The Order of the Black Onyx is a secretive group. Locals will tell you that the order studies in pursuit of "the ideal balance", speaking to a level of strength in the three pillars of mind, body, and psyche. Unlike traditional monastic orders, this group's focus is oriented more towards the mental and physical than the spiritual or religious, with associated rites and study leaning heavily into psychology as opposed to philosophy. They are a benevolent order, the members universally wise and calm.  It is said that their members often go on to serve as advisors for powerful families and kingdoms; providing them with sage advice and guidance, or efficiently mediating particularly difficult disputes.

But there is more going on behind the closed doors of the cloisters, of which the locals know not. The order's uncanny ability to read people and situations, and provide sage advice, comes from a profound understanding of the subtle links between thought, will, and action. These abilities are specifically targeted, trained, and honed by the brotherhood, developing young initiates into perfect instruments of observation, infiltration, reconnaissance, and espionage.  Students of this underground 'spy school' are taught various tricks and trades normally associated with rogues or thieves; though not until after they've been proven worthy of these gifts through more traditional and dedicated monasterial service.

Upon passing through their initiate phase, students of the Onyx Brotherhood have some flexibility on where they want to focus their studies, with the level of devotion invested into physical training reflected in their Class selection.  Of the more secretive skill sets taught by the Order, whether an individual chooses to apply their learned craft in court through deception and social persuasion, depend on stealth and silence to uncover information, or develop a mix of the two, the Onyx Brotherhood has them ... (under)covered, so to speak.

Skill Proficiencies:  

Physically-oriented skills: Choose one from Acrobatics, Sleight of Hand, or Stealth.

Individual Spy Specialization:  Choose one from Investigation, Insight, Perception, Deception, Performance, or Persuasion.

 

Tool Proficiencies: Choose one from Disguise Kit, Forgery Kit, Poisoner's Kit, Thieves' tools, or an Artisan's tool of choice (in support of a false identity cover story).

Languages: Choose one additional language of choice

Equipment: A small and discreet ring, signet, or other token which can be used to identify you to others of the Order, a traveller's cloak, a tool set in support of your chosen tool proficiency, and if choosing the Monk class, and a pouch containing an additional 2d4 x 10 gp to assist with purchasing additional starting equipment.

 

 

Suggested Characteristics

As a graduate of the order, Onyx Brotherhood members have learned to master their feelings and emotions, and are skilled at presenting an alternate persona to those around them.  But internally, the choice to join the brotherhood (where the choice was their own) speaks to unspoken ambitions of power or influence, and a desire to make a mark on this world.  This underlying want may drive or influence their longer-term goals and ambitions, while their daily actions may reflect the more humble ambitions typically expected of tenants of a monasterial upbringing. 

d8	Personality Trait
1	I can find common ground between the fiercest enemies, empathizing with them and always working toward peace.
2	Nothing can shake my optimistic attitude.
3	I judge people by their actions, not their words.
4	I always have a plan for what to do when things go wrong.
5	I am always calm, no matter what the situation. I never raise my voice or let my emotions control me.
6	I'm willing to listen to every side of an argument before I make my own judgement.
7	I have a strong sense of fair play, and always try to find the most equitable solution to arguments.
8	I have a lesson for every situation, drawn from observing people.

d6	Ideal
1	Honour. My skills are used only in pursuit of the greater good. (Lawful)
2	Freedom. Tyrants must not be allowed to oppress the people. (Chaotic)
3	Change. We must take charge and help generate the change required in this world. (Chaotic)
4	Power. I shall be the puppetmaster behind the curtain, controlling the strings of those in power. (Neutral)
5	Respect. The common people deserve to be treated with dignity and respect. (Good)
6	Destiny. Nothing and no one can steer me away from my higher calling. (Any)

d6	Bond
1	I have a family, but I have no idea where they are. One day, I hope to see them again.
2	I serve my employers loyally, faithfully, and to whatever ends necessary.
3	I owe my life to the monk who took me in when my parents died.
4	I protect those who cannot protect themselves.
5	I've been searching my whole life for the answer to a certain question.
6	Information is the key to power.

d6	Flaw
1	I'm convinced that no one could ever fool me the way I fool others.
2	I am easily distracted by the promise of new information.
3	My loyalty to the job sometimes puts me in conflict with my morals.
4	I am quick to assume ulterior motives in others.
5	My honour and loyalty is a false front, no different than the personas I wear.
6	Once I pick a goal, I become obsessed with it to the detriment of everything else in my life.