Exarch was a designation bestowed upon Knights of Zakuul that had not only taken part in Project Exarch, but also lived through its augmentation procedures. This initiative selected the most dedicated and skilled Knights, then improved them via both biological and cybernetic means, with the end goal of fabricating "ideal" Knights. Every Exarch was put in charge of a Star Fortress, which was a Zakuulan battle station positioned in the skies above a world they had conquered; this effectively established them as the governing authority over that world. Reporting solely to Emperor Arcann, the Exarchs embraced symbols connected to Zakuul's Old Gods, and evolved into something akin to religious figures for those who followed them. Exarchs were equipped with personal shields and lightsaber pikes, and the design of their armor was modified so they could harness energy from the Sun Generators that supplied power to their individual Star Fortress.