Monks

Monks vary considerably in philosophy and morality, but all have one thing in common: discipline. Even the hardest drinking drunken master understands exactly how much alcohol he or she can consume, and their fighting style compliments their hobby perfectly.
Drunken Master monks are a peculiar breed, and are hands down the most unique type of monastics. Their monasteries are invariably breweries or distilleries as well, and good-natured conflicts between monks of this discipline often revolve around the superiority of their crafted beverage. As befits monks of this type, however, the joviality and seeming lack of discipline are part of the facade they build up to cover their efficacy as warriors. Most monasteries are funded by local rulers, and in exchange the monks act as subtle peacekeepers, quietly subduing troublemakers and criminals in their communities.
Four Elements monks blur martial arts and magic, weaving the two together in an impressive display. Some monasteries focus on one element and others allow students to find their own path. Races with innate magic often gravitate towards this type of monastic path.
Kensai focus on weaponry, honing their bodies and minds to accept their chosen tools as parts of themselves. Kensai are most common in societies which value individual weapons as family heirlooms or symbols of status, though they can pop up anywhere. One notable group are the dwarven kensai who use firearms to great effect.
Long Death monks are disturbing, to say the least, and their fascination with death comes with a corresponding lack of concern for life. Their monasteries are often secluded or hidden, and since they need to recruit people of a certain temperament, most start their lives a little unbalanced to begin with. Some eagerly take jobs as assassins.
Open Hand monks in many ways are the quintessential monk, mastering hand-to-hand techniques and requiring no weapons or magic to develop to their full potential. When most people think of monks they think of Open Hand monasteries, which have popped up around the world. Lower class individuals often become Open Hand monks, as the monasteries accept all applicants and by nature are humble.
Shadow monks are a touch macabre and a little inclined to magic, though not to the extent that Long Death monks are obsessed with death or Four Elements monks engage with the arcane. Most are content to gather information and broker it, though some become full fledged assassins. Shadow monks are almost entirely from urban settings.
Sun Soul monks are similar to Open Hand monks, though they use the purity of their souls and the connection between their soul and body to produce radiant attacks, channeling their ki into potent and overt assaults. They’re far more common near the equator.