Path Maidens
Path Maidens are a type of spirit or shade1 that some worshippers of Pharasma become after defying her at the end of their lives.2
Appearance
Path Maidens wear garments that are connected to their prior faith in Pharasma, typically clad in purple robes that sweep well beyond where their feet should be. While Path Maidens always appear in feminine forms, Path Nomads, whom share the same origin, tend to have a masculine form.2
The jorogumo Lady Jian Kailu has a unique relationship with Shenmen's spirits, including the Path Maidens. The Lady provides her favored servants with perfumes, ceremonial garments, and red-stamped imperial passes that protect them from the Path Maidens and allow them passage. She keeps the details of these protections a closely held secret as part of her leverage over her rival Lady Lang Loi.1
Background
Where Path Maidens typically form out of scorn for Pharasma's roles over births and deaths, Path Nomads tend to hold scorn for her roles as a prophet and her role in destiny. Path Maidens can be contacted via a 20-foot Gossamser Sash woven of spidersilk, which must be held during an hour-long trek between midnight and sunrise within Shenmen to function.2
References
For additional as-yet unincorporated sources about this subject, see the Meta page.
- ↑ 1.0 1.1 . “Shenmen” in Tian Xia World Guide, 198. Paizo Inc., 2024
- ↑ 2.0 2.1 2.2 . “Path Maiden” in To Bloom Below the Web, 86–87. Paizo Inc., 2024