Paths of Power

A No Quarter Web Extra By Doug Seacat

This article contains additional content for the article The Wilding Way that premiered in No Quarter Magazine #10, p. 64. In order to use the Paths of Power described here, you will need the rules from that issue.

Circle Orboros

he following optional abilities, in addition to class abilities, allow qualifying druids to further specialize their power over nature. Mastery of these paths derives from millennia of organized exploitation of natural power and systematic training with the Circle Orboros. Most druids focus on one of these categories. Each category requires the druid to have become at least an Initiate of the appropriate Path of Orboros (see NQM#10, pg. 70). Certain specialized paths may require a higher title on the corresponding Path of Orboros. To acquire the benets of a path, the druid must meet all prerequisites and undergo any initiation requirements. If a path requires payment in XP, the druid can only pay the XP cost if doing so will not reduce their experience below the minimum for their current level. While permanent, these benets remain linked to the druid class; any situation that strips a druid of class abilities also causes the loss of path abilities. Paths of power do not cost feat slots to attain.

Path Exclusivity
Joining any path immediately makes certain other paths unavailable as the druid focuses their natural power in a specic direction. The following chart indicates which paths are exclusive of one another. Paths on the same row cannot be taken together.

Path Exclusivity Chart

Earth Shaper Path Stone Wayfarer Vitality Storm Shaper Path Natures Wrath Unraveling Locus Beast Shaper Path Bonded Beast Beast Mind Shifter

Earth Paths
These attract those who draw on primal energy stored within and passing within the earth. Drawing on the nurturing strength of plants rooted in the earth, some masters have learned how to prompt regeneration and rapid healing, while others can vanish from one location only to reappear at another. What about the Blackclad Prestige Class? The Blackclad prestige class remains a viable option for druids seeking to master stone and earth and learn to craft the signature elemental constructs serving the Circle Orboros. Members of this prestige class come from a more extensive and formalized system of study not directly related to the Paths of Power listed below. At 1st and 7th level of the Blackclad prestige class you gain the Earth Shaper path. For example, a Circle Druid chooses to become an Earth Shaper

Initiate at 5th level and an Earth Shaper Disciple at 10th level before joining the Blackclad prestige class. He would rise to Earth Shaper Master on becoming a 1st level Blackclad. If he reached 7th level as a Blackclad he would become an Earth Shaper Prime.

Path of Stone
Druids on the Path of Stone have learned how to spontaneously manipulate and manifest rocks and stones, drawing more readily upon that type of spell energy. Prerequisites: Earth Shaper Initiate, Craft (stoneworking) 7 ranks. Initiation Requirement: 1500 XP; 1 week training with a druid of at least 7th level already on the Path of Stone. Benet: In addition to the spells provided under Spontaneous Casting, those on the Path of Stone may add the following specic spells to the list of those they can spontaneously cast:

Path of Stone Spontaneous Casting Spell List Level 1st 2nd 3rd 4th 5th 6th 7th 8th 9th Spell(s) Magic stone Soften earth and stone Spike growth Spike stones Transmute rock to mud ransmute mud to rock Move earth Flesh to stone, stone to esh Earthquake Imprisonment, freedom

Special: A druid on the Path of the Wayfarer cannot belong to the Path of Unraveling or the Path of the Beast Mind.

New Spells
Ley Line Step Conjuration (Teleportation) [Earth] Level: Dru 4 (Path of the Wayfarer only) Components: V Casting Time: 1 standard action Range: Long (400 ft. + 40 ft./level) Target: You and touched objects Duration: Instantaneous Saving Throw: None and Will negates (object) Spell Resistance: No and Yes (object) You instantly transfer yourself from your current location to any other spot within range. You always arrive at exactly the spot desired by simply visualizing the area. After using this spell, you cannot take any other actions until your next turn. You can bring along objects as long as their weight does not exceed your maximum load. If you would arrive in a place already occupied by a solid body, the spell fails.

Special: A druid on the Path of Stone cannot join the Path of Natures Wrath or the Path of the Bonded Beast.

You must have personally visited that location at some point in the past, although the location need not remain identical. You must be within 100 miles of a sacred site including a Circle Orboros ceremonial stone ring when casting this spell. The destination must be connected to the sacred site nearest you by a chain of similar sites each within 300 miles of one another. If this chain is broken at any point, or if there is no way to arrive safely at the destination, you will be transported to the center of the nearest connected sacred site. If any of these conditions are not met, the spell fails.

