One of the most ephemeral and intriguing aspects of the magical system of the world of Malaz is Ascendancy. Something between godhood and mortaldom. What it is, exactly, is unknown, though fan-forums are rife with speculation.
"Sorcery could be the ladder to Ascendancy - a means to an end..."
DG, UK MMPB, p.325
"Oponn(female):'The trouble with Ascendants is that they try to rig every game.'"
GotM, UK Trade, p.100
"
Cotillion:'There is one danger that plagues ascendants in particular, and that is the tendency to wait too long. Before acting, before stepping – if you will – from the shadows.'"
HoC, UK Trade, p.283
Ascendant flesh
"
Nil: 'The flesh of an Ascendant holds much power. They (the spirits of the land) all hunger for a piece.'"
DG, UK MMPB, p.429
"
Sormo E'nath:'The Semk god was indeed destroyed. Torn to pieces and devoured. Sometimes, a piece of (Ascendant)flesh can contain such malevolence that it corrupts the devourer -...That creature (The
Semk godling)is sewn shut
everywhere, Historian. Lest that which was devoured escapes.'"
DG, UK MMPB, p.502