Pathways

Pathways are broken down into 3 categories; these categories the Magi, the Mystics and the Corporeals. They may not make a lot of sense to the new initiates right away. However, there is a purpose to this structure and as members climb the ranks which is revealed further up in ranks. The early differences of pathway categories are in: methodologies of training and resources. Each category requires different resources, expertise and training facilities. Each category is grooming their members for a specific purpose further in the Order.

Pathways are ultimately selected based on what the individual display and are noticed for by the Order. Such that if a person displayed used of magic, but not that they are also telepaths, then the order would only known and acknowledge the magi use. This selection process has not always been perfected as it does not accommodate growth and discovery in power. It has also left a rather large hole as it is easy for individuals to 'withhold' their true ability, species and even identity.

Sub-pathways are much like a college minor to a major in a University. Sub-pathways are allowed for those who do not fit in a standard box and are considered to be multi-skilled; such skills recognized are those who are 50/50 split in skillset. This means they will not recognize minor skills on the side barely used. For Instance, someone who is a trained spy and assassin would be a Shadow & Corporeal; while someone who has skills in Magic casting but is in shroud, manipulation, or negate of memory they would be a Magi & Shadow. In more rare cases an individual might span over 3 pathways while most rare might cover the entire spectrum and become 'special interests'.

Sponsorship

Any OBR member ranked Acolyte or higher, may be a sponsor to a protégé, including the retired

Emeritus. While it is unlikely anyone in the highest leadership positions will sponsor, it is not unheard of. Because leadership is busy with their many OBR duties, Politics, and outside lives they do not possess the time and patience to spend time with such fresh faces. Instead this is left for established OBR members, most commonly the Confrère or Magister Officiorum. To be sponsored by anyone higher means they are likely relatives, or it is an extreme honor.

It is important to note that not all initiates will obtain a sponsor, and it by no way impacts their ability to navigate the Order. If someone does not claim the fresh blood, then the initiate must actively seek a role model and personally request them for the honor of sponsorship. Furthermore, a sponsor does not need to be of the same pathway. While there is often only one sponsor, it is possible to obtain an initial sponsor and a sponsor for each pathway involved if different.

Sponsorship is not what one might expect as it is not entirely like the mundane world in concept. To the OBR a 'Sponsor' is someone who advises and advocates for their protégé(s). Thus they are both traditional sponsor and mentor in one.
It is not a sponsor’s duty to educate or train their protégé in matters of the Order for that is what the classes and training facilities are for. However, it is the responsibility of the sponsor to guide their protégé to success in the OBR. They have significant sway in adjusting what pathways new initiates belong to, can take their protégé on missions and might give more in depth tours and tutoring sessions. In total, the sponsor is responsible for ensuring the protégé is prepared for the trials before them.

The term protégé is used in lieu of initiate because sponsorship is for the rest of the membership with the OBR. Because sponsorship often leads to strong bonds of mentorship, the sponsor is often looked to speak for the protégé if they are ever in evaluations or tribunals. The sponsor's word has great weight when the protégé is due to rank up for better or worse. If there are ever to be issued warnings be them members, Emeritus or excommunicated, the sponsor is often the one sent. In instances where the protégé might be punished, interrogated, or assassinated the sponsor is often present or at least heralds what is to come, if not completes the task themselves.

Sponsors are advisors for both the Order and life. It is often the sponsor who is asked for help in times of need and it is the sponsor’s duty to ensure their protégé is taken care of. It is important to acknowledge that an individual who is sponsoring is also sponsoring others and because of this, must act on behalf of the majority.
To lose a sponsor or to ‘reject’ one is considered a great disrespect. It will effect the protégé more then anything as it will become unlikely that the OBR will assist in their time of need as a ‘lesson’. While this is not law, it is a social construct.