Bonds of Brotherhood from DRAGON(R) issue #164 Give your monks a brotherhood--and a purpose in life by Tom Griffith (C)1990 by TSR, Inc. With the publication of the AD&D(R) 1st Edition [Oriental Adventures] book in 1985, the monk class was finally placed in its proper environment. Still, big questions remained: What purpose does this class serve, and what separates this class from the other Oriental classes? Why are monks "monastic aesthetics" (1st Edition [Players Handbook], page 30)? Do all those monastic temples serve a purpose, or are they just martial artists' hangouts? Until I began playing the AD&D game, my only source of information about monks was the television series, [Kung Fu]. Since [Oriental Adventures] came out, I've discovered different examples of monkish organizations in modern fantasy fiction. All of these examples have one thing in common: a specific goal or mission, a reason for being. The purpose of this article is to share some helpful ideas to give purpose and reason to the workings of monkish brotherhoods. DMs should create orders of monks for their campaigns, rather than having monks merely quote poetry and wise sayings while they kick the tails of those who exploit the weak. One of the finest examples of historical fiction having a monk as a central character is Robert Shea's Shike series, consisting of the books [War of the Dragons] and [Last of the Zinja]. The main character, Jebu, is a monk from an ancient Japanese brotherhood known as the Zinja. The book reveals the sect's secret mission: to direct the new class of elite warrior, the samurai, into becoming a civilized soldier instead of a bloodthirsty killer in the changing Japan of the early 1200s. To justify their day-to-day existence, the Zinja use the excuse of being the finest bodyguards and mercenaries around. An example more familiar to readers of fantasy fiction is Stephen R. Donaldson's Bloodguard, from the Chronicles of Thomas Covenant the Unbeliever. Originally, the Bloodguard was an army of fierce mountain-dwelling tribesmen who came to the Land bent on conquest. Once these warriors met the Lords, the gentle guardians of the Land, and saw the many wonders of that magical place, they swore the Vow to serve the Lords and the Land. Thus the Bloodguard began their self-appointed task to serve in roles that ranged from bodyguards to messengers. Anyone familiar with the AD&D game's WORLD OF GREYHAWK(R) setting knows of the Scarlet Brotherhood, a ring of assassins and thieves ruled over by a powerful order of evil monks, whose goal is the establishment of the Suel people as the master race of Greyhawk. The recent module WG8 [Fate of Istus] dealt extensively with this organization and its destiny. A lesser-known example of this class comes from the book, [Witchblood], by Will Shetterly. Although the setting is more medieval European than Oriental, the main character, Rifkin, can still be classified as a monk. His order, the White Mountain School of the Warrior Saint, was formed when his world was ruled by a cruel race of witches. Because the witches denied them weapons, the followers of the warrior saint learned to make anything into a weapon, even their hands and feet. Eventually they overthrew their evil masters, but, because the followers were tired of bloodshed, they let the witches live. A group of men still follow the Warrior Saint, working to perfect The Art and watching the witches should they again threaten humanity. And don't forget the Shaolin of the [Kung Fu] TV series, whose primary duties, in addition to perfecting themselves physically and spiritually, seemed to be to teach and aid the local populace. From these examples, you can get some ideas on creating the basics of a monastic society. Some guidelines on inventing original monkish brotherhoods follow. The first and most important item is to establish a reason for the order's existence. What are these monks trying to accomplish? In many cases, a simple one-line explanation will suffice. Once the primary mission is established, often a secondary purpose comes to mind, usually a means of accomplishing the primary goal (e.g., working as bodyguards as a means of defending the rightful rulers of a nation). Monks cultivate an appreciation of art and beauty in their training, seeing their mission as divine and proper and one that demands perfection from those who must separate themselves from society to train for it (hence "monastic aesthetics"). Directly tied to the sect's ambitions are the special skills or equipment necessary to accomplish those goals. A Shaolin might need healing or calligraphy skills, while a Bloodguard might need running or survival skills. Training styles of the order are closely related to its special skills, but are separate enough to warrant special consideration. The Shaolin of [Kung-Fu] delegated menial tasks to its initiates to teach them humility, while the Scarlet Brotherhood made its recruits vie for the superior training of the monk. Bloodguard receive their martial-arts training in the fierce tribal wars of their mountain homeland. Zinja are trained from the beginning not to fear death from any source (the first chapter of [War of the Dragons] gives a good example of monkish training methods). Once the monks' mission has been outlined and their skills and training considered, the alignment of the monks in the order should become obvious. This is usually easy to work out, as monks can only be one of the three lawful alignments. One can assume that the Shaolin are lawful good, and the Scarlet Brotherhood is certainly lawful evil. After this has been established, think about the specific martial-arts style that is practiced and perfected by these monks in order to achieve their sect's goals. Are they peaceful, gentle protectors who prefer to subdue opponents, or are they vicious warriors concerned only with putting foes down quickly and permanently? {[See "Things Your Sensei Never Taught You," in this issue, for details on creating martial-arts styles.