Path of the Wayfarer

One of the rarer and more esoteric disciplines, those who learn the Path of the Wayfarer can tap more directly into the ley lines below the earth and draw on these energies to move from place to place. Wayfarers harness some of the latent energies in stones and trees to move instantly over great distances. Prerequisites: Earth Shaper Initiate, Knowledge (nature) 10 ranks, Knowledge (geography) 10 ranks. Initiation Requirement: 2000 XP; 1 week training with a druid of at least 9th level already on the Path of the Wayfarer. Benet: In addition to the spells provided to all druids under Spontaneous Casting, those on the Path of the Wayfarer may add the following spells to the list of those they can spontaneously cast: Path of the Wayfarer Spontaneous Casting Spell List Level Spell(s) 1st Longstrider 2nd Expeditious Retreat 3rd Meld into stone 4th Ley Line Step* 5th Tree stride 6th Find the path 7th Greater scrying 8th Reverse gravity 9th Walk the Line* * new spell

Path of Vitality
Those on the Path of Vitality draw more directly on the power within the earth and forests to enhance their own vitality and enhance their powers to mend living esh. Prerequisites: Earth Shaper Disciple, Heal 13 ranks. Initiation Requirement: 2,500 XP; 1 week training with a druid of at least 12th level already on the Path of Vitality. Benet: A druid initiated to the Path of Vitality becomes immune to all diseases, including supernatural and magical diseases, and gains the ability to heal at twice the normal rate. Druids on the Path of Vitality also regenerate lost limbs at a slow rate, 1d6+1 days for a reattached limb, 2d20+30 days to regrow a limb entirely. Additionally, such a druid can now utilize rejuvenation on others but runs a risk of suffering Pain of Healing. A druid always runs a 20% risk when sacricing a spell to cure another person that he will need to roll on the Pain of Healing chart (IKCG, p. 276-279), regardless of the religion or alignment of the target. If Pain of Healing occurs, roll an unmodied 1d6 on each chart to determine the consequences to the druid and the subject of healing. Special: A druid on the Path of Vitality cannot belong to the Path of the Locus or the Path of the Shifter.

Walk the Line

Conjuration (Teleportation) [Earth] Level: Dru 9 (Path of the Wayfarer only) Components: V, S Casting Time: 1 standard action Range: Personal and touch Target: You and touched objects Duration: Instantaneous Saving Throw: None and Will negates (object) Spell Resistance: No and Yes (object) This spell instantly transports you safely to the center of a designated sacred site, including a ceremonial ring of stones set in place by druids of the Circle Orboros, as far away as 100 miles per caster level. You can bring along objects so long as their weight does not exceed your maximum load.

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Storm Paths
These are the most offensive and deadly powers a druid can master, tapping into the raw power of natural chaos in its most elemental form. Some masters of this path learn to call on natures power to unravel the magic of arcanists or priests.

Spellcraft 8 ranks. Initiation Requirement: 1500 XP; 1 week training with a druid of at least 7th level already on the Path of Unraveling. Benet: In addition to the spells provided under Spontaneous Casting, those on the Path of Unraveling may add the following spells to the list of those they can spontaneously cast: Path of Unraveling Spontaneous Casting Spell List Level 1st 2nd 3rd 4th 5th 6th 7th Spell(s) Remove fear Lesser restoration Quench Dispel magic Restoration Dispel magic, greater True seeingthose on this path ignore the material component requirement for this spell Restoration, greater Antimagic eld

metamagic feat to the spell chosen). The druid can use an available higher-level spell slot to use the spell-like ability more than twice per day. Allocating a slot three levels higher allows him to cast the spell four times per day, and a slot six levels higher lets him cast it six times per day. Each time the druid gains a new druid spell level they have a one-time opportunity to change the spell selected for the Path of the Locus, giving up the old one to replace it with a new one. Special: A druid on the Path of the Locus cannot join the Path of Vitality or the Path of the Shifter.

Path of Natures Wrath

Individuals on the Path of Natures Wrath have focused most directly on the tremendous destructive energies of nature and can bring them forth against enemies even when caught unprepared. Prerequisites: Storm Shaper Initiate, Spell Focus (evocation), Survival 8 ranks. Initiation Requirement: 2,000 XP; 1 week training with a druid of at least 7th level already on the Path of Natures Wrath. Benet: In addition to the spells provided under Spontaneous Casting, those on the Path of Natures Wrath may add the following spells to the list of those they can spontaneously cast: Path of Natures Wrath Spontaneous Casting Spell List Level 1st 2nd 3rd 4th 5th 6th 7th 8th 9th Spell(s) Produce ame Fog cloud Call lightning Ice storm Call lightning storm Cone of cold Control weather Whirlwind Storm of Vengeance

Beast Paths
Orboros encompasses the predatory beasts of the wild as well as storm and earth. Some druids use their power to call forth allies from the wilderness, controlling dangerous animals to ght in their stead. Others tap into the essence of predation, casting aside their humanity to transform their bodies and truly becoming one with the mind of beasts.

