publish: true
aliases:
- Burden of Ascension
created: 2026-03-09T12:15:33.802-04:00
modified: 2026-03-09T12:15:33.802-04:00
published: 2026-03-09T12:15:33.802-04:00
tags: - ttrpg-cli/compendium/src/5e/valdaspire24extras
- ttrpg-cli/subclass/martyr/ascension
cssclasses: - json5e-class
obsidianUIMode: preview
Burden of Ascension
Martyr: Subclass Feature
Source: Valda’s Spire of Secrets Extras (2024)
Class and Feature Progression
Level PB Features 1st +2 2nd +2 3rd +2 Burden of Ascension 4th +2 5th +3 6th +3 Olympic Agility 7th +3 8th +3 9th +4 10th +4 11th +4 12th +4 13th +5 14th +5 Relics of Legend 15th +5 16th +5 17th +6 18th +6 Demigod Ascendant 19th +6 20th +6
Ascend to Godhood
The gods have set an arduous path for your life, replete with labors, challenges, and trials designed to test your morality and resolve. You likely won’t succeed. However, if you best the gods’ trials and die in marvelous glory, you will ascend to the afterlife as a demigod.
Perhaps the gods envision you as a replacement for a recently-deceased god, or perhaps they raise dozens of demigods to do their bidding across the planes of existence. Regardless of your status, immortality after death awaits.
Subclass Features
Burden of Ascension Spells (Level 3)
Your mortal burden ensures you always have certain spells ready. When you reach a Martyr level specified in the Ascension Spells table, you thereafter always have the listed spells prepared.
Ascension Spells
| Martyr Level | Spells |
|---|---|
| 3 | Divine Favor, Heroism |
| 5 | Enhance Ability, Locate Object |
| 9 | Beacon of Hope, Protection from Energy |
| 13 | Death Ward, Locate Creature |
| 17 | Hold Monster, Legend Lore |
| ^ascension-spells |
Herculean Surge (Level 3)
As a Bonus Action, you can gain a bonus to your Strength and Dexterity scores for 1 minute. This bonus is +4 if the ability score is 14 or lower, or +2 otherwise, up to a maximum of 22.
Once you use this feature, you can’t use it again until you finish a Short or Long Rest. You can also restore your use of it by taking 5 Radiant damage. This damage ignores Resistance and Immunity, and bypasses Temporary Hit Points.
Olympic Agility (Level 6)
You gain a Climb Speed and Swim Speed equal to your Speed. Additionally, Difficult Terrain doesn’t cost you extra movement.
Relics of Legend (Level 14)
Your legendary deeds have imbued your most iconic equipment with supernatural blessings. You choose three pieces of equipment to be your Aegis, Oracle, and Xiphos. These items might have been at your side for years, have been used to accomplish one of your labors, or even be trophies taken from your mightiest foes. Once you use your Aegis, Oracle, or Xiphos, you can’t use that relic again until you finish a Short or Long Rest.
Aegis. Your Aegis is a Shield, an article of clothing, or a pelt that grants you divine protection. You can use your Aegis to cast Shield without taking Radiant damage or expending a spell use.
Oracle. Your Oracle is a stone, gemstone, or another accessory that allows you to communicate with the gods. You can use your Oracle to cast Commune without taking Radiant damage or expending a spell use.
Xiphos. Your Xiphos is a sword, spear, or other Melee weapon. Immediately after you score a Critical Hit with your Xiphos or reduce a creature to 0 Hit Points with it, you can move up your Speed and make another melee weapon roll using it.
Demigod Ascendant (Level 18)
The power of demigods flows through your veins, granting you the following benefits.
Improved Herculean Surge. Your Herculean Surge improves. When you use this feature, your Strength and Dexterity scores gain a +4 bonus, up to a maximum of 24, for 1 minute. You regain your use of Herculean Surge whenever you roll Initiative.
Legendary Resistance. If you fail a saving throw, you can choose to succeed instead. Once you use this benefit, you can’t use it again until you finish a Long Rest.