Martial Monastic Orders of the Flanaess
A Greyhawk Companion Piece to "The Monk"

Ernest Mueller
ernestm@mindspring.com
October 14, 199



To His Peerless Majesty, King Kimbertos Skotti of Keoland
From his humble servant, Captain Tristan Lumley of the Keoish Office of Intelligence
2nd Harvester, Common Year 586

Your Highness,

According to your personal request, I have completed my study of the martial orders of the Flanaess and have forwarded it to 
you for your viewing only.  Our office's copy has been sealed and filed as confidential.


Martial Arts in the Flanaess

The Flanaess is home to a number of different martial orders.  Some of these orders are simply groups of devout followers of 
some deity or philosophy, who have removed themselves from society into a formal organization devoted to their cause.  
Others are secret societies with political goals, and still others are loose affiliations of warriors.  All these orders have become 
highly skilled in a form of combat unlike the general modes of warfare commonly used in the Flanaess today.  Its practitioners 
call this form of combat the "martial arts."  

This style of combat consists of various forms of hand, palm, and fist strikes, along with kicks, knee and elbow strikes, 
gymnastics, and just about any contortion of the human body you can imagine. Some orders incorporate weapons into their 
training, but most concentrate entirely on unarmed and unarmored fighting.  Devotees of the martial arts claim that their 
powers are not entirely physical, but are augmented by a force that they call by different names, including "chi" and "edel", 
which they harness to perform superhuman feats.  This power sounds similar to the powers displayed by various mentalist 
orders, but is distinct from them.  These powers are not magic, and conventional magical detection and wards do not avail 
against them.

These orders are very different in their motivations and philosophies, but all share in common an intense dedication to their 
training. Each school also has a number of secret strikes and powers that they jealously guard from outsiders and even from 
lower level initiates.  Many of the orders teach such powers only to followers who have passed tests or performed ritual combat 
to prove their worthiness.  These orders all have long histories, and have developed distinctive characteristics and fighting 
styles all their own.  Many of these groups have their origin in religious monastic orders, and the common folk generally call 
any person fighting using this style a "monk."

These so-called martial arts are thought by many to be of limited use in the heavily armed and armored battlefields of the 
Flanaess.  And it is true that the Oeridian school of combat is most prominent in the armed forces of all civilized nations.  For 
the sake of completeness, however, I have investigated all the major known martial arts schools of the Flanaess and detailed 
what I have learned below.  


The D'ai Shatain and Al D'ai Shatain

It is generally agreed that the Bakluni first introduced the martial arts to the  Flanaess.  The Bakluni have long followed their 
goddess Xan Yae and her companion Zuoken.  Certain monastic groups once affiliated with these priesthoods have become 
some of the most proficient practitioners of these arts.  There are two major groups of this sort common in what was once the 
Baklunish Empire.  The first, the D'ai Shatain, form half of the D'ai Shaton, the clergy dedicated to Xan Yae.  A related group 
called the Abid dal Xan forms the other half, but they are dedicated only to mastery of the mind.   The D'ai Shatain have 
"perfected" a deadly form of weaponless combat they call the Da'shon, or "Falling Hail".  They liken this form of combat to 
acts of nature, especially storms and other violent phenomena.  This form is shared with some variations by the clergy of 
Zuoken, which is similarly made up of a martial order, the Al D'ai Shatain, and a mentalist order, the Zefim.  

The Al D'ai Shatain are the most highly trained practitioners of Da'shon, as well as the most mobile.  The D'ai Shatain 
generally do not leave Baklunish lands, and have turned their training to more esoteric pursuits, stressing the "twilight empire" 
of Xan Yae.  Both groups historically have had a history of nonintervention in the political events of the Flanaess, and little 
presence east of the Barrier Peaks except for an Al D'ai Shatain monastery in the Cairn Hills in the Duchy of Urnst.  This 
monastery, called "Flannae-tel", is led by one Master Li Hon, and has been fairly active in that area.  Recently, the forces there 
were added to by part of the large group of monks that traveled through our capitol in CY 573.  This group, which we had 
heard called the "D'ar es Shalim", is not a separate group at all, but only travelling members of these clergies (the term D'ar es 
Shalim means roughly "Seekers" in their tongue).  

