Pandaren Transcendent class

# RPG Class: Pandaren Transcendent

### Description

"Tales say that spirits and energies are at work in the cosmos - spirits and energy that define the essence of reality, and form these vital sources all things are formed. This is one of the central philosophies of pandaren geomancy, and no one is more intimate with these energies than the transcendent." - Dark Factions, Pg. 69

Transcendents are legendary figures in Pandaren society. Their exact origins are unknown, though it is believed they originate as far back as before the War of the Ancients. The first transcendent was likely one of the first pandaren geomancers, during the times before the Sundering, in the peaceful era before Lei Shen. The transcendents would've proved invaluable in the revolution against the Mogu, and after the mists settled on Pandaria following the sundering, their secrets fell into obscurity.

The transcendents are stalwart defenders of their people, their culture, and their heritage. They are warriors against the various supernatural threats that the cosmos can throw at Pandaria. As the mists cleared from Pandaria, some transcendents now travel the world as secluded lone hermits. Seeking to learn secrets that may help to defend their home land. These hermits and nomads understand ancient truths, and are intimately aware of the connection between spirit, the elements, and the greater cosmos.

### Powers and Abilities

Pandaren Transcendents gain the following innate abilities, that grow in strength as they complete their six trials:

* Supernatural resistance to effects that corrupt, charm, or otherwise alter the mental state of the transcendent.
* Can sense the presence of living things, spirits, and elementals.
* Physical blows from a transcendent are empowered by chi, and act as powerful magic weapons.

Pandaren Transcendents are masters of versatility. Once a transcendent completes one of the trials, they gain total control over that element. The trial of the fists teaches the transcendent the martial art associated with this ancient path, known as the Transcendent Fist. This martial art is a mix of open palmed strikes and kicks that are infused with chi. Only once an aspirant has learned this, may they begin their path to transcendence. From there, they may preform the trials of Shui, Iwa, Huo, Feng, or Lei in any order.

Each one provides total control over the associated element (In the same order: Water, Earth, Fire, Air, and Thunder), allowing the transcendent to embody that element at will. Coupled with the Transcendent Fist, this allows the transcendent to strike with the very elements themselves. Additionally, as the transcendents deepen their connection with the spirits of azeroth, they tap into newfound abilities with each element. Such as the ability to fly, or even revive the recently deceased.

[Master] Once a Transcendent has mastered all of the trials, and completed Su, the Trial of Spirit & Body, they achieve true Transcendence. Gaining the ability to conjure forth many aspects of themselves and the elements to fight their foes, as well as to fell weak foes in a single blow.

### Notes and More Information

Pandaren Transcendents are limited to Pandaren only.

Transcendents can only utilize one element at a time. In RP, this simply means that you can only use one element per turn.

### Legends of Pandarian, The Pandaren Transcendent Lore Clarification

#### History

Transcendents are legendary figures in Pandaren society. Their exact origins are unknown, though it is possible they originate as far back as before the War of the Ancients. Hermits, monks, sages... They are wise, and knowledgeable of all things related to Pandaria. Transcendence is a path brought on by a strong connection to not just the elements, but the world as a whole. The first Transcendent was likely one of the first pandaren geomancers, during the times before the Sundering. These times were far from peaceful, however under the guidance of the elements, the Celestials, and the spirits, the Transcendents fought against the Mogu. Inevitably, the Thunder King Lei Shen would succeed in enslaving the pandaren, and much of the culture related to transcendence was lost to time. It quickly fell into myth, legend, and heresy.

Following the pandaren revolution, and the freedom of the pandaren from their Mogu overlords, it is likely that the extremely few Transcendents who survived, came out of hiding. It is even a possibility that it was the Transcendents who taught the use of Chi to pandaren, as they held great mastery over the Spirit. As peace came to Pandaria, and the great Pandaren Empire created, Transcendents would go on to protect its borders. At first, keeping trolls at bay during the Zandalari invasion, and beyond. And later, ensuring that troll and night elf alike remained distant, following the night elves failure to heed the warning of the Pandaren, over the use of the arcane.

