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= Order of The Pathless way =

'''Religious affiliation:''' None.<br>
'''Alignments allowed:''' Lawful Favoured.<br>
'''Location(s): '''Unknown<br>
'''Most likely classes to join the order:''' Monks, Fighters and druids.<br>
'''Colours:''' Black, white, gray and brown.<br>
'''Symbol:''' The circle of change. <br>
[[File:Circle-of-change.png]]

===Introduction===

The Order of the Pathless Way is a nomadic order of monks, seemingly traveling the land aimlessly.<br>
These monks are known as skilled martial artists, and great philosophers.
They are also known for quickly having made use of the herbs found in the new land for herbal medicine, and often treat diseases and other ailments of travelers and natives they meet. This is done using their knowledge of herbs and the knowledge of acupressure they brought with them from the mainland.
The few natives that have met the order tend to respect these newcomers as they are calm and humble by nature and always willing to help where ever they can.

The monks have friend in [[The House of Concordant Cycles]], and it is not uncommon for priests of the house to travel with the order. The church always welcomes the monks to stay in the Church District whenever they visit [[Atalan the City|Atalan]]. And even though their views on the eight overseers and their philosophies might not match, there seem to be mutual respect between the two groups.

It is a well known fact that the order has a well-preserved collection of ancient books and documents explaining martial arts in both its inner and outer form. These were brought with them from the mainland, though many of them have been lost and scattered throughout the new lands, in raids made upon the order. Many of their writings are now safe-kept by their trusted friends to prevent more loss of their martial art secrets and philosophies.   

The order believes that the natural cycle of life has a close connection to the changing seasons, and pays homage to all the eight [[deities|Overseers]]. They have a close relation to the lands and the elements tying it together, and a grateful for what the overseers grant them. This is not often shown, but each time the land grants them anything, or new life blesses the order with its appearance, a silent prayer is made. They never pray, asking for favours or better times. It is in their belief that the overseers already provide them with what they need, and dare not to ask for more, only to thank them for what they have already given. Many of the monks are vegetarians, and would never dream of eating an animal. They believe that animals are sacred and many of their martial arts actually originate in the study of the wildlife.

===History:===

A small handful of monks from a nation near [[The Halmorian Empire|Halmoria]] traveled by ship to the new continent, in hope of a new start. In the old lands their ways and use of herbal medicine was not understood or accepted, so they saw this opportunity for a new start in a new land as being a part of their destiny.  No plans on what they would do when they came to these new lands were made, as part of their conviction was not to plan ahead, as that would only lead to disappointment.

On the long trip they met many new friends that eagerly listened to their unfathomable philosophies. The monks never tried to recruit people, but many were fascinated by their supreme display of martial arts and the depth of their wisdom. Both men, women and children decided to join them and set out for a new beginning in these unknown lands. 

For unknown reasons the oldest monk, the Grandmaster, decided to travel south. Some of their companions began questioning the monks on their destination, but they were given no straight answers. All questions directed at the monks resulted in elusive replies. A few were upset by this, and turned around as they saw the long travel as being pointless and the monks being odd. However most continued following the monks, trusting them in their decision.

Along their travels they gathered herbs to use for medicine, and taught their new family the secrets of their martial arts. They lived off the lands eating the fruits and vegetables they came across, never killing a single animal.
They were often waylaid by strange creatures and bandits, but the monks always defended their new family, and no one was lost. Some of their belongings, among them some of the Grandmaster’s ancient writings, things he had never shared with his fellow monks, were stolen.

They continued on until they stumbled upon some old ruins in the southern highlands.Here the Grandmaster sat down and began meditating among the old walls, without uttering a single word to his companions. The other monks went to gather food, water and herbs with their new family, leaving the old sage to himself and his thoughts.

Four days went by before the Grandmaster finally spoke. He asked for some ink and a calligraphic brush, and on an old pillar He painted a large circle and within it an ancient sign.He raised his hands and said, '' "Here among the dead walls, new life will begin. Here you shall observe all that is around you rise and fall to complete the circle. Do not claim these new lands. Do not get caught by greed. Do not take what is not yours. Follow the pathless way as courteous guests, ever floating but never restless." '' The old sage fell to his knees before uttering his last words. '' "Here I shall fall, leaving a place for others to rise. I have achieved what I always knew would come. My destiny.'' "

The followers buried their Grandmaster in a respectful ceremony under the pillar where he had painted The Circle of Change. The monks gathered their few belongings and continued their aimless journey, and the ruins became holy grounds, which is frequently visited by them as a place of tranquility and meditation.

===Philosophy of The Pathless Way===

[[File:Circle-of-change.png]]

'''The Circle of Change explained:'''
''The Circle of Change'' is a symbol used by the monks of The Pathless Way, to represent the cycle of life. The ancient character in the middle of the circle means ''“self”'' or ''“source”''. As a whole it represents the ''“self”'' watching all things rise and fall around it, letting things take their course without interfering, Without trying to change it in any way. 