Of the group of D'ar es Shalim that convened in Niole Dra, who numbered between 150 and 200 souls (a more precise count 
was attempted, but was somehow thwarted), approximately a hundred are now located in the Flannae-tel monastery.  Another 
group of fifty traveled to Dorakaa in the cursed lands of I--, and our agents lost sight of them upon entry - nothing more has 
been heard of those poor souls.  Some others, no more than fifty in total, have dispersed into individuals and small groups and 
roam the Flanaess looking for an undetermined objective.  Our agents have not been able to determine the root cause of their 
quest.  Though powerful fighters, these D'ai Shatain seem to be opposed to the Scarlet Brotherhood and have shown no sign of 
intervention in Sheldomar policy.  I therefore conclude that this group poses no immediate threat to the Crown.  We will 
continue our surveillance of the D'ar es Shalim remaining in Keoish territories. 

Da'shon ("Falling Hail")

Da'shon is a method of unarmed combat that its practitioners compare to the powerful forces of nature.  Its devotees often 
spend years studying and exposing themselves to the elements while performing feats of immense concentration and physical 
prowess.  The style's sudden, violent strikes contrast to its passive, flowing methods for escaping physical and magical harm.  
Weapons and armor are never used by its practitioners, and the Bakluni have a legend of Zuoken (before he was a god) 
defeating a great number of armed forces using only this style.  This is the most common style you will find among the D'ar es 
Shalim in the Flanaess. 

There is a sub-school of nuns within the D'ai Shatain called the El'malel,  or "Twilight Song," that have concentrated on other 
powers, allegedly having much to do with the twilight their goddess represents, and the movement and song of birds.  This 
form is extremely uncommon outside Baklunish lands.

These monks only rarely teach their secrets to outsiders, and then only to devout  Baklunish followers of Xan Yae or Zuoken.


Da'shon "Falling Hail" School:
Edge of the Storm (L1)
Spring Breeze (L1)
The Rain Falls (L1)
Flying Kick (L2)
The Lightning Strikes (L2)
Willow Step (L2)
Flow Like Water (L3)
Lightning Fist (L3)
Natural Order (L3)
Tornado Dodge (L3)
Calm Pond (L4)
Eye of the Storm (L4)
Storm Wind (L4)
Flying Windmill Kick (L5) 
Mountain Stream (L5)
The Storm Reverses (L6)
Thunder Kick (L6)
One With Nature (L7) 
Torrent of Fury (L7)


El'malel "Twilight Song" School:
Sparrow Palm (L1)
The Shadow Passes (L1)
Eagle Eye (L2)
Friend of Shadow (L2)
Raven's Cry (L2)
Shadow Self (L3)
Swallow's Dart (L3)
Crane's Call (L4)
Desperate Lark (L4) 
Friend of Darkness (L4)
Shadow Step (L5)
Nightingale's Song (L6)
Eagle Claw (L7)
Shadow Walk (L7)




The Scarlet Brotherhood

The Suel did not develop the martial arts themselves, but instead allegedly stole them from the Bakluni during their wars some 
two millennia ago.  Most of this knowledge was lost in the Rain of Colorless Fire, and until recently was believed entirely 
destroyed.  This belief was dispelled as reports of the eastern organization called the "Scarlet Brotherhood" became known.  
The Office of Intelligence unfortunately disregarded early reports of this organization and its connections as false rumors 
planted by the Aerdi.  This was proven untrue in the recent conflicts, as the Brotherhood seized control of several important 
seaports and occupied areas along our southern border.  Our agents have made all possible efforts to learn more about their 
nature, and as a result staffing of the Office has diminished by some thirty percent in the last two years.