As the sundering came and passed, and the mist enveloped their continent, the Transcendents would continue their practices. Many now wander Pandaria as healers, scholars, and advisors. They are stalwart defenders of their people, their culture, and their heritage, and battle the very elements, spirits, and various other mystical threats that even the Shado-Pan could not fathom. And with the dispersion of the mist recently, some may have even left Pandaria in search of further wisdom, or simply just to protect Pandaria from beyond. As is said in Dark Factions, on Page 70: "Transcendents spend much of their time in seclusion, in the Pandaren Empire. However those who venture beyond its shores are dedicated to rooting out secrets, defending the nation, and building relations with those few who prove to be useful allies."

#### Belief and Philosophy

Transcendents believe and tap into the spirits and energies of the cosmos. They believe in more than just the four elements (Fire, Water, Earth, and Air), but that it is the spirits, working in tandem with the elements, and the very essence of reality, that all things can exist. Their desire is to embody all of the energies that make the universe, to take it within themselves, and harness it both for inner peace, and the protection of pandaren culture and society.

It is very likely that, what Dark Factions hints at here, and based off of current in-game lore following Mists of Pandaria, that the Transcendents likely worship not just the elements of Fire, Water, Earth, and Air, but are also deeply in tune with their inner spirit, Chi, and the spirits around them, like orc shamans. However unlike orcs, the Transcendents believe that all spirits are important, not just those of their ancestors, and are likely to venerate Wild Gods, Loa, and perhaps even Naaru, in a similar way to the Celestials. As they are seen as embodiments of the forces of the universe. Given their understanding of the fundamental energies of the universe, its also very possible that Transcendents understand the world in a similar vain to the cosmology chart from Chronicles.

Many rituals and lessons have been written in ancient texts, detailing these fundamental teachings. However only the oldest and wisest of pandaren have the ability to understand and make use of these teachings. These teachings are not just limited to pandaren shaman and geomancers however, many warriors, healers, and monks have attempted to walk the path to transcendence, and few among them have succeeded.

In order to walk the path of transcendence, you must understand that all things are connected. Not only is the world we walk on connected to the spirits and the elements, but the universe as a whole is deeply connected to everything within. A core philosophy of Transcendents comes from their understanding of how the spirits shape the world, but also, how the world shapes the spirits. Not only do angered spirits cause the land to change, by changing the land itself, one can change the very nature of the spirit. It is these teachings that are responsible for the peaceful nature of the elementals who live on Pandaria, and why the elementals of Pandaria so readily come to the aid of its people.

Ultimately, by becoming a vessel for the fundamental energies of the universe, and gaining a deeper understanding of those very energies, Transcendents gain the wisdom and power required to call on the very world itself to turn on their foes. They do not make deals with the elements, like a shaman, nor do they focus solely on personal spiritual and physical perfection like monks. Instead, a transcendent seeks to embody the universe as a whole, to become part of it, and seeks the spiritual perfection of the very universe, by bettering it and themselves alike.

#### Transcendence - Pilgrimage of the Elements

The path  to transcendence requires the completion of several rituals and trials. There are seven trials to overcome, each one pertaining to a specific aspect of specific transcendent belief. I will go over each path, however the abilities gained from these trials will be detailed in the section below.

**Ex - Trial of the Fist**

Transcendents practice an ancient, and powerful martial art. It is based on the use of ones touch, infused with spiritual and elemental energies. The first challenge of any would-be transcendent, is to master this martial art. Monks are exceptionally skilled at this particular trial, as they are already familiar with the use of Chi. Once mastered, the transcendent may then take on the five elemental trials. Each element has a form, or stance, associated with it, and as a transcendent completes each trial, they will learn the spiritual meaning behind each form.

Once a pandaren has completed their martial arts training, they can proceed to do any of the five elemental trials (Shui, Iwa, Huo, Feng, or Lei) in any order. Only once a student has completed four out of five elemental trials, can they proceed to the trial of spirit & body. Though one can choose to complete all five trials, if they so choose.

**Shui - Path of Water**

Water is well known as being the element of healing. Known for its ability to wash away impurities, it is often considered by those unaware of its true nature, to be host to the most peaceful spirits. However, those who would fight the currents of a mighty river, or dare the crushing waves of the open ocean, know that Water is about more than simply healing. It is about flow. Transcendents must learn to connect themselves with the universe, and as such, a deep understanding of the flow of the universe is paramount.

