Monk Character Handbook
The Simple Approach Edition November 2024
Step into the disciplined world of the Monk Character Handbook, where your fantasy roleplaying gets a serious upgrade. This isn't another handbook full of mindless fighting moves and stale tropes. No, this is a deep dive into the life, philosophy, and mind of a character who thrives on precision, balance, and an unwavering dedication to their personal code. Think beyond the tired cliches and martial arts tropes. Here, monks aren’t the “hit hard, think later” types, they’re the living embodiment of wisdom, grit, and relentless pursuit of perfection.
You want story-focused? You got it. The handbook is built for those who love deep narratives and complex character arcs, where every decision isn’t a move on a board but a step on a path toward enlightenment, or corruption, if that’s how your dice roll. This isn’t some power fantasy where your monk punches dragons for breakfast; this is about who they become in the process. Who’s guiding them? What old master’s lessons ring in their ears when they stand on the cliff's edge between right and wrong?
And let’s talk versatility. This sourcebook is system-agnostic, meaning it doesn’t matter if you’re loyal to a particular set of rules or prefer to brew your own. It’s designed to slip into any fantasy setting seamlessly. Whether your monk has taken a vow of silence or happens to be the loudest person in the monastery, you’ll find tools to flesh out quirks, fears, and motivations. It’s not about fitting into a class or conforming to a type; it’s about creating a character that’s all yours.
Monks are more than bare-fisted warriors. The book shines a light on their journey, both internal and external. Picture a tense moment where your monk decides whether to stay true to their oath or compromise for the greater good. What will they choose? This handbook hands you the keys to make that moment count, turning a simple decision into a story your table won’t forget anytime soon.
What sets this book apart isn’t the details, it’s how those details are meant to be shared. The real power of Monk Character Handbook lies in collaboration. Whether you're the gamemaster or a player, it gives you the tools to shape sessions that crackle with creativity. The handbook prompts discussions, breathes life into your backstory, and lets your monk shine in ways you haven’t considered. It’s not about how many times they can hit something before it stops moving; it’s about how they handle what comes next.
Perfect for fans of any fantasy roleplaying who want to add a new twist to the familiar, this Handbook is your ticket to deepening the drama, raising the stakes, and crafting tales that resonate well past the last dice roll. Whether you’re playing a steadfast warrior on a path of redemption or a conflicted soul teetering between shadow and light, this handbook gives you the means to make your mark. Grab it, roll it out, and watch your monk transform from a character sheet into a legend.
A Universal Sourcebook
An earlier edition of this book was originally created as a system-agnostic toolkit, and retails that function in this edition. However, it’s now fully compliant with The Simple Approach and games using that system and philosophy, including The Foragers Guild. You don’t need it to play one of our games to use this material, so feel free to throw its elements into any other roleplaying system your choice.
If you’re looking to use it with a different roleplaying system, don’t worry. For advice on translating material between systems, grab the Lightspress Handbook,available wherever you found this book.
Navigating This Book
Here’s a breakdown of the tools and resources you’ll find inside these pages:
Background: You get more than just a summary of how Monks fit into a setting. This section digs into the essence of what it means to be a Monk and why they’re so captivating for players and storytellers alike. It’s all about showing how this character type can transcend the cliché and become the moral compass, the conflicted anti-hero, or even the enigmatic wildcard in your group.
Traits: What sets a Monk apart from other character types? This section highlights key abilities and skills that define them, from their unique combat maneuvers to their mystical capabilities. Use these traits as-is or twist them to create something that feels uniquely yours. Think of it as a launchpad for shaping a Monk that reflects your story and setting.
Resources: Monks don’t just fight with their fists; they come with a network and a toolkit. In this part, you’ll find details on the kinds of resources a Monk would reasonably have access to, specialized equipment, wise mentors, rare herbs, sacred scrolls, and connections that could tip the balance during a campaign. These aren’t just props; they’re storytelling devices that give your Monk character depth and dimension.
Variants: Not all Monks are cut from the same cloth. Here, you’ll find intriguing takes on the classic archetype that open up new roleplaying opportunities. Whether it’s a shadowy Monastic Assassin or a jovial Monk of the Laughing Path, these variations showcase the versatility of the Monk in different narratives and help you design versions that fit seamlessly into any setting.
Worldbuilding: For a Monk to exist in your world, you need a backdrop that supports them. This section provides ideas on what your setting should include to make a Monk believable. From secluded monasteries and mystic dojos to urban temples hidden in plain sight, learn what needs to be present in your world and what this implies about culture, religion, and philosophy in your story.
