I live in Australia though and I highly doubt i'm going to be able to take the time off to go to Blizzcon09!!!! As much as I'd love to as I am a HUGE fan of Diablo and just cannot wait for D3 - I don't think i will be able to make it. I entered the Contest purely for fun and didn't expect to win!!
What are my options here guys? GOD can't believe i got a blizzcon ticket and can't go :'(
Hey Mockery - didn't you miss out on a Ticket mate? Would you like to buy the one i won off me for the normal sale price or something? I'm sure you are really pissed that you missed out and i'd love to help another Diablo fan get to Blizzcon in my stead...
Thanks so much for choosing 'Monks of Sanctuary' as the winner guys!! Very very cool! I think it might even inspire me to try my hand at a few more short stories!
"One who has withdrawn from the world for spiritual reasons. A member of an order of cenobites living according to a particular Art. They have all sworn vows of chastity, obedience, discipline and above all else silence."
From the writings of Abd al-Hazir:
I stayed among the ancient ruins of a temple that the former Monks of Zakarum were rumored to have habited long ago, though, I did not have the rare pleasure of seeing one during my stay. These secretive men and women are said to have mastered sanctuaries holy energies, a feat no priest of Old Zakarum could claim. The few scrolls I have read regarding their beliefs delve into three Arts which form the base of their society.
"The Art of Peace" - "The Art of Body" - "The Art of Mind"
Once one is admitted to their Order, he/she must choose which art they will dedicate their life to mastering.
Their Order was founded by Thathus when the Zakarum Religion was birthed by the Archangel Yaerius and the prophet Akarat. It grew in secret with Thathus, their Leader and Teacher whom also carried the blessing of Yaerius. The Zakarum Empire was oblivious to the Orders existence with Thathus only choosing a select few gifted priests of Zakarum to train and study in his ranks. And so it was until the foul hatred and corruption of Mephisto took the Empire and brought it to its unimaginable end. After the decimation of Kurast and death of their families the Order abandoned their Zakarum namesake and are now known as "the Monks of Sanctuary".
From what I have read in my studies, they strive to master their chosen arts in an effort to take control of the very consciousness that binds us sentient beings to the world. As learned as I was at the time, I did not believe the idea of one of such humble human origins being able to dictate their reality by manipulating the very nature of things around them. To me, the world is what it is and we are but part of it. This, as I discovered, was a grave misunderstanding on my part for the Monks of Sanctuary study an ancient form of meditation and holy magic that is beyond my ability to comprehend. They are the bane of demon kind and all who would oppose them - I think even Yaerius himself may regret his blessing!
In an effort to further my understanding of their studies I set out to find and hopefully talk with one of their mystic order. The days before my visit to the monks broken temple, I had been traveling through the Skovos Isles at the bottom of the twin seas when I overheard some local fisherman talking of strange sightings. When I approached and asked the man to describe what he had seen in more detail his eyes hardened and he set a deep gaze into the water as he recited his story.
His tale began with a dark red light that formed on a nearby island. It caressed the surrounding rocks and mangroves in an unbelievably rich shade of sky blue before slowly fading into its center of throbbing red. He was curious to learn more about the phenomenon he had witnessed so he moved closer as the light subsided. When he reached the island and climbed the small rocky slope that covered the islands sides he could hardly believe his eyes.
Their stood a young beautiful woman that protruded an aura of immense power. She was seemingly unaware of his presence and the dramatic light show going on around her. The Monk balanced effortlessly on her right foot with her left vertically above her. Her torso was parallel with the ground and her sculptured legs were as straight as arrows. Her arms formed a pyramid either side of her combining together at the centre of her chest where her clenched fists produced the resounding red light. The woman appeared to be in a trance completely unaware of all surroundings as she began to move her arms and lower her leg into a more natural position. "A display of Unimaginable Balance and Strength!" the fisherman reflected. He shook his head, finally braking eye contact with the ever drifting sea water and now stared into the sky. "I was cautious not to move or make a sound to distract her but the rock I was standing on broke loose and I stumbled helplessly. I saw her open her sapphire eyes and before I could say a word she smote me in the chest with a force of bright light that launched me 20 feet through the air and into the sea." The man paused and rubbed his chest for a long minute. The shock of his experience was still evident in his body language. The man continued, "At first I wondered what I had done to deserve such a brutal hit from a Monk of Old Zakarum but after reflecting on the matter I realized that she was right to do so. I was a fool lurking in the dark and spying on her like an assassin about to strike. It is only natural for someone of her kind to be ever weary of attack - these are dark times we live in and many would seek to carve out the scalp of a monk whom still dares to openly display their deep connection with the Light. I now count myself lucky she saw fit to leave me in one piece!"