}] Once the brotherhood has been created, give some thought to its history. Who founded the order, and why? An order might come into being because of the dream of one man. Or a group of men might decide there is something vital that needs to be done, and so selflessly devote their lives to the fulfillment of that goal. (The Shaolin of [Kung-Fu] make it their mission to train men to accomplish their own self-appointed tasks.) During its history, has the order made allies of a particular sect or deadly enemies of others? Is there a certain symbol or object associated with the order? The branded forearms of the Shaolin priests and the willow tree of the Zinja are examples of such symbols. Finally, after everything else has been established, think about why any of the monks would leave their temples to go out into the world as adventurers. Kwi-Chang Caine runs from his impulsive murder of a prince, the Zinja hire out as mercenaries and bodyguards, and the members of the Scarlet Brotherhood are spread out all over the lands of Greyhawk as information gatherers and spies. Usually, with a little thought and imagination, you can find several good reasons for any order to send its brothers into the outside world. The following three examples were created for my Dragonhead campaign, using these guidelines. These illustrate how easy it is to create interesting monastic societies. "You may go in now," announced the arrogant-looking seneschal. Kwim-Lu stood up from the lotus position he had assumed for the past hour's wait, straightened his short robe, and accompanied the servant out of the small waiting room. As he silently padded down the long, cold hallway to the meeting, he mentally prepared himself to accomplish his mission or return in shame. As he reached the door, the large, hairy warrior who was guarding it ushered him inside without a word. Kwim-Lu stepped into the smoky chamber and tried to ignore the strong odor of ill-cooked meat, unwashed bodies, and strong wine. The men here were all of a type--dirty, unkempt, blonde giants, a direct contrast to the short, immaculate Yai-Kang monk. The figure on the large stone chair beckoned Kwim-Lu forward. The monk stoically hid his distaste as the leader leaned forward and addressed him. "Who are you, and why do you interrupt my feasting?" Kwim-Lu bowed deeply and responded. "My lord, I am Kwim-Lu, a member of an order who was sent to deliver an offer to you for our mutual benefit." Lord Kirken belched and sat back as he considered the black-haired easterner before him. "What kind of offer, little man?" "You are said to have acquired a book of ancient Aridia, a tome of the history of bygone days. My masters wish to have this information. We are prepared to pay you handsomely for this book, in gold or whatever else you wish." Dirken stared at the slight Yai-Kang in disbelief. "A book? You risked your life on a long and dangerous journey for a book? What kind of people rule this order of yours?" The Order of Enlightened Seekers is an organization of lawful-good monks founded in Yai-Kang following the first Darke Invasion. Because of the terrible destruction of artworks and written documents in this war, this order came into being to prevent such a tragedy from happening again. These monks travel the length and breadth of Dragonhead collecting histories, artworks, music, cultural notes, and other literature. These are then stored in a massive stronghold, the location of which is known only to the Masters of the Order, where they will be safe for future generations of artisans and historians to enjoy. As a secondary duty, these gentle monks work as librarians in their temples, which are known as centers for learning, reference, and the arts. Anywhere the symbol of the shining dove is found, so too shall knowledge and culture reside. The training of these ascetics is long and involved. From an early age they are given a general education in culture and the arts. Whichever cultural aspect the student is most adept at and interested in is the one in which he receives advanced training. Selecting his field of mastery is the most important decision a young Seeker must make, as knowledge is as important as physical perfection to these benevolent monks. It is not surprising that the style of self-defense used by this order is the "Fist Within Glove" style of martial art (see "A Menagerie of Martial Arts," in DRAGON(R) issue #127), as this gentle style fits in well with the Seekers' philosophy of nonviolence. Those initiates who show shortcomings or flaws during their training are given monastery-based positions, such as teachers, librarians, scribes, or other scholarly jobs. As a novice, a monk character from this order gains a minor sage ability. The player selects one of the sage special categories found on page 32 of the 1st Edition [Dungeon Masters Guide], such as Humankind Art or Demi-Human Laws and Customs. He is treated as a sage with a minor field of