The Long Game: the "faith" of Rogues

While thieves, con artists, and others who live by wit, charm, stealth, or mischief often follow the religions of their homelands, many are also steeped in the oft-repeated myths of their profession. Those who embrace these tales are said to be playing the Long Game—placing their hope in one of three legendary means to escape the divine justice they surely know awaits them.

Scholars dispute whether the Long Game is a true religion, akin to the Church of Westrun, the Way of Order of Eastrun, or the Namus Abadi of Southrun. Most conclude it is not, instead calling it a cultural code—a creed that justifies criminal virtues: never betraying accomplices, showing courage in one’s craft, and executing deeds with a sense of style. Even failure, they note, should be wrapped in the telling of a worthy story. Nevertheless, in every major city across Erenth, there are those who speak of the Long Game in reverent tones, as if it were sacred truth.

• The Last Coin: A thief dying in bed sometimes requests a blackened coin on the tongue. This is a sacred act, rarely refused even by enemies.
• The Tale at the Wake: It is said the dead listen for how their last deed is told. A clever retelling may catch the Candlejack’s ear even if the deed itself was small.
• The Drink for the Lady: A cup of wine spilled on the floor in taverns is sometimes called “buying the Red-Fingered Woman’s first round.”

According to the Long Game, the gravest sin a rogue can commit is to steal from—or otherwise harm—a child, most especially an orphan. This offense admits no forgiveness. All other failings may be mitigated by the sacrifice—gifting coins to street urchins—but crimes against children demand retribution. Rogues bound by the Long Game are honor-sworn to punish, if not outright kill, any who commit such acts.

The Holy Men of Erenth: Monks of Eastrun

The Monks of Eastrun wear cast-off cloth that has been cleaned, dyed and sewn together to create both their inner robe -- that which is closest to the skin, and the outer robe -- that which is presented to the outside world. Cast-off cloth is made from clothing that is no longer in use because it is old or unfashionable. It also includes so-called corpse clothing which is discarded after a body has been washed and sewn into its burial shroud.

The color of a Monk's robes depends on their temple. Each temple keeps a unique formula of dyes which produces a variety of earth tone colors ranging from deep browns to bright reds.

Temple of the Setting Sun

The Temple of the Setting Sun is located in Miyabe. It is a seven story flat-topped stone pyramid with a steep stair to the top. That top is a practice green upon which one hundred students can be seen practicing their arts at dawn. At the fifth story is a dark cavernous opening flanked on either side by graven statues of Jen Shu and Bao Dan the disciple. Only monks are allowed entry into the temple.

The monks of this school are known for their martial prowess but also for what seems to be an utter lack of emotion, and an almost fanatical search for knowledge and wisdom. The dye used by the Temple for their robes is a deep blue, almost purple color.

The monks view regulation and discipline as the proper course between good and evil. They believe that the ultimate hope of the world rests upon a well-ordered approach to life and that things like good and evil are nothing more than unspent desires at either end of a meaningless spectrum. Bao Dan understood that a  prosperous kingdom was possible because of the Way of Order, not because of what that Way taught specifically, but only because it was a rule. Adopting and maintaining rules is the best emulation of Bao Dan.

A peculiarity of this order, and others like it, is their commitment to peace and diplomacy. They are frequently called upon to arbiter disputes between nobles and even Emperors. They have become diplomats of the highest order and are well-respected across all of Eastrun.

Temple of the Stone Fist

The Temple of the Stone Fist is located in Chiro. It is a tall and narrow tediously graven stone tower situated in front of a sandy depression around which a stone walk has been laid.  In front of the door of the tower is a large gong and mallet on a wood lintel between two stone stelas. Around all of that a tall palisade of brightly painted wood has been constructed. 

The monks of this school are known for their martial prowess but also for what seems to be an utter lack of emotion, and an almost fanatical search for knowledge and wisdom. The dye used by the Temple for their robes makes a dingy yellow color of their cast-off cloth.

The monks view regulation and discipline as the proper course between good and evil. They believe that the ultimate hope of the world rests upon a well-ordered approach to life and that things like good and evil are nothing more than unspent desires at either end of a meaningless spectrum. Bao Dan understood that a  prosperous kingdom was possible because of the Way of Order, not because of what that Way taught specifically, but only because it was a rule. Adopting and maintaining rules is the best emulation of Bao Dan.

A peculiarity of this order, and others like it, is their commitment to peace and diplomacy. They are frequently called upon to arbiter disputes between nobles and even Emperors. They have become diplomats of the highest order and are well-respected across all of Eastrun.

Temple of the Northern Frost

The Temple of the Northern Frost is located in Shu. It most notable feature is a series of crystal spires set on top of narrow wooden gables that have been built adjacent to each other. These gables sit on still larger and wider gables below them. There are eight of the larger ones to the side enclosing a courtyard in the center. In the center rear of the courtyard, a tower stands with a giant bell atop it. A stone stair rises approximately two stories to the lower gables. It has the appearance of being open to the world, but ascending the stair will reveal a corridor around the temple that leads to the iron doors inset with large crystals. As only the monks are allowed to enter, what occurs inside is not known. 

