The Three Paths are the ultimate fate of all who dwell on
Basiliath. Due to the influence of
The Veil, souls on Basiliath do not become petitioners in one of the outer planes upon death. Instead, their souls are offered a choice between three different fates. The Three Paths are not unique to a particular lineage or creed; all souls must choose one of the Three Paths to travel after death.
The Path of Return
Souls who choose the Path of Return are reincarnated into the world, their memories permanently and, save for Divine intervention, irrevocably wiped. They do not choose their new appearance, lineage, or social status with the notable exception of
Elves, whose souls are marked by their chief god,
Corellon Larethian. Elves who choose the Path of Return will reincarnate as Elves. If there is a shortage of Elf souls on Basiliath, Corellon will offer another soul the opportunity to be reborn as an elf. An elf reborn in this way does not choose their new people or social class.
The Path of Release
Souls who choose the Path of Release fade away into the very fabric which makes up the Veil. Once a soul has willingly joined its essence to the Veil, it is irretrievable. No amount of magic may bring it back.
The Path of Ascension
Souls who willingly choose an offer to leave the Veil are afforded release. This is typically the case for those whom gods have offered an afterlife in another realm, or otherwise those who have given away their souls to be reborn in the Nine Hells.
