The races and tribes of Nitor - Part 4 - The ascendants · 7:42pm Apr 27th, 2020
Author's notes: Running a bit behind on the writing thing due to the end of semester crunch and having to scrap a large part of what I had written because it felt janky. So, to tide everyone over until I can carve out some time to write, here's the last bit of information on the races and tribes of Nitor: the chosen ascendants of each Centaur.
Spoiler Warning: The identities of the ascendants not yet revealed in either the main story or the original short story will be covered with spoiler boxes. While I don't consider it too spoilery to reveal their identities at this point, I understand if some might want to be surprised. So if you don't want to know who the ascendants are before they're revealed in story, you've been warned. Also, I ask that if you want to comment on the unrevealed ascendants, please use spoiler boxes so as not to ruin the surprise.
Now, on with the show.
Ascendants: The ascendants are members of the sun-gazer, night-weaver, or shadow-stalker that have been granted a special boon by one of the servitor races of one of the centaurs. Ascendants arise from the ranks of the other three tribes, though the exact process varies by race. As a consequence of their ascension, the ascendant gains the powers of all three tribes, but sacrifices their original tribe in the process, losing the unique features of each to become something new. In addition to their power, ascendants are ageless immortals, capable of living for centuries, but are still susceptible to violent death, disease and poisoning. The ascendants represent all three aspects (mind, spirit, body) of the tribes, forming what many scholars refer to as the balance or synthesis of the tribes.
Common qualities of all ascendants:
- Enhanced strength, dexterity and hardy physique
- Healing factor (heal at a rapid rate, and can recover from trauma that would usually be fatal. Cannot regenerate lost limbs, but can reattach severed limbs if they hold it to the stump. Decapitation is always fatal, as is severe trauma that damages most of the vital organs of the body)
- Cloud walking and shaping
- Access to powers and qualities of all three tribes, as well as their specialized magic.
- Ageless - once an ascendant reaches its physical prime, they stop aging, and will not die of old age.
- Sterility - All ascendants are completely sterile and cannot carry/sire children.
- Authoritative aura - As an ascendant grows older, their authority grows stronger. After two centuries, they can project this authority as an aura around themselves. Those inside the aura are subjected to a feeling of being subdued by the ascendant's authority.
Phoenix-born: the ascendant race of the sun-gazers, phoenix-born are bonded to a special type of phoenix known as a royal phoenix, the direct offspring of the phoenix queen Lumina. Unlike wild phoenixes, when a royal phoenix hatches, its inner flame will instinctively seek out a sun-gazer child between the age of ten and fourteen with the strongest, purest inner flame within the vicinity. Once chosen, the proto phoenix-born must touch the hatchling to cement the bond, upon which time the inner flame of both will become permanently intertwined. Phoenix-born are expected to assume positions of leadership within the Solarian hierarchy, be it martial or governmental.
Powers of the phoenix-born
- Minor geokinesis allows them to draw power from the earth to recover their inner fire faster. Only works during the day.
- Wingless flight
- Near total immunity to fire and heat (solar level flames or balefire bypass this defense)
- Hair composed of living flame that can be formed into prehensile tendrils that can be used to grasp objects. Normally, the flame is only slightly warm to the touch, but can become hot enough to liquefy platinum at will.
- Familiar bond with a phoenix - the phoenix-born and their bond partner share their inner flame, and life energy. The two can communicate telepathically, and share their senses or thoughts. The latter is a voluntary action, and does not occur unless both parties want to.
The two are fate bonded, meaning if one dies, so does the other. There are two exceptions:
- one, when first chosen, if the phoenix-born doesn’t touch the phoenix, the former can die without the death of the latter, and the phoenix will choose again from any potential candidates.
- The second is when the phoenix is undergoing its rebirth cycle. While it is regenerating, the phoenix-born loses all of their phoenix powers, and revert to their original tribe.
- Sterility - Phoenix-born are completely sterile and cannot conceive or sire children. The exception to this is when their bond-mates are undergoing a rebirth cycle, and they revert to their mortal form, they regain their fertility. However, female phoenix-born lose their fertility when they return to their immortal state, and immediately miscarry any children they’ve conceived. Male phoenix born are capable of siring during their brief return to their mortal form, though the practice is looked down on by Celestia.
