The Nine Roads are an integral part of my Universe of the Nine Roads fantasy setting in which I have written numerous short stories and a novel-in-progress. To put it in vulgar, simplistic terms they are the main part of the “magic system” of the world, but they are much more than that. The Nine Roads, each with a different color and some with various other names and titles, are the foundation of reality, the concrete manifestation of the forces and philosophies that make up existence.
Many people consider themselves to be walking one of the Roads and following one or more of its many philosophies. Likewise, all sentient beings have a spirit and the potential to use magic. True wizards combine both: by joining the power of their own souls with devotion to the natures and principles of one of the Nine Roads they gain access to incredible spells and powers and achieve amazing heights of understanding and enlightenment.
Spiritually aware individuals who have not found, chosen or been found by a Road are most commonly called “hedge wizards.” They are capable of comparatively minor, generalized feats of magic; basic healing, mending, divinations and levitation. For some this is enough, but many feel called to one of the Roads because of devotion to its philosophies or deep fascination with the forces it encompasses. Some search for a Road and never find their way onto it; others learn to call upon its power but never see it in their minds eye. The truest of wizards see their Road with their eyes, minds and souls, though there are many degrees of connection and commitment to a Road in between.
The Nine Hierophants are a loose grouping of nine powerful individuals, each possessing the greatest possible connection to and understanding of one of the Nine Roads. Their duty is to reveal the truths of their Road to others, in all their sometimes contradictory diversity. They are also charged with maintaining balance among the Roads. Hierophants are commonly referred to by the color of their Road: The White Hierophant, or the Hierophant of Green for example.
While the Hierophants are the most legendary individuals associated with the Roads, the Nine Roads are part of the daily lives of all people. The days are named after them, and most of the world’s religions spring from their philosophies or worship deities said to be embodiments of different aspects of the Roads.
There are some places in the world where the forces of a particular Road run especially close to the surface of physical reality; these places are called Nodes and are usually regulated and watched over by a Guardian, often a dragon or other spiritually powerful entity.
The pages below give a general overview of each of the Nine Roads, though the information therein is by no means all inclusive.
This page has the following sub pages.
