A procession of Paladins, led by Raikogen enter from the south, their armour gleaming in the rising sun.

Sir Raikogen Tanestra, Talon of the Dove nods sharply at his Paladins who quickly surround the Poolof Stars and snap to attention, facing outwards.

A gentle melody begins to sound throughout the area, like raindrops upon the ground.

A procession of Aquamancers, led by Syridean enter from the east, a fine mist dancing about their robe clad forms.

Aquamage Syridean gestures to his Aquamancers and slowly form a loose circle ten paces from the Paladins, facing the Pool of Stars.

The gentle lapping of the Inner Sea colliding with the city walls washes over the streets, accompanied by a whip of salty air.

A procession of Celestines, led by Talkan enter from above, golden light playing over their forms.

Father Talkan La'Saet, Hand of the Even-Blade nods his head and the Celestines form the final circle, facing towards the Pool of Stars.

Princess Catarin Inalai ascends halfway up the stairs, boots ringing loudly in the silence. She turns to face the gathered Celestians.

Princess Catarin Inalai says, "Celestians. We gather this day to raise one of our own to Vernal Ascendancy. It is a simple statement to make but the depth of meaning behind our task is perhaps beyond my ability to convey."

Princess Catarin Inalai says, "Our people have a long history with the raising of Vernal Ascendants. Beginning with the raising of the first, D'Varsha, from the ancient Merian city of Glomborolum which brought hope and salvation to a world that had known only doom and despair since the Elder Wars. Continuing in the rediscovery of how to create the edifices by the city of Celest, once again bringing hope and the promise of a better life to the people of the Basin. Carrying on to the raising of the Princess Marilynth to awaken Avechna and reseal Kethuru."

Princess Catarin Inalai says, "All great works. Yet what was the common theme? What is it in us that sets us apart from all the others both in ancient times and now that seek to raise a Vernal?"

Princess Catarin Inalai says, "It is the Sacrifice and the Duty."

Princess Catarin Inalai says, "The city of Glomborolum was lost to the Leviathan but D'Varsha carried on, bringing the knowledge of Vernals to the whole of Lusternia, ensuring it would not be lost as well."

Princess Catarin Inalai says, "When Celest first formed the Pool of Stars, they could have selfishly kept its wonders to itself as the Communes did with their Trees. But they did not, knowing they, like D'Varsha, had a duty to share this beauty with the rest of the Basin. To bring a better way to the people of the Basin. To bring about healing, both for the land itself and souls ravaged by the horrors of the Vernal wars."

Princess Catarin Inalai says, "And finally, the ultimate sacrifice, Princess Marilynth. When the Empire foolishly weakened the bindings on Kethuru and Lusternia was once again threatened by the Soulless, she and Celest, gave up everything to stop it. They did not shirk their duty. They did not flee to escape the consequences. They, as our people have done throughout history, stepped forward and did what was right. Not what was easy."

Princess Catarin Inalai says, "So here we are today prepared to raise another Vernal. No, we are not the first to do so in this modern age. Yet I think it is safe to say we are the first to truly understand what it means."

Princess Catarin Inalai says, "Duty. Sacrifice. Protection. Quite a legacy to live up to. Yet we have found one that is up to the task. One candidate submitted. Others who refused to allow their names to be considered until this person was recognized."

Princess Catarin Inalai raises her voice slightly.

Princess Catarin Inalai says, "Lady General Malicia La'Saet, please enter the circle."

Lady Malicia and her entourage of Tahtetso monks enter from the north and approach the circle of Celestines.

Grand Templar Enero La'Saet, the White Knight flashes a barely visible, confident smile to Malicia and nods his head calmly.

Lady Malicia La'Saet steps forward and faces the Celestine circle.

Lady Malicia La'Saet says, "I come as a servant of the Light. My work and deeds will be a reflection of the glory and power of radiant Celestia. Will you let me pass?"

Father Talkan La'Saet, Hand of the Even-Blade extends his hand to Malicia.

Father Talkan La'Saet, Hand of the Even-Blade says, "The Light recognizes its servant and will support her in her trials ahead. You may pass."

The circle parts and Malicia and her attendants approach the Aquamancer circle.
Lady Malicia La'Saet says, "I come as a servant of Water. In its soothing embrace will I find the strength to carry out my duty."

Aquamage Syridean steps forward to Malicia.

Aquamage Syridean says, "Water recognizes its servant and will lend her its strength for the trials ahead. You may pass."

The circle parts and Malicia and her attendants approach the final circle, the Paladins.

The gentle lapping of the Inner Sea colliding with the city walls washes over the streets, accompanied by a whip of salty air.

Lady Malicia La'Saet says, "I come as a servant of New Celest. My loyalty is without question. My duty is clear. My heart is strong. I will be the Light in the darkness. Mine will be the shield of Celest. No harm shall come from my passing."

With a flourish, Raikogen slips a prismatic white-steel scimitar into a mottled blue leather scabbard.
With a flourish, Raikogen slips a prismatic white-steel scimitar into a mottled blue leather scabbard.

Sir Raikogen Tanestra, Talon of the Dove touches his fist to his heart in an ancient salute.

Sir Raikogen Tanestra, Talon of the Dove says, "New Celest recognizes its servant. In you we place our hopes and fears. In you we place our trust. You may pass."

