Histories of the Homeworld

The Ascension

29,000:1-2:2 (-20,998)

	It is often wondered by the many duracoix races that have come under the servitude and culture of the Empire what is meant when we speak of the Ascension.  That is to say, what was it that occurred to be labeled as Ascension?  

	There are two ways to answer this particular question.  First, one could focus on the few years in which the major events occurred, during which the Second Age began.  Those who see the Ascension as a single event often claim it was when Arack, appointed as the first Autarch after the Terror Wars, taught his people of the city above, and infused the people with the basis of the Hrak’Shyia.  Furthermore, the first physical manifestation was that at some point in this time, children began being born with abnormal growths protruding from their rear lower shoulders.  We know these now to have been the first wings of our people.  

	In time, Arack explained the gift given to our people and that the younger generations would need to be taught the wisdom of our people.  Only then would the Ascension be complete.  Arack, it is said, maintained the ability to fly, though he himself bore no wings.  

	But to look at Ascension as a whole, one has to look at a much broader time period.  Personally, I hold that the Ascension began when the Great Wordquake occurred.  Logically thinking, every event that occurred up to Ascension was set into motion by this single cataclysmic event.  And yet, out of such catastrophe, came such glory.  

	The aspects of the Ascension that people most remember are the matters stated above and therefore, that is what is explained to most duracoix that ask.  But to you exarches, I wish to have explained a more complete story.  

	Our people were taught of the Old Ones and the Hrak’Shyia by Arack, who was enlightened by some unknown presence.  As a reward for our comprehension, we were bestowed with wings with which we may take to the skies and begin to learn more of the Old Ones and their legacies.  

	The beginning of the Second Age is marked with our people, now Aracoix, locating once again the arial city of Tu’Shah, the great city of crystal and dolomite left afloat by the Old Ones.  Had it been there before the Great Worldquake?  We would never know.  The ancient city still exists today, and is the seat of the Autarch and her council.  In these times, it is a center for the military might of the Empire, but in the days of the Second Age, even after the great Aeries were constructed, it was a center for knowledge.  It was here that the first Savants founded the Aracean Academy.  Originally an institute for Hrak’Shyia philosophies, it has ever expanded over the ages to include studies in war, strategy, art, music, architecture, and psychology.

	The Ascension, whether viewed as an event or as a period of time, displays the forward advancement of the Aracoix.  The principles of the Hrak’Shyia and the gift of flight would alter our ways forever.