Factions: Who does a Monk answer to? Who opposes them? This section offers examples of different groups and organizations that a Monk might align with or come into conflict with. These can range from peaceful monastic orders to clandestine brotherhoods, adding deep social dynamics to your storytelling.
Adventures: A Monk’s journey isn’t like that of other characters. This section is packed with advice on crafting adventures that make sense for a Monk’s skill set, goals, and moral dilemmas. Explore the types of stories that allow Monks to shine and how to frame them against the backdrop of your campaign’s greater plot.
Artifacts & Relics: No Monk handbook would be complete without a collection of arcane, sacred, and culturally significant items. From enchanted staves and amulets that amplify their mystical focus to relics tied to their spiritual journey, this section offers narrative and mechanical inspiration to add stakes to your Monk's quests.
Creatures of the Way: Monks don’t just interact with other people; they face creatures that test their mettle. This part examines how Monks might engage with the wide array of creatures common to a fantasy setting, detailing how their unique skills and philosophies affect these interactions. Are they taming beasts, neutralizing threats, or confronting spiritual entities? This section gives you ideas to chew on.
Reference: Need a quick fix? This handy section includes stock supporting characters, ready-made factions, and gear you can plug into your sessions. You’ll also find notes on how to adapt the content to fit the system you’re playing, a glossary of commonly used terms, and a bibliography of resources that informed the creation of this book. Whether you're building a Monk from scratch or need to drop one into a session tonight, you'll find it here.
196 pages. PDF and epub files included.
The Simple Approach Edition November 2024
Step into the disciplined world of the Monk Character Handbook, where your fantasy roleplaying gets a serious upgrade. This isn't another handbook full of mindless fighting moves and stale tropes. No, this is a deep dive into the life, philosophy, and mind of a character who thrives on precision, balance, and an unwavering dedication to their personal code. Think beyond the tired cliches and martial arts tropes. Here, monks aren’t the “hit hard, think later” types, they’re the living embodiment of wisdom, grit, and relentless pursuit of perfection.
You want story-focused? You got it. The handbook is built for those who love deep narratives and complex character arcs, where every decision isn’t a move on a board but a step on a path toward enlightenment, or corruption, if that’s how your dice roll. This isn’t some power fantasy where your monk punches dragons for breakfast; this is about who they become in the process. Who’s guiding them? What old master’s lessons ring in their ears when they stand on the cliff's edge between right and wrong?
And let’s talk versatility. This sourcebook is system-agnostic, meaning it doesn’t matter if you’re loyal to a particular set of rules or prefer to brew your own. It’s designed to slip into any fantasy setting seamlessly. Whether your monk has taken a vow of silence or happens to be the loudest person in the monastery, you’ll find tools to flesh out quirks, fears, and motivations. It’s not about fitting into a class or conforming to a type; it’s about creating a character that’s all yours.
Monks are more than bare-fisted warriors. The book shines a light on their journey, both internal and external. Picture a tense moment where your monk decides whether to stay true to their oath or compromise for the greater good. What will they choose? This handbook hands you the keys to make that moment count, turning a simple decision into a story your table won’t forget anytime soon.
What sets this book apart isn’t the details, it’s how those details are meant to be shared. The real power of Monk Character Handbook lies in collaboration. Whether you're the gamemaster or a player, it gives you the tools to shape sessions that crackle with creativity. The handbook prompts discussions, breathes life into your backstory, and lets your monk shine in ways you haven’t considered. It’s not about how many times they can hit something before it stops moving; it’s about how they handle what comes next.
Perfect for fans of any fantasy roleplaying who want to add a new twist to the familiar, this Handbook is your ticket to deepening the drama, raising the stakes, and crafting tales that resonate well past the last dice roll. Whether you’re playing a steadfast warrior on a path of redemption or a conflicted soul teetering between shadow and light, this handbook gives you the means to make your mark. Grab it, roll it out, and watch your monk transform from a character sheet into a legend.
A Universal Sourcebook
An earlier edition of this book was originally created as a system-agnostic toolkit, and retails that function in this edition. However, it’s now fully compliant with The Simple Approach and games using that system and philosophy, including The Foragers Guild. You don’t need it to play one of our games to use this material, so feel free to throw its elements into any other roleplaying system your choice.
If you’re looking to use it with a different roleplaying system, don’t worry. For advice on translating material between systems, grab the Lightspress Handbook,available wherever you found this book.
