NEW PATHS
New Paths, befitting a seasoned traveler’s needs, is a meager
book that the faithful can carry comfortably for long wanderings. Most copies are less than eight inches tall, and the wellworn copies owned by high-level clerics might be even smaller.
The cover is sealskin or leather and wrapped to protect it from
harsh weather.
New Paths is a relatively thin book, consisting of only six
Roads of no more than 30 pages each. It addresses topics such
as asking for lodging, taking lodging surreptitiously when
denied, avoiding seasickness and keeping natural predators at
bay. A full page is devoted to keeping the canon itself safe from
rain, snow and vermin.
New Paths teaches the wisdom of observation on the one
hand and life experience on the other. New places and cultures
should be observed and studied from afar. Only after careful
scrutiny should the Watcher attempt to learn from the person,
work on a new profession, etc. A final portion discusses the joy
of random meandering and contrasts it to the humdrum
boredom and foolishly narrow-minded effort involved in
purposeful journeying from one location to another.
Followers are prohibited from staying at any location for over
three days, and may not consort with any one person longer
than five days (except in an effort to recruit the individual).
Even adventuring followers tend to avoid staying in a dungeon
or other location longer than their faith allows. Storms and bad
weather relax requirements somewhat because windy days are
held holy (when loneliness and solitude supplant wandering).
Since the Watchers are so often alone, they are expected to be
self-reliant. This emphasis on independence makes the faith
very popular. Merchants are common worshipers, as are
soldiers, sailors, hunters and nomads. Clerics are urged against
magical research or other “vanity” that takes time away from
their roaming, except in dire need. Clerics are also encouraged
to leave Roads or even entire canons in places frequented by
travelers, such as inns or oases.
New Paths is common in all well-traveled areas for 40 gp
