Monks of Earth and Water

The Monks of Earth and Water are those that live in, protect, and tend to the Shrine of Earth and Water. Outwardly they appear to be pleasant and somewhat passive tour guides. They live a quiet and slow way of life deep in the jungles of Izea. Contrary to other monastic traditions, these monks expect to regularly interact with people and assist them in their healing quests at the shrine.
While not strictly a secret, it is a lesser known fact that these very placid individuals are in fact deadly combatants who train extensively to be able to protect the shrine, by force if necessary. Most monks come to the order as young men and women, some even children, often seeking healing for ailments that they have suffered from since birth. Those that are healed will sometimes choose to stay at the shrine rather than go back out into the world.
When a new adherent chooses to dedicate themselves to the Earth and Water tradition they are tested for physical prowess and character traits that are consistent with the values of the order. Those that pass are welcomed into the fold and begin training in earnest. It is believed that new monks receive five years of training before they return to the public eye and begin serving the shrine and its guests.
To this date, very few incursions into the jungle have threatened the shrine and forced the monks to display their martial skills in a meaningful manner. Throughout history there are no more than a dozen recorded instances where the shrine had to be protected from true threats, but in each case the shrine was protected and no harm came to it. This fact remains a mark of pride for the order and the continued protection of the shrine and its healing waters proceeds with religious fervor...and passivity.

Type

Religious, Monastic Order