{{Otherusesotheruses|USE=Eldar faction|OTHERUSE=animated series|OTHERPAGE=The Exodite (Animation)}}

[[Image:Exodite.jpg|thumb|right|A '''Exodite''' [[Dragon Knight]] atop their [[Space MarineDragon|Raptor]] of the battles a [[Salamanders]] battles an Exodite [[MegadonSpace Marine]] during the [[Great Crusade]] rider.{{Fn|1}}]]The '''Exodites''' are the [[EldarAeldari]] who abandoned their homeworlds before the [[Fall of the Eldar|Fall]], colonizing other planets establishing new cities on [[Maiden Worlds]] of the [[Eldar Empire]] in order to escape the growing decadence of their civilizationcivilisation.{{Fn|10}} Protected from [[Slaanesh]]'s predation by their [[World Spirit]]s, they purposefully live a physically rigorous life{{Fn|2a}}, expressing the intensity of their aeldari nature through a powerful loyalty to their clans and a strong determination to achieve the clan's objectives.{{Fn|20}} They are known for the martial superiority of their [[Dragon Knights]].{{Fn|1}}

As ===The Fall===[[File:Aeldari.jpg|right|thumb|250px|The '''Exodites''', #2, shown among the Aeldari diaspora.]]Beginning in [[M30]]{{Fn|7}} as the Eldar civilization Empire neared its end, the degeneration of Eldar society leading to the Falldid not go wholly without resistance. Far-sighted individuals began to criticize the decadence of their citizens and warn against the newly formed cults{{Fn|2b}} and the abandonment of the [[Eldar Gods]].{{Fn|17}} Mostly ignored or else treated as narrow-minded fools and fanatics by their fellow citizens, as society collapsed they became resolute that this would be a decline without end.{{Fn|2b}} They were the ones still untainted by the touch of [[Chaos]], and by now they were few.{{Fn|10}} They would form a new group of doomsayers and survivalists, many groups deciding to leave the Eldar worlds and settle planets far from Eldar civilisation among the Eldar denounced their decadent societies''Lilaethan'', the Maiden Worlds{{Fn|2b}} seeded at the height of the empire by ''Turella Dandramensha'' ([[Dominion Genesis]]) ships, {{Fn|19}} abandoning their homeworlds in a series of migrations called the ''Exodus''. These {{Fn|2b}} and for their exodus they were named '''Exodites'' travelled far away from their collapsing civilization, settling many, often harsh, worlds'.{{Fn|1019}}

The degeneration first Exodites would launch from [[Hiron-athela]]{{Fn|18}} and an assortment of Eldar society leading to the Fall did not go wholly without resistance. Somespacecraft would follow, including [[craftworld]]s built from the more far-sightedhabitat towers, began to openly criticise the laxity of their fellow citizensdomes, and to warn against [[Webway]] pylons that would become the effect foundation of Chaos cultsnew cities. These people were mostly ignored or else treated as narrow{{Fn|19}} The Exodites would also bring with them the tremendous war-minded fools and fanaticsmachines of the [[Eldar Knights]]. Soon the general collapse {{Fn|20}} The Exodites travelled far away from their collapsing civilisation, mostly [[Eastern Fringe|eastward]], settling many, often harsh, worlds – a place of society convinced even safety (for most) beyond the most resolute amongst them psychic implosion that the only end to the steady decline would be in a terrible collapse. Some decided to leave wipe out most of the Eldar worlds, race and settle new planets far from Eldar civilization. They were the ones still untainted by the touch of its empire{{Fn|2b}} in [[ChaosM31]], and by now they were few. These Eldar are known as the Exodites.{{Fn|107}}

===Recent History===The Exodites purposefully settled worlds survive on Maiden Worlds, untamed and dangerous planets, where life would be hardthey have learned to herd [[Dragon]]s, cultivate crops and harvest other natural resources. Those {{Fn|2b}} Within a generation, aristocratic noble houses formed among the original Exodites came from all levels of Eldar society, but all were united in their powerful determination to survive. Eventually a new form and it is the descendants of society took shape. The Exodites divided into clans each led by a warrior elite. When the Fall came, the Exodite worlds were untouchedthese planetary kings who rule today. {{Fn|20}} Today Exodite Worlds exist in a seemingly pre-industrial primitive state,{{Fn|10}} and their [[Asuryani]] brethren view them as rustic stateand simple,{{Fn|2b}} adorning themselves in feathers and scrimshaw{{Fn|31b}} alongside living in tents and hovels,{{Fn|31c}} but it is by choice that they live as they do. Many Outcasts will find Exodites have many advanced technologies and are familiar with the same sophisticated materials used on the craftworlds, they purposefully live a refuge among these Eldar, who are generally more acceptinghard life.{{Fn|102b}}