From what we have been able to gather, the Scarlet Brotherhood are a group of Suel supremacists who have taken over a 
number of territories and infiltrated many kingdoms (including ours) for uncertain reasons.  This report can not add to the 
numerous reports Your Majesty has already received on the strengths and possible goals of these forces.  I have, however, 
uncovered some additional information on the reclusive leaders of the Brotherhood that may be of use.

The core of the Brotherhood's leadership is a monastic order of exactly the type I have been investigating.  Though the 
identities of any of its membership are unknown, I have learned more about these "Brothers" and their skills from refugees 
from the south.  The Brotherhood's martial arts seem to be based largely upon the two foul Suel deities Beltar and Pyremius.  
From Beltar, the snake goddess, they have developed a form of combat with abilities resembling the movement and strike of a 
snake.  Pyremius, the master of fire and murder, has led them to also develop powers based on fire and flame-like maneuvers.  
They call this combination Selinshan, which in Suloise means "Snake and Flame".  

The actual monks who practice this art are few compared to the sum of the Brotherhood's forces, and they have yet to directly 
involve themselves in a battle.  But reports I have received indicate that their powers are substantial.  This order clearly 
represents a high level of threat to the kingdom's interests.

Selinshan ("Snake and Flame")

The Scarlet Brotherhood practices a fierce martial art they call Selinshan, which contains both snake-like motions in honor of 
the foul Suel goddess Beltar and fiery manifestations mimicking Pyremius, the Murderer.  I can scarcely believe what I've 
heard of the torments and degradations required of initiates into these schools of combat.  Advancement to higher ranks within 
the style usually requires some form of bloodsport in which competing monks duel to the death for the honor.  Some initiates 
dedicate themselves to one subschool, Snake or Flame, but many combine the two into a deadly whole.

Practitioners of Selinshan do not avoid weapons out of any philosophical bent, but their skills are often used from concealment 
or surprise and therefore most of their powers do not take weapons into account.

One source told me of another, third style used by the Brotherhood, but before I could elicit any details the man went into some 
sort of fit and died.  I have no confirmation for further details on this possible third style.


Selinshan "Snake" Style:
Coil of the Snake (L1)
Eyes of the Snake (L1)
Recoil and Strike (L2)
Serpent's Fang (L2)
Tail of the Serpent (L2)
Choking Coil (L3)
Constrictor Stance (L3)
Serpent's Strike (L4)
Slither of the Snake (L4)
Python's Embrace (L5)
Cobra's Kiss (L6)
Serpent's Venom (L6)
Spitting Cobra (L7)


Selinshan "Flame" Style:
Phoenix Strike (L1)
Phoenix Kick (L2)
Phoenix Egg (L3)
Phoenix in Flight (L4)
Phoenix Feather (L5)
Wings of the Phoenix (L5)
Flame of the Phoenix (L6)
Phoenix Rising (L7)



The Flan Schools

The Flan are a minority everywhere in the Flanaess.   Until recently the Duchy of Tenh was the only politically sizable Flan 
enclave, and with their subjugation by Stonefist even that is gone.  The Flan apparently have been developing their own martial 
arts, which are comparatively recent (invented during the last several hundred years) as opposed to the millennia-old schools of 
the Bakluni and Suel.  In many places across the Flanaess less civilized than the Sheldomar, the Flan are often discriminated 
against, mistrusted, and even enslaved in the evil kingdoms.  The Flan have been developing these arts in response to such 
problems.  

There is no single Flan group practicing these arts.  Instead this form of combat has become somewhat of a national pastime.  
Schools openly teaching martial arts were common in Tenh until recently.  Many students would go live at an academy 
dedicated to teaching and developing these styles.  The predominant style taught by these academies is known simply as "Tiger 
Style," for its fierce and catlike nature.  These schools have been declared illegal by the Tenh occupation forces and are 
suppressed whenever they resurface.  Many of its masters and students have fled to Nyrond and other locations.  

