Masters of Mind and Body

Monks are enigmatic warriors whose disciplined unity of mind and body, grants them abilities far beyond the reach of ordinary mortals. Dedication to physical, mental, and spiritual perfection defines their path, and their rigorous training allows them to perform astonishing feats of agility, endurance, and combat. The nature of focus is a central tenet of monastic philosophy—some orders view it as a mental discipline that sharpens the mind to unparalleled clarity, others as a harmonious balance of physical and mental effort, and still others as a form of psionic potential. Regardless of interpretation, monks draw on this honed discipline to transcend ordinary limits, moving with precision and acting with unwavering purpose.

In the eastern Flanaess, monks are relatively rare, with a few notable exceptions. The Scarlet Order has cultivated its own martial traditions, training adherents from childhood in the deadly combination of stealth, discipline, and ruthless efficiency. Scattered monasteries devoted to Xan Yae, goddess of balance and shadows, and Zuoken, patron of mental and physical discipline, can also be found throughout the region. These orders often blend martial arts with spiritual or psionic elements, producing monks who are as contemplative as they are deadly. Their focus on balance and enlightenment contrasts starkly with the Scarlet Order’s shadowy and pragmatic approach.