Navigating This Book
Here’s a breakdown of the tools and resources you’ll find inside these pages:
Background: You get more than just a summary of how Monks fit into a setting. This section digs into the essence of what it means to be a Monk and why they’re so captivating for players and storytellers alike. It’s all about showing how this character type can transcend the cliché and become the moral compass, the conflicted anti-hero, or even the enigmatic wildcard in your group.
Traits: What sets a Monk apart from other character types? This section highlights key abilities and skills that define them, from their unique combat maneuvers to their mystical capabilities. Use these traits as-is or twist them to create something that feels uniquely yours. Think of it as a launchpad for shaping a Monk that reflects your story and setting.
Resources: Monks don’t just fight with their fists; they come with a network and a toolkit. In this part, you’ll find details on the kinds of resources a Monk would reasonably have access to, specialized equipment, wise mentors, rare herbs, sacred scrolls, and connections that could tip the balance during a campaign. These aren’t just props; they’re storytelling devices that give your Monk character depth and dimension.
Variants: Not all Monks are cut from the same cloth. Here, you’ll find intriguing takes on the classic archetype that open up new roleplaying opportunities. Whether it’s a shadowy Monastic Assassin or a jovial Monk of the Laughing Path, these variations showcase the versatility of the Monk in different narratives and help you design versions that fit seamlessly into any setting.
Worldbuilding: For a Monk to exist in your world, you need a backdrop that supports them. This section provides ideas on what your setting should include to make a Monk believable. From secluded monasteries and mystic dojos to urban temples hidden in plain sight, learn what needs to be present in your world and what this implies about culture, religion, and philosophy in your story.
Factions: Who does a Monk answer to? Who opposes them? This section offers examples of different groups and organizations that a Monk might align with or come into conflict with. These can range from peaceful monastic orders to clandestine brotherhoods, adding deep social dynamics to your storytelling.
Adventures: A Monk’s journey isn’t like that of other characters. This section is packed with advice on crafting adventures that make sense for a Monk’s skill set, goals, and moral dilemmas. Explore the types of stories that allow Monks to shine and how to frame them against the backdrop of your campaign’s greater plot.
Artifacts & Relics: No Monk handbook would be complete without a collection of arcane, sacred, and culturally significant items. From enchanted staves and amulets that amplify their mystical focus to relics tied to their spiritual journey, this section offers narrative and mechanical inspiration to add stakes to your Monk's quests.
Creatures of the Way: Monks don’t just interact with other people; they face creatures that test their mettle. This part examines how Monks might engage with the wide array of creatures common to a fantasy setting, detailing how their unique skills and philosophies affect these interactions. Are they taming beasts, neutralizing threats, or confronting spiritual entities? This section gives you ideas to chew on.
Reference: Need a quick fix? This handy section includes stock supporting characters, ready-made factions, and gear you can plug into your sessions. You’ll also find notes on how to adapt the content to fit the system you’re playing, a glossary of commonly used terms, and a bibliography of resources that informed the creation of this book. Whether you're building a Monk from scratch or need to drop one into a session tonight, you'll find it here.
196 pages. PDF and epub files included.
The Simple Approach Edition November 2024
Step into the disciplined world of the Monk Character Handbook, where your fantasy roleplaying gets a serious upgrade. This isn't another handbook full of mindless fighting moves and stale tropes. No, this is a deep dive into the life, philosophy, and mind of a character who thrives on precision, balance, and an unwavering dedication to their personal code. Think beyond the tired cliches and martial arts tropes. Here, monks aren’t the “hit hard, think later” types, they’re the living embodiment of wisdom, grit, and relentless pursuit of perfection.
You want story-focused? You got it. The handbook is built for those who love deep narratives and complex character arcs, where every decision isn’t a move on a board but a step on a path toward enlightenment, or corruption, if that’s how your dice roll. This isn’t some power fantasy where your monk punches dragons for breakfast; this is about who they become in the process. Who’s guiding them? What old master’s lessons ring in their ears when they stand on the cliff's edge between right and wrong?
And let’s talk versatility. This sourcebook is system-agnostic, meaning it doesn’t matter if you’re loyal to a particular set of rules or prefer to brew your own. It’s designed to slip into any fantasy setting seamlessly. Whether your monk has taken a vow of silence or happens to be the loudest person in the monastery, you’ll find tools to flesh out quirks, fears, and motivations. It’s not about fitting into a class or conforming to a type; it’s about creating a character that’s all yours.
Monks are more than bare-fisted warriors. The book shines a light on their journey, both internal and external. Picture a tense moment where your monk decides whether to stay true to their oath or compromise for the greater good. What will they choose? This handbook hands you the keys to make that moment count, turning a simple decision into a story your table won’t forget anytime soon.
