L5R: Monks
Schools
The Four Temples sect know that it is in the nature of man to interact with others, and believe they must maintain a strong connection with civilization and society to unravel the mysteries of the world. One of their largest monasteries lies in the Imperial capital. They may travel the roads to help the unfortunate, or may become advisors to generals or daimyo.
- Devotion: Shintao
- Trait: +1 AWA
- Skills: Courtier 1, Etiquette 1, Jiujutsu 1, Lore: Theology (Shintao) 1, Meditation 1, any two Skills 1
- Honor: 6.5
- Technique: Soul of Civility. When you spend a Void Point to augment a High Skill or Social Skill Roll, you gain +2k2 instead of +1k1.
This is an ancient hereditary order, consisting of a small number of bloodlines descended from a pre-Kami tribe that only joined Rokugani society when faced with the prospect of being driven from their lands by Crab settlement. The tribe had a knack for uncannily accurate divination, and Hida was happy to benefit from it.
- Devotion: Fortunism
- Trait: +1 PER
- Skills: Calligraphy 1, Divination 1, Etiquette 1, Investigation 1, Lore: History 1, Lore: Theology 1, any one non-Bugei Skill 1
- Honor: 4.5
- Technique: Way of the Closed Eye. You cannot be surprised by ambushes. At the start of a skirmish, prior to rolling Initiative, you may spend a Void Point to make a PER Roll (TN 20). On a success, you increase your subsequent Initiative by 20, but this bonus is lost if you make an attack of any kind.
These monks seek to understand time itself, and intuit the proper moment to act. Their monasteries have no schedule or structured activities, and the monks have a reputation for eccentricity or even insanity—they may sit still for hours, then suddenly act violently.
- Devotion: Shintao
- Trait: +1 INT
- Skills: Defense 1, Divination (Astrology) 1, Jiujutsu 1, Meditation 1, Lore: Theology 1, any two High Skills 1
- Honor: 4.5
- Technique: The Touch of Eternity. You can contemplate a non-combat situation for a time determined by the GM (from an instant to hours), then make a Meditation/Void Roll (TN 25, or higher for complex situations). On a success, you get +1k1 +Void to any Skill Rolls you make to resolve the situation. The GM may rule that some situation is too broad or complex to contemplate as a single whole.
A small, obscure sect, its adherents follow the Tao, the Thunder Dragon, and Goemon the Fortune of Heroes. They seek to encourage the potential for heroism in the hearts of all men, to inspire and teach others. They actively seek out dangers and threats to the Empire, and the individuals who can defeat them. They do not seek to be heroes themselves, but to help others become heroes. Indeed, not drawing attention to themselves is vital.
- Devotion: Shintao
- Trait: +1 PER
- Skills: Athletics 1, Defense 1, Jiujutsu 1, Lore: Theology (choose an Emphasis) 1, Meditation 1, any two Skills 1
- Honor: 4.5
- Technique: Destiny's Hand. You may spend a Void Point as a Free Action to confer a +1k1 bonus to any one roll this Round by an ally who has not yet taken their Turn. You may not enhance a roll that cannot normally benefit from Void Points (e.g. damage rolls).
Founded during the Great Famine, this order helps the sick, regardless of caste or other obstacle. Some study the treatment of wounds, and some even specialize in treating madness.
- Devotion: Fortunist
- Trait: +1 INT
- Skills: Athletics 1, Jiujutsu 1, Lore: Anatomy (Disease) 1, Medicine (Disease, Herbalism) 1, Meditation 1, Staves 1, any one Skill 1
- Honor: 5.5
- Technique: Blessings of Longevity. You get +1k1 to all Medicine rolls to treat disease or infection, and +1k0 to Medicine rolls to treat Wounds. You may attempt to treat natural (non-Taint) insanity with a Medicine roll (GM's option whether it has any effect).
This sect dedicate themselves to serving Emma-O by laying ghosts to rest, regardless of their origin or status in life.
- Devotion: Fortunist (Emma-O, the Fortune of Death)
- Trait: +1 AWA
- Skills: Athletics 1, Calligraphy 1, Jiujutsu 1, Lore: Ghosts 1, Lore: Theology (Emma-O) 1, Meditation 1, any one Skill 1
- Honor: 4.5
- Technique: Emma-O's Insight. You can detect the presence of ghosts (yorei or goryo, not gaki) by spending 10 minutes in meditation and making a Meditation/AWA Roll (TN 25), a number of times per day equal to your Void. You can call Raises to learn one piece of information per Raise: the ghost's identity, its manner of death, or its connection to the mortal world. For three Raises, you can gain specific insight into how to lay the ghost to rest. (GM's discretion.)