To others, they The Exodites are not isolated from the groundwork rest of the Aeldari Diaspora, their worlds linked through [[Webway gate]]s.{{Fn|2b}} Many [[Eldar Path#Path of the Outcast|Outcasts]] will find a new refuge among these Eldar,{{Fn|10}} and [[EldarRangers]] will regularly patrol Exodite worlds.{{Fn|2b}} Exodites are generally accepting of [[eldar corsair]]s, patronizing their [[mercenary]] contracts and hosting their [[pirate]] Empire on fleets.{{Fn|2c}} Corsairs are one of the few welcomed visitors to Exodite worlds, as they are often temporary visitors. To the corsairs, exodites are the edge most representative of the galaxyancient Aeldari, understanding and living with their emotions, as well as being in tune with nature. The two factions often trade goods, composed information and support.{{Fn|28b}} It is not uncommon for an outcast craftworlder or corsair to settle into permanent life among the tribes of the descendants of those far-sighted Exodites, they bring skills which the Exodites value highly.{{Fn|2a}}{{Fn|31b}} Likewise not all Exodites remain with their tribes and strong-willed enough sometimes leave their puritanical asceticism to escape join other Eldar groups.{{Fn|10}}{{Fn|31a}} The [[Ynnari]] even count some Exodites among their number.{{Fn|}} Several craftworlds have a special interest in the touch wellbeing of Exodites including [[SlaaneshSaim-Hann]]. , whose young travel to Exodite worlds for rites of passage,{{Fn|3}} and [[Biel-tan]] is one of , who view the Exodite worlds as the chief proponents foundation of the Exodite potential, a reborn Aeldari Empire and will often mobilise its forces in defence of one any of the scattered worlds.{{Fn|10}}

[[File:Exodites.jpg|thumb|300px|'''Exodite military ''' forcesgather for war.{{Fn|2a}}]]Though Exodite societies vary across the galaxy, virtually all possess a societal organization built around small, sovereign organise into an aristocratic hierarchy of clannish communities. The causestribes, however, are unknown. It is a common belief amongst Imperial scholars that such tribalism is the natural state of the Eldar. The lives Exodites live is thought to be similar to the ancient Eldar empire before much like the [[Fall of the Eldar|Fall and birthAsuryani]] of [[SlaaneshSaim-Hann]],{{Fn|3}} with each lead by a warrior elite known as a chief{{Fn|12}} or ''Dragonlord''. {{Fn|8}} Each Exodite tribe on a planet swears loyalty to a local ruling tribe that in turn owes adherence to the planet's king {{Fn|2a}} and his royal kinfolkNoble House,{{Fn|20}} who in turn keeps a retinue of [[Warlocks]]{{Fn|8}} to settle disputes between the tribes. Full conflicts between tribes are rare but clashes between rival [[Dragon Knight]]s are common. These tribal societies developed out It is the Noble Houses of necessity as smallthe Eldar that maintain the Eldar Knights and it is through combat award that Eldar Knights become Lords and new Noble Houses.{{Fn|20}} The King is also responsible for guarding the [[World Spirit#Royal Circle|Royal Circle]], scattered communities that were the most effective way to exploit potent link in the sparse natural resources of the newly settled worlds[[World Spirit]]'s network.{{Fn|2b2a}}

