Ghandon Monastery

High up in the Narrow Mountains atop the eight thousand steps sits Ghandon Monastery, one of the four ancient Monasteries of Vithrin. The yellow stone walls standing strong atop the mountain with the sound of shouts all in unison coming from within. Started by the Elves of this region, Ghandon has served any person of any race who have made the climb and dedicated their life to the monastic life.   Life in the monastery is a heavily regimented schedule of lectures, meditation, exercises, and readings. Aspiring monks start their journey as a novice where they learn the basics of the monastic tradition. Once a disciple sees that they have grasped the basic concepts, a test is offered to the novice. This test is the last chance to change their mind; will they leave and lead a normal life, or take and pass the exam to become an Initiate of the monastery. Once a novice becomes an initiate they then choose a particular discipline for their training:

• History (Master Vamir)
• Warrior (Master Folen)
• Stewardship (Master Mura)
• Medicine (Master Sahir)
• Crafters (Master Nurrim)

Once a discipline has been chosen, the initiate will study and train with a heavier focus on their chosen area. The discipline can be changed only once deemed proficient in the previous choice, or unless specifically allowed by order of the Grandmaster. Once the teacher of their particular discipline (taught by a Brother/Sister or Disciple) deems a student proficient, another test is given and upon passing, will become a Brother/Sister of the monastery. A Brother/Sister may then choose to switch disciplines, or continue the focus in which they are proficient to learn more advanced topics. Advanced topics (Taught by Disciples with some taught by the respective master for the specialization) are much more rigorous and in order to qualify for the test to progress from a Brother/Sister to a Disciple, one must study and master these topics over the course of at least 5 years. The test is judged by a council of the current disciples headed by the discipline master and must be completed with a perfect score, otherwise the Brother/Sister must continue their studying/training for another year before being able to test again.   Discipleship is seen as the (obtainable) pinnacle of each branch, each having mastered their respective focus and are given a special ring to symbolize their mastery. The few who obtain the title spend their time teaching and researching new topics, techniques, and ideas under the guidance of the discipline master. The most dedicated among them may decide to master the other disciplines as well and work their way toward earning all five rings and obtaining the rare and unique title of Superior Master.   Master disciples are in charge of finding new research avenues, making improvements in each branch, and acting as council to the Grandmaster.   The utmost peak of the monastic hierarchy are the five Discipline Masters and the Grand Master of the Monastery. When a master passes away, a vote is held among the disciples and brothers/sisters to choose who among the disciples will become the next Master. Similarly, when the Grandmaster passes away, Superior Masters, Masters, and Disciples vote on who will be the next Grandmaster from among the Superior Masters.