Fists of Pistis Sophia
"The Fists are as crazy as the Flagellants. They go into battle wearing peasant clothes and sometimes less than even that. They fight with sticks and fists, but they fight better than half the balatars I've seen. They don't even take battle loot for themselves. Crazy, but I'm glad they're around."
~Margrave Arronax Skinner
Composition
Manpower
At any given time, membership of the Fists ranges from 400-600 monks. They spend most of their time operating individually, in pairs, or in small teams to fight for the commonfolk, but they can band together into a single army with alarming alacrity.
While most of their membership is human, a fair amount of recruits are halflings and Greenskins. Elves make up a smaller portion, and a handful of odds and ends from other races can be found in their number.
Equipment
The Fists are aesthetics, they wear simple clothing. By tradition, their tools and clothing are to be donated to them without request by those they have aided.
Weaponry
The Fists wield quarterstaves or inexpensive farming tools. Some choose to fight with their fists. They knap small flint stones for edge and balance as a rudimentary throwing weapon. There's a commoner superstition that finding one of these on a battlefield attended by the Fists is good luck.
Tactics
The Fists are ambush warriors, their light kit and heavy discipline allow them to attack from unexpected angles without excess noise. While they are capable warriors, they tend to do poorly with conventional shield-to-shield combats.
Training
The Fists go through a rigorous training regimen of combat forms and body hardening interspersed with long periods of meditation.
Logistics
Logistical Support
As aesthetics, the Fists subsist off the goodwill of the commonfolk. If they acquire more wealth than they can carry in a large bowl and small sack, they are expected to donate it to those in need.
Upkeep
If the Monastery of the North Star gives command of the Fists (temporarily) to a worthy commander, that commander is expected to field the costs of feeding and sheltering the monks. This amounts to around 215 GP per season.
Recruitment
The Fists recruit anyone who pass the Three Trials, a secret and dangerous ceremony. They mainly attract penitents and idealists, and those who wish to remake themselves.
History
The Fists of Pistis Sophia were formed when their monastery was, though they were not well known as a group until the first time they marched as an army in the final push of the First Goblin War in the Year 190. Since then, they have only appeared as an army rarely and in times of enormous danger.
Type
Paramilitary
Founding
Year 165
Overall training Level
Professional
Assumed Veterancy
Experienced
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