troops in her attempts to gain [[Astral Alignment|access]] to the Blind Well, yet these attempts were thwarted by Guardian forces. Additionally, Taken forces led by one of the Techeuns, now Corrupted, would occupy the [[Shattered Realm: Forest of Echoes|Forest of Echos]] in [[The Shattered Realm]] of the Ascendant Plane.<ref>'''Bungie (2021/8/24)''', ''Destiny 2: Season of the Lost - [[Shattered Realm: Forest of Echoes]]''</ref>

===Service to the Disciples===
Following Xivu Arath's failure to prevent the exorcism of [[Savathûn's Worm]], the Taken would retreat and wouldn't be sighted outside of the Reef for some time. However, as the Guardian worked in investigating Savathûn's return to Mars and more importantly, her claiming of the Light, they would discover a [[The Sunken Pyramid|Sunken Pyramid]] within the outskirts of the Witch Queen's [[Court of Savathûn|Throne World]]. Mara Sov, aiding the Guardians in their investigation, would inform them that the Pyramid belongs to a powerful servant of The Witness, the supposed leader of the Black Fleet. This disciple, [[Rhulk, Disciple of the Witness|Rhulk]], was the one that had the Scorn worm their way into the Throne World and protected his Pyramid with a garrison of Taken.<ref name="VOTD"/>

The Guardians, forming a Raid team to prevent Rhulk from escaping his prison or using his superweapon, [[The Upended]], infiltrate the Sunken Pyramid to eliminate Rhulk. As they traversed the Pyramid, Rhulk would send legions of his Scorn and Taken minions to stop them, but despite their efforts, the Guardians reached the center of the Pyramid and confronted the Witness's Disciple. After a grueling battle against Rhulk, despite being aided by his Taken and Scorn forces, the Guardians prevailed, leaving the Taken without a master, though the Scorn would continue in making raids on their master's ruptured Pyramid to claim the secrets within but would be thwarted by the Guardians.<ref name="VOTD">'''Bungie (2022/2/22)''', ''Destiny 2: The Witch Queen - [[Vow of the Disciple]]''</ref>

Following Rhulk's demise, the Taken would serve Xivu Arath in attacking Rasputin's [[Submind]] vaults.<ref>'''Bungie (2022/12/6)''', ''Destiny 2: [[Season of the Seraph]] - [[Heist Battleground: Mars]]''</ref> Afterwards, they would be found alongside the forces of [[Calus]], the Witness's newest Disciple, and his [[Shadow Legion]]. They would protect the [[Typhon Imperator]], landed in the [[Neptune|Neptunian]] city of [[Neomuna]], when the Guardian attempted to destroy the [[Radial Mast]], a device that could be used to establish a connection between [[the Veil]] and the Traveler.<ref>'''Bungie (2023/2/28)''', ''Destiny 2: [[Lightfall]] - [[Downfall]]''</ref> The Shadow Legion would also attempt to employ Taken to [[HyperNet Current|invade]] the Vex Network and from there gain access to the [[CloudArk]] that powers the city's defenses and life support. Fortunately, with the aid of Neomuna's [[Cloud Striders]], the Guardian was able to clear out the Taken before they could take root within the Network but would discover that a malignant force not just driving the Taken into attacking, but also attempting to infest the minds of the Neomuni. The entity would soon be revealed to be the dead Disciple, [[Nezarec, Final God of Pain]].<ref>'''Bungie (2023/2/28)''', ''Destiny 2: Lightfall - [[HyperNet Current]]''</ref>

