The Way of the Open Palm

The name for both the group and the philosophy they practice, the Way of the Open Palm was founded in Uri-Serim during The Age of Chaos and quickly rose to popularity within the states that made up that kingdom. The group prioritizes a need for self defense and a need to seek greater knowledge and understanding of the world, ultimately achieving Enlightenment.

## Beliefs

The Way is a philosophical belief system, not a religion, a distinction members are quick to point out, they worship no gods and believe in no afterlife, and instead incorporate the Way into their other systems of faith, as such they are not persecuted by the Temple of The Eight. The Way has Martial and Mental beliefs, though the two are intertwined they are studied and practiced separately.

The martial beliefs focus on a reliance on the self and one's body instead of external tools, as such members don no armor and typically fight unarmed, though some advanced techniques will use staffs or thrown weapons. Followers will focus on channeling their Chi through their body in order to enhance their body and senses, able to hit harder and resist more blows than those with similar training but the inability to channel Chi. Followers focus on using the body as a weapon, utilizing punches, kicks, headbutts, and even grappling, members of the Imperial Legion and the Red Hand are encouraged to train in the Way for a time because of this, and simplified techniques are often taught as part of their training. Advanced members are able to strike vital spots to paralyze targets, strike dozens of times in a matter of seconds, and harness their Chi to preform what looks like magic to the untrained eye. Members are taught to be ready for any situation, as even a mundane encounter may turn deadly, but are quick to dissuade paranoia or hypervigilance among the group.

The mental beliefs focus on a deeper understanding of the self and the world around them, with members often taught how to perceive details others might miss and how to pick up subtleties in body language and speech. Meditation is important to members, used as time to ruminate and internalize things they've seen and learned throughout the day, and to achieve a higher understanding of what's already been learned through introspection. Members believe there is always more to learn, and are often sent out to explore the world several times as a part of their training, needing more experience than what can be found in their monasteries. These journeys can often be near-fatal to members, as they are encouraged to seek out extreme environments and dangerous conditions, as fighting for one's life or suffering from exposure can be valuable learning experiences. Ultimately members seek to find Enlightenment, an understanding of the world and it's workings so deep one would be able to see and know all things at all times, so far none have found true Enlightenment.

## Membership

Members are gained simply, one needs only find one of their monasteries, typically located deep within remote areas and often on the peaks of mountains, and ask to be accepted. Would-be members are subjected to a small test to determine if they are physically and mentally capable of joining the group, and if they pass are asked to leave behind all possessions and ties to the outside world and dedicate themselves to the Way. If they accept Members are usually given guidance by a Master, a higher-ranking member that guides them and several other Students on the road to Enlightenment. Members can be identified by their shaved heads, lack of possessions, and simple robes, as well as their preference for bland and unflavored food and lack of alcohol. Members are free to leave the Way at any time, and are generally not expelled but kept back for further training if necessary, mistakes are generally tolerated, as the loss of property or injury are seen as further learning experiences. Members are generally expelled should they directly and maliciously cause the death of another member, though these are rare events.