Monk

Monks are an unusual class of people within the 8 Kingdoms. They are totally devoted to the lower classes. Monks believe they should not utilize any weapon or tool - including magic- not available to the peasants or other members of the lower class. Magic users powerful enough to defend themselves don't remain in the lower classes. As for weapons and armour, even if they were somehow affordable, they are not practical for the lower classes.
The Monks of St. Neot best illustrate this philosophy with the story of the Paladin of Gird, his potato digging contest with the Master Abbot of St. Neot, and the Paladin's physical beating at the hands of two old peasant women who had been trained by the Monks. Besides explaining the philosophy, the continuing re-telling and acting out of the story also explains the continued rift between the Order of St. Neot and the followers of Gird.
The Order of St. Neot began in Prealith. St. Neot was a leader during the Girdish revolts. After the overthrow of the magelords, he left the Followers of Gird - believing they were not following Gird's original intent and philosophy. He journeyed to Prealith which was experiencing its own crisis of invasions and other chaos at the time of the Girdish revolts. St. Neot noted that no matter who was in charge, the peasants and lower classes suffered and were not really protected. Attracting certain key followers, including the enigmatic 'Fist of Neot', Neot established his first monastery just west of Bannerlith. The movement has steadily grown with monasteries dotted through parts of the Kingdom.
The monks of St. Neot assist the lower classes in several ways. First, as mentioned above, they teach men, women, and children how to defend themselves with what is readily at hand. Second, they strive to learn new and better techniques for farming, forestry, crafting, etc.; test these techniques, and then teach them to the locals. Third, the monks assist in the needs of the locals as much as possible - from teaching sanitation to feeding and housing those who lack these basic needs - especially orphans. Most monks, once trained, wander from village to village teaching and helping the locals. Larger villages and small towns may even have a chapter house. Monasteries are always found in the countryside (with available farmland and ready road access).
While it may sound to someone who is unfamiliar with the Order that such a group of individuals should be welcome anywhere (after all, what ruler wouldn't want more productive and healthier subjects?); the Order is not welcome in many places and often ruthlessly suppressed in other places. The blame for this state is equally placed between rulers/the upper class and the Order of St. Neot. On one hand, the upper classes and rulers view the Order as a threat. The lower classes outnumber them and the Order is both teaching them how to defend themselves and acquire more power. It is one thing to suppress peasants unable to defend themselves who have virtually no resources and relatively poor health; the Order changes all of these conditions. The other hand is the actions and attitude of the Order itself. The Order KNOWS its course is the correct one. Monks travel and operate where they believe it is necessary, no matter the attitude and laws of local authorities. Thus, there are a multitude of martyrs in the Order's history. The Order views with disdain any - including other religions- who do not better the lives of the commoners. In addition, the Order's ultimate goal is to ensure all members of society are equal. The herder with the least number of goats should have the same amount of power as the highest official in the land. Not to mention, excessive wealth that is squandered on useless luxuries should be taken and better used to ensure all people have a good standard of living. This guiding goal means even where the Order is welcome, it is carefully watched as a present ally that could turn into a future enemy.
Monks who are encountered in Prealith will be masters of self defense with staff, improvised weapons, and unarmed combat. In addition, the monk will be a master of 1 or more crafts or occupations that he or she will instruct the locals in. Monks are expected to think for themselves and act according to the Order's goals and mission. They are governed by a hierarchy decided by merit and internal election. The Master Abbot is the highest ranked monk and while he or she has the final say, the Council of Abbots are expected to be consulted for any major decisions.
The Monks of St. Neot best illustrate this philosophy with the story of the Paladin of Gird, his potato digging contest with the Master Abbot of St. Neot, and the Paladin's physical beating at the hands of two old peasant women who had been trained by the Monks. Besides explaining the philosophy, the continuing re-telling and acting out of the story also explains the continued rift between the Order of St. Neot and the followers of Gird.
The Order of St. Neot began in Prealith. St. Neot was a leader during the Girdish revolts. After the overthrow of the magelords, he left the Followers of Gird - believing they were not following Gird's original intent and philosophy. He journeyed to Prealith which was experiencing its own crisis of invasions and other chaos at the time of the Girdish revolts. St. Neot noted that no matter who was in charge, the peasants and lower classes suffered and were not really protected. Attracting certain key followers, including the enigmatic 'Fist of Neot', Neot established his first monastery just west of Bannerlith. The movement has steadily grown with monasteries dotted through parts of the Kingdom.
The monks of St. Neot assist the lower classes in several ways. First, as mentioned above, they teach men, women, and children how to defend themselves with what is readily at hand. Second, they strive to learn new and better techniques for farming, forestry, crafting, etc.; test these techniques, and then teach them to the locals. Third, the monks assist in the needs of the locals as much as possible - from teaching sanitation to feeding and housing those who lack these basic needs - especially orphans. Most monks, once trained, wander from village to village teaching and helping the locals. Larger villages and small towns may even have a chapter house. Monasteries are always found in the countryside (with available farmland and ready road access).
While it may sound to someone who is unfamiliar with the Order that such a group of individuals should be welcome anywhere (after all, what ruler wouldn't want more productive and healthier subjects?); the Order is not welcome in many places and often ruthlessly suppressed in other places. The blame for this state is equally placed between rulers/the upper class and the Order of St. Neot. On one hand, the upper classes and rulers view the Order as a threat. The lower classes outnumber them and the Order is both teaching them how to defend themselves and acquire more power. It is one thing to suppress peasants unable to defend themselves who have virtually no resources and relatively poor health; the Order changes all of these conditions. The other hand is the actions and attitude of the Order itself. The Order KNOWS its course is the correct one. Monks travel and operate where they believe it is necessary, no matter the attitude and laws of local authorities. Thus, there are a multitude of martyrs in the Order's history. The Order views with disdain any - including other religions- who do not better the lives of the commoners. In addition, the Order's ultimate goal is to ensure all members of society are equal. The herder with the least number of goats should have the same amount of power as the highest official in the land. Not to mention, excessive wealth that is squandered on useless luxuries should be taken and better used to ensure all people have a good standard of living. This guiding goal means even where the Order is welcome, it is carefully watched as a present ally that could turn into a future enemy.
Monks who are encountered in Prealith will be masters of self defense with staff, improvised weapons, and unarmed combat. In addition, the monk will be a master of 1 or more crafts or occupations that he or she will instruct the locals in. Monks are expected to think for themselves and act according to the Order's goals and mission. They are governed by a hierarchy decided by merit and internal election. The Master Abbot is the highest ranked monk and while he or she has the final say, the Council of Abbots are expected to be consulted for any major decisions.