Cudgel Monks Unit Guide

Unit Details

• Season 8: Dynasty
• Acquisition: Seasonal Challenges
• Unlocked Via: Seasonal Unit Challenges
• Type: Melee Infantry - Special
• Era: Silver Era

In Conqueror's Blade, doctrines of harmony have long prevailed in the lands west of Hao Jing, but even a land as harmonious as this cannot enjoy peace forever. The Cudgel Monks, like their historical counterparts, are a monastic order of spiritual warriors who detest war yet fight when they must. These benevolent monks are said to be favoured by the gods and use their blessed martial arts abilities to safeguard those in need. When they come down the mountain and return to the world, they do so to eradicate evil and preserve good. 

The Cudgel Monks dress in narrow-sleeved robes, are quick to act and are adept at using staves. Though not as sharp or daunting as a blade, their staves strike swiftly and deal considerable levels of continuous damage. Following a momentum-building charge towards enemies, the Monks can unleash a powerful flying kick to hit hard and break ranks.

Historical Significance

There are many records of holy men and women waging wars throughout history in spite of their faith. Bishop Heahmund took arms in defence of Wessex and was struck down by Halfdan Ragnarsson's Danes at the Battle of Meretun in AD 871, monastic military orders like the Knights Templar and the Teutonic Order were initially founded to protect Christian pilgrims, and the concept of warrior monks is a common element across Asian cultures. In Sikhism, a Sant Sipahi (meaning Saint-Soldier) is a Sikh who follows the spiritual and martial teachings of Guru Hargobind. In Japan, the Buddhist sōhei were an order of warrior monks born out of and sustained by, periods of imperial rebellion.

Perhaps one of the best-known examples of warrior monks is that of the legendary Shaolin Monastery in Dengfeng, China. The Indian Buddhist monk Bodhidharma was its first abbot in the early sixth century and is credited with training the very first Shaolin monks in what would become one of the world's most famous martial arts: Shaolin Kung Fu. Though the monks led a largely peaceful, meditative way of life, frequent incursions forced their hand and often saw them fighting invaders off from Shaolin. 

In the wake of an uprising and the assassination of the Sui Dynasty's Emperor Yang in AD 618, the general and future Emperor Li Yuan attempted to retake the city of Luoyang, but soon found himself staring down defeat when his forces were wildly outnumbered by reinforcements. In the midst of the chaos and bloodshed, it was said that 13 Shaolin monks could be seen fighting off invaders in the heart of the city and helped turn the tide to an eventual victory for Li Yuan. The monks were honoured by the new Emperor of the ascendant Tang Dynasty, who granted them the rights to train their warrior monks and dubbed Shaolin a “supreme temple”.

Core Unit Statistics

Unit Traits:

• Six Way Staff - The unit performs a powerful attack. If it hits the enemy, the unit recovers 500 health.
• Swamp - Increases damage against cavalry by 16%, and reduces an attacked cavalry unit's movement speed by 45% for 2 seconds.
• Suppression of Evil - Each attack increases own movement speed by 6%, reduces enemy movement speed by 6%, and their defense by 10%. Can be stacked up to 5 times.
• Qian Dynasty - Leadership cost reduced by 15 during Season VIII.

Formations:

• Dispersed - The unit spreads out a little to lessen the damage from ranged attacks.
• Column - A narrow formation effective for charging.
• Schiltron - The unit arranges in the Arhat formation, concentrating attacks.

Unit Orders:

• Six Way Staff - The unit charges toward their enemies at a high speed. During the charge, they block enemy arrows. Afterward, they will jump up and use their staves to attack with an extra block breaking effect.
• Windmill Strike - A powerful attack is triggered, restoring 500 health as it strikes the enemy. Monks quickly swing their staves for 10 seconds, dealing continuous damage to the enemy.

Veterancy Paths:

Core Path:

• The Soldier's Life (2): Each level increases health by 3%.

Top Path:

• Bloodbath (2): Each level increases slashing defence by 3%
• Toughen Up (2): Each Level Increases piercing defence by 3%
• The Soldiers Life (2): Each level increases Health by 3%
• Opportune Block (2): Each level increases damage reduction obtained when Six Way Staff triggers a powerful attack by 5%.
• Unswerving (2): Each level increases blunt defense by 3%.
• Reflexes (2): Each level reduces ranged damage taken by 5%.
• Braves (1): Increases Six Way Staff's health recovery effect by 500 points.

Bottom Path:

• Second Wind (2): Each level reduces Six Way Staff cooldown by 2 seconds.
• Butcher's Bill (2): Each Level Increases blunt damage by 2%.
• Recklessness (2): Each level reduces Windmill Strike cooldown by 2 seconds.
• Facehardened (2): Each level increases blunt armour penetration by 5%.
• Reflexes (2): Each level increases ranged resistance by 5%.
• Move as One (2): Each level increases movement speed by 5%.
• Heavies (1): Increases the number of enemies each monk can attack with a single normal strike by 1.

Unit Kit Crafting

Related Information:

• Season 8: Dynasty
• Modao Battalion (5.0 Stars)
• Greyhair Garrison (4.0 Stars)