After he had finished his tale of the encounter I again set out more eager than ever to find one of her kin and study them further. But alas, there secretive nature and vow of silence proved too much for me to gain their trust. It is, however, heartening to know that these Monks - these Masters of Holy Light - still practice their three powerful arts for in my heart I know their will come a time when they will unleash their righteous fury unto the devils that plague our beloved Sanctuary. And when they do, I believe that Diablo himself will cower from their might.
----
Already posted this in the new class lore comp but i thought it would be a good addition to the fan fiction part aswell. Hope you like...
I stayed among the ancient ruins of a temple that the Monks of Zakarum were rumored to have habited long ago, though, I did not have the rare pleasure of seeing one during my stay. These secretive men and women are said to have mastered sanctuaries holy energies, a feat no priest of Old Zakarum could claim. The few scrolls I have read regarding their beliefs delve into three Arts which form the base of their society.
"The Art of Peace" - "The Art of Body" - "The Art of Mind"
Once one is admitted to their Order, he/she must choose which art they will dedicate their life to mastering.
Their Order was founded by Thathus when the Zakarum Religion was birthed by the Archangel Yaerius and the prophet Akarat. It grew in secret with Thathus, their Leader and Teacher whom also carried the blessing of Yaerius. The Zakarum Empire was oblivious to the Orders existence with Thathus only choosing a select few gifted priests of Zakarum to train and study in his ranks. And so it was until the foul hatred and corruption of Mephisto took the Empire and brought it to its unimaginable end. After the decimation of Kurast and death of their families the Order abandoned their Zakarum namesake and are now known as "the Monks of Sanctuary".
From what I have read in my studies, they strive to master their chosen arts in an effort to take control of the very consciousness that binds us sentient beings to the world. As learned as I was at the time, I did not believe the idea of one of such humble human origins being able to dictate their reality by manipulating the very nature of things around them. To me, the world is what it is and we are but part of it. This, as I discovered, was a grave misunderstanding on my part for the Monks of Sanctuary study an ancient form of meditation and holy magic that is beyond my ability to comprehend. They are the bane of demon kind and all who would oppose them - I think even Yaerius himself may regret his blessing!
In an effort to further my understanding of their studies I set out to find and hopefully talk with one of their mystic order. The days before my visit to the monks broken temple, I had been traveling through the Skovos Isles at the bottom of the twin seas when I overheard some local fisherman talking of strange sightings. When I approached and asked the man to describe what he had seen in more detail his eyes hardened and he set a deep gaze into the water as he recited his story.
His tale began with a dark red light that formed on a nearby island. It caressed the surrounding rocks and mangroves in an unbelievably rich shade of sky blue before slowly fading into its center of throbbing red. He was curious to learn more about the phenomenon he had witnessed so he moved closer as the light subsided. When he reached the island and climbed the small rocky slope that covered the islands sides he could hardly believe his eyes.
Their stood a young beautiful woman that protruded an aura of immense power. She was seemingly unaware of his presence and the dramatic light show going on around her. The Monk balanced effortlessly on her right foot with her left vertically above her. Her torso was parallel with the ground and her sculptured legs were as straight as arrows. Her arms formed a pyramid either side of her combining together at the centre of her chest where her clenched fists produced the resounding red light. The woman appeared to be in a trance completely unaware of all surroundings as she began to move her arms and lower her leg into a more natural position. "A display of Unimaginable Balance and Strength!" the fisherman reflected. He shook his head, finally braking eye contact with the ever drifting sea water and now stared into the sky. "I was cautious not to move or make a sound to distract her but the rock I was standing on broke loose and I stumbled helplessly. I saw her open her sapphire eyes and before I could say a word she smote me in the chest with a force of bright light that launched me 20 feet through the air and into the sea." The man paused and rubbed his chest for a long minute. The shock of his experience was still evident in his body language. The man continued, "At first I wondered what I had done to deserve such a brutal hit from a Monk of Old Zakarum but after reflecting on the matter I realized that she was right to do so. I was a fool lurking in the dark and spying on her like an assassin about to strike. It is only natural for someone of her kind to be ever weary of attack - these are dark times we live in and many would seek to carve out the scalp of a monk whom still dares to openly display their deep connection with the Light. I now count myself lucky she saw fit to leave me in one piece!"
After he had finished his tale of the encounter I continued my quest more eager than ever to find one of her kin and study them further. But alas, there secretive nature and vow of silence proved too much for me to gain their trust. It is, however, heartening to know that these Monks - these Masters of Holy Light - still practice their three powerful arts for in my heart I know there will come a time when they will unleash their righteous fury unto the devils that plague our beloved Sanctuary. And when they do, I believe that Diablo himself will cower from their might!
