Path of the Red Palm

The Path of the Red Palm is a school of combat and monastic life. The Path is most famous for its leader, a gold dragon known only as the Cardinal.

The Cardinal is at least 300 years old. There are rumors that he may be significantly older, but such suspicions have yet to be confirmed. He almost always stays in human form, usually either an old man or a young child. He wears loose gold robes regardless of form. The Cardinal is known as a genius and master of philosophy within the Path - strangely, many outsiders who have met him claim that the encounter was underwhelming.

Embers
Members of the Path of the Red Palm are known as Embers, and always wear a faintly glowing red badge of a hand with a flame inside of it displayed on their person. These badges, called the Blaze Insignia, are a source of pride and identity for the Embers. To allow it to be insulted or lost is a great dishonor.

Location
The Path maintains a single official dojo on Agarin about 10 miles east of Tel Amur. Embers are encouraged to initiate those who show interest into the ways of the Path. Once the basics have been trained to their mentor's satisfaction, the initiates are sent to the central dojo where they are officially confirmed as an Ember and awarded their own Blaze Insignia.

Religion
The Path of the Red Palm is sometimes associated with the dragon goddess Niphu. Faith in She Who Hoards the Sun is certainly widespread among the Embers, but worship of Niphu is never formally incorporated into the monastic traditions.

Because of this link to Niphu, many members of organizations devoted to the Dragon Goddess of the Sun have come to the Path for training. The Shields of Sunrise have a long history of sending members to train with the Path.

The Cardinal's own stance on Niphu worship is unknown.