The current phoenix born are:
- Royal Senechal Raven Inkwell and her bond partner Dylis: 
Eldest of the living phoenix-born, Queen Celestia's hand and voice, and a teacher par-excellence, Raven Inkwell has served her queen faithfully for over two millennia. Originally serving as a clerk and magic researcher in the Harmonia archives, Raven was thrust into the role of soldier when the Splintering saw the sun-gazers and night-weavers go to war. The only phoenix-born of the original eight to survive the conflict, Raven became the de-facto leader of the sun-gazers as they began the long pilgrimage to find Queen Celestia when Harmony banished her to the far south of Impraecordia, a role she continues to play even after the establishment of Solaria and Heliopolis. Raven has long ago accepted and made peace with the role she now plays, though at times she still longs for the days where she didn't bear the weight of an entire nation on her back.
Dylis, Raven's bondmate, is something of a crotchety old man. A very serious bird, Dylis long ago lost much of the whimsy that he had in his youth, and like his beloved, longs for the days when he could see her smile openly and genuinely for more than a few moments. There are few people that Dylis genuinely likes besides Raven, though he does have a soft spot for his siblings and mother, even if the former drive him to distraction.
Despite her general distaste for violence and combat, Raven is a frighteningly deadly fighter. Her greatest weapon, however, is not her skill in combat, but her mastery of battle spell-dancing. Centuries of practice have honed her ability to refine her flame in combat to the point where she is capable of using the motions of her attacks as a conduit for her flame, allowing her to use her magic while in the midst of battle.
- General Steel Sentry and his bond partner Vestian: 
High commander of the Solarian military and second only to Lady Raven Inkwell in age, General Steel Sentry is a decorated military officer with over 800 years of combat experience. A fierce patriot, Steel Sentry views his country as the pinnacle of culture on Inpraecordia, with Heliopolis and those who hail from her as its apex, and will do whatever he feels is necessary to see it flourish. This has put him into conflict with Lady Inkwell at times, as what he views as best for the nation doesn’t necessarily align with what Raven does.
A genius tactician and strategist, Steel had dedicated his existence towards military and combat excellence. His centuries of experience have given him ample opportunities to perfect his mastery of the art of war. Frighteningly adaptable, Steel readily embraces new magic and technology as it is developed.
Steel's bondmate, Lord Vestian, is much like his partner: a dedicated fighter and connoisseur of battle. Unlike most phoenixes, Vestian has actively developed his species' natural fire abilities beyond their instinctual applications and into a lethally effective combat style, achieving a precision and control unknown outside his mother Queen Lumina. However, unlike his partner, Vestian isn't nearly as uptight, and wishes that Steel would relax every so often.
In combat, Steel and Vestian work as a frighteningly effective team, coordinating their attacks beyond what their linked minds should allow, second only to Raven and Dylis.
- Archduchess Roseluck and her bond partner Amara: 
Ruler of the Eastern Territory, Roseluck is much like her namesake: beautiful, elegant, while bearing sharp prickles. At just over six-hundred years old, Roseluck still retains an exuberance and joy for life that is often lacking in her fellow immortals. This has given her the reputation of being somewhat eccentric both among her fellow phoenix-born, and the nobility of Solaria. That suits the archduchess just fine, because it means she's living by her own rules. As an archduchess, Roseluck is a fairly hands-off ruler, prefering to allow the mortal residents of the Eastern Territory to manage their day to day lives, treating her governance like tending her gardens: carefully pruning and shaping things so they stay healthy, removing weeds and unhealthy elements to keep things growing well, but otherwise letting her precious flowers grow as they will.
Roseluck's passion has always been gardening, even before her ascension. After joining with Amara, her love of plants has only become stronger, with almost the entirety of her estate in Rose's Blossom occupied by acres of her carefully curated botanical treasures. As a lover of plants of almost all shapes and forms, Roseluck has often accomplished feats of horticulture not thought possible, including domesticating such dangerous plants as phlume, razor-thorn vines, perathet, and poison-joke.
Roselucks's bondmate, Amara, is much more down to earth than her somewhat quirky partner, and often has the unenviable task of trying to reign in Roseluck's more eclectic impusles, and can come off as the more mature of the two at times. However, she's still a phoenix, and has her playful side.
While a capable fighter, neither Roseluck or Amara care for violence, and treat combat as a last resort. Instead, Roseluck is the one who often plays the role of ambassador or diplomat for Solaria. Among her greatest accomplishments, she was instrumental in bringing both the Kirintal and the Selkies into the Solar Alliance. Despite her loathing of violence, both Roseluck and Amara know that as pheonix-born and phoenix, they are required to fight for Solaria's protection, a fact that was driven home during the Skellweb Crisis, a decade long conflict that devastated the Eastern Territory. It was during this protracted war against D'compose that Roseluck was forced to develop her personal battle amps: Thorn and Phlume's Kiss, as well as the particularly vicious form of battle magic known as life-burn.
