Warning
This page contains minor spoilers that are not hidden from view. Keep reading only if you or your character is supposed to know this. For spoiler-free information related to the subject, see Monks of Eldath.
Description
The Monastery of Eldath, home of the Monks of Eldath, is located west of Proskur, in the Sunset Mountains. It is dedicated to the teachings of Eldath, goddess of peace. It harbours the Tree of Enlightenment, which draws its power from the Fountain of Life. It was built deep in the mountains, in order to allow for seclusion and safety from potential attackers. Its precise location is only known to its members, as well as a few merchants that occasionally trade food and supplies with the monastery.
The leader of the monastery has always been known simply as the ‘Master’. Since the founder of the order is referred to as the ‘First Master’, the ones following him have inherited the prefix. The current Master is known as the ‘Fourteenth Master’.
History
The monastery was built centuries ago, in the year 837 DR, as an offering to Eldath. The First Master dedicated his life to the goddess, and built the monastery to better worship her. Touched, the goddess shed a tear which formed the Fountain of Life; And ordered the master to place a seed in it, which in turn grew into the Tree of Enlightenment.
DM Note
While the story taught to the monks is technically true, it is missing a crucial part: The First Master was actually Myrtis, who built the Monastery as a place to do her research, before she became a lich.
Layout
The monastery was built deep in the Sunset Mountains, and part of it has even been dug into the mountain. It is comprised of 4 sections: The central courtyard, the west wing, the east wing, and the inner sanctum, the latter of which resides within the mountain.
Central Courtyard
The courtyard is a large, square area right behind the main gate, where monks would practice fighting, meditate, and relax. It has a partially open roof allowing for sunlight to reach. From here 3 paths lead further into the monastery.
West Wing
The west wing, aside from a few storage rooms, is comprised of the monks’ sleeping quarters. Each monk shares a room with another, starting from childhood. This fosters a sense of community and brotherhood.
The rooms are simple, but not poor. The monks own a few personal possessions, and are allowed to decorate their rooms with whatever they make or find.
East Wing
The east wing is a place of knowledge and work. It is where the various classrooms, training rooms, and workshops are located.
Inner Sanctum
The inner sanctum is where the monastery’s most important secrets are kept. It is only accessible to fully-fledged disciples of Eldath, that have completed both their spiritual and physical training. Only a handful of monks were ever able to witness its secrets.
It is comprised of a single, massive circular room, carved into the mountainside. Its walls are lined with bookshelves filled with ancient tomes. The roof is dome-shaped, with only a small hole at the apex to allow for a ray of sunlight to hit the monastery’s most sacred asset: The Tree of Enlightenment. It grows in the centre of the room, rising about 3 meters tall from a circular pool filled with crystal-clear water, the Fountain of Life.
At the back of the room, in between the bookshelves, sits a small, unassuming door. This door has always been closed, and except for the Masters, a strong illusion spell prevents anyone from being able to see it.
DM Note
The door hides behind it an entrance to the Underdark. It was built, sealed, and hidden by Myrtis. Some Masters are able to perceive it as the charm placed on it has weakened over the centuries, yet no one dares approach it. See Past life for more information.
Notable Events
The Monastery’s Destruction
Gallery
View of the monastery from outside
View of the Inner Sanctum