8th 9th

Special: A druid on the Path of Unraveling cannot join the Path of the Wayfarer or the Path of the Beast Mind.

Path of the Locus

Only those with a deeper understanding of the fundamental nature of their power and the energies of nature can master the Path of the Locus. In doing so they are able to internalize their magic, no longer relying as heavily on spells to manifest natural power. Prerequisites: Storm Shaper Disciple, Knowledge (arcana) 13 ranks. Initiation Requirement: 3,000 XP; 1 week training with a druid of at least 12th level already on the Path of the Locus. Benet: Upon completing this training, the druid can use one of his divine spell slots to permanently prepare one of his divine spells as a spell-like ability that can be used twice per day. The druid does not use any components when casting this spell, although he must still pay any required XP costs. The spell normally uses a spell slot of the spells level (or higher, if the druid chooses to permanently attach a

Path of the Beast Mind

Those on the Path of the Beast Mind have focused their power on understanding and manipulating the minds of beasts, learning how to both control and call them when in need. Prerequisites: Beast Shaper Initiate, Handle Animal 8 ranks. Initiation Requirement: 1,250 XP; 1 week training with a druid of at least 7th level already on the Path of the Beast Mind. Benet: In addition to the spells provided to all druids under Spontaneous Casting, those on the Path of the Beast Mind may add the following spells to the list of those they can spontaneously cast:

Special: A druid on the Path of Natures Wrath cannot join the Path of Stone or the Path of the Bonded Beast. Path of Unraveling An area of particular defensive strength, the druids of the Path of Unraveling focus on combating the magic of outsiders. They are able to wield natural energy to disrupt those who would try to bend reality in their presence. Prerequisites: Storm Shaper Initiate,

Path of the Beast Mind

Spontaneous Casting Spell List
Level 1st 2nd 3rd 4th 5th 6th 7th 8th 9th Spell(s) Charm animal Hold animal Dominate animal Summon natures ally IV Baleful polymorph Summon natures ally VI Summon natures ally VII Animal shapes Summon natures ally IX

bonus HD, natural armor adjustment, Str/Dex adjustment, bonus tricks, and special powers. Argus (level -5), badger, black bear (level -3), boar (level -3), brown bear (level -6), burrow-mawg (level -2), crocodile (level -3), dog, eagle, hawk, lemax (level -2), owl, raevhan buffalo (level -9), snake (small or medium viper), saqu (level -7), screecher (level -3), skigg (level -2), snake (constrictor or large viper) (level -3), thornwood mauler (level -15), wolverine (level -3), or wolf. This animal is a loyal companion that accompanies the druid on his adventures as appropriate for its kind. Apply the indicated parenthetical adjustment, if any, to the druids level on the table below for purposes of determining the companions characteristics and special abilities. The druids companion is completely typical for its kind except as noted below. As a druid advances in level, the animals power increases as shown on the table. If a druid releases his companion from service or if the animal companion perishes, it cannot be replaced until 1 season (~3 months) has passed. At that point the druid may gain a new companion by spending a week searching for one and establishing a bond with it. Special: A druid on the Path of the Bonded Beast cannot join the Path of Natures Wrath or the Path of Stone.

Animal Companion Basics Use the base statistics for a creature of the companions kind, but make the following changes. Class Level The druids class levels stack with levels of any other classes that are entitled to an animal companion for the purpose of determining the companions abilities, and certain special animals require an adjustment as listed above. Bonus Hit Dice Extra eight-sided (d8) Hit Dice, each of which gains a Constitution modifier as normal. Remember that extra Hit Dice improve the animal companions base attack and base save bonuses. An animal companions base attack bonus is the same as that of a druid of a level equal to the animals HD. An animal companion has good Fortitude and Reflex saves (treat it as a character whose level equals the animals HD). An animal companion gains additional skill points and feats for bonus HD as normal for advancing a monsters Hit Dice. Natural Armor Adjustment The number noted here is an improvement to the animal companions existing natural armor bonus. Str/Dex Adjustment Add this value to the animal companions Strength and Dexterity scores.

Special: A druid on the Path of the Beast Mind cannot join the Path of the Wayfarer or the Path of Unraveling.

