Monastic Order of Zephyr

Overview

The Lawful Good Order of the West Wind Lord, Zephyr, is well respected throughout the kingdoms with its monks being known as masters of every element of the Horse and its care.

Order Objectives and Pursuits

The order is dedicated to the guarding of and improvement of horse health and well-being in some way. Whether it is making roads safer for them to travel, training blacksmiths, or creating their own smithy to serve the horses, the monks are constantly busy.

They are most noted for their training of steeds to serve the Kingdoms better. This is a very common task - requiring monks to roam around adventuring to prepare their steed-in-training for the dangers of travel before trading the horse back to the monastery for another horse to train up.

Known Activities

To facilitate this they train extensively as blacksmiths, farriers, horse-merchants, horse breeders and even vets. A Zephyr is a welcome wind - they will be accepted into any farmhouse, barn or blacksmith store as honored guests - even the chaotic barbarian tribes will show honor to these monks so famed is their knowledge and care for the horses of the lands

Symbols and Signs

The Zephyrs use a winged-horseshoe as their symbol - and this is linked to the Famed Horseshoes of Zephyr that they are known to produce. These Horseshoes are only given to those who have earned them - see below.

The Order has a tattoo symbol of a Winged - Horseshoe that is placed somewhere on their body - monk's choice. The horseshoe starts without wings and a pair of feathers is added for each level gained, and each horse trained or saved by the individual monk.

Their Horseshoe tattoo also allows them to enter into any Atlantean town or city free of charge or inquiry.

Transorganisational Symbol

Some of the activities of the Zephyrs include interaction with Atlantean Forces - especially with their mounted military - so Cavalier and Paladin forces of Atlantis will show GREAT respect to all Zephyr Monks. Some have been known to be given honorary ranks, and it is standard for Atlantean Cavalry to 'dip their colors' in honor of the monks - even going so far as to form honor guards for them should the occasion warrant it. Any Zephyr Monk seeking assistance will be given instant reinforcement of any type by Atlantean Cavalry units.
The Zephyrs carry a triple air symbol that is sometimes carried and displayed in their monasteries and stables or farrier-points/blacksmithy for travelers as a sign of their standing. One Spiral is for the Zephyrs themselves, the second is for their brother order the Boreans and the last spiral is for the kingdom they are within at the time - normally Atlantis or the Kingdom of Kharazad. The Zephyrs will never set up in locations that endanger their mounts.

Bonus Non Weapon Proficiencies

All monks of the Order gain: Speak with Animals (Equines) Level 1
Animal Handling 1 Wisdom -1 Player's Handbook (pg. 56) PHB 56 NO COST
Animal Training 1 Wisdom 0 Player's Handbook (pg. 56) PHB 56 AT LEVEL 3 - NO COST
Blacksmithing 1 Strength 0 Player's Handbook (pg. 57) PHB 57NO COST
Riding, Land-based 1 Wisdom 3 Player's Handbook (pg. 62) PHB 62 AT LEVEL 3 - NO COST

The Monk must train in the following by 10th level:
Riding, Airborne 2 Wisdom -2 Player's Handbook (pg. 62) PHB 62

Founding Document

The Zephyrs were established after the Boreans - and their focus is very similar but far more focused on the animals of burden that have led civilisation to achieve so much. The Zephyrs consider the power of the horse to be the corner stone of civilised expansion.

As such they seek to promote the welfare and improvement of horse-kind throughout the kingdoms.

The Zephyrs use the Regula Magistri Zephyrys as their founding document - it is based off the founding rule of the Boreans.