Order of the Fist

The Order of the Fist is a monastic order dedicated to upholding the tenets of Kord. The monks are committed to a life of strict training, diet, and exercise in order to achieve peak physical perfection, with a focus on strength and athleticism. The Order's monasteries are scattered all across Astoria, and usually coincide with a location of The Fist Accord. In addition to offering training and guidance to those who seek it, each monastery also maintains a temple to Kord, where the monks practice meditation and more such traditional worship with those who prefer it. Each monastery is led by a Stormreader, chosen by the monks of that temple to lead them in their pursuits. The most senior of all Stormreaders across Astoria takes on the role of Thunderlord, remaining with their monastery, but accepting the responsibility of overseeing the entirety of the Order of the Fist.

Structure

Each monastery is led by a Stormreader, the physical and spiritual leader of that particular monastery and the individual responsible for all the daily goings-on of both the monastery and the Temple of Kord. Each Stormreader is chosen by the current Thunderlord. The most senior of these Stormreaders automatically assumes the role and responsibilities of Thunderlord, becoming the overall leader of the Order of the Fist in Astoria. The Thunderlord not only directs the goals and aspirations of the Order of the Fist, but also sits as the highest judicial body in the Order, sitting in judgement on the crimes of any Stormreaders.

Culture

Life in the Order of the Fist is strict and structured, with the monks dedicating many hours to perfecting both their physical form and their mental constitution. Meditation, a regulated diet, and lots of exercise are all commonplace (and often required). Each monastery has its own regimen it follows to achieve these goals, usually based on the surrounding geographical and atmospherical features (altitude, climate, topography, etc.). While the pursuit of physical perfection is paramount, the monks also seek to perfect their mind and mental constitution. To that end, each monastery usually has sizable library, where the monks seek to absorb as much knowledge of the world around them as possible. The monks believe this, paired with experience is the true path to wisdom, and as such spend a few hours each day in quiet study or contemplation.

Public Agenda

The Order of the Fist oversees the members and daily activities of The Fist Accord, and each Order of the Fist monastery is usually has an Accord location close by. The monks of the Order offer the public spiritual guidance; physical, mental, and spiritual training; and often hold fighting tournaments involving feats of strength and athleticism to allow the public to blow off steam and prove their might. Participants who perform well in these tournaments may find themselves invited to join The Fist Accord.