Monastery
A monastary is more than just a religious building - it is a community of priests in the Marches, wielding subtle power in both the Imperial Synod and the day-to-day lives of the Marcher folk. The first monastaries were founded by pilgrims returning from Highguard, and formed the foundation for the Marcher Assembly.
Monasteries are usually surrounded by fertile farmland that is owned and worked by the monks.
A few monasteries are formed purely of scholars who take little part in warfare, but the majority include capable warriors who will don armour when battle is due. “You don't own it, unless you can defend it.” is a Marcher saying that applies even to monasteries, and the Abbots have just as much reason as any Household to want to protect what is theirs. Some monasteries extend the right of sanctuary to anyone who comes to them, and warriors are occasionally needed to ensure that right is respected.
Monks
Monks are the most common calling for Marcher priests. They divide their time between study of the Imperial Faith and working the farmlands claimed by the monastery. Monks minister to the spiritual welfare of the folk around their monastery, largely ignoring Household boundaries. They combine the teachings of the Imperial Faith with respect for Marcher tradition, and are generally adept at employing the custom of shunning to discourage un-virtuous behaviour. Where neccessary they may also try to encourage the use of the rough music against an individual who refuses to mend their unvirtous ways, although given the highly informal nature of that custom this can be quite a challenge,
Monks usually refer to one another with familial titles (cousin among monks of the same generation, uncle or aunt when talking to an older monk, nephew or niece when talking to a younger monk).
Both male and female monks wear plain garments, not unlike priestly robes in Highguard, though often simpler and less ostenatious (in stark contrast to the often quite overwrought garments of the Dawnish [{Troubadours]]).
Abbots
The leader of a monastery is called an Abbot. While a monastaries' ownship of land entitles them to a position in the Marcher political system, no Abbot has yet become Warden of a March – and to date few Households have pledged their loyalty to a monastery. Such a development is not outside the bounds of possibility, however.
Creating a Monastary
A monastary is a good choice for a religious group from the Marches. The costume is highly distinctive, and beside the obvious roles for priestly characters, the power wielded by Abbots can make them powerful participants in the politics of the Nation.
In addtiion to priests, a monastary is likely to have martially minded characters who serve as the defenders of the monastary.