Homebrew Zenith Order Monk Species Details

(Based off of Renegade Game Studios' Overlight RPG, including some description directly from their products. Best used if you know about the setting, people, etc.)

The second set of Folk from the mountain shard of Zenith, the Zenith Order Monks, are an anomaly, in that they are the only major population not native to their home shard. Uniting with the Hamanu to follow the teachings of the Diamond Queen and Boundless Mirror, the monks' culture has fused with that of the Hamanu, becoming one distinct from their origin on Haark. 

With their bonded allies, the Hamanu, the Zenith Order Monks have fought to a standstill with their sworn enemies, the Yamari, but a push for progress may not be far off.

 Splintered People

Though they have shifted their ideals to that of wisdom, traces of the Monks' origin remains. Their physical appearance is indistinguishable from that of a Haarkeen, and some mannerisms have managed to stand the test of time, marking these folk as the offspring of another. While these differences are celebrated by those of Zenith, and distrusted by the Haarkeen themselves, most other folk draw little distinction between the two similar peoples.

In their own thoughts, however, these feelings and biases matter little, each monk simply accepting the fact and making the best of the choices they are allowed.

People of the Spirit

While they do not worship any god, the Zenith Order Monks seek enlightenment in perfecting their bodies and minds. Through study, meditation, and repetitive exercises, those of the Zenith Orders come to understand themselves to a higher degree than any other Folk. 

The one act that all revere is the folk's spiritual bond with a single Hamanu. This bond is taken on consciously and voluntarily, permanently bonding the pair through ritual and the Overlight. This peak of monastery rituals marks the Monk's independence and a progression into their own, unguided search for understanding.

Bonded for Life

Brought together with a Hamanu, a bond is one of perfect friendship and understanding, each individual being complementing the other, bringing the fusion of both to a higher state of being.

As the Monk contemplates the void-like quality of boundless mind, the Hamanu explodes into being through raw contact with the elements and their ability to dance with them. It is said that the perfect harmony of a Monk and their Hamanu companion is like two friends pointing at opposite sides of the same mountain. Though there may be variations in the stones of the path, the destination is the same; when both arrive, the Hamanu pours the wine and the Monk sings a song of devotion to the unending sky.

Zenith Order Monk Traits

A Strange mixture of Hamanu and Haarkeen, Zenith Order Monks are varied in many aspects, but united in their dedication to their ideal.

Ability Score Increase

Your Wisdom score increases by 1, your Constitution score increases by 1, and one ability score of your choice increases by 1.

Age

Zenith Order Monks, like Haarkeen, reach maturity at around 20 cycles of age. Their full lifespan is slightly longer, reaching 120 cycles in the very oldest of individuals.

Size

Haarkeen and Zenith Order Monks, vary widely in height and build, from barely 5 feet to well over 6 feet tall. Regardless of your position in that range, your size is Medium.

Speed

Your base walking speed is 30 ft.

Bond-Mates

You are spiritually bonded to a Hamanu, connected together even at great distances. The first time you fail at a save that your bond mate either succeeded at or was not required to make, you may reroll the save with disadvantage.

If you and your bond-mate are Skyborn, your Inner Light uses are pooled, each contributing a number of uses and regained uses equal to the number they would without this trait. Shatters effect each of you as well, though the symptoms are generally less severe for the mate not suffering it directly.

If your bond-mate dies, your Inner Light uses are no longer pooled, and are permanently reduced by 1, to a minimum of 2. You may no longer reroll failed saves, and suffer extreme psychological trauma (this is a truly life-changing event).

Languages

You can speak, read, and write common and Hamanu. Hamanu is comprised of both spoken words and one-handed gestures, allowing those who know it to communicate visually, and silently, at half the speed of standard speech. (Hamanu must be added to your character sheet manually)