Monk
Unarmed martial artist of disciplined body and mind, patron Quellious.
- Type
- Class
- Attested in
- EQ1EQ2
- Sources
- 50 texts
Overview
Drawn from The Swifttail Caste Fists and Tails — in-game book.EQ1Primary · official · best available source
The Swifttail Caste Fists and Tails of Cabilis It was at the dawning of the Sebilisian Empire that the art of fist and tail was forged. In the beginning the pugilists of the great tribes were nothing more than warriors without weapons. Soon we would be forged into weapons. Grandmaster Tynn was the father of our disciplines. He came to the empire from an unknown tribe. Some say he was a ronin who wandered the worlds of Norrath where he formed the basis of our discipline. He entered the city of Sebilis with no rebirth. He entered to form a caste which did not exist.
He was quickly challenged by the warlords. He spoke his words and they did not listen. He knew the only way to make them understand was to challenge their finest in The Gauntlet. He called for four of the finest warlords and allowed them arms. The warlords agreed thinking his challenge an easy task.
Grandmaster Tynn quickly dispatched the warlords with nothing more than fist and tail. He fought in a way never displayed. His victory earned him much respect and Emperor Sathir soon commanded him to form the Court of Pain and raise an army of monks. Tynn formed the Swifttail Caste. Soon the way of fist and tail had hundreds in its ranks, climbing the rungs. Tynn showed them they were not warriors, but monks. They would don shackles as testament to the Age of Snake when the Iksar were a race enslaved. Inner strength and harmony were taught. The Swifttail were born. The Swifttail were disbanded during the End Days. It was not till the rise of the new empire under Emperor Vekin that the caste reformed. Grandmaster Glox, a former disciple of Tynn, came to New Sebilis to rebuild the Court of Pain. In honor of Tynn, all masters now drape themselves in a robe like he wore.
Overview
Drawn from The Monastery of the Lost Circle — in-game book.EQ2Primary · mirrored · best available source
The Monastery of the Lost Circle by Brother Nusad, Clan Historian
Tsaph Katta, Imperator of the Combine, knew of Zan Fi's reputation and skill. After hearing how mighty the Whistling Fists Clan was becoming, the Imperator sought to compel Zan Fi to become a part of his army. Our wise master could see the corruption that flowed through the troubled empire, however, and declined to offer his support. Though Katta was infuriated by this refusal, he was beset on too many fronts to attempt to force Zan Fi into his service.
As the Combine Empire crumbled and some of its members left for the distant moon of Luclin, the wise Zan Fi knew that Norrath was facing a time of turmoil. He and his followers traveled the lands, setting an example of order and discipline that was sorely needed in the wake of the Combine Empire's collapse. Wherever he went, Zan Fi seemed to inspire new followers.
Some merely sought to apply the master's lessons to their daily lives, overcoming chaos in an uncertain world. Others attempted to emulate his ways by establighing new monk orders, linked in spirit to the Whistling Fists Clan. One such group was the Ashen Order, which was devoted to the path of Tranquility and the goddess Quellious. The Silent Fist Clan, which followed no specific deity, established itself within the walls of Qeynos. Even the iksar, who normally hated "softskin" outsiders, were in awe of Zan Fi's talents and were inspired to found the Swifttail Caste. Though he was willing to act as a teacher for all these monks, he shared his Whistling Fists style only with his most trusted students.
Many of the nation states that arose after the fall of the Combine offered to make a home for the Whistling Fists Clan, but Zan Fi was wary of pledging his allegiance to any single kingdom. Knowledge and wisdom, he said, were not meant to be confined to a single nation or people. Instead, he set sail for a distant land where his followers could concentrate on their studies and practice their disciplines. It is said that Zan Fi was granted a vision of a serene island where he was to build a grand tower. He followed no map, but rather listened to a mysterious song that seemed to be guiding his journey.
When his ship caught sight of the tranquil shores of Mara, Zan Fi knew he had found the island in his vision. The monks established their monastery, centered around the Tower of the Four Winds.
Official Lore
22Collected official lore pieces, from in-game and out — the 22 strongest of 29 listed.
Wu3
the orcs struck without warning, and only by skill did I manage to escape. With no hope of returning to our temple, I hide in this empty camp and devise new methods of making stronger uniforms. Maybe one day our improved garb will save a Brother's life. The silk from the giant spiders has proven to be stronger and lighter than I had dreamed.
Read the full sourcemkcfbk
slowly first, then increased his speed, striking very close to vital areas, showing his student he was serious this time and it was no exercise. Vorash was quick to pick up on the old man's intent and began fighting back in earnest. Vorash's strength then became immense as his ferocity raged like a storm across Cordan. Master soon realized he was now fighting
Read the full sourcemkuqimm2
We are taught to keep in the gray and to avoid extremes. The 5 flavors dull the taste and the 5 colors ruin our sight. Some ask how can this be. How can one know the gray if black and white is not experienced? This is a philosophy of the Celestial Fists. They pursue the extreme of power so as better to understand emptiness. So they say.
Read the full sourceThe Monastery of the Lost Circle
The Monastery of the Lost Circle by Brother Nusad, Clan Historian Tsaph Katta, Imperator of the Combine, knew of Zan Fi's reputation and skill. After hearing how mighty the Whistling Fists Clan was becoming, the Imperator sought to compel Zan Fi to become a part of his army.
