Monk

Monks are fairly common in Baenrahl. Dozens of monastic orders exist, most are small circles of no more than a dozen or so members, living in isolated monasteries in the wilderness. However, three orders include hundreds of members and influence the events across entire nations; the Dragon Order, the Monastic Order of the Phoenix, and the Sisterhood of the Unicorn. These three orders each maintain a number of monasteries dedicated to instilling discipline in their followers. Many giakahn, humans, and dwarves have passed through these orders.

Sisterhood of the Unicorn

A relatively new order, the Sisterhood is focused primarily on unarmed combat. The Sisterhood’s monasteries can be found in the Loam, Hakava, Arsurin, Eastern Drythlor and one in the Minotaur Empire on the island of Tarquis.

Most of the monasteries work closely with the region's nobles in the defense of the surrounding communities and farms as a good faith gesture. The remaining monks defend the monastery and will give aid to anyone within a half-day's walk if requested.

A female of any race may become a member of the Sisterhood. The only requirement is that they share the same philosophies regarding combat and celibacy.

The Sisterhood’s current membership is about 70% human and 20% giak, with the remaining 10% split among dwarves, muirhauts, minotaurs, and a few other races. Worldwide the Sisterhood of the Unicorn has approximately 1,200 members who can be identified by the leaping unicorn tattoo on the inside of their left wrist.

Monasteries of the Sisterhood tend to resemble large dojos. A central garden tended by acolytes and used by members for meditation can be found beyond the foyer. The foyer consists of a small room, with three hallways leading to the other sections of the monaster. The two leading left and right go to living quarters and a common area used for dining. The third, directly across from the entry, goes to the garden. Two more corridors exit the garden area and enter a courtyard used for training and practice and a common library and study area.

Philosophies of the Sisterhood of the Unicorn (Militant)

• Defend of the defenseless. Those who are unable to defend themselves or are outmatched should always been defended whether this is in the form of a trial (as a lawyer/counsel) or in combat.
• Martial combat is always a last resort. All alternative avenues must always be exhausted before combat is entered, even when dealing with the supernatural. If a situation can only be resolved through combat, it should be done in its most pure form - unarmed.
• Never use weapons of any kind. To use a weapon in combat, no matter how dire the circumstances, is barbarism. (Monks of this order may exchange any weapon proficiency feats for other feats if they so choose.) Any monk who breaks this tenet is branded and exiled from the Order.

The Dragon Order

The Dragon Order is a group seeking enlightenment and immortality through magic and a virtually lost form of alchemy. Steadfastly opposed to the Sisterhood of the Unicorn, the Order trains monks in the Way of the Shih (alchemical magic).

The first lessons include how to block influence of darkness and promote the flow of light, followed by philosophy lessons, martial techniques, and finally the study of alchemical fundamentals and spells. Dragon monks participate in the defense of the monastery, surrounding communities, and caravans in the area throughout their training period (approximately ten years).

Upon completion of their training, the monks are sent on their first Life Journey. During this time, the monk will wander the world, aiding those in need, and acting as advisors to nobles and merchants, at the same time searching for the necessary components for the first-time refined elixir of immortality. The Life Journey is also a way for the monk to reinforce positive auras in as many places as possible by promoting peace and goodwill.

Each time a Life Journey is completed, the Dragon monk returns to their monastery and begins concocting the first elixir and beginning the next level of research. Upon completion, they embark on another Life Journey. This cycle continues nine times. Upon each return to the monastery, each monk is screened by an elder for signs of darkness (brought on by evil actions - this can only be done at the monk's originating monastery because only these elders know of the monk's original state). If any is detected, the monk is forever turned away from the Order. After completing their final Life Journey and creating the ninth time refined Elixir, the monk will again wander the world seeing all there is to see (this nomadic lifestyle is said to continue until some final Armageddon, the timetable of which is unknown even to the monks themselves).