Despite Calus's death at the hands of the Guardian, the Witness nonetheless succeeded in establishing a connection between the Traveler and the Veil, allowing it to form a gateway upon the Traveler.<ref>'''Bungie (2023/2/28)''', ''Destiny 2: Lightfall - [[Desperate Measures]]''</ref> Nonetheless, the Taken would continue to serve the Witness's bidding. They first were ordered to destroy the [[Conceptual Mind]] within the Black Garden, as it was the original creator of the [[Black Heart]], which was discovered to be a Vex attempt to create a replica of the Veil. The Sol Divisive had refused to destroy the Conceptual Mind themselves, thereby leaving the task the Taken and leading them to invade the Black Garden. The Guardian, Osiris and [[Nimbus]] learned of the Conceptual Mind and believed its data core would help them understand the Veil and hopefully aid them in entering the gateway the Witness created upon the Traveler. Though the Taken complicated the Guardian's efforts, they nonetheless succeeded in destroying the Conceptual Mind and acquiring its data core.<ref>'''Bungie (2023/2/28)''', ''Destiny 2: Lightfall - [[What Remains]]''</ref>
[[File:2023 Lightfall Strike Refresh PressKit Lake of Shadow Large 005.jpg|thumb|300px|Gor'ath Gath]]
The Guardians would face against the Taken once more as they aided the Shadow Legion's [[Invasion of Earth]]. Many of them were positioned in the Ascendant Realm in defense of [[Shadow Legion Prison]]s on Earth, holding captives within, making them virtually impenetrable. Fortunately, Mara Sov would lend some of her powers to the Guardians, combining it with their Light in making a path into the outpost through the Ascendant Plane. Though swarms of Taken would try to prevent the Guardian from entering, their use of [[Balefire]] allowed them to clear through the Taken, allowing them entry within the Outpost and rescue the prisoners.<ref>'''Bungie (2023/2/28)''', ''Destiny 2: [[Season of Defiance]] - [[Defiant Battleground: EDZ]]''</ref><ref>'''Bungie (2023/2/28)''', ''Destiny 2: Season of Defiance - [[Defiant Battleground: Cosmodrome]]''</ref> The Shadow Legion would also lead Taken into the EDZ's water supply again, placing Blights and [[Baimogg, Unchained Wrath|powerful]] [[Gor'ath Gath|specimen]] in key locations to spread sickness all over the area.<ref>'''Bungie (2023/2/28)''', ''Destiny 2: Season of Defiance - [[Lake of Shadows]]''</ref>

===Confrontations with War===
[[File:UorgothaWide.png|thumb|left|300px|Uorgotha, Scourge of the Deep]]
With the re-emergence of [[Titan (moon)|Titan]], the Vanguard deployed to the moon following a distress call from [[Sloane]]. The Taken serving Xivu Arath, alongside her Hive forces, would engage in combat with the group. Despite this, the Taken are defeated and the Guardian, Zavala and the Drifter locate Sloane, who had been partially Taken after almost being bent to Xivu Arath's will, but was saved by [[Ahsa]], an ancient enemy of the Witness. The Vanguard sought to strengthen Sloane's connection with Ahsa using [[Egregore|Egregore coral]] so they could learn about the Witness's origins.<ref>'''Bungie (2023/5/22)''', ''Destiny 2: [[Season of the Deep]] - [[The Descent (mission)|The Descent]]''</ref>.

The Vanguard would order a six Guardian fireteam to rid the [[New Pacific Arcology]] of Xivu Arath's forces. The Guardians would enter the depths of [[Kraken Mare]], and kill [[Uorgotha, Scourge of the Deep]], and [[Val Ca'uor|Val Ca'our, Bladebound to Xivu Arath]]. Taken would later be ordered by Xivu Arath to assist Hive forces led by [[Kudazad, Binder of Savathûn|Kudazad, Bound to Xivu Arath]] to stop the Guardian from retrieving egregore coral, but despite their best efforts, they were defeated.<ref name="Salvage">'''Bungie (2023/5/22)''', ''Destiny 2: Season of the Deep - [[Salvage]]''</ref> [[Kelgorath, Risen from Bones|Kelgorath, Taken from Bones]] would lead his forces in an attempt to corrupt the egregore coral. However, they would once again be confronted by the Guardian, who would kill them and successfully retrieve the coral.<ref>'''Bungie (2023/5/22)''', ''Destiny 2: Season of the Deep - [[Operation Fulgurite (Abyss)]]''</ref>

Xivu Arath's forces would manage to capture Ahsa and begin a ritual to Take her. The Guardian would be sent to save the ancient creature while the rest of the Vanguard leaders, including Zavala, [[Saint-14]], [[Saladin Forge]] and his [[Iron War Beast]]s provided distraction and support. The Guardian succeeds in defeating the Taken, and stopping the [[Scream of Xivu Arath|Screams of Xivu Arath]] from completing their ritual.<ref name="Barotrauma">'''Bungie (2023/5/22)''', ''Destiny 2: Season of the Deep - [[Barotrauma]]''</ref> Later Xivu Arath would allow the Guardian into her [[The Drowning|temple]] for a test of might. The Warrior of the Sky would defeat the hordes of Taken within, including their champion [[Khull, Executioner Knight]] and the [[Tormentor]] [[Omen, Blade of the Black Terrace]]. After tithing the death of the paracausal entity to Xivu Arath, she deemed them worthy of wielding the [[Wicked Implement]].<ref>'''Bungie (2023/5/22)''', ''Destiny 2: Season of the Deep - [[Deep Dive#The Whetstone|The Whetstone]]''</ref>