- Commander Spitfire and her bond partner Akari: 
At just over 300 years old, Spitfire is the second youngest of the phoenix-born. Born to a moderately prestigous military family, the commander is brash, competitive, and more than a little abrasive. As the leader of the Heliopolan ray of Radia, Spitfire rules over the largest community of sky-runners in the great city, as well as personally commanding of the most elite of the elite military units in all of Solaria: the Sky-strikers. A fierce patriot and a dazzlingly effective military leader, Spitfire's love for her country is matched only by her love of flying and fighting along side her soldiers. To her Sky-strikers, Spitfire is a curious mixture of commanding officer, drinking buddy, drill sergeant, and team mom: Spitfire will run her Sky-strikers ragged, but then go out with them for ale and cards afterwards. To those outside the Sky-strikers, Spitfire is far less pleasant. Much like her commanding officer, General Steel Sentry, Spitfire holds non-Heliopolans in a degree of contempt, a view not helped by how easily the Easter Territory was overrun during the War of Storms.
Spitfire had dedicated herself to the perfection of both the art of war and her mastery of flight. Exceptionally competitive, Spitfire lives to push her limits, be they physical, mental or spiritual. To Spitfire, an obstacle isn't something to fear, but a challenge to overcome.
Spitfire's bond-mate, Akari, while just as competitive as her partner, is not nearly as aggressive, and often tries to rein-in her phoenix-born. That said, Akari does love a good scrap, and like her older brother Vestian, has spent years perfecting her combat skills.
In battle, Spitfire naturally prefers to attack from the sky, where her speed grants her an enormous advantage. A master of aerial warfare, the commander has readily embraced new technologies that can augment her combat efficiency. Combined with her mastery of fire and air elemental magic, the commander is a terrifying foe indeed.
- Archduchess Sunset Shimmer and her bond partner Philomena: The youngest and most recently ascended phoenix-born, Sunset’s rise has thrown a serious wrench in the plans of the current Heliopolan elite. Sunset has found herself thrust into a mine laden whirlpool after her ascension and assignment to the Western Territory by the Queen. Sunset does not enjoy this position, and would prefer to practice artificing instead, but her loyalty to the Queen means she’s unwilling to shirk her duties. Fortunately for her, the Western Territory is fairly independent. Unfortunately for her, her appointment has made her home a target for the Heliopolan nobility, leaving her constantly having to deal with them and their machinations.
Star-singer: the ascendant race of the night-weavers, star-singers are bonded to a moon wolf. Star-singers are born when Ceridwen, the alpha of the moon wolves, feels that one of her children is worthy of being joined with a night-weaver. When this occurs, Luna will hold a competition among the best and brightest of her night-weavers. On the appointed night, the prospective night-weavers gather in Night’s Song in the Cathedral of Stars, and engage in a mass chorus to draw Ceredwin’s favor. Should the song meet Ceridwen’s approval, she will draw the three night-weaves she deems most deserving into the Moonlight Labyrinth, where they will be tested by the alpha. Should the night-weaver in question meet her approval and that of the wolf pup, she will allow them to form a bond, transforming the night-weaver into a star-singer, before returning them to the mortal realm.
Powers of the star-singers
- Minor geokinesis allows them to draw power from the earth to refill their soul pool faster. Only works at night.
- Large luna-moth wings and natural levitation allow for rapid flight. Wings are fairly tough, but can be damaged. Damaged wings eventually heal. Wing damage limits maneuverability, but not the ability to fly due to their natural levitation.
- Diminutive size - star-singers shrink to ca. 35cm tall upon their metamorphosis.
- Perfect night-vision
- Dweomer dust produced by their wings - dust acts as a sort of magical chaff, disrupting and deflecting hostile magical energy sent at the star-singer. Can also be used to scramble detection magic cast at the star-singer. The dust can also be used offensively; by flapping their wings rapidly, the star-singer can launch the dust, creating a cloud that disrupts magic, in addition to the effect being caught in a high-speed dust cloud.
- Familiar bond with a moon wolf - the star-singer and their bond partner share their soul-pool, and life energy. The two can communicate telepathically, and share their senses or thoughts. The latter is a voluntary action, and does not occur unless both parties want to.
- The two are fate bonded, meaning if one dies, so does the other.
The current star-singers are:
- Time Turner and his bond partner Chronos: The most enigmatic of the star-singers, nobody is sure exactly when Time Turner ascended, or what his goals are. All that is known is that of all the star-signers, he is the most reclusive, only appearing when he says his intervention is needed. Belonging to no guild, and existing outside of the Selenian hierarchy entirely, Time Turner wields spell-songs that are beyond the ken even the most advanced night-weaver arcanists.
