Origins

During the earliest epochs of Ysterra, at the pivotal moment when the planet was poised on the cusp of life's evolution, a monumental cosmic event took place that forever shaped the world's destiny. In its final, agonizing moments, a dying deity crashed into the northern reaches of Ysterra's solitary, vast continent. The land upon which the cataclysmic impact fell was forever transformed. As the deity exhaled its last breath, it released its divine spark into the world. This primordial essence, brimming with potential for life and magic, intertwined with the fragmented remnants of the devastated land. From this fusion sprang an extraordinary genesis: the emergence of the Ascendent.

The First Ascendent

The first Ascendent, spawned directly from the dying deity's spark, numbered eight. Known interchangeably as The Primals or The Firsts, these beings harbored an innate calling to safeguard Ysterra and the nascent life that was yet to bloom on its surface. Endowed with the deity's immense power and blessed with immortality, the Primals assumed the role of nurturing the genesis of life in the budding world of Ysterra. This first generation of Ascendent embodied the core essence of the divine being that had bequeathed them life, serving as unwavering guardians of the world's emerging potential.

Their divine inception and the potent essence they bore inspired a lineage of similar beings throughout Ysterra's evolution. From then on, any being born with a fragment of the deity's essence was recognized as an Ascendent, thus aligning them with the divine mandate that guided the Primals.

In this epoch of Ysterra's early history, the Primals' actions were deliberate, their powers harnessed cautiously to coax life from the world's primordial essence. They laid the foundation for the intricate web of natural evolution that would, in time, blanket Ysterra with a plethora of diverse life forms.

The Evolution of Ysterra

Over eons, Ysterra underwent profound transformations, a testament to life's tenacity and adaptability. This era, sparked by the divine essence of the fallen deity and the continuous guidance of the Primals, saw the genesis of diverse life forms across Ysterra's expansive continent. But this period was not solely defined by the flourishing of terrestrial life; it was also a time when the vast majority of Ysterra's Ascendent came into existence.

Though their number totals barely more than two dozen, the Ascendent, each bearing fragments of the deity's essence, emerged intermittently throughout the planet's history, joining the Primals in their divine duty to guide and protect Ysterra. As the world matured, the rate of emergence for these celestial guardians gradually decreased, reaching a pinnacle with the emergence of Glymr, the youngest Ascendent. While it remains uncertain whether Glymr signifies the end of the Ascendent's lineage, speculation is rife that no more will come forth, casting a shadow of uncertainty over Ysterra's future.

The Influence of the Ascendent

The Ascendent's influence on Ysterra has been nothing short of profound. From shaping the physical landscape to infusing terrestrial life with their divine spark, their touch resonates in every facet of the world. Their interventions led to awe-inspiring landmarks and the creation of magical species, effectively intertwining their divine essence with the very fabric of Ysterra.

Despite their celestial origins and noble intentions, the Ascendent were not always cautious stewards of their powers. Their battles against extra-planar threats occasionally resulted in catastrophic consequences, their immense power causing unintended collateral damage. Although they regularly engaged in discussions regarding the responsible use of their power, the gravity of their influence on the mortal world and the resulting repercussions truly dawned upon them only a millennium ago, after The Aluvance.

In the wake of this newfound understanding, the Ascendent adopted measures to curtail the unintended impact of their actions on Ysterra's inhabitants. This fundamentally shifted their approach toward protecting the world. While vast swathes of Ysterra's ancient epochs remain shrouded in mystery, mostly known only to the Ascendent themselves, the significant transformation they instigated in the world's evolution stands as a lasting testament to their guardianship.

The Aluvance and the Fall of Intrescil

Ysterra's history was irrevocably marked by an event known as the Aluvance, a catastrophe that led to the annihilation of the civilization of Intrescil and created an immense inland sea in its place. The cause of the Aluvance remains a mystery to most, enveloped by centuries-old whispers and conjectures. However, the prevalent belief is that the catastrophic forces involved in Intrescil's destruction could have only been the work of an Ascendent.

Various rumors circulate, speculating whether a specific Ascendent deemed Intrescil necessary to obliterate, whether multiple Ascendent were combatting a formidable planar entity and inadvertently triggered the destruction, or whether the high mages of Intrescil attempted to imprison an Ascendent, only to realize too late the scale of their folly. Regardless, these conjectures remain just that, as those who know the truth have yet to present definitive evidence.

Creation of the Amaranthine Doorway and the Ascendent's Sanctum

In the aftermath of the Aluvance, the Ascendent convened to prevent such devastating incidents from reoccurring. Acknowledging the calamitous potential of their might, they collectively established a set of binding rules to limit their direct interference with the mortal realm. The Ascendent voluntarily exiled themselves to a demi-planar sanctum, accessible via a heavily warded portal now known as the Amaranthine Doorway.

Previously, the Ascendent freely roamed Ysterra and the adjacent planes. However, their self-imposed exile introduced new restrictions. Now, only one Ascendent can walk the world at any given time, and they must return to the Sanctum within a century, making way for another to take their place. They retained the right to collectively defend Ysterra against extraplanar threats, and each Ascendent must have had an opportunity to walk Ysterra before any of them can do so a second time.

Impact of the Ascendent's Exile

The exile of the Ascendent triggered significant shifts within Ysterra's social fabric. Over time, the number of religious organizations and followers devoted to the Ascendent dwindled, particularly in regions not dominated by theocratic rule. Once flourishing with places of worship for each Ascendent, many areas now host only a handful of such sacred spaces. The impact of this decline on the Ascendent's power remains unclear, but its influence on societal dynamics is undeniable.

Yet, despite their diminished presence, the Ascendent maintain a powerful influence over their devout followers. They can communicate with those on Ysterra, often choosing indirect methods such as dreams, animism, or spiritual messengers. Rumors also hint at mortals reaching the Amaranthine Doorway, nestled high in the White Crown mountain range, though the outcomes of such ventures are largely unknown.

Regardless of the social repercussions of their isolation, the Ascendent remain vigilant protectors of Ysterra and its inhabitants against threats from the multiverse. Their self-imposed limitations and the creation of the Amaranthine Doorway stand as a testament to their commitment to safeguarding the world while minimizing potential harm from their divine power.

Conclusion: The Ascendent's Continuing Legacy

The Ascendent, born from the divine spark of a deity on the brink of demise, has etched an enduring legacy into the heart of Ysterra. Their influence has spurred the genesis of life, incited transformations beyond comprehension, and sculpted the destiny of grand civilizations. Their dramatic confrontations with formidable adversaries and their reshaping of Ysterra's landscapes have imprinted lasting impacts on its geography and the very fabric of its reality.

Their actions have left an indelible mark on the history of Ysterra, serving as enduring symbols of power, sacrifice, and the unwavering commitment to safeguarding existence in the face of existential threats. Without the Ascendent, Ysterra would undeniably be a drastically different place — perhaps, even non-existent. Their tale, etched in time, is a testament to the potency of resolve, the ever-present cycle of change, and the relentless pursuit of balance.

Despite their self-imposed exile, their influence reverberates across Ysterra, imprinting itself into the fabric of everyday life and the grandeur of history alike. Their custodianship of Ysterra and its multifarious inhabitants underlines the irrefutable role they play in the nurturing of civilization, culture, and wisdom.

Looking towards the future, the Ascendent stand as beacons of hope, symbols of resilience, and the embodiment of the delicate equilibrium between the divine and the mortal. As Ysterra sails onward into the unseen, the subtle yet profound influence of the Ascendent continues to shape its destiny, ensuring that the echoes of their deeds ripple into the future, steering the course of Ysterra through the ages yet to come.