While the Guardians used the [[Altars of Summoning]] in Savathûn's Throne World to empower Eris Morn into the God of Vengeance to confront Xivu Arath, they would come to face a Taken invasion led by the Tormentor [[Axsaeniia, Reverent of the Witness]]. Despite the surprise attack, Axsaeniia and its followers did nothing more than add more tribute to Eris's tithes.<ref>'''Bungie (2023/8/22)''', ''Destiny 2: [[Season of the Witch]] - [[Altars of Summoning (activity)|Altars of Summoning]]''</ref>

===The Hunt for Riven's Clutch===
[[File:Guardians fighting Roln'gur.jpg|thumb|300px|Roln'gur, Blade-bound to the Terrace battling Guardians]]
With Xivu Arath's banishment from her [[Black Terrace|throne world]], many Taken would become scattered and purposeless. However, despite her waning power, Xivu Arath would still maintain control and influence over most Taken through her celebrants.<ref>'''Bungie (2023/11/28)''', ''Destiny 2: [[Season of the Wish]] - [[Osiris]]: [[Riven's Lair (activity)#Transcript|"Most still rally around Xivu's Celebrants, extensions of her will."]]''</ref> Despite lacking a commanding will, the Taken would invade and occupy parts of [[Riven's Lair]]. Due to their rabid search for purpose, the [[Sol Divisive]] that were also invading the Dreaming City tried to contain them within the lair.<ref>'''Bungie (2023/11/28)''', ''Destiny 2: Season of the Wish - [[Riven's Lair (activity)|Riven's Lair]]''</ref>

Upon catching one of Riven's eggs using the Ley Lines, the Guardian is sent to retrieve it. They fight their way through the lair, defeating Taken forces led by [[Ungoloth, Wayward Beast]] and successfully retrieving the egg.<ref>'''Bungie (2023/11/28)''', ''Destiny 2: Season of the Wish - [[Tautology]]''</ref> Later, the Guardian is sent to secure the Observatory so they can commune with Mara's [[Harbinger]]. The Guardians fight their way through Taken forces and confront the [[Mukor, Soulkeeper|two]] [[Ugroth, Soulkeeper|soulkeepers]]. Despite their efforts, they were defeated by the Guardian, failing to stop their communion with the Harbinger.<ref>.'''Bungie (2023/11/28)''', ''Destiny 2: Season of the Wish - [[The Oracle Engine#Wishing All the Best|The Oracle Engine]]''</ref>

When one of Riven's eggs is captured by the Sol Divisive, the Guardian returns to the [[Black Garden]] to retrieve it. In the Garden, the Taken attempt to defend Taranis's lair from the Guardian. However, they fail, allowing another egg to fall into the Lightbearers' hands.<ref>.'''Bungie (2023/11/28)''', ''Destiny 2: Season of the Wish - [[Starcrossed]]''</ref>

When another Ahamkara egg was caught by the Techeuns, the Taken would invade the lair to corrupt the egg. The Guardian would arrive at the lair, defeating Taken, and their champion, [[Roln'gur, Blade-bound to the Terrace]]. However, the Taken would succeed in corrupting the egg.<ref>'''Bungie (2023/11/28)''', ''Destiny 2: Season of the Wish - [[Synchysis]]''</ref> Despite this setback, [[Mara Sov]] came up with a solution: they would acquire a Taken Essentia from completing an Ascendant Challenge, and then allow the whim to feed on their desires. Ultimately, the Guardian and their allies would succeed in cleansing the egg of its corruption.<ref name="Step34">'''Bungie (2023/11/28)''', ''Destiny 2: Season of the Wish - [[Wishing All the Best#Step 34|Wishing All the Best: Step 34]]''</ref>

====Blighted Vengeance====
During the Dark Age, a castle belonging to the Warlord [[Naeem]] was raided by the [[House of Kings]]. Naeem was killed during the attack and would make one last wish of vengeance on the slain Ahamkara [[Hefnd]].<ref>'''Bungie (2023/12/1)''', ''Destiny 2: Season of the Wish - [[In the Shadow of the Mountain#Step 5|In the Shadow of the Mountain: Step 5]]''</ref> Many years later, Hefnd would take advantage of the Taken's desire for purpose,<ref>'''Bungie (2023/12/1)''', ''Destiny 2: Season of the Wish - [[In the Shadow of the Mountain#Step 4|In the Shadow of the Mountain: Step 4]]''</ref> calling them to the ruined castle and using their corruption to raise the dead House of Kings members as [[Scorn]], as vengeance for the fallen Warlord.<ref>'''Bungie (2023/12/1)''', ''Destiny 2: Season of the Wish - [[In the Shadow of the Mountain#Step 6|In the Shadow of the Mountain: Step 6]]''</ref> Later [[Fikrul, the Fanatic|Fikrul]], leading his own group of Scorn independent from the Witness, sends his Broken Knights led by [[Rathil, First Broken Knight of Fikrul|Rathil]] to claim the Scorn at the castle.<ref>'''Bungie (2023/12/1)''', ''Destiny 2: Season of the Wish - Item Description: [[Buried Bloodline#Lore|Burried Bloodline]]''</ref>

