With the threats of Ghani n'Rotri weighing heavily upon their thoughts, the Basin of Life's foremost artists and creative visionaries put their minds to the Seal of Beauty. But unlike the previous Challenges for this artistic Seal, this Ascension saw a different turn.

For the Avenger had experienced a nightmarish vision, of the Astral, the Void and n'Rotri's terrible Destiny. It was, He was certain, a portent. And so He did not simply beseech the designers of the Basin to put pencil to paper, but to do so in the image of that vision - and do so they did, with devotion and imagination.

It was Xeii Shevat of Hallifax who stood triumphant over all other artists, her sharply geometric osmium headdress of the Melder deemed worthy of the Seal of Beauty itself. Depicting the half-formed Maamac the Melder, who had chased the Elder Goddess Maylea through the Void in predatory madness, it was judged the pinnacle of all Beauty. For this she was awarded the Seal of Beauty.

Second place was awarded to Kailanna n'Kylbar of Magnagora, for her cryptic void's eye pendant.

Third place was awarded to Hegemone i'Vipere of Magnagora, for her mahogany jewellery box illuminated with vainglorious lust.

Fourth place was awarded to Moi Ysav'rai of Glomdoring, for her pendant, jagged and gemless.

Fifth place was awarded to Versalean of Glomdoring, for his white oak armoire with black onyx interior.

Though these five designs rose to conquer all others, the following designs merit honourable mentions for their exquisite displays of craftsmanship: Razifa i'Vipere of Magnagora (a ritualistic journal of enamelled steel), Eliron Shee-Slaugh of Glomdoring (a corrupted tower shield), Hesper Devarajah of Magnagora (a harrowing game of Divine chess), Lief Myeras-Silvermoon of Serenwilde (a porcelain tea cup furcated with gold), and Mellihymnia Shee-Slaugh of Glomdoring (a blue clay teaset riddled with cracks and fissures on one side).

As the victorious designers celebrated their winnings, the Avenger had one final warning. With the Seal of Beauty restored, one task was left before the Basin: the Final Trial.

"Ready yourselves, mortals," He proclaimed. "For if we can count upon one thing, it is this: Ghani n'Rotri will not allow us to succeed without a fight. This Ascension is no longer about a contest between you. It is no longer about who can conquer the other Communes and Cities. This Ascension, we fight an enemy from beyond your organisations. Do not forget this. Do not forget the depth of what we face. If you remember but one thing as we move into the Trial, remember this: the Creatrix is afraid."

Penned by My hand on the 9th of Roarkian, in the year 497 CE.