Note: Pathways will be listed according to seeming difficulty, not in the order with which they appear when you type pathway list.

Gauthus scratches idly at his jawline for a moment and levels a stern gaze at you. "It is time for you to begin learning about one of the true powers of the Warrior Mage Guild. We are Manipulators of the Elements, and through force of will we can bend them to our needs. One way we do this is through pathways of aether. We forcibly manipulate aether into targeting matrices in order to enhance our targeted magics." Gauthus smiles and continues, "This gives a lot more functionality in how we control our spells, and I'm sure it will prove very useful when its time for you to learn about it."

Typing in pathway should get you the following messaging:

PATHWAY Verb Syntax: PATHWAY [option]
Options:
LIST - Lists out which Aethereal Pathway abilities you know and a brief description of each
HELP - Gives you this help message
STOP - Ends whichever Pathway ability you may be using.
SENSE - Lets you sense your Manipulative Resolve status.
CHECK - Let's you see which Pathway ability you have active.
FOCUS [option] - Activates a specific pathway ability
(Type PATHWAY FOCUS to list Focus abilities you know.)
PERCEIVE [option]: Activates a specific Perceive pathway ability.
(Type PATHWAY PERCEIVE to list Perceive abilities you know.)

Notes: If you have not completed any of the Pathway quests, typing in "pathway" will result in the following messaging: "You lack the knowledge needed to focus on the aethereal pathways."
(For example, you would type "pathway focus damage" to activate the first pathway.)

For information regarding Manipulative Resolve, please click here.

"The first, Perceive Pathway, is a token pathway offered to anyone at or above the required circle. It is an introductory pathway that will play a key role in future pathways."
-- GM Wythor (Taken from the folder on Game Master and Official Announcements)

Quest Notes:
Note: This is not a true quest but an automatically given ability upon asking a guild leader about quests (or presumably upon circling to the correct circle or higher).
"Lathaelor has bid me teach you about the Pathway Perceive abilities, Sinah," Guildmistress Karazhil says. "This group of abilities allows you to use your Manipulative Resolve to detect unusual disturbances in the local aethereal pathways."

Guildmistress Karazhil continues, "I will teach you the first Pathway Perceive ability today. It will enable you to sense if an aethereal pathway is active nearby. While not of great usefulness at this point in your training, it is a small step toward greater understanding of the elements."

After a short lecture, you feel you have learned how to use the Perceive Pathway ability to Karazhil's satisfaction.

"The second new pathway, Focus Conserve, reduces the minimum prep of TM spells by a small amount (though never below 1). Note that the spell will be considered at minimum power until its mana level reaches its normal minimum prep, and from that point on increase in power appropriately. This pathway requires the completion of a short quest."
-- GM Wythor (Taken from the folder on Game Master and Official Announcements)

Quest Notes:
Karazhil appraises you with an unwavering gaze. After what seems like an eternity of scrutiny, she nods and says, "It is time for you to learn a new aethereal pathway, Sinah. The one I shall teach next is called Focus Conserve. It reduces the minimum mana requirements of your targeted spells. While this reduction is small, it may be of some help in areas of low elemental mana."

The Guildmistress raises her hand. "Before you get too excited, however, you will be required to pass a small test, a demonstration of your prowess in magical combat. Kill five frogs with the Fire Shard spell. Do this within six anlaen, and I shall teach you about the Pathway Focus Conserve ability."

Guildmistress Karazhil grins widely at you and exclaims, "Congratulations Sinah! In return for completing the task I gave you, I shall teach you more about the Aethereal Pathways."

"Now on to the first ability. The first of these abilities which we're looking at is called 'Pathway Focus Damage'. This one is fairly straightforward. It provides a damage boost to TM spells if they hit the target. The reasoning behind Pathway Focus Damage (PF Damage) being the first ability of AP is that we'd like to help the younger folk in learning TM. A boost to TM damage should help add some experience to the TM pool and hopefully make it a bit easier to learn the skill. The best part is wreaking more havoc upon your enemies by adding some extra oompf to you spells."
-- GM Chakram (Taken from the folder on Warrior Mage Ability - Aethereal Pathway)

Quest Notes:Begin at the guild in Crossing.
Gauthus regards you appraisingly and says, "I see you are worthy to begin learning of the Pathways. The first pathway I shall show you is the Pathway of Damage. By manipulating this pathway into your targeting matrices, it will allow you to increase the damage capacity of your targeted spells." The GuildMaster gazes thoughtfully at you then explains, "But before I just hand this potent tool to you, you must do something for me. Defeat a cougar. You must accomplish this task in four anlaen (2 real world hours). Bring the cougar pelt from the beast back to me by that time, and I shall teach you what I know.

Guildmaster Gauthus grins widely at you and exclaims, "Congratulations Baelth! In return for completing the task I gave you, I shall teach you more about the Aethereal Pathways."

