Monk

The Monk Common Roles Acolyte, adventurer, advisor, assassin, bodyguard, cenobite, city guard, cultist, hermit, high priest, officer, priest, trainer Common Races Humans, Arvek Nar, Egalrin, Halflings Influencial Faiths Daeus, Serriel, Navos, Vardama Common Organizations See Monastic Orders, below. Pathfinder Rules for Monk

Monks are mostly a mixture of contemplative scholar and deadly martial artist, though self taught brawlers do exist. the hand to hand fighting traditions of the known world have a number of sources. Many originated east of Xiang Sei, across the Roof of the World and in the lands of Ten Thousand Gods and among the Islands of Jade. Others found root in philosophical definitions made manifest by the orders of some of the gods who proposed self perfection and the pursuit of enlightenment. The fighting styles are as varied as the ones who practice them. Dozens of Monastic orders exist on Gaea. Most are small circles of no more then a dozen or so members, living in isolated monasteries in the wilderness. A few orders include hundreds of members and influence events across entire nations. Some of the more prominent orders include:

Monastic Orders

A number of deities sponsor monastic orders, though sponsors are not limited to the ones, below. We'll be adding more as time goes on. The sample orders exist, and are meant as examples of flavor as well--examples of what you might encounter in the world of Ea.

Angoron: Angoronian monks tend to follow a more martial tradition, focused to an extent on heroism and good deeds. They're known for their feats of not just strength, but dexterity and any demonstration of bodily prowess. They tend to believe such acts are better attained through proper discipline and technique, rather than the more chaotic enthusiasm of other Angoronian followers.

Order of Righteous Battle (LN, LG): Angoron's Order is a group of primarily LG monks dedicated to physical perfection. A jovial lot, they defy the stereotype of the 'stuffy monk' and can be found among most cities. The order spars for sport, for self-perfection, and as a nod to Tarien's friendship to Angoron, for entertainment. Among them are some of the greatest storytellers of Ea, for a skillfully woven tale is an honor to the Mountainbringer. Their strict code of honor prevents them from using dirty tricks, though they are quite talented at finding an advantage. They believe in the Ultimate Good, and they believe in fighting with what Angoran provides, which starts with the strength of the body. Long hours of physical and mental focus do not need to be dull and quiet and boring. They just have to be long.

Daeus: Daeus' monks walk the line of balance, devoted to goodness, and ideals of honesty, purity, and perseverence. Known for their kinder philsophy, they nonetheless have a strong martial tradition.

Truth Sayers (LG, LN): The Truthsayers, or formally known as the Serene Order of the Truth of Daeus' Light, are a group of monks devoted to the Platinum Dragon. In his footsteps they try to walk, advancing fairness, equality, and the brilliance of the Sun's Light and Justice and Honor troughtout the world. In the Myrrish Kingdoms, these monks are often requested of Noble houses as tutors and advisers. It is not uncommon for a Truthsayer to teach a young, well-place, woman the art of self-defense. These monks have sworn an oath of honor and to never speak a lie, no matter the political or emotional cost. An odd quirk of the order is how they celebrate Daeus as the Sun Lord--these monks often test their bodies' endurance, and may perform their exercises on hot coals, though always preferably within the light of the Sun.

Eluna: Elunan monks tend to come from a tradition more in line with reflection and meditation. They're known for their almost otherworldly styles, and a number of them place emphasis on the interpretation and study of dreams.

Order of the Thinning Veil (LN, LG): An order of mystics, seers, and oracles, these Elunites have retreated into the distance. They build monasteries in remote locations so that the voice of the Moon can come to them without the distraction of the commotion of cities and villages. It is rumored that some werecreatures come to such monasteries to fight against their more chaotic and perhaps even evil natures, seeking the solace that the Skysinger can bring. There are rare times, however, that such mystics leave their secluded lives, sent on errands for their mistress. These monks adhere to the more mystical nature of such a class, focusing on great leaps, focusing their ki, athleticism as well as wisdom.

Serriel: Serriel's monks are highly disciplined, known for their precision and expertise in the battlefield. Of all orders, they're explorative of new techniques, incorporating them and seeing them as part of the advancement of civilization and ideas.

The Dawn Companions (LG, LN): The bulk of this Order is made up of Arvek Nar who have welcomed Serriel with open arms and embraced her readily. Many of these Arvek Nar were once members of the Crimson Templars, but have found freedom in Serriel and wish to spread the Lady's Justice and Freedom to their own people and beyond. Humans are the second largest group of this order, but are most certainly in the minority. Sildanyar, khazad, and other races are rare, if seen at all, though their numbers are growing. The Dawn Companions focus on Serriel's message of Justice and the spreading of order, the benefits of civilization. Some orders may take on sponsorship of their local communities, such as defending homes, organizing community projects and efforts, or the mediation of laws.

Navos: Navos' monks are known for a solemn study of the perfection of the body and mind. Often historians, they're known for their production of illuminated manuscripts and wide berth of knowledge in addition to a philosophical martial tradition.

Kor: Korite monks are strictly martial in their outlook, though a number of them take joy in the study of battle formations, history, and techniques. They tend to be more martially focused than other disciplines.

Brothers of War (LN, LG, LE): The Brothers of War battle because they believe that perfection of martial prowess is the proper way to honor Kor. Primarily LN, battle is not only battle, but a means to an end and an expression of faith. The ultimate battle is one fought fairly, but it doesn't matter what side is taken. If one fights with one's fists, or simple weapons, it is even a greater honor to Kor than fighting with blades and wearing armor for protection, rather than one's own skin. The mind too, is a weapon of war, and the order places a prize on unique and sometimes exotic games of strategy (though the common ones are also appreciated--there is a reason for the popularity of chess, after all). The Brothers of War resembles in ways both a competition and a brother (or sister)hood, though levity is not unknown, from drinking matches to games of strategy.

Vardama: Vardama's monk orders are well-known, usually solemn individuals who contemplate the line between life and death. They are sometimes employed as assassains, and are frequently found as temple guards, serving as a kind of holy warrior.

...more to come!

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