What sets this book apart isn’t the details, it’s how those details are meant to be shared. The real power of Monk Character Handbook lies in collaboration. Whether you're the gamemaster or a player, it gives you the tools to shape sessions that crackle with creativity. The handbook prompts discussions, breathes life into your backstory, and lets your monk shine in ways you haven’t considered. It’s not about how many times they can hit something before it stops moving; it’s about how they handle what comes next.
Perfect for fans of any fantasy roleplaying who want to add a new twist to the familiar, this Handbook is your ticket to deepening the drama, raising the stakes, and crafting tales that resonate well past the last dice roll. Whether you’re playing a steadfast warrior on a path of redemption or a conflicted soul teetering between shadow and light, this handbook gives you the means to make your mark. Grab it, roll it out, and watch your monk transform from a character sheet into a legend.
A Universal Sourcebook
An earlier edition of this book was originally created as a system-agnostic toolkit, and retails that function in this edition. However, it’s now fully compliant with The Simple Approach and games using that system and philosophy, including The Foragers Guild. You don’t need it to play one of our games to use this material, so feel free to throw its elements into any other roleplaying system your choice.
If you’re looking to use it with a different roleplaying system, don’t worry. For advice on translating material between systems, grab the Lightspress Handbook,available wherever you found this book.
Navigating This Book
Here’s a breakdown of the tools and resources you’ll find inside these pages:
Background: You get more than just a summary of how Monks fit into a setting. This section digs into the essence of what it means to be a Monk and why they’re so captivating for players and storytellers alike. It’s all about showing how this character type can transcend the cliché and become the moral compass, the conflicted anti-hero, or even the enigmatic wildcard in your group.
Traits: What sets a Monk apart from other character types? This section highlights key abilities and skills that define them, from their unique combat maneuvers to their mystical capabilities. Use these traits as-is or twist them to create something that feels uniquely yours. Think of it as a launchpad for shaping a Monk that reflects your story and setting.
Resources: Monks don’t just fight with their fists; they come with a network and a toolkit. In this part, you’ll find details on the kinds of resources a Monk would reasonably have access to, specialized equipment, wise mentors, rare herbs, sacred scrolls, and connections that could tip the balance during a campaign. These aren’t just props; they’re storytelling devices that give your Monk character depth and dimension.
Variants: Not all Monks are cut from the same cloth. Here, you’ll find intriguing takes on the classic archetype that open up new roleplaying opportunities. Whether it’s a shadowy Monastic Assassin or a jovial Monk of the Laughing Path, these variations showcase the versatility of the Monk in different narratives and help you design versions that fit seamlessly into any setting.
Worldbuilding: For a Monk to exist in your world, you need a backdrop that supports them. This section provides ideas on what your setting should include to make a Monk believable. From secluded monasteries and mystic dojos to urban temples hidden in plain sight, learn what needs to be present in your world and what this implies about culture, religion, and philosophy in your story.
Factions: Who does a Monk answer to? Who opposes them? This section offers examples of different groups and organizations that a Monk might align with or come into conflict with. These can range from peaceful monastic orders to clandestine brotherhoods, adding deep social dynamics to your storytelling.
Adventures: A Monk’s journey isn’t like that of other characters. This section is packed with advice on crafting adventures that make sense for a Monk’s skill set, goals, and moral dilemmas. Explore the types of stories that allow Monks to shine and how to frame them against the backdrop of your campaign’s greater plot.
Artifacts & Relics: No Monk handbook would be complete without a collection of arcane, sacred, and culturally significant items. From enchanted staves and amulets that amplify their mystical focus to relics tied to their spiritual journey, this section offers narrative and mechanical inspiration to add stakes to your Monk's quests.
Creatures of the Way: Monks don’t just interact with other people; they face creatures that test their mettle. This part examines how Monks might engage with the wide array of creatures common to a fantasy setting, detailing how their unique skills and philosophies affect these interactions. Are they taming beasts, neutralizing threats, or confronting spiritual entities? This section gives you ideas to chew on.
Reference: Need a quick fix? This handy section includes stock supporting characters, ready-made factions, and gear you can plug into your sessions. You’ll also find notes on how to adapt the content to fit the system you’re playing, a glossary of commonly used terms, and a bibliography of resources that informed the creation of this book. Whether you're building a Monk from scratch or need to drop one into a session tonight, you'll find it here.
196 pages. PDF and epub files included.