The Ascended

Lore & Background

Long before the rise of modern nations, Shurima was a paradise under the rule of the Ascended. These entities arrived from beyond the stars, bringing with them magic and civilization that elevated humanity to unprecedented heights. They were worshipped as living gods, their will shaping the climate, the geography, and the destiny of the people. The empire flourished for millennia, but the Ascended grew arrogant, viewing mortals as little more than tools or pets rather than equals. The turning point came when a coalition of mortal mages, led by figures who would later be mythologized, realized that true freedom could not exist under divine tyranny. They crafted a weapon capable of piercing the celestial armor of their rulers. In a final, desperate bid for survival, the Ascended fought back with devastating force, but the mages prevailed. The resulting explosion shattered the capital and scattered the gods across the world or into dormancy, leaving behind only ruins and legends.

In Their Own Story

The wind howled across the golden sands of the Sun Disc, carrying whispers of a time when the sky burned with twin suns. A lone figure knelt before the shattered remains of a throne that once held a god. The air shimmered with residual heat, a ghost of the power that had torn the heavens apart centuries ago. 'They are not gone,' the wind seemed to whisper, though no voice spoke. Deep beneath the dunes, something ancient stirred, sensing the return of the sand's master. The stars above seemed to dim in anticipation, as if waiting for the day the fallen would rise again.

Reader's Guide

The Ascended represent a faction of divine origin that once dominated the history of Runeterra, specifically the region of Shurima. Their primary goal was the maintenance of their own supremacy and the subjugation of mortal populations to serve as subjects or resources for their grand designs. While currently fractured and largely inactive due to their defeat by mortal mages, remnants of their influence persist through surviving members like Azir, who seeks to restore his empire. Their role in current conflicts is often indirect, serving as a catalyst for political upheaval or magical anomalies in the desert regions. Key figures include Azir, the Emperor who was betrayed and turned into an undead construct, and others who may have fled or hidden away. The faction's legacy is one of hubris and fallen glory, reminding all of Runeterra that even gods can fall when mortals unite against them.

Did You Know?

• The Ascended were not native to Runeterra but arrived from another dimension or star system.
• Their defeat led to the creation of the Sun Disc ruins which are now a major landmark in Shurima.
• Azir is one of the few known survivors who retained his consciousness and power after the fall.
• The magic used by the Ascended was so advanced it could alter the very fabric of reality.