Searching for more evidence of the Scorn presence and Riven claiming the region is claimed by another Ahamkara, Guardians are sent by Crow and Petra to investigate. Upon arriving further up the mountain, the Guardians defeat Rathil. However, they are teleported into prison by a Blighted Chimera serving as Hefnd's avatar. Breaking free from the prison, they traverse further through the fortress and defeat the [[Locus of Wailing Grief]]. Arriving at the summit, the Guardians slay the Blighted Chimera, [[Hefnd's Vengeance, Blighted Chimaera|Hefnd's Vengeance]]. Exploring further through the castle and collecting the Ahamkara's bones, they learn about the relationship between Naeem and Hefnd.<ref>'''Bungie (2023/12/1)''', ''Destiny 2: Season of the Wish - [[Warlord's Ruin]]''</ref>

===Infestation within the Pale Heart===
Following their failure to corrupt Riven's Clutch and the Vanguard's attempt at entering the Pale Heart, the Taken would once again find themselves under the command of the Witness. Now radiating with Light energy and some among their ranks possessing [[Prismatic]] Shielding, they would be sent by their master to search for the Guardian shortly after they crashed into [[The Threshold|the Threshold]] to prevent their entry into the [[The Pale Heart|Pale Heart]]. As they would engage with the Guardian in a sphere of concentrated Darkness detained by a resonance shell, the Young Wolf would discover that interacting with the shell created a pathway of possibilities. Defeating a [[Will-Crushed Centurion]] to receive an icon of Light, the Guardian then interacts with the resonance shell to make the pathway physical. Despite their uncountable numbers, and [[Weaver]] reinforcements from the [[Dread]], the Taken fail to stop the Guardian as they successfully enter the portal into the Pale Heart.<ref name="Transmigration">'''Bungie (2024/6/4)''', ''Destiny 2: The Final Shape - [[Transmigration]]''</ref>

As the Guardian arrives at the Lost City within the Pale Heart, the Taken would ambush them once more. However, the Guardian would discover Transcend by utilizing the power of a well of Light and Darkness, destroying the Bound Taken's shield and traversing further into the city. When the Guardian arrives at the entrance of the Old Vanguard command center, the Taken, alongside the Dread, would appear and create a barrier by utilizing Darkness locks. Nonetheless despite these setbacks, the Guardian would use the paracausal wells to Transcend and defeat two [[Harvester of Light|Havesters of Light]] to receive Icons of Darkness. Using the Icons, they disable the locks and slay the [[Icon of Finality]] alongside its forces to lower the barrier, allowing them to enter inside and receive the power of Prismatic.<ref name="Transmigration"/>

At [[The Landing|the Landing]], [[Insight Psion|Taken Psion]]s would create a barrier at a cave entrance, maintaining it through the use of three conduits. However, their endeavours would be threatened by the Guardian, who was searching for [[Uldren Sov|Crow]] after he had entered the cave. Slaying the Psions, the Guardian would obtain Psionic Insight and use it to deactivate the conduits. As the Guardian returns to the cave entrance, the [[Pillar of Denial]] would appear along with Dread and [[Shadow Legion]] forces. However, despite its assistance and utilization of Blights, the Pillar is slain by the Guardian, deactivating the barrier and allowing them entry into the cave.<ref>'''Bungie (2024/6/4)''', ''Destiny 2: The Final Shape - [[Temptation]]''</ref>

When the Traveler created a pool of Light at [[The Impasse|the Impasse]], the [[The Unwaking Mind|Unwaking Mind]] would detect this powerful source of energy and begin to obscure its signal to prevent its discovery by the Vanguard. As the Guardian began to travel towards this location, the Taken would launch an assault against the Young Wolf to prevent its discovery. Nonetheless, their efforts would prove to be futile as the Guardian would traverse up the mountain while defeating forces of the [[Sol Divisive]]. Eventually, the Guardian would confront the Unwaking Mind deep within the mountain, destroying it to expose the pool of Light's location. Uncovering the pool of Light at the place they were resurrected, the Guardian communes with it to harness new powers bestowed upon them by the Traveler itself. Striving to end their escapade, legions of Taken launch an onslaught against the Guardian to end their journey where they began it. However, the Traveler's power wielded in the Guardian's palms proves to be too formidable, as they slay the numberless Taken in their way.<ref>'''Bungie (2024/6/4)''', ''Destiny 2: The Final Shape - [[Ascent]]''</ref>

