Cabal: Difference between revisions

{{References}}

|goals= Expand the [[Cabal Empire]] <br> Escape the [[Darkness]] <br> Steal/counter-[[Guardian]] resurrection <br> Secure technology from the [[Dreadnaught]] <ref name="Cabal 4">'''Bungie (2014/9/9)''', ''[[Destiny]]: Playstation 4, Activision Blizzard, [[Grimoire]]: [[Grimoire:Enemies/Cabal#Ghost_Fragment:_Cabal_4|Ghost Fragment: Cabal 4]]''</ref> <br> Claim the [[Light]] <br> Retake [[Torobatl]] from the [[Hive]] <br> Retake [[Mars]] as Cabal Territory

{{Quote|I think you could follow a trail of shattered worlds all the way to their home.|[[Grimoire]] description<ref>'''Bungie (2014/9/9)''', ''[[Destiny]]: Playstation 4, Activision Blizzard, [[Grimoire]]: [[Grimoire:Enemies/Cabal#The_Cabal|The Cabal]]''</ref>}}

The '''Cabal''' are one of the main alien races in Destiny. Their culture revolves around war and glory. The Cabal Empire monarchy at heart with a meritocratic military; the better the soldier the higher the rank. The Cabal army that occupied [[Mars]] and held it for some time was but a fraction of their full might<ref name="GF:Cabal">'''Bungie (2014/9/9)''', ''[[Destiny]]: Playstation 4, Activision Blizzard, [[Grimoire]]: [[Grimoire:Enemies/Cabal#Ghost_Fragment:_Cabal|Ghost Fragment: Cabal]]''</ref>. During the [[Red War]], Cabal warlord [[Dominus Ghaul]] and his [[Red Legion]] seized the [[Last City]] and the [[Traveler]] in a surprise attack. After Ghaul's demise, the Red Legion shattered into numerous warring factions across the [[Solar System]]. The exiled [[Emperor Calus]], previously dethroned by Ghaul and later arriving onboard his spaceship, [[the Leviathan]], presents less antagonistic attitude towards humanity and the [[Guardian]]s, until he pledged his allegiance to the [[The Witness|Witness]] and led his followers to war with Sol. Following the invasion of Torobatl, [[Empress Caiatl|Caiatl]], daughter of Calus, assumed the Imperial throne and became the new Empress of the Cabal Empire, managing to reach a truce with the [[Vanguard]] and then developing a coalition with the forces of the [[Last City]].

{{quote|Embrace suffering. Only then can it be conquered.|Bracus Tha'aurn}}<ref name="Tha'aurn">'''Bungie (2014/9/9)''', ''[[Destiny]]: Playstation 4, Activision Blizzard, [[Grimoire]]: [[Grimoire:Enemies/Cabal Command#Bracus Tha'aurn|Bracus Tha'aurn]]''</ref>

The Cabal are an extremely tough species, willing to defend their territory until every last one of them is dead.<ref name="Activision">'''Bungie (2014/9/9)''', ''[[Destiny]]: Playstation 4, Activision Blizzard''</ref> Their architecture is very industrial, with an emphasis on burrowing into mountains for defense. They are a very industrious, militaristic species whose social structure and way of life revolves largely around conquest and expansion.<ref name="Cabal 2">'''Bungie (2014/9/9)''', ''[[Destiny]]: Playstation 4, Activision Blizzard, [[Grimoire]]: [[Grimoire:Enemies/Cabal#Ghost_Fragment:_Cabal_2|Ghost Fragment: Cabal 2]]''</ref> Their armor and technology can often be seen leaking a substance similar to oil and even emit smoke when damaged or worn.<ref>[http://www.gameinformer.com/b/features/archive/2013/12/16/the-enemies-of-destiny.aspx The Enemies of Destiny]</ref> For centuries they have devoted their resources to occupying and mining Mars,<ref name="Losses">[http://www.ishtar-collective.net/transcripts/ghost-scan-cabal-losses '''Ishtar Collective''' - ''Ghost Scan: Cabal losses'']</ref><ref name="Trans"> http://www.ishtar-collective.net/transcripts/ghost-scan-trans-jovian-threat  '''Ishtar Collective''' - ''Ghost Scan: Trans-Jovian threat'']</ref> contesting with the native [[Virgo Prohibition|Vex]] programming as evidenced by the many Cabal ships seen bringing armies to and from the red planet, and recently dealing with the Guardians.<ref name="Activision"/>

{{Quote|In the Cabal legend, a hero seeks to possess the sun. He succeeds. Then, he becomes Emperor. The Cabal... are not a subtle people.|[[Tyra Karn]]<ref name="Acrius">'''Bungie (2017/8/9)''', ''[[Destiny 2]]: Playstation 4, Activision Blizzard, [[Legend of Acrius]]''</ref>}}

The earliest period of the Cabal's history is the Era of Lead; before they had extended their reach beyond their immediate star system.<ref name="Bell of Conquests">'''Bungie (2021/2/9)''', ''[[Destiny 2]]: [[Season of the Chosen]], [[Bell of Conquests#Lore|Bell of Conquests]]''</ref> According to Cabal myth, three Cabal warriors sought to claim the sun atop a great mountain that was guarded by a mighty beast. The first two were killed attempting to outwit and evade the beast, but the third died with pride and honor after challenging it to battle. Her sacrifice had left a mark upon the creature and inspired her Cabal kin to face the creature despite repeated deaths; with each leaving their scars upon the latter. Finally, the last warrior named [[Acrius]] had delivered the killing blow upon the beast which had grown wounded and weary of the constant fighting.<ref name="Praefectus Cuirass">'''Bungie (2021/2/9)''', ''[[Destiny 2]]: [[Season of the Chosen]], [[Praefectus Suit#Praefectus Cuirass / Plate / Robes|Praefectus Suit]]''</ref> Acrius became the first Cabal to succeed in claiming the sun, and thus united their race under his reign as the first Emperor.<ref name="Acrius"/>   

The Era of Conquest came as a largely unknown period of military expansion and galactic colonialization as the Cabal extended beyond their system to incorporate many worlds and client races into their empire; most notable was the [[Psion]] race who became assimilated into Cabal society through indentured servitude but were prized for their psychic abilities. Conquered worlds were enriched with ceremonial gold to ease defeat and afford the opportunity to challenge officers for representation within the Cabal's leadership.<ref name="Gilded Conquest">'''Bungie (2021/2/9)''', ''[[Destiny 2]]: [[Season of the Chosen]], [https://www.ishtar-collective.net/items/gilded-conquest Gilded Conquest]''</ref>  

