You simply cannot create paths in crpg... the closest thing would be in a sandbox world where time passes by and even if you (protagonist) don't do anything, the game world move on its own like simulator games. Meanwhile if your character doesn't achieve something particular and grew to old age, (s)he dies from old age. If your character gets captured by enemy lord who simply has no mercy sparing you, your character dies.
You can join lords or their vassals to help them rule the world, buy castle from declined lords and fight to become the emperor, join ninja or pirates, become sword master and start your school or simply be the best in competition, be a doctor, be a "tea man," be a merchant, and such to beat the game.
That was the most table rpg like pc game that I have played, but it still got default routes therefore still linear.