As the Guardian began their search for more fissures of Light to commune with the Traveler, they would enter the Broken Deep after detecting a fissure within. Although the Taken within would be defeated by the Guardian, leaving the way to the fissure clear, the Witness would succeed in strangling the fissure. Later when the Guardian would infiltrate the Blooming Deep in search of one final fissure, the Taken would assault them once more in an attempt to prevent their communion. However, the Guardian would be aided by an unexpected ally in the form of the Hive Lightbearer [[Luzaku]] who would quickly engage with the Taken. Ultimately the power possessed by the Lightbearers would be too much as the hordes of Taken would be slain, allowing [[Cayde-6]] to commune with the Traveler.<ref>'''Bungie (2024/6/4)''', ''Destiny 2: The Final Shape - [[The Message, Part III]]''</ref>

Later, [[Kataxiia, Tormentor of the Ahamkara]] alongside its division of Taken would defend a Precursor town manifested by the Witness's memories. However, the Guardian would confront Kataxiia within a Pyramidal structure, causing Kataxiia to respond by activating its Immunity Shield and summoning its Taken followers. However, the Young Wolf would empower two Ahamkara skulls with the Taken's own energy, lowering Kataxiia's shield and causing it to retreat further into the mountain. Eventually, Kataxiia would make one final stand against the Guardian within a cavern and despite its hulking strength and formidable powers, the Tormentor is vanquished.<ref>'''Bungie (2024/6/4)''', ''Destiny 2: The Final Shape - [[Liminality]]''</ref>

With Zavala's discovery that the Witness could be unmade, the Guardian would be sent by the Vanguard to infiltrate the memory of the ritual site where the Witness was created. In response, the Witness would send the Taken alongside the Dread to suppress their defiant ambitions. As the Guardian battles their way through hordes of Taken, they would arrive at an entrance guarded by [[Dolgith, Blade of Reasoning]]. Nulfiying the Glyphs to summon the Aegis, the Guardian utilizes the shield of Light to shatter Dolgith's shield, before vanquishing the Taken Ogre back to the Sea of Screams. Ascending to the ritual site, the Guardian confronts the Witness itself at the very ritual site where it was created, penetrating its consciousness to destroy three of the many beings sacrificed to become this eldritch monstrosity. Enraged at the Guardian's infuriating exertions, the Witness severs them from its consciousness and sends multiple of its Taken minions to eliminate them. Despite the Guardian's severe injuries, they are transported to safety aboard the H.E.L.M. by [[Mara Sov]], leaving the Taken to roar in rage at their failure.<ref>'''Bungie (2024/6/4)''', ''Destiny 2: The Final Shape - [[Iconoclasm]]''</ref>

As a six Guardian fireteam infiltrated the Monolith to uproot the Witness's grasp over the Traveler and the Light, the Taken led by the daunting, [[Herald of Finality]] would be dispatched at [[Dissipation]] to bring an end to their aspirations. However, by depositing Resonance, the fireteam makes the Herald vulnerable and ultimately succeeds in vanquishing the potent Taken Captain. Despite the Taken's further attempts at preventing the fireteam from traversing further up the Monolith, the Guardians' strength and resilience prove to be too formidable as they ascend to the top and uproot the Witness's hold over the Light, forcing their master to retreat from the Monolith.<ref>'''Bungie (2024/6/4)''', ''Destiny 2: The Final Shape - [[Salvation's Edge]]''</ref>

When the [[The Coalition|Coalition]] and the [[Lucent Brood]] launched one final assault against the Witness, the Taken alongside the Dread, Shadow Legion and the Sol Divisive engaged with a twelve Guardian fireteam to defend the colossal wall leading to their master. Upon seizing control of the capture zones, the Guardians lower the barrier leading to the Witness, confronting it on the other side. Penetrating into its consciousness once more, the Guardians destroy the many Veiled Statues within to dismantle the Witness's immunity before harnessing the power of the Traveler's Light to unmake their ancient enemy.<ref name="Excision">'''Bungie (2024/6/4)''', ''Destiny 2: The Final Shape - [[Excision]]''</ref>

With the Witness's death, the Taken identically to the Scorn would be left directionless once more with the lack of a commanding will. However, they would still continue their attempts at corrupting the Pale Heart, while persisting in their war against the Coalition and the Lucent Brood.<ref name="Excision"/>

