Where Monsters are highly diverse, Ascendants tend to be fairly uniform at first observation. Most predominantly, virtually all Ascendants exhibit some amount of Telekinesis which comes to them naturally. This is in normally exhibited in two ways; first (and most easily noticed) is how Ascendants tend to Float wherever they travel. They can lift themselves a few inches from the ground and move at speeds equivalent to those on foot with similar exertion. Secondly, they normally manipulate objects at a short distance without actually touching them. The benefits of this ability is fairly mild as it merely extends their reach a few inches at best and doesn't allow them to carry anything more than by hand, but particularly experienced and powerful Ascendants are capable of manipulating liquids and gasses this way.
What Ascendants are best known for, however is their Disciplines. Also known as Paths, these are powerful methods of understanding that, with some training and practice, come naturally to Ascendants. These Disciplines grant access to potent magics and powerful abilities unlike anything else. Based around non-physical concepts and ideas, (such as Light, Control, Coincidence and Equality) Disciplines typically offer a large assortment of very specific and very potent abilities.
It's understood that Ascendants typically develop their Disciplines based on their interests, and the Paths make a good indication for what kind of research any particular Ascendant is persuing. As the Disciplines are practiced and perfected, they begin to form tattoo patterns of various colours on the skin of the Ascendant. These are called 'Sopherim' and are typically monochromatic, intricate and abstract, but they can be used to identify the particular Disciplines that an individual practices -- similar Disciplines usually have similar patterns. In some cases, these patterns could be bio-luminescent, reflective or metallic looking, which are generally indication of notably potent Disciplines. Larger patterns that span more of their bodies may also be indicative of more powerful Disciplines; the patterns may appear to grow or spread as the Ascendant becomes more potent.
Law
Ascendants are known for having the harshest, most impersonal law, which is littered with long, arcane rules which have been decided over the ages. They follow the letter of their law as strictly as they can, and thing are decided upon by democratic vote. The laws are all recorded in the Evess Vericium, the definitive law book of the Ascendants. (In truth, the book is dozens of volumes long as no laws are ever removed from the record, but rather newer laws are enacted that overturn older ones. This makes being proficient in Ascendant law both an exercise in memory and patience.)
The punishments for crimes under this law are harsh, though the execution is a rare occurrence. Many of those who are found guilty under the Evess Vericium and made to be indentured servants, either to the victim or to the city itself. The measure of harshness of the law is the length of the sentence.
AttitudesThere are many subtleties to the Ascendant culture and train of through which originates from, primarily, their uniformity or so it is believed. Since, unlike Humans and Monsters, Ascendants have a single common skin tone (a pale tan), all share an exceptionally similar, mostly androgenous build and all fit within a very narrow heigh spectrum (Adults at 5' 8" - 6'4"; women sometimes as short as 5' 6", men sometimes as tall as 6'5"), they've come to focus on the subtle differences to set them apart. This means that the common aesthetics amongst Ascendants is all about subtly and detail, not about bright colours, contrast or more wild differences. Some Humans and most Monsters find their clothings and art styling to be very plain and reserved, while Ascendants often find outside culture to very garish and unrefined. This interest in details is something that is found all throughout their culture; nuances and subtly is its cornerstone.
Perhaps one of the most quickly observed aspects of Ascendant culture is their fierce independent nature. Ascendants do not ask for help; it's commonly believed that each Ascendant should be capable enough to approach any task and solve it. If they cannot because the task is too difficult, they are foolish for taking on such a difficult task. ('Vourrel' is the word for this kind of fool) If they are merely unprepared, they are a fool for not thinking ahead. ('Prellel' is the word for this kind of fool) Requesting aid from another is nearly always done for the sake of efficiency, sometimes for a 'specialists touch', (an honorable request, not unlike asking to hear a master Pianist play) occasionally for when the request relates to the field of interest of another, and on a rare occasion as an insult. (asking someone of lower station to do the work that doesn't interest you)
Even early on in youth, Ascendant children are left alone for most of their day to day tasks as soon as they are capable of doing so. The only exception to this fierce independence is the Student/Teacher relationship, which is honored as a highly sacred bond. As soon as children demonstrate the level of understanding necessary, they are sent to study under the tutelage of the most capable teacher who will accept them (This is often a matter of politics) to learn their first Disciplines. If they show particular interest or insight in to a certain field, specific teachers may be sought out.
Adult Ascendants may on occasion seek another out as a teacher; unlike in their youth, this is not a light undertaking. To request someone teach you is a very humbling request, but it is also one that bestows great respect on the one you ask. Teachers may refuse potential students and doing so is a harsh insult. For a child it implies a lack of importance or perceived potential; for an adult it is a harsh blow of the same kind, but the ramifications are much worse as it is typically based on observation and not prediction. In either case, being a student is a subservient position to a teacher. Typically they teach by exposing you to their research and demanding comprehension. The style of teaching varies by individual though. It is worth mentioning here that Ascendants are not taught their Disciplines specifically, but they are taught how to understand them and how to develop them; it's more of teaching how to learn than teaching specific material.Most Ascendants do not question their drive to understand. Those who have spent philosophical thought on the subject mostly conclude it to be a natural drive, and thusly a desire of the Lady. The culture and industry of Ascendants revolves around research. There are dozens of words for research, including things like Vitaeverum, meaning 'Blood of Insight' and Hebreos, or 'Text of Meaning'. Verschundre, a related word meaning 'One without direction', which specifically refers to an Ascendant with no motivation to pursue research, is perhaps the most offensive word in their tongue. Regardless of what they do, there's no clear 'why' -- while everyone benefits from the spectacular libraries in Decephri Libri, there is no coordination or innate direction to all of this discovery. Some of it is useful, some of it inane. But it's all recorded and placed in those marble halls for others.
