Red Monks of Ri

The Red Monks have been a topic of intrigue and bewilderment for generations. Clad in their signature blood-red robes, these monks appear seemingly out of nowhere, perform peculiar and often trivial actions - such as kicking a bucket off a bridge onto the street below - and then vanish just as mysteriously. While many dismiss them as eccentrics or jesters, few understand the true nature of their order.  

The world is a tapestry woven from threads of fate. Our task is to pull at the right strand, so that the whole does not unravel. -- Brother Korrin

 

Culture

Life within the Citadel of Ri, where the Red Monks reside, is one of strict discipline and focused study. The citadel, a remote and imposing structure located in the far south of Alana within the searing Fire Belt, is a place where the monks dedicate themselves to mastering the art of balance. Their daily routine involves intense physical training, mental exercises, and, most crucially, the study of the Jade Tablets - a collection of 111 ancient stones inscribed with the codex that guides their actions.   The Red Monks do not interact with the outside world unless on a mission. They live in isolation, bound by their duty to preserve the balance of the world. Their training prepares them for their excursions into the wider realm, where they perform seemingly insignificant acts that, unbeknownst to others, have profound effects on the future.  

Sometimes, the difference between peace and chaos is nothing more than a pebble finding its way to the right place. -- Brother Talen, as he gently nudges a pebble off a city wall down onto a procession

 

Public Agenda

To the outside world, the Red Monks are a secretive and reclusive order with no clear agenda. Their sporadic appearances and bizarre actions have led to widespread speculation, but nothing concrete is known about their true purpose. Some believe they are harmless oddballs, while others think they are a single crazed individual playing tricks on the populace. Because they commit no obvious crimes and vanish without a trace, no governmental or law enforcement body has been able to apprehend or even understand them, making it unlikely that anyone ever will.  

Teachings and Philosophy

The Monks of Ri follow a strict code of mental and spiritual purity, believing that the mind must be free of distraction, emotion, and ego to achieve true mastery. Their teachings emphasise:  

• Meditation: Daily meditation practices help monks clear their minds and focus their mental energy.
• Discipline: Rigorous physical and mental discipline is essential to prevent distractions and maintain clarity of thought.
• Balance: The monks strive for perfect harmony between body, mind, and spirit, believing that imbalance leads to weakness and vulnerability.

 

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