====== SHAOLIN ======
----
**Affiliation:** White/Imperial Army

**Primary Weapon:** Polearm

**Secondary Weapon:** Hands & Feet

**Clan Skill:** Diamond Energy - Briefly assume a diamond state, unable to move but impervious to harm.
----
{{ :beginners_guide:shaolin_style.jpg?600 nolink }}
The techniques of Shaolin have persisted across the ages, and one so determined could claim to find traces of their influence within almost any school of kung fu. Their forms are inspired by various beasts, birds, and insects. Shaolin strictly follows Buddhist principles, so only men are permitted to join, and all devotees must shave their heads bald. Shaolin focuses on kung fu as a means of protecting one's self and others from harm, rather than inflicting it. Mastery of Shaolin is no small task, perhaps requiring more devotion and discipline than any other school.
----
**Class Name:** Louhan Monk

**Role:** Warrior

**Weapon:** Polearm

Luohan represents the spirit of Shaolin, never compromising to evil. These warriors have very few chi kung skills, but their mastery of polearms can cause confusion in opponents.
----
**Class Name:** Exorcist Monk

**Role:** Chi Kung

**Weapon:** Bracer

Exorcists represent the Shaolin Temple's oldest techniques. Their chi kung techniques are focused on cleansing evil spirits, or banishing it from the body. Living opponents, deemed evil or corrupted, are similarly banished. 
----
**Class Name:** Diamond Monk

**Role:** Strategist

**Weapon:** Hands and Feet

Diamond represents a strong will and unbreakable mind. Because Diamond Monks are focused on support, their ability to inflict and withstand direct harm is limited. But their ability to enhance and heal allies makes them a valued soldier in group battles.
----
**Class Name:** Deva Monk

**Role:** Holist

**Weapon:** Hands and Feet

Deva Monks are the repository of Shaolin's kung fu knowledge. They can learn almost every kung fu technique known to the Shaolin, except the polearm techniques and strategist formations. The Deva Monk has a long road ahead, with so many techniques to master. But once they do, they will be prepared for anything.
----
{{:beginners_guide:shaolin_map.png?300 nolink }}
**Headquarters:** Mount Song Shan

Mount Song Shan is famous throughout China, and its harsh environment is said to build both physical and spiritual strength.

For more than a thousand years, the Shaolin have made their home here. The harsh environment removes them from worldly concerns, bringing them ever closer to enlightenment.

Only males are accepted into the Shaolin.
----
{{ :beginners_guide:immoral_monk.png?300 nolink}}
**Lost Dragon:** The Immoral Monk

“The Immortal Monk” was considered the greatest kung fu practitioner in all of Shaolin. But when the War of the Nine Dragons began, he eschewed his ascetic life and teachings in favor of running a tavern and brothel, leaving Master Lingyun to lead the White Band in his stead. Shame and scorn were heaped upon the man who became known as “The Immoral Monk,” but who is to say for certain that he has not found a new path to enlightenment and strength, since his disappearance?