ok. looks like the NG Player detected my save from Crusade, so i can play as Ascended. yay?
EDIT: gamebreaking bug> there's a "Lich Army" tactical battle which had a Ascended/Angel enemy innit which will always hang the game. impossible to retreat or continue with the game after that happens.
beat the game. looking back, Crusade was way more fun with its ease of getting common ingredients for crafting. and also the Fandom pages for Crusade are still alive for reference.