The priests do not marry and do not have children. They are typically enrolled in their temples between the ages of 6 and 10, where they will remain in vigorous training before they are seen again by the larger world; only emerging as young adults wearing the crocus-dyed robes of their class. During that time, they have devoted themselves to physical, mental and spiritual discipline in emulation of their founder, the venerated Bao Dan.
The Gift of Bao Dan is also known as the Way of Order. Uniting themselves to their Way, the monks use meditation and physical trials to develop their spiritual strength. They eventually learn the ability to focus their own life essence into powers far beyond that of mortal men. Generally, this focus finds its object in one of three totems: the Dragon, the Tiger and the Monkey.
The priests are so renown for their wisdom and detachment that they are often called upon in Eastrun society to settle disputes and to serve as diplomats between various noble houses. They are also entrusted with training unarmed combat to the young men who will eventually serve as the knights of their society.
Despite their detachment from the things of the world, the priests are deeply devoted to the prestige of their temples and to the reputations of their masters. As a result, while generally above the disputations of the great houses of Eastrun, they are almost always in the middle of great rivalries, if not contests between their own orders. As ardently as they pursue these struggles, they are almost always undertaken in private.
There are dozens of temples throughout the known world, but the Nine Eternals are those held in highest esteem, three each are located in the Empires of Shu, Chiro and Miyabe. By name they are:
Shu
Temple of the Summer Fire
There are dozens of temples throughout the known world, but the Nine Eternals are those held in highest esteem, three each are located in the Empires of Shu, Chiro and Miyabe. By name they are:
Shu
Temple of the Summer Fire
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