The rise of [[Emperor Calus|Calus]] as Emperor would mark a paradigm shift in Cabal society as he began a campaign to reorganize the empire from its militant roots into one favoring art and philosophy. Much of the empire's history (which was transcribed in the Codex of Lawful Transgressions) was rewritten by his own [[Loyalists|cult of personality]] to cast a more favorable light upon Calus during his ascension. He also abused the Rite of Proving by gradually introducing draconian and byzantine bylaws into the Proving; most notably the role of an arbiter wielding the [[Hammer of Proving]] whose role was abused to the point that the Rite fell out of common usage in a century.<ref name="Hammer of Proving">'''Bungie (2021/2/9)''', ''[[Destiny 2]]: [[Season of the Chosen]], [[Hammer of Proving#Lore|Hammer of Proving]]''</ref>

{{Quote|Under Calus, this system will unite. And when the end comes, we'll be ready. All of us.|[[Valus Nohr]] <ref name="MoN">'''Bungie (2017/8/9)''', ''[[Destiny 2]]: PlayStation 4, Activision Blizzard, [[Armor_of_Nohr#Mask_of_Nohr|Mask of Nohr]]''</ref>}}

Upon [[Calus]]'s Inauguration, he had the wasteland of an unknown planet cleared of any stone or plant in order to have a desert of pure white. Three days later, a violet pavilion was constructed and Calus's court was recreated in every detail. <ref name="Alone"/> The first act of his coronation was to send the Consul into the wasteland as a symbol of the revolution he would soon bring. During his reign, Calus decided to purge the corrupt Praetorate and he and his imperial guard marched into the temple where the former Cabal senate convened and assassinated them. <ref>'''Bungie (2017/8/9)''', ''[[Destiny 2]]: Playstation 4, Activision Blizzard, [[Inaugural Address]]''</ref> He then granted citizenship to the various Legions and set Evocate-General [[Umun'arath]] as Primus of All Legions.<ref name="Booklet"/>

One of Calus's pleasures was the Coliseum, and one day, an albino gladiator named Ghaul made his first appearance there. Ghaul's patient skill and unusual coloration soon made him a favorite of Calus's, and the Emperor eventually made him Primus of the Red Legion, where his talents would be put to better use. Calus grew to love Ghaul like a son and believed they were kindred spirits who both envisioned a newer, more perfect world. Ghaul's association with The Consul and members of the Praetorate worried him, but not enough.<ref name = "Ghost Primus">'''Bungie (2017/8/9)''', ''[[Destiny 2]]: PlayStation 4, Activision Blizzard, [[Ghost Primus]]''</ref><ref>'''Bungie (2017/8/9)''', ''[[Destiny 2]]: PlayStation 4, Activision Blizzard, [[Conspirator]]''</ref>

Calus claims to have overseen a reign of glory. His Empire was an immense military power, but valued willpower, learning, gentility, and subtlety. Debate was as celebrated as warfare. Savage pit fights coexisted with precise marksmanship and refined martial arts. The Empire crafted technological marvels<ref name = "InsigneGloves">'''Bungie (2018/8/5)''', ''[[Destiny 2]]: [[Warmind (expansion)|Warmind]] Playstation 4, Activision Blizzard, [[Insigne_Shade_Armor#Insigne_Shade_Gloves|Insigne Shade Gloves]]''</ref> that allowed every need to be met and every life to be lived in comfort.<ref>'''Bungie (2018/8/5)''', ''[[Destiny 2]]: [[Warmind (expansion)|Warmind]] Playstation 4, Activision Blizzard, [[Equitis_Shade_Armor#Equitis_Shade_Boots|Equitis Shade Boots]]''</ref><ref>'''Bungie (2018/8/5)''', ''[[Destiny 2]]: [[Warmind (expansion)|Warmind]] Playstation 4, Activision Blizzard, [[Equitis_Shade_Armor#Equitis_Shade_Cloak|Equitis Shade Cloak]]''</ref><ref name = "EquitusGrips"/><ref>'''Bungie (2018/8/5)''', ''[[Destiny 2]]: [[Warmind (expansion)|Warmind]] Playstation 4, Activision Blizzard, [[Turris_Shade#Turris_Shade_Helm|Turris Shade Helm]]''</ref>

As the Cabal Empire expanded, it encountered countless alien races and absorbed them into itself: indoctrinating their species, collecting their technology, learning their knowledge, and merging with their culture. The number of species within the Cabal Empire ''"defied reckoning,"''<ref>'''Bungie (2018/8/5)''', ''[[Destiny 2]]: [[Warmind (expansion)|Warmind]] Playstation 4, Activision Blizzard, [[Insigne_Shade_Armor#Insigne_Shade_Cover|Insigne Shade Cover]]''</ref> and examples of the things they created, whether texts, tech, or superweapons, were archived in carefully maintained [[athenaeum world]]s for study and potential future use.<ref>'''Bungie (2018/8/5)''', ''[[Destiny 2]]: [[Warmind (expansion)|Warmind]] Playstation 4, Activision Blizzard, [[Insigne_Shade_Armor#Insigne_Shade_Robes|Insigne Shade Robes]]''</ref><ref name= "InsigneGloves"/>

It was seemingly during Calus's reign that the Cabal learned of the [[Traveler]] and the [[Light]], and gained some knowledge on the [[Darkness]] from the "Dreams of worms". His Empire has even defeated a Light-empowered race on at least one occasion.<ref>'''Bungie (2018/8/5)''', ''[[Destiny 2]]: [[Warmind (expansion)|Warmind]] Playstation 4, Activision Blizzard, [[Equitis_Shade_Armor#Equitis_Shade_Rig|Equitis Shade Rig]]''</ref><ref>'''Bungie (2018/8/5)''', ''[[Destiny 2]]: [[Warmind (expansion)|Warmind]] Playstation 4, Activision Blizzard, [[Turris_Shade#Turris_Shade_Gauntlets|Turris Shade Gauntlets]]''</ref>

However [[Ghaul]], having grown disillusioned with Calus's reign and determined to return the Cabal to their warmongering ways, conspired with the Consul and several of Calus's closest friends and advisors: [[Umun'arath]], [[Shayotet]], [[Otzot]], [[Moli Imoli]], [[Iska'al]], and [[Caiatl]] in a bid to usurp the Emperor. [[Ghaul]] and his [[Red Legion]] launched his coup in the dead of night, arresting Calus and his Loyalists. With the Emperor too popular to simply execute, Ghaul, his Red Legion, and the Consul sentenced Calus and his supporters to exile aboard the Leviathan, taken far from the Empire along a pre-programmed course.

Ghaul swiftly assumed power. Declaring that there would be no more emperors, he instead assumed the title of ''Dominus'' and imposed radical reforms on the Empire. Under his leadership, Cabal culture moved from hedonism and pleasure for all to militarism and personal glory. The Empire's member species were diminished in relevance. Its subtlety was replaced by brute, industrial force. It conquered rather than absorbed.

