In Lord of the Mysteries, power isn't gained through simple training—it's achieved through the Pathway system, a complex web of 22 distinct routes to transcendence. Each pathway corresponds to a Major Arcana tarot card and offers unique abilities and dangers.
Understanding the Pathway System
How Pathways Work
Every Beyonder pathway consists of 10 sequences, numbered from 9 (lowest) to 0 (highest):
- Sequence 9-7: Low sequences, relatively common Beyonders
- Sequence 6-4: Mid sequences, powerful and rare
- Sequence 3-1: High sequences, legendary beings
- Sequence 0: Godhood—the pathway's ultimate form
The Acting Method
The key to safely advancing lies in the Acting Method—embodying the name and nature of your sequence. This method, rediscovered by Roselle Gustav, is crucial for maintaining control over Beyonder powers.
The 22 Pathways: Complete Breakdown
1. The Fool Pathway
Domain: Deception, Acting, Fate Manipulation
Sequences: Seer → Clown → Magician → Faceless → Nimblewright Master → Bizarro Sorcerer → Attendant of Mysteries → Miracle Invoker → The Fool
Klein Moretti's pathway in the novel.
2. The Door Pathway
Domain: Space, Dimensions, Travel
Sequences: Apprentice → Trickmaster → Astrologer → Traveler → Warlock → Gatekeeper → Secrets Sorcerer → Planeswalker → The Door
3. The Error Pathway
Domain: Theft, Assassination, Probability
Sequences: Marauder → Swindler → Cryptologist → Fire Bandit → Parasite → Phantom → Divine Thief → The Error
More Pathways
The remaining pathways include: The Wheel of Fortune, The Visionary, The Tyrant, The Sun, The White Tower, The Hanged Man, The Hermit, Death, The Devil, The Moon, The Stars, The Abyss, The Twilight Giant, The Demoness, The Evernight, The Calamity, The Red Priest, The Justiciar, and The Paragon.
Pathway Groups
- The Three Pillars: The Fool, The Door, The Error (oldest pathways)
- God Almighty Group: The White Tower, The Tyrant, The Sun
- Eternal Darkness Group: Death, The Hanged Man, The Sun (partial)
Collecting Pathway Merchandise
Want to represent your favorite pathway? Explore our LOTM tarot cards collection featuring all 22 pathways beautifully illustrated.
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