0
Um, wo wo wow. Thanks so much Guys!!!
I live in Australia though and I highly doubt i'm going to be able to take the time off to go to Blizzcon09!!!! As much as I'd love to as I am a HUGE fan of Diablo and just cannot wait for D3 - I don't think i will be able to make it. I entered the Contest purely for fun and didn't expect to win!!
What are my options here guys? GOD can't believe i got a blizzcon ticket and can't go :'(
Hey Mockery - didn't you miss out on a Ticket mate? Would you like to buy the one i won off me for the normal sale price or something? I'm sure you are really pissed that you missed out and i'd love to help another Diablo fan get to Blizzcon in my stead...
Thanks so much for choosing 'Monks of Sanctuary' as the winner guys!! Very very cool! I think it might even inspire me to try my hand at a few more short stories!
Cheers!
Shibblicious
0
0
From the writings of Abd al-Hazir:
I stayed among the ancient ruins of a temple that the former Monks of Zakarum were rumored to have habited long ago, though, I did not have the rare pleasure of seeing one during my stay. These secretive men and women are said to have mastered sanctuaries holy energies, a feat no priest of Old Zakarum could claim. The few scrolls I have read regarding their beliefs delve into three Arts which form the base of their society.
"The Art of Peace" - "The Art of Body" - "The Art of Mind"
Once one is admitted to their Order, he/she must choose which art they will dedicate their life to mastering.
Their Order was founded by Thathus when the Zakarum Religion was birthed by the Archangel Yaerius and the prophet Akarat. It grew in secret with Thathus, their Leader and Teacher whom also carried the blessing of Yaerius. The Zakarum Empire was oblivious to the Orders existence with Thathus only choosing a select few gifted priests of Zakarum to train and study in his ranks. And so it was until the foul hatred and corruption of Mephisto took the Empire and brought it to its unimaginable end. After the decimation of Kurast and death of their families the Order abandoned their Zakarum namesake and are now known as "the Monks of Sanctuary".
From what I have read in my studies, they strive to master their chosen arts in an effort to take control of the very consciousness that binds us sentient beings to the world. As learned as I was at the time, I did not believe the idea of one of such humble human origins being able to dictate their reality by manipulating the very nature of things around them. To me, the world is what it is and we are but part of it. This, as I discovered, was a grave misunderstanding on my part for the Monks of Sanctuary study an ancient form of meditation and holy magic that is beyond my ability to comprehend. They are the bane of demon kind and all who would oppose them - I think even Yaerius himself may regret his blessing!
In an effort to further my understanding of their studies I set out to find and hopefully talk with one of their mystic order. The days before my visit to the monks broken temple, I had been traveling through the Skovos Isles at the bottom of the twin seas when I overheard some local fisherman talking of strange sightings. When I approached and asked the man to describe what he had seen in more detail his eyes hardened and he set a deep gaze into the water as he recited his story.
His tale began with a dark red light that formed on a nearby island. It caressed the surrounding rocks and mangroves in an unbelievably rich shade of sky blue before slowly fading into its center of throbbing red. He was curious to learn more about the phenomenon he had witnessed so he moved closer as the light subsided. When he reached the island and climbed the small rocky slope that covered the islands sides he could hardly believe his eyes.
Their stood a young beautiful woman that protruded an aura of immense power. She was seemingly unaware of his presence and the dramatic light show going on around her. The Monk balanced effortlessly on her right foot with her left vertically above her. Her torso was parallel with the ground and her sculptured legs were as straight as arrows. Her arms formed a pyramid either side of her combining together at the centre of her chest where her clenched fists produced the resounding red light. The woman appeared to be in a trance completely unaware of all surroundings as she began to move her arms and lower her leg into a more natural position.
"A display of Unimaginable Balance and Strength!" the fisherman reflected. He shook his head, finally braking eye contact with the ever drifting sea water and now stared into the sky.
"I was cautious not to move or make a sound to distract her but the rock I was standing on broke loose and I stumbled helplessly. I saw her open her sapphire eyes and before I could say a word she smote me in the chest with a force of bright light that launched me 20 feet through the air and into the sea." The man paused and rubbed his chest for a long minute. The shock of his experience was still evident in his body language.
The man continued, "At first I wondered what I had done to deserve such a brutal hit from a Monk of Old Zakarum but after reflecting on the matter I realized that she was right to do so. I was a fool lurking in the dark and spying on her like an assassin about to strike. It is only natural for someone of her kind to be ever weary of attack - these are dark times we live in and many would seek to carve out the scalp of a monk whom still dares to openly display their deep connection with the Light. I now count myself lucky she saw fit to leave me in one piece!"
