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From Warhammer 40k - Lexicanum
m
clean up, replaced: {{Cite This}} → {{Cite Marker End}} (3)
Each new role does not completely replace the previous, but merely adds to the Eldar's accumulated experience. As Eldar pass through these different roles they explore the many aspects of their own character. An Eldar of a thousand years or more will usually have experienced many different roles and attained a very sophisticated understanding of the universe.{{Fn|2}}
All Eldar who tread a path must be cautious, for all of them are dangerous for the Eldar mind. Some Eldar focus and obsess themselves to such an extent upon a path that they become unable to leave it upon completion. They will continue to tread this path until their death. This fate is a terrible one for the Eldar, and such individuals are said to be ''"lost upon the path"''. This can be done on purpose. There are an unknown number of paths, and each of them has further specializations.{{Cite ThisMarker End}}
==Known paths==
===Path of Command===
The '''Path of Command''', also known as the '''Path of the Leader'''{{Fn|4b}} is for those Eldar with a passion for military command and strategy. Its members are the [[Autarch]]s who tread this path to better command larger forces of Eldar warriors. To enter this path one is expected to have completed previously several 'military' paths already.{{Cite ThisMarker End}}
===Path of the Cultivator===
Those who desert the Eldar Path are known as Outcasts and follow the "Path of the Outcast". In truth, it is no Path at all.{{Fn|11c}} The intensely capable Eldar mind sometimes rebels against the highly structured delineation of achievement which the Eldar Path offers.{{Fn|2}}
Sometimes young, inexperienced or disgraced Eldar leave their craftworlds to wander among the stars. Thereby they break out of the cycle of paths and go through a period of great danger. This period is sometimes called the ''Path of the Outcast'', ''Path of Wandering'', or the ''Way of Danger'',{{Fn|12}} but these names are technically wrong as these Eldar are completely outside of the cycle of paths.{{Cite ThisMarker End}} Outcasts and renegades without ties or allegiance to any craft-world are known as '''Eshairr'''.{{Fn|1b}}
Most of the time they become [[Ranger]]s. Some eventually return to their Craftworlds and to the safety of the paths. Those who are unable to return, for one reason or another, eventually become [[Ranger#Pathfinder|Pathfinders]]. Other outcasts become [[pirate]]s, raiders, and [[Eldar Corsair|corsairs]]. Outcasts have even been known to have become [[Mercenary|mercenaries]], fighting alongside other alien races, and even for the Forces of [[Chaos]].{{Fn|7}}