A newly recognised order, the Sanare are dedicated to protecting Amalthean healers as they travel.
A newly recognised order, the Sanare are dedicated to protecting Amalthean healers as they travel. In keeping with their charges' pacifistic attitudes, the Sanare avoid the use of weaponry, preferring unarmed combat.
Humble and modest, they are unlikely to grow swiftly or extensively in number as the order lacks the glamour and political prestige that typifies orders such as the Questing Knights.A teardrop of blood above a chalice
The Emperor Wars were a time of great conflict and tribulation that baptised many warriors in a crucible of blood. The Amaltheans walked like angels of mercy through many a scene of carnage, bringing healing and succour to the sick and injured regardless of allegiance. A handful of veteran warriors - noble knights, mercenaries and even Battle Brothers - saw salvation in the gentle teachings of these humble healers, and, sickened of war and death they renounced violence. Pledging to protect the all too vulnerable healers, they thereby helped others by allowing the Amaltheans to follow their calling unmolested.
Gradually brought together by Jacob, a grizzled, war-weary Battle Brother, the nascent Sanare approached archbishop Juliski to sanctify their aid. Juliski, while understanding of their desire to protect those who had saved many of them, acquiesced only if the Sanare would strive to care for others beyond their charges, and resort to violence in only the most dire of circumstances. The Sanare agreed and were named the Order of Saint Yara in homage to the great healer and martyr who had died shielding Jacob and several other wounded Battle brothers from barbarian forces. As the wars gradually drew towards their culmination, a petition for official recognition and charter was sent to the Church authorities. After several years arguing their case and alleviating Brother Battle concerns that their theurgic rites would not become part of the new order, the Sanare were finally granted official Church status.The Sanare openly welcome any warrior who has truly repented violence and seeks redemption, regardless of class or past history. While many of their members are veterans, they have established a small training facility, hall and monastery on Artemis and welcome anyone with the right spirit and potential.
Jacob, with the aid of several ex-Battle Brothers and a few ex-Muster veterans, has worked diligently to create a new martial arts discipline concentrating on softer techniques, baptised Yarato in honour of the saint. This form is taught extensively to all members. Prospective Sanare are inducted into the order and initiated as minor novices of the Amalthean sect, foreswearing violence, repenting their past misdeeds, and donning the simply grey robes worn by all Amalthean novices. When their initiation and training are completed, the new Sanare begin their servitude to the sect. They are usually assigned to escort travelling Amalthean healers, and many are assigned to their charge for their entire working life. The bond between the Sanare and their charges is often strong and deep, and they are fully prepared to sacrifice their own lives if necessary to fulfil their pledge. In return the Sanare receives tutelage from his charge, learning theurgic rites as well as more mundane healing skills. The Sanare sever all ties, wealth and holdings upon joining the order, living a simple monastic life, provided food, clothing, and shelter. Monastery life is simple for these spiritual warriors, and they engage in extensive prayer and meditation. They also learn scripture and are trained how to read, spending any spare time practising their martial skills and performing chores and duties for the Amalthean sect as necessary. They seldom carry any open weapons, save perhaps for a stout travelling staff, although a few carry a concealed stunner if they are entering particularly dangerous areas. Likewise, they eschew visible armour except in the most war-torn locations, making synthsilk, stiffsynth, and energy shields particularly attractive to those that can find them. The individual Sanare must undergo a cleansing and penance set by their charge for any act of violence, however justified it might be. While this may be as simple as a short prayer if the Sanare strikes someone in self-defence without seriously hurting them, the penance for killing could easily be a long, arduous quest. Characteristics: Dexterity, Endurance, Faith
Natural Skills: Observe, Fight, Vigor
Learned Skills: Empathy, Focus, Martial Arts Actions, Remedy, Read Urthish, Read Latin, Stoic Mind
Blessings/Curses: Compassionate (2 pts: +2 Passion when helping others)/ Modest (+2 pts: -2 Extrovert when recounting deeds)
Benefices: Church Charter (3 pts, see Players Companion pg. 43), standard energy shield (5 pts), stunner (4 pts), staff
Jacob is an intimidating sight, a colossal middle-aged man literally covered in scars. An ex-Battle brother, he was a veteran of that order, a commander and survivor of many battles. During a pitched conflict with Vuldrok raiders on Byzantium Secundus during the Emperor Wars, his company was cut down in a brutal ambush that left only a few of them alive, including Jacob himself. Seriously wounded, he awaited the worst as the barbarians closed in to finish the job.
Yara, an Amalthean healer interposed herself between the barbarians and the wounded survivors, and as Jacob watched in horror, they cut her down. He remembers little of what happened after that, save when he awoke in a field hospital, tended by the Amalthean sect. Watching the full horror and casualties of war that surrounded him, Jacob grew sick of battle and laid aside his sword, determined to forge a new, purer path. Several years later he has succeeded, the Sanare standing as testimony to his deep personal conviction.
Sanare monks who practise Yarato may learn Grapple (Hold), Throw, and Block actions at one level lower than the action's required level. Other actions are not actively taught, and cost the stylist two extra experience points to master, assuming they find a willing tutor.