study in that specific category only. Any special equipment necessary to perform that function is presented to the 1st-level character by his masters as he sets out. The most obvious reason for a Seeker to leave his temple is to become a collector. Assigned by his order to a particular region or country, he could work for a ruler as an indentured servant to pay for a needed article, explore dangerous ruins in that area looking for ancient treasures, or be assigned to observe a group of locals and record their customs and lifestyle. Buying art objects from greedy owners is expensive, so many Seekers are also needed to collect funds by seeking contributions, tutoring, or adventuring. Drahka-Khan and his riders sat immobile on their wiry desert horses and watched the lone figure plod steadily through the desert sands. Despite the greater numbers of the desert raiders, the man headed straight toward them, unarmed and apparently unafraid. The Khan raised his hand and made a short, chopping gesture. Three men to the leader's right raised their razor-sharp yari and hurled them at the stranger. Although all of the deadly missiles flew true, none hit their mark. With a series of darting movements and flying hands, the man deflected the spears and stood unscratched. Drahka-Khan then issued a sharp, barking order. Five of the raiders to his left dismounted and warily approached the warrior, who now stood at ease with a slender baton held easily in each hand. Once they reached him, one of the bandits darted forward with his tau-kien flashing in the hot sun. With a move quick as lightning, one of the stranger's sticks easily parried the blade while the other rapped the man sharply on the head. As the raider crumpled, the other four attacked. It was all over in the space of a few seconds. Whirling, his sticks flying with breathtaking precision, the lone warrior soon had all five of the Temujin warriors stretched senseless in the sands. Putting his sticks in his belt, the stranger walked over to the Khan, bowed deeply, and said, "Greetings, Khan. I am Jhengi, sent here to be your servant." The Lawgivers were created when a small group of monks survived the destruction of their temple by a tribe of forest barbarians. These monks decided that the barbarians were not bad or even evil--just undisciplined and uncivilized. These surviving brothers made it their mission in life to convert all barbarians in their homeland to a civilized, lawful lifestyle. They planned to accomplish this through demonstrating the advantages of civilization, through kindness, force, intimidation, demonstrations of physical prowess, or whatever it else it took. The new order called itself the Lawgivers. Its members adopted a symbol of two crossed sticks inside a circle of chain, to represent law and discipline inside the neverending cycle of life. Over the centuries, these monks have had limited success with individual tribes, enough to keep the sect hopeful, but the mission has been found to become more difficult as civilization becomes more complex for the barbarians. The order has no interest in whether the barbarians' outlook is good or evil; its total interest lies in the savages' acceptance of order and law. Naturally, this order's alignment is lawful neutral. In order to survive and prosper while living under the harsh lifestyle of the barbarians, members of this order are trained to the peak of both physical and mental perfection (to demonstrate that civilization can make tough warriors, too, and to inure the monk to the confusion of a chaotic lifestyle). These monks are taught to endure physical hardships and discomfort, and to use independent decision-making during long periods of living with certain barbarian tribes (under the tutelage of an older monk, of course). The Lawgivers teach escrima (see "Marshalling the Martial Arts," DRAGON issue #122, and "Kicks and Sticks," in issue #124) as their style of martial art, and a Lawgiver is never seen without his two escrima sticks (treat as jo sticks). A useful advantage of this training is that monks of this order can select their nonweapon proficiency skills from the barbarian table ([Oriental Adventures], page 53, table 59) as well as the other tables. Often, after they retire from their missions, monks of this brotherhood will serve the barbarians as ambassadors, guides, and counselors. Another facet of this fairly militant order is well known: It is extremely vengeful toward anyone who has unjustifiably killed or injured one of its members. An entire tribe of the Temujin raiders was killed by the members of a vengeful Lawgiver temple because the bandits defended the killer of a Lawgiver monk. This trait is seen as necessary by the brotherhood to let the barbarian leaders know that this monastic society is not to be trifled with. Several good reasons for this type of monk to seek adventure as a PC can be found. For instance, the PC could be attached to a barbarian PC as a bodyguard, teacher, or guide. Perhaps the chief of the tribe to which the monk is appointed sends the monk on a long and difficult mission as a test or service, or to simply get rid of the monk without rousing the considerable ire of his order. Or maybe the PC monk was sent out by his monastery to track down and punish someone who has killed one of his fellows. Kasigi, Daimyo of Iraquis, stepped into his sunlit balcony and into the full view of his people. Peasants crowded together, respectfully distant from the daimyo's