The Way of the Astral Self

**Celestian's Monastery of the Way of the Astral Self** or more commonly referred to as **The Way of the Astral Self** is a monastery for monks in training. It is located in the centre of the Mistera Valley at the thinnest part of the veil between the material and astral planes. It is impossible to find unless the explorer is, or has become soul-torn.

The Way of the Astral Self is the monastery where Dimitri Montaine learned how to use ki and trained in martial arts prior to meeting The Party.

Despite being located in territory supposedly claimed by Norne, the empire has no power or claim over the monastery or its inhabitants.

## History

The origins of the Monastery itself are lost to time. It is said that it was originally established by a group of soul-torn followers of Celestian the Far Wanderer. Over time the focus and purpose of the Monastery shifted away from worship and towards rehabilitation of the soul-torn and helping them train their bodies and minds. Many members strive to have full control over their external soul, known as the Astral Form, in order to reach the astral plane with complete control and autonomy; untethered by gods or material attachment. Conversely, some just seek guidance and a safe refuge where they can quieten their minds and regain some control over their spirit.

## The Soul-Torn

Soul-torn refers to a condition where a person becomes inexplicably connected to the astral plane. These people feel as though their soul is trapped inside of a body longing to be released. Soul-torn are known for their free spirited nature and slight inability to settle down in one place for too long, constantly seeking new places to travel and learn.

While the ultimate goals of a soul-torn individual can vary, most agree that mastering the art of summoning the complete Astral Form is the key to being able to traverse the astral plane without having their soul claimed by a god or higher power. It is their belief that this is a way of achieving true freedom and a functional immortality. More ambitious monks hold beliefs that this can be the key to achieving divinity.

Unfortunately, soul-torn individuals are known for struggling with reckless impulsivity and lack of control over their minds to the point where many lose their lives in high risk endeavors attempting to get a glimpse into the astral plane. Those who live life without guidance and training from the Monastery often end up lost and detached in the astral plane.

Monks are advised not to worship or follow any patrons or deities as this would mean their soul belongs to the higher power in question. The belief of the soul belonging to the individual is core to The Way of the Astral Self, and thus it is considered an insult to one's freedom, free will, and independence to pledge your soul to someone or something else.

Becoming soul-torn may appear random, but there is usually an inciting incident which has been known to include:

* Travelling to the astral plane via astral projection, a portal, plane shifting etc.
* Temporarily dying and having part of the soul locked to the astral plane in the brief time the person was there
* Reading a book or researching the astral plane
* Experiencing a traumatic event that is completely antithetical to one's existence, creating a total disconnect with their soul
* Being born soul-torn (incredibly uncommon for children of non soul-torn, but possible)

## Tenets

* The body holds the soul and both must be strong
* The soul belongs to the self and to no god or deity
* Train your instincts before you trust them
* A disciplined mind is mightier than the sharpest sword

## Known Members

* Dimitri Montaine
* Neptune