Greetings!

In my Thandor world, monasteries are very important locations and institutions. Both the Western and Eastern types--with both monastery traditions having extensive histories, theology, and social and cultural influence. I have detailed formal ranks, titles and duties for typical members and staff, as well as some standardized layouts and floorplans for several kinds of monasteries, from more humble centers of learning, charity, and industry, to highly fortified monasteries, as well as rich and beautifully decorated centers of theology and philosophy.

How do you portray monasteries in your campaigns? Do you have well-detailed histories and theologies for them? What kind of social and cultural influences do the monasteries in your campaigns have? Have you developed extensive modules that feature monasteries in your campaigns? How have your players become involved with these monasteries?

Have the priests and monks of your monasteries become involved in politics and warfare? I think it is especially interesting that the Sohei of Imperial Shogunate Japan developed long-standing military traditions and highly trained forces of warrior-monks. In a similar manner, of course, historically in India there were different monastic traditions, whether Buddhist, Jainist, or Hindu--of which such monasteries were often social and religious rivals in those lands. In the West, there were Dominican monasteries and Franciscan monasteries, each with competing or distinctly different theological emphasis, as well as organization amongst other details. There were the Knight Templars as well, famously of the Crusading period, which included warrior-monks and warrior-priests, besides Knight Templars and Soldiers.

I have found that having detailed, well-developed monasteries as well as a good framework for their religious theology, various details, and competing, or distinctions from other monastic traditions to add a great deal of scope, flavour, and depth to the campaign. There are numerous adventure opportunities and dramatic struggles that can develop as well, having a significant impact not only on the local area, but the campaign as a whole.

Semper Fidelis,

SHARK

Honestly, unless I have a Christian analogue in my setting I steer clear of Monasteries.

They're a very Christian institution and the term as applied to Buddist is basically a misattribution to what would more properly be either temples or seasonal lodging (Buddist religious spent most their time traveling from village to village; the "monasteries" were only there to serve as temporary housing when the monsoon season made travel too difficult... they were not the full time retreats from the material world that Christian monasteries were).

Outside of Christianity religion was a much a civic duty as anything and while certain people were "set aside" as particularly holy (ex. Vestal Virgins, Jewish Priests) they still played a very public role in performing religious ceremonies for the people.

The idea of a whole class of people setting themselves apart to privately commune with their God full-time was just alien to most religions. Those were the weirdos who lived in caves and ate bugs and the like. The idea of actually supporting people whose only occupation was to pray ceaselessly in private to a divine power was just not something many religions were equipped for (indeed, most religious outside Christianity were also part of the aristocracy of their society... which even filtered into Christianity once it became accepted by Rome... clergy being a good way to set up second sons who'd otherwise have little, if any, inheritance).

So the result is that monasteries just aren't things in most of my games (the monotheistic faith in my primary campaign is still in the frowned upon/persecuted stage so even a temple is unusual; gathering in private homes or outdoors is where you'll mostly find them).

Monks in the D&D class sense are specialist fighters with a bit of subtle body magics taught by their mentors.

They do make great places to loot and can start a whole chain of events to drive play.

Quote from: Greentongue on December 27, 2020, 12:37:27 PM
They do make great places to loot and can start a whole chain of events to drive play.

Greetings!

That's right, my friend! Rich monasteries can have all kinds of interesting treasures and booty in them! The Vikings loved plundering Christian monasteries--and Muslims also enjoyed plundering wealthy, luxurious Hindu monasteries in India!

Semper Fidelis,

SHARK

Maybe I haven't been looking in the right place but I don't see stories about the recovery of these looted objects.

Counter raids against the Vikings and or Muslims?