Profane Paths

• 05 April 2025

Unlike the Creator-given gift of magic through arcane paths, profane paths were a branch of supernatural, unholy power that lurked within the wider world of magic through parasitic mimicry. Profane paths were not created by The Creator, instead having been introduced to Legere by the Ultimate Evil as a way to draw ambitious casters towards the forces of darkness.

Unlike the more nebulous powers of raw supernatural Evil, profane paths behaved like arcane paths in that they had restrictions and limitations that made them blend in with true magic. Organizations like the Arcane Hand made strides in their curriculums to teach about the elements that set the profane apart from the arcane, although those who had less access to the rigorous and prestigious education of such institutes always found themselves at greater risk to pursue the profane in quests for power.

Practitioners of the profane were rare, since the three "watchdog organizations" of Legere--the Arcane Hand, the Bureau of Classified Arcana, and the Righteous Order--moved swiftly to crack down on them.

Allure of the Profane #

Profane paths were extremely tempting to study and master because of the potential power that came with them. While certain elements of Creation were immutable outside of the influence of Angels, profane paths promised the ability to mold and wield them as easily as a pyromancer commanded flame. Particularly, the three profane paths promised dominance over the three elements over the triune mortals of Legere: body, spirit, and soul.

Those who delved into one profane path found themselves easily drawn to other profane paths as their being became corrupted with Evil. Additionally, established profane casters found mastering other profane paths much easier, an intentional design by the Evil One to draw mortals deeper into the miry pit of iniquity.

Profane Progression #

Profane paths could always be roughly divided up into 4 stages of mastery called circles.

1. The first circle of mastery always seemed harmless, which helped ease those who might have been more wary into the profane path. Minor powers--including ones that could seem beneficent, righteous, or honourable--were granted at this beginning stage.
2. The second circle was achieved when a profane caster became comfortable with the first stage and their curiosity or ambition got the better of them. More potent powers were granted, but at the cost of a moral erosion.
3. The third circle was for those who were the most powerful in the profane. Magnificent, glorious power could be wielded here, but it was never enough to satisfy the caster at this point in their unholy journey. The third circle always pointed the caster towards the fourth.
4. The fourth circle was only ever achievable by profane casters in theory. No profane caster ever mastered their path's fourth circle, and even the greatest of them--like the necromancer Pitch--always found the fourth circle just out of reach. The fourth circle's power was desirable above all else, promising power that was only commanded by The Creator. The fourth circle existed only to tempt those into pursuing the profane by promising the ability to change what couldn't be.