The Cabal's scouting legions arrived in the [[Solar System]] at some point following the [[Collapse]]. Encountering no meaningful opposition, they established a beachhead on [[Phobos]], constructing massive facilities such as [[Fleetbase Korus]]<ref>'''Bungie (2014/9/9)''', ''[[Destiny]]: Playstation 4, Activision Blizzard, [[Grimoire]]: [[Grimoire:Places/Mars#Fleetbase_Korus.2C_Phobos|Fleetbase Korus, Phobos]]''</ref> and [[Black Shield|Firebase Thuria]]<ref>'''Bungie (2014/9/9)''', ''[[Destiny]]: Playstation 4, Activision Blizzard, [[Grimoire]]: [[Grimoire:Activities/Crucible_Arenas#Black_Shield|Black Shield]]''</ref> before invading [[Mars]]. Their initial intention was to mine Mars for resources, but the scope greatly expanded upon discovery of the Vex ruins.<ref>'''Bungie (2014/9/9)''', ''[[Destiny]]: Playstation 4, Activision Blizzard, [[Grimoire]]: [[Grimoire:Enemies/Vex#Virgo Prohibition|Virgo Prohibition]]''</ref> The Virgo Prohibiton, the Vex collective on Mars, didn't take too well to the Cabal arrival, and so began a war that wouldn't end until The Red War.

A [[Ghost]] that had infiltrated a Cabal base on the planet took note of visible dissent among their ranks: while some remained loyal to the Empire and obeyed their ancient orders without question, others did not, and tensions between the two groups may presage a schism.<ref>'''Bungie (2014/9/9)''', ''[[Destiny]]: PlayStation 4, Activision Blizzard, [[Grimoire]]: [[Grimoire:Enemies#Ghost_Fragment:_Cabal|Ghost Fragment: Cabal]]''</ref> It is possible that some Cabal were aware of Ghaul's coup against the Emperor, which may have been an additional source of tension, but the transmissions for this do not make it clear whether all of the Martian Cabal knew, or if they had taken any sides.<ref>'''Bungie (2017/8/9)''', ''[[Destiny 2]]: PlayStation 4, Activision Blizzard, [[Dunemarchers]]''</ref> One unit, the [[Broken Legion]] commanded by [[Valus Trau'ug]], even mutinied, massacring his superiors and attacking the [[Reef]] without authorization, resulting in their capture by the [[Awoken]]. For Trau'ug's treason and failure, Cabal High Command disavowed the entire legion, leaving them in the [[Prison of Elders]].<ref>'''Bungie (2015/5/19)''', ''[[Destiny]]: House of Wolves, PlayStation 4, Activision Blizzard, [[Grimoire]]: [[Grimoire:Enemies#Valus Trau'ug|Valus Trau'ug]]''</ref>

Prior to the start of the [[Taken War]], the [[Vanguard]] speculated that a new task force, a "second fleet" led by the [[Skyburners]], was being assembled at [[Phobos]] for the purpose of invading [[Earth]]. After the arrival of [[Oryx, the Taken King]] and his [[Dreadnaught]], however, the Cabal were forced to evacuate their Fleetbase and other sites in the system due to [[Taken]] infestations. This was a huge blow. In the ensuing battles, various detachments across Phobos and Mars suffered enormous casualties against the [[Taken]], with the [[Sand Eaters]] losing 58% of their troops, the [[Blind Legion]] losing 35%, and the [[Dust Giants]] losing 39%.<ref>[http://www.ishtar-collective.net/transcripts/ghost-scan-cabal-losses '''Ishtar Collective''' - ''Ghost Scan: Cabal losses'']</ref> In addition, the entire local Cabal fleet was mobilized, and any ship that was not already on the move by the time [[The Guardian]] arrived on Phobos was believed to have been destroyed.<ref name="TCW">'''Bungie (2015/9/19)''', ''[[Destiny]]: The Taken King, Activision Blizzard, [[The Coming War]] dialogue''</ref>  

With the Skyburners being redeployed to reinforce the other battered Cabal during the course of the Taken War, the campaign against Earth was temporarily placed on hold. Following this considerable setback, [[Primus Ta'aun]], commander of the Skyburners and the mightiest Cabal in Sol, sent a report up the Cabal chain of command suggesting that the [[Hive]] technology aboard the Dreadnaught could be co-opted for Cabal use. Ta'aun also proposed any technology recovered could be used against Guardians, as the Primus had begun to realize that the Cabal battle strategy was becoming hopelessly mired in a losing attrition war with the City.<ref name="Cabal 4"/> His report reached [[Dominus Ghaul]], who then ordered Ta'aun to personally board and capture the Hive vessel by any means necessary.<ref name="Cabal 3"/> In the aftermath of the [[Battle of Saturn]], Ta'aun rammed his [[Cabal warship|warship]], the [[Dantalion Exodus VI]], into the Dreadnaught in order to establish a beachhead. While leading a squad through the [[Mausoleum]] in an attempt to reach Oryx's ascendant realm, Ta'aun was Taken and transformed into [[Ta'aun, Hand of Oryx]], forced to guard the entrance to the Taken King's altar where he would be slain by the Guardian..<ref name="EOME">'''Bungie (2015/9/19)''', ''[[Destiny]]'': The Taken King, Activision Blizzard, [[Enemy of My Enemy]] dialogue</ref> Ta'aun's bond-brothers [[Valus Mau'ual]] and [[Valus Tlu'urn]] then ventured deep into the Dreadnaught and planted explosives at its [[The Narthex|power core]], either as part of a preconceived plan to force the Hive's surrender, to avenge their lost Primus or both. If allowed to succeed, the blast would have destroyed the majority of the Solar System. Fortunately, the two [[Shield Brothers]] were stopped by a Guardian [[fireteam]] before the explosives could be detonated.<ref name="Shield"/> With their leaders vanquished, the surviving Cabal on Dantalion Exodus VI transmitted a distress signal to the rest of the Empire. Though the Guardian disabled this signal, they were unable to prevent it from reaching its intended recipient.<ref name="Signal">'''Bungie (2015/9/19)''', ''[[Destiny]]'': The Taken King, Activision Blizzard, [[Outbound Signal]] dialogue</ref> The remaining Skyburners on the Dreadnaught continued to fight a desperate struggle to survive as their beachhead was slowly overrun by Hive and Taken. Eventually, the remaining Skyburners were slaughtered.

Meanwhile, on Mars, the Cabal clashed with the resurgent [[House of Wolves]], who had gathered on the red planet to heed the call of their new God-Servitor [[Orbiks Prime]]. Weakened by the casualties suffered in previous conflicts, the Cabal were unable to evict the scavengers as they took the Cabal's subterranean labyrinths for their own. The Guardians solved the problem by destroying the Servitor, leaving the Wolves broken once more.<ref>'''Bungie (2014/9/9)''', ''[[Destiny]]: Playstation 4, Activision Blizzard, [[Grimoire]]: [[Grimoire:Activities/The_Taken_King#The_Wolves_of_Mars|The Wolves of Mars]]''</ref>

Shortly after Oryx's defeat, a [[New Monarchy]] agent sent a report to his Executor superior which noted the depletion of Cabal leadership: the Skyburners' Primus and his bond-brothers, [[Primus Sha'aul]], [[Valus Ta'aurc]], Valus Trau'ug, and a large mass of lesser Vals and Bracuses all dead or heavily outnumbered. The New Monarchy believed that in the face of such staggering losses, the Cabal Empire would have no choice but to respond to the Guardians' attacks.<ref>'''Bungie (2015/9/19)''', ''[[Destiny]]: PlayStation 4, Activision Blizzard, [[Grimoire]]: [[Grimoire:Enemies/Cabal#Cabal_Champions|Cabal Champions]]''</ref> In due time, the Cabal's response would arrive.

