Order of the Sleeping Fist
Revised for 596 CY
Emmeran Gilish, the founder of the Order of the Sleeping Fist, was a fighter from Tusmit, who after accidentally killing a child left his violent ways to find inner balance and enlightenment. During his search, he left his home and travelled to Perrenland, where he witnessed a boxing match in a highland village. Impressed by the display of skill, Emmeran became a student of Hans Besser, winner of the competition and soon had blended his own skills with those that he learnt from Hans. As time passed, Emmeran's studies of the mind and body progressed, with many searching him out to become his students. In the year 531, Emmeran started work on his monastery and officially formed the Order of the Sleeping Fist. The monastery is located about thirty miles southwest of Krestible, nestled in a small valley high in the Yatils. It can be reached by travelling a narrow path that winds it way through the mountains.
Travelling to the monastery can be slow and treacherous, generally taking several days on foot.
The style of the Sleeping Fist is a unique blend of the traditional martial
arts practiced by many monks, and bare fist boxing that is a common sport
in Perrenland's highland villages. The philosophy of the Sleeping Fist is
one of blending the mind and body. It is the belief of the order that the
body should be honed to perfection, but the spirit must be disciplined enough
to only strike when no alternative exists. True power comes not from the body
but from the disciplined and trained mind. To help a monk on this path they
are taught philosophy and the ethos of Zodal, musical training (to develop
discipline, order and timing) and martial training to focus and develop their
bodies.
For further information, review the Order
of the Sleeping Fist document.
Contact Person
Dean Bailey taffy@netspace.net.au
Advancement
A monk may advance within the order, providing improved benefits, but also more
responsibility. Advancement is achieved through a combination of time spent
within the monastery, and learning the necessary skills. The ranks within the
monastery, and the requirements for attaining the ranks are:
- Acolyte - The entry rank of the Order of the Sleeping Fist.
- Seeker - When a Acolyte feels ready they can take the trials of a
seeker. This is a small series of trials that test the physical and mental
discipline of the monk. These trials are run as a special mission and can
not be undertaken before 12 months have passed since the elevation to
Acolyte. Seekers must also have Monk class levels.
- Master - When a Seeker feels they have found the answer to one
of the great questions of the universe (Knowledge (Arcana) 10 ranks, Knowledge
(Religion) 10 ranks or Knowledge (any) 5 ranks), they can petition to the
Grand Master to elevate them to Master status. This may not be done before
12 months have passed since the elevation to Seeker.
- Teacher - At any time a Master can choose to give up their
wandering ways and retire to a life of reflection and teaching.
Acolyte of the Sleeping Fist Membership Certificate (170Kb).
