How would I go about making a ripped edge, tearing apart or torn edges type of effect? Kind of like how the earth split apart in the Ice Age movie. I just need to make some paths like that, this will be used to cut some vinyl paint masks. (No need for color, shadows or other visual effects)

-Farrell

Make an object (rectangle converted to a path), use the extensions to make the edges rough.

Under Extensions > Modify Path first Add nodes... and then use the Fractalize or Jitter nodes extension.

Another way is to use Tweak tool with Roughen option.