"Today we highlight the second of the Aethereal Pathway abilities! Pathway Focus Quick! This handy little ability lets the mage speed up the targetting process, letting a mage reach the state of fully targetted in less time than it would normally take. It should arrive somewhere around 8th circle where it will greatly aid mages of that age (where targeting time is longest). At any age, a mage can utilize reduced targeting time so is also something useful throughout a mage's career."
-- GM Chakram

Quest Notes: Begin at the guild in in Riverhaven.
Gauthus gazes at you, studying intently. You find yourself squirming a little at his scrutiny. The GuildMaster lets out a chuckle and says, "I see you are a fast learner. Indeed, you are now ready to learn of your next pathway, the Pathway of Quickness. This pathway is an interesting one. By infusing this pathway into your spell patterns, it allows you to more efficiently manipulate those patterns. The overall effect of this is that it will take you less time to fully target your spell." Gauthus seems to smirk to himself before saying, "Ahh, but as you may have guessed, I do have a task you must complete for me before I teach this knowledge to you. Defeat a boobrie. You must accomplish this task in four anlaen (2 real world hours). Bring the boobrie feather from the beast back to me by that time, and I shall teach you what I know.

The third in our series of Aethereal Pathway abilities is Pathway Focus Ease! PF Ease is gained at 12th circle and decreases the difficulty of casting TM spells so that the mage is able to put more mana than they are usually able to harness into the spell matrix. This nifty ability is the third as it will let the younger mages put a bit more power behind their spells than they normally would, and at this point in their career a mage should be able to sense more mana than when they begin, increasing the usefulness of this ability. Thus younger mages get more use out of it than they would at lower circles and are able to make use of it while they are still young. It will also help the older mages to get those more difficult spells off more easily.
-- GM Chakram

Quest Notes: Begin at either of the guild in Riverhaven or Crossing.
Gauthus scrutinizes you and lets out a grunt before saying, "Well, I don't think there's a single GuildMaster who likes teaching what I am to show you. However, because it does have a certain degree of utility, I will do as Lathaelor bids and tell you about it."
Gauthus sighs and continues, "The Pathway of Ease makes it easier for you to cast your targeted spells. By infusing this pathway directly into your spell pattern, it allows mana to flow through it with less resistance." Gauthus glares and exclaims, "But I better not catch you using this ability to slack off on your studies! Cause Lathaelor be damned, I'll not be happy should that happen."

Gauthus calms down a bit and says, "There, now that I have gotten that out of my system, before I teach you this knowledge you must defeat a rock troll. You must accomplish this task in four anlaen (2 real world hours). Bring the grey troll skin from the beast back to me by that time, and I shall teach you what I know.

"Next in our series of Aethereal Pathway abilities is Pathway Focus Power! PF Power allows one to overcome the Magical Resistance of an opponent with a bit more ease than one normally would. It helps give a bit of an offensive boost to the Targetted spell as well. This comes at about 16th circle. It will help younger and older mages alike to better cast their targetted spells on those targets which give resistance problems."
-- GM Chakram

Quest Notes: Begin at either of the guild in Riverhaven or Crossing.
Gauthus' expression brightens considerably. He sounds very excited as he tells you, "I see you have progressed in your sojourn to learn of the Aethereal Pathways. What I am about to explain to you has to be one of my favorite utilizations of the pathways."
Gauthus leans forward as he explains, "The Pathway of Power is what we use to help us penetrate an opponents innate resistance to our magic."
The GuildMaster grins and says, "Yes, you heard correctly. A useful tool, no?"
Gauthus leans in closely and whispers to you, "Its extraordinary fun using this to toy with Agonar, but you didn't hear that from me."
Gauthus winks at you, then regains his composure and says, "Before I teach you how to use this pathway, you must first defeat a lesser sluagh. You must accomplish this task in four anlaen (2 real world hours). Bring the sluagh hide from the beast back to me by that time, and I shall teach you what I know.

"The fifth in the series of abilities comes at 20th circle, called Pathway Focus Accuracy. PF Accuracy, as the name implies, increases the accuracy of your spells as if you had more skill in Targetted Magic than you really have. This, in effect, increases the power of the spell and the likeliness that you'll actually hit something (nifty, huh?). This comes fifth as it basically incorporates some of the earlier PF abilities (though not as powerful as say Damage alone) and lets a mage grow into it as he or she gains skill."
-- GM Chakram

Quest Notes: Note: This is a true quest to be solved, not merely an item retrieval.
Guildmaster Gauthus nods. "So, you are now ready to learn of the next aethereal pathway. It is called the Pathway of Accuracy. As you may have guessed from its name, it can be used to enhance the accuracy of your targeted spells. Before I teach it to you, however, there is something I must ask you to do first."
"In the place known as Throne City stands a tower gutted by fire. It was once a place of learning called the Imperial College of War Magic, and it flourished for many years. However, long ago it was nearly obliterated in the space of one night by a mysterious conflagration from within. After the disaster the building was sealed with magic and abandoned."
Gauthus says, "In recent days, however, I have heard troubling news. It seems that a light has been appearing in one of the tower's windows, where none should be. More interesting still is the sighting of a figure shambling along the streets near the tower, dressed in tattered robes that have been identified as the same ones worn by the dean of the college many years ago.
"Sinah, the task I give you is to enter the tower and discover who or what is behind these occurrences. Return to me with evidence of the perpetrator and I will reward you with the knowledge of the Pathway of Accuracy."
Guildmaster Gauthus says, "Take this letter and show it to the guard who stands before the ruined tower. He will let you pass into the tower by some means. From there it is up to you to complete your task."

