How do a cleric and monk know each other?

hong · Feb 8, 2004

tarchon said:
Often in a biblical sense, even.

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Trainz · Feb 8, 2004

IRL, medieval times, monk monasteries and clergy were often part of the same organization.

It's important to note however that the D&D monk is NOT a european type monk. It's more akin to the Shaolin and buddhist monks (chinese), which were very recluse.

A D&D monk monastery and a D&D cleric temple would have little to no reasons to associate because of their class, unless they worship the same god, which is another thing altogether.

Ferox4 · Feb 8, 2004

Think of it from an economic stance. The monks provide a service for the church, or for the church to exploit. Perhaps the monastery produces the finest wine in the region (holy wine, no less) and the church gets it at a premium or even distributes it throughout the region as a way to generate more $.

Gez · Feb 8, 2004

Both structures could be the same. The monks are the faith's holy warriors and protectors; while the clerics are the holy men -- or the reverse.

Just because D&D monks looks like Shaolin monks don't mean they have to behave the same way. They can be militant rather than recluse.

kamosa · Feb 9, 2004

Churches have many different functions

In the D&D world we tend to think of priests and temples as being isolated entities. IE. One temple stands on its own, or perhaps a series of temples in different towns all worship the same god.

However, religions often have a variety of functions and organizations that comprise the whole of their scope. For example, look at the difference between Catholic monastaries and temples. One hosted the true believers and served as guardians of ancient knowledge, the other served as a base of operations to reach out to the people and to co-ordinate the common mans worshiping.

In your world the monks could be a recluse off shoot of the main religion. Either isolated to prevent access and allow the monks to study in peace, or perhaps a secret society (like the Knights of Malta) that serves a deep secret purpose within the religion.