As there are comparatively few Eldar on these worlds there is also little territorial quarrel. Full conflicts between Exodite tribes are rare but clashes nomadic, timing their planting and harvests with the seasons and moving between rival [[Dragon Knight]]s are common. These raids settlements and occasional deaths do not embitter seasonal camps, arriving in the tribes, late summer to collect crops planted in the spring and remaining until it is time to plant crops the following year,{{Fn|2a}} with some tribes even migrating through the Webway to reach new grazing lands as seasons change.{{Fn|22}} It is notable that no matter how hard-fought their disputes might be, no Eldar would despoil or steal the crops of a rival tribe even though these lie unprotected for months at a time. While not willingly hostile{{Fn|2a}} Exodite cities are meagre, the Exodites are a stoutsmall, self-confident people and still possess the mythical pride, even arrogancethinly scattered{{Fn|2a}}, built of [[Wraithbone]] towers{{Fn|6}} and quarried stone domes{{Fn|8}}{{Fn|1}} they co-exist with wild beasts of all kinds.{{Fn|2a}} The lives Exodites live is thought to be similar to the ancient Eldar raceempire before the Fall and birth of [[Slaanesh]].{{Fn|2c2a}}

Exodites Most of Exodite life revolves around the [[Dragon]]s they ride and herd, and it is said that Exodite warriors are generally welcoming to other Eldar peoplespractically born into a dragon's saddle. They have good relations {{Fn|2a}} Exodites herd and work bestial dragons, including [[Megasaur]]s{{Fn|2a}} and [[Megadon]]s,{{Fn|20}} from the backs of horse-sized dragon [[Raptor (Dragon)|Raptors]]{{Fn|1}} with most [[CraftworldLaser Lance]] s,{{Fn|2a}} but they may also do so from the helms of EldarKnights{{Fn|20}} or with [[Scout Walker]]s.{{Fn|24}} Exodites eat and trade valuable dragon meat, they fashion their clothes from dragon hide,{{Fn|2a}} and they sing dragon bones into their structures and tools.{{Fn|6}} In times of war, particularly exodite clans will ride as [[Dragon Knights]], primarily atop the horse-sized Raptors{{Fn|1}} but also in aerial squadrons of atop fire-breathing{{Fn|13}} flying dragons including [[AlaitocPterosaur|Giant Pterosaurs]] ,{{Fn|5a}} with the clan chief alone rightfully riding the fearsome and are often visited and aided by giant [[HarlequinCarnosaur]] hosts.{{Fn|10}} Working Dragons are also brought into combat, with heavy weapons mounted in troop-carrying howdahs.{{Fn|36}}While not willingly hostile, the Exodites are a stout, self-confident people and still possess the mythical pride, even arrogance, of the ancient Eldar race. Not all {{Fn|2b}} Exodites remain with do not follow the Asuryan Paths of their Asuryani cousins but do see the value of maintaining discipline, they purposefully live a rigorous life{{Fn|2a}} eschewing the ancient Eldar technology they maintain mastery of{{Fn|2a}} to purge their souls in a ceaseless battle against the environment,{{Fn|5a}} expressing the intensity of their Aeldari nature through a powerful loyalty to their tribes however clans and can join other a strong determination to achieve the clan's objectives.{{Fn|20}} Exodites continue to revere the pantheon of [[Eldar groupsGods]], they take no joy in warfare, fearful of the battlelust of [[Khaine]],{{Fn|14}} and their [[Worldsinger]]s who guide their dead into the afterlife of the [[World Spirit]] are associated with [[Isha]].{{Fn|105b}}