"The sixth ability is called Pathway Focus Secrecy. PF Secrecy will increase a mage's ability to remain concealed while they target a spell (yay for stealth!). It will happen some time after PF Accuracy. This comes sixth as hopefully a mage by this time will be a bit more skilled in the arts of hiding (let's face it, it's not the easiest thing to train for us), thus allowing mages to be able to use this."
-- GM Chakram

Quest Notes:
Note: This, like Pathway Focus Accuracy, is a real quest that you need to solve.
Guildmaster Gauthus gazes at you solemnly. "You have the knowledge. But can you use it? Though I rarely use it, the Pathway of Secrecy may be useful to you. It will cause a targeted spell pattern to become more complex than it really is, reducing the chances that you will be detected when using it. However, I must ask that you perform a task to prove that you are worthy of the knowledge."
Gauthus says, "I have been studying the papers which you returned to me, and it seems there may be more inside the tower in Throne City that bears investigating. I think it would be prudent to search for the secret room mentioned in the dean's documents, and uncover whatever secrets it may hold. Bring back something interesting from this room, and I will teach you the Pathway of Secrecy."
Guildmaster Gauthus says, "Take this letter and show it to the guard who stands before the ruined tower. He will let you pass into the tower by some means. From there it is up to you to complete your task."

"Next up! Our seventh ability in the Aethereal Pathway series is called Pathway Focus Precise! PF Precise allows a mage to reduce the penalty that is normally associated with finely targetting a creature, such as targetting an arm or a leg specifically. This ability is seventh, coming some time after PF Secrecy, and hopefully at this point a mage will be able to make use of precision targetting and thus making this ability useful to some of the older mages."
-- GM Chakram

Quest Notes:
Note: This is another puzzle quest.
Guildmaster Gauthus says, "I deem you worthy of hearing about the next pathway, called the Pathway of Precision. This pathway enables you to create smaller targeted patterns than would normally be allowed for a spell, enhancing your ability to hit smaller targets. Of course, you'll need to earn the right to learn this ability by performing a task to my satisfaction."
Gauthus says, "During your absence, I was able to dispel the protective magic of the tome you brought me from the secret room in the Imperial College of War Magic. It was written by a particularly bright yet, from what I have read, twisted student whose curiosity about the elemental planes bordered on obsession. Though most of the book is filled with fanciful nonsense, one particular passage strikes me as odd. The student mentions his intent to summon a beast from the plane of Aether without using a talisman, and attempting to control the creature with his force of will alone. That is the last page with writing on it."
Gauthus pauses to let his words sink in, then says, "I believe that the creature that the dean attempted to destroy with his magic was the result of the failed summons by this student. Though I believe this creature is powerful, I have confidence that you possess the capability to destroy it, and achieve what the dean of the college could not. Destroy this beast, and bring me proof that you have vanquished it utterly. When you have done so, I will teach you the Pathway of Precision.
Guildmaster Gauthus says, "Take this letter and show it to the guard who stands before the ruined tower. He will let you pass into the tower by some means. From there it is up to you to complete your task.

"The eighth ability, is called Pathway Focus Defend. PF Defend, happening after PF Precise, allows a mage to manipulate aether, making it harder for targetted spells to hit them. This nifty ability comes eighth as by now the mage is pretty experienced. This ability allows these more experienced mages to defend themselves from incoming targetted magic attacks."
-- GM Chakram

Quest Notes:
Guildmaster Gauthus says, "I believe you are ready to learn about the Pathway of Defense. This pathway will force streams of aether to bend around you, making it much harder for targeted spells to strike you. As before, however, this knowledge must be earned by completing a task."
Gauthus says, "Once again, I must ask you to go to Throne City and visit the ruins of the Imperial College of War Magic. The student's tome, the dean's papers, and the creature you destroyed in the tower all paint a rather vivid picture of what truly happened those many years ago, when the tower was destroyed. I believe that you may have reached the same conclusions yourself."
"Such a sad waste, " Gauthus says quietly, shaking his head. "I am glad that, after all these years, the tower's secret has finally been laid bare." Abruptly, Gauthus blinks and furrows his brow. "Ah yes, your task. I almost forgot.
"There was a page in the student's journal that described a strange arcane device hidden safely away in the basement. He claimed it would aid his forbidden summoning by breaching the barriers between the elemental planes. While this may or may not be true, I must ask you to investigate this device. Learn what you can from it, and bring me evidence of its function. Once you have done this I will teach you the Pathway of Defense."
Guildmaster Gauthus says, "Take this letter and show it to the guard who stands before the ruined tower. He will let you pass into the tower by some means. From there it is up to you to complete your task."

--
Gathered by Baelth Visto and Sinah Perenor