Ascendi

The last remaining mortals who forged Hardora and Aitheris were humans, elves, orcs and halflings (as well as the easily forgotten dwarves). Their greatest minds came together, putting their differences aside to allow their heirs to live on after the surface was destroyed. Since the ancestors of the Ascendi have almost exclusively been magicians, warlocks, sorcerers and shamans, every member in the current population is able to use some kind of magic. Over the generations, the races have mingled and mixed, aided by their ability to transform their appearance and physiology with magic. Today, the Ascendi are a completely different race with the ability to alter their own bodies on such a level, that they can choose how they want to look like. Most Ascendi keep aspects of their natural form intact, especially the greyish skin color. Their society is very concerned with the wellbeing of the group over the individual, trying to strike a balance between the input a single mind can give and the necessity to uphold peace and cooperation in order to keep their home flying.

Basic Information

Anatomy

Ascendi are humanoid. Before they alter themselves magically, they are generally slender and tall and have grey or light-brown skin tones. Shoulders and hips are wider than those of their ancestors with a thin waist and long limbs. Their heads are also slightly larger than those of a human and they have big, round eyes. However, most Ascendi alter their appearance so drastically, that a general phenotype cannot be determined for adults.

Genetics and Reproduction

Ascendi reproduce sexually and suckle their young. When two Ascended decide to bear children, they decide which partner forms male and female reproductive organs and manipulate each others body accordingly. If the fertilization fails, the body of the female Ascendi has to regenerate over a six-week period before ovulation can be initiated again. The pregnancy generally lasts for twelve months.

Growth Rate & Stages

Ascendi grow significantly slower than their ancestral races. After birth, the infant is suckled for two to three years. With about 5 years, the infant learns to talk and use magic; only after that they are considered people. A few months later, the Ascendi learns to walk. At the age of ten, they enter society with their introduction to the Academy. At the age of twenty, Ascendi are considered young adults, reaching full maturity after a quarter century. The middle ages for an Ascendi last until they reach their second century. The age of 250 years marks the beginning of their mental and physical decline while their magical abilities remain largely stable. Before their death, usually around the age of 300 years, they lose any mean to interact with the world besides using magic and are brought to the core of the island to die, their mana used as fuel for Hardora.

Ecology and Habitats

The body of the Ascendi is evolved to function in the extreme height of their natural habitat. Their lung capacity is greatly increased in comparison to those of their ancestors, as well as their number of red blood cells. Like most sentient species, they prefer to change the environment according to their needs instead of adapting themselves. The nature on the island is tamed as much as magic and the ingenuity of the Ascendi allows it. On the other hand, the Ascendi use much of their time to guarantee an ecological balance, carefully removing or altering any factors that could disturb it.

Dietary Needs and Habits

Ascendi have high nutritious requirements to remain in good mental shape, about 4.000 kcal per day for an adult. They can survive in good physical condition with about half as much, but their constant, accelerated thinking and the magic they use become diminished when they are forced to live on smaller rations. Ascendi eat five meals a day, four of which being relatively small while the breakfast is more extended. The regular supply of food (and the associated breaks from the work routine) allows them to work at full mental capacity throughout the day.

Additional Information

Average Intelligence

IQ of about 140

Perception and Sensory Capabilities

Sight and hearing of the Ascendi are better than those of their human ancestors were. They can use magic to observe analyze their surroundings without their usual senses, but inorganic material, especially metal, greatly reduces the range and accuracy of this power.

Civilization and Culture

Naming Traditions

The last names of the Ascendi are in many cases derived from professions. The most common last names are Magoi, Fabulus, Farmer and Creator. The original names of the founders haven´t survived the change of society as the Ascendi took control. However, many first names that were used in the ancient times are still popular to this day. Names are generally given without a gender in mind, so that the Ascendi can choose for themselves when they are of age. Common first names include Phile, Aris, Tamino, Anastass, Bromi or Cadis.

Major Organizations

The Academy: the educational institution of Aitheris was very important in forming the society and keeping its structure intact over generations. Every Ascendi has to pass through the Academy and absorb the promoted ideals at the same time. The Committee: an organization that works behind the scenes, using mind control and memory alterations to keep the populace in a state of ignorance towards the true machinations behind Hardoras flight.

Beauty Ideals

Since their physical form is so malleable, Ascendi have a different perspective about their appearance. The physique is more a representation of how a person sees itself than an extrinsic factor. Therefore, there are no real beauty ideals, since the appearance primarily shows what an Ascendi values and likes, which can’t be quantified objectively. Beauty lies purely in the eyes of the beholder.