With a flourish, Pharamon slips an angelic battle hammer into a silver frogge on a silken sash.
With a flourish, Pharamon slips an angelic battle hammer into a silver frogge on a silken sash.
With a flourish, Auran slips a celestial star rapier into a white-gold, platinum scabbard.
With a flourish, Andala slips a shining star-emblazoned broadsword into a mottled blue leather scabbard.
With a flourish, Andala slips a shining star-emblazoned broadsword into a mottled blue leather scabbard.
With a flourish, Geb slips a silver hunter's katana into a black scabbard with a gold horn.
With a flourish, Auran slips a celestial star rapier into a white-gold, platinum scabbard.
With a flourish, Kade slips an orclach paladin greatsword into a battle-ready shoulder scabbard.
With a flourish, Thalos slips a shining star-emblazoned broadsword into an iron-plated scabbard.
With a flourish, Creslin slips a prismatic white-steel scimitar into a shining silver scabbard.
With a flourish, Creslin slips a prismatic white-steel scimitar into a shining silver scabbard.
With a flourish, Thalos slips a shining star-emblazoned broadsword into an iron-plated scabbard.

With a flourish, Snaithy slips an enormous gilded broadsword into an iron-plated scabbard.
With a flourish, Snaithy slips an enormous gilded broadsword into an iron-plated scabbard.
With a flourish, Nucoras slips an angelic battle hammer into a silver frogge on a silken sash.
With a flourish, Nucoras slips an angelic battle hammer into a silver frogge on a silken sash.
With a flourish, Enero slips an angelic battle hammer into a hardened leather frogge.
With a flourish, Enero slips an angelic battle hammer into a hardened leather frogge.
With a flourish, Ruiku slips a curved executioner's greataxe into a wax hardened leather frogge.

The Paladins part their ranks and allow Malicia to step forward to the edge of the Pool.

Aison La'Saet nods slightly to her comrades, and the Cantors begin to play a soft, expectant tune. They are soon joined by the faint echo of an angelic choir.

Synaesthetic Penna Mibri raises her violin to her chin and draws out a subtle crescendo melody, rustling her wings quietly.


The Celestines tilt their heads back and raise their arms in supplication to the Light, speaking the words of power to awaken the Pool. It begins to emit a light that grows increasingly blinding and a host of angels erupt from the Pool, rising to circle the area expectandly.

The Aquamancers reach their arm forward, calling upon their element to awaken the Pool. It begins to bubble and froth, lapping at the Pool's edges.

Princess Catarin Inalai descends to the edge of the Pool, kneeling beside it. She allows her hand to dip into the liquid Light, letting it run through her fingers as she speaks the final words of power.


Malicia steps towards the Pool of Stars and wades into its glistening depths. The waters bubble and froth violently around her and fill with brilliant starlight, glowing far brighter than the noontime sun. The thrumming of power fills the air, and the light pours through her mortal coil. Choirs of angels race across the skies, singing out in rapture, as Malicia is suffused by incredible powers and rises as a Vernal Ascendant!
You gasp with the realization that Malicia has reached the level of 2nd Order of the Hyperphysical.
A new Ascendant rises! By decree of Princess Catarin and with full support of the Star Council, let it be known that the Righteous Principality of New Celest has this day imbued Malicia with the energies of the Pool of Stars, raising a Vernal Ascendant!


Collvan snaps his fingers, releasing sparkling motes of coloured light.
                               *      *      *
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                                |   POOF!   |
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                    +=======+
         * * * * * *| BOOM! |* * * * * *
                    +=======+
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                                                       +=======+
                                            * * * * * *| BOOM! |* * * * * *
                                                       +=======+
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                                            +=======+
                                 * * * * * *| BOOM! |* * * * * *
                                            +=======+
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                           +=======+
                * * * * * *| BOOM! |* * * * * *
                           +=======+
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                            |   POOF!   |
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                                                       +=======+
                                            * * * * * *| BOOM! |* * * * * *
                                                       +=======+
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You see Sir Raikogen Tanestra, Talon of the Dove shout, "Congratulations, Lady
Malicia!"
You shout, "Glory be to the Light! May Lady Malicia lead us further into victory!"
You see Princess Catarin Inalai shout, "Hail Malicia. Glory be to the Light."
You see Acrune L'Eternae shout, "Congratulations Malicia. Glory be to the Light."

Bryan Sayeva, Celestian Healer shouts, "Uh... Yay Celest! Hail Lady Malicia!"
Druid Drakonassus of the Blackthorn shouts, "Nice job on the Ascension Malicia!"
You see Templar Snaithy Dekoven, Blade of Aegis shout, "Congratulations Lady General."
You see Sir Kade Dekoven Eli'Silar, Dove's Disciple shout, "Hail Lady Malicia! Praise be the Light!"
You see Lady Asmodea Kamau, the White Muse shout, "Congratulations Mali Pooh!"

You see Grand Templar Enero La'Saet, the White Knight shout, "Blessed be Light! Blessed be Lady General Malicia La'Saet, may you walk forever in Light."
You see Father Talkan La'Saet, Hand of the Even-Blade shout, "Princess Marylinth
be your guild, the Supernals be your might. Glory to Lady Malicia and the Light!"
The atmosphere succumbs to a profound silence as Ser Shuyin resonates, "Congratulations indeed."
Heralded by draconic roars, Geb Kamau's austere voice intones, "Congratulations to a most worthy recipient of ascendancy."
You see Sir Ruiku Dekoven, Dawn Uprising shout, "May the Taint tremble beneath her Blades!"
Lady Malicia La'Saet shouts, "You honour me. I thank all of you, humbly."