High atop the misty peaks of the Elder Mountains lies the Monastery of Cycles, an ancient sanctuary devoted to the profound study of life and death. Hidden away from the prying eyes of the outside world, the monks who reside here are guardians of the delicate balance between these two forces. Their lives are shrouded in mystery, their faces hidden behind masks whenever they step beyond the sacred boundaries of the monastery’s restricted grounds.

The Monastery's teachings are intricate and profound, delving into the ebb and flow of existence. The monks harness the energies of life and death, using them to heal the sick and provide merciful ends to those beyond saving. This delicate art is reflected in their very beings; as they manipulate these energies, their skin shifts in tone. Acolytes who frequently employ life energy exhibit lighter complexions, while those who more often wield death’s touch bear darker hues. Over time, a monk’s skin tells a silent story of their spiritual journey and the balance they’ve maintained.

Their masked faces serve as a constant reminder of their vow of humility and the need to remain impartial and just in their duties. Each day begins with meditative practices aimed at honing their control over the energies they wield, followed by rigorous training in both healing arts and the mercy of death. Interaction with the outside world is rare and conducted with great caution. When they do venture beyond their secluded haven, monks are often sought after for their healing abilities and the serene, painless deaths they can bestow. 

 

The Oath of Cycles:

1. Benevolence: Upon committing to the Order, acolytes swear to never inflict harm with evil intent in any place where they are granted entry to tend to the wounded. This vow extends beyond the Monastery's sacred grounds to any sanctuary or abode where they offer their healing touch. While their presence may sometimes result in merciful deaths, it is always with the intention of alleviating suffering and never out of malice.

2. Eternal Guardianship: This vow binds acolytes to never abandon those they have offered aid, regardless of the dangers or hardships that may arise. It encompasses the full spectrum of their duties, from healing the gravely ill to mercifully ending the suffering of those beyond saving. This solemn promise ensures that every monk of the Monastery of Cycles is a steadfast guardian of the delicate balance between life and death.

 

 

Character Benefits:

A character with this background can choose to be proficient in two of the following: Arcana, Nature, Religion, Medicine, Survival. They also learn two additional languages: Celestial and Abyssal, reflecting their comprehensive study of both the light and dark aspects of existence.

Skill Proficiencies: Two choices from: Arcana, Nature, Religion, Medicine, Survival

Languages: Celestial and Abyssal

Equipment: Mask of Mercy (always worn unless in restricted Monasterial areas), 5 sticks of incense, vestments, a set of common clothes, and a pouch containing 15 gp.

Suggested Characteristics

d8	Personality Trait
1	I often clash with other people's ideals as I don't share their idea of a what makes a life worth living.
2	I can find common ground between the fiercest enemies, empathizing with them and always working toward peace.
3	I see omens in every event and action. Sometimes death is the only way.
4	Nothing can shake my optimistic attitude.
5	I quote (or misquote) sacred texts and proverbs in almost every situation.
6	I am tolerant (or intolerant) of other faiths and respect (or condemn) the worship of gods.
7	I’ve enjoyed fine food, drink, and high society among my monastery’s elite. Rough living grates on me.
8	I’ve spent so long in the monastery that I have little practical experience dealing with people in the outside world.

d6	Ideal
1	Tradition. The ancient cycle of life and death must be preserved and upheld. (Lawful)
2	Charity. I always try to help those in need, no matter what the personal cost. (Good)
3	Change. Just as new life is born, the old is brought to ashes. We are but shepherds of the cycle. (Chaotic)
4	Power. I hope to one day rise to the top of my order's hierarchy. (Lawful)
5	Faith. I trust that my when my time comes, it will be the right time for me to return to the earth. No sooner, no later. (Lawful)
6	Aspiration. I seek to uncover unknown truths of the cycle to bring my order to new heights. (Any)

d6	Bond
1	I would die to recover an ancient relic of my order that was lost long ago.
2	I will someday get revenge on the warlord that robbed my parents of a merciful death.
3	I owe my life to the acolyte who took me in when my parents died.
4	Everything I do is for the common people.
5	I will do anything to protect the monastery where I served.
6	I seek to preserve the balance of life and death, even if it's against the desire of my patient.

d6	Flaw
1	I judge others harshly, and myself even more severely.
2	I put too much trust in those who wield power within my temple’s hierarchy.
3	My familiarity of death sometimes leads me to forget the emotion behind loss.
4	I am inflexible in my thinking.
5	I am suspicious of strangers and expect the worst of them.
6	Once I pick a goal, I become obsessed with it to the detriment of everything else in my life.