Ki
Ki is a supernatural manifestation of magical power most strongly associated with monks1 and ninjas,2 who through training can tap inner reserves of ki to cast spells or enhance their natural physical abilities.13 Such magic typically manifests as either divine or occult magic.1
Practitioners of ki describe it as a force that permeates all living entities and can be honed and focused in ways that allow them to move or think with extraordinary speed, precision, and strength. Ki is sometimes honed through self-questioning practices known as koans.4
Among monks
Monks who are especially focused on mastering their ki are sometimes known as qinggong monks, and are capable of extraordinary feats of mobility and manifesting their ki as physical energy.5
Among ninjas
Ninjas can focus their practice of ki to fortify their minds through consuming herbs, and can also create poisons infused with their ki, disguise themselves or certain weapons, and evade detection.2
Among kineticists
Kineticists specially trained to manipulate life forces and chakras at the Schools of Perfection in Jalmeray can also infuse their elemental powers with ki.6
On Golarion
The Arms of Balance, a quartet of ki elementalists from the Academy of Golden Arms in Indapatta, competed as exemplars of their arts at the Ruby Phoenix Tournament of 4719 AR.7
The Gugrangmyal and Gutshadmyal xulgath tribes of Zi Ha are the result of experiments in ki manipulation by the samsaran wizard Bakju.8
Studies into the nature of ki opened the mind of a young Rivani so greatly that she spontaneously developed psychic powers.9
In religion
Temples to Irori are usually elaborate complexes filled with rooms for prayer, sleep, and exercise where the faithful train both day and night to achieve perfection and cleanse their ki.10
References
- ↑ 1.0 1.1 1.2 “3: Classes” in Core Rulebook, 154. Paizo Inc., 2019 .
- ↑ 2.0 2.1 “Ki Practitioners” in Martial Arts Handbook, 20–21. Paizo Inc., 2018 .
- ↑ “Introduction” in Martial Arts Handbook, 2. Paizo Inc., 2018 .
- ↑ “Ki Practitioners” in Martial Arts Handbook, 20. Paizo Inc., 2018 .
- ↑ “Ki Practitioners” in Martial Arts Handbook, 21. Paizo Inc., 2018 .
- ↑ “Flow and Form” in Martial Arts Handbook, 29. Paizo Inc., 2018 .
- ↑ “Ruby Phoenix Fighting Roster” in Fists of the Ruby Phoenix (hardcover), 197–198. Paizo Inc., 2023 .
- ↑ “Occult Locations” in Occult Realms, 42–43. Paizo Inc., 2015 .
- ↑ Erik Mona. (July 1, 2015). Meet the Iconics: Rivani, Paizo Blog.
- ↑ “Gods of Golarion” in Gods and Magic, 23. Paizo Inc., 2008 .