Monastery of Dawn's Summit

Within these hallowed halls are the source of our belief and the foundation of our religion

— Brother Lin

Located at the summit of Dawn's mountain, in the holy mountain ranges of Ri'teng, you can find the oldest building in Tersupra and the centre of the worship of Dawn's Light.

History

The Monastery of Dawn's Light has been there as long as anyone can remember, it can be found in multiple historical sources dating back hundreds of years. As a result, nobody is entirely sure who or what built it. However, as with all ancient landmarks, there are legends surrounding its founding.

The Tale of Batu

The Ancient Elves recorded their stories as songs, this one is no different. This song, entitled 'The Tale of Batu', the grandson of Yuinaen and the first monk of Ri'teng. It is a traditional elven poem, comprised of six stanzas, each with four seventeen-syllable lines that rhyme alternately.

The Elves of this land must listen well, for this is the tale of Batu
Yuinen's Line and Taljin's Seed, we hoped to anoint him with falkerr
Yet as Dawn's Light rose and light met dark, a great task he was assigned to
We sing to you now this tale, all who ignore it will fall before her

Our Dawn's blessed chosen, blood of the first, he set out upon his journey
Our Light spoke unto him, visit me high in the sky of blue and white
So into the forest Batu travelled, to the rolling plains ferny
He scaled a tree and yet heard nothing, this was not worthy of her might

The tree was unworthy, at this height could not even regard the sea
No bag, nor sack nor money for food, he began to climb the great hill
Then atop the hill he cried aloud, I am here Dawn speak unto me
Yet, no word, nor whisper he heard, for his task was not worthy of quill

Not tree, nor hill was deserving of her might, our chosen gazed skyward
The holy summit of a land, to Dawn's great light and Dusk's cruel stars
To ascend the height was a task not done, but the chosen was inspired
The mountain he ascended, his mind had hope but his body had scars

Upon the summit, higher than all before him, he stood before Dawn
Aloud, he cried, he weeped: "I am here Dawn, I have answered your calling"
Finally, a response so divine from this song it must be withdrawn
Batu comprehended not the language, but the meaning was roaring

From days after this, Dawn provided as he did her divine command
A sacred monastery, baptised after our beloved saviour
Walls of the purest elven stone, every tiny detail fully planned
This is how the sacred site of bless'd Dawn was born, in all its grandeur

History

Whilst the legend is widely believed by most to be the truth of the monastery's origin, the first historical record of the monastery can be found in the writings of one of the Yuinen Elders dating from around -2,000 BE:

From our current camp we can just about see the Monastery on the summit, nobody has heard from the Monks in several years - I intend to send my son up the mountain to report on their current state...

No matter how it was founded, the Monastery became one of the central places for worship of Dawn. Climbing the mountain is seen as the greatest form of pilgrimage one can undertake and many do so each year.
Over time, other monasteries appeared on the summits of the surrounding mountains. Eventually, these would form the Five Pillars of Dawn - a collection of monasteries that each specialise an an area of the faith.

The Summit Monks

In order to become a monk at the Summit, you must first prove your worthiness to the senior monks. A series of tests are conducted as they test the strength of both your body and your mind. If you are found to be worthy after the tests you may remain for a year, during this year you are ruthlessly trained in the faith, combat, healing and many more skills. Once your year is up, you have a final chance to return to your old life - if you decide to stay, then you are initiated.
Contrary to popular belief, the Monks of Dawn's Summit are not skilled mages. Instead, they are uniquely skilled at an older, more ancient form of magic that far predates the runic sorcery that can be commonly found in Ri'teng. This magic is bestowed upon them by a site that is older and more holier than the monastery itself, located far beneath the building - the radiant cave.
Inside the radiant cave is nothing but pure energy, a monk is initiated by remaining in the cave for an hour. There is around a 40% chance for the monk to die from the extreme energy, if they are lucky enough to survive then they are deemed worthy by Dawn and will emerge with a plethora of abilities. This includes faster reflexes, immunity to disease, increase to strength, speed, endurance and a far longer lifespan, amongst others.

Present Day

Forty years ago, decades of racial abuse against the Dark Elves came to a head. Incited by the new High Elder, Tanix, the Light Elves nearly wiped all the Dark Elves off of Ri'teng. It was this conflict that made the Monastery of Dawn into something entirely different from what it used to be.
In an attempt to humiliate the dark elves, the Monastery became an execution ground. As far as the Dark Elves history goes, they have been against the Church of Dawn's Light - favouring instead the Church of Dusk's Night. As religion was one of the main causes of the conflict, High Elder Tanix suggested executing them in the monastery to show the true power of Dawn. Many monks were against the idea, but none had the courage to speak up to the Elder.
After the end of the purge, the monks tried to rebuild the monastery into what it was before. They have undeniably been successful in transforming the atmosphere of the place, but the knowledge that hundreds died in the hallowed halls is a hard concept to shake.
Although the hostilities against Dark Elves have more or less subsided, the amount that make the pilgrimage to the monastery has significantly decreased since and the amount of Dark Elves becoming monks has decreased to near nothing. However, the pilgrimage is nowhere near to being a forgotten relic, thousands continue to travel up the mountain as part of the Monastic Pilgrimage. The pilgrimage consists of visiting the five smaller monasteries in the mountain range, learning from each one of them and praying to Dawn. Once all five monasteries have been visited, you are allowed to climb the highest mountain in Ri'teng and visit the monastery of Dawn's Summit.
Those who make it up the Summit and have no desire to be monks are welcomed to stay the monastery for a week or two - it is seen as a once in a lifetime experience that strengthens the faith of all who go. There are many activities and opportunities for a pilgrim staying at the monastery, they can join the monks in morning prayer and meditation, learn ancient fighting techniques, eat the traditional food of the monks and enjoy the breathtaking views from the balcony. Generally, everyone who comes enjoys their time and relaxes - it is viewed as a reward for their dedication after completing the pilgrimage of the five summits.

Dawn's Summit

Novice Summit Monk

Type

Monastery

Owning Organization

Dawn's Light