The Rockbridge Monastery

**The Rockbridge Monastery** is a significant spiritual center located in the foothills on the outskirts of the city of Rockbridge, nestled on the shores of Lake Vovriga in the Kingdom of Althea. The monastery is a testament to the resilience and dedication of its founder, Grandmaster Du-est, and stands as a beacon of spiritual enlightenment and tranquility amidst the bustling city life.

## History

The Rockbridge Monastery was founded by Okihara Du-est, more commonly known as Grandmaster Du-est, in 773 AV. Born in Elmrafel, the homeland of the Mokzu (Wood-Elf), Du-est immigrated to Venthalia at the age of 16 during the reign of Lysandra III. He was drawn to the diverse and rich history of Venthalia, and in particular, the city of Rockbridge, which was known for its isolated serenity. In 773 AV, Du-est began his monumental task of creating a serene meditation center. He started by clearing land and forest in the mountains outside of Rockbridge. Working alone, he built a temple, stone by stone, lumber by lumber, by himself, until he had a room-sized temple to meditate and sleep in. This humble beginning marked the inception of what would become the monastery.

As the years passed, Du-est's solitary endeavor drew curiosity from the townsfolk of Rockbridge. His dedication and the tranquility of the developing monastery attracted many, and over the centuries, more would arrive. Every day, Du-est would add onto the monastery, constantly building and expanding. Those who had traveled to meet him would often help, leading to the monastery campus growing rapidly. This period of growth saw the monastery evolve from a solitary meditation center to a communal spiritual hub. In 1023 AV, after 250 years of continuous development, Du-est officially declared the monastery “complete”. By then, it had grown into a massive monastic compound, capable of housing over 750 people. However, the completion of the physical structure did not mean the end of Du-est's work. He continued to guide the spiritual growth of the monastery, attracting individuals seeking isolation and enlightenment. One such individual was Enix Tirone, a prominent Elven druid, monk, and spiritual seeker. Enix's time at the monastery under the guidance of Du-est deeply influenced his understanding of the interconnectedness of Druidic teachings and the philosophies of inner peace and enlightenment. His journey and subsequent influence on Venthalia added another layer to the rich history of the Rockbridge Monastery.

## The Monastery Today

Today, the Rockbridge Monastery is visited by travelers and pilgrimages from all over Daunt, with many spiritual teachers who work under the leadership and guidance of Grandmaster Du-est. The monastery continues to be a place of spiritual enlightenment and tranquility, attracting individuals seeking isolation and enlightenment. The Rockbridge Monastery has a deep connection to the city of Rockbridge. It is located on the outskirts of the town, at the top of countless steps, and its presence has significantly contributed to the city's unique location and spiritual significance. The monastery has drawn many to settle or visit, each contributing to the rich tapestry of life in Rockbridge.