Knowledge is one of those things that Ascendants have an unquestioned respect for. Nothing is taboo, nothing is forbidden. It's as though they wish for all knowledge in existence to fill the library halls. All but the most rash of the Ascendants will take pause when potential knowledge is at stake. It's for this reason that Humans and Ascendants can often get along in a mutual pursuit of knowledge.
Ascendants also have a (mostly) unspoken code of ethics, which relates almost strictly to courtesy. While there's no strict rules, it essentially broils down to 'Don't unnecessarily inconvenience others'. For example, there's usually only just enough stores to meet demand in Ascendant cities, because shop keeps won't needlessly compete with each other. Additionally, it's seen as very offensive to challenge someone of greater station than yourself, even in trivial circumstances. This of course is done fairly frequently as a method of gaining station in the Ascendant political arena.
Politics in Ascendant cities are often seen as dry to casual observers but it is anything but. At least weekly, sessions are convened to discuss the going politics and these session are open to all citizens. Most however offer their say to whoever represents their opinions best. Since many of these Representatives make their lives of politics, they spend their time earning the favor of the masses and learning about those who oppose their agendas. The arena seems dry, only because all the action is nuanced and subtle. A grave insult may come in a slight mispronunciation. The killing blow could be avoiding eye contact. A proposal could be a peace offering. But do not for a minute come to believe that Ascendant politics is anything less than ruthless and cutthroat. There's merely a smile on top.
Finally, there's one additional major component to Ascendant culture. Although not universal, the vast majority of Ascendants have something of a superiority complex. They seem themselves, as a race, as better than Humans and particularly Monsters. While this normally doesn't go beyond casual prejudice, there are more than a few Ascendants that excel quite comfortably in to full blown discrimination. This view is typically one way, and it can create an unfortunate amount of friction between groups.
Language
Ascendants are the only race of Arae Rul to have their own language, 'Librium'. It's deeply nuanced and doesn't comfortably allow for slang, or anything less than perfect form. It hasn't been observed to change through out recorded history, unlike the common tongue, which many speculate is because the language itself is divine. The origins of the language are a tad unclear.
Due to this lingual influence, Ascendants are typically quite proper when they speak. They usually stick well to the rules as though they are written in stone, and they dislike the use of slang. All Ascendants are bilingual and often use Librium to discuss things secretly. Very few Humans speak the language and some believe Monsters are entirely unable to understand it.
Similarly, Librium has a mirror in written language, which is the language used for all the books in the great marble libraries. It's a difficult type to read, but it is also beautiful to behold and easy to identify.
Home
Ascendants primarily occupy Dephri Libri Province -- this is their home and it's where they erected their cities many centuries ago. The Province, which consists of two small islands sitting in Path Lake, Libri Umelus and Libri Commune. Umelus is the 'Common City', which allows more travel and outsiders. It contains many research institutions and libraries, and is generally a high traffic place -- many arrive here looking for goods only Ascendants can produce.
Libri Commune is the city most Ascendants call home. It's a very well protected private place. Very few outsiders are allowed in this place and nearly none may wander without escort. This is where they keep the Great Libraries; records of the most important and most comprehensive research of their people. It is also where they keep the Evess Vericium, which has its own small hall. The city is quiet and full of whispers, where the residents are either lost in their research or carefully stalking political prey.
Outside of Decephri Libri, Ascendants can be found most everywhere in small numbers. They study every corner of Arae Rul they can, which usually means there's a few of them every here and there. In particular, there are higher concentrations of Ascendants in Land's End Province, Oversight Province and Distance Province. There are very few in Lowland Province, Land's Finger Province, and Dark Wood Province.
[End]To help explain Disciplines, as they seem less clear than Jobs and Aspects, here is a demo.
Heart Discipline
First Rank:
Cure 2 (Spell) [Restores HP damage]
Heal 2 (Spell) [Restores Status Effects]
Strong Heart (Supernatural Ability) (1/10) [Reduces risk of Overexertion]
Empathic Sight (Supernatural Ability) [Detect Emotions]
Bleeding Heart (Supernatural Ability) [Inspire Empathy]
Second Rank:
Heal 5 (Spell)
Strong Heart (SnA) (3/10)
Cardiac Arrest (SnA) (3/10) [Attack; damage + status effects]
Heart Link (SnA) [Share HP]
Third Rank:
Cure 4 (Spell)
Heart Breaker (SnA) (1/10) [Cause Depression]
Strong Heart (SnA) (5/10)
Cardiac Arrest (SnA) (6/10)
One Heart (SnA) [Improved Heart Link]
Glowing Heart (Aura) [Charisma Bonus]
Aaand so on for 10 ranks.
Where Jobs like Doctor and Medic will get spells like Cure and Heal, and get skills like First Aid, Surgery and Emergency Care, and many Aspects get abilities like Regenerate and Lick Wounds, Ascendants are the only ones who get Supernatural abilities like Cardiac Arrest and Heart Link. They have many of the qualities of spells, but they aren't spells. They're powerful, but more specific -- First Aid can be used on any living creature; Heart Link only works on people you already know. Adorable gives you a flat charisma bonus that always applies -- Glowing Heart gives a better bonus, but it only works on those who already like you to some degree.
I hope this helps to clarify! And no, you can't take the Heart Discipline. :P
[Up next; Half Breeds!]
[Still have questions about Ascendants? Let me know in this post and I'll address them!]
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