===Pursuing the Echoes===
====Nessian Network Corruption====
{{quote|Taken are drawn to paracausal forces and those with immense strength of will, but they're leaderless now. No King and no Witness... and Xivu Arath either doesn't possess the power, or doesn't have the inclination. All we can speculate is that they're drawn to the Conductor.|Ikora Rey}}<ref name="BC"/>
In one of the [[Enigma Protocol|missions]] within the [[Vex Network]] in response to the [[Upheaval on Nessus]], a team of Guardians assisted by [[Failsafe]], [[Ikora Rey]], [[Saint-14]] and [[Osiris]] would come across a domain of the network infested by the Taken that had never left since [[Quria, Blade Transform]] brought them in and had survived because the Vex were too afraid to purge them.<ref>'''Bungie (2024/6/4)''', ''Destiny 2: Episode: Echoes - Ikora Rey: [[Enigma Protocol#Transcript|"Quria brought it. An infection. The Vex are too afraid to purge it."]]''</ref> The Taken were led by [[Gulletous, the Insatiable Hunger]] and intent on stealing, consuming and irradiating the data collected by the Vex.<ref>'''Bungie (2024/6/4)''', ''Destiny 2: Episode: Echoes - [[Saint-14]]: [[Enigma Protocol#Transcript|"The Taken tried to steal Vex data!"]]''</ref><ref>'''Bungie (2024/6/4)''', ''Destiny 2: Episode: Echoes - Ikora Rey: [[Enigma Protocol#Transcript|"Taken blight, eating into the network."]]''</ref> Among their forces, there was also a coven of [[Taken Wizard]]s called "[[Choral Denial Agent]]s", who were denying the Vex from their own data. The presence of the Taken would lead the Guardian team to wonder if a new leader has already arisen capable of guiding them or if it was a Taken Mind remaining in the Network.<ref>'''Bungie (2024/6/4)''', ''Destiny 2: Episode: Echoes - Ikora Rey: [[Enigma Protocol#Transcript|"We'll be ready if they ever find a new leader."]]''</ref><ref>'''Bungie (2024/6/4)''', ''Destiny 2: Episode: Echoes - [[Osiris]]: [[Enigma Protocol#Transcript|"Perhaps a lost Mind still lurks here?"]]''</ref>

The Guardian team would find, among the corrupted data recovered from the Taken, several queries coming not from the Taken or Vex but from "[[Maya Sundaresh|//COND]]", an entity interested in [[Human|Humanity]] [[Lightbearer]]s and the [[Last City]], the Taken and [[Quria, Blade Transform]], the Indecipherable Mind, flight logs to [[Titan (moon)|Titan]], "real estate" from pre-[[Collapse]] [[London]] and pre-Collapse bioscans of Mars, Venus, Titan, Neptune.<ref>'''Bungie (2024/6/4)''', ''Destiny 2: Episode: Echoes - [[Enigma Protocol#Transcript|Enigma Protocol: Corrupted Data]]''</ref>

With the Witness defeated and Xivu Arath seemingly without either the will or power to control them, the rest of the Taken remained leaderless. However, a group of them invaded the depths of Nessus, trying to reach the outer shell of the planetoid's Vex core. The Taken were attracted by the paracausal force emitted by the [[Echo (object)|Echo]] and the immense strength of will of the Conductor, however, they were eliminated by the Guardian intent on tracing the flow of radiolaria towards the heart of Nessus.<ref name="BC">'''Bungie (2024/7/23)''', ''Destiny 2: Episode: Echoes - [[Battleground: Core]]''</ref>

====Revenant Uprising====
During the events of the [[Revenant Scorn|Revenant]] [[Revenant Uprising|Uprising]], the Taken would re-emerge within the dormant [[Prison of Elders]] due to being drawn to the immense power of the [[Echo of Riis]]. Under the command of [[Sylok, the Defiled]], the Taken would join forces with the Dread and begin to establish a foothold in the former prison facility of the Reef. Despite their alliance with the Dread, the Taken would fail to expand their position within the facility as their forces would continuously be eliminated by Guardian fireteams.<ref>'''Bungie (2024/11/19)''', ''Destiny 2: [[Episode: Revenant]] - [[Tomb of Elders]]''</ref>

====The Dreadnaught Awakens====
{{Quote|We are not alone in the Deep. Something I cannot see stands between the Winnower and the Taken. Carve these offerings free from their weakness, King. Before something else does.|The [[Echo of Navigation]] to the Guardian}}<ref>'''Bungie (2025/2/4)''', ''Destiny 2: Episode: Heresy - [[Court of Blades]]''</ref>
Following the [[Revenant Uprising]], the Taken would deploy an [[Eversion Anchor]] to the EDZ to pull the Ascendent Plane onto Earth, essentially turning the world inside out. However, this resurgence of activity would catch the Vanguard's attention. Eris and the Drifter set out for the Dreadnaught and assigned the Guardian to [[Trostland]] after learning that a large concentration of Taken energies landed there, leading the corruptive energies of the Taken to spread. As the Guardian battled through the Dire Taken, Eris and the Drifter made it to the Dreadnaught, finding it different than it once was, infested and decaying from Taken energies, leading Eris to theorize that a new will was in command of the Taken. The Guardian eventually found the source of the corruption, the Eversion Anchor, and slew the anchor's protector, [[Gorkall, the Gatekeeper]]. But as they approached the anchor, the Guardian would be pulled into the Ascendent Plane, forcing them to navigate the darkened realm while fighting off more Dire Taken before finding themselves transported to the Dreadnaught.<ref name="Espial">'''Bungie (2025/2/4)''', ''Destiny 2: Episode: Heresy - [[Espial]]''</ref><ref name="Recce">'''Bungie (2025/2/4)''', ''Destiny 2: Episode: Heresy - [[Recce]]''</ref>