All things are connected, and the currents of time push all along the banks of reality. Like water flows downwards with humility to join the vast ocean, a transcendent must trust in the flow of the universe to properly immerse themselves in its vast ocean of power and wisdom. It is likely that many transcendents have studied with the Jinyu, to gain a deep understanding of how the oceans and rivers of the world connect everyone.

Those who succeed in their trial to connect themselves to the flow of the world as a whole, gain the Transcendent Path of Water. The trial must include both an intellectual, and spiritual understanding of water.

**Iwa - Path of Stone**

Earth and stone, the foundations of the world. Considered to be the element of defense, one can only master the earth, once they have become as unmovable as the very rock they seek to understand. A transcendent is expected to be resolute, and sturdy, and must be firm in their beliefs. Just as the universe itself does not compromise, Transcendents must learn to be unmouldable. These traits and qualities are known even to shaman and geomancers. However, true understanding of the earth comes from patience.

Those who seek to transcend must understand patience. While yes, they must know when to stand strong, they must also know when to wait and bide their time. Just as the mountain and the tree waits to grow tall, so to must a transcendent wait to grow strong. Wisdom is the ability to temper ones own desire, and to know that not all lessons will come quickly.

Those who succeed in their trial to connect themselves to the bones of the world, gain the Transcendent Path of Stone. The trial must include some form of task, that demonstrates patience, and unmoving resilience, usually to the extreme degree.

**Huo - Path of Fire**

To most, fire is seen as the element of destruction, and ferocity. This is not so much a misconception, as it is half the truth. Fire is in many ways, alive, and a representation of energy beyond just destruction. A transcendent must learn to be ferocious, and to channel destruction, when the time is right. However they must also learn control, for untampered ferocity will burn you from within, just as an untampered flame may turn the forest to ash. Transcendents must learn to balance their unbridled power, with control, and peace.

Each transcendent knows their place in the universe, and knows that absolute power corrupts absolutely. By learning to control ones emotions and passions, they learn to overcome the weaknesses of fear and doubt. And just as the ashes of a flame may fertilize the growth of a forest, the fears and doubts of the past must be burned away to make way for peace, and understanding.

Those who succeed in their trial to better understand and control the fire within themselves, gain the Transcendent Path of Fire. The trial must include some form of emotional and spiritual obstacle, usually doubt, fear, or anger, which the transcendent must overcome, lest it consume them.

**Feng - Path of Air**

The element of air is considered to be the element of freedom, and expression. Just as the wind blows freely through the skies, so to must a transcendent detach themselves from earthly desires. By liberating ones self of envy, greed, and desire, one can focus more on the true pleasures the universe has to offer, and gains spiritual freedom in doing so. Transcendents must learn to let go of their worldly desires, and gain an understanding of the bigger picture as a whole.

It is the greedy, anger filled desires of mortals that wreak havoc on the world. Wars brought on by little more than petty disagreements, and twisted definitions of morality. The transcendent frees themselves of these attributes, in favor of a more understanding approach to conflict. Just as a leaf blown in the wind, will seek to dance and weave freely to avoid obstacles, the transcendent understands that there is always more than one solution to a problem, and that violence must only ever be the last possible option. While they are not pacifists by any means, a transcendent understands what is worth fighting for, as their vision and morality is unclouded by negative emotions.

Those who succeed in their trial to better understand the freedom of the winds, gain the Transcendent Path of Air. The trial must include a moral challenge for the transcendent to overcome, normally a choice between a loved one or their people, against some other greater good. This trial is considered to be the most difficult of the elemental trials to overcome, as it may sometimes force a transcendent to pick the good of Pandaria or the world, over their own family and friends.

**Lei - Path of Thunder**

While fire may teach control of power, the storm is power incarnate. To learn the storm, is to know inner peace, that you might sow destruction upon the enemies of pandaria. Just as the surrounding storm is chaotic, and unpredictable, your exterior must be chaotic, and unpredictable. But just as the eye of the storm is calm, you must also be calm within. Transcendents must learn to find inner peace within themselves, even in the chaos of the battlefield.

