Crest of Ascension



The Crest of Ascension is a platform of immense power located in Elysian Hold and used by the kyrian of Bastion to create winged ascended. Ascension of a kyrian atop the crest is the final stage of a journey which can last eons as they train and meditate to become ready for the honor. Ascended kyrian carry out Bastion's most sacred duties, including the ferrying of souls to the Shadowlands for judgment, and thus the crest is one of the most important tools for the Archon's followers.

History
Long used to elevate kyrian aspirants to the ranks of the ascended, the Crest of Ascension became extremely important at the time of a great anima drought in Bastion, followed by the emergence of the Forsworn rebellion. Unlike the kyrian of Elysian Hold, the Forsworn required no crest or trials to ascend their recruits and their numbers quickly grew as a result. In the face of this threat, the Archon decided that remaining anima stores should be used to immediately ascend available candidates that had completed their trials.

During the ceremony at the Crest of Ascension with the Archon and Paragons in attendance, several aspirants achieved ascension atop the crest as planned. However, after the ascension of Kleia, the Paragon of Loyalty Devos suddenly interrupted the proceedings. Striking directly at the Crest, the Paragon shattered it utterly before rounding on her gathered brethren. Devos revealed herself to be the leader of the Forsworn and gave the signal for a large assault to begin on Elysian Hold and the Spires of Ascension, which would eventually be defeated.

With the Crest ruined, the kyrian were rendered unable to create any more ascended, making them extremely vulnerable to the growing ranks of the Forsworn, as was Devos's intent. Thus the steward Forgelite Prime known as Mikanikos was charged with building a new Crest of Ascension, which could also be empowered to create stronger ascended than ever before. With the aid of mortal allies of the kyrian, Mikanikos would recover the necessary materials and tools from the Eternal Forge, especially the custom-built centurion Bron.

With the Crest itself rebuilt physically, powerful items from the other realms of the Shadowlands were then sought to empower it (and thus future ascended kyrian). These items included the Fleshshaper's Heart torn from Margrave Gharmal of Maldraxxus, the Seal of Contrition recovered from the Ember Ward of Revendreth, and the Vessel of Ardenweald from the realm of the Winter Queen.