[[File:Destiny-2-Episode-3-Heresy.jpg|thumb|300px|Guardians clashing with the Resonant Knife on the Dreadnaught]]
Once aboard Oryx's flagship for the first time since the Taken War, the Guardian worked on meeting up with Drifter and Eris, but would be informed that the two had located a piece of the [[Tablets of Ruin]]. Unfortunately, the pair found themselves swarmed by Dire Taken in the Hall of Souls, which they managed to fend off before finding themselves ambushed by Keit'Eir, now dubbed '''The Resonant Knife, First of the Reshaped''', who would overpower Eris and ultimately impale her. The Resonant Knife took its leave, dragging Eris's body to the Dreadnaught's depths with Drifter giving chase. After slaying [[Felghul the Requisitioner]] and acquiring the Tablet of Ruin, the Guardian pursued the Drifter and the Resonant Knife. After losing contact with the Drifter, the Guardian would find the Resonant Knife conducting a ritual with Blights and [[Crux of Darkness|Cruxes of Darkness]], which they would stop and force the Resonant Knife to flee.<ref name="Recce"/>

After returning to the City, Sloane would speak with the Guardian, telling them to return to the Dreadnaught to investigate what was drawing the Taken and Dread to the Dreadnaught and get payback on the Subjugator that killed Eris.<ref name="Systems">'''Bungie (2025/2/4)''', ''Destiny 2: Episode: Heresy - [[Sloane]]: [[The Nether#Introduction|"Guardian. The Dreadnaught's being overrun by Taken. Their influence is regenerating the ship's systems. They think they can stop you. Break through, find out what you can about the anchors, and bring Oryx's flagship to heel. Once we know more, we can formulate a plan to dismantle them. No more lost ground, no more lost friends."]]''</ref> She would also teach them how to wield Taken power as they worked to remove an Eversion Anchor in the [[Spine of Keres]], similar to how she had first tapped into that power when she was trapped on Titan, by maintaining control of who they are and bending the energy eminating from the anchor into a feedback loop.<ref name="Resolve"/>

Some time later, as the Guardian was disabling the Dreadnaught's weapon systems to prevent the launch of more Eversion Anchors, they made contact with the [[Echo of Navigation|Echo]] that had made its way to the Dreadnaught, which revealed itself to contain a memory of [[Oryx, the Taken King|Oryx]] that had been preserved by the Witness, obtained shortly after Oryx had slain Akka and mantled himself as the Taken King. After a conversation between the Echo, [[Savathûn, the Witch Queen]] and the [[Voice of Xivu Arath]], the Echo summoned a large attack force of Dire Taken led by the Resonant Knife to attack the Guardian, forcing them to retreat to their ship.<ref name="Kludge">'''Bungie (2025/2/4)''', ''Destiny 2: Episode: Heresy - [[Kludge]]''</ref>

During this, Sloane would work with the Guardian to uncover the answers about a mysterious Taken power on the Dreadnaught after they recovered a Taken Osseous Fragment. Síocháin found that the fragment was in a quantum-dyadic state, having two energy signatures simultaneously.<ref>'''Bungie (2025/2/4)''', ''Destiny 2: Episode: Heresy - [[The Taken Path]]''</ref> After gathering more fragments on the Moon, in the Cosmodrome and on the Dreadnaught, the Guardian would follow the trail of the Subjugator [[Vrhiisk, Seeker of Power]], who was leading Dread forces in pursuit of the same power and eventually turned on them. After defeating Vrhiisk, the Guardian escaped from a Blighted Cyst that entered to follow the Subjugator and delved deeper into the Dreadnaught while Sloane speculated on what the Dread wanted, as she knew that the Taken desired a leader, regardless of whether it was Taken or not. Eventually, they find and open a large door where they find the [[Barrow-Dyad]] and [[Xir-Kuur, Not-Taken|Xir-Kuur]], a Knight of Xivu Arath who had refused to take up the Knife after he had been Taken by Oryx after failing to defeat him and had existed in two states, Taken and not-Taken, for unknown eons.<ref name="Barrow-Dyad">'''Bungie (2025/2/4)''', ''Destiny 2: Episode: Heresy - Item Description: [[Barrow-Dyad#Lore|Barrow-Dyad]]''</ref> After a lengthy fight, the Guardian kills Xit-Kuur's Hive state, empowering their Taken half, which forced them to flee and lock the door behind them.<ref>'''Bungie (2025/2/4)''', ''Destiny 2: Episode: Heresy - [[Exotic Mission "Derealize"]]''</ref>

