NPC Subpaths.

((Sorry, this whole post is OOC so I can express myself a little bit easier))

    Two things straight first off.  One, if you're after spells, go for an NPC subpath, that's what they're for.  Second, subpaths aren't for the loftily held people unless that's how you role-play((An arrogant person after more power?  That'd actually be a new one...)).  I see a lot of:
"I deserve to join ____.  Have a guide contact me."
"I want to join a (insert class) subpath.  N-mail me how."

   You don't "deserve" it unless the Elder or a Guide says you do. Being arrogant and cocky is going to get you nowhere fast.  The first thing you should do before you even THINK about which path to join, is open WordPad((or the equivlent)) and have some spare time.  Write out a story of your character's life.  Anyone that's played AD&D and enjoyed it will catch on REAL quick.  If your story consists of two paragraphs of very few sentences, get more details.  "The Sonhi killed my parents, destroyed my village, and I decided I wanted the power to get back at them" is way too little.  Nice backbone for a story, but too little.

   Get descriptive.  What has your life been like?  Have you been shuned by the community, attacked at every corner, and beaten up just because you're an outsider?  Think about it.  I don't mean just look at it as "people beat me up and I'm tired of it", really ponder it.  Would it make you shy and hide when someone shouts?  Or would it make you want more power so you can be the master of those that attack you?
These things and more will make a great application.

   Now that you've got a history that really gets in depth, role-play on COtW, when whispering role-players, and even when you're talking with people, CONSTANTLY.  Get a feel for what it's like, look at where you missed things, and go back and fix them.  When you find you're in character without trying, you're doing great.

    Example time:  I tend to stay at the edges of crowds and only speak when spoken to or to help someone.  This is because of my background. I'm a back-mountain farmer's son that was thrust into civilization by my past.  I'm sometimes cold to people when I've been deep in thought. I also believe power should be gained through work, not by grouping a Wasabi and following them on their rampage, doing no work at all.  I'm not yet IC constantly, but I'm getting there.

  Now, applications.  Best method for this is . . you guessed it . . role-play it.  A short example((Don't use this, it's too little for any guide to really consider, it's just to  give you an idea.  This is an application for Diviners just cause I find it fairly easy to think up.(Nope, this ISN'T mine or anyone's that I copied.)))

Greetings Guide ____,

   Recently I have been having odd visions in my sleep, sensing that I should be doing things and the like.  I believe I may have the powers of a Diviner locked away inside of me.  I spoke with anyone I could, trying to find out where I could talk to someone about this.  I finally spoke with my Guild master and he told me of the Diviners.

   I would like to be able to sharpen these skills and be able to use them more freely.  Having them and not being able to use them make me feel like I'm throwing away a prefectly good peice of fruit just because I'm not hungry.  I finally worked up the nerve to contact you. I am currently a mage of the __th insight. ((You'd add more here, I'm just running out of how to RP it with the "Downtroden, shuned person perspective"))

   Now, you're role-playing, you've applied(maybe reapplied because they need to know more), and you think you did it right.  Now, just sit yourself down, get comfortable, and wait.  Subpaths can't just bring you in instantly.  Some require quests, others require proof of your devotion, and yet more require the ever-present "impress the guide/elder"((Thomstel is impressed if you bring him information he didn't know, for example)).

   Now, you're in.  Great!  First hint, find out everything you can. This means finding free time and reading the sub-path board, bottom to top or something similar.  This will get you accustomed to the different members additudes, how the sub-path is run, what is expected of you, and much more information.  It also means talking with other new members to see what they find out.  Second hint, don't just say "Cool, I'm a _____" and walk away from it.  The Guide had to pay Karma/experience to let you into the subpath ((coincidentally costing them something just so you can join their subpath)), now you've got to earn it back.  Role-play the path, be at meetings, be helpful when you're asked, and get jobs you're given done on time or, even better,early.

    You're now one of the people that qualified to be in an RP sub-path.  Don't turn your back on them not that you're a member. Being an RP has responsabilities as well.  You should defend your path's honor, answer questions about it to a point ((Unless your elder doesn't want info spread, I.E., Mals doesn't say a whole lot about Shadow requirements if you read his post)), and don't make everything about it public knowledge.  Your spells, the requirements, and what they do may be the treasured knowledge of the path.  If you were to spread, say, all the spells for the merchant path((yeah, I know.  Most of them are public knowledge already)), what they do, and what they cost item for item, you'd anger your elder. 

    Good luck on your newly choosen sub-path!