The brothers of this order are sohei who once served in the ranks of the Order of Thunder, devoted to Osano-Wo. They embrace new paths and ideas to seek new truths about the self and the universe. This implied disdain for tradition means they are disdained by other sects, but they do not mind. "The first step upon a new path is always the most difficult."
- Devotion: Fortunist
- Trait: +1 INT
- Skills: Athletics 1, Jiujutsu 1, Lore: History 1, Lore: Theology 1, Meditation 1, any two Skills 1
- Honor: 6.5
- Technique: Changing the Way. Each time in a given encounter that you attempt to use a Kiho of a different Element than any you previously used in the same encounter, you get +5 on the activation roll.
The monks of the Nameless Gift are an offshoot of the Shrine of the Seven Thunders. The follow rigorous physical practices and endless trials of endurance to pursue the fate-altering power of the Seven Thunders. They seek to see the vastness of the universe reflected in the mundane. They are direct and uncomplicated in all matters, embracing and contending with the obvious.
- Devotion: Shintao
- Trait: +1 STA
- Skills: Athletics 1, Defense 1, Jiujutsu 1, Lore (pick one) 1, Meditation 1, any two Skills 1
- Honor: 4.5
- Technique: Shinsei's Gift. You gain Void Points per day equal to your Earth, useable only to reduce damage or raise your Armor TN. They may not be spent simultaneously with other Void Points.
The Order of the Wind is dedicated to Kaze-no-kami, the Fortune of Winds. They believe that the world is a chaotic, unpredictable place, and instead of strugging against this, one must accept it and remain resolute in the face of uncertainty. This acceptance grants them great control over themselves.
- Devotion: Fortunism
- Trait: +1 REF
- Skills: Athletics 1, Defense 1, Jiujutsu 1, Lore: Theology1, Meditation 1, Staves 1, any one Skill 1
- Honor: 4.5
- Technique: Essence of the Wind. Any effect (spell, Technique, Advantage, etc.) that targets you and tries to influence your behavior requires an extra Void Point to be spent to take effect. (This extra point is not subject to the usual limits on Void Points spent per Round.)
The Shinmaki Order study the Diamond Sutra, a controversial lost writing of Shinsei rediscovered by the monk Basso. The order elevates the Diamond Sutra above the Shinsei Sutra and the Tao of Shinsei in importance. Usually isolated, they sometimes emerge into the larger world to explore it. The Shinmaki monks have little regard for the social norms and courtesies of Rokugan, seeing them as distractions from important things; they are liable speak bluntly and openyl, to be erratic and mysterious, speaking in riddles, taking on short-lived but extreme practices or devotions, and so on.
- Devotion: Shintao
- Trait: +1 Void
- Skills: Divination 1, Jiujutsu 1, Theology (Diamond Sutra) 1, Meditation 2, any two Skills 1
- Honor: 6.5
- Technique: The Diamond Sutra. You start play with the Disturbing Countenance Disadvantage for no points. You get +1k0 to Meditation rolls, Fear rolls, and all Social Skill Rolls with heimin and hinin. You do not lose Honor for touching dead flesh (but do lose Glory or gain Infamy normally).
The adherents of this sect seek to perceive beyond Ningen-do, practicing a trance-state to become receptive to guidance and outside forces. They go without sleep for days, drink themselves into a delirium, dance wildly to exhaustion, and consume hallucinogens. Tihs grands them unusual insights into divination and omens.
- Devotion: Fortunist
- Trait: +1 PER
- Skills: Athletics 1, Divination (Omens) 1, Jiujutsu 1, Lore: Omens 1, Meditation 1, any two Skills 1
- Honor: 3.5
- Special: you must be Ascetic an follow the sect's practices regardless of social consequences, or you lose the benefits of the School Technique and may face expulsion
- Technique: Gaze Into the Mirror. You get +1k0 to all Divination Skill Rolls, or +1k1 if they involve interpreting omens. Once per day, you can spend a Void Point to interpret an omen with absolute accuracy without a skill roll.
The monks of the Shrine of the Seven Thunders honor the heroes who defeated Fu Leng by dedicating their lives to contemplation and tranquility in pursuit of enlightenment. They rarely leave their monastery.
