Paragon paths work as character replacement levels. Any character that meets the prerequisites for a paragon path may acquire levels in it, but can only pursue one paragon path to the exclusion of all others. Taking levels in a paragon path is unlike acquiring levels in a base class or a prestige class.

A character can only take their first level in a paragon path when they have enough experience to achieve third level. For each further level gained in a paragon path, the character must have enough experience to achieve their next third character  level. For example, Kandra the rogue wishes to pursue the Dragonblooded Disciple paragon path. When she reaches her third character level she may take the first level in it, when she reaches her sixth character level she may take the second level, when she reaches her ninth character level she may take the third level, and so on and so forth.

The mechanics of paragon paths deviate from the normal class progression. For each level you gain a level in a paragon path you are forgoing feats that and ability score increases that you would normally be entitled to. Additionally your BAB and saves are calculated differently; each level grants the listed bonus and the bonus stacks with each new paragon path level gained.

Dragonblooded Disciple: You are an inheritor of draconic might and you are their voice and authority of dragons when they cannot be present.

Legendary Hero: You are blessed with divine insight and are capable of astonishing accomplishments.

Dwarven Exemplar: You draw upon the power of your ancestry to become more than an ordinary dwarf.

Elven Exemplar: You draw upon the power of your ancestry to become more than an ordinary elf.

Human Exemplar: You draw upon the power of your ancestry to become more than an ordinary human.

Arcanum Avatar: You draw upon mystic power to reforge yourself to become a herald of living magic embodied.

Giant Ascendant: You draw upon ancient power to transcend your racial limits in order to become a Giant.