Purity of Body, Stillness of Mind

Purity of Body, Stillness of Mind is a book uncovered through use of Study-related Inquiries by Timbermitt.

## History

After spending a spell of time at the monasteries making up the complex of Heizentaru, the druid and monk Timbermitt found himself increasingly curious of other such establishments located on the Ahlusian continent, eager to learn of their teachings and traditions for sake of personal interest, and other motives besides.

## Reading

### Completed by Timbermitt

While not the starting point for every individual that engages with monastic ways of life, the various temples, cenobes, dojos and likewise, there are numerous folk scattered across the continent that have sought the counsel, support and guidance offered by those that reside within, regardless of whether they then pursue further training. For those following the monastic traditions, said training may come from monasteries dedicated and specialised in a specific pursuit, whereas some others instead work to identify the strengths of the individual, and offer a wide variety of precepts accordingly. While there are numerous smaller or less noteworthy establishments scattered across the continent (and beyond besides, for I spent many a year residing and training within a monastery located in the Ever-Changing Chaos of Limbo, protected only by the willpower of those that dwelled within), this tome focuses on four such locations - Etarr's Altar, The Canopy Vaults, The Mountain of Id and The Temple of Kivlo, all of which are associated with one or two specific traditions and teachings.

#### Etarr's Altar

Located within the southern Ironfangs on what was once the border between the Realm of Gawylthlan to the south and first the Empire of Raq and then the Realm of Ra-Galthe to the north, the lands around Etarr's Altar are suffused with a heavy aura of arcane magic deeply tied to dragonkind. The legends and tales by the residents of the monastery tell of a great battle in the War of the Remnants, the terrible conflicts that raged before Aita's Second Gift, in which a great number of chromatic and metallic dragons were slain by their kin and peers, echoes of their spirits henceforth lingering amongst the valleys and crags. To this purpose, the dragon Silnerkrer, known as the Engraver sought out the region, seeking to commune with the ghosts of the past, to learn of their involvements, the tactics, weaponry and plans they wielded - and those that brought them down. For each and every spirit to which they communed, Silnerkrer created a cenotaph or obelisk from one of their own brilliant-blue crystalline scales, etching and carving its surface as a record of what had been learned. Of these scales, there are said to be dozens, each larger than a conventional doorway, all intricately detailed with points of teaching and understanding.

A time later, Aita's Second Gift having come to be, the region was discovered by adventurers, who understood the power and presence contained within and subsequently treated with a deep and genuine reverence. Ever since, the monastery of Etarr's Altar, so-named for the first master of the cenobium who supposedly frequently communed telepathically with the Engraver, who taught them how to resonate with the same draconic might, shaping their ki in a manner inspired by the echoes of draconic spirits in the surrounding area.

#### The Canopy Vaults

Within the vast grassland plains of the north-eastern parts of the continent, upon which nomadic bands of humans, halflings and leonin once roamed with their beasts of burden and war as residents of the Realm of Halholm lies a small forest but a dozen miles in diameter. Despite lack of obstruction from mountain or hill, for few of the such exist in the centre of such plains, the forest is dark, gloomy, and features a startling density of Halm's Ebony trees, their root networks twisted and interwoven. Within is located the Canopy Vaults, an enigmatic sect of monks that take upon themselves a twofold burden - to ward outsiders against the influence of the Shadowfell that has spilled into the woodland, and to identify others that may in such a time share their burden. Upon joining the Canopy Vaults, it is said an acolyte is to seal their name away in a ritual ceremony, becoming nothing more than a singular word chosen at random from a vast basin within the atrium of the temple.

The oppressive nature the Shadowfell is pervasive throughout the Canopy Vaults, though resisting its effects is the cornerstone of teaching by the masters residing within, the majority of which are shadar-kai, who travel from the Shadowfell itself to learn within its halls, although in time many others from the Material Plane themselves have come to gain knowledge of the traditions taught within. Leaving only when they have mastered the ability to wield shadows to pass unseen and exploit opportunity, or wield mastery over death with but a touch, it is said that only the most loyal of monks truly leave the Canopy Vaults, usually with a specific purpose in mind.

#### The Mountain of Id

Goliath culture celebrates steady competition, individual skill and self-sufficiency, all of which serve to support the tribes of those that reside in the uppermost mountain reaches, but also serve to forge almighty martial artists with talents honed through a strong desire for betterment, alongside sentiments of fair play, where talent, dedication and effort reign supreme, not underhanded tactics or techniques. Despite the name, the Mountain of Id is not located within the mountain ranges of the continent, but instead is located within a gorge near the southern coast upon the peninsula that serves as the home of Wylth's Wood, part of the Timberlands. Built into the stone itself and interconnected by dozens of stone bridges, chains and ropes upon which various forms of oft perilous training take place, acolytes are pushed to engage with the drills outside, regardless of the weather - storm or shine.

In doing so, acolytes are taught the importance of consistency, of perseverance. Proficient in a wide range of weaponry, with spears and glaives of particular popularity, they wield their blades as an extension of their own body, much as a mason would a chisel - with artisanal pursuits also encouraged. The tutors, a few goliaths still amongst them also favour teaching techniques to readily trip and push opponents to use the terrain of the battlefield to its full benefit and advantage.

#### The Temple of Kivlo

Nestled within the Savage Creek Hills in northwestern Ahlus, the Temple of Kivlo is located on a major tributary of the River Khi, upstream of where the Giadoese capital of Kiha once stood. While unassuming upon a gentle hill from afar, the Temple sits at a nexus point between the forces of the four primary elemental forces - air, earth, fire and water. Hot springs from historical volcanic activity - with many claiming the mountain upon which the monastery is constructed is in reality a long-dormant volcano - brings forth the source of the tributary, its winding rapids a fury of rushing water. The uneven valleys and surrounding hills carve up the landscape, while the storm winds rage frequently overhead, shattering trees with its might. The location was first recognised by the Giadoese, but has since attracted individuals from across the Realms, and in recent years all manner of adventurers and likewise still.

While some acolytes place particular focus on that of a specific element, most work to interweave them in tandem, finding the delicate balance between each that allows for anything from minor effects such as a shower of sparks or spray of light mist to towering walls of molten stone and jets of freezing wind and ice. While not officially endorsed by the monastery, many individuals that train within its halls find themselves receiving patronage, or at the very least, growing interest in the Archomentals of the Elemental Sphere and the Wandering Worlds, or else those other outsiders residing beyond the Prime.