- Braumeisterin Berry Punch and her bond partner Dionysus: A gleeful and merry soul, Berry Punch is a connoisseur of her guild’s products. Having spent centuries mastering the art of beverage making, including alcoholic beverages, Berry Punch is highly regarded by both her peers and Selenia as a whole, with many of the most elite not considering any gathering complete without one of her signature liquors or wines. Jolly as she is, Berry Punch takes her job seriously, and woe-betide any member of her guild who dares to submit sub-par product for her to test, lest they end up on the receiving end on an hours long diatribe about the proper strain of yeast, length of fermentation, and frequency of their spell songs needed to get their blackberry wine just right.
- Nahtmeisterin Prim Hemline and her bond partner Amanta: Considered one of the greatest seamstresses in history, Prim Hemline is a night-weaver of great skill and aptitude. As a member of the couture guild, Prim Hemline’s opinion can make or break a young designer’s career. Knowing the power she wields, Prim Hemline is judicious with her words and actions, ensuring that her guild continues to innovate, while respecting the art itself. Prim rarely involves herself directly in her guild’s affairs, instead offering lessons to aspiring designers that she sees potential in.
- Meistersängerin Songbird Serenade and her bond partner Avalee: Much beloved and widely praised, Songbird Serenade is a guiding member of the entertainers guild. Born blind, Songbird gained renown not only for her beautiful voice and her aptitude at song, but developing her own, unique form of “sight” through echolocation. Even after bonding with Avalee, Songbird prefers to rely on her “song” to see the world, rather than her partner’s senses. With her enhanced hearing, and perfect pitch, Songbird’s performances can bring even the most hardened soldiers to tears, or lift the spirit of the most heartbroken soul.
(Credit goes to the ever amazing Must Love Frogs for putting the idea of S.S. being blind in my head)
- Chorleiterin Sapphire Shores and her bond partner Isis: Leader of the Chorus of Stars and Queen Luna’s right hand woman, Sapphire Shores has held her position for as long as she through a combination of her aptitude at leadership, a discerning and refined eye for the potential in others, and her great ability as a spell-singer. Second only to Time Turner in age, Sapphire Shores sees herself as the protector of Selenia, her people, and their culture. She tries to maintain a friendly, warm and pleasant relationship with her fellow night-weavers, but can be ruthless when need be.
- Magierin Twilight Sparkle and her bond partner Spike: The newest star-singer, Twilight Sparkle is not what most Selenian’s imagine when thinking of one of the ascendants. Nerdy, timid, soft spoken, and shy, few expected the young scholar to earn her metamorphosis. Yet, behind that introverted demeanor, rests a mind that thirsts endlessly for knowledge, and a will to overcome any problem put in her path. Still new to her ascension, Twilight is now learning to navigate the ever expanding minefield of her place in guild politics, and in the Chorus of Stars.
Umbrum: chosen of the fallen centaur King Sombra, the umbrum are widely regarded as among the most dangerous beings born of Harmony on Nitor. Umbrum, unlike the other ascendants, are chosen directly by Sombra himself, and are created not by bonding to a servitor being, but by removing their vital force and binding it to an umbrum crystal. Once the process is complete, the crystal is able to manifest a physical body composed of living shadow indistinguishable from of their original bodies to act in the world. Sombra is judicious with his blessing, and will only have three umbrum at a time.
Powers of the umbrum
- Minor geokinesis allows them to passively draw life energy from the world around them. This power only works when the umbrum is standing in shadows.
- Shadow walking - can teleport by entering and exiting shadows.
- Wingless flight
- Shadow form - Umbrum can dissolve their avatar bodies back into living shadows. In this state, they’re indistinguishable from normal shadows, and are immune to non-magical harm, but cannot interact physically with the world in turn. They can also manifest as a formless mass of solid shadow, allowing them to interact with the physical world, but opening themselves up to physical damage.
- Ageless - once an umbrum's soul is removed from their body, they cannot die of old age.
Bonded to an umbrum crystal - all umbrum have had their souls removed from their bodies and placed into an umbrum crystal, where they can manifest an avatar body composed of living shadow that takes the form of their original body at its prime. Should the umbrum’s avatar body be killed, their mind will be drawn back to the crystal, where it will eventually manifest a new body. Regenerating their body takes over a year’s time, and if the crystal is destroyed before they can recover, the umbrum is killed for good.