The monks of this school are known for their martial prowess but also for what seems to be an utter lack of emotion, and an almost fanatical search for knowledge and wisdom. The dye used by the Temple for their robes is a dull green tint.

The monks view regulation and discipline as the proper course between good and evil. They believe that the ultimate hope of the world rests upon a well-ordered approach to life and that things like good and evil are nothing more than unspent desires at either end of a meaningless spectrum. Bao Dan understood that a  prosperous kingdom was possible because of the Way of Order, not because of what that Way taught specifically, but only because it was a rule. Adopting and maintaining rules is the best emulation of Bao Dan.

A peculiarity of this order, and others like it, is their commitment to peace and diplomacy. They are frequently called upon to arbiter disputes between nobles and even Emperors. They have become diplomats of the highest order and are well-respected across all of Eastrun.

Temple of the Falling Wave

The Temple of the Falling Wave is located in Miyabe. The temple is a five story pagoda, flanked on one side by a belfry made to look like a miniature replica of the pagoda itself. There are four sliding wooden doors, one on each side of the structure. Each opens into the visitors hall of the temple. A wooden ramp leads to each of the doors.

The monks of this school are known for their martial prowess but also for their fabled inability to lie. They are often sought by noblemen in the training of their youth. A class of warrior known as the Jae Shi has its origins in this Temple, among others. The dye used by the Temple for their robes makes a bright blue color.

The monks believe that order and discipline will improve the common good, that truth is of the highest value, followed by beauty and life. They know that laws may restrict freedoms, but they are also for the best and should be pursued so long as they conform to goodness. Following this Way of Order is the best emulation of Bao Dan for the good of all people.

A peculiarity of this order, and others like it, is their regard for the health and welfare of society. Their monks can often be found ministering to the sick and dispossessed, using their healing arts to treat those that the rest of society would leave abandoned on their steps.

Temple of the Rising Tide

The Temple of the Rising Tide is located in Chiro. Made of blue laquered wood, this single story temple rests on an artificial island not far from the middle of the city. The pond surrounding the temple is traversable by a large arching bridge that connects it to the city streets. On each side of the temple is a practice green where the monks can be seen taking their exercise. 

The monks of this school are known for their martial prowess but also for their fabled inability to lie. They are often sought by noblemen in the training of their youth. A class of warrior known as the Jae Shi has its origins in this Temple, among others. The dye used by the Temple for their robes makes a brown color of their cast-off cloth.

The monks believe that order and discipline will improve the common good, that truth is of the highest value, followed by beauty and life. They know that laws may restrict freedoms, but they are also for the best and should be pursued so long as they conform to goodness. Following this Way of Order is the best emulation of Bao Dan for the good of all people.

A peculiarity of this order, and others like it, is their regard for the health and welfare of society. Their monks can often be found ministering to the sick and dispossessed, using their healing arts to treat those that the rest of society would leave abandoned on its bridge.

Temple of the Summer Fire

The Temple of the Summer Fire is located in Shu. It is a two-story red laquered pagoda with a reflecting pond in front of it. The rear of the temple is dominated by a massive iron statue of Jen Shu astride a horse.

The monks of this school are known for their martial prowess but also for their fabled inability to lie. They are often sought by noblemen in the training of their youth. A class of warrior known as the Jae Shi has its origins in this Temple, among others.  The dye used by the Temple for their robes makes a saffron orange color of their cast-off cloth.

The monks believe that order and discipline will improve the common good, that truth is of the highest value, followed by beauty and life. They know that laws may restrict freedoms, but they are also for the best and should be pursued so long as they conform to goodness. Following this Way of Order is the best emulation of Bao Dan for the good of all people.

A peculiarity of this order, and others like it, is their regard for the health and welfare of society. Their monks can often be found ministering to the sick and dispossessed, using their healing arts to treat those that the rest of society would leave abandoned on their steps.

Temple of the Whispering Wind

The Temple of the Whispering Wind is located in Miyabe. The temple is a round three-story pagoda built on a stone platform that is three steps above the street level. The platform is four times as large as the pagoda, creating a courtyard in which the monks practice their arts. 

The monks that reside there are known far and wide for their martial prowess, but also for their devotion to the dark arts of spying and assassination. The dye used by the Temple for their robes makes a jet black color of their cast-off cloth.

The monks sell their services through the auspices of their Grandmaster and will undertake any mission he sends them on with fanatic devotion. They have been known to impersonate monks of other schools and do not consider this deception an ignoble act. Because of their devotion to the dark arts, the monks of this temple have been frequently called upon to eliminate various noblemen caught in acts of impropriety and shame.