Gender Ideals

Gender is a strange concept for the Ascendi, because they can use their magic to alter their bodies in such a way, that changing someones sex isn’t any problem. The necessity to develop reproductive organs only arises during a mating period during which each partner has distinctive roles to fulfill, but in general, there is no difference between two Ascendi based on gender.

Courtship Ideals

Being able to look just as someone wishes to look like means that part of their personality can be observed just by observing them; which mode of travel they prefer, which job they most likely perform et cetera. Therefore, Ascendi watch out for people whose physique attracts them on a personal level and try to learn as much about a potential partner as possible before engaging them.

Relationship Ideals

Typically, the emotionally stronger partner takes the responsibility to physically bear the child while the weaker one only supports the process. Until the infant has grows mature enough to be called an Ascendi, the child is taken care of by the male partner primarily while the female can return to her daily duties. However, it is expected from both partners to make any sacrifice for the young Ascendi once it is fully developed, including leaving their previous occupation. Nothing is more important in this time than to raise the child into someone who can contribute to society. After they reached their 25th year, this responsibility ends.

Average Technological Level

Besides the levitation magic that is not only used to keep Hardora in the air but also transport cargo, technology isn’t very common in Aitheris. The Ascendi can use magic to solve most of their everyday problems without the use of technology or equipment besides the most basic.

Common Etiquette Rules

Ascendi are educated to thrive in society and are expected to treat each other respectful and friendly at all times while in public. Since they not only work together but share most aspects of the daily life, Ascendi are very open to each other, sharing their thoughts and feelings freely and openly. Showing any seclusive behavior can not only be interpreted as unfriendly, but as antisocial. However, the time they have for themselves is also priced and it is very rude to disturb an Ascendi in their home. It is common practice to let the older of two Ascendi initiate a conversation, because they are more likely to have something relevant to say.

Common Dress Code

Ascendi dress themselves in simple, tunic-like clothes, made out of wool. There is no regard towards fashion, the clothes are comfortable, functional and tailored for the Ascendi they were made for. The color can be chosen freely, but most Ascended show their profession with an inofficial color-code. However, many Ascended decorate their clothes with geometric shapes or scenes from nature, using their own materials. For official occasions, neutral tunics without individual alterations and muted colors are to be worn.

Common Customs, Traditions and Rituals

Every Ascended is expected to visit the Temple once a year and thank their ancestors for their sacrifices. This tradition is a personal one, it isn’t limited to a single day and most Ascended try to be alone when they perform this ritual.

Common Taboos

Putting the needs of an individual over those of the society is the greatest taboo. In every situation, Ascended should try to contribute as much to society as it is possible for them and refusing to do so is an affront against the system as a whole, not punishable, but extremely looked down upon.

History

The Ascendi believe, that they emerged as a species from those of their ancestors about 4.400 years ago. The society was forced to adapt quicker than their bodies. Individuality and creativity were priced personality traits for the original settlers, but the competitive mindset that resulted from that stood is harsh contrast to the necessity for altruistic cooperation. Differences in the way the respective species and factions that existed back then thought Aitheris should be run nearly resulted in the fall of the island. To prevent that something like this occurs again, the people decided to combine their genetic material in order to produce offspring that would be more willing to cooperate. The process was accelerated by breeding programs and, of course, magical interventions, which quickly generated the wanted results. The new-born Ascendi overthrew their parents once they had the numerical advantage. Non-Ascendi were prohibited from reproducing until they became extinct. The Ascendi formed a society on the ideals of community and responsibility in which the individual had its value in their contribution to society, be it artistically, politically and, most importantly in gathering or producing the resources necessary for the survival of the species as a whole. Each Ascendi is valuable as long as they participate in the economical and cultural development of the species. Individuality is not disregarded, because different individuals can contribute in more nuanced and diverse ways than the same amount of people with exactly the same mindset could, but the worth of an individual can only be as big as this contribution. The Academy was founded and used to implement this way of thinking into the populace over generations, aided by slight mind-alteration techniques while (officially) leaving any other thoughts unaltered. After a few generations passed, the Ascendi reached the state of society they have today. They still guard relics and stories that were passed down from their ancestors, but they are only available for those of age.

Interspecies Relations and Assumptions

None for the general public, since they believe the Ascended are the only surviving mortals. The Committee however has to deal with the Automatoi on a regular basis to keep them in check.

Lifespan

300 years

Average Height

1,8 - 2,4 m

Average Weight

70 - 110 kg