Ascendant

"The power they wield is unimaginable; truly gods among mortals"

To become an Ascendant is one of the greatest honors a mortal can receive; to be chosen by a celestial being and wield their divine power. Such individuals that a Divine believes worthy and that upholds the values and domains of the Divine are bestowed immense power. These abilities can vary and are dependent on the respective Divine.
When an individual is chosen to ascend they undergo some physical alterations. Typically an Ascendant is marked by distinct runes and patterns to signify their patron diety. Some physical characteristics such as eyes, physical build, and hair coloration may also change as a result.
It is said that many of the Ascendant could commune with the Divines but how this was done is mired in speculation. This mystery however, didn't prevent the creation of shrines, temples and, in extreme cases, cults dedicated towards these demigods.
An unusual attribute of an Ascendant is that one can never lose their abilities once granted, only in death are their powers forfeited. As one may expect this led to a select few of the Ascendant to abuse their power, these fallen heros would be slain and some are said to have been locked away in the very weapons they wielded. 
Many questions regarding the Ascendant remain unanswered as none have emerged in centuries and many worry they may never return.

Causes

Only the Divines are capable of ascending a mortal being.

Symptoms

While most abilities depend on the Divine bestowing the ascendency some traits are universal. These include: enhanced agility, strength, endurance, perception, and intellect. Those with Arcane talents also see enhancements in their casting abilities. Additionally, Ascendant were granted vastly extended lifespans and could easily live for centuries.

History

In the final years of the Dragon Era a young Anrivari boy, Tarek Varro, was chosen by Saren to receive his divine blessing and become the first Ascendant. Tarek would amass an army never before seen and would free the world from the fiery grip of the Dro'rava. After such a monumental feat he would then go on to form the first Empire and be crowned the the first Emperor. In this time of unrivaled peace many of the Entari and Asurians would begin to communicate with the mortals of Iskara. For centuries many Ascendant would rise to aid their people in their times of need.

Cultural Reception

Most cultures and races respected the Ascendant and in some cases even worshipped them. However, with the emergence of the Fallen (Placeholder) and the disappearance of the Divines and their Chosen, many lost faith and respect for the celestial but some still clench on to hope that one day they will return.
Most of the scorn an Ascendant would face typically came from an individual of a different species. For example, a Solvithar may have viewed a Sareni Ascendant as a bloodthirsty savage or apathetic conqueror.

Type

Divine

Origin

Divine

Cycle

Chronic, Acquired

Rarity

Extremely Rare

Affected Species

• Human