Heroes of Athas
create your hero

Skills of Survival
overview of the skill system

The Elements of Life
information on the setting, expanded action lists

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Sorcery Under the Dark Sun
defilers & preservers, the sorcery rules for Athas

Mysticism on the Crimson Sands
on the powers of druids, clerics and templars

The Way of the Mind
psionics and the way

back .
 

I clutched at nothing as I fell

Then gathered up the wind in my arms

and flew.

That is the Way.

-Shree'da Thek'ta,
Halfling Shaman devoted to the Air


The sentient races of the world have been altered by the vast ecological destruction no differently than the creatures in the wastes around them.  Almost every creature and sentient being upon Athas is gifted with what is known as the Unseen Way, or simply, the Way.

The ability to read thoughts, to view the happenings in distant places without being there, to subtly influence one's neighbors or control the actions of animals, and many other strange powers are the gifts of the Way.
Full details are listed in the "Powers of the Mind" section.

In the vast majority of Athasians, these powers lie dormant and sleeping below the surface, only occasionally manifesting; or awakened, yet untrained to their true potential.
See the "Wild Talents" section for details.

In others, those with the discipline and will or wisdom to master them, their use is no more difficult than lifting one's own arm. To those who study, the simple tricks mentioned above pale in comparison to the abilities possessed by a true master of the Way, one who has perfected their own mind and has learned all the hidden pathways within it.
Whether that individual be a hermit who has learned through trial and error and days or years of solitary meditation, or a student at one of the powerful schools of the Way which formally train an individual in awakening and best utilizing their hidden potentials, the master is not someone to be trifled with.
Full details are available in the "Mastering the Way" section.


 

created on January 31st, 1999
last updated on May 7th