In addition to these formal academies, the Tenha have proved to be most resourceful and eclectic in collecting moves from 
other Flanaess styles and making them their own.   Wandering Flan masters teach a variety of styles often referred to as 
"drunken styles," in reference to their odd gait and nonthreatening appearance, which are collections of powers gleaned from 
the other major martial arts schools.

Nyrond and the other kingdoms are not allowing these schools to be reopened in their lands for fear of internal strife.  The 
Tenha (and the Flan in general) are opposed to I-- and his forces of darkness, and many of the displaced citizens of Sterich and 
Geoff are of Flan descent.  Not only does this school pose no threat to Keoish interests, I would like to advance the possibility 
of allowing these refugees to open such a school in Keoland.  It would reinforce our good will towards those peoples and 
provide us with a well-trained addition to our fighting forces.

Flan ("Tiger Style")

The Flan Tiger Style is no longer formally taught in any known locations.  It is a new, vital style that concentrates on 
unleashing the fierceness of the fighter in a nearly uncontrolled fashion.  It is also the only martial arts style in the Flanaess that 
actively makes use of weapons in its training.  Trainees use a variety of improvised weapons, but the chief weapon of the style 
is a pair of sturdy sticks called "tiger sticks."  These weapons are easily manufactured or obtained from common everyday 
implements, or from sundering staves, farming tools, or household cleaning implements.  Masters often carry a pair of 
shellacked sticks carved in a tiger-stripe pattern (which sometimes leave that same pattern upon their opponents).

Tiger (Jo) Sticks: Damage 1d6 (S-M)/1d3 (L), speed factor 2.  Tiger sticks are treated as martial arts weapons for practitioners 
of Tiger Style, and can be used to perform chi powers.

Tiger Style:
Tiger Fist (L1)
Tiger's Eye (L1)
Instant Stand (L2)
Tiger Senses (L2)
Tiger Claw (L3)
Tiger Stance (L4)
Improvise Weapon (L5)
Vengeance of the Tiger (L5)
Unyielding Tiger Stance (L6)
Tiger in the Grass (L7)

One drunken style: Eight Drunken Faeries
Lu, the sober drunkard  - Drunken Stance (L4)
Li, the cripple with the powerful leg - Stomp of the Dragon (L4)
Han, holding a pot in his arms - Recoil and Strike (L2)
Lan, a sudden attack at the waist - Lightning Fist (L3)
Chan, the superior double kick - No-shadow Kick (L1)
Han Hsiang-Chi, blowing his flute - Fist of Steel (L3)
Tso, the desperate throat lock - Choking Coil (L3)
Miss Ho, swinging her body around - Tornado Dodge (L3)


The Mystics

The most elusive of the martial arts groups of the Flanaess are a group of reclusive mystics rumored to inhabit the hills around 
the Rift Canyon in the former Bandit Kingdoms.  Reports of this group vary, and I have been able to confirm none of them.  
Even if this order existed, the occupation of that area by the evil hordes of I-- makes it likely that they have been eradicated.

This order is told of by a traveler who found himself wounded and alone in the area in pre-occupation times.  A group of these 
hermits took him in and healed him of his wounds and resulting fever.  They spoke oddly accented Common to him and 
another, unidentified language to each other.  Their powers were less combat-intensive than the other groups I have 
investigated, but the traveler (now an old man) is sure that they used the term "chi," the same term the Flan use in reference to 
the life-force they manipulate to enable their martial arts powers.

The powers he saw displayed concentrated on healing and other manipulations of this force.  They did display a number of 
attack routines that were mostly of a throwing or pushing nature, with little emphasis on strikes or kicks - but were no less 
dangerous for all that.

