Brotherhood of the Threefold Path Initiate
The Brotherhood of the Threefold Path is a powerful order of wizards with far-reaching political influence. They are closely tied to both the Belanthian and Celasyn thrones and are responsible for a multi-national ban on sorcery. While they prefer to train their own wizards from a young age at their Academia de Magicka, they will accept any trained wizard who proves their skill and actively recruit them when possible. Additionally, the Brotherhood recruits non-magical operatives such as guards, spies, and messengers.
You have been recruited by the Brotherhood of the Threefold Path whether because of your magical capabilities or your non-magical expertise. Choose one of the Brotherhood Paths to belong to:
- Path of the Ivory Hand - The outreach branch of the order. Advisors, Diplomats, and Healers.
- Path of the Granite Eye - The intelligence branch of the order. Librarians, Researchers, and Spies.
- Path of the Ebon Heel - The enforcement branch of the order. Guards, Inquisitors, and Assassins.
Skill Proficiencies: Arcana, plus depending on your chosen Path:
- Path of the Ivory Hand: Persuasion
- Path of the Granite Eye: Perception
- Path of the Ebon Heel: Intimidation
Languages: Two of your choice
Equipment: The robes or uniform of your Path, a set of common clothes, a writing kit (small pouch with a quill, ink (1 ounce bottle); folded parchment, and a small penknife), a letter from your superior with a task to complete, and a pouch containing 10 gp.
Feature: Amulet of the Threefold Path
When you adopt a Brotherhood of the Threefold Path tradition at 2nd level, you become a member of the Brotherhood with Renown of 1. You also receive an Amulet of the Threefold Path. This Amulet is a magic item that acts as a wizard's arcane focus and unlocks additional abilities as your renown within the Brotherhood grows.
Brotherhood Rank & Amulet Power Level
| Renown | Rank | Amulet Power Level |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Initiate | Lesser |
| 3 | Journeyman | Greater |
| 10 | Magus | Superior |
| 25 | Archmage | Supreme |
| 50 | Brother | Artifact |
Suggested Characteristics
Use the tables for the sage background below as the basis for your traits and motivations, modifying the entries when appropriate to suit your identity as a Brotherhood Initiate.
Your bond is almost certainly associated either with the place where you grew up or with the knowledge you hope to acquire through adventuring. Your ideal is no doubt related to how you view the quest for knowledge and truth—perhaps as a worthy goal in itself, or maybe as a means to a desirable end.
| d8 | Personality Trait |
|---|---|
| 1 | I use polysyllabic words that convey the impression of great erudition. |
| 2 | I’ve read every book in the world’s greatest libraries—or I like to boast that I have. |
| 3 | I’m used to helping out those who aren’t as smart as I am, and I patiently explain anything and everything to others. |
| 4 | There’s nothing I like more than a good mystery. |
| 5 | I’m willing to listen to every side of an argument before I make my own judgment. |
| 6 | I . . . speak . . . slowly . . . when talking . . . to idiots, . . . which . . . almost . . . everyone . . . is . . . compared . . .to me. |
| 7 | I am horribly, horribly awkward in social situations. |
| 8 | I’m convinced that people are always trying to steal my secrets. |
| d6 | Ideal |
| 1 | Knowledge. The path to power and self-improvement is through knowledge. (Neutral) |
| 2 | Beauty. What is beautiful points us beyond itself toward what is true. (Good) |
| 3 | Logic. Emotions must not cloud our logical thinking. (Lawful) |
| 4 | No Limits. Nothing should fetter the infinite possibility inherent in all existence. (Chaotic) |
| 5 | Power. Knowledge is the path to power and domination. (Evil) |
| 6 | Self-Improvement. The goal of a life of study is the betterment of oneself. (Any) |
| d6 | Bond |
| 1 | It is my duty to protect my students. |
| 2 | I have an ancient text that holds terrible secrets that must not fall into the wrong hands. |
| 3 | I work to preserve a library, university, scriptorium, or monastery. |
| 4 | My life’s work is a series of tomes related to a specific field of lore. |
| 5 | I’ve been searching my whole life for the answer to a certain question. |
| 6 | I sold my soul for knowledge. I hope to do great deeds and win it back. |
| d6 | Flaw |
| 1 | I am easily distracted by the promise of information. |
| 2 | Most people scream and run when they see a demon. I stop and take notes on its anatomy. |
| 3 | Unlocking an ancient mystery is worth the price of a civilization. |
| 4 | I overlook obvious solutions in favor of complicated ones. |
| 5 | I speak without really thinking through my words, invariably insulting others. |
| 6 | I can’t keep a secret to save my life, or anyone else’s. |