有关不同的道途对追随者来说,在引导精灵灵魂转化和上升到光耀者城堡的五条道途中,每一条都有七种特定的神圣联系。它们分别为:颜色、正装、元素、时刻、年龄、激情和门类。这些联系涵盖的范围从个人醒示到社会标识,从象征意义到实际必需。
一名追随者用服装的颜色展现他所追随的道途,他人可能由此知晓并表示应有的尊重。纹章、象征、设计、珠宝和圣物同样显示着追随者的道途。具体正装穿着的选择因追随者而异。每条道途都有某种元素与之相关:地、气、火、水或木。这些元素,以及任何由它们组成的事物,对于遵循该元素道途的追随者来说是都非常重要的。一天中的某一特定时刻对特定道途的追随者来说有特殊意义;在这段神圣的时间内,他们必须执行一个特殊的道途仪式,类似于习艺者的业力仪式,但专注于追随者的道途。仪式十分简短,只持续十分钟时间,但它增强了追随者对其道途的奉献。与每条道途相联系的年龄指导每一个精灵应当在生命的何时到达某条道途。许多人到达既定道途的时间早于给定年龄,也有人到达的时间晚于给定年龄。
人们相信激情会引导追随者沿着每一条道途前行。一些追随者选择献身于和他们的道途相关联的激情,并在旅途中成为探求者。选择追求这一艰难旅程的人被称为Beletre,激情之人,并因他们的奉献而受到尊敬。
最后一种联系,即门类,是个复杂的问题,也是坚定追随者和自由追随者之间最根本的分歧点。较为宽松的自由追随者常常相信,对一个即将遵循给定道途的习艺者来说,只要将当前道途的目标在脑海中置于首位,任何数量门类都是可以接受的。而坚定追随者相信,在旅途的每一阶段,有且只有一个门类是可以接受的,参与另一个就是完全破坏了命轮。
当然,少有授名者能够成为习艺者,足够灵活而得以理解所有门类观点的习艺者则更加稀少。因此,传统的追随者们可能度过没有门类的几十年,只为开始一条新的道途,并发现他们内在仍然沉睡的力量。另一种情况是,他们可能从一名强大的习艺者转变为一个卑微的、貌似凡俗的社会成员。只有在到达最后的道途,君主之道时,传统主义者才允许习艺者追随者使用他们在旅途中可能掌握的所有门类。
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Of the Different Paths
For each of the five Paths that lead to the transformation and ascension of the elven spirit into Tesrae ke’Mellakabal, seven specific associations are sacred to Followers. These associations are: colors, regalia, elements, hours, age, Passions, and Discipline. These associations range from personal reminders to social identifiers; from profound symbols of deep meaning to practical necessities
A Follower displays their Path in the colors of their clothes, so that others may know their Path and show them the respect due. Sigils, symbols, designs, jewelry, and sacred objects also show a Follower’s Path. The specific regalia chosen can vary from Follower to Follower. Each Path has a certain element associated with it: Earth, Air, Fire, Water, or Wood. These elements and anything made of them are of great significance to a Follower of that element’s Path. Certain times of day have meaning for Followers of a given Path; during these sacred hours they must perform a special Path ritual similar to an adept’s karma ritual but focused on the Follower’s Path. The brief ritual, a mere ten minutes in length, reinforces the Follower’s dedication to their Path. The age associated with each Path serves as a guideline to the time of life at which each elf should reach a certain Path. Many reach a given Path earlier than the given age, some reach it later.
It is believed that a Passion guides the Follower in their journey along each Path. Some Followers choose to devote themselves to the relevant Passion for their Path and become questors during their Journey. Those that choose to pursue this more difficult Journey are known as Beletre, the Passionate, and are revered for their dedication.
The final association, that of Discipline, is a complex matter and the most fundamental breaking point between Strong Followers and Free Followers. The looser Dae’mistishsa frequently believe that any number of Disciplines are acceptable for an adept who would follow a given Path, provided the adept keeps the goals of their current Path at the front of their mind. The Sa’mistishsa believe there is one Discipline, and one Discipline only, that is acceptable on each stage of the Journey. To partake in another is to undermine the Wheel entirely.
Of course, few Namegivers are capable of becoming adepts and fewer adepts are flexible enough to understand the views of all Disciplines. For this reason, traditional followers may spend decades without a Discipline only to begin a new Path and uncover a power within them that had remained dormant. Alternately, they may transition from being a powerful adept to a humble and seemingly mundane member of society. Only upon reaching the final Path, the Path of Lords, do traditionalists allow their adept Followers to partake in all of the Disciplines they may have mastered during their Journey.