Read the full sourceThe Founding of the Whistling Fists Clan
The Founding of the Whistling Fists Clan by Brother Nusad, Clan Historian In the days when the Combine Empire ruled over much of Norrath, there arose a mighty warrior named Zan Fi. Little is known of his past, for despite all his talents, Zan Fi was extraordinarily humble and spoke few words about his life.
Read the full sourceTranquility
To quest is to quest for knowledge. Our wisdom reaches far, and our knowledge is great for the inner peace that we have obtained supercedes wealth and power. What is power but a foolish facade that will blind even the most righteous of men? By understanding thyself, and thy neighbor, you understand the tranquility that is offered to all who but seek it.
Read the full sourceShow 16 more →
The Tale of Brother Zephyl
The Tale of Brother Zephyl by Brother Nusad, Clan Historian Among the many members of the Whistling Fists Clan who safeguarded the lands of Norrath over the centuries since its founding, one of the most renowned was Brother Zephyl.
Read the full sourceThe Tale of Brother Qwinn
The Tale of Brother Qwinn by Brother Nusad, Clan Historian Another member of the Whistling Fists Clan who became known to outsiders during the Age of Turmoil was the brave and just Brother Qwinn. He traveled the lands in search of the Code of the Whistling Fists, a tome that was taken from him during his journeys.
Read the full sourceMonk Epic Quest
You say, 'Hail Tomekeeper Danl' Tomekeeper Danl says 'Good day, citizen. Please remember to keep your voice down in our library. Feel free to browse the extensive collection of books we have on display. Learning is all about you and our library is the greatest collection of educational literature in the world, as you can no doubt see.
Read the full sourceObligation and Duty
Obligation and Duty by Zan Fi I write this tome as my twilight years fall upon me. There is much I have seen in my life, both good and ill. Chief among the lessons I have learned is that there must be balance in all things. The greatest joy would mean nothing unless we have also known the deepest sorrow.
Read the full sourceEverQuest Manual — Monk
Monk The Monk is dedicated to honing his body into a pure weapon, shunning most weapons and forms of armor. She's very religious as well, and the gods are known to bless Monks by magically enhancing their attacks.
Read the full sourceStrength
If you understand this, then you are truly worthy. Ton Po Grandmaster of the Ashen Order
Read the full sourceCaptain Vizk Irontail
Master of the Sea 370 A.G. Vizk, student of the 5th Rung, becomes the youngest Iksar monk to attain the title of Tynn Master. He takes his place among the masters of the Court of Pain. 371 A.G. Master Visk becomes the only Iksar monk to be promoted to the rank of Captain within the Iksar Navy. He is promoted by the great Emperor Rile.
Read the full sourceCreation of the Swifttails
…Cazic-Thule seeing this amazing skill in battle decided that it should be instilled into broodlings of his great race. He took the essence of Zan Fi and placed it into an Iksar. Tynn was the product of this creation. Cazic-Thule granted Tynn one great gift, the gift of the Whistling Fists. He did this to mock Zan Fi and his failure in battle.
Read the full sourceThe Forbidden Pages
…Nothing is known of this legendary iksar prior to his emergence from the jungles of the northeast Kunark only five years after the great Venril Sathir had united our tribes. He came with a superior knowledge of the combat arts and filled with a strange calm that came from the complete balance of body, mind, and spirit.
Read the full sourceMy dear friends,
…Many of you, seeking to join me in the path of the monk, have asked me what you must do. First, my friends, seek to know yourself. Know your truth, and then you will realize that every person your encounter has a truth inside of them too-a truth of identity and purpose that is just as valid as yours.
Read the full sourceTalon Southpaw
…Soon after fulfilling the Rung of Tynn, Talon went on a wandering retreat into the dangerous outlands of Kunark. He was not heard from for a total of 5 seasons. Upon his return to Cabilis he told of his captivity within an ancient city of the Iksar now claimed by the sarnak. He told of intense torture. He survived the ordeal.
Read the full sourceVol 3 of the Chronicles of Wu
the orcs struck without warning, and only by skill did I manage to escape. With no hope of returning to our temple, I hide in this empty camp and devise new methods of making stronger uniforms. Maybe one day our improved garb will save a Brother's life. The silk from the giant spiders has proven to be stronger and lighter than I had dreamed.
Read the full sourceWFBk2
…Iksar with only one thing in mind, to train other Iksar the way of the monk to inflict a new breed of fear and pain unto their foes.
Read the full sourceWFBook
The fists shall be born again for you. Take with you the satchel covered with flayed skin. Fill it with four items of power. The original fists, which no longer have their power. The Flute of Zan Fi, given and taken from an undead brother. Also place in the satchel the remains of Grandmaster Tynn, bones forever strong, and finally the remains of Zan Fi, still…
Read the full sourceHistory of the Hand
…Master Wu took the Hand of Serenity and descended to Norrath in order to bestow it upon mortals. He entrusted the blade to the monks of the Ashen Order at their refuge in T'Narev and instructed them that they were to champion the cause of Serenity. They must be the teachers of the world. The Hand of Serenity was protected by the Ashen Order from generation to…
Read the full sourceThe Words of the Avatar
…Yet there was still hope. The goddess Quellious called forth an Avatar of Tranquility, granting a mortal monk some vestige of her power to ensure that Norrath survived the anguish that was to come. The Avatar appeared to some of the mortals and prepared them to defend the human city of Freeport against the Rallosian menace.
Read the full sourceFurther sources
12Lore that mentions this in passing.
Community articles
8Fan-written encyclopedia entries — useful overviews, lower authority than the primary sources above.