After he had finished his tale of the encounter I again set out more eager than ever to find one of her kin and study them further. But alas, there secretive nature and vow of silence proved too much for me to gain their trust. It is, however, heartening to know that these Monks - these Masters of Holy Light - still practice their three powerful arts for in my heart I know their will come a time when they will unleash their righteous fury unto the devils that plague our beloved Sanctuary. And when they do, I believe that Diablo himself will cower from their might.
----
Already posted this in the new class lore comp but i thought it would be a good addition to the fan fiction part aswell. Hope you like...
1
From the writings of Abd al-Hazir:
I stayed among the ancient ruins of a temple that the Monks of Zakarum were rumored to have habited long ago, though, I did not have the rare pleasure of seeing one during my stay. These secretive men and women are said to have mastered sanctuaries holy energies, a feat no priest of Old Zakarum could claim. The few scrolls I have read regarding their beliefs delve into three Arts which form the base of their society.
"The Art of Peace" - "The Art of Body" - "The Art of Mind"
Once one is admitted to their Order, he/she must choose which art they will dedicate their life to mastering.
Their Order was founded by Thathus when the Zakarum Religion was birthed by the Archangel Yaerius and the prophet Akarat. It grew in secret with Thathus, their Leader and Teacher whom also carried the blessing of Yaerius. The Zakarum Empire was oblivious to the Orders existence with Thathus only choosing a select few gifted priests of Zakarum to train and study in his ranks. And so it was until the foul hatred and corruption of Mephisto took the Empire and brought it to its unimaginable end. After the decimation of Kurast and death of their families the Order abandoned their Zakarum namesake and are now known as "the Monks of Sanctuary".
From what I have read in my studies, they strive to master their chosen arts in an effort to take control of the very consciousness that binds us sentient beings to the world. As learned as I was at the time, I did not believe the idea of one of such humble human origins being able to dictate their reality by manipulating the very nature of things around them. To me, the world is what it is and we are but part of it. This, as I discovered, was a grave misunderstanding on my part for the Monks of Sanctuary study an ancient form of meditation and holy magic that is beyond my ability to comprehend. They are the bane of demon kind and all who would oppose them - I think even Yaerius himself may regret his blessing!
In an effort to further my understanding of their studies I set out to find and hopefully talk with one of their mystic order. The days before my visit to the monks broken temple, I had been traveling through the Skovos Isles at the bottom of the twin seas when I overheard some local fisherman talking of strange sightings. When I approached and asked the man to describe what he had seen in more detail his eyes hardened and he set a deep gaze into the water as he recited his story.
His tale began with a dark red light that formed on a nearby island. It caressed the surrounding rocks and mangroves in an unbelievably rich shade of sky blue before slowly fading into its center of throbbing red. He was curious to learn more about the phenomenon he had witnessed so he moved closer as the light subsided. When he reached the island and climbed the small rocky slope that covered the islands sides he could hardly believe his eyes.
Their stood a young beautiful woman that protruded an aura of immense power. She was seemingly unaware of his presence and the dramatic light show going on around her. The Monk balanced effortlessly on her right foot with her left vertically above her. Her torso was parallel with the ground and her sculptured legs were as straight as arrows. Her arms formed a pyramid either side of her combining together at the centre of her chest where her clenched fists produced the resounding red light. The woman appeared to be in a trance completely unaware of all surroundings as she began to move her arms and lower her leg into a more natural position.
"A display of Unimaginable Balance and Strength!" the fisherman reflected. He shook his head, finally braking eye contact with the ever drifting sea water and now stared into the sky.
"I was cautious not to move or make a sound to distract her but the rock I was standing on broke loose and I stumbled helplessly. I saw her open her sapphire eyes and before I could say a word she smote me in the chest with a force of bright light that launched me 20 feet through the air and into the sea." The man paused and rubbed his chest for a long minute. The shock of his experience was still evident in his body language.
The man continued, "At first I wondered what I had done to deserve such a brutal hit from a Monk of Old Zakarum but after reflecting on the matter I realized that she was right to do so. I was a fool lurking in the dark and spying on her like an assassin about to strike. It is only natural for someone of her kind to be ever weary of attack - these are dark times we live in and many would seek to carve out the scalp of a monk whom still dares to openly display their deep connection with the Light. I now count myself lucky she saw fit to leave me in one piece!"
After he had finished his tale of the encounter I continued my quest more eager than ever to find one of her kin and study them further. But alas, there secretive nature and vow of silence proved too much for me to gain their trust. It is, however, heartening to know that these Monks - these Masters of Holy Light - still practice their three powerful arts for in my heart I know there will come a time when they will unleash their righteous fury unto the devils that plague our beloved Sanctuary. And when they do, I believe that Diablo himself will cower from their might!