Hello again, everyone! Doomdark was going to tell you more about Societies this week, but he’s [S]locked in the dungeon[/S] too busy, so I have [S]seized power[/S] taken on this duty. So let’s talk about Monks.

In Monks and Mystics, we have added 8 Monastic Order Societies. There are two Catholic orders, the Benedictines and the Dominicans, while the Orthodox, Miaphysites, Nestorians, Hindus, Buddhists, and Jains each have their own order. Now, while actual Monks and Priests can of course join these Societies and are likely to advance more quickly through the ranks, it’s quite possible for secular characters to join these orders as lay members / patrons and reach the highest ranks.

Life in the Monastic orders is focused on learning, piety, and good deeds. Typically members will be expected to use the Theology focus (if you have the Way of Life expansion), perform Charity, help build new Temples, go on Pilgrimages, and engage in prayer or meditation.

Time spent in self-reflection does have its upsides though; through these acts characters will tend to better themselves, losing negative traits like vices and gaining more godly virtues. Not to mention that time spent reading and then debating the meaning of books is helpful in increasing Learning and Diplomacy skills. At the highest levels, members can also Council other characters in their realm, to encourage them to end their sinful ways.

Dominicans: Religious province conversion significantly faster, and a bonus to the “Hunt Heretics” counciler job.
Benedictines: Can get rid of “Slothful” and gain “Diligent” by donating money.
Hindus: Higher Fertility and Health.
Buddhists: revolt risk reduction.
Jains: opinion bonus with other Jains.
Miaphysites, Orthodox and Nestorians: More income from Temple vassals.
All: Chance of losing many negative traits and gaining positive ones over time.

[I]new dharmic pilgrimage chain
[/I]
That's all for now, and indeed that'll all the DDs for this year as we'll be on holiday for the next couple of weeks! But we'll be back on the 9th of January to talk about more Societies. And if you need to hear more about MnM, I believe we'll be showing some gameplay in our Three Kings stream in under an hour (1700 CET)
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