"Circle of Harmony" Druids and Ranger martial artists?
by Marc SaindonSo Mystara's China, Ochalea, is probably the best location for the Mystic/Monk class, but what about adventurers that lean more towards neutrality than lawfulness? Maybe the Druid class can be tweaked towards taoism (with its emphasis on balance and connection to nature) rather than a lawful confucean mindset of the Monk. Studying the cycle of the Elements (Earth, Fire, Wood, Metal, Water) and herbalism-as-alchemy would also play an important role. Wildshape might tap in Mortal Kombat's "Animality"...
Connected to this Monk/Mystic class is a taoist Ranger subblass that would organize themselves as a Dojo/Martial arts school. Whereas the Druids are the "Sages" of the organization, the more martial Rangers are the "Fists" of the group. And rather than engage in wars, these Rangers would take inspiration from Mozi, and form armies who intervene in conflicts to balance out one side to prevent further war: brigands that outnumber a village militia might find the "Harmonious Fists" (placeholder name, please find something better) suddenly show up to reinforce the village's defence to deter further attacks. "Tao Rangers" would develop their martial feats and weapon proficiencies along the lines of martial arts, mainly hand-to-hand combat and rustic farming tools recycled as weapons (e.g. wheat flails becoming nunchaku). Ranger spells are integrated into this martial art school.
Druidic "Sages" and their Ranger "Acolytes" naturally clash with the Mystic/Monk's lawful legalist philosophy, so maybe both camps duke it out in yearly tournaments to prove who's kung fu is the best.
(Image from: https://www.deviantart.com/cowsomebody/art/Taoist-girl-447617109)