'''Philosophy:'''<br>
The circle of change is the essence of The Pathless Way. <br>
To be a witness and not interfere. To be courteous guests rather than lords of the land. <br>
To let things take their natural course and only do what needs to be done.
Those of the Pathless Way believe that their only destination is destiny and therefore it is pointless to plan ahead. <br>
That is why it is called The Pathless Way.<br> 

Those of the Pathless Way believe in the balance of all things. No light without darkness, no beauty without ugliness and no good without evil. Many of their sayings are actually more like questions, or elusive guidelines. By not giving a straight answer, they believe that it is the listener that becomes the wise one, as he draws his own conclusions to what he hears.<br>
Many monk orders are known for living in celibacy, but the order of The Pathless way believes it is unnatural to live like that, and embraces love in all its forms.

'''Ex. On Proverbs:'''<br>
''If you dwell in the past, how can you live today?'' <br>
''If you worry about the future, how can you be at peace in this very moment?
''
''Without a path, is it possible to reach your destination?'' <br>
''Without a destination, is the path you follow important?''

''It might be easier and more comfortable to follow the main road,''<br>
''but men love to be sidetracked.''<br>
''If you plan ahead, will it not only lead to disappointment?''<br>
''If you gather gold and precious things, will it not lead to loss?''<br>
''If you try to change the world, will you not break it?''<br>

===Life of the monks===
The monks get up every morning at dawn to go for a morning run. Here they gather food for their breakfast which normally consists of whatever the land offers them, and herbal tea on the side.

Then the martial training begins. The first part of the day the Adroit instructs the others in basic martial training for two hours, before the masters of the outer forms take over the training and go into the more complex routines. 
After a short lunch, everyone packs up their belongings and travel until the sun sets. Here they gather just enough food for the following evening.
After dinner, the masters of the inner forms teach the monks about their ways, before it is time to rest the body with meditation. Some monks do not follow the family all the time, but are known to stray from the group, seeking self- enlightenment. This is not just accepted, but highly encouraged.

===Rituals:===
Whenever members of the order have visited a place where they have experienced great self-enlightenment through meditation, a circle of change is painted there to represent it. This is also done to pay respect to their old Grandmaster. When the order comes across one of these places that are viewed as holy ground, a whole day is spend meditating there.

It is not often the order pays homage to the Overseers, but each time the seasons change, it is an event marked with a whole days of silence, and not consuming anything but water. The change that happens throughout the land is viewed as a holy thing, an act of the overseers displaying their divine powers.
The order believes that when the Overseers make the seasons change, it is for the better not to disturb them, but rather watch them perform in silence. The following day is a day of celebration, spend with the whole order gathering enough food for a feast. The common man would not consider this a feast, as they only eat little more than what they usually do, and even that is sparse. But for the order it is a great feast, granted to them by the seasonal Overseers.

===Martial Styles===

The monks of The Pathless Way practice two types of martial arts: Inner and outer forms. 

The outer forms are fast movements meant to confuse an enemy and break of attacks, rather than being the attacker yourself. 
There is a saying amongst the monks. '' “He, who remains calm until the moment of action, will not fall in combat. By display of strength, the body becomes exhausted. When the body is exhausted, it is not in balance.” ''

Many of these styles are developed by watching animals; the evasive nature of the bird, the swiftness of the snake, the grace of the leopard and the strength of the monkey.
These outer forms have given the monks a reputation of being odd, but those that have been in hand to hand combat with them know that it is not chosen for display, but for its efficiency.

The inner forms are slow meditative movements or still stances, used to cultivate what the monks refer to Flow.
Flow is internal energy, closely connected to breathing. When inhaling and exhaling, a stream of energy flows back and forth inside the body.    
When practiced correctly it is possible for the experienced monk to make this energy flow freely, control it, cultivate it and focus it in different parts of the body. This mystical energy can provide results, not thought possible without the use of magic.
The practice of the inner forms has roots in the four seasons, and the training of these also includes acupressure. This knowledge is used for treating ailments of all kinds, but also to disable any opponent by paralyzing parts of his body by applying pressure to certain vital points.

In both forms weapons are used to the same degree as the empty hands. 
The weapons used are: Empty hands, Staff, Spear, kama and sun wheel.
The ultimate way of practicing the martial arts is to combine both the inner and outer forms, thus combining body and soul. This is what all monks strive for, but it is only obtained by few.

===Ranks of The Pathless Way: ===

'''Grandmaster: '''The Grandmaster is the head of the family, he who masters all of the inner and outer forms to perfection. No Grandmaster has been chosen among the order yet, as the old one recently died, and with him many of the ancient secrets. The masters decided it best to live without a Grandmaster for a time, until they gathered his ancient books and documents that was taken from them in their journey. It was in 984IY that [[Moon Shard]] was named Grandmaster within the order.

'''Masters of the inner forms:''' These four masters are the supreme teachers of the inner forms. They each represent one of the four seasons. It is these masters that are responsible for teaching the secrets of the inner martial arts, and are viewed as the wisest among the masters. 

'''Masters of the outer forms:''' These four masters are the supreme teachers of the outer forms. They each represent a certain style, based upon an animal. They are responsible for teaching this to the monks, and are also in charge of distributing the daily chores among the family.

'''Adroit:''' The Adroit is a monk chosen by the masters to provide the fundamental martial art training to the rest of the monks. They are in charge of getting the basic stances, kicks and punches perfect. They are also in charge of the basic strength and agility exercises. Normally only one or two of the brightest students are chosen for this role.

'''Monk:''' Monks are the followers of The Pathless Way. They are not viewed as less important than the Adroit or the masters, but acknowledge and respect their great knowledge, and naturally let their masters teach and guide them.