Mystic Style

Concentrated Push (L1)
Great Throw (L2)
Empathy (L3)
Feign Death (L3)
Healing Chi (L3)
Flow of Chi (L4)
One Finger (L4)
Stunning Touch (L4)
Chi Sight (L5)
Healing Trance (L5)
Read Chi Residue (L5)
Quivering Palm (L6)
Transfer Chi (L7)
Dim Mak (L7)
Premonition (L7)
Rebalance Chi (L7)


The Celestial Imperium

Though having little to do with the Flanaess, the Western empire known as the Celestial Imperium reportedly houses even 
more powerful monastic orders than do the Bakluni.  To hear the (scarce) travelers' tales, the martial arts are much more 
common in the West.  I have heard many fantastic tales, but the only one I have been able to confirm is that the nobles of the 
Celestial Imperium are all taught a martial art style called "Lung Wang", which in their language means "Dragon King."  This 
style does not forgo the use of weapons as Da'shon does, and has incredible combat forms, if a tenth of the stories are true.  
This information is highly suspect, however - the Celestial Imperium does not welcome outsiders, even for trade purposes, and 
on this point my sources are few and unreliable.

The other point on which they agreed, however, was a curious legend that all these nobles for the last thousand years have been 
taught the martial arts by a single man.  This man is called "Xian Lung" or "Eternal Dragon", and they say he has mastered his 
body to the point that he does not age, and has remained alive for at least a millenium!  The tales say that he will not teach that 
secret except to a worthy man, and he has not found such a man in the last thousand years of Imperium nobility.

We have had no contact with representatives from the Celestial Imperium for as long as men remember, and the current state of 
the giant-ridden lands to our west assures little contact in the future.  The Celestial Imperium does not pose any current threat 
to our kingdom or its policies.

Lung Wang ("Dragon King")

This art is only taught to the nobility of the Celestial Imperium, though I have heard reports that some Easterners have 
occasionally somehow come into knowledge of it.  One of our agents, a usually reliable man, indicates that Li Hon of the 
Baklunish Flannae-tel monastery has been seen to use attack forms bearing at least a cosmetic similarity to this style.

These martial artists do not reject the use of other arms, and often make use of a wide variety of swords, spears, and more 
bizarre weapons.  All these maneuvers are modeled after the immense strength, yet odd grace of a dragon in its full glory.

Lung Wang "Dragon King" Style:
Bite of the Dragon (L1)
Tail of the Dragon (L1)
Tongue of the Dragon (L1)
Breath of the Dragon (L2)
Eye of the Dragon (L2)
Wings of the Dragon (L2)
Claw of the Dragon (L3)
Horns of the Dragon (L3)
Stomp of the Dragon (L4)
Strength of the Dragon (L4)
Blood of the Dragon (L5)
Dragon's Crush (L5)
Scales of the Dragon (L6)
Will of the Dragon (L6)
Arrogance of the Dragon (L7)
Swoop of the Dragon (L7)
Venerable Dragon (L7)


Commonly Known Martial Arts Maneuvers

Some martial art forms are universal, and appear to be known by most of the martial orders of the Flanaess.  A list of some of 
the common powers shared by most martial art schools follows.

Common Maneuvers:


Axe Kick (L1)
Crushing Blow (L1)
Five Happiness Fist (L1)
Hands Without Shadow (L1)
Jump (L1)
No-shadow Kick (L1)
Prone Fighting (L1)
Circle Kick (L2)
Inner Focus (L2)
Iron Skin (L2)
Iron Will (L2)
Leap (L2)
Fist of Steel (L3)
Giant Leap (L3)
Mantis Block (L3)
Immovable Stance (L3)
Iron Cloth (L3)
Steady Step (L3)
Drunken Stance (L4)
Flower Petal (L4)
Mind Over Body (L4)
Mantis Strike (L5)
Tortoise Shell (L5)
Mind Bar (L6)



This is as complete a catalog as was possible in the time allowed.   I hope it can be of some strategic value against the forces 
besetting our kingdom from all sides.  In my opinion, further investigation is certainly merited; these combat styles are perfect 
for lightly armed and armored spies and scouts (a topic near and dear to those of us in the Office of Intelligence).  And the 
more we understand them, the better equipped we will be to deal with the most infamous of these orders, the Scarlet 
Brotherhood.  As conventional magic does not serve to detect these powers, they are a clear threat to our internal security until 
such time as we have a way to counteract them.







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