Ascension in League of Legends refers to a powerful transformation achieved through celestial magic, creating beings known as the Ascended or Sunborn. This process grants humans immense power and a connection to celestial entities, fundamentally altering their existence.
The Ascended are divided into several categories based on their origins and transformations:
The lore of League of Legends introduces celestial magic from Mount Targon as a pivotal force in the universe. This magic has the power to transform chosen humans into Aspect Hosts, each embodying the essence and power of a celestial entity. These Aspect Hosts play crucial roles in the cosmic balance, wielding powers beyond mortal comprehension. Their existence is not merely by chance but by the celestial design, selecting individuals who can carry the weight of such power and responsibility. The transformation into an Aspect Host signifies not only a physical change but a binding of fate between the mortal and the celestial, marking a new chapter in the cosmic saga.
In the sun-kissed lands of ancient Shurima, a different form of Ascension took place, guided by the divine Aspects of Targon. Using the majestic Sun Disc, the Shurimans harnessed celestial magic to create the first Ascended beings, known as the God-Warriors. These formidable protectors were born out of necessity, to shield the empire and its people from threats both mundane and arcane. Their creation marked the zenith of Shurima's power, as these God-Warriors, imbued with unmatched strength and wielding the very essence of the sun, became the empire's most revered defenders. Their legacy is a testament to Shurima's greatness, an era where gods walked among men, and the empire's dominion seemed eternal.
However, the grandeur of Shurima was not to last. The misuse of Ascension by Xerath, a figure driven by ambition and a thirst for power, led to the empire's downfall. In his bid for godhood, Xerath's betrayal during Azir's Ascension ceremony caused a cataclysmic explosion, transforming him into a being of pure arcane energy. This event not only marked the end of Shurima's golden age but also sowed chaos among the Ascended. Xerath's treachery unleashed a wave of destruction across the empire, leading to its fragmentation and the scattering of its Ascended protectors. The fall of Shurima is a cautionary tale of ambition unchecked, a reminder of the fragile balance between power and responsibility.
The history of Ascension in League of Legends weaves through the celestial intricacies of Mount Targon to the sun-drenched sands of Shurima, exploring themes of power, betrayal, and redemption. The Ascended, in all their forms, stand as monuments to the game's rich lore, each bearing the weight of their transformation and the consequences it entails.
After the dramatic fall of Shurima, the Ascended, once guardians and revered deities of the empire, found themselves wandering without purpose. The collapse brought a profound shift in their existence. No longer bound by the duties to their empire or a monarch, these beings, touched by celestial magic, began to diverge in their paths. Some sought solace in isolation, while others, drawn to darker aspirations, ventured into forbidden magics. It was during this tumultuous period that the seeds for the transformation into the Darkin were sown. The exploration of dark magics, especially hemomancy—a potent and dangerous form of blood magic—led these once-noble protectors down a path from which there was no return. Their descent into what would become known as the Darkin serves as a grim reminder of the perils of power unchecked and purpose lost.
The Darkin, as these fallen Ascended came to be known, plunged into a war that was both against themselves and humanity. Their conflicts, marked by betrayal and bloodshed, reshaped the lands and histories of Runeterra. It was a war that threatened the very fabric of the world, a testament to the Darkin's immense power and their fall from grace. However, their reign of terror and internal strife would come to an end through the cunning and bravery of mortal mages. These mages discovered the means to bind the Darkin to their weapons, trapping their essences and putting an end to their corporeal destruction. This act of sealing away the Darkin within their own instruments of war marked a pivotal moment in Runeterran history, one where human ingenuity and resilience faced off against godly might and emerged victorious.
The resurrection of Azir marks a new dawn for Shurima. With the Sun Disc restored to its former glory and the sands of time swept away from the ruins of the empire, Shurima rises once more. Azir, the once-fallen emperor, now ascended, signifies the return of celestial favor and the rekindling of Shurima's destiny. Under his rule, the Ascended walk the earth again, heralds of a reborn empire that seeks to reclaim its place among the stars. This new era promises a future where the mistakes of the past serve as lessons for a brighter tomorrow. Azir's resurrection and the resurgence of the Ascended embody the eternal cycle of fall and rise, a saga of power, transformation, and the unending struggle between celestial might and mortal ambition.
The saga of Ascension in League of Legends unfolds a narrative rich with themes of power, transformation, and the perpetual struggle between celestial might and mortal ambition. From the Aspect Hosts of Targon to the God-Warriors of Shurima, and the tragic descent of the Darkin, the lore encapsulates a timeless tale of rise, fall, and the quest for redemption.
The journey of the Ascended, marked by their celestial beginnings and often tragic turns, mirrors the timeless tropes of myth and legend. Their stories are a testament to the dual-edged nature of power—it can elevate one to the heights of glory or plunge them into the depths of despair. The Darkin, once noble protectors, became symbols of warning against the corruption that comes with unchecked power and the dangers of losing one's purpose.
The resurrection of Azir and the restoration of the Sun Disc symbolize hope and renewal, themes as ancient as storytelling itself. They remind us that even in the darkest times, redemption is possible, and from the ashes of the past, a new era can arise. Azir's return to power not only signifies the literal rise of Shurima but also marks a pivotal moment in the ongoing narrative, where the past's lessons forge the future's path.
This saga, offers more than just entertainment; it provides a reflection on the human condition. It delves into the complexities of ambition, the responsibilities that come with power. Through the Ascended, the game explores the consequences of our choices and the paths we tread in the pursuit of greatness.
In conclusion, the story of Ascension within League of Legends stands as a compelling chronicle of celestial beings and the mortals who dare to reach beyond their grasp. It's a narrative that resonates with the universal themes of ambition, power, loss, and redemption, inviting players not just to engage with its world but to ponder their own fate.
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