The term 'magic' is often applied incorrectly to the abilities that monks exhibit. They often seem like magical spells or priestly prayers to the uneducated masses. However, a monk's abilities are not powers granted by the whim or a god, nor are they dependent on a magical force. They are based on the monk's inner strength and mental discipline. The skills governing this phenomenon are as follows. Discipline: This skill is the central factor in a monk's power. All of the abilities a monk may gain stem from the monk's self- discipline and their ability to control their own body. Each of the other skills represents a way this discipline may be used to achieve specific results, but in general the broader, mixed effects will depend fully on discipline. Punches: This skill covers most attacks that are executed with the arms and hands. Contrary to the specificity of the name, it includes such things as open-handed strikes, double-fisted blows, and attacks with the edges of hands or with elbows. These attacks will usually be fairly average in their effect, but tend to be simple enough that they do not usually leave the monk in an undesirable position. This skill is associated with the Talon Clan. Throws: This skill relates to the ability throw people. Usually, the desired results include both knocking the opponent down and doing some damage. These are powerful abilities, but tend to be a little more spectacular when things go awry as well. This skill is associated with the Feather Clan. Mind: This skill involves a monk's ability to use their mind to produce a few kinds of effects. One is to influence and control their own body in more specific and drastic ways than most people are able to. Another is to produce a heightened mental state that allows the monk to better perform some tasks. This skill is associated with the Spirit Clan. Sweeps: This skill controls those abilities that center around knocking someone to the ground by moving their feet straight out from under them. Of course, there are many variations and combined effects that depend on their victim being swept first, and many of those also fall under this skill. This skill is associated with the Tail Clan. Kicks: This skill governs most attacks that are executed with the lower body--generally feet, though they may strike with the heel or with the blade of the foot. Kicks tend to use more power, and so they get some impressive effects, but they are also more succeptable to spectacular error as well. This skill is associated with the Hoof Clan. These skills are related to each other according to the following diagram of associations. The skills which are adjacent on the wheel are closely related, and those across from each other are distantly related. Discipline, at the center, is the skill that controls them all. /----Mind----\ /-- --\ / \ Sweeps Discipline Throws \ / \ / Kicks---------Punches See also: monk, traits