Qi Philosophy
Unlike traditional warriors, those who practice the Qi Philosophy are known for being ascetic and spiritually driven. In order to ensure their training is not disturbed, the masters of this Philosophy conduct their teachings in secret isolation, far from the temptations of civilization and culture. They prefer to build temples high in the mountains, or islands that are difficult to reach, so that only the most dedicated will seek out their knowledge. These masters of mind and body are known as Monks.
Perhaps unique to other adventuring professions, Monks hail predominantly from eastern lands. Due to the rigid and intense physical training required of a full fledged monk, there is little variation from monastery to monastery, although there are subtle differences that manifest based on the personality of each individual practitioner. Unlike ordinary combatants who focus on the mastery of attacking the physical, monks equally train to utilize both the natural world and the spiritual world in their techniques. This is done by manipulating QI, a form of energy personal to every living being. Most people never learn of this untapped source because it is trapped within the body, and is not reached by attempting to force one's own desires or muscles into achieving a goal.
The monk uses meditation, breathing, disciplined physical training meant to push their limits, a combination of inner peace and fiery will to draw forth Qi from their body. They release this energy in a variety of ways to aid in their struggles. They can manifest almost impossible changes, hardening their skin to be like steel, moving like the wind across an open battlefield, even projecting blasts of manifest spiritual energy into a foe. This training provides even the most inexperienced of monks with an arsenal of incredible strikes that can be delivered through the body with all the power and resilience of a crafted weapon. Every limb they posses can be used as a weapon, having mastered the art of unarmed striking early in their training. Combined with Qi, there fists, feet, knees, elbows and even heads can blow through a sword, axe or toothy maw with practiced ease. The monk is never unarmed, and rarely helpless.
Powers within the Qi Philosophy are called Forms
Qi Disciplines
The Qi Philosophy is divided into three different disciplines: Yin, Yang and Balance. Each Discipline makes use of Qi in subtle and different ways. The further a monk slips towards either Ying or Yang, the more discordant they become, and their abilities and personalities may become augmented by these changes, for better or worse.
Yin
Yin leads a practitioner of Qi Forms down the path of shadow, deception, cold, wisdom and spiritual growth. Monks who utilize powers learned from the Yin Discipline will more heavily channel their Qi to create extraordinary metaphysical effects. They will become more cunning and deceptive and battle, and prefer to redirect force and strike with Qi rather than rely on blunt force trauma. Yin provides spiritual form to all things. The combat Qi Forms found in the Yin Discipline emulate the sinister, deceptive and subtle attack methods of less confrontational predators. Their abilities are are also well suited to working in groups, hiding and slipping through defenses. They may utilize disease and necrotic elements to weaken their foe before moving in to finish them off. As a result their minds will be better acclimated against the deceit of others, and may often channel Qi to protect their minds from mental intrusions. A monk who has walked too far down the path of Yin may become less direct in their fighting, preferring to strike when they have the advantage, and look at honorable combat as a waste of time. They may also feign an appreciation for fighting by the rules only to lure an enemy into a poor position, striking the moment their guard is down.
Yang
Creativity, masculinity, warmth and providing physical form to all things is the province of Yang. A monk who wishes to utilize Yang will find themselves focusing on physical power, adaptability in combat, confidence, humor and learning to transcend physical limits. The combat Qi forms trained in Yang emulate the physical strength, high spirited and courageous aspects of animals. They allow special forms of movement when called upon that can be combined with cunning and traumatic strikes. A Monk who has gone too far towards Yang on his journey will prefer to face conflict directly, and seek to challenge any opponent that seems dangerous. They prefer honorable combat, but will fight fiercely until their opponent is beaten.
Balance
Harmony, self acceptance, open mindedness with power and technique in equal measure are among the traits found in a Monk who seeks balance.A true warrior is always at conflict with oneself, forever attempting to weigh their earthly tethers, strength and positivity against their spiritual growth, skill and negativity. The monk who seeks balance accepts this, and constantly struggles to maintain the tenuous balance between Yin and Yang while embroiled in outside conflict. Powers from the Balance Discipline focus on improvement of oneself, enhancing the body and mind in equal parts. It can even lend itself to work that requires focus, such as craft skills and extraordinary feats of athleticism. The combat Qi Forms found within Balance mimic animals with a straight forward approach to combat. They favor power, maneuverability, athleticism and deception. One who walks the path of Balance will find there is a little bit of each aspect within their discipline.