Is there an Inkscape way to easily, and radically, reshape an open path without changing the overall length of the path? I would like to make several differently shaped paths that are all exactly the same length. I've experimented with ctrl and alt while moving handles and nodes, but it's not quite what I'm after.

Newbie knows not!

Welcome kasila!

I've experimented with ctrl and alt while moving handles and nodes, but it's not quite what I'm after.

Maybe you could show us an example of what you're after, so we can get a better idea what to suggest?
Are you looking for something that will make random, abstract paths????

Thank you brynn,
A random abstract path generator would be rad, but for now, too many parameters. Best I've come up with so far is the "Measure Path" extension and some manual tweaking.