Small, fortified compounds can be found across the world where Ashla train their abilities by meditating to focus on whatever emotions were uppermost in one's mind, to be honest with oneself about the feelings one experienced and their effects. Then, one was to let each emotion go — the goal being to make oneself an empty vessel for which raw magic would be able to fill and be channeled to augment their, physical abilities, direct harmful or beneficial energy, or even manipulate the weak-minded. Almost all aspirants enter at a young age, when they are identified by the Ashla Council as possessing the aptitude to wield raw magic. Very rarely is a person permitted to join and train with Ashla later in life.

Many Ashla sects treat raw magic with a reverence normally reserved for gods, or seek to protect it as with druids and nature. The Ashla are invariably ascetic and disinclined to concern themselves with the petty politics of ephemeral nations, save where the consequences of inaction would threaten the natural order. By contrast, there are few from the Ashla Order that reject such concepts as balance and neutrality, and instead use their abilities as a tool to seek vengeance, or increase their status and power in the world. Those that follow this philosophy are referred to as Bogans, and have a tragic history of falling into depravity.

Ashla usually become adventurers as part of their training to ascend to full–fledged membership of their order, or because they have been dispatched on an important mission. An Ashla who is sent to investigate dark omens or disturbances in the world has great latitude in the execution of their task, and may spend years untangling various mysteries and threats that arise from their original purpose.

Skill Proficiencies: Investigation, Insight

Languages: Two of your choice

Equipment: A Kyber Crystal (a gift to you when you entered the Ashla Order),  one set of travelers clothes, a winter blanket, a journal, an ink pen, and a bottle of ink, and Navigators tools (not proficient).

Suggested Characteristics

 

d8	Personality Trait
1	I idolize a particular hero of my faith, and constantly refer to that person’s deeds and example.
2	I can find common ground between the fiercest enemies, empathizing with them and always working toward peace.
3	I connect everything that happens to me to a grand cosmic plan.
4	I quote (or misquote) sacred texts and proverbs in almost every situation.
5	I’ve spent so long in the temple that I have little practical experience dealing with people in the outside world.
6	There's nothing I like more than a good mystery.
7	I'm willing to listen to every side of an argument before I make my own judgment.
8	I am always calm, no matter what the situation. I never raise my voice or let my emotions control me.

d6	Ideal
1	Logic. Emotions must not cloud our sense of what is right and true, or our logical thinking. (Lawful)
2	Knowledge. The path to self-improvement is through knowledge. (Neutral)
3	Greater Good. Our lot is to lay down our lives in defense of others. (Good)
4	Greater Good. My gifts are meant to be shared with all, not used for my own benefit. (Good)
5	Destiny. Nothing and no one can steer me away from my higher calling. (Any)
6	Redemption. There's a spark of good in everyone. (Good)

d6	Bond
1	I've been searching my whole life for the answer to a certain question.
2	I'm still seeking the enlightenment I pursued in my training, and it still eludes me.
3	I idolize a mentor, master, or teacher and measure my deeds against that person's.
4	Everything I do is for the common people.
5	I suffer awful visions of a coming disaster and will do anything to prevent it.
6	I protect those who cannot protect themselves.

d6	Flaw
1	I put too much trust in those who wield power within my temple's hierarchy.
2	I have a 'tell' that reveals when I'm lying
3	Now that I've returned to the world, I enjoy its delights a little too much.
4	I am dogmatic in my thoughts and philosophy.
5	I am easily distracted by the promise of information.
6	Once I pick a goal, I become obsessed with it to the detriment of everything else in my life.