Mes ti 'Meraerthsa,勇士之道勇士之道的颜色呈现为深暗大地的色泽,例如黑色、棕色、灰色或深红色。追随者的正式装束通常包含沿尖锐线条的剪裁,带有硬边缘和棱角的刺绣或珠宝设计,携带剑或其他武器。这条道途对应地元素,时刻为午夜。成人仪式之后,每个追随者开始走这条道途,并可以在他成年与60岁之间的任何时刻走上这道途。勇士之道属于提斯托尼乌斯,英勇的激情。此条道途与战士门类相联系,它测试精灵的力量和能力。追随这条道途时,每个精灵都会对自己身体极限进行探寻。情感支配理性,直觉支配逻辑。当追随者走上这条道途,他们了解世界的奇迹和危险。他们没有时间用于哲思和辩论,行动与反应的高度迅捷难容思考的空隙。要完成勇士之道,就是要理解追随你的直觉的结果,以及作为一名激进者的优势与劣势。
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Mes ti’Meraerthsa, The Path of Warriors
The colors of the Path of Warriors are dark earth shades such as black, brown, gray, or deep red. Such a Follower’s regalia often include clothing cut along sharp lines, embroidery or jewelry designs with hard edges and angles, and swords or other weapons. The element of this Path is Earth, and its hour is Midnight. After the Ritual of Passage (p. 21), each Follower begins down this Path and may walk it at any time between his coming of age and his sixtieth year. The Path of Warriors belongs to Thystonius, Passion of Valor and Conflict. The Sa’mistishsa associate this Path with the Warrior Discipline.
The Warrior’s Path tests an elf’s physical strength and abilities. While following this Path, each elf discovers the limits of their body. Emotions rule over reason, and instinct reigns over intellect. As the Follower walks this Path, they learn of the wonders and dangers of the world. They have little time for philosophy and debate, acting and reacting too swiftly for thought. To complete the Path of Warriors is to understand the results of following your instincts and the strengths and failings of being a reactionary creature.
Mes ti 'Telenetishsa,学者之道那些踏上学者之道的人身着鲜亮的红色和黄色服饰。受到青睐的正装包含丰富的刺绣,有纹理的艺术品,以及火焰或太阳的符号。这条道途对应火元素,时刻为黎明。一个精灵在60岁到120岁之间开始追随这条道途。芙罗兰努斯,狂欢,能量,胜利与运动的激情,将引导追随者踏上这条道途的脚步。它与元素师门类有关。
走这条道途的追随者开始探索他们的内在本质。学者之道并不是在号召反思,而是在探索行为背后的原因。这条道途的追随者检查目的,定义动机,并揭示意图。虽然他们仍在物质世界中行动,但那是深思熟虑和有目的性的。沿着这条道途,追随者开始认识到世界和他们内在自我的内在运作。要完成这条道途,就要理解自己和周围世界的目的与驱动力。
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Mes ti’Telenetishsa, The Path of Scholars
Those treading the Path of Scholars wear bright, rich shades of red and yellow. Favored regalia includes rich embroidery, textured artworks, and symbols of fire or the sun. The element of this Path is Fire, and its hour is Dawn. An elf begins to Follow this Path between the ages of 60 and 120. Floranuus, Passion of Revelry, Energy, Victory, and Motion, guides a Follower’s steps on this Path. It is associated with the Elementalist Discipline.
The Follower who walks this Path begins to explore their inner nature. The Scholar’s Path is not a call to introspection, but an exploration of the reasons behind action. The Follower of this Path examines purposes, defines motives, and reveals intent. Though they still act in the physical world, they act with deliberation and purpose. Along this Path, the Follower begins to perceive much of the inner workings of the world and their own, inner self. To complete this Path is to understand purpose and drive both in yourself and in the world around you.
Mes ti 'Cirolletishsa,旅者之道旅者之道的颜色呈现为天空与河流的亮色,尤其是蓝色、白色和绿色系。受青睐的正装包含引人注目的、浮夸的艺术品和设计,以及乐器和写作工具。这条道途对应气元素,时间是正午。精灵通常在120到180岁之间走上这条道途。爱与艺术的激情阿斯滕达尔守护着这条道途。它的门类是吟游诗人。
走上这条道途的追随者会从内在灵魂走向外在世界。在学者之道中,追随者探索了思想与行动之间的内在关联,而在旅者之道中,追随者发现了行动或表达与灵感之间的关系。追随这条道途时,他们开始接触到连接宇宙万物的,更深层次的范式。许多旅者之道的追随者发现自己靠近权力中心或深陷冒险。在此,追随者可以通过故事、歌曲和传说看到物质世界的众多联系。要完成旅者之道,就要理解驱动力是如何推动世界变化,以及每一个行动是如何在事实上成为了对前人的反应。
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Mes ti’Cirolletishsa, The Path of Travelers
The colors of the Path of Travelers are light shades of the sky and river, especially blues, whites, and greens. Favored regalia include dramatic, flamboyant artworks and designs as well as both musical and writing instruments. The element of this Path is Air, and its hour is Midday. An elf commonly walks this Path between the ages of 120 and 180. Astendar, Passion of Love and Art, watches over this Path. Its Discipline is the Troubadour.
