Shaping Your Path
Paths are a unique part of the world of Phantara. While many skills and abilities of characters – both PC and NPC – draw from the core rulebook, specializations arise. Each of these Paths fall into one of 9 general themes that are outlined below. Finding the paths themselves, what they can do, and how you may begin your character’s journey on them is up to you to find out by engaging with other characters.
While paths are not required for any character by any means, they do open up the opportunity for more personalized stories to occur and focus that you may not know you wanted to have for your character. Many times a player chooses to learn skills on a path that interests them and the stories available there in, shaping their character in a different way. There are many who do not elect any path and have their own focus for their character in the story they tell.
Arcane
The world of Phantara is filled with magic. The pursuit of magic in its many facets is shown in the raw mystical power individuals in this path can utilize. While not all spells are deadly, the capacity of utility spells are amplified by those that venture into the depths of mysteries that lie within the arcane.
Crafting
While there are many capabilities within each of the creative crafts from alchemy to smithing, the deep focus on individuals on their craft allow them to overcome limitations their peers fall into. Uncovering new possibilities through dedication and patience allow for tools only the greatest of artisans could devise.
Deathly
The realms of Death while not new to the world of Phantara, are quite guarded. Consulting with spirits in both the corporeal, and incorporeal are one such reflection of those that walk the paths of the afterlife. Those that keep it and use its strength through physical and magical means endure painstaking rights to do so.
Draconic
Ancient powers of old stir in a way few have seen. Finding favor with powerful entities may bear its own burden, but so do the gifts they bestow.
Life
Keepers of the cycle, those that specialize in the gift of existence. Members of these specializations focus on correcting and maintaining the natural order of creation. While many have abilities to mend and heal ailments, some focus on the removal of those that would seek to undo the living and Phantara itself.
Martial
Powerful and intimidating, paths of the martial variety focus on the improvement of their armament of choice. Bow, blade, or shield, the focused mastery of their choice can create the most powerful of warriors, and the most enduring of protectors.
Mental
Leaders of people, politically, in combat, or otherwise, fall within the paths related to the mind. Information brokers, dungeoneers, and performers of the highest caliber in their arts that assuage the thoughts of others through a few well placed words, or speech and song that inspires and emboldens others.
Planar
Travelers and citizens of other realms parallel to the prime material existence that is Phantara compose these specializations. Realities that reflect and influence our own, these specialists familiarize themselves with their unique realms and the entities that rule those spaces.
Primal
Savage and unforgiving, paths of the primal are not for the meek. Little is known in civilizations about these as they must adapt to their environment, often harsh and unrelenting. Eventually, they are able to shape it to their own will, sometimes making unexpected allies.