The struggle to control the chaos and order within ones self, is the very historical foundations of the real world equivalent of Yin and Yang. In a similar light, the transcendent must learn to not just find their own inner peace, but to see past the exterior storms of people, and into their own minds eye. To see light, even in darkness, as well as to see the darkness in those who fight for the light. It is by accepting that we are all capable of good, and evil, that one can calm the storm within them.

Those who succeed in taming their own inner storm, gain the Transcendent Path of Thunder. The trial must include a moral challenge related to the transcendent themselves, though can also include overcoming their own personal internal struggles.

**Su - Trial of Spirit & Body**

Just as the pandaren people work the land to make it peaceful, and by proxy, the spirits peaceful, so to must the transcendent work their own body and mind, so as to better temper their own spirit. When a transcendent has overcome their elemental trials, they arrive at the Trial of Spirit & Body, the last step before true transcendence. The Trial of Spirit & Body is unique to each pandaren, and is meant to act as an overarching lesson to apply meaning to the trials passed.

The trial must include, in some capacity, lessons and challenges from all former trials. It is important to note that, Transcendents do not need to take the Trial of Body & Spirit immediately, and can choose to meditate and take pilgrimages before attempting it. However once you begin the trial, it cannot be stopped. It will test your emotional, spiritual, and physical strength. It is meant to push the transcendent to their limits, and ensure that they have truly understood each lesson presented to them.

'Those who undergo the Trial of Spirit & Body also gain a deep understanding of Spirit as an element. Transcendents are very aware of the powers at work in the cosmos, and understand that spirit is vital to keeping that balance in check. Upon completion of the Trial of Spirit & Body, a transcendent learns of Azeroth's shortage of spirit, and of the planets role in its disappearance. The affects and changes this knowledge may have on your transcendent is up to you to decide, but it is a sad truth that all who transcend understand.'

You can apply for your transcendent before doing your trial of elements, if you so choose, however you MUST apply BEFORE the Trial of Spirit & Body. Those who succeed in mastering every lesson, and overcoming every trial, gain the Transcendent Body, and of course, the title of Transcendent.

#### Powers and Abilities

Transcendents are incredibly versatile, by virtue of their mastery. Once a transcendent completes a trial, they will control over that element. Of course, as we saw in the first trial, the first step to transcendence, is learning to control your Chi in a fight. Essentially, you must become, or already be, a monk. This means that a transcendent has all of the regular abilities of your average monk, assuming they have completed their trial of the fist.

Following that, each trial will grant the transcendent control of the respective element. Finally, with completion of the Trial of Spirit & Body, a transcendent will be able to achieve true mastery of each element. The exact descriptions of the abilities of each path will be detailed below. It's also important to note that the skills I am listing, are simply general skills. They include the RPG definitions of skills, as well as some monk and shaman abilities. However, the transcendent is versatile, and many unique spells and abilities are possible when you've achieved control of a specific element. I encourage any would-be transcendent players to think creatively, when deciding how best to use their characters skills!

Some abilities in certain paths require the Transcendent to have completed the Trial of Spirit & Body. These abilities will be marked with an asterisk. A good example is the "Resuscitation\*" ability, seen in the transcendent path of water spoiler.

**Important:** Transcendents are only capable of utilizing one element at a time. While a transcendent can switch between which element they are focusing on at any given time, a transcendent could not, for example: Create a barrier of fire, and then immediately blast a gust of wind. OOCly, this just means *you can only use one element per turn*. Innate skills as well as abilities listed beneath the Transcendent Body spoiler are the only exception to this.

**Innate Skills**

> Martial Arts
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> As described above, Transcendents are skilled hand-to-hand combatants. Specifically, they specialize in open-palm techniques, and strikes that rely on jabbing fingers. Moreover, as a transcendent completes specific trials, their stance and fighting technique will become a blend of the philosophies behind each element. One moment, they may dance and evade like the wind, before widening their stance to deliver a powerful and stubborn blow like the earth.
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> Transcendent Fist
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> A transcendent's fists are capable of dealing grievous damage. When they attack, they release a burst of Chi that can cause additional serious damage to their target. When a transcendent completes a specific trial, they gain the ability to channel that element through their chi, and into their strikes. Think of it like using Fire Punch or Thunder Punch from Pokemon.
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> Basic Chi Control
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> All Transcendents fight with their Chi, and are capable of preforming various martial techniques. Furthermore, well practiced users are even capable of healing through use of Chi alone. Anything a monk can do, its very likely a transcendent is capable of doing as well. Specialized uses of Chi, related to specific temples, however, are off limits to Transcendents. As they do not follow the teachings of a specific celestial.
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> Enlightenment\*
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> By mastering your own spirit, and holding total control of ones self, the transcendent becomes nearly immune to effects that would corrupt, charm, or bend the will of the transcendent. All transcendents are capable of controlling their emotions, and are incredibly resilient to mental invasion.
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**Transcendent Path of Water**

