What is Ascian prime? (Spoilers for Shadowbringers)

[Cilia]

I actually have to wonder if Emet's form in the trial isn't some "Super" Ascian Prime thing. It seemed to me like he fused with/was buffed by the spirits of ancient Amaurotines, given all the Ascian masks that appear in the background during the fight.

His first form is arguably the closest thing the Ascians have to a "true" form, given as they don't typically have physical forms that aren't stolen and remade in their image. (While Emet-Selch does take on the form of "Solus zos Galvus," it's rather unlikely that's his original form. Back when he was setting up Allag, he probably looked different.)

Hades' second form is using the souls of dead Ascians to further power himself up, though. Or so it's implied.

[Absimiliard]

Hades' second form is using the souls of dead Ascians to further power himself up, though. Or so it's implied.

Note that Emet-Selch claims to be stifled by his vessel of flesh right before impaling himself and initiating the second phase. The implication there is that his power was being restrained, seemingly significantly, by the host body he was inhabiting. Another thing I would point out is that his second form increases in size just after his mentioning of being raised up by the prayers of his fallen brethren. It seems more like he's emulating a primal by drawing strength from the prayers of the Ancients sleeping within Zodiark to further augment the already impressive might of his true aetherial (see: hostless) self. Could be both though.

What makes it difficult for me to believe he took in a bunch of Ascian souls is their imprisonment within Zodiark. With Zodiark split, one would think those souls quite well beyond his reach for the time being.

[Cilia]

Note that Emet-Selch claims to be stifled by his vessel of flesh right before impaling himself and initiating the second phase. The implication there is that his power was being restrained, seemingly significantly, by the host body he was inhabiting. Another thing I would point out is that his second form increases in size just after his mentioning of being raised up by the prayers of his fallen brethren. It seems more like he's emulating a primal by drawing strength from the prayers of the Ancients sleeping within Zodiark to further augment the already impressive might of his true aetherial (see: hostless) self. Could be both though.

What makes it difficult for me to believe he took in a bunch of Ascian souls is their imprisonment within Zodiark. With Zodiark split, one would think those souls quite well beyond his reach for the time being.

While his powering up does seem to be based somewhat on the prayers of the fallen Ascians, one thing to consider is that many died in the Final Days and there were likely even more casualties in the war against Hydaelyn that led to the Sundering.

Also, he's Hades. I'd be super-disappointed if he doesn't have some control over the souls of the dead, considering.