My taxonomy RE: Gods/Ascendants/Power has revolved around desire/willingness.
Gesler/Stormer had power but no desire....as such they approached ascendancy but did not achieve it.
Rake had the desire ( at some point) to ascend, and subsequent power, but was not willing to accept the worship (belief) of his followers ( even if they still worshiped him).
Nefararias Bredd Breed created from belief, but there was no power or opportunity for ascending....but I bet eventually he or someone else could become the god of the marines.
Kel/Dancer found a pretty early opportunity (in their individual timelines) to power and ascending...but waited until they had armies (and presumably Malazan Empire citizens) believing etc. in them....to ensure 'godhood'.
------Further, Cotillion grasped the title of Patron of assassins....probably due to some
assassins inquiring/thanking an unnamed patron prior/following their jobs....establishing a "psychic space" for a 'patron'.
Dassem (originating entity for two other entities) is 'unique':
Traveller: .Unnaturally talented swordsman who was hood trained after/during death, eventually leading to his being named first sword of an empire........supported by the t'lan imass. May or may not accept ascension....rejects godhood.......just wants revenge, and will use any tool available to achieve it
Dessembrae: A human (who adored by armies/ empires) that was betrayed by a sworn god (undermining the basic relationship between god and follower.....and as such the underlying trust between follower and god). Is worshipped as an acknowledgement of the tragedy inherent in the human condition (I.E. People believe/accept that tragedy exists and is a part of the human experience.....therefore there is 'psychic space' for a god here. Accepts godhood
Ultimately I still believe these distinctions are kind of moot....... a nuke is a nuke, regardless of the carriage.
This post has been edited by rant: 13 January 2018 - 06:40 AM