Path of the Bonded Beast

Druids on the path of the bonded beast form a strong connection with a single animal which serves as both a guardian and a weapon to aid in their battles. With this unique bond, the creature grows in power, drawing on the energies of Orboros through its master. Prerequisites: Beast Shaper Initiate, Handle Animal 8 ranks. Initiation Requirement: 1,000 XP; 1 week training with a druid of at least 7th level already on the Path of the Bonded Beast; 1 additional week spent locating a suitable animal companion from an appropriate environment. Benet: Those on this path gain the benet of an animal companion. The type of companion must be approved by the GM, but one from the following list is suggested, including a level adjustment which must be applied to the Druids Animal Companion chart (below) when determining its special powers. An animal type cannot be chosen if the indicated adjustment to the druids level would be 0 or lower. For example, a 6th level druid could choose an argus as an animal companion, but not a saqu. A 6th level druid choosing an argus is considered 1st level on the animal companion chart for purposes of

The Druids Animal Companion

A druids animal companion differs from a normal animal of its kind in many ways. A druids animal companion is superior to a normal animal of its kind and has special powers, described below. Class Level 1st-2nd 3rd-5th 6th-8th 9th-11th 12th-14th 15th-17th 18th-20th Bonus HD +0 +2 +4 +6 +8 +10 +12 Natural Armor Adj. ++2 +4 +6 +8 +10 +12 Str/Dex Adj. +0 +1 +2 +3 +4 +5 +6 Bonus Tricks 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 Special Link, share spells Evasion Devotion Multiattack Improved evasion

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Bonus Tricks
The value given in this column is the total number of bonus tricks that the animal knows in addition to any that the druid might choose to teach it (see the Handle Animal skill). These bonus tricks require no training time or Handle Animal checks, and do not count against the normal limit of tricks known by the animal. The druid selects these bonus tricks. Once selected, these tricks cannot be changed. Link (Ex) A druid can handle his animal companion as a free action, or push it as a move action, even if he has no ranks in the Handle Animal skill. The druid gains a +4 circumstance bonus on all wild empathy checks and Handle Animal checks made regarding an animal companion. Share Spells (Ex) At the druids option, he may have any spell (but not any spell-like ability) he casts upon himself also affect his animal companion. The animal companion must be within 5 feet of him at the time of casting to receive the benet. If the spell or effect has a duration other than instantaneous, it stops affecting the animal companion if the companion moves farther than 5 feet away and will not affect the animal again, even if it returns to the druid before the duration expires. Additionally, the druid may cast a spell with a target of You on his animal companion (as a touch range spell) instead of on himself. A druid and his animal companion can share spells even if the spells normally do not affect creatures of the companions type (animal). Evasion (Ex) If an animal companion is subjected to an attack that normally allows a Reflex saving throw for half damage, it takes no damage if it makes a successful saving throw. Devotion (Ex) An animal companion gains a +4 morale bonus on Will saves against enchantment spells and effects.

Multiattack An animal companion gains Multiattack as a bonus feat if it has three or more natural attacks and does not already have that feat. If it does not have the requisite three or more natural attacks, the animal companion instead gains a second attack with its primary natural weapon, albeit at a -5 penalty. Improved Evasion (Ex) When subjected to an attack that normally allows a Reex saving throw for half damage, an animal companion takes no damage if it makes a successful saving throw and only half damage if the saving throw fails.

Any gear worn or carried by the druid melds into the new form and becomes nonfunctional. When the druid reverts to his true form, any objects melded into the new form reappear in the same location on his body that they previously occupied and are again functional. Any new items worn in the assumed form fall off and land at the druids feet. A druid loses his ability to speak while in animal form because he is limited to the sounds that a normal, untrained animal can make, but he can communicate normally with other animals of the same general grouping as his new form. At 15th level the druid gains the ability to take the shape of a huge animal. The new forms Hit Dice cannot exceed the characters druid level. Special: A druid on the Path of the Shifter cannot join the Path of Vitality or the Path of the Locus.

Path of the Shifter

Those on the Path of the Shifter have so immersed themselves in the minds of beasts and have such a thorough understanding of beast physiology that they have learned to transform into the predators they admire. Prerequisites: Beast Shaper Disciple, Endurance Initiation Requirement: 2,000 XP; 1 week training with a druid of at least 12th level already on the Path of the Shifter. Benet: Those on this path gain the Wild Shape ability. The druid is procient with all natural attacks (claw, bite, etc.) of any form assumed by Wild Shape. This ability allows the druid to turn into any medium or large sized predatory animal and back again. His options for new forms include all creatures with an animal type that is carnivorous or omnivorous. The form chosen must be that of an animal the druid is familiar with. This ability functions like the Alternate Form special ability, except as noted. The effect lasts for 1 hour per druid level, or until he changes back. Changing form (to animal or back) requires a standard action and does not provoke an attack of opportunity. Each time the druid uses wild shape, he regains lost hit points as if he had rested for a night. The druid can use this ability once per day for every ve druid levels (2/day 10th-14th level, 3/day 15-19th, 4/day 20th).

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