Windstep Monks

About

The Windstep Temple is located high in the mountains towards the north of the lands. It's carved out of a mountainside, not quite easy to get to as treacherous pathways are the only ways to get there. Dedicated to the four winds, the monks in this temple strive for unlocking the wind within themselves. They learn from the howling winds passing through the mountains, and the birds are their icons. As birds have mastered become extensions of the wind itself. Anyone can go into service at the monastery. Many lost souls are either delivered, or they've wandered into the mountains to find purpose, safety, and a home. The Windstep Temple takes in those who wish to become a part of the community, but not all will be allowed to stay.

Noviciates are accepted into the community, where they will be trained in both group sessions and personal sessions with a Windstep Master. They will be taught in the windstep ways, but also are taught to be a helping hand, humble, and good to the world. When they're not training, they'll be helping out with cooking, foraging, laundry, etc. The mundane tasks to stay grounded, and close to oneself. But a time comes when the noviciates have learned the ways of a Windstep monk. That's when they actually have to become a Windstep Master. After years and years of consistent training, routine, and a rather humbling lifestyle, they are to spread their wings and dive into the world. Not without a purpose, however. The temple's highest spot is higher in the mountains. There are no ways to get there, as the wind is so strong that anyone would fall to their deaths. Only at the will of the Windguide, the highest-ranking Windstep Master, the wind will subside, and others are allowed to pass. The Windguide never leaves the top of the temple, and only interacts with the other monks at very specific moments: two ceremonies, the Descendance and the Ascendence. It is said that the Windguide is the closest material being to becoming a part of the wind, the true origins of their ways, and holds the secrets of the temple. When the mentor, a Windstep Master, deems a noviciate ready, the Descendance will take place. The Descendance is the ceremony in which the noviciate will take on a calling, and descend into the world. The calling is given by the wind, translated by the Windguide. The calling will depend on the noviciate, but a calling will always be given. If the noviciate completes their calling, they return to the temple. The Ascendence will take place, where the noviciate will become a true Windstep Master, a part of the wind itself. However, even when completed the calling, not every noviciate will pass the Ascendence. Even though the temple accepts all, not all will stay as those who fail to go through the Ascendence have already taken a different path in life (knowingly or unknowingly). Those who fail, are requested to follow their newly paved path (after a cup of tea and a good cry if they might so need it). Passing the Ascendence means becoming a true part of the Windstep temple. This can mean anything, and usually, the Windguide will help you along the way after passing. This could mean becoming a guide for noviciates, but it could also mean descending once again into the world, as your work might not be done just yet outside of the temple.