ASCENDED

Keeper of Kophos

“The distance she keeps between us all would normally be concerning, considering her position as the leader of our merry little band. But she’s a Keeper. That’s just how they are, I suppose.”

Keepers are regarded as strange and almost apathetic by other Ascended. Often disconnected from the present and always seemingly looking to the future, Keepers command a wisdom beyond their years. They have an uncanny affinity for astronomy. They distance themselves from personal problems and, sometimes to their detriment, people as well.

Justiciar of Heirax

“A Justicar’s word is everything to them. I would know. My child was taken by bandits and a Justicar promised me that she would find him and return him to me. A day later, I heard a knocking at my door. There she stood, cradling my child in her remaining arm. She’d died standing on her feet.”

Law and oaths motivate Justiciars to action. Marked at birth by the symbol of Heirax: a gauntlet-gripped sword that divides an open tome, Justiciars are heralds of balance in a world they believe is teeming with chaos and injustice. They are guided by their beliefs and often put themselves in positions that grant them the power of agency— whether that be the captain of a ship’s crew, the commander of an army, or the leader of an adventuring group.

Celestian of Avrina

“By the guidance of Avrina, I will follow my dreams, a beacon to all those lost in their own sorrow and despair. I will shed hope as the sun sheds light. I am a child of Avrina. I am dreams unbound. I am hope unbroken.”

Celestians are driven by fierce faith in the Lady of Dawn, Avrina. They are bright, hopeful, and optimistic— a reflection of the teachings of their goddess. Their pursuit of their dreams and aspirations heedless of the reality that surrounds them is often inspiring, and sometimes worrying. A Celestian’s dreams are sometimes more vivid than reality, a byproduct of being tied so closely to Avrina.

Shadow of Diana

“Their eyes contain the beholder’s greatest dreams and worst nightmares. They pull fears from the mind and manifest them into reality. Should they wish it, Shadows can bear the truest face of terror.”

Through their kaleidoscopic, mystical eyes, Shadows of Diana are often perceived as the most alien of the Ascended. Their eyes are gifts from the goddess of the moon, granting them the ability to see in darkness while also the power to incite fear in a weak-willed creature. They are burdened with frequent nightmares, yet these nightmares are blessings from their goddess. Shadows tread the careful balance between courage and foolishness.

Hunter of Artemi

“They are the true pathfinders. Their eyes see farther and their ears hear clearer than all other Ascended. For Hunters, the Wilds are their home, not their enemy.”

Hunters preside over the wilderness and nature, much like their god. Instead of turning their gazes to the stars or keeping their mind lodged between the pages of a book, they prefer to keep their boots on the ground and hands on the earth. They live with nature— in accordance with its movements and structures. They often find the rigid constructs of society restricting, finding true freedom running alongside the wildest creatures and seeing all that nature has to offer them.

Absolver of Rhene

“An Arcanist’s mind is tuned to the world without; us Absolvers are tuned to the world within. We hear the silent cries of help, we hear the words that go unsaid.”

Wielding unmatched empathetic ability and an unyieldingly forgiving nature, Absolvers understand the importance of admitting one’s wrongs and changing one’s ways. They acknowledge that there is no greater challenge than the admission of weakness and the desire for growth. Their kindness lends them an impression as being soft or weak. True followers of Rhene know better. Should this kindness, this empathy, ever be betrayed, an Absolver’s wrath is swift, deadly, and more punishing than death itself.

Arcanist of Adrestus

“We pursue knowledge. It is in our very nature. Some ignore the Weave, others worship it; we must be the ones to understand it— to decode its mysteries, define its rules, uncover its secrets, and discover its limits.”

The pursuit of information captures Arcanists. Their natural curiosities often bloom into obsessions if not properly tempered. Their ideas are the foundation of their identities, as is their logic. Arcanists believe that what they know is who they are, and what they don’t know is another challenge to overcome. They think before they act. They are ruled by their mind. No other force can control them. Not even the heart— or so they firmly believe.

Evoker of Keratis

“She walked through fire to find her way here.”

Evokers are channels of the tempestuous nature of the stormy sea. They share close bonds with the elements of nature: fire, earth, air, and water— and this manifests in the ability to bend those elements to their wills. They are ever-changing, often chaotic, and can rarely stomach being in a single place for too long.

Minstrel of Adra

“All they want is for us to play them a couple songs. It gets so boring. When are they going to realize that we’re so much more than that!”

Minstrels harness the adventurous spirit within them. They keep it alive, and are drawn to it like moths to the flame. They have an innate wanderlust, and are magnetic forces, making friends and enemies all throughout the world. They inspire allies with bravery and bravado, as every good story involves a little bit of risk.

Weaver of Corva

"I can't remember the last time I was afraid," Whitaker murmured.

"Well," Freyja moved to rest a hand atop his. "Hard to be afraid of anything when you've seen your own death."

Chosen by Corva, the Tenth, the Weavers embody willpower, tenacity, and unwavering confidence even when faced with the horrifying beasts and monsters imaginable— for what is there left to fear when you have seen their own death? A harrowing death or a sacrificial act, this vision shapes your entire outlook on not only your life, but the lives of those around you.