{{quote|I command [[Red Legion|Legions]]. Conquered worlds. Waged war across the galaxy to prove my worth. I alone am worthy of the [[Traveler]]'s Light.|[[Dominus Ghaul]]<ref>[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=D8E7jUjOQi0'''YouTube''' - ''Destiny 2 – Official "Our Darkest Hour" E3 Trailer'']</ref>}}

[[File:RedLegionCity.jpg|300px|thumb|The [[Red Legion]] fleet attacking [[The City]]]]

Two years after the [[Taken War]] and one year after the [[SIVA Crisis]], the Cabal Empire's response would finally arrive. The [[Red Legion]], under the command of [[Dominus Ghaul]] himself, would launch a devastating assault on the Last City which was carried out flawlessly. Taking the City by surprise, the Red Legion rapidly overwhelmed it and destroyed the [[Tower]] while his [[Traveler Cage|cage device]] latched onto the Traveler. Ghaul's forces took particular care to capture the [[Speaker]] alive, as the Dominus was interested in his connection to the Traveler. In a desperate plan to kill him, [[The Guardian]] boarded his flagship, [[The Immortal]], and destroyed its shield generator in advance of a concentrated counterattack. This attack never materialized, and Ghaul personally stepped out to confront the Guardian. As the two faced off, the Cage activated its suppressive shield and stripped the Guardian -- all Guardians -- of their Light. With his victory assured, Ghaul beat and mocked the Guardian before kicking them off of the Immortal. Dominus Ghaul and his Red Legion had succeeded where previous forces had failed to accomplish for centuries: invading the Last City and defeating its Guardians.

In addition to conquering the Last City, he sent his prized warship, [[The Almighty]], to the system's sun to destabilize it and cause it to go supernova should the system resist any further. His remaining forces have been sent to the [[European Dead Zone]] to hunt the remaining Guardians, to [[Io]] to mine the remaining Light energy from the Traveler and to [[Nessus]] to study the [[Vex]]. Ghaul also sent a powerful force to [[Mars]] to reinforce the Cabal forces there, finally driving the [[Vex]] from Meridian Bay and destroying the portal to the [[Black Garden]], destroying most of the Virgo Prohibition, and all other places in the solar system.<ref>[https://www.ishtar-collective.net/transcripts/ghost-scan-the-gulch-european-dead-zone-3?highlight=Everywhere Ghost Scan the Gulch]</ref>

{{Quote|If you seek the means to live to your potential, I can guide you to it. There is power in the universe beyond your feeble Light. I leave you with those words, and these parting gifts. Take them, and grow fat from strength.|[[Emperor Calus]]<ref>'''Bungie (2017/8/9)''', ''[[Destiny 2]]: Playstation 4, Activision Blizzard, [[Leviathan (raid)]]''</ref>}}

{{Quote|If Calus possessed an iota of dignity, he would have helped Ghaul against the Guardians instead of gallivanting around the system. This was his moment to redeem himself. Instead, he proved himself the traitor we knew him to be... I will take the Leviathan for the Red Legion.|[[Val Ca'uor]]<ref>'''Bungie (2018/5/8)''', ''[[Destiny 2]]: [[Warmind (expansion)|Warmind]], Playstation 4, Activision Blizzard, [[The Emperor's Envy]]''</ref>}}

Some time later, following the end of the Red War, in the vacancy that was left behind by Ghaul's death, [[Val Ca'uor]] took advantage of the power vacuum and quickly asserted himself as the commander of the Red Legion. Under his direction, he hoped to resupply the [[Red Legion]] by pillaging Vex technology from [[Mercury]] and gather energy from [[Mars]] to regain their strength following the failure to capture the Traveler and defeat by the Guardians. However, both efforts led to conflict with the Vex and the newly arisen Hive faction, the [[Grasp of Nokris]] respectively.

After [[Xol, Will of the Thousands]] was killed, [[Val Ca'uor]] led a fleet against [[The Leviathan]] in order to kill [[Emperor Calus]] and seize the ship for the Red Legion's purposes. His forces occupied the Spire of Stars, inflicting many Loyalist casualties and even destroying one of Calus's robotic duplicates. However, a Guardian team was sent by Calus in response, and with the aid of his psychic powers, they raided the spire, killed many of his troops, commanders and decimated the Red Legion fleet. Ca'uor was finally intercepted at the Celestial Observatory and in the following battle, he was overpowered by the team. Calus is impressed that the Guardians have grown "fat from strength and power" and rewards them once again. Calus then tells the Guardians that he awaits the day they will stand by his side when the end comes.

{{Quote|You left the Cabal scattered after the Red War. Reef scooped some up. They took your Tower? You took their dignity.|[[Drifter|The Drifter]]<ref>'''Bungie (2018/10/4)''', ''[[Destiny 2]]: [[Forsaken]], Playstation 4, Activision Blizzard, [[Warden of Nothing]]''</ref>}}

Following their decimating defeat on the Leviathan and the loss of Ca'uor, any remaining survivors of the Red Legion found themselves within the [[Reef]] struggling to survive even as the region of space descended into chaos as the Fallen [[Scorn]] rampaged across the Awoken's domain. Yet at the same time, they found themselves in between the Guardian's personal war with the Scorn, losing causalities to both groups during the conflict.

In response, the Cabal have made actions against deserters, even placing Wanted Bounties through [[the Spider]], as in the case of [[Valus Dulurc]]. Against the deprivation, the legion currently faces they have been seen to continue some operations such as an attempt to take over the EAZ led by two [[Vrag, Sister of Tluam| Bond]] [[Tluam, Sister of Vrag| Sisters]]. Other operations by the Red Legion include multiple attempts to gain territory such as assaulting Lost Sectors across the system and flushing out their inhabitants. Only the [[Combustor Valus]] and [[Blood Cleaver]] would be successful in this before eventually falling to glimmer-hungry Guardians.

