Monk (lore)
This article is about the lore profession. For other uses, see Monks are one of the oldest known professions on Tyria.
History[edit]
Guild Wars[edit]
Guild Wars 2[edit]
In Central Tyria, the monk profession has been all but replaced by guardians, who have evolved from a mixture of the older, heavily-armored, supportive dervishes and paragons of Elona, ritualists of Cantha, and the deeply religious monks.[1][2]
End of Dragons[edit]
In Cantha, many people still devoted to the teaching of monks can be found, from the Shing Jea Monastery to the very border of the Canthan empire.
Lore[edit]
Monks historically created a direct link to the human gods and divine spirits[3] to heal and shield allies from harm. They were known to often use the divine favor they earned in order to further heal allies. Despite their generally peaceful nature, they could deal harm via praying for the God of Fire and War Balthazar to smite their foes.[4] With the gods leaving Tyria, it is unknown how they now channel magic.
Despite being blessed primarily by the Goddess of Light Dwayna, some monks also channeled the wrath of Balthazar in the form of smiting prayers. These abilities were particularly effective against undead and demonic creatures.[5][6] Monks also had the duty of telling the loved ones of fallen individuals of their passing, a task which many considered to be their most unpleasant.[7] They will often receive the task of creating remedies from medicinal plants.[8]
- Notable monks
- See also: Category:Monk NPCs
Trivia[edit]
- Monks were one of the playable professions in Guild Wars. However, in Guild Wars 2, it is exclusive to NPCs.
- A version of the monk logo can be found in the guardian profession icon.
See also[edit]
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The Guild Wars Wiki has an article on Monk. |
References[edit]
- ^ Massively's interview with Jeff Grubb and Eric Flannum, Massively.com
- ^ "Chapter 14", Sea of Sorrows by Ree Soesbee:
- The captain of the Krytan ship swung his mace, calling out in a stentorian tone. As he did so, a brilliant orb of lightning crackled from his weapon, flying out from the end of his heavy mace and launching itself toward the charr. The crackling sphere struck Fassur so hard that the quick-footed charr was flung backward. He slammed into the mast with a painful yelp and slid to the deck, stunned. The Krytan captain raised his weapon and called out to the heavens. He brought it down with a loud rumble of thunder, and as he did, thick manacles of energy coalesced around Fassur's wrists.
- "What's he doing? What kind of magic is that?" Cobiah stared, snatching away Macha's telescope to get a better look. "Is he a mesmer like you? Is that an illusion?" [...]
- The captain pressed his mace to his chest and murmured softly. As Aysom's claws tore toward him, a glittering golden shield surrounded the captain of the Salma's Grace in a protective shell. Aysom struck the glowing light with his full weight, but the blow merely ricocheted away. He struck again, claws out, but he could not shatter or penetrate the magical defense. The Krytan captain smiled and continued to chant.
- "That's no illusion." Cobiah frowned.
- Macha managed to wrest the spyglass away from him and thrust it to her own eye. With a frown, she considered the spectacle occurring on the far deck. "It's a pile of Elonian protection magic, mixed with a little monk training, wrapped up in some crazy ritualist hoo-ha from Cantha. A real grab bag of 'you can't hurt me.' They're called guardians, and simply put"—Macha lowered the little telescope—"they mean trouble. I don't think the warband can handle that guy. What do you think we should do, Cobiah?"
- ^ In-game description of the monk in Guild Wars
- The servant of divine spirits, the Monk uses prayer to protect, preserve, and restore the well-being of companions.
- ^ The Guild Wars Manuscripts
- Monks employ a direct conduit to the gods, and the answers to their prayers come in the form of healing and protection for their allies and damage to their enemies. Combined with any other profession, Monks can alternate between supporting their party and dealing damage to opponents. Monks enjoy Divine Favor, which provides extra healing power, while their healing and Protection Prayers help to keep their allies strong and healthy. Smiting Prayers, on the other hand, call down divine anger on enemies, exacting holy damage that ignores armor, though damage-dealing is not the Monk’s specialty. What Monks lack in firepower they make up for with their unparalleled gift for keeping their allies alive.
- ^ The Blessings of Balthazar
- Brother Mhenlo: Most who choose the ways of light do so because they are called by Dwayna to heal and protect others. We Monks, however, must also learn when to call on Balthazar. Smiting Prayers allow us to cause damage to our enemies, especially the vile undead. Which brings me to our problem.
- Brother Mhenlo: Some skeletons escaped from the catacombs in the night and are harrying the fields north of Ashford. Use Smiting Prayers to destroy the skeletons, then return to me.
- ^ A New Monk Trainer
- Brother Mhenlo: I will be glad to teach you. I know Healing Prayers to Dwayna and Smiting Prayers from Balthazar. You can learn both from me, and there are, of course, trainers who can teach you other skills.
- ^ In Memory of Paulus
- Grazden the Protector: I have one last thing to ask of you, although it is not a pleasant duty. Paulus had only one person he was very close with, a woman named Melka Blanston. They were often seen together just outside Ascalon City. If you could take her news of Paulus's death, I'd be grateful. She deserves to hear of it from the one who found him. Take his holy symbol to her as well, so that it might offer her some amount of comfort. This is the most unpleasant job that we Monks have, and it is becoming a disturbingly frequent one. Still, someone must perform this unpleasant task.
- ^ Seeking a Cure
- Brother Pe Wan: Headmaster Amara has foreseen that a sickness will come to Cantha soon. A plague that will turn even the meek into raging monsters that kill anything they see. Headmaster Amara is never wrong. We must gather 2 ingredients, nong berries and tai ling buds, so she can attempt to create an antidote.