The Follower who walks this Path moves from the inward soul to the outward world. While in the Mes ti’Telenetishsa, the Follower explored the inner relationship between thought and action, along the Traveler’s Path the Follower discovers the relationship between actions or between expression and inspiration. As they walk this Path, they begin to touch upon the deeper patterns that link all things in the universe. Many Followers of the Mes ti’Cirolletishsa find themselves near centers of power or deeply involved in adventure. In places of power and peril, the Follower can see many connections in the physical world through tales, song, and legends. To complete the Path of Travelers is to understand how drives force the world to shift and change and how every action is in truth a reaction to those who came before.
Mes ti 'Perritaesa,贤人之道贤人之道的色彩丰富而深沉,如深蓝、红色和黑色。受青睐的正装包括具有象征意义的抽象艺术作品,尤其是那些包含详细设计和神秘符号的作品。这条道途的元素是水,时刻是日落。精灵通常在180到240岁之间遵循这条道途。生长的激情贾斯普利引导这条道途的追随者。道途公认的门类是巫师。
贤人之道的追随者再次转向内心,发现内在世界远比外部世界来得复杂。追随者开始探索所有事物之间的内在联系。这允许他们看到范式,并定义曾经隐藏的真实。大自然的循环变得更加清晰,他们开始理解世界真正的运作模式。当追随者察觉到看似不相关的事件背后隐藏的原因时,启示比比皆是。沿这条道途,精灵的灵魂再度缓缓浮现,并开始向命轮的中心移动。完成贤人之道是一个非常个人的时刻,但据说完成这条道途的人深谙什么是必须的,什么是可能的,拥有分辨二者之间区别的智慧。
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Mes ti’Perritaesa, The Path of Sages
The colors of the Path of Sages are rich and deep, such as dark blues, red, and black. Favored regalia include symbolic, abstract works of art, especially those that incorporate detailed designs and mystical symbols. The element of this Path is Water, and its hour is Sunset. An elf commonly Follows this Path between the ages of 180 and 240. Jaspree, Passion of Growth, guides Followers of this Path. The accepted Discipline is the Wizard.
The Follower of the Sage’s Path turns inward once more, finding the inner world far more complex than the outer one. The Follower begins to explore the inner connections between all things. Allowing them to see patterns and define truths once hidden. The cycles of nature become clear, and they begin to understand the true workings of the world. Revelations abound as the Follower perceives the hidden causes behind seemingly unconnected events. Along this Path, the elven spirit re-emerges and begins to move toward the center of the Wheel. Completing the Path of Sages is a deeply personal moment, but it is said those who complete this Path understand the things that must be and the things that may be, with the wisdom to tell the difference between the two.
Mes ti 'Raeghsa,君主之道君主之道对应银色、金色和铜色。受青睐的正装包含刺绣和简约设计的艺术品,其中包括深刻的个人象征。这条路的元素为木,所有的时刻都是神圣的。精灵通常在240到300岁之间走过这条道途。这条道途属于米恩布鲁耶,正义,怜悯,共情和真理的激情。在与此条道途相关联时,精灵接受所有的门类。
君主之道的追随者达到了真正的和谐,使身心达到平衡。他们掌握了自己和他们所居住的世界,整个世界的奥秘任由追随者衡量控制,用于寻求自我和精神的最终平衡。一旦达到了这种平衡,通往泛位面的大门就会打开,于是他们就可以进行前往光耀者城堡的最后旅程。
君主之道是一条非常平静的道途,但也有巨大的力量。追随者利用他们所学的一切做好进入光耀者城堡的准备。谁也不知道城堡大门何时洞开召唤,所以追随者必须时刻准备。当灵魂被从物质容器中带离,追随者就完成了他沿着命轮的旅途。
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Mes ti’Raeghsa, The Path of Lords
The colors of the Path of Lords are silver, gold, and bronze. Favored regalia include embroidery and artwork of simple designs that include deeply significant personal symbols. The element of this Path is Wood, and all hours are sacred to it. An elf commonly treads this Path between the ages of 240 and 300. This Path belongs to Mynbruje, Passion of Justice, Compassion, Empathy, and Truth. All elves accept all Disciplines as associated with this Path.
The Follower of the Path of Lords achieves true harmony, bringing the body into balance with the mind. Having achieved mastery of themselves and the world they inhabit, all the world’s mysteries are the Follower’s to ponder and control as they seek the final balance of self and spirit. Once they have achieved this balance, the gates to the metaplanes will open, so that they may make the final journey to Tesrae ke’Mellakabal.
Mes ti’Raeghsa is a Path of great calm, but also of great power. The Follower uses all that they have learned to prepare themselves for entrance to the Citadel of the Shining Ones. One cannot know when the gates to Tesrae ke’Mellakabal will open and beckon, so the Follower must always be ready. When their spirit is taken from its physical vessel, the Follower has completed his Journey along the Wheel.