- These shadow bodies are not bound to the crystal, and can move freely without them. Umbrum keep their crystals in secure locations within the shadow-stalker’s territory, making them very difficult to reach, let alone find.
- Umbrum, lacking a true physical body, do not need to eat, sleep, or breath. Their shadow avatars, while still vulnerable to poison and disease, are purged of their effects if they enter their shadow forms.
- Umbrum avatar bodies do not cast shadows.
The current umbrum are:
- Radiant Hope of the spectres: Ancient beyond measure, and devoted to the protection of her people, Radiant Hope is one of the oldest living beings on Nitor. Once Prince Umbra’s lover, she followed the prince into the shadows, and now serves as the leader of the umbrum. A master of life-energy magic, Radiant is both a deadly battle-mage, and possibly the greatest healer known on Nitor. Despite her elevated position, Radiant Hope is a gentle, kind soul, particularly towards her people.
- Mi Amore Cadenza of the wisps: Youngest of the umbrum, Cadenza, or Cadance as she prefers, earned her place among the ascendants when she saved her band from an ambush by the Skystrikers when they were forced to travel close to the Solarian border. To the astonishment of her people, young Cadance managed to fend off the attackers long enough for her people to escape. Mortally wounded, Cadance would have perished had Sombra not found her worthy and drawn her soul through the shadows and bound it within an umbrum crystal.
-Rockhoof of the shades: A towering mountain of muscle, Rockhoof has served Sombra as the shield and spear of the shadow-stalkers for centuries. Dispatched by the king when a problem must be removed at all cost, or when a position must be held, Rockhoof prides himself not just on his prowess as a warrior, but on his unwavering determination. Wielding his enchanted spade, Rockhoof has earned the feared and respected nickname “The Shovel Knight”.
The phoenix-born losing their powers while their partner regenerates can definitely make for some interesting storytelling.
Unfortunately for the nobility, this has made them a target for Sunset Shimmer.
Ah, the singers would have wolves. Makes sense to me.
I have several questions about the Moonlight Labyrinth. You can't introduce additional planes of existence without piquing my curiosity.
... Can't say I was expecting that. I don't suppose a pair of twin star-singers act as heralds to a giant moth who fights with/against a radioactive dinosaur?
Venomoth used Silver Wind!
The screwdriver was just the beginning.
Ah. Prim's immortal and Rarity's on the night side. I think I can see where this is going.
I can always appreciate a good bit of Frog-based headcanon.
... I somehow managed to completely miss the connection between canine bond partners and Spike until I got to Twilight's entry. Just a reminder that Derpy is my spirit animal.
Oh joy, umbrum are basically liches.
Of course Radiant Hope still stands by Sombra and the umbrum.
Cadence comes as a much bigger surprise. And has a backstory I'd expect of an Abyssal Exalt.
And Rockhoof raises interesting questions about the other Pillars. And how many other themed knights he may or may not have fought.
Fascinating stuff throughout. Thanks for it.
There is less ascendants than I expected. How often ascensions happen?
And a silly question. Would Discord make an ascendant or avatar of his own? Or would it be too orderly for him? There is at least one energetic person that would handle chaos magic. (Two if counting her future partner.)
5251340
Yeah, wanted to also comment that. It makes Star-singer look a little... silly.
And speaking of Derpy. Would she be Doctor's descendant or lovely assistant?
Wait wait wait...
Does that mean *all* the Star-Singers are teeni-tiny, or that they can shrink at will?
5251340
Well, yes. If they'd just leave her alone and let her work on her artificing in peace, they wouldn't have to worry about all of the awful things that keep happening to their attempts to expand into the west.
All I'll say at this point is that the Moonlight Labyrinth is a test not just of the mind, but of the soul, and what one faces in the labyrinth reflect what's in one's heart.
Sadly no. But, on the plus side, think about how cute and tiny Twilight is going to be! Especially since she's based on Sci-Twi.
Let's just say that there's a reason that Luna lets him act as autonomously as he does.
Yea…pretty much.
Well, recall that Meadowbrook was the first phoenix born.
Umbrum being liches is interesting, and though it's clear both the Phoenix Born and Umbrum have some sort of weakness, being stuck in a crystal for a year if they are 'killed' and loosing their status briefly while their bond partner is rebirthing respectively, there doesn't seem to be a weakness for the Moon-moths. Granted... I think a star-owl would have been pretty cool too. Twilight and Owlowlicious.
5251357
Ascensions are pretty rare, maybe once every 100-200 years. And as mentioned, ascendants are ageless, not invulnerable. As the most powerful members of their nations, they're often on the front lines for their defense against the biggest threats that arise. A rampaging elder linnorm is attacking northern settlements? Chances are one of the phoenix-born is going to be dispatched to aid in stopping it.
