Kaurera Monastery

Symbol of the monastery

The **Kaurera Monastery** is an organization for learning the power of Ki located on Kaurera in the Wabu Islands. The original monastery was first founded on other ruins. During its time the monastery was just and ordinary building for religious worship but after the discovery of Ki the place turned into a learning institute. The monastery is most well known for its focus on the Way of the Open Fist, but isn't the largest monastery providing focus on this discipline.

## **History**

The monastery was founded by the Tortle Beshil who led the first expadition to Kaurera. Long it was left unexplored because of its small size and the effects of the Bugala eruption which seem to have most the most effect on this island. Leaving behind hot ash for decades. Eventually Beshil stumbled upon old ruins located in Kaurera of which he remembered an elderly Tortle saying the following to him years ago: 'On what we now call Kaurera is an old building, a ruin once this was a place of worship and knowledge but the eruption destroyed all. My ultimate wish in my life is to restore this place of worship to its former heights'. Beshil set out with this goal to find and restore the monastery. So he did in the year 120. Establishing a new order over decades the monastery got restored and returned to a new glory, not as grand as before but grander times were to come.

The monks lived a quite monastic life; sleeping, eating and praying. However everything changed in 380 AD. A former Tortle monk by the name of Nila had returned to the monastery after travelling throughout Astrohanasia. During her travels she learned the power of Ki and how to harness it. She thought the other Tortles and became the first Senki of the monastery. In the following decades the monastery would grew to new heights, with that the wishes of the old Tortle had become more than true, their wishes got surpassed by something even greater. Following the new growth the monastery established itself as one of the most prominent places to learn the power of Ki. With a larger focus being placed on the Way of the Open Hand. A martial technique focused on the us of ones natural weapons.

## **Organization**

The monastery is organized in different rankings and functions to administrate the school.

### Ranking

From lowest to highest based on experience:

* Initiate - The lowest rank within the order. This rank is given to the inexperienced newcomers. They are granted grey scarf to signify their mastery of Ki.
* Disciple - The most common rank to be found around the monastery. They have passed the entry exam and are have a basic understanding of Ki. For their accomplishment they are granted white scarf.
* Instructor - The instructor is someone who has many years of experience in the art of Ki that they (usually) acquired spending time within the monastery. They are considered experienced at the art of Ki and have shown an ability to instruct others. Often instructors are promoted from within, however sometimes they are promoted from outsiders who have shown an incredible amount of skill. They wear a yellow scarf. Rumours have it that recently a Tortle got promoted to rank of instructor after defeating a Naga in the town of Orlane.
* Senki - Masters of the art of Ki, this the the senior rank within the monastery. Having spent decades mastering the art of Ki. They instruct the instructors and perform scholarly research to improve knowledge of Ki. For their knowledge they are granted a red scarf.
* High Senki - The absolute highest rank in the order. This rank is ceremonious and more traditional. A sole purple scarf, made out of Tyria Rupes dye, is encased hanging high on the wall of the main training area. The purple scarf is seen as a representation of Ki itself and is a rank that is not attainable out.

It should be noted that all members of the Kaurera Monastery are seen as equals, no one has the power to command others what to do.

## **Layout**

Before one enters the monastery they have to walk past a small gateway. After this follows a set of stairs going up a hillside, once on top people walk through a secondary gateway to enter a large courtyard which surrounds the entire complex. The courtyard itself is protected by a small defensive wall. Within the courtyard plentiful beautiful flowers and trees can be found. Small fountains made out of stones can be found throughout the courtyard.

At one thirds in the courtyard the primary building can be found. The building is two stories tall, the second story mostly consist of balconies on the outside. The flanks of the building are used as smaller dojos to teach Ki and other scholarly endeavours. At the centre of the building a large dojo can be found shaped as an oval. Within the oval the symbol of the monastery can be found. The lines reaching towards the doors. This area is used for larger demonstrations, important announcements and as area to host sparring tournaments. Above the main door within the dojo hangs the purple scarf. At the back of the building the library with a reading area can be found. The top floor of the building is mostly used as administration and a contains a couple of sleeping accommodations for the Senkis.

At two thirds in the courtyard a secondary building can be found, again with two floors. This is the primary sleeping location for all the monks. This building additionally contains the kitchen and eating area. At the back it connects to the courtyard again, entering in a semi-closed off garden overlooking the ocean.

At the side of a courtyard a door is located leading to a smaller courtyard where crops are grown which partially feed the monastery.

## **Symbolism**

The Kaurera Monastery has a turtle as their symbol, within the turtle there are 5 lines. A thick line goes from the head down the shield of the turtle up to two-thirds. Other lines spring from this main line like branches on a three. The first connection occurs at one-third of the shield, the lines no go to the arms. A second connection occurs at the end of the line going to the feet. The thick line symbolises the knowledge coming from the brain going to the limbs. With this knowledge the limbs are prepared for everything. For one has to not only be strong to fight, but also wise.

In a simplified version the turtle limbs get omitted to form a oval but with the lines intact. This version is handed to disciples in the form of a necklace; after acquiring the rank of an initiate in the monastery.