{{Quote|There is a dark place aboard my ship where you have never been. Where I was reborn. Like you were reborn. The Menagerie awaits you, Guardian.|Emperor Calus}}

Sometime following the Guardians' recent battles with the [[Kell's Scourge]] and dealings with the [[The Drifter (character)|Drifter]], Emperor Calus called upon the Guardians once more for a challenge that threatens his Leviathan. One of his former Shadows, [[Gahlran]], had gone mad after using the Hive artifact the [[Crown of Sorrow]]. It was soon revealed that Calus desired a Shadow to command the Hive and further his goals but  

[[Savathûn, the Witch-Queen]] laid a trap for the Cabal Emperor using the Crown. Though Gahlran was bred to control the artifact to further Calus's goals, he was ultimately consumed by it, which allowed the Hive to infest the deep treasure vaults of the Leviathan.

Sometime after the Guardians' conflicts with the Hive and [[Nightmare]]s on [[Luna]] and defeating the [[Vex Offensive]]s, [[Osiris]] calls upon the Young Wolf to Mercury. The legendary [[Warlock]] claims that after [[The Undying Mind]]'s final destruction, the timeways over Mercury have been undone and worse, a council of Cabal [[Psion Flayers]] aim to take advantage of the Vex's disorganization to assume control over time itself and undo their defeat during the Red War. Their meddling with Osiris's time-altering [[Sundial]] resulted in [[Mercury]] fracturing into three different eras, each with their own timelines dictated by the Psion Flayers. The Guardians team up with Osiris to ensure the safety of time, preserve the present and save a legend, [[Saint-14]].  

The Guardians are successful in saving Saint-14 from his fate but during the three weeks of this conflict, the Guardians also manage to slay the Psion Flayer orchestrators; the sisters, [[Niruul, the Hollow Voice]], [[Ozletc, the Sky Piercer]] and [[Tazaroc, the Sun Eater]], one by one.  

After their crippling defeat at the Sundial, a contingent of the Red Legion, headed by the last remaining Psion Flayer, [[Amtec]], decide to direct the Almighty into an ongoing collision into the Last City itself; disabling its propulsion engines and navigation systems despite the efforts of [[Zavala]] and [[Ana Bray]]. With little to no choice, the Vanguard decide to cooperate with the Warmind Rasputin, with Guardians arming his arsenal of Warsat satellites, in order to save their home from destruction. This begins [[The Almighty Crisis]]. A minor assault was staged against the Warmind's core on Mars only to be thwarted by the Guardian and Rasputin's frames. The Legion also has forces engaging the Seraph Towers throughout the system to prevent Rasputin's armaments from destroying the Almighty.

Meanwhile, a [[Shadows of Calus|Shadow]] in service of Calus made off with [[the Fourth Horseman]], an infamous Cabal killer stolen from the [[Tower (Destiny 2)|Tower]], to eliminate key Red Legionnaires. However, the agent was disposed of by a countermeasure put into place by [[Emperor Calus]]'s daughter, the Imperial Princess [[Caiatl]]. Regardless of this countermeasure, the Guardians were successful in reclaiming the Fourth Horsemen from a company of Red Legion soldiers guarding it.

With the crash site of the ''Almighty'' no longer aflame and its debris no longer falling from the sky, the Red Legion was reduced to a barren few after countless losses. Despite this, the Legion still operates. Several groups of Cabal interfered with the Guardian [[Contact|efforts]] to collect energy from [[Pyramids|Pyramid]] scout ships on [[Io]], seeking to take the phantasmal energy being gathered for their own unknown uses under the leadership of [[Unstoppable Incendior|many]] [[Barrier Colossus|Champions]]. These Champions have been seen to collect blooms, concentrated amounts of phantasmal energy from pyramid scales, and secure them for extraction. It is also unknown whether or not [[Amtec]] still leads the remains of the Legion due to the possibility of her death on the Almighty remaining unconfirmed. With their current state, it is possible they could turn to either Calus' Loyalists or, more likely, Caiatl's Regime. From what is learned by the Guardians at the [[Tree of Silver Wings]], it is extremely likely the Darkness speaks/has spoken to the Cabal.

In the wake of many destinations vanishing, Xivu Arath's Cryptoliths began corrupting many Red Legion Cabal just as Caiatl was beginning to rally the remaining remnants of the Legion through both the use of encrypted communications and blue emissaries. Caiatl commanded the Legion to return to her and to prove their loyalty by capturing Calus whilst she sent further Scouts and emissaries to the system. Entire encampments were abandoned along with mass graves reported and entire groups slaughtering each other or suffering internal conflict due to the Cryptoliths' influence leading Caiatl and her Scouts to become wary and attempt to investigate the situation. Despite many [[Caiatl's Emissaries|blue emissaries]] and Scouts sent by Caiatl, most reported the same above events.

Around the same time, Calus, the Loyalists, and the Leviathan mysteriously vanished from the orbit of Nessus. Osiris looked into its disappearance but found nothing hinting as to why the Leviathan left or where it was headed. In addition to this mystery was another. Of the Wrathborn, none being Red Legion have been encountered yet thus concerning Crow. It was later learned that the Wrathborn were not limited to the Sol System and that the Cabal empire under Caiatl had also mobilized to combat the 'disease' spreading amongst the fringes of their territory. <ref>'''Bungie (2020/11/10)''', ''[[Destiny 2]]: [[Beyond Light]], Playstation 4, [[Wild_Hunt_Armor_(Titan)#Wild_Hunt_Helm|Wild Hunt Helm]]''</ref>

Though Caiatl ultimately ascended the throne as Empress of the Cabal Empire following so many crippling defeats and losses to the Guardians and other factions, she remained determined to restore her people to glory. Unfortunately, Caiatl learns to her horror that her old teacher, [[Umun'arath]], has been studying Hive rituals and had begun to worship the Hive and the power they possess. Disturbed as Umun'arath explained that she saw the future of the Cabal in the ways of the Hive and their lack of fear towards death. Caiatl reminded Umun'arath that it was she who had taught Caiatl about how the bravery to defy death was what made soldiers. Uman'arath dismissed what her former student said and now proclaimed that with the rapidly deteriorating state of the galaxy they must embrace new ways and new gods to survive. After a long silence, Caiatl came to a decision and ordered Umun'arath to step down from her council.

Some time later, Caiatl was alerted by her advisors that Umun'arath had been apprehended, in the midst of conducting what appeared to be a Hive ritual. Caiatl arrived on the scene to confront the disgraced Evocate-General and was disturbed to find her with glyphs carved into her skin and a sickly green fire burning behind her. Dismissing the guards, Caiatl demanded to know what new god her former mentor was rambling about. Umun'arath stated it was the god of war, causing the ground to begin rumbling. Caiatl declared that her obsession had turned her into a threat to Cabal society and began to pronounce her sentence, but Umun'arath then raised her hands, which glowed with energy and made the fire burn brighter while a stranger chattering began. Concerned, Caiatl drew her ceremonial blade and drove it into Umun'arath's gut, seeking to halt the ritual, but the corrupted general only laughed. Disgusted, Caiatl kicked Umun'arath off her blade and into the fire, inadvertently completing the ritual and summoning [[Xivu Arath]], the Hive God of War, and her army to [[Torobatl]] through a massive portal.

