"A monk is one who is conditioned by virtues as others are by pleasures." 

– John Climacus, The Ladder of Divine Ascent.

Monasteries. The spiritual refuges where the faithful seek the divine, free of the trappings of the wider world. Monasteries and monasticism across the globe and across history can provide great inspiration for your tabletop RPG.

The Tiger’s Nest/Paro Taktsang, Bhutan

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Tiger’s Nest is a Buddhist monastery in the Himalayan nation of Bhutan, a dizzying 10,000 feet above sea level. It was first built in 1692 around the cave in which Guru Rinpoche meditated in the 8th Century. He was responsible for bringing Buddhism to Bhutan. Similar to other famous and picturesque monasteries around the world, it is remote, requiring an hours-long hike to reach. This Taxidea taxus wholeheartedly recommends including such a place in your RPG adventures. Your weary adventurers can lay low and avoid prying eyes here. They’ll find few luxuries, but they’ll have sanctuary so long as they stay in the monks’ good graces. The Rogue will have to keep their larcenous hands off the priceless relics. The Cleric will have to abstain from attempts to convert the monks.

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Shaolin Temple, Henan Province, China

 

The Shaolin monks of kung fu fame call this place home. The Shaolin Temple dates back to the 5th Century. The Monk class in D&D is largely inspired by this brand of monasticism that prizes the spiritual benefits of martial arts. The Barbarian is advised to not imbibe too many of the potent potables for the duration of their stay, lest they start a fight the whole monastery will finish.

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Mont-Saint-Michel, Normandy, France

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                                                Image by Jesus Esteban San Jose

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This monastery is located on a tidal island off the coast of Normandy. During high tide, it is accessible by a modern bridge. Imagine a scenario in which your adventurers, pursued by enemies, take refuge on an island monastery. Enemies arrive on the mainland at high tide, lying in wait. If they are impatient or inexperienced, perhaps they unwisely attempt a full frontal assault. If the party wishes to survive this, they’ll have to craft a clever stratagem before the tide recedes.

 

 

Meteora, Thessaly, Greece

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                                                           Image by Chris Margaritis

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This outlandish monastery complex is perched atop a tall, narrow rock formation. The visuals alone make this location a compelling addition to your RPG. The monks of the monastery ask that visitors dress modestly. If you wish to insert some humor, the more scantily clad members of the party may take issue with the dress code. Hilarity ensues.

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Ostrog Orthodox Monastery, Montenegro

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                                                             Image by Nikola Kojevic

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This holy site associated with Saint Basil is said to have been the setting for multiple miracles over the years. Visitors have reported regaining sight, mobility, and sanity after praying in the presence of the Saint Basil relics housed within. A grapevine appeared to grow out of the rock itself. An infant fell from a great height but was unscathed. A German grenade in WW2 hit the building but failed to detonate. Perhaps your adventurers experience unexplained phenomena upon entering a monastery, especially the monks and the clerics. You could use the location as a vehicle for worldbuilding and lore.

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Rila Monastery, Bulgaria

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

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                                                             Image by Rainer Eck

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In the Rila mountains of Bulgaria stands the richly decorated Rila Monastery. It was established in the 10th Century by John of Rila. Beautiful frescoes adorn the ceiling. In your game world, a monastery’s art can serve as exposition revealing the world’s history and culture.

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Mar Saba Monastery, Israel/Palestine

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                                           Image by Uzi Paz Pikiwiki Israel

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Founded late in the 5th Century AD and situated in the Judean Desert, Mar Saba is one of the world’s oldest continuously inhabited monasteries. As is true of most monasteries by their very definition, the monks within live minimalistically, lacking modern conveniences such as electricity or running water. Such an austere lifestyle is unthinkable to many people in the real world, as well as to the characters of your game. The conflict between monastery life and life out in the wider world adventuring presents interesting roleplaying opportunities for those playing the Monk class. Does this character like the world of adventure in spite of their background or do they find it jarring? Perhaps it’s a mix of the two.

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Geghard Monastery, Armenia

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                                                    Image by Vladimir Konoplev

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The Geghard Monastery’s cave-like interiors lend the site an air of mysticism that’s sure to fascinate your players. Take inspiration from this real-life wonder and in turn inspire wonder in your players.

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Go forth and seek enlightenment, ye monks and more!

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