View source for Pathfinder

[[File:Pathfinder1.jpg|thumb|right|250px|A Pathfinder consults a [[wayfinder]].]]

: ''This article is about agents of the [[Pathfinder Society]]. See [[Pathfinder Roleplaying Game]] for information about the real-world product line. For related prestige classes, see [[Pathfinder field agent]] and [[Pathfinder chronicler]].''

A '''Pathfinder''' is a specially trained and certified member of the world-spanning [[Pathfinder Society]]. Often working and traveling solo, these [[adventurer]]s dedicate their lives to uncovering ancient secrets, lost [[artifact]]s, and general knowledge of the world's most exotic locations and cultures.

== Pathfinder duties ==

Pathfinders do not have a formalized set of rules or by-laws, but it is generally understood that the code of behavior is to:

* '''Explore:''' Pathfinders are expected to delve the depths of the world, rooting out secrets and untold stories both ancient and modern and pushing the boundaries of explored lands.
* '''Report:''' As the Society does not want any discoveries to become "undiscovered" again, a Pathfinder must keep careful and detailed records of their exploits. These are sent in to the Pathfinder's [[venture-captain]] and may be compiled into the published ''[[Pathfinder Chronicles]]''. It is considered a great honor for a Pathfinder's report to be published in the Chronicles.
* '''Cooperate:''' Pathfinders are forbidden from fighting other Society members, especially within a [[Pathfinder lodge]]. Pathfinders are expected to stay out of each other's affairs unless to offer help.

Aside from these general expectations, there are no moral obligations affixed to Pathfinders; their motivations are their own. As such, one can find a great variety of races, backgrounds, and [[alignment]]s among Pathfinders.<ref name="SoS3-4">{{Cite book/Seekers of Secrets|3-4}}</ref>

== Becoming a Pathfinder ==

=== Application === 

Anyone who wishes to join the society must present themselves at the gates of the Pathfinder Society's [[Grand Lodge]] in [[Absalom]]. The society does not discriminate by race, age, creed, alignment, or motivations. However, the Society does require that applicants pass a number of tests, both physical and mental, before accepting them into the program. Experienced (and often retired) Pathfinders test new applicants, and while the only specific requirement is the ability to read and write [[Common (language)|Common]], Pathfinders tend to reject those who would not last long in the field.

Occasionally, the Society might invite a non-affiliated adventurer to apply as a Pathfinder after that adventurer submits a report of a discovery. Because of this, many aspiring adventurers will aid Pathfinders on missions in hopes of proving themselves to the Society.<ref name="SoS5-7">{{Cite book/Seekers of Secrets|5-7}}</ref>

=== Initiation and training ===

[[File:Skyreach.jpg|250px|right|thumb|[[Skyreach]], the central tower of the [[Grand Lodge]] in [[Absalom]].]]

If accepted, the initiates undertake a rigorous training program over the next few years within the Grand Lodge's walls, overseen by the [[Three Masters]]. This training covers not only combat and [[arms]] training, but also scholarly work in the fields of history, [[magic]] theory, and research. While in training, initiates work for the Society in roles ranging from guard duty and research assistance to mundane cleaning, both to help train the initiate and to identify the initiates who are most dedicated to becoming Pathfinders.<ref name="SoS5-7"/>

=== Confirmation ===

Before becoming full Pathfinders, initiates must pass [[Confirmation]]&mdash;a custom challenge for each Pathfinder initiate designed by the Three Masters themselves. The Confirmation challenge is designed to emulate the challenges that a Pathfinder might face in the field&mdash;it is essentially a Pathfinder's first mission. There are no set time limits or boundaries, and Confirmation tests often take weeks to complete. 

As befitting the duties of a full Pathfinder, the initiate is expected to chronicle the adventure and any discoveries. As most Confirmation tests are set in the world outside of the Grand Lodge, their discoveries can make their way back to the ''[[Pathfinder Chronicles]]''. 

If the initiate passes, the initiate is promoted to '''field operative''' in a brief Confirmation ceremony, where the newly minted Pathfinder receives a leather journal and is assigned to a [[venture-captain]] for active duty.<ref name="SoS5-7"/>

=== Field commissions ===

In some exemplary cases, an adventurer or scholar can perform an act so great that it attracts the attention of the Society's secretive authorities, the [[Decemvirate]]. While very rare, such people can bypass training and Confirmation and are promoted directly to the rank of field operative. This honor is extended only to those who have truly changed the course of history.<ref name="SoS5-7"/>

== Common traits ==

Pathfinders are often identified by the [[magic item|magical]] ''[[wayfinder]]s'' that many carry.<ref name="SoS-50">{{Cite book/Seekers of Secrets|50}}</ref> Many also use diverse forms of covert communication, such as ciphers and sign languages, that vary between regions and venture-captains.<ref name="SoS-25">{{Cite book/Seekers of Secrets|25}}</ref>

While Pathfinders are dispersed across [[Golarion]], most travel to the Grand Lodge at least once. The Society also hosts the annual [[Grand Convocation]], a conference and festival that draws many Pathfinders to the Grand Lodge.<ref name="SoS-27">{{Cite book/Seekers of Secrets|27}}</ref>

== Notable Pathfinders ==

{{Main|Notable members of the Pathfinder Society}}

Exemplary Pathfinders are frequently published in the ''Pathfinder Chronicles'', and those who develop followings of their own can be promoted by the Decemvirate to the rank of venture-captain.<ref name="SoS-24">{{Cite book/Seekers of Secrets|24}}</ref> Perhaps the most notable Pathfinder of all is the legendary [[Durvin Gest]], a 20-foot-tall statue of whom stands as a monument in the Grand Lodge.<ref name="SoS-26">{{Cite book/Seekers of Secrets|26}}</ref>

=== Ex-Pathfinders ===

Pathfinders might leave active duty for a number of reasons. Some retire on their own terms to settle down, while others face injuries or trauma too great to overcome. 

A few, however, quit the Society. The famed author [[Ailson Kindler]], for instance, left the Society after severe disagreements with its operation.<ref name="CHR-2">{{Cite book/Classic Horrors Revisited|2-3}}</ref><ref name="RF13">{{Cite book/Rule of Fear|13}}</ref> Others simply walk away, going into hiding or never reporting back from an expedition. Still others betray the Society for personal gain, vengeance, or in service of a rival organization.

{{Sectstub}}

== Usage notes ==

In all circumstances relating to the Society and its members, ''always'' capitalize the word "Pathfinder". 

While all Pathfinders are members of the Society, not all Society members are Pathfinders. Some special affiliates, informants, and advisors to the Society might work for the Society and even hold significant authority within the Grand Lodge, but are not necessarily Pathfinders.<ref>For example, see [[Zarta Dralneen]], a person who holds a significant role in the Society but is not a Pathfinder agent or officer. Also see [[:Category:Pathfinder Society/Affiliates]].</ref>

== References ==

{{Refs|2}}

[[Category:Pathfinder Society/Pathfinders| ]]
[[Category:Pathfinder Society]]
[[Category:Adventurers]]