- Devotion: Shintao
- Trait: +1 STA
- Skills: Athletics 1, Jiujutsu 1, Lore: Theology (Shintao) 1, Lore (pick one) 1, Meditation 1, any two Skills 1
- Honor: 4.5
- Technique: Walk with the Prophet. Choose one element. All three of your initial Kiho must be from this element. Your Insight Rank is considered one higher for meeting Mastery Level of Kiho from this element.
Perhaps the oldest monastic tradition in Crane Lands, their temple was ancient when Lady Doji first came to it. Its monks helped Lady Doji promote culture throughout the Empire.
- Devotion: Fortunist
- Trait: +1 INT
- Skills: Courtier 1, Etiquette 1, Lore: History 1, Lore: Theology 1, Meditation 1, Sincerity 1, any one High Skill 1
- Honor: 6.5
- Technique: The Largesse of Fukurokujin. When making any Social Skill Roll, you can select one kiho you possess. You cannot use that kiho for the rest of the day, but you get +1k1 to the Social Skill Roll. You can only select each kiho once per day for this purpose.
These monks believe that Kaimetsu-Uo left the Crab Clan to avoid the destruction that would have followed had he contested for the leadership of the clan. They teach that conciliation and peace lead to enlightenment.
- Devotion: Fortunist
- Trait: +1 WIL
- Skills: Defense 1, Jiujutsu 1, Lore: Theology (Fortunes) 1, Meditation 1, any three Skills 1
- Honor: 4.5
- Technique: The Path of Purity. When making a Contested Social Skill roll initiated by your opponent, you may use any Ring in place of the normal Trait for the roll.
The most militant Brotherhood sect, the Temple of Osano-Wo focuses on physical prowess and martial arts. They teach that enlightenment comes from hard work and physical exertion, and a well-trained body leads to a well-trained mind and soul. They are notorious for ritually scarring their body to mark the progress of their training.
- Devotion: Fortunist
- Trait: +1 STR
- Skills: Battle 1, Jiujutsu 2, Lore: Theology (Fortunes) 1, Meditation 1, any two Bugei skills 1
- Honor: 4.5
- Technique: The Hand of Thunder. You gain +0k1 to all unarmed attack damage rolls. This is cumulative with other effects that grant rolled or kept dice on unarmed damage.
The monks of the Temple of Persistence believe in perserverance in the face of adversity. Their training tests the body and mind, constantly seeking their physical, mental, and emotional limits. They are known to be stubborn, but are not necessarily hot-headed or brash.
- Devotion: Fortunist
- Trait: +1 STA
- Skills: Athletics 1, Defense 1, Jiujutsu (Martial Arts) 1, Lore: Theology 1, Meditation 1, any one Bugei Skill 1, any one Skill 1
- Honor: 3.5
- Technique: Unyielding Spirit. You may spend a Void Point as a Free Action to ignore all penalties to an immediately subsequent die roll. If you use this Technique when making a Contested Roll you did not initiate, or an attack roll, you get +Xk0 (X = your Earth).
These monks belong to the countless shrines of all the Fortunes across the Empire, and can hardly be categorized as a single group.
- Devotion: Fortunist
- Trait: +1 AGI
- Skills: Jiujutsu 1, Lore: History 1, Lore: Theology (Fortunes) 1, any one Lore skill 1, Meditation 1, any two Skills 1
- Honor: 4.5
- Technique: The Thousand Forms. You start out knowing four Kiho (rather than three). This does not count against the extra Kiho you can purchase with XP.
The Order of Tengoku's Fist is a centuries-old offshoot of the Shrine of the Seven Thunders, split amicably over philosophical differences. These serene sohei see violence as not inherently evil, but a natural part of existence. Still, they consider it a viable option to be considered alongside others, not a first resort.
- Devotion: Shintao
- Trait: +1 AGI
- Skills: Athletics 1, Battle 1, Jiujutsu 2, Lore: Theology 1, Meditation 1, any one Skill 1
- Honor: 4.5
- Technique: The Hand of the Heavens. When attacking an opponent unarmed, or with a bisento, bo staff, or Monk weapon, you get a Free Raise on the attack roll if your Fire is higher than your opponent's.
Abbots are elected to positions of leadership in monasteries, and have influence and status within the whole of the Brotherhood.
- Technique Rank: 4+ (usually)
- Replaces: Any Brotherhood Rank 4+ (or less)
- Requirements: Must gain appointment as abbot of a monastery; this is usually reserved for Rank 4+ monks, but at the GM's discretion, circumstances may dictate a less experienced monk be appointed
- Technique: The Reverence of Wisdom. You are Status 4.0 within the Brotherhood. When interacting with members of your own Order, you get +1k1 to all Social Skill Rolls (except Temptation); with all outsiders, you get +1k0. If Duty Points are used, you gain 10.