A battle began to defend the Cabal homeworld, but the endless army of Hive ground down the Cabal's military regardless of Caiatl's efforts. The capital city was quickly overtaken by [[Cryptolith]]s which emerged throughout its streets. Caiatl herself took to the skies in her starfighter to defend her people's world, but found that while every missile she fired destroyed one set of foes, they were soon replaced, and she was eventually shot down. Wounded and with her combat suit leaking gel, Caiatl reflected on her role in the invasion, reflecting that even if she had been unwitting it was still her blade that completed the ritual Umun'arath set in motion. Xivu Arath then spoke, declaring that the Cabal had long worshipped war and thus her, and that she had finally come to claim her tribute.

With no other choice for her people to survive, Caiatl orders her people to retreat, the first time any Cabal leader had ordered. Weighing her options, Caiatl decides to venture with what is left of her people to the Sol System and recruit forces that have battled and slayed Hive Gods before: the Guardians. Aware that many of her Council will see such an offer of equal negotiation as weakness, she informs her advisors that she will demand the Guardians kneel.

After several more weeks of losses to the Vanguard and tensions rising as members of both sides pushed for open war, Caiatl was contacted by Zavala, who issued a challenge for one final Rite of Proving, with each side selecting a champion and the winner setting the terms of their treaty. She agreed to the challenge and declared that if the Cabal's chosen champion emerged victorious, then Nessus would be ceded to the Cabal, humanity would support her claim to the throne of the empire, and Zavala would join her War Council as a Bracus and serve as a hostage to ensure the cooperation of humanity. However, should the Cabal lose the Rite, then she would cease all hostilities against humanity immediately and withdraw Cabal forces from Earth. Pleased by Zavala's offer, which Caiatl considered clever and a way for both sides to avoid wearing themselves out before fighting the Darkness. As she considered who to select as the Cabal's Chosen champion, she reflected that her choice had to honor tradition to hold the Cabal together. Caiatl ultimately chose [[Ignovun]] as her champion for the final rite.

Accompanied by Blood Guards and the Psion attendant [[Valir]], Caiatl met with Zavala on the surface of [[Nessus]] to ritually conclude their agreement. Valir handed her a ritual blade with which she cut her palm while declaring that their blood would be the last spilt in the conflict between humanity and the Cabal Empire and the ground upon which they stood would become hallowed. She handed Valir the blade back to present it to Zavala, but as the Psion approached him the Titan's Ghost [[Targe]] was suddenly disabled by a sniper with Light-draining tech. Caiatl was shocked by this ambush, but Zavala's bodyguard Crow barely saved him as Valir attempted to slay the Commander. With Crow injured and Zavala Lightless, Caiatl charged Valir and prevented him from finishing Zavala, lifting him into the air before slamming him back into the ground and ending his life. Swearing to Zavala that she did not order his assassination, she commanded one of her Blood Guards to hunt down the sniper and bring them to her for interrogation to discover who was behind the conspiracy before watching as Crow disabled the Light-draining tech and restored Zavala's Light to him. Despite the attempted assassination, the treaty was concluded and Caiatl declared that any Cabal who maintained conflict against humanity were criminals in the eyes of the Empire and would be left to the Vanguard's justice. The other traitor, [[Qalec]], was found and during a broadcast to her empire, Caiatl executed him, announcing the conspirators pursued their own honor rather than the good of the empire. The empress vowed to find the remaining conspirators and deliver the same fate upon them, stating they were one Cabal and would strike only as one fist. With the armistice reached, the war between the Last City and the Cabal was officially over.

As the conflict between the Vanguard and Imperial Cabal was going on, the Guardians found a distress signal coming from a derelict Cabal Carrier that was once in possession of Caiatl's father, Emperor Calus, the [[Glykon Volatus]]. The Guardian discovers that the ship was originally stolen by a lone Guardian named [[Katabasis]] and his Ghost, [[Gilgamesh]], assisted by a Psion officer under the command of Emperor Calus. The ship was used for experiments on the [[Scorn]] in the hopes that Calus would be able to understand more about the Darkness. Katabasis piloted the ship to the Reef where he rendezvous with Calus in a Loyalists vessel and it was there where Loyalists brought the [[Crown of Sorrow]]. The experimenting with the Scorn continued, utilizing the Crown as a means of observing how the Darkness interfered with the Scorn's corrupted consciousness. Many test subjects perished from "continuous neuron death" except for one who "spoke with many dead voices". This Scorn would become the [[Locus of Communion]]. However, when the Black Fleet arrived, the Glykon Volatus would be caught in the very edges of this sweep of Darkness and become abandoned. Katabasis would slowly grow corrupted by the Darkness, eventually leading him to destroy his own Ghost after it began to crave its own suicide.<ref>https://www.ishtar-collective.net/categories/book-captains-log</ref>

Nonetheless, when Caiatl learned that [[Savathûn, the Witch Queen]], had revealed herself in the [[Dreaming City]], she gathered her advisors and drew plans for just such an attack in order to destroy Savathûn while she was still vulnerable. In addition, intelligence from [[Lord Saladin]] (liaising on behalf of the Vanguard) and Psion agents relayed that Savathûn was a willing captive of Mara Sov, but Empress Caiatl, aware of Savathûn's reputation for cunning, schemes and lies and uncertain that Mara could outplay her, continued to weigh the decision to invade.

Eris met with Zavala and Caiatl, explaining that the [[Pyramid (Luna)|Lunar Pyramid]] was stirred by the Leviathan's call and it now manifested their deepest regrets, wearing familiar faces and speaking with familiar voices. Eris explained that she can bind the Nightmares, granting safe passage through the Leviathan, but Caiatl balked at the thought of using Hive Magic to do so. Despite his concerns, Zavala agreed after Eris stated that the rules have been bent around them and now they must bend to survive. Though Caiatl refuses to take part in the ritual, she stood firm in leading the charge, claiming her armor is protection enough. Regardless, Eris Morn conducted her ritual using the Crown of Sorrow with Crow and Zavala, binding their personal Nightmares of Uldren Sov and [[Safiyah]], and creating the [[Nightmare Harvester]]. Despite her insistence in not taking part in a Hive ritual, Caiatl would find herself haunted by her former co-conspirator, Dominus Ghaul.

As Calus continued the assault on Neomuna, the Vanguard nonetheless had to contend with a Shadow Legion invasion force on Earth, as many Pyramid cities had been sighted. Reaching out to their allies, [[Mara Sov]] answered the call and decided to lend some of her powers to the Guardians, personally knighting them as her Queensguard, giving them the means to combat the Shadow Legion and rescue prisoners alongside [[Mithrax]] and [[Devrim Kay]]. Being granted the [[Ascendant Scepter]] from Mara Sov, the Guardian meets with the Awoken Queen in the EDZ, restarting operations at the Farm. They learn that following the battle between the Traveler and the Black Fleet, a number of pilots were shot down and landed within the EDZ, being taken prisoner by the Shadow Legion and brought to a Pyramid outpost that is virtually impenetrable, though for what purpose, they do not know. In addition, the Guardian learned that [[Amanda Holliday]] is among those who were shot down during the battle but allowed herself to be taken prisoner so as to provide the Guardians the means to find the prisoners and mount a rescue. Crow, having also learned of this, joined in the endeavors.

