Ascended
Ascended are Mortal Creatures or Awakened entities that have undergone a metamorphosis that transforms them into Celestial beings. Ascended are "lifted" to their new existence by Gods, generally a single Deity, though there have been instances where multiple Gods have been involved in the Ascension process. However, it should be noted that Ascended are not Gods, who are Divine; they are a unique category of being that transcends Mortality and/or limited physicality, but does not qualify as wholly Celestial due to their origins.
Ascended are not necessarily Sapient in origin, with some particularly powerful Beasts becoming Ascended as a reward for behaviours approved of by Gods. The Mortifer steed of Arawn Farchognos, Gysgodion, is one such example of an Ascended Beast. Sapient Undead have also become Ascended, as have entities in a state of Suspension. Likewise, Ascended are not always flesh in origin, with some Sentient Weapons and Awakened Plants gaining Ascended status. Anhun Riverthorn and The Lady of the Vine are two such examples of non-flesh Ascended.
Ascended are often lifted for a specific task or purpose, and generally as a reward or consequence of actions taken on behalf of the Deity involved. Anhun Riverthorn, for example, became an Ascended as a reward for his loyalty to become Aerona's Right Hand Knight. Sohvi the Arborist was lifted by the God Wilder to tend the Soul Trees as a show of His favour and thanks. Most recently, Avyancelwed Gwasfarwolaeth was lifted by three Gods; Orino, Evander, and Sychar, so that he could transcend his state of Death-Stasis and become the Keeper and Protector of Summer's Light.
Basic Information
Anatomy
Ascended generally retain the form that they had before Ascension, though there may be some physical changes. If they did not have a flesh-body before their Ascension, they are often made a body that best resembles their "countenance". As an example, Anhun Riverthorn was given the body of a beautiful Elven male by Aerona Ergydwir and Berwyn Gwylltionwyrdd. However, during the Ascension process, a metamorphosis occurs that gives the Ascended some form of "crowning feature"; usually wings, antler-like horns, or a shimmering marking upon their foreheads.
Genetics and Reproduction
Ascended are created from a metamorphic process known as "Ascension", which can only be achieved by the intervention of a Deity. Depending on whether the Ascension process is "Controlled" or "Forced", the process can take several days to mere minutes.
A Controlled Ascension is generally a painless process, with the individual undergoing the procedure being in a state of catatonia, often shrouded by golden or silvery light. Some Ascended are placed within physical vessels as a means of protection from external factors while undergoing their metamorphosis.
A Forced Ascension is painful, though rarely traumatic, as the metamorphosis is enacted at a rapid pace while the individual is still conscious. These Ascensions are often enacted in situations where time is of the essence, such as in the middle of a key battle.
Growth Rate & Stages
Ascended are considered fully mature from the moment their Ascension is completed, and remain in their new form for the rest of their existence. Some Ascended may engage in a secondary Ascension to increase their power, though this is a very rare occurrence. The most well known example of multiple Ascension is also the one best known for rapid Ascension, Anhun Riverthorn, who underwent three forced Ascensions in succession in order to give him enough strength to stand by Aerona's side alongside the Natural-Born Celestials.
Additional Information
Perception and Sensory Capabilities
An Ascended's abilities can vary widely depending on their intended role and previous life experiences, so some Ascended show unique abilities unseen amongst any other. However, all Ascended are blessed with Truesight, and possess a form of Celestial Magic similar to naturally occurring Celestial beings.
Avyan Gwasfarwolaeth
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