Tranquility (sage study)

Tranquility is a sage study in the field of the Way of the Spirit, which delves into the depths of one's inner self, exploring the profound connection between mind and body. Among the rich tapestry of martial art philosophies, the concept of Tranquility emerges as a guiding light, beckoning adventurers to attain harmony within themselves and their surroundings. The ideal of Tranquility transcends the mere act of striking blows or defending against foes. It embodies a holistic approach to existence, seeking balance, inner peace, and enlightenment through disciplined practice.

This philosophy inspires a series of extraordinary abilities that allow characters to harness the power of peace and serenity, forging a bond between their meditation and martial prowess. These feats are a testament to the enduring legacy of tranquility in the world of fantasy, where the calmest minds can unleash the most formidable powers.

Sage Abilities

The sage abilities below are those acquired by a character through the study, according to status.

Amateur Status

• Meditation: empowers the character to engage in deep meditative contemplation for up to one hour per level of experience. For each hour of meditation undertaken after sunrise, the monk attains a +1 modifier to a specific saving throw, enhancing their resilience against the forces of magic and unnatural threats. For example, against petrification, poison, breath weapon, charm or whatever attack is desired, so long as it's clearly specified. The cumulative bonus achieved can be applied, as the character wishes, so long as the bonus is named before the saving throw is made. These bonuses remain in effect until the following sunrise.

• Rested State: enables the monk to rise earlier and sleep less, replacing 1-hour of sleep with ½-hour of meditation. The monk can maintain this pace indefinitely, replacing 1 hour of sleep for every 15 points of knowledge, until 120 points are achieved and the monk need never sleep again, so long as he or she can meditate four hours every day. Meditation periods must be continuous.

• Smile: the monk's outward aspect and a spoken word can stop enemies pause in their aggression, so long as the monk wins initiative and can speak before the first attack is made. The enemy is entitled to a save vs. poison. If this fails, aggressors will seek parley, giving the monk and his or her allies an opportunity to speak before fighting begins. Has no effect on creatures with less than 5 intelligence.

Authority Status

• Shifu Master: provides the training necessary to allow a non-levelled character to obtain a level, providing the character's own fields of knowledge.

• Serenity: similar to smile, with the added characteristic that the monk can force a saving throw even after the first blow is struck. In addition, no matter where the monk may stand or act, if he or she does not act aggressively or engage others in melee, he won't be attacked by an enemy without that enemy seeking permission first. The enemy remains completely aware of the monk, but the amount of respect is so great that the enemy cannot bring his or her self to fight.

Expert Status

• Freedom from Mind: relieves the monk of any sense of "waiting" as time passes, as he or she may easily meditate the time away in peace.

Sage Status

• Pass into the Ethereal Allows the character to simply move into the ethereal.

See Monk Sage Abilities