{{quote|Without victory, we cannot go home!|Primus A'arn<ref name="Silence">'''Bungie (2015/9/15)''', ''[[Destiny]]: PlayStation 4, Activision Blizzard, [[Silence of A'arn]]''</ref>}}

While the Cabal are a militaristic species with a penchant for conquest, as evident by the existence of the [[Psion]] client race, their exact motivation for coming to the Solar System is unclear. They have a fascination with the [[Vex]] and their technology<ref>'''Bungie (2014/9/9)''', ''[[Destiny]]: Playstation 4, Activision Blizzard, [[Grimoire]]: [[Grimoire:Activities/Crucible_Arenas#Vertigo|Vertigo]]''</ref>, as evidenced by their heavy presence at numerous Vex sites across [[Mars]], such as the gate to the [[Black Garden]] and the spire that unlocks it. The Cabal also sent an expedition to [[Mercury]] to investigate a Vex structure known as [[Vertigo]], but the members of the expedition disappeared under mysterious circumstances without a trace.<ref>[http://www.gameinformer.com/b/features/archive/2015/08/13/we-analyze-destiny-the-taken-king-s-eight-new-crucible-maps.aspx '''Gameinformer''': We Analyze Destiny: The Taken King's Eight New Crucible Maps]</ref> It is unknown if the Cabal have attempted to visit any other worlds apart from Mercury, Mars, Io and Nessus.

When a Cabal army goes to war it is exiled from the Empire, and is not permitted to return unless victory is secured.<ref name="Shield">'''Bungie (2015/9/15)''', ''[[Destiny]]: The Taken King, Playstation 4, Activision Blizzard, [[Shield Brothers]] dialogue''</ref> This presumably provides Cabal troops with the incentive and motivation needed to endure long-term campaigns, though they can still wear down eventually.<ref>'''Bungie (2014/9/9)''', ''[[Destiny]]: PlayStation 4, Activision Blizzard, [[Grimoire]]: [[Grimoire:Enemies/Cabal#Sand_Eaters|Sand Eaters]]''</ref> Those on Mars showed signs of exhaustion as they were forced to fend off endless Vex assaults in addition to devastating Guardian strikes.  

Given the numerous casualties suffered at the hands of the Guardians, the Cabal have set their sights on the City,<ref>[[Destiny_the_Game#Cabal|Destiny the Game Cabal]]</ref> looking to find ways of neutralizing their self-resurrection abilities before committing to war.<ref name="Cabal 4"/> Psion Flayers have been indicated to have already analyzed certain areas where Guardians cannot self-resurrect, such as the vicinity of the [[Black Garden]], and that the Hive on the Dreadnaught possess the means of extending these areas. They are capable of very extreme tactics in the name of the Empire; from blowing up entire planets for being in the way, to blowing up most of the system. [[Cayde-6]] considers the Cabal to be war criminals for their brutality.<ref name="Shield"/> Yet, for all their ferocity, it has been noted that the Cabal seem to secretly be running away from something terrifyingly powerful - possibly the [[Darkness]].<ref name="Cabal 2"/> The Cabal, under the Red Legion, finally managed to find a way to disable Guardians' self-resurrection abilities through the [[Traveler Cage]] but it was later destroyed by the Traveler.

The Cabal's primary reason for coming to Mars was apparently to mine its resources<ref name="Losses"/><ref name="Trans"/> and investigate human technology.<ref name="Tha'aurn"/> This changed with the discovery of the [[Virgo Prohibition]] and later the Guardians. Even when the Red Legion arrived, the Cabal still displayed an interest in mining.<ref>'''Bungie (2017/8/9)''', ''[[Destiny 2]]: PlayStation 4, Activision Blizzard [[The Inverted Spire]]''</ref> Much of the Cabal's ambitions also centered around one of their core cultures, the [[Rite of Proving]] and the [[Bell of Conquests]].

{{Quote|We have just as much to learn from our enemies as we do from our past.|Master Rahool<ref name="Flayer">'''Bungie (2014/9/9)''', ''[[Destiny]]: Playstation 4, Activision Blizzard, [[Grimoire]]: [[Grimoire:Enemies/Cabal_Command#The_Psion_Flayers|The Psion  

Flayers]]''</ref>}}

References in the Grimoire indicate that the Cabal have females serving in their rank and file.<ref name="Cabal 3"/><ref>[https://www.reddit.com/r/DestinyTheGame/comments/3lqcq1/have_you_read_the_book_of_sorrows_its_extremely/cv8mkdi/ '''reddit''' - ''Observance comments on Have you read the Book of Sorrows? It's extremely revealing about the origin of the Hive, and maybe the Darkness.'']</ref> However, they are indistinguishable from the males in gameplay, making the Cabal seem androgynous in human eyes. As shown by depictions of two female Cabal, [[Caiatl]] and [[Umun'arath]], female Cabal have tusks, presumably due to an evolutionary history of fighting over male herds.<ref name = "CB"/> Recordings from the Councillor [[Match]] suggest that young female Cabal get 'first tusks', perhaps implying that these can be shed like the antlers on a deer. This is supported by certain unique Cabal enemies such as the European Aerial Zone [[Vrag, Sister of Tluam|Bond]] [[Tluam, Sister of Vrag|Sisters]], who lack tusks but are confirmed to be female. In prehistoric times, it is believed female Cabal would use their tusks to create cave carvings and to scrape lithium off the rock as an attempt to treat dark moods. <ref name = "Beloved"/>

The [[The Drifter (character)|Drifter]] claims that Cabal do not have any fat on their bodies, only muscle.

