ToME: the Tales of Maj'Eyal

I've read on the steam forums that the ashes new areas show up by using rod of recall. I'm currently 45 levels into a cornac spellsword run and haven't triggered it despite using it a fair number of times (most zone enders). Is there a specific race or class combo needed? Does it need to be a standard class?

You need to have started in the searing halls. In other words, you need to be playing one of the new race/classes.

Thanks.