Sometimes, the Brotherhood finds it necessary to send emissaries to the courts of the Empire, to address their concerns for the common people and the Brotherhood's shrines. The Defenders are mostly found among peaceful, contemplative sects, ike the Temple of Kaimetsu-Uo.
- Technique Rank: 2
- Replaces: Any Brotherhood Monk 2 (not Four Temples)
- Requirements: WIL 3, Courtier 3, Etiquette 4
- Technique: Harmony in Chaos. When you spend a Void Point on an Etiquette or Courtier Social Skill Roll, you get +Xk1 (X = your WIL) instead of +1k1.
This small order spends their time among the common folk, but sometimes counsel samurai, or rebuke them for mistreatment of the heimin. They seek to support the ideal of Compassion, using education and example rather than negotiation. They are patient and will work without complaint for days.
- Technique Rank: 3
- Replaces: Thousand Fortunes Monk 3, Jurojin's Blessing Monk 3
- Requirements: Two heimin Craft Skills at 3
- Technique: The Voice of Humility. You must spend time working alongside peasants at humble tasks. For each week spent so, you get a bonus Void Point that may be spent on Craft Skills related to the labor, on Medicine Skill Rolls to help peasants or hinin, or on Social Skill Rolls against samurai. You can hold up to your Void in these bonus Void Points.
Originally a movement within the Shrine of the Seven Thunders sect, the Pure Song sect seek Enlightenment through purity. Beyond not eating meat, they refuse to eat eggs or roots whose removal kills the plant; they refuse silk garments, preferring hemp; those who have taken the full vows wear bells on their ankles and staves to warn off living creatures. They refuse all violent action, even to defend another, but will not hesitate to lay down their lives to save others'. They are known for their beautiful music.
- Technique Rank: 4
- Devotion: Shintao
- Replaces: Shrine of Seven Thunders Monk 4
- Requirements: WIL 4, Defense 4, Meditation 3, any one musical Perform Skill at 3
- Special: You may not learn or use Martial Kiho
- Technique: The Pure Song. You get +1k0 to all Perform Skills involving music. You may never deliberately attack another living creature: if you do, you permanently lose the ability to perform Kiho. While you remain nonviolent, you get +1k1 to all Defense Rolls, and any time you spend a Void Point to negate Wounds, you negate 20 instead of 10.
A radical offshoot of the Order of Jurojin's Blessing, the Order of Mercy believe in treating the injured on the battlefield. They venerate Jizo, the Fortune of Mercy, and are absolute pacifists who treat all wounded regardless of clan, faction, rank, or species. The only exception is the servants of Jigoku.
- Devotion: Fortunist (Jizo)
- Technique Rank: 4
- Replaces: Order of Jurojin's Blessing 4, any pacifistic Brotherhood School 4
- Requirements: Medicine (Wound Treatment) 5, oath of absolute pacifism
- Technique: Mercy's Touch. So long as you remain absolutely pacifistic and aid all victims with equal care, your Medicine skill rolls heal +2k1 Wounds. If you ever voluntarily engage in violence against another creature, you lose this benefit forever. You may not learn any Kiho this Rank.
This tiny order in the Scorpion clan's lands never has more than a dozen members at a time. They spend their lives in quiet meditation: their vows are the last thing they speak.
- Technique Rank: 3
- Devotion: Fortunist (Tsugumu, the Fortune of Secrets)
- Replaces: Any Fortunist Brotherhood Monk 3
- Requirements: WIL 4, Meditation 4
- Special: Upon joining, you become mute and your tongue disappears
- Technique: Tsugumu's Silence. If you are voluntarily told a secret, you can never give it up: it cannot be taken even by magic or torture.
Taoist Archers have existed within the Brotherhood of Shinsei for centuries, seeking perfect harmony through kyujutsu. They are famed for shooting blindfolded. The ronin Gahei, who has studied all kyujutsu techniques, retired into the village of Mimura, and has passed on his techniques to some ronin.
- Technique Rank: 5
- Replaces: Any Brotherhood Monk 5 or Ronin 5
- Requirements: Void 4, Kyujutsu (Yumi) 5, Lore: Theology 3, Meditation 4
- Technique: Flight of Innocence. When making archery attacks, you ignore all TN and dice penalties for being Blind, having a Missing Eye, or for the target being concealed by camouflage, darkness, magical illusions, or other visual obstructions. When wielding a bow, you can spend a Void Point for +1k1 damage.