Stellar Ascension

Stellar ascension represents one of the most profound and dangerous transformative processes known to magical science, through which mortal beings attempt to transcend their physical forms to become cosmic entities capable of existing within the void between stars. Unlike the more controlled Attendant's Metamorphosis, stellar ascension requires the complete dissolution and reconstruction of both body and consciousness on a fundamental level.

The moment of transformation during a stellar ascension ritual, showing the characteristic void-light patterns

Historical Origins

The practice of stellar ascension first emerged during the latter half of the Fourth Chromatic Revolution, when pioneering void mystics discovered ancient texts describing the possibility of transcending mortal form through exposure to specific combinations of void energies. The earliest documented successful ascension was performed by Temprin the Mad, whose groundbreaking work with Voidure Black laid the foundation for modern understanding of the process.

Early attempts at stellar ascension were largely unsuccessful, with mortality rates approaching nearly 100%. The discovery of the Grimoire of Impossible Pigments by researchers at the Meridian Institute of Chromatic Sciences revealed crucial missing elements of the process, including the necessity of crystallized silence as a stabilizing agent during the transformation.

The Ascension Process

The journey toward stellar ascension begins with years of preparation, during which candidates must undergo extensive physical and psychological conditioning. This preparation phase involves gradual exposure to void energies, mastery of advanced void magic techniques, and the development of what practitioners call stellar consciousness, a fundamental shift in perception that allows the mind to comprehend vast cosmic scales.

The actual ascension ritual typically takes place within specially constructed void chambers that have been extensively modified to handle the extreme energetic demands of the process. These chambers must be equipped with multiple layers of anti-resonance chambers and specialized temporal stasis fields to prevent the ritual's effects from spreading beyond the designated area.

During the ritual itself, candidates are suspended in a carefully maintained field of thaumic flux while exposed to precisely measured quantities of Voidure Black. The process requires exact timing and perfect environmental conditions, as even minor fluctuations can result in catastrophic failure. The Department of Chromatic Containment maintains strict oversight of all authorized ascension attempts, requiring multiple layers of safety protocols and emergency containment measures.

Physical and Metaphysical Transformation

A rare photograph capturing the final moments of a successful stellar ascension

The transformation process itself occurs in several distinct phases, each marked by profound changes in the candidate's physical and metaphysical structure. The initial phase involves the complete breakdown of physical matter, as the body is systematically converted into pure energy through interaction with void forces. This phase is particularly dangerous, as the dissolution must occur in perfect balance to prevent the consciousness from being scattered across the void.

During the secondary phase, the candidate's consciousness undergoes a fundamental restructuring, expanding beyond normal spatial and temporal constraints. This expansion is guided by complex void-thread networks established during the preparation phase, which serve as a template for the new cosmic form. The final phase involves the reconstitution of the being as a stellar entity, capable of existing within and manipulating the fundamental forces of space.

Success Rates and Risks

Despite centuries of research and technological advancement, stellar ascension remains one of the most dangerous magical procedures known to exist. The International Council of Chromatic Control reports that even under optimal conditions, the success rate for attempted ascensions rarely exceeds 2%. Failed ascensions can result in a variety of catastrophic outcomes, from complete dissolution of consciousness to the creation of dangerous void anomalies.

Successful ascension candidates typically emerge as entirely new forms of being, often bearing little resemblance to their original mortal selves. These transformed entities, known as Stellar Sovereigns, possess capabilities that defy conventional understanding of physics and magic alike. Their existence serves as both inspiration and warning to those who would follow in their path.

Modern Applications and Research

Contemporary research into stellar ascension focuses primarily on improving safety protocols and understanding the fundamental mechanisms of the transformation process. The Theory of Perpetual Decay has proven particularly valuable in explaining how consciousness can survive the complete dissolution of physical form, while advances in harmonics crystallography have led to improved stability in the containment fields used during the ritual.

The Nullcasters Conclave maintains an extensive database of both successful and failed ascension attempts, using this information to refine their understanding of the process and develop new safety measures. Their work has led to several breakthrough discoveries, including the identification of specific arcane resonance patterns that indicate a candidate's compatibility with the transformation process.

Cultural Impact

The possibility of stellar ascension has profoundly influenced magical society, inspiring countless stories, theories, and philosophical debates about the nature of existence and consciousness. The transformation has become a central theme in various magical traditions, particularly those focused on void magic and cosmic exploration.

Safety Protocols and Regulation

Due to the extreme dangers involved, all stellar ascension attempts must be conducted under the strict supervision of authorized institutions. The Ethics in Chromatic Research committee maintains detailed guidelines for candidate selection, preparation procedures, and emergency containment protocols. Unauthorized attempts at stellar ascension are classified as Class-Ω Restricted activities and carry severe penalties.

See Also

• Laws of Null Thaumaturgy
• Void Realm Manifestation
• Stellar Consciousness Studies

References

• Compendium of Cosmic Transformation
• Archives of the Department of Chromatic Containment
• Stellar Ascension Safety Protocols, 7th Edition
• Chronicles of the Void Walkers