The Cabal language is Ulurant. It has been described as "grunting" and "moronic", lacking in subtlety. <ref>'''Bungie (2014/12/9)''', ''[[Destiny]]: [[The Dark Below]] Playstation 4, Activision Blizzard, [[Grimoire]]: [[Grimoire:Allies/Rasputin#Ghost_Fragment:_Rasputin_2|Ghost Fragment: Rasputin 2]]''</ref><ref>'''Bungie (2017/8/9)''', ''[[Destiny 2]]: PlayStation 4, Activision Blizzard, [[Dunemarchers]]''</ref> Nevertheless, the City has yet to fully translate it or its various dialects. <ref name = 'Acrius'/> The Cabal are confused by the term "[[Ghost]]", translating it as "Dead Person", <ref>'''Bungie (2014/12/9)''', ''[[Destiny]]: [[The Dark Below]] Playstation 4, Activision Blizzard, [[Grimoire]]: [[Grimoire:Enemies/Cabal#Ghost_Fragment:_Cabal_4|Ghost Fragment: Cabal 4]]''</ref> though this may be a simple error in semantics as the word "ghost" indeed exists in the Cabal vocabulary. <ref name = "Ghost Primus">'''Bungie (2017/8/9)''', ''[[Destiny 2]]: PlayStation 4, Activision Blizzard, [[Ghost Primus]]''</ref> They do not appear to have a word for "hubris" <ref name = 'Acrius'/> or "retreat" ; conversely, they have six words for "advance".<ref name="Shield"/> In the ''Warmind'' comic, it is written using a heavily distorted English alphabet, with each word flipped upside down and reversed. When speaking to [[Uldren Sov]] in the Black Garden, a legionary's speech is transcribed with the tone of a stereotypical London accent.<ref>[https://www.ishtar-collective.net/entries/on-the-hunt On the Hunt]</ref>

The Cabal seem to be great architects, they build massive structures and build them within a short period of time depending on the legion. The [[Red Legion]] built Firebase Hades in a short period of time without being detected, but this fast building might explain the weaknesses within the Cabal structures, which can be exploited. Most of them are impressive but sloppy in build, easy to breach, and are able to be shut down or disabled for long periods of time (e.g. [[Firebase Hades]], which is currently disabled).

The Cabal are always looking for ways to increase their power, and have devoted a lot of time to finding and adapting the technology of other races. However, they frequently do not fully develop the technologies they use, leaving structural weaknesses to be exploited, as Ikora notes in [[Reversing the Polarity]]. Ghost also noted on Mars that their security systems are absurdly easy to exploit, claiming they were less complex than DOS, which is a family of basic operating systems that were antiquated even before the human [[Golden Age]]. They also frequently tamper with forces they hardly understand, whether it's the Traveler's Light, the [[Taken]]'s radiation, or the Darkness itself.

The Cabal in the [[Solar System]] are but one arm of a vast interstellar Empire, and in the words of Valus Tlu'urn are "''a few scout legions bogged down in attrition war''". The nature of the upper echelons of Cabal leadership, including the identity of the leader of the Cabal in the Solar System,<ref>[http://www.ishtar-collective.net/items/judgment-of-mars '''Ishtar Collective''' - ''Judgment of Mars'']</ref> is unknown, except for the fact that the Cabal as a whole were ruled by [[Dominus Ghaul]], who has final authority over military decisions<ref name="Cabal 3"/>, before [[Caiatl]] took over as [[Cabal Emperor|Empress]], following the death of Ghaul and the evacuation of [[Torobatl]]. The [[Praetorate]] is an influential military aristocracy that controlled the Empire's Legions in the past, but holds somewhat less power under the reign of Ghaul.<ref name="CB"/>  

*'''[[Dominus]]''' was the highest rank in the Cabal Empire, the equivalent of a military dictator. Ghaul claimed this title following his successful usurpation of [[Emperor Calus]]. After his death, no one has claimed the title.

*'''[[Primus]]''' is a rank seen for the commanders of the [[Blind Legion]], [[Skyburners]], and [[Red Legion]]. According to [[Cayde-6]] this rank is equivalent to an admiral. It is possible Primus is exclusive to specialized Legions. The [[Sand Eaters]] and [[Dust Giants]], which are larger frontline regiments, have yet to show any commanders of that rank. One Primus is usually selected by the reigning Emperor to hold the post of '''Evocate-General''', also known as '''Primus of All Legions''', which commands the entire Cabal military.

The Red Legion appears to use an alternate command structure with eccentric designations: it is divided into '''Fractures''', which are further subdivided into '''Scales''', '''Bridges''', and '''Masses'''.<ref>'''Bungie (2017/8/9)''', ''[[Destiny 2]]: [[Curse of Osiris]]: PlayStation 4, Activision Blizzard, [[D.F.A.]]''</ref> '''Companies''' have also been identified, though how they fit into the previous is unclear. <ref>'''Bungie (2017/8/9)''', ''[[Destiny 2]]: Playstation 4, Activision Blizzard [[Invitation from the Emperor]]''</ref>

*[[Vatoc the Psion]]

In addition to the Cabal themselves, the Cabal Empire includes numerous other species whose civilizations were incorporated into the Empire as clients, either willingly or by force. Several of these were part of the Empire before Calus was ousted during the [[Midnight Coup]], while others were encountered by Calus during his exile and joined his [[Loyalists]] faction.

The Cabal rely upon a [[Cabal oil|thick, black, oil-like substance]] to fuel and supplement much of their technology. It is composed of many unidentified chemicals and is potentially toxic to non-Cabal.<ref>[http://www.ishtar-collective.net/transcripts/ghost-scan-cabal-vent '''Ishtar Collective''' - ''Ghost Scan: Cabal vent'']</ref> They possess technology, or potentially [[Psion Flayers|individuals]] which enable them to shape and transform the features of planetoids, much like the Hive, but not on the level of the Traveler. This technology has been used by them to draw Mars's moon, Phobos, very close to the planet.<ref name="Flayer"/> They are capable of engineering on enormous scales, as demonstrated by the Traveler Cage, the Almighty, and the Leviathan, and routinely destroy planets for fuel or simply for "getting in the way." <ref>'''Bungie (2014/9/9)''', ''[[Destiny]]: Playstation 4, Activision Blizzard, [[Exclusion Zone (mission)]]''</ref> Through the Traveler Cage, they demonstrate the ability to manipulate Light via technological means, and can even forcibly bestow it on beings not originally blessed by the Traveler.

*Seismic Alarm System<ref>'''Bungie (2017/8/9)''', ''[[Destiny 2]]: Playstation 4, Activision Blizzard, [https://www.ishtar-collective.net/transcripts/adventure-red-legion-black-oil Red Legion, Black Oil]''</ref>

**However, it's possible that the [[Blind Legion]] were originally called the Bone Crushers, until the game was completed, as their symbol is a skull.

*Until ''[[The Taken King]]'', the Cabal were the only enemy species who did not share a world with the [[Fallen]]. ''The Taken King'' added the remnants of the Fallen [[House of Wolves]] to Mars.

*Concept art showed Cabal working together with [[Fallen]], indicating a possible alliance between the two races similar to that of the [[Halopedia:Covenant|Covenant]] from Bungie's acclaimed ''[[Halopedia: Halo universe|Halo]]'' franchise.<ref>[http://www.ign.com/videos/2013/02/17/destiny-concept-art-analysis '''IGN''' ''Destiny Concept Art Analysis'']</ref><ref>[http://www.forbes.com/sites/michaelvenables/2013/02/17/bungies-destiny-unveiled/ '''Forbes.com''' ''Bungie's Destiny Revealed'']</ref> However, this was later revealed to be concept art of the [[Taken]].

*The Cabal were called space rhinos by [[Cayde-6]].

*Along with the [[Taken]] and [[Nightmares]], the Cabal are the only faction of enemies that do not have a Kamikaze unit.