Monk
A mixture of contemplative scholar and deadly martial artist, the hand to hand fighting traditions of the known world have a number of sources.
Some monks are called into a tradition of learning and many other ones have affiliates with the teachings of various religions and churches. The Keepers of Time are one such monkly order, devoted to preservation of lore and historical documents and manuscripts while also teaching meditation and how to master ones mind and body in the name of Navosian thought. The Tower of Titans in Dran trains a brutal school of monks that focus on devastating grappling holds and brute strength and skillful application of size, a tradition of fighting said to have been handed down by giants of old.
Monk Options: In addition to a number of other weapons that can be used as Monkly weapons we also provide different Monkly orders that open up different options for multiclassing that bypass the normal monk restriction for multiclassing and raising levels in non Monk classes. Several monkly orders combine traditional monk training with additional options that are dependent upon that order. Monks that choose the Monastic Training feat are able to simulate this and circumvent certain restrictions placed upon the Monk where multiclassing is concerned. Monastic training may be selected as a bonus feat at 1st, 2nd or 6th level. War Golem Monks who receive the wholeness of body ability may use the ability to repair damage they’ve taken.
Prestige Classes: The nature of some monkly orders and prestige classes open up some options to Monks should they decide to branch out including Assassin and Reaping Mauler.
Monastic Orders
Dozens of Monastic orders exist on Arcania. Most are small circles of no more than 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. Included in these entries are suggestions for the Monastic Training feat. Some of the more prominent orders include:
The Shadow Fists (Evil) This is an evil Monkly order that follows the tenants of Taara the Shadow Sorceress and so it accepts half orcs, shadow elves and other evil races into its orders. They believe in the spreading of the will of Mulria and often function as agents and assassins who believe that by combining Ki and Arcane Magic they can achieve heights and depths of power not seen by most others. Monks of this order often receive cross training as Assassins, Rogues, Sorcerers and Wizards.
Jotunkein (Neutral, Sometimes Good, Rarely Evil) Despite being based in a very lawless region of the world, The Jotunkein are a monkly order that actually thrive on the training of those with giant blood within them to better utilize their talents. They also strive to tame the chaotic nature that often rides within their bloodline. Also known as The Iron Bodied Order, members of the Jotunkein are trained at the Tower of Titans in northern Arcania, just beyond the borders of Dran. Members are subjected to a grueling regime that hardens and toughens the body and focuses on power-striking, chokeholds, pressure points, throws, joint locks, and how to utilize the advantages of size as well as skill. They believe that through the strength of their body, blood, and mind can they overcome any challenge. Despite his chaotic bend, Jotunkein acknowledges Angoron’s more neutral aspects. Jotunkein sometimes cross train as Rogues and Fighters and some become Reaping Maulers or even Dran Marauders.
The Keepers (Good or Neutral) This order of monks follows the tenants of Navos, lawful good deity of meditation, fate and wisdom and the traditional Monk deity on Gaea.. A monkly order that focuses more on scholarly aspects of learning then they do the development of the physical body, they are extremely wise and well learned masters of lore and knowledge. Monks of this order tend to work closely with Clerics and Paladins of Navos and often escort them on missions of discovery and exploration of ancient sites in order to aid in the research of history and civilization. They sometimes cross train as Clerics, Fighters, Rangers and Wizards.
The Thrashing Dancers (Neutral, Rarely Good or Evil) The monastic order of the Thrashing Dance is an uncommon but thriving group that believes in perfection through emulation. Nature has seen fit to present shining examples of perfection, such as the predatory grace of the tiger and the unmovable presence of the elephant, so it is to these examples that the Thrashing Dancers draw inspiration from. Their maneuvers and stances mimic the movements of animals, and their monasteries are gardens secluded in the wilderness whereby they might observe the animals around them. So attuned to the natural world they often associate with Druids in order to further their techniques and understanding of the world's beasts. Thrashing Dancers often study the nature of the Druid and some train as Druids and Rangers.
The Jeweled Order (Neutral) The Jeweled Order is a radical group of monks that has forsaken all gods and celestial forces to carve their own path. Monks of this order cast away all faith to outside powers and swear to only pray to themselves, such that they might not grow soft or bound to external forces and their agendas. Eventually they all aspire to become near-godlike beings of insight and foresight, breaking free of their shells and attained power that the gods would have denied them. Jeweled Monks see priests and worshippers as unenlightened slaves to be pitied. Jeweled Order monks sometimes cross train as fighters and rogues.
The Bright Wardens (Good) This monkly order deals heavily with the Church of Daeus and are most often found in law abiding lands where they lend their wisdom and training to aid them and also aid the forces of good and law in the hunting down of corruptive and dangerous forces. They often work closely with local churches and ministries on these matters are usually a welcome sight. Bright Wardens sometimes cross train as fighters, paladins and clerics.
The Basalt Palms (Neutral or Evil) The monks of the Basalt Palm are a disparate collection of sects that espouse a variety of paths to enlightenment. At its core, the group reveres Vardama and her cycle of life and death which all living creatures are bound to. All of them practice a style of combat that is elegant but ruthlessly swift in delivering punishing blows. The Basalt Palms further divide themselves into different sects that focus on their different philosophical alignments. The White Marble Column believes that all virtuous beings have the right to a full life, so that they might fulfill their paths and become truly judged when death takes them. The Bone Mountain focus upon death itself in an attempt to understand its causes and how it is perceived in other lands. Bone Mountain monks that focus upon violence tend to incorporate what they have seen into their own fighting styles. The Crimson Thread is a functioning cell of assassins who assassinate those whose times has come. Monks of this sect use a complex system of divination, incorporating both priestly magics and carved finger bones, to determine who is ready for death. All Basalt Palms receive some education in religion and some also become Clerics, Fighters, Rogues and Wizards.