RPG Other Games Calendar Main Journal Aredel
Paths and Ways of Aredel
Background
Paths and Ways are specific courses of study used by the Peoples of Aredel to learn new things. Historically, the oldest are the Animal Ways developed in Timor Plains, although some Wizard paths claim to be older.
In the beginning, there were only Ways, and they were gained throught he study of the natural world and things around them. By studying them and learning from them, people were able to create new ways to use old weapons and powers.
The Paths came later and their source is argued. Some claim that all true Paths have divine inspiration, and it seems clear that some of the paths are of divine origin. Others are more muddied and it is believed they were developed by men.
Whatever their origin, the Paths and Ways are a tool that some have used to enhance their power for good or ill.
Rules
Paths and Ways have either 5 or 10 secrets. Each secret has a specific cost in experience points and may have one or more prerequisites. One general rule is that you must know at least one secret from each lower level before you can learn a new level. (So if you know a level 1 secret, you have to learn a level 2 secret before you can learn a level 3 one).
Generally, you may learn only one secret each time you make a level
Many of these practitioners are Exclusive, meaning they won't teach their skills to anyone who has techniques from another path or way. Others are Open and will happily teach anyone any skill. There are a few where some secrets will be taught to most anyone while others are hidden.
A character who has taken a Path or Way and later wishes to study a different Path must renounce all the techniques which are exclusive to his older path/way.
Paths
Path of Air- Students of Air believe that a whisper can be as powerful as a scream.
Path of Earth- The Path of Earth looks to the Earth for inspiration, drawing on its strength for their techniques.
Path of Fire- The Path of Fire teaches its students to move quickly and take advantage of opportunities as they are presented.
Path of Water- Water teaches its students to be flexible in all things.
Ways
Way of Bear- Students of the Way of Bear try to utilize the strength of Bear in their daily life.
Way of Boar- Students of the Way of Boar idolize the toughness and will of Boar and call on him for secret teachings.
Way of Fox- Students of the Way of Fox strive to match his intellect.
Way of Gazelle- Students of the Way of Gazelle seek to match his beauty.
Way of Otter- Students of the Way of Otter try to utilize the speed and agility of Otter in their daily life.
Way of Owl- Students of the Way of Owl admire his wisdom.
|