Neither Discord or Grogar have ascendants per se, as neither of them have had contact with the mortal world since the end of the chaos war and Harmony's vigil began. Rather, the chaos has infected Nitor, and occasionally will reach out and corrupt parts of the world, creating chaos-spawn. Some chaos-spawn, like moorgaunts, arise by chance under specific circumstances when something has a brush with an aspect of chaos (moorgaunts are more tightly linked with Grogar than Discord). Others are directly infected with the chaos, and become unique monstrosities. These creatures are far rarer, are frighteningly powerful, but are also ephemeral, as such raw chaos consumes and burns out the life of its host. Most of these true chaos-spawn live for, at most, twenty years before being consumed.
I understand where you're coming from, but, hear me out.
In Selenian society, their size is a statement of their status. Consider: they're tiny, but have enormous status and prestige for passing through the Moonlight Labyrinth and earning the respect of Ceridwen. For the meritocratic Selenians, that's an enormous achievement. Despite being at a considerable physical disadvantage (they may be proportionally very strong, but they're still physically tiny), they are effectively at the top of the Selenian food chain. And, on top of that, their magic is so powerful that they don't really need physicality to function (recall that night-weaver magic is good at controlling kinetic force and energy. i.e. telekinesis). Most star-singers, while they do not ignore physical activity, don't need to do it to do their daily lives.
Now, why would Luna want those that could easily be looked down on as leasers because of some perceived inadequacy be the rulers over those who might assume that they're above them? Again, consider the symbolism here: a star-singer is maybe about 1/5th the size of your average night-weaver. Yet, they're effectively the ruling caste, have magic power that makes their physical disadvantage negligible, and have overcome a trial given by a direct subordinate of their goddess.
5251365
They're all tiny (35cm is just over 1ft tall). Even if they wanted to use magic to grow bigger, size altering magic is the realm of the sun-gazers (transmutation and enchanting).
5251372
The biggest weakness that star-singers have is their size. They are at a considerable physical disadvantage, because while their magic does allow them to function, they still live in a world of giants. And while they're durable for their size, they're still physically delicate compared to a larger humanoid.
As for Owlowicious, he may not be Twilight's bond partner, but that doesn't mean I don't have plans for him.
Guessed Radiant would be one of Sombras ascendents. Cadence was a surprise.
As others have mentioned, the tiny moon people are kinda odd. Really dislike that concept.
can sombra revoke an umbrum's status if they begin to act in a way contrary to his designs say....if one of them starts to become freindly with the solarians or selenians? (like for real and not just as a ploy to some greater end) or is he just SOL at that point and has to depend on the other two to... 'correct' the problem in a more direct maner.
5251588
I'm sorry to hear that the idea of the star-singers' size is so off putting. But, I hope that when I get to the Selenian side of things, you'll be willing to at least give it a try. I know the idea seems odd, but I think it does have story potential.
5251616
He can, by yanking the soul out of the crystal. If he does that, the shadow avatar immediately dissolves and the umbrum is permanently slain. That said, Sombra does not do so lightly, and is usually willing to allow the umbrum in question a chance to atone before he metes out such punishments.
5251588
don't be hatin on the flutterpony people dawg.
*snicker*
sorry couldnt resist
5251625
huh, shame could have resulted in a fairly interesting charicter arc at some point but of all 3 of the centaurs sombra is likely the most set in his ways, luna and celestia will likely make up long before the king of shadows concedes that they may have had a point all those years ago
at least thats what i gather from everything ilve learned about the lore so far.
5251628
Well, breezies and flutterponies were the inspiration for the star-singers, so…
5251629
I'll just say that the situation is more complicated than the Solarian or Selenian legends portray.
also now that i think about it this brings to mind the 'if its posible one way' idea...makes me wonder if a person or group was willing to put in the effort and time if there are ways thru magical means to replicate the ascendency effect in a more...personal way...the umbrum sure that one would be easy the resulting 'false' umbrum would likely be something aproaching a lich
of the 3 its most likely to happen with id say the star singers, after all with luna's people valuing personal acheivment so highly the thought of going so far as to by ones own merit alone with no outside aid divine or otherwise become the equal of an ascendent would be something they would likely find a very apealing idea dont yout hink?
5251464
I hear you. Just, can't shake off that image of tiny Twilight riding on Spike's back. Be it cute puppy or dangerous looking hellhound. Both adorable but also from diffrent genre.
