Minyan

A minyan (or minyarn ) was a portable shrine dedicated to a certain deity and used by various religions in processions and battle.

Description
Even though it was a small shrine, a minyan was still quite large, being some in length. Similar to a palanquin, it was mounted on poles carried by bearers. They were heavy enough that twenty men were needed to lift and transport them. Minyans could contained holy texts or the remains of important figures in the faith.

Uses
In Kara-Tur, many monasteries and temples possessed their own minyans. These were overseen and maintained by the senior priest or a chosen underling; such a person must have morals matching their faith. They were carried by groups of sohei, whether into battle or in processions through communities. Sohei were bound to protect a minyan; losing one was a disgrace.

As a minyan represented its deity, it required veneration in a like manner. Each day, incense and offerings must be placed before it and a shukenja of the religion must perform services. Moreover, on holy days, the minyan must be paraded through the streets outside for all to witness and respect the deity. If these duties were not kept up, then the minyan lost its magical power forever.

Powers
Empowered by its deity, a minyan had several magical powers to bestow on those of the faith, and on those against it. It could be used to remove a curse on allies thrice a day or lay an ancient curse on foes once a month. In battle, it bolstered the morale of allied sohei who could see it, while causing fear in those of opposing ethos who approached within, who might flee in panic for a minute. Finally, it could heal someone to full health once every seven days.

Notable Minyans
The Blue Stork monastery of the Path of Enlightenment in Shou Lung had a minyarn of an altar holding holy texts and its founder's remains. When this minyarn was stolen by bandits, the sohei Shyarn Feng was charged with recovering it, but the effort cost the lives of all his team and the minyarns power was lost.

The Floating Cloud School of the Way of Enlightenment in Kozakura contained Zezen Ito's "Great Interpretation of the Way of Enlightenment".

The Shining Temple of Bishamon in Wa had a very large minyan that needed thirty pilgrims to carry it. It was paraded through the town of Aru in the Ceremony of the Three Thousand steps.

Background
The minyan appears to be inspired by the Japanese mikoshi, a religious palanquin or portable shrine used in the Shinto religion.