What does it mean, to transcend?
Does it mean to rise up, to better oneself? Does it mean to evolve into something more perfect? Something beautiful and almost godlike?
Or does it mean to simply take the next evolutionary step? Not perfect, but getting a little closer? It is a process that goes on, but it usually can only be observed in the beliefs of a society. Very rarely is it witnessed via a physical transcendence. A rarity that is possessed by The Windigos.
Fantastical creatures of legends, these were of a mighty Empire. They transcended the laws of nature, shifting their forms from one of matter to one of energy. Achieving an incorporeal form was one of great sacrifice, but also of great reward.
Windflight belonged to an ancient species of Equus, the Crystalline. The ancestors to the Crystal Ponies, but unlike them where their coats glistened a pretty shine, the Crystalline were crystal itself. The most telltale sign was easily the crystals that would jut out of the bodies. The hooves, the chest, the head. One might suppose that they were painful, but for the Crystalline, they were as natural as the horn of a unicorn.
In addition, the Crystalline were the embodiment of great magic. Unlike the Alicorns of the the neighboring Kingdom Ellysia, they were not wielders of magic, they were conduits for it. No horn needed, just focus and will, plus strength.
So... Was it any wonder that one would discover how to have his body altered by the magic?
Some say he made a deal with demons. Others believed it was sheer will alone. Regardless, Windflight's transformation was of great success, and could not have come at a better time. War ravaged Ellysia, and was affecting the neighboring lands. Starvation ravaged the Crystalline's home, but the King was too stubborn, or perhaps afraid, of the change that lead them down a dark path. But others would rather risk the unknown than the sure death of continuing on their present state.
Henceforth, Windflight made his cult, his tribe, his empire itself.
When the ash settled, and few survivors from the wrath of war were left standing, they gazed with terror at who had ultimately managed to survive in the end.
A new species, of wind itself, of ice and crystals themselves. Cold to the touch, impossible to hurt, immune to everything except the hottest of flames, and that too could be withstood by the strongest of them all.
The Windigo Empire had emerged in a bountiful world, just ripe for the taking.