Bor-Shasa

High up in the mountains of Thera stands a solitary complex. This simple set of buildings is home to a collection of Monks, who still practise the Ancient Ways in hope of finding the true meaning of the World. This is the Monastery of Bor-Shasa.

## Location and Layout

The northern peaks of the Thera mountain range are steep, shrouded in both mist and mystery. Few roads connect this part of the world. For those who make the Pilgrimage the journey is long and full of hardships, and the endpoint is a long ways away from the Destination. A little walked upon road leads through the last remains of Drassfell Forest, where it crosses over the foothills of Thera. A couple of miles into the mountains starts a narrow flight of stairs, called the Steps of Viswanathan, that lead all the way up Bor-Shasa Mountain. There you must pass through the Gate of Anatoli and enter the monastery proper.

A mountain ridge supports the main thoroughfare of the complex. Almost all buildings are on the right-hand side, partially on the ridge but also hanging in the air above the cliff face. A wooden foundation is supported by a series of wooden beams that are set at an angle into the mountainside. The path leads further upward, turns a corner, and finds itselfs at the base of the Temple. The shadow of the Peak is the only thing that looms over the monastery and its residents.

## Facilities

### The Lower Complex

Closest to the Gate of Anatoli are the stables, the only building along the pathway on the side of the mountain. It is very small, as it is only used for any mounts that travellers may use.

Further into the complex are the general facilities that are needed to self-sustain the monastery. Here are the workplaces for carpentry, spinning and candlemaking, as well as a washing facility to do the laundry, clean yourself and shave (the monks maintain a policy of no facial hair). Any personal living spaces are also part of this complex, and a small sanctuary for those not initiated in the Ancient Ways.

Towards the back, away from the Gate, are various pens and stables for livestock. Big storehouses also contain grain, dried herbs and self-made cheese.

### Garden Terraces

At the end of the narrow thoroughfare is another gate, smaller than the main entrance. The monks fondly call this the Garden Gate, and it leads out of the monastery to a series of flat terraces set within the mountainside. Here the monks grow their own food in order to sustain both themselves and their livestock. This livestock consists of a few cows, sheep and chicken, only used for milk, wool and eggs, as well as two oxen used to plow the terraces.

At the far end of the terraces is a low building where some beehives are kept.

### The Temple of Shasa

Following the path up the mountain, another Gate bars your way. Those not initiated in the Ancient Ways may not enter past this point. Behind the Gate of Eüwe lies the Temple of Shasa, the main sanctuary of the Shasan Monks.

Though the word 'temple' is used here, it does not to describe a place of religious importance, but rather a place of self-reflection and improvement. The Temple is a training centre, for both the body and the mind. Here the monks practise in the martial arts, day in day out, to hone their bodies to perfection. Beside sculpting a nice physique for themselves, the monks also train their minds. The Temple houses numerous studies for the monks to work in silence in, as well as a small library. In the top of the temple hangs a gong, that can be heard resounding throughout the mountains.

## Order

Bor-Shasa is home to the monks of the Order of the Shasan. Here they train, physically and mentally, in order to achieve Understanding of the world.

Their order comprises of Brothers living among each other, as well as some Fathers who spiritually guide them.

The Father Superior is the leader of the Bor-Shasa monastery. He is the first to awaken, ringing the gong at the top of the Temple to awaken the other monks, as well as the rest of the mountain valley. He leads the others in the daily training routines, and provides aid for those who come to him in need of spiritual advice. However, outside of the monastery he holds no higher rank than a regular Father. He just regulates every internal affairs of the complex itself, and negotiates with other factions in matters concerning the monastery.