And for convenience :
Braumeisterin- Master Brewer
Nahtmeisterin- Seamstress
Meistersängerin- Master Singer
Chorleiterin- Choir Director
Magierin- Magician
6 years of learning German and can't say or understand even a simpliest sentence. But those titles sounds cool. Also reminds me of my other favourite MLP/EQG story "Friendship Souls"
5251632
Sounds like it. His Umbrum are the most moral and kindest people in the show, so he can't be that if he made them his champions. And Rockhoof is an epitome of boisterous bruiser. Wonder if Pillars had history in this universe? Would interesting on it's own.
How long does a Phoenix rebirth last?
I'm guessing not that long since any female Ascendants instantly miscarry.
5251822
An hour at most. Recall that in the show, Phillomena was reborn within minutes when she finally immolated, and from Celestia's comments to her, it sounds like she was prolonging her ashed state to mess with Flutters. Most are over fairly quickly, 5-10 minutes at most, but the phoenix can prolong it if the wish. They just usually don't because it leaves them and their bond-mates vulnerable.
5251733
That's fair. All I ask is that you give it and me a chance when the time comes.
Regarding Umbra/Sombra's story, it's one that I hope to tell eventually.
5251835
I'm sorry. Just wanted to get off that of my chest. It's probably one of these situations where people are sceptical and end up loving the concept. Like Alicorn Twilight and possibly entire EQG spin-off. Besides it's your story. You'll do what you think is for the best.
Thank you for the info blog.
5251953
Hey, no worries. I understand that its an odd concept for something that's been more or less a political drama up until this point. Heck, when AliTwi was first introduced, I was skeptical as all get-out, so I know the feeling.
Thanks for this, I love this kind of background information. And thanks for the spoiler tags, I know I personally want as clean a reading as I can get when we get to the Selenian story. Heck, or just to the introduction of one or two of them as part of a political briefing later in this story. Even with as tense as relations are, quick information about one's "counterparts" seems like it'd be standard information to me. Likewise with the eventual introduction to the Umbrum.
Quick note, you mention that if the crystal is destroyed while they're stuck regenerating in it, an Umbrum dies. Is it instant death or reversion to mortality if the same happens when they're not stuck in it?
5252038
Of course. I try to be mindful of that sort of thing.
Regarding the umbrum, if the umbrum's crystal is destroyed while the umbrum is active, their soul is freed and their avatar dissolves into lifeless shadow. Essentially, the umbrum is the crystal once joined, while the avatar is merely a way for it to interact with the material world.
The reason that it's usually inadvisable to attack an umbrum crystal when the avatar is active is that once the umbrum detects something approaching the crystal, they can instantly call their avatar back to defend themselves. Or simply begin using their life-energy consuming abilities to create a kill-zone around their crystal, and use the stolen life energy to fuel their magic. Attacking while the umbrum is regenerating is much safer because the umbrum is effectively unconcious while they regenerate, so they can't retaliate as easily.
5252183
Gotcha, thanks. Makes sense.
Can Moon Wolf talk? Like verbally communicate, besides telepathic communication with their Star-singer?
5252702
I haven't decided yet, but probably not. At least, not without external magical aid. But, like phoenixes, they are intelligent, and can communicate nonverbally.
5252717
Hope Spike will get his voice somehow. The world where people can hear his quick witt, sane logic and words of encouragement is... it's just sadder world.
can someone tell me wich of the hidden star-singer is Twilight? I don't want to be spoiled the others.
5267087
Twilight's covered in the final block in the star-singer's section
5267092
Thank you!
Interesting. The fairy transformation thing (in my opinion, obviously) sucks though, especially when the others remain relatively the same as they were, just upgraded. Looking at the abilities gained, it looks like (pardon the pun) the star-singers drew the short straw. Anti-magic fairy dust? Not bad. Ageless doggo friend? Great. But they don't nearly make up for being shrunk down to 35cm (about 13.8 inches) in a world made for people nearly 5 times their size. Kinda feel bad for Twilight. Being that small probably makes reading a total hassle.
5274528
That's understandable, but, let me give a bit of context. Star-singers, despite their tiny size, are revered among the night-weavers. Because Selenia is so meritocratic, and managing to pass through the Moonlight Labyrinth is basically the ultimate achievement, if they want something made to their scale, they can get it easily. They want furniture, flatware, homes, clothes etc. made for them? Every Selenian artisan worth their salt would be clamoring to make it for them, because getting the approval of a star-singer gets you a heck of a lot of clout. And, because star-singers are so magically potent, they're easily more than capable of using things like telekinesis to operate stuff scaled up to "normal" size.