> Healing Waters
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> Those who have walked the path of water, and transcended, can call on the spirits of water to restore an individual. This can be used to mend not just physical wounds, but to cure plague, and illness as well. The healing waters can also be used to restore plant life, so long as the plants have not withered completely.
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> Shape Water - Aquamancy
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> Transcendents have the ability to bend the elements around them. By walking the path of water, a transcendent can move and shape water around them. They can even form water into ice, and vice versa. This skill is incredibly versatile, and can be used offensively, defensively, and for the sake of utility.
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> Resuscitate\*
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> Those rare few Transcendents, who focus their skills on the healing and bettering of others, may someday achieve mastery of this skill. True masters of water hold the ability to channel its healing properties to the highest degree, and through spiritual understanding, mend a soul back into the body of its deceased host. Note, that using this trait, requires an approved ressurector application.
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**Transcendent Path of Stone**

> Body of Stone
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> A transcendent that has attuned itself to the earth becomes incredibly resilient to all but the most potent weapons. They take considerably less damage from most forms of weaponry, save blunt weapons. Hitting a transcendent walking the path of stone, is like hitting stone itself.
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> Shape Stone/Earth  - Geomancy
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> Transcendents have the ability to bend the elements around them. By walking the path of stone, a transcendent can move and shape the earth and stone around them. This can be used to create barriers, or launch large boulders at opponents. It is important to note, that Transcendents cannot exert any control over metal or alloys of any kind.
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> Earthquake\*
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> Once a transcendent has learned to control not just their own spirit, but the spirit around them, they can invoke the spirits to cause large effects on the environment around them. Masters of the Path of Stone can create mighty earthquakes that shake the ground and wreak havoc. It is said that exceptionally skilled and legendary pandaren Transcendents could swallow entire armies beneath the earth.
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**Transcendent Path of Fire**

> Wreath of Fire
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> When the transcendent has earned control of fire, and mastered Huo, the transcendent gains the ability cloak themselves in a wreath of flame. These flames are entirely within the control of the transcendent, and they can choose not to burn specific things around them. The wreath's intensity and power is determined by the skill of the transcendent.
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> Shape Fire - Pyromancy
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> Transcendents have the ability to bend the elements around them. By walking the path of fire, a transcendent can weave and shape the fires around them. This can be used to create blasts of fire, or infernos in the form of walls.
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> Flames of Life\*
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> True mastery and control, allows the transcendent to create flames of varying sorts. While those with less control would seek to use fire to destroy, true masters, who understand fires connection to life, learn how to invoke that very life into themselves. Transcendents can heal themselves from grievous physical wounds. This skill cannot recover lost limbs, however it can close the wounds brought about by such a loss.
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**Transcendent Path of Air**

> Step of the Wind
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> Transcendents who understand freedom, and have detached themselves from their earthly desires, gain physical freedoms the likes of which most warriors and monks could only dream of. While attuned with the wind, Transcendents can run at incredible speeds, and leap to extraordinary heights.
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> Shape Air - Aeromancy
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> Transcendents have the ability to bend the elements around them. By walking the path of air, a transcendent can shift and sway the movements of the wind around them. This can be used to create powerful gusts of wind, catch people from falling great heights, and even to create barriers.
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> True Freedom\*
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> Only once a master of the path of air has truly abandoned all earthly attachments, and gained a true understanding of spirit, can true freedom be attained. While the transcendent is attuned to the element of air, they gain the ability to levitate and fly. Furthermore, they gain the ability to Wind Step, allowing them to teleport a short distance nearly instantaneously. Both skills tax the user greatly, with flight requiring the near total concentration of the transcendent.
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**Transcendent Path of Thunder**