The Dragon Order teachings are far more intensive than other monastic orders. Because of this, only those of strong will and stamina are able to graduate beyond mere initiates. Approximately 30% of its membership is comprised of humans, 30% Giak, 20% Dwarf, and 20% other races. Worldwide the Order consists of approximately 950 members who are identified by the intricate dragon scaring on both forearms.

Dragon monasteries frequently resemble pyramids. A foyer connects to the monastery's library, monk's living quarters, and a common dining area. Several laboratories are hidden in catacombs deep beneath the monastery, sometimes in ancient underground complexes.

Philosophies of the Dragon Order (Mystical)

• Weave alchemy with honor. When a alchemic effect is evoked, the intention behind the effect should always be honorable. A few examples are aiding a peasant, defending a traveler against bandits, and seeking knowledge toward enlightenment. (Monks of this order receive 1 rank in the Alchemy skill per level.)
• Seek enlightenment wisely. Most members of this order work through a series of Life Journeys that eventually result in the ingredients required for the next refinement of the Elixir of Immortality.
• Aid the flow of positive Auras. One purpose of the Life Journeys is to perpetuate the flow of positive Auras in as many places as possible. Negative actions during a Life Journey can only result in banishment from the Order as it prevents the flow of positive Auras.
• Speak not of the Order. Dragon monks are forced to take a vow of secrecy regarding the alchemy and the resulting immortality. Revealing the secrets signs the monk's death warrant and the death warrant of those he told. The elders cannot permit such a secret to become known (armies would be crashing through the monastery walls).

Monastic Order of the Phoenix

Members are trained as demon hunters, wandering poets, advisors, and protectors. The order trains monks in the arts of stick fighting, philosophical militarism, and demon hunting. While monks sometimes battle in the name of a Regent to combat evil in all its forms, they may be a military officer who wishes to better themselves as leaders and fight for the nobility. Many are brash warriors who hunt demons for the sheer thrill of doing so, though they also believe the demons are evil to the core.

The Order regularly patrols the countryside to prevent incursions by demons, a significant problem in the Northern Islands, north eastern Golgotha and the lands of the Skorr.

Many of the Order's monks are sent into the world to hunt and destroy demons or to fight injustices. Those from the Skorr most often continue in the ranks of the kingdom's military, quickly rising through the ranks and leading armies (though they tend to work only with those nobles they consider honorable). Most of the Monastic Order tend toward worldly nomads, moving through communities and aiding when necessary. The demon hunters quickly make a name for themselves as they seek out challenges in ridding Regentia of demons and dragons.

As with the other orders, Phoenix monks vary in race depending on geographic region. The Order's membership is split equally between humans and non-humans. Of the non-humans, Giak make up approximately 40%, Minotaurs and Kestrel 20%, Dwarves 20%, and other races 20%. Worldwide the Monastic Order of the Phoenix boasts an enormous 2500 members, all of which can be identified by the brand of the "Rising Phoenix” on their chest.

Most monasteries resemble large stone keeps. They are all located in easily defendable areas, such as hilltops or mountain valleys. More than one is built atop an old Dwarven stronghold. All have battlements and hidden murder holes from which to fire arrows and stab at invaders with long spears. In the event of a siege, stores are kept with enough supplies for up to six months. Should the gates be breached, secret passages and escape routes are constructed.

Philosophies of the Monastic Order of the Phoenix (Militant)

• Defend the defenseless. Those who are unable to defend themselves must be protected. This can be done in the form of legal counsel or in combat.
• Lead by example. If in a position of authority, earn the respect of your subordinates. To be respected is to be loved.
• Live in harmony with all things. Perpetuate the positive and stem the flow of the negative. By destroying evil creatures (especially demons, but any evil creature is included in this teaching) the flow of evil is stopped allowing goodness and rightousness to plant its seed.
• Undermine tyranny and evil. Fight against tyrannical nobles and evil infernals wherever they are encountered. (Monks of this order treat demons as a favored enemy. See Ranger.)