And, think about the message it sends. Star-singers are tiny, yet they've reached the highest achievement that any Selenian can. Meaning, those that are larger than them are expected to obey them.
5274541
I guess I just can't get over the drastic transformation. Status or not, they're still tiny in a world built for significantly larger people. Not only that, but that status and catering seems like it would only extend as far as Selenia. It's just hard for me to see it as a good thing at all. 13.8 inches, that's just over a foot tall, or about the size of a Barbie doll. In a world so much larger than them, they're basically helpless without their magic. The fairy transformation is one thing one its own, but when compared to the other two, it just really falls short and seems really underwhelming, especially when the other two are their enemies.
I dunno. I guess I was just hoping for something cool for Twilight and getting turned into a fairy is just, well, I think it kinda sucks.
5274595
That's fair. I hope that when the time comes, you'll at least give me a chance to convince you that it's not a bad thing.
I would like to present something that actually made me think that the star-singer's size wouldn't be super detrimental in combat.
5274677
I'd love to say I'd be sticking around that long, since I've really enjoyed this story so far, what I've seen of this world you've created it, and it's one of the few I'm following right now that's actually updating. Unfortunately, I just don't see that happening. I'd love to stick around a while, but I just really don't know, since sticking around longer is just gonna make me get more attached and even more disappointed when I inevitably bail. =( It probably seems ridiculous, but it really does bother me that much. I even disliked the episode with the breezies, and that was just a temporary thing. The idea of it being a permanent thing for one of my favorite characters just really turns me off. =(
5274717
Again, that's fair. While I'm sorry to hear that, I can respect that you're sticking to what you know you like and dislike. I hope that you'll at least hang with me until Sunset's ascension completes, since that could be considered a single story arc. If not, thank you for reading my work, and I hope that if I do something else in the future outside Nitor and the Splintered Sky, you'll be willing to give it a shot.
Maybe check out a few of my earlier stories if you like my writing style. Here's the one that I'm most proud of:
- MLP: FiM
- Equestria Girls
- Destiny
- Dark
- Adventure
- Tragedy
Sometimes, when the pain is too great and you cry out to the darkness, the Darkness just might reply.5274723
I was planning on at least finishing out this arc. Interested in seeing if or how things differ from the short version.
I'd check out some of your other stuff, but stories with suicide and tragedy (along with other similar tags) are things I try to avoid, regardless of the medium or genre (television, documentaries, fiction, video games, etc.) for various reasons.
5274734
Thank you. And, in that case, I hope to at least give you a send off that you enjoy.
5251464
If ascensions happen every 100-200 years, did the other Phoenix-Born's die rather quickly or were there just no ascensions in between?
5351176
That's actually an old set of numbers from the early drafts. Its closer to 300-400 years between Lumina having a new child and sparking the creation of a new Phoenix-born.
5351201
Ah, alright then that makes more sense.
First, I love how different the three types of immortals are, makes it so much more interesting than just having them be carbon copies with different color schemes. I'm guessing the Star-Singers are much tougher than they appear if Raven was the only Phoenix-Born to survive the war (would not be surprised if underestimating them got a least one Phoenix-born killed).
Also if Twilight is already friends with Rarity and Fluttershy, I'm assuming she is, then along with respect I would imagine they would both find her to be adorable.
5750427
Star-singers are relatively tough, though still fragile given their size. The trick is getting at them in the first place. One magic that spell-song is very good at creating are defensive spells, as well as gravity and kinetic manipulation. Plus, their small size and speed makes them hard to hit. And they're rarely without their bondmate, and fighting a moon-wolf is no joke since they're about the size of a large dire wolf.
I've yet to decide whether Twilight is going to be friends with Rare and Flutters before or after her ascension.
Personaly the star-singers being small don't really bother me but I am a huge SunLight shipper si you can see why i have troubles with this concept 🤣.
5777967
I'm right there with ya for being a SunLight shipper. Probably my favorite pairing (RariJack is a close second).
Truthfully, I don't see the size difference being the biggest (heh) issue. The biggest issue is they and their bondmates would try to kill the other pair the moment they met, considering just how much bad blood there is between the two Centaurs and their people. That said, nothing's off the table with how the story develops, so there's that.
In the wise words of the Great and Powerful TRIXIE !!! : DETAILS.
Plus every couples have their bad moment.
Bright Mac and Pear Butter had the feud, Cranky and Matilda had the wrong dates and Shining and Cadence had their baby (and an invasion of emotivore shapeshifters too i suppose), them wanting to kill each other will be just a funny memory later.