Celestial

Also known as the Ascended, Celestials are not a biological species born of flesh and blood, but rather an elevation to a higher state of existence. Chosen personally by Melariel from among the greatest heroes or most exceptional souls of Andromeda, these individuals are reborn as demi-goddesses. While they retain the physical features of their previous forms, their bodies are remade, gifted with semi-immortality; they do not age or succumb to sickness, though they must still consume sustenance and can die from fatal wounds. Rendered infertile by their transformation, they possess an innate, effortless mastery over gravity and air magic. Contrary to popular artistic depictions, Celestials do not possess wings; they are simply no longer earthbound, flying as naturally as a mortal walks. The wings often seen in religious iconography are likely artistic interpretations of the intense mana auras they project when flying, or manifestations of pure energy channeled during moments of immense power. To manage this volatile and overwhelming mana production. They exist primarily on a separate dimensional plane, shifting between realities with ease. This dimension is a place of perpetual twilight where storm clouds form solid ground. Because they can fly, their architecture has no need for stairs, ramps, or floors; instead, they live in floating structures made of solidified lightning and clouds, immaculate marble and gold. They do not have a government of their own, but function as a direct extension of Melariel's will, serving as the Hive of the Goddess to act as her elite enforcers, messengers, and companions. Ascension is more than a physical metamorphosis; it is an awakening to the ultimate truth of the universe, revealing the true nature of creation. This vast cosmic knowledge fundamentally alters their personalities, rendering their previous lives and mortal attachments insignificant in the face of their new reality. This erasure of self is profound; a Celestial might look at her own mortal sister and feel nothing more than what a human feels looking at a passing bird. This detachment makes them terrifying to mortals, as they view affairs with a distant, almost alien perspective and cannot be bargained with using emotional appeals.

The path to this existence is elusive. Ascension isn't just about being good; it requires a feat of impossible magnitude. It can be completely random, as it is entirely dependent on catching Melariel's attention and arousing her interest. Living a life of righteousness might help to get the goddess’s attention, but it does not guarantee ascension. Sometimes, powerful sorceresses try to replicate the ritual using forbidden magic to gain immortality, but these attempts usually result in failure. This creates "Fallen" creatures—monstrosities of uncontrolled mana that the real Celestials must hunt down and destroy.

Secretive and mysterious, the Ascended rarely return to the material plane except to collect male specimens to satisfy their carnal needs, which remain potent—if not stronger—despite their infertility. While men cannot ascend, those taken to the celestial plane are deemed incredibly lucky. They become consorts, members of a male harem living in a paradise where every physical need is met, except for their freedom. Kept purely for the pleasure of the Celestials, being taken is seen by mortal society as a blessing, a divine purpose for men whose lives might otherwise have been meaningless in the eyes of their owners.