Atlantic Roleplay Community Boards

[Adin Blackwind]

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Since the creation of the monk's robes, I have been thinking about creating a guild (Chapter) of monks who not only worship the eight virtues, but also come to protect valuable artifacts that have been gifted to them to hold. These items may only be collected by the original donators.

First and foremost, Monks will need a Monastery. One that will have a place or worship, a vault of sorts, a place for the heads of the chapter to stay and naturally, some chosen artifacts of importance.

Now I'm not asking for items that would be worth millions in gold that you cannot afford to lose. What I am referring to are items of sentimental value that you would like to have displayed as a means of nostalgia. Those who originally dropped off the artifact or item can collect these items anytime if they feel the item is at risk. This is done so by the donator locking down the item with some help from the chapter monks.

Now, a little about the chapter. There are three Castes inside the chapter. They are the Priest, Warrior Priest and the Warrior Caste.

The Priest Caste makes up the administration part of the chapter. They delegate authority, and may form new Chapters when the chapter becomes too large to manage. They make up the highest level of the caste system. These members wear robes of white to signify purity.

Ranks:
High Priest/High Priestess – Often officiates over public services.
Lord Priest/Lady Priestess – Often aids the High Priest/Priestess in public services.
Priest/Priestess – Provides healing, guidance and understanding through the use of confessions.

The Warrior Priests are the military commanders of the monks. They are the best of the fighters and mages of the chapter. The head of this caste is often called the Grand Inquisitor. These members serve the higher caste when an artifact is sought to be recovered or collected. The Chapter takes little chances when an artifact is not within the vault. These members need not wear the brown monk’s robes but must maintain a humble style of dress when not in full battle gear.

Ranks:
Grand Inquisitor – Leads a purge against those who challenges the virtues. Has complete control over the warrior caste. (Warlord Status)
Inquisitor – Like the Grand Inquisitor, they are sent to purge the life or un-life of those who reject the virtues as well as purify those who would sin against the chapter. Has control over twenty warriors. (Emissary Status)
Warrior Priest – Monks who have elevated high enough to command warriors of their own. These members are often placed in charge of ten warriors. (Emissary Status)

Warriors make up the lowest of all the caste, but are by far, the largest. Mages and fighters alike are all grouped up into this caste. They all wear the traditional brown hooded monk’s robe.
Ranks:
Monk - A full fledges member of the chapter who has earned the right to be called Brother or Sister of the order. (Member Status)
Pledge – A Member who is undergoing studies of the virtues in order to gain enlightenment. (Ronin Status)

The Chapter itself functions on charity of others while maintaining a level of discipline. Its foundations are in order and structure. They value the arts and cherish the many writings left behind by those long ago. To lose an artifact to theft is to invite the wrath of the chapter. The Chapter will not associate with those who are undead, known to commit criminal acts or willing to harm others. In many cases, the chapter rarely ever will see any combat. It will often send out small parties to recover a lost or stolen item. Their strength is in perseverance.

Typical punishments within the chapter:
Most monks are aware that they will make a mistake. But like all monks, they view themselves as closer to perfection than most others who are outside of the order. They are not arrogant by any means. Just, when one makes a mistake, the common punishment is a vow of silence or fasting for several days. For the more sever punishments such as cowardice in the face of combat, those who are accused of such are generally flogged in front of their peers behind closed doors. All conflict within the chapter stays within the chapter. Those who break this rule are usually expelled from the chapter.

Advancement:
Each Chapter operates under the code of advancement. As such dictates, it is based on order of acceptance. First to come into the chapter will be the first to advance. When a position becomes open or available, the next qualified member fills that void and those below that member step up.

This is all I have so far, but if anyone is interested, let me know. I’d like to see something like this take shape in our community.

Icq: 30963124

[Cal Hurst]

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Depending upon the monk you are making, some fight with bare hands, some with quarterstaves. I made a monk at one point that actually had Wrestling and Ninjitsu. Deathstrike would be good for doing actual damage to monsters or players with your fists. Also, depending upon which monk lore you use, you could shift into different animals as a form of having "complete control" of your body (Obviously a little more than that, but its RP, and you can create your own lore)

If you go with Qstaff, you can obviously do a little more as far as skills go.

Just adding that in.
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[Lucian]

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Monks are always a fun class to play, because they do have diversity within theyre on class. Not all monks have to be the holy bible into head slamming types you see in The Holy Grail. They can be rude, they can be gentle(The most often portrayed), religious, etc etc. A rude or...a secretly sinister type monk could be a fun type of character to play.

[Bailos]

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I tried this and it was really fun, but at the time I didnt have the motivation to sustain it.

I'm sure something like this could play an integral role in a great many things

[Darmug Streea]

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A few of us did this in NWN.

We caught on fire and ran around town at DM speed...

Well at least I did. It was tight.

[Halister Marner]

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Ninja shapeshifting monks? Oh boy.

Go for a more traditional template, keep in mind monks can use Kamas and staves, and have in Ultima historically.

Making a monk PvP'able shouldn't be too much of a worry, keep in mind your characters personality and depth, make sure your character is fun to play, but also on a level at which other players can enjoy roleplaying with. A enigmatic monk who thinks and speaks only in cryptic verses? A seeker of enlightenment, a studious worldly observer, hoping to gain insight into every aspect of the realms, coursing to piece each fragment together into the greater whole? Or perhaps even a dissolute monk, given to spread corruption, seduction, or strife for either personal gain, or through twisted desire for knowledge through understanding of societies immoral aspects?

[Cal Hurst]

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