| Category |
Lexicon |
| Alias |
Ascendant, ascended |
| Type |
divine lore |
In divine lore, an Ascendant is an individual with sufficient divine energy to become a Higher Power. The aptly named God Era witnessed the rise of devotion to specific entities, generating divine energy. Once a certain divine energy threshold is reached, one feels a pull from a distant realm. If they embrace this pull, they are transported to the Temple of Ascension, where they are elevated to the rank of Cult Power, the lowest tier among the divine powers.
By the Lith-Crillion Era, achieving ascension had become more arduous. It necessitated the acquisition of sponsors, those who already held the status of a Higher Power. With the aid of such sponsors, one could successfully navigate the halls of the Temple of Ascension, joining the realm's pantheon. However, as time progressed and more Higher Powers emerged, it has grown increasingly difficult for new Ascendants to attain this elevated state. This has led to the formation of questionable pacts, such as The Balance, wherein members pool their divine energy to elevate one among them to the rank of a Higher Power.
This does not imply they elevate someone on a whim, for it is an arduous, an exhausting undertaking that renders those conducting the Ascendant Ritual highly vulnerable. Once the ritual is complete, they discover themselves diminished, with half their strength, half their defenses, and even their mental capacities lessened compared to before.
It is during this period when they are enfeebled from recruiting new subordinates. That is the opportune moment to strike.
Lolth, from a personal journal - "The Perils of the Ascendant Ritual"