> Transcendent Reflexes
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> Transcendents who have gained true understanding of not just themselves, but the universe and those within it, are said to be granted momentary glimpses of the future. Capable of reacting with the speed of lightning, the reaction time and reflexes of a transcendent attuned to the storm are supernatural.
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> Shape Lightning - Ouramancy
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> (Not to be confused with Oromancy)
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> Transcendents have the ability to bend the elements around them. By walking the path of thunder, a transcendent can generate and (re)direct the current of lightning and electricity. It is said that true masters are capable of even calling upon storms to strike their foes.
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> Lightning Guardian\*
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> Those who are truly in tune with the spirits, who walk the path of thunder, are capable of calling upon guardians to defend them and their allies. These guardians take the shape of elementals made of pure lightning. The creatures lightning will not harm friendly creatures. The most even a true master could call upon at any given time is three, however most Transcendents are capable of only calling upon one. The guardian can take on any shape the transcendent chooses.
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**Transcendent Body**
The following are skills that Transcendents who have complete Su, the trial of body & spirit, can make use of. It is important to note, that these skills are the most powerful, and most costly. Utilizing these skills and abilities are likely to take a great toll on the one who preforms them. Moreover, these abilities are considered sacred, and are closely guarded secrets. Misuse of them is likely to disrupt a Transcendents connection to the spirits and the universe at large.

> Transcendence
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> The transcendent enters a deep meditation, allowing their spirit to wander freely from their body. While active, the Transcendents physical body is totally helpless. However, they are able to wander and explore the world in their incorporeal form. It's worth noting that Ghost Touched weapons, and other similarly enchanted weapons, pose a grave threat to any transcendent in this form. This ability can be used as a form of Far Sight, similar to a shaman.
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> Storm, Earth, and Fire
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> Considered by many to be the ultimate expression of a Transcendents one-ness with the universe, a transcendent can call upon two spirits to take the forms of a Storm, Fire, or Earth spirit. The transcendent themselves, also transforms into a spirit of one of the three types. While in this form, the transcendent and the two spirits act as one. Fighting in harmony, and with perfect coordination between one another. Each spirit, the caster included, is limited to only using the element of their respective type.
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> Touch of Death
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> Considered to be among one of the most powerful techniques at the transcendents disposal. Only once a transcendent has walked and mastered all the paths, can they begin to learn this ability. Requiring a true understanding of the universe, the transcendent strikes a living creature with a single finger. The afflicted creature will die instantly.
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> This ability comes at great cost, and great risk to the user. Firstly, it is not guaranteed to work. A creature who's soul is mightier than that of the transcendent, will simply ignore the effects. And even a creature who's soul may be weaker, or even damaged, can still resist its effects. Moreover, once used, regardless of its success of failure, this ability will drain an incredible amount of Chi from the user, resulting in the transcendent being unable to call upon the elements for some time after its use.
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> You are required to fill out a Contact Game Master post, before your transcendent can make use of this ability. You cannot instant-kill player characters.
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#### Weaknesses and Shortcomings

While Transcendents versatility, and pure connection to the world at large result in a formidable opponent, there are several key weaknesses that one seeking to make an enemy of Pandaria could exploit when facing one. Note that individual transcendents may also have personal weaknesses of their own, and may even find ways to overcome these weaknesses on their own. These are just generalizations based on the transcendent skillset alone.

> They Aren't The Avatar
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> While transcendents can learn to master each element, no matter how masterful they are, a transcendent can never call upon more than one element at once, with exception of the Storm, Earth, and Fire skill. A skilled fighter can attempt to force or trick a transcendent into a specific element, with which they believe they are capable of dealing with. Having trouble dealing with the fire? See if you can't get the transcendent to focus on earth instead.
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> Lone Wanderers
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> Transcendents are the protectors of Pandaria, and the world at large. They do not pick sides in faction wars or outside conflicts. Moreover, most transcendents choose to travel alone, given their reputation as secluded hermits.
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> Spiritual Connection
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> Due to their deep connection with the spirits, elements, and world at large, transcendents are uniquely susceptible to effects that would rot away at those very aspects. Necromancy and fel can be incredibly powerful tools when dealing with transcendents.
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