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: transcends the need for prolonged slumber. By substituting 1 hour of conventional sleep with a dedicated ½-hour of meditation, the monk can reduce their rest requirements. This meditative pace can be sustained indefinitely, gradually replacing 1 hour of sleep for every 15 points of accumulated tranquility knowledge. When the monk attains 120 points, they ascend to a state where sleep becomes a mere option, as long as they maintain a daily regimen of four hours of uninterrupted meditation.

• Smile: manifests the monk's inner serenity. When the monk wins initiative and is swift enough to utter a calming word and display a serene countenance before their adversaries launch their attacks, a remarkable transformation occurs. The enemy, in the face of the monk's peaceful resolve, is compelled to pause in their aggression. They are granted an opportunity to resist this influence through a save against poison, with failure resulting in a willingness to seek peaceful parley. This respite provides the monk and their allies a precious chance to engage in dialogue before resorting to combat. However, this pacifying effect remains ineffectual against creatures possessing an intelligence level of less than 5, as they lack the capacity to comprehend the monk's serene presence.

• Calm Reflex: grants the monk an unshakable calmness, even in the face of imminent danger. Thus they can be surprised only on a 1 in 6, and enjoy a +4 saving throw against fear. When meditating, the monk enjoys the same effect as the sage ability, "on guard."

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