In the latest installment of our exclusive dev blog series, Guardian Lore Lead Nick McDowell explains how Ascended Guardians have reached a state of enlightenment.

In Rift, players take on the role of a slain Telaran who has been brought back to life to combat the forces of Regulos. Each faction has a different point of view on what it means to be one of the Ascended, and the experts at Trion Worlds have been kind enough to give us an exclusive look at the finer points of Ascension from the perspectives of the Guardians and Defiant.

In our latest exclusive Rift dev blog entry, Guardian Lore Lead Nick McDowell explains how Ascended Guardians have reached a state of enlightenment. Get all the details after the jump, and then check back next week as Defiant Lore Lead Morgan Lockhart paints a very different picture of Ascension for the Defiant faction.

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Ascended of the Vigil

The Ascended of the Vigil have achieved a state of spiritual ecstasy. As an Ascended Guardian moves through the world they are aware of so much more than they were in their mortal life. Celestial messengers have always been talked about, but now the Ascended see them everywhere, watching over communities, bestowing their blessing. But this state of enlightenment isn't just relegated to passive observation.

With a touch of their hand the wardstone that protects a community is blessed and the residents can feel the presence of the Vigil. Guardian soldiers on patrol have reported an overwhelming feeling of being needed back at town only to return and find an Ascended there, seemingly waiting for them who then leads the charge against a fiery idol of Maelforge or the other dragons. These same soldiers have described the Ascended becoming a larger than life figure, wielding a holy weapon of fire, and leading the charge.

They feel the guiding presence of the souls, subtly directing their weapons in battle, giving them just the right prayer to heal their allies, or find the arcane equation to channel the forces of darkness without becoming corrupted by the dragon. Some Guardians report hearing the souls strongly, like an invisible friend; others describe it as the feeling of discovering memories that they never experienced.

Some have taken this second chance at life as a opportunity for change of redemption. The vicious have become kind, the meek are now bold, the impulsive now thoughtful. Others have resumed their life where they left off, continuing their work crafting, pursuing scholarly endeavors, and being part of the community. But all feel their live have become more vivid and purposeful. They feel the guidance of the Vigil in most everything that they do.