Like the monks of other temples, they are absolutely lawful with regard to their life devotion. They respect discipline and regulation but view things such as life and beauty as meaningless abstractions. It is the desire of these monks to impose order and keep discipline, especially as regards loyalty to the Fang Dynasty. They view Ching Kuo Fang as the Emperor of Shu and are utterly devoted to whatever will see his line continue. Following the example of Bao Dan means that one often has to be merciless, in order to assure that the dynasty prospers.

A peculiarity of this order, and others like it, is that they have no concern for politics outside of their own city/state. Individual monks have been called upon to act in other city/states and kingdoms across Erenth. When they are hired to do so, they follow three strictures:

A monk will only practice the dark arts under the auspices of a recognized Grandmaster.

A monk will never identify one who is working the dark arts. 

A monk will not prevent one who is working the dark arts.

The Temple of Raging Winter

The Temple of Raging Winter is located in Chiro. It is built upon a grassy hill in the center of the city. There are four staircases leading to the top of the hill. A square temple of roughcut stone sits atop that hill. A colossus of the praying Bao Dan sits astride it.

The monks that reside there are known far and wide for their martial prowess, but also for their devotion to the dark arts of spying and assassination. The dye used by the Temple for their robes makes a dull red color of their cast-off cloth.

The monks sell their services through the auspices of their Grandmaster and will undertake any mission he sends them on with fanatic devotion. They have been known to impersonate monks of other schools and do not consider this deception an ignoble act. Because of their devotion to the dark arts, the monks of this temple have been frequently called upon to eliminate various noblemen caught in acts of impropriety and shame.

Like the monks of other temples, they are absolutely lawful with regard to their life devotion. They respect discipline and regulation but view things such as life and beauty as meaningless abstractions. It is the desire of these monks to impose order and keep discipline, especially as regards loyalty to the Sawato Dynasty. They view Kotaro Sawato as the Emperor of Shu and are utterly devoted to whatever will see his line continue. Following the example of Bao Dan means that one often has to be merciless, in order to assure that the dynasty prospers.

A peculiarity of this order, and others like it, is that they have no concern for politics outside of their own city/state. Individual monks have been called upon to act in other city/states and kingdoms across Erenth. When they are hired to do so, they follow three strictures:

A monk will only practice the dark arts under the auspices of a recognized Grandmaster.

A monk will never identify one who is working the dark arts. 

A monk will not prevent one who is working the dark arts.

Temple of Moon's Shadow

The Temple of Moon's Shadow is located in Shu. It is an octagonal gray stone tower rising six stories above the ground. The sides of it are covered in grasping vines.

The monks that reside there are known far and wide for their martial prowess, but also for their devotion to the dark arts of spying and assassination. The dye used by the Temple for their robes makes a grey color of their cast-off cloth.

The monks sell their services through the auspices of their Grandmaster and will undertake any mission he sends them on with fanatic devotion. They have been known to impersonate monks of other schools and do not consider this deception an ignoble act. Because of their devotion to the dark arts, the monks of this temple have been frequently called upon to eliminate various noblemen caught in acts of impropriety and shame.

Like the monks of other temples, they are absolutely lawful with regard to their life devotion. They respect discipline and regulation but view things such as life and beauty as meaningless abstractions. It is the desire of these monks to impose order and keep discipline, especially as regards loyalty to the Ong Dynasty. They view Tan Ong IV as the Emperor of Shu and are utterly devoted to whatever will see his line continue. Following the example of Bao Dan means that one often has to be merciless, in order to assure that the dynasty prospers.

A peculiarity of this order, and others like it, is that they have no concern for politics outside of their own city/state. Individual monks have been called upon to act in other city/states and kingdoms across Erenth. When they are hired to do so, they follow three strictures:

A monk will only practice the dark arts under the auspices of a recognized Grandmaster.

A monk will never identify one who is working the dark arts. 

A monk will not prevent one who is working the dark arts.

The Monks of Eastrun

Monastic aesthetes, the priests of Eastrun are known for their dedication to law and discipline. They live a life dedicated to the acquisition of wisdom. In most cases, that life is lived almost entirely behind the walls of their temples.

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

Temple of the Moon's Shadow

Temple of the Northern Frost

Chiro
Temple of the Rising Tide

Temple of the Raging Winter
Temple of the Stone Fist

Miyabe
Temple of the Falling Wave

Temple of the Whispering Wind
Temple of Setting Sun

The Monks Way

I accept everything as it is. I commit myself fully in all things. I am detached from desire. I am not sad by separation. I neither resent nor grasp. I prefer nothing. I am indifferent to my estate. I fear disharmony more than death. I will seek to abandon my body before my sacred honor. I will remain faithful to the Way of Order.

Temples of Eastrun

The Temples of Eastrun are home to monastic orders of warrior priests. These Temples were originally located in high, remote places behind imposing walls. As society has come to place greater and greater esteem on the priests themselves, and as their learned masters have proliferated, their locations have slowly become increasingly urban.

Those that are located in one metropolis or another are set in multi-story buildings with entrances near the top and accessible only by long stairs. This architectural design calls to mind an artificial mountain in the middle of a bustling and decidedly populous area.