Symphasian Monastery

There are many Symphasian monasteries scattered across Nymeria, but the largest one is located in Lake Sol in the South of Nymeria.

## Culture and Beliefs

The Symphasian monks believe strongly in The Natural Order. They believe that natural magic, combined with the guidance of the wise and holy Sphinxes, will ensure Arcadia travels The Path (what they see as the correct & true progression of events). It is in the rare instances that The Natural Order or The Path are endangered that the Symphasian monks do their work.
Within the monastery, even typically hated races such as the Yuan-ti in the jungles to the West and the Gnolls in the hills to the North, are seen as valuable members of a complex spirituality and ecosystem. They train to become one with the magic and nature of the world, channeling magic ki through their fists alone. The training is arduous and intense, but also focused on an appreciation and deep, spiritual understanding of all life.
Grandmaster Qutt is the leader of the Monastery, and is a Tortle with surprising speed. He typically resides in Lake Sol (South of Nymeria).

### Rules of the Honorable Hunt and Combat

The Symphasian Monastery follows an adapted version of the "Rules of the Honorable Hunt and Combat." These are rules decreed by the Lupo Sphinx and Cani Sphinx. The Symphasian monastery has taken these core rules and extended them to match their own beliefs. Here are the Symphasian rules of honor:

1. Violence should always be a last resort and the sanctity of all life must be foremost in a Symphasian monk's mind at all times. Symphasian monks should not initiate violence and only engage when the alternative is unacceptable.
2. When violence is unavoidable, a Symphasian monk should respond in proportional manner to the threat posed (i.e. if they punch you, don't slit their throat in response).
3. Honor the surrender of enemy combatants.
4. Do not torture or maim.
5. When in a holy Sphinx or Symphasian temple, all are protected by the Lupo and Cani Sphinxes. To attack without warning in a holy place is to disobey the Lupo and Cani Sphinxes and surrender your protection, suffering whatever consequence the Sphinxes decide (this refers to actual fighting to hurt or kill, not things like combat practice). However, a duel can be declared in a holy site. If both parties agree to the duel, then the duel has the Lupo and Cani Sphinxes' blessing and can proceed to the death of one or the other combatant. No one outside is allowed to interfere with a duel, and doing so will invoke great wrath from the Sphinxes

### Symphasian Tenets

1. **Reflection of the Self**: The most important thing a person can do is learn and grow. Through this, all else can be achieved.
2. **Discipline of the Path**: The duty, of all those privileged with social and physical agency, to uphold the Symphasian Path and to train diligently to do so.
3. **Mercy for all:** These books explain the Symphasian monks’ pledge to uphold the “fullest extent of pacifism and mercy towards all beings” while still maintaining the Path.
4. **Sacrifice for the Path**: There will come a time when every monks’ dedication to the Path is tested. Let yourself flow with the Symphasian wind.
5. **Luck of the Path-Holders**: Possessing the mental and physical strength and social freedom to act is, itself, a privilege. We accept this luck, but pledge to apply it towards the Path.
6. **Patience of the Path**: This explains the Path as less of a “one true progression” of events and more of a sifting, evolving series of events ultimately leading towards universal equality. The books liken the shifting nature of the Path to the shifting rivers of Nymeria, and suggest that the hardest part of learning Symphasian Monk Discipline is realizing when not to act.

**White Chalk:** Victory breeds hatred, for the vanquished is stricken with suffering. To uphold the Symphasian path, forget victory. We may never be strong enough to be entirely nonviolent in thought, word and deed. But we must keep nonviolence as our goal and make strong progress towards it.

**Black Ink:** Pacifism in the face of evil is itself evil. To not act is to act. The Path does not protect itself.

## The Untethered

The flesh is weak, so get rid of the body to enhance the mind.