[[File:EldarKnights.png|thumb|right|300px|Exodite [[Eldar Knight]]s{{Fn|20}}]]The Exodite approach to technology is drastically different from their Aeldari cousins, viewing the rigor of physical labour as better for their souls than the convenience of technology (e.g. choosing to climb stairs rather than use [[Grav-vehicle|gravitic impellers]]),{{Fn|19}} but their mastery of ancient Eldar technologies has not atrophied. When threatened with war, all prohibitions are set aside{{Fn|25}} and the Exodites empty their armouries of ancient weaponry to become a deadly fighting force. Exodites generally prefer to make their tools and clothing from materials native to their Maiden World, as psychoplastics like [[Wraithbone]] are scarce, but Exodites will substitute [[Dragon]] bone in their [[Bonesinger|Bonesinging]]{{Fn|6}} and will otherwise trade with the craftworlds for any materials they cannot create themselves.{{Fn|2a}} Their intentional neglect of technology, and demand for craftworld materials, has lead to the mistaken belief among the [[Asuryani]] that the [[Exodite World]]s are generally considered backward and rustic compared .{{Fn|2a}} Like their [[Asuryani]] cousins, Exodites wear spirit stones, although their stones are shattered on altars{{Fn|2a}} and the [[Worldsinger]]{{Fn|15}} joins their spirits with the [[World Spirit]] when they die.  In times of war, Exodites will don [[Mesh Armour]]{{Fn|2a}} and armour of bone{{Fn|2a}} under robes and capes of rough loose woven fabric{{Fn|27}} to protect themselves, all manner of scrimshaw jewelry and decorations crafted from local wildlife,{{Fn|6}} and wield a variety of weapons including [[Ranger Long Rifle|Long Rifle]]s{{Fn|2a}}, [[Lasguns]]{{Fn|2a}}, [[Shuriken]] weapons{{Fn|2a}}, and [[Power Blade]]s.{{Fn|2a}} Exodite champions will sometimes travel the rest galaxy, often among the [[Ranger|Outcasts]] and corsairs and in that time collect wargear and relics of the spaceimmense power. [[Dragon Knights]] will mount horse-roaming sized and giant flying [[Dragon]]s, exodite royalty ride EldarKnights{{Fn|20}}, although they still possess a good deal and other Exodites will attend howdahs mounted on the backs of high technologyherd [[Dragon]]s with [[Support Weapon Battery|Heavy Weapons]]. One Exodites remain wild and powerful seers{{Fn|2a}}, and fight with retinues of [[Warlock]]s and [[Farseer]]s.{{Fn|22}} Exodites are among the galaxy's greatest animal trainers, with nearly every [[Kurnite Hunter]] learning their menagerie on [[Exodite World]]s{{Fn|28a}}, and will routinely employ creatures like the pieces [[Faolchú]]{{Fn|28a}}, [[Wyvach]], or [[Raptorhounds]] to patrol and hunt.{{Fn|26}}  ===World Spirit==={{main|World Spirit}}{{main|Worldsinger}}The Exodites maintain a naturally-grown crystalline equivalent of technology they have maintained is the an [[Infinity Circuit]], although on the Exodite worlds these are known as a [[World Spirit]]s and exist which exists in the form of stone menhirs, obelisks, and stone circles all crafted from psychoactive crystalwhich link with each other through an isolated portion of the Webway and forms an effective refuge from [[Slaanesh]].{{Fn|2a}} The most impressive structure of the World Spirit is the concentric circles and avenues that comprise the [[Royal Circle]], for which the planet's king is responsible for guarding. These The World Spirit is connected to vast barrows, in which the dead are gathered together in a lain to rest{{Fn|2a}} and of which the most prominent is the [[World Shrine]].{{Fn|4}} Despite The Exodites will fight fiercely to protect their worlds, to abandon a world is to abandon the presence souls of some technologytheir ancestors to the [[warp]].{{Fn|2a}} Should the psychic paths of the World Spirit be left unguarded, it could provide egress for [[Daemonic]] intelligence, an Exodite world's worst nightmare.{{Fn|2a}} Even in death the gestalt of the [[World Spirit]] is capable of screaming to [[Infinity Circuit]]s for help {{Fn|13}} and manifesting as phantasms.{{Fn|29}} ===Eldar Knights===*{{main|Eldar Knight}}[[Image:WhiteDwarf126 Clans.jpg|right|thumb|200px|Eldar Knight Clans, these worlds are often agriculturalshowing their ranks: Squires decorated in gold, howevercombat-proven knights in bronze, and it is not uncommon for groups legendary lords in silver.{{Fn|20}}]]Eldar Knights are synonymous with the Exodite nobles who pilot them. Great war-machines brought along on the Exodus maintained by the Noble Houses of Exodites the newfound planet's king. Eldar Knights are massive, thirty to exist forty feet tall, their spirits borrow memories from any of their previous pilots leaving those who operate them speaking in a nomadic statearchaic dialects.{{Fn|20}} ==Conflict==[[Mon-keigh]] [[Knight Houses]] formed during the [[Age of Strife]] after learning Eldar farming techniques during the [[Dark Age of Technology]], living off roaming herds and seasonal harvestscolonized Maiden Worlds often neighbouring those of the Exodites to the point that the Eldar lay claim on several [[Knight Worlds]]. This is The two cultures often clash over resources and the most common image of Eldar Knights gain prestige through their battles with the Exodite life[[Imperial Knight]]s.{{Fn|2a20}}

