What are "exalted?"

[Asmor]

I've seen the term a few places now... It was sprinkled throughout the article on Hestavar in Dragon, I'm pretty sure I saw mention of it in the MotP though I could be mistaken (since Hestavar was a planar article, might just be on my mind), and then most recently the exalted brain in a jar in Open Grave.

I'm not sure if Exalted haven't been defined yet or if they have and I've just missed it, but it definitely seems like all the references to them take their existence (and your knowledge of them) for granted.

From the context in the Hestavar article, I'm guessing that they're some sort of mortals which have been empowered by the gods.

 

[TarionzCousin]

Of all the people who die, some are chosen by their deities to become immortal and live in their realms. "Damned" are the equivalent for evil deities.

They are basically the same as they were in their regular life, albeit younger, better-looking, and healthy.

 

[Shroomy]

I don't think that the planar exalted have anything to do with the exalted brain in the jar, they just share similar names. You're right that it first appeared in the MotP; its explained in a sidebar on pg. 88.

 

[Dire Bare]

I'm not sure if Exalted haven't been defined yet or if they have and I've just missed it, but it definitely seems like all the references to them take their existence (and your knowledge of them) for granted.

The exalted and damned of 4e are the petitioners of 2e/3e.

Basically, the souls of mortals chosen by the gods to live immortal lives in heaven(s) or hell(s). Everybody else is stuck in the Shadowfell until they mysteriously pass on to another level of existence.