Aspirant
Rule... or die
The Ocampo lad had designs on the throne. But the Ascension Rite made quick work of 'im.
Boaventura Merdal, Nganian sawyer, 3101 AoG
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aken literally, the term aspirant could mean anyone who aspires to... anything. But in casterway parlance, the word carries a specific meaning as it relates to the Ascension Rite. Aspirants are those individuals who have been certified by the Ascendant Council as valid participants in the Rite. Others who dream of one day sitting on the throne are not, by default, aspirants, because nearly everyone dreams of such a fate at some point in their lives. Aspirants are the rare, qualified souls who hold a recognized claim to the crown. The most important role of the aspirant is to compete in the Ascension Rite. Anyone else who wishes to be the monarch, but is not affirmed by the council, is not considered by the broader society to be an aspirant.
All or Nothing
Should they proceed to the combat phase of the Rite, aspirants are guaranteed to either attain the throne - or perish in the pursuit. Amongst the nations that utilize the Ascension Rite to determine their rulers, every monarch - past or present - is a former aspirant, and a survivor of the Rite. History also overflows with heroic men and women who aspired to the throne by becoming aspirants - and yet died horrifically in the combat phase of the 
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