powerful samurai warriors. After a moment of silence, Kasigi spoke. "My people, I stand before you today to guide you on a holy mission. On this very land, blessed of the gods themselves, is being built a false temple by honorless dogs who call themselves priests. Their sohei walk openly about this wicked monastery, as if brazenly challenging my brave warriors. "But no more. Their challenge will be met by the steel of my samurai. Soon their evil forces will be destroyed, and their house of corruption burned to the ground. Such a war will be costly. You, my people, will be expected to aid this holy mission in your own small way. All taxes will be raised to one full koku of rice to fund this war, effective immediately." He smiled a beatific smile. "May the gods of our ancestors bless us with their glorious wisdom." He returned to his chambers. The people, surprised at this announcement from their normally peaceful and slothful leader, wandered home, wondering how to pay this large increase of taxes. Kasigi, now sweating heavily, sat down wearily on his sleeping mat and looked at the small figure seated opposite him. "Did I do well?" the overlord asked anxiously. "Very well indeed," purred the small man. "Now rest. Soon you will need your strength as you become master of twice the land you now hold." Kasigi licked his lips as he smiled. "I hope things go as you say they will. Now, perhaps you could aid me to see the lovely visions of the place the gods have set aside for me should I succeed?" The small man smiled as he reached a surprisingly muscular arm into the folds of his dark robe and pulled out a small black flask. "Of course, sire. Merely a sip of this magical elixir, and the dreams shall be yours." As the daimyo greedily drank from the flask, Shosogi smiled. Soon the soldiers of this weak puppet will destroy the rival order's temple, breaking the order's only hold on this region. Then Shosogi's own order could move in. Of course, the extra taxes will be spent by Kasigi to obtain more of this lotus juice, thus enriching Shosogi's brothers. Shosogi knew that his masters would be pleased by his success, and his smile broadened. The origins of the Brotherhood of the Black Lotus go back only a few decades. Its founder, a poor and lonely florist, ached for power and riches. Then, during one of his flower-gathering trips, he discovered the rare and beautiful black lotus and learned its deadly secret as a narcotic (see "The Deadliest Perfume," in DRAGON issue #121). Always a religious man, he soon made plans to found his own temple devoted solely to raising this rare flower, and to these ends gathered a small group of devout monks who shared his love of religion with a love of power and beauty. However, as the small monastery grew and prospered, there also grew a number of brothers who desired political power more than spiritual power. One night they disposed of the old founder and instituted their own ruthless methods and goals. They kept the symbol of the black lotus to represent the beauty, grace, and deadliness the new order came to possess. The primary goal of the Brotherhood became control of the government through the use of drugs, bribes, and assassinations. Its eventual goal was to become the sole source of religion in its land by destroying or discrediting all other monastic societies. This evil goal incorporates a harsh and severe training style focusing on cruel, rigorous physical training and ego building. An incredible arrogance and hatred of other orders is ingrained into the young initiates; kindness and mercy are causes for severe punishment, death, or dismissal from the order. The style of martial art taught is the cobra style (see "A Menagerie of Martial Arts," in DRAGON issue #127), as this hard, ruthless style reflects well the Brotherhood's debased society. The cruel members of this sect often select swords and other deadly weapons for weapon proficiencies and have no qualms about using them. As the final part of their training, all initiates are automatically taught the herbalist skill, to properly handle and process the deadly black lotus. Two good reasons for members of this lawful-evil order to adventure outside the monastery can easily be generated. An organization that thrives on bribery and assassination needs exorbitant amounts of money to finance such activities. Many of the adepts go adventuring simply to collect treasures for the order's masters. Other members of the Brotherhood of the Black Lotus are assigned to influential or wealthy PCs or related NPCs to control them or sway them into the dangerous embrace of the black lotus. This order functions well as an NPC group against which the PCs must fight--or else become its victims. The ideas and examples set forth in this article show that the monks of the Oriental world can fit into society as well as any other classes. With a little planning, light reading, and imagination, some wonderful monastic orders can be created for use as PCs, interesting neighbors, or deadly foes who will enrich any campaign. Donaldson, Stephen R. [Lord Foul's Bane]. New York: Del Rey Fantasy Books, 1977 Donaldson, Stephen R. [The Illearth War]. New York: Del Ray Fantasy Books, 1977 Shea, Robert. [War of the Dragons]. New York: Jove Books, 1980. Shea, Robert. [Last of the Zinja]. New York: Jove Books, 1981 Shetterly, Will. [Witch Blood]. New York: Ace Fantasy Books, 1986 Ward, James M. [GREYHAWK(R) Adventures]. Lake Geneva, Wis.: TSR, Inc., 1988 END FILE