After defending their claim to the Taken Throne in the Court of Blades and reuniting with Eris Morn, who had survived her encounter with the Resonant Knife through her throne world of the [[High Heresy]],<ref>'''Bungie (2025/2/4)''', ''Destiny 2: Episode: Heresy - [[Act II: Rites of the Deep#Step 7|Act II: Rites of the Deep: Step 7]]''</ref> the Guardian would be sent to investigate a spike of Taken activity near the [[Shrine of Oryx]] while Eris taught them a new way of harnessing Taken power through ambition instead of resolve. At the Shine, they found an Ogre being Taken. After following it into a place of offering where Taken submit their weaknesses to gain strength, they destroy the Blights binding the Ogre and around the Shrine.<ref name="Ambition">'''Bungie (2025/2/4)''', ''Destiny 2: Episode: Heresy - [[Act II: Rites of the Deep#Step 11|Act II: Rites of the Deep: Step 11]]''</ref>

Eventually, Eris would conduct a ritual to bind the Echo to her throne world.<ref>'''Bungie (2025/2/4)''', ''Destiny 2: Episode: Heresy - [[Mission Captis]]''</ref> Following this, both Savathûn and Xivu Arath would conduct rituals of their own to claim the Echo, with Savathûn using the head of Malok<ref>'''Bungie (2025/2/4)''', ''Destiny 2: Episode: Heresy - [[Act III: Crossed Blades#Step 11|Act III: Crossed Blades: Step 11]]''</ref> and Xivu Arath using the hilt of Oryx's sword, Willbreaker.<ref name="Sunless">'''Bungie (2025/2/4)''', ''[[Destiny 2]]: [[Episode: Heresy]] - [[The Sunless Cell]]''</ref> The Guardian themselves would reassemble Willbreaker after previously gathering several fragments.<ref>'''Bungie (2025/2/4)''', ''Destiny 2: Episode: Heresy - [[Act II: Rites of the Deep#Step 4|Act II: Rites of the Deep: Step 4]]''</ref> Sloane would help to complete the reforging, even as the Deep spoke to her again and offered her a knife like when she had first tapped into that power. However, Sloane would reject it again as she finished rebuilding Willbreaker.<ref>'''Bungie (2025/2/4)''', ''Destiny 2: Episode: Heresy - [[Appellation]]''</ref> The Guardian would use the blade to finally kill the Resonant Knife and ultimately destroy the Echo of Navigation after it escaped to the Dreadnaught in an attempt to fly it to Fundament.<ref>'''Bungie (2025/2/4)''', ''Destiny 2: [[Episode: Heresy]] - [[Resile]]''</ref>

===A New Master===
{{Quote|Should the edge of [my] knife go blunt<br>Should the arms of [my] petitioners lower<br>Should the congregation never sing again<br>The will lives, the will feasts, the will spins on|The Lord of Every Nothing}}<ref name="Waiting Song"/>

Around the time of the incidents with the Echoes of Command and Riis, the Taken would find a new master from their repeated songs, prayers and rituals from the Sea of Screams.<ref name="Knife Song"/> This entity, which refers to itself as the [[Lord of Every Nothing]],<ref name="Waiting Song"/> would use the Taken Subjugator [[The Resonant Knife, First of the Reshaped|Keit'Eir]] as its mouthpiece as it led a new force of Taken,<ref name="Last"/> known as [[Dire Taken]], and Dread to the Dreadnaught and reactivate its systems.<ref name="Systems"/>

Throughout the conflict aboard the Dreadnaught, all parties noticed another force was guiding and creating the Dire Taken. As the Guardian battled through the Court of Blades, both Sloane and the Echo of Navigation noted that the Resonant Knife and other Taken aboard the Dreadnaught were being led by a new force, one that the Echo was carving paths that should belong to the Winnower.<ref>'''Bungie (2025/2/4)''', ''Destiny 2: Episode: Heresy - [[Echo of Navigation]]: [[Court of Blades#Introduction|"I know the wills of every knife in this realm. I hear them scream as the strong metast