...The Way of the Monks Guild...
Scribed by Missionary MadBaron
INTRODUCTION
These words will attempt to explain the core beliefs of the Monks Guild, and how they relate to the Monk way of life. It is understood by the scribe that each Monk has his own personal beliefs, and his own interpretation of the Guild's beliefs. The scribe asks only that the reader consider the words here, and act upon the ideas and opinions formed in the reader's own mind.
The main source of this text comes from the sacred scrolls found in the secret Guild library, an informal survey of willing Monks, and the scribe's own twenty-four years as a follower of the Way. Where possible, other areas of study will be suggested in the form of reading recommendations.
[ Occasionally, the scribe will insert Out Of Character (OOC) or other smart-alecky comments in the text between these brackets. Sometimes, this text may even offer an explanation of the scribe's reasoning, though that may be asking a bit much! ]
[ The topic of "proper" Monk roleplay was brought up in the Guild message folder. The scribe, me, read everything available on the Monks Guild in an effort to find a clear statement of the Guild's purpose. Though there are many texts written by the Guild's members that offer suggestions on training, armour, and tactics, there exists no document that clearly defines the parameters for roleplay within the Guild. That is the OOC purpose of this document. ]
THE MONK CLASS
The journey begins with the Monk class. This class has been described as a combination of the best aspects from the Fighter, Thief, and Wizard classes. Those starting their journey in the Monk class will possess basic skills in stealth, spiritual karma, and the Martial Arts form of fighting, but will not be able to realize the fullest potential of these skills until joining a suitable Guild.
Recommended Reading:
HELP MONK
THE MONKS GUILD
The Monks Guild is a peaceful place of worship located in the northeast section of Devardec. Members of the Guild are excellent hand to hand combatants, and well versed in using the gifts of nature to their advantage. Though the road is long, those that follow the disciplines of the Monks Guild have the potential to be the strongest and most well-rounded citizens of Terris.
Recommended Reading:
HELP MONKS GUILD
HELP MONK DIRECTION
Monks Guild descriptions. Look at everything!
Monks Guild Charter - available from the Guild Officers
Monks Guild Structure - available from the Guild Officers
THE MONK PHILOSOPHY
The philosophy of the Guild is commonly referred to as the Way. There are many aspects of the Way, and there are as many interpretations as there are Monks. Many of the core beliefs stem from the teachings of the legendary masters Tenshin and Anlin. It was Tenshin that coined the phrase "The Way."
THE WAY OF MARTIAL ARTS
This is the introduction to the Way for most Monks. Here begins the study of balance, both physical and mental. Students are taught techniques to hone their bodies and minds to perfection. The art is combined with spiritual awareness, as many of the forms are shared between combat and meditation. Young Monks begin their training with the traditional ivory-hilted katana. Eventually, the students are taught to fight without weapons, using only their wits and the gifts of Nature to survive.
Recommended Reading:
Anlin's Monk Guide - in the Terris download area.
Mitchellx's Monk Guide - e-mail Mitch.
HELP MARTIAL ARTS
HELP FIGHTING
HELP COMBAT
THE WAY OF NATURE
Like their Druid cousins, Monks are interested in the study and balance of Nature, and their place in Nature. However, where Druids do not ever kill, a Monk may do so in order to preserve the greater good (or greater balance). Monks can become particularly adept in the art of Herbalism, the use of Nature's resources to heal and assist. Younger Monks normally rely upon the Guild's herbal gardens and potion laboratory until they advance to a spiritual level that allows them to spellcast on their own.
[ This seems to be the forgotten aspect of the Guild, though evidence suggests that it is supposed to be an integral part of Monk life. Even Deori mentioned the Monks skill with herbs. ]
Recommended Reading:
HELP HERBS
HELP HERBALISIM [Yes, it's misspelled in the game.]
HELP HERBLORE
HELP EXAMPLE HERBLORE
THE WAY OF SPELLCASTING
Through meditation and focusing, Monks are able to channel their spiritual energy and attune themselves with the forces of Nature. It is the Monks harmony with their surroundings that present them with the ability to spellcast.
The primary school of spellcasting for Monks is Naturalism, a collection of mantras that draw their energy from Nature itself. Like the Monk philosophy, Naturalism centers on the well being of the spirit and the body. Healing and defensive spells are the majority, and those that master Naturalism are even able to return life to the dead!
[ Though many Naturalism spells are found in the Temple, it is a bit odd that no further levels of Naturalism Spell Use can be learned there. ]
The secondary school of spellcasting for many elder Monks is that of Magic. Mind over matter is the rule in Magic, as many of these spells center on using the power of the mind to overcome physical obstacles, induce visions of far away locations, or communicate directly with another mind. Magic Spell Use is available in the Guild to those ranked Monk of Inner Light or higher.
[ There is only one Magic spell taught in the Guild (telepathy), but Magic Spell Use can be learned many times in the War Room! Strange that we my master our secondary school of spellcasting and not our primary. ]
There is a third class of spellcasting in the land known as Sorcery. These are incredible spells that destroy the mind and body of an opponent. On the surface, this seems to contradict the teachings of the Guild, as a Monk uses their power mainly for knowledge and defense. Though the use of Sorcery may be justifiable under certain circumstances, two Sorcery scrolls are available in the Guild, Sorcery casting Monks are rare.
Recommended Reading:
HELP MAGIC
HELP NATURALIST SPELL USE
HELP NATURALIST SPELLS
HELP MAGIC SPELL USE
HELP MAGIC SPELLS
HELP SORCERY SPELL USE
HELP SORCERY SPELLS
HELP CABALISTIC ABILITY
THE WAY OF SPIRITUALITY & ENLIGHTENMENT
Monks are a highly spiritual lot, and much of their strength stems from this spirituality. When not adventuring, their time is dedicated to spiritual awareness, as this pursuit only stands to increase their strength. The ultimate goal is that of total spiritual enlightenment: to know themselves, to know Nature, and to know Deori the Creator. This path to total enlightenment is exemplified in the rank structure of the Guild, beginning with Follower of the Paths and culminating with Follower of Deori.
Anlin, perhaps the greatest of all Monks, followed the path to Godhood and became the Immortal of Lore.
The influence of Immortals in Guild life is strong. As Anlin became the Immortal of Lore, so too does Lore play a role in the life of many Monks. It is Anlin's teachings, along with those of another great named Tenshin, that form the basis of the Guild's modern philosophy.
Alvogyl, the Immortal of Light and Strength, carries perhaps the most influence as the Guild's patron. The forms of Light are many, from the sun's rays that illumintate the sky, to the light of discovery in the eyes of a young student. It is safe to conclude that enlightentment, be it physical, mental or spiritual, falls under Alvogyl's rule.
Recommended Reading:
GUILDTITLE
HELP GUILDRANK
HELP ANLIN
HELP ALVOGYL
THE CUMULATIVE WAY
The Way is a path that each Monk follows on the journey to self-discovery. By combining the discipline of Martial Arts with the study of Nature and the power of spiritual balance, Monks are able to reach a state of awareness that few outside the Guild ever will. Despite the abilities at their disposal, Monks are most humble. It is their study and understanding of their surroundings that gives them a great respect for all things.
Missionary MadBaron
Monk of Inner Light