Though often looking to their [[Craftworld]] craftworld brethren for protection, Exodites are nonetheless capable of defending themselves in a war. Their forces include:{{Fn|2a}}

*[[WarlockKurnite Hunter]]s{{Fn|828a}}*Herd [[FarseerDragon]]s, including [[Megasaur]]s{{Fn|62a}}*Infantry armed with , [[Shuriken WeaponMegadon]]s and [[Wraithbone]] {{Fn|14}}, [[Sniper RifleMiradon]]s fused to the armor of its wielder.{{Fn|630}}*[[Dragon Knight]] [[Dinosaur]] riders. They often mount , and [[MegadonLithodons]]s{{Fn|2d14}} and flying , as well as building-sized [[PterosaurBrachiosaur]]s{{Fn|6}}*Larger saddled with [[DinosaurHowdah]]s including [[Megasaur]]s,to carry Infantry{{Fn|14}} or Heavy Weapons.{{Fn|71a}} [[Brachiosaur]]s*Upset hordes of stampeding dinosaurs, and including [[CarnosaurStegosaur]]s. Some of these mount [[Prism Cannon|Prism Weapons]].{{Fn|61a}}*[[Eldar Knight]]swar machines{{Fn|2b}}

[[Image:Kelseth.jpg|right|thumb|220px|The Exodite [[Kelseth]]{{Fn|11}}]]*[[Isarion Stormsmourn]] of [[Ephraeleon]]{{Fn|13}}*[[Kelseth]]{{Fn|11}}*[[Laryin Sil Cadaiyth]], [[Worldsinger]] of [[Lileathanir]]{{Fn|5a}} and doom of [[El'Uriaq]]{{Fn|5b}}*[[Mawr]]of [[Carnac]]{{Fn|12}}*[[Rijaliss Saryengith Naiad]] of [[Eileniliesh]]{{Fn|14}}*[[Isarion StormsmournSardon Tir Laniel]], [[Worldsinger]] of [[Lileathanir]]{{Fn|15}}*[[Wei-yannil]]of [[Halathel]]{{Fn|16}}

==Related ArticlesTrivia=={{Trivia}}*Eldar Exodites were included in [[WorldsingerCodex: Eldar (2nd Edition)]]*as a playable unit, but a model was never released. [[Jes Goodwin]] included sketches for the initial designs that could have become these models in his sketchbook [[World SpiritThe Eldar Collection]].{{Fn|23}} <center><gallery mode="stacked" heights=220px widths=300px>File:DragonRiders.jpg|Sketch labeled "Exodite Dragon-Riders"{{Fn|23}}File:Scoutlancer.png|Sketch labeled "Exodite Scoutlancer"{{Fn|23}}</gallery></center> ==See also==*[[Deathwatch: The Silence (Short Story)Dragon Knight]] by *[[Steve LyonsEldar Knight]]

<div style="column-width:24em;column-count:2;font-size:85%">*{{Endn|1}}: [[Promethean Sun (Novella)]]; artwork by [[Neil Roberts]]:**{{Endn|1a}}: pg. 8-40**{{Endn|1b}}: ''Cover''*2: [[Codex: Eldar (2nd Edition)]], 1994:

**{{Endn|2b}}: pg. 16-17**{{Endn|2c}}: pgs. 16–17**{{Endn|2d}}: pg.30*{{Endn|3}}: [[Codex: Eldar (4th Edition)]], 2006, p pg. 48*{{Endn|4}}: [[Psychic Awakening: Phoenix Rising]] , pg.22*{{Endn|5}}: [[Path of the Renegade (Novel)]], :**{{Endn|5a}}: Chapter 12**{{Endn|5b}}: Chapter 18

*{{Endn|7}}: [[Codex: Dark Eldar (5th Edition)]], pgpgs. 20 & 30

===Uncited==={{Uncited}}*[https[Category://web.archive.org/web/20120614104401/http://www.games-workshop.com/MEDIA_CustomProductCatalog/m1320010_Swordwind_Part_3_-_Baran_War.pdf The Baran War] ''(saved archive page, dated June 2012)''*[[White Dwarf 126]], pgs. 28–45*[[White Dwarf 126Exodites| ]], pg. 28