Barkhang Monks
The Barkhang Monks live in a secluded monastery in a valley high in the Tibetan plateau. They are sworn to protect the entrance to the Catacombs of the Talion, which requires the use of an artefact known as the Seraph.
History
The Barkhang Brotherhood was founded to disguise the whereabouts and prevent the use of the fabled Dagger of Xian. The origins of the order are unclear, but may have resulted after the events of seen in the opening FMV of Tomb Raider II.
The order kept an eye on the dagger throughout history, until they replaced it in the Temple of Xian at some time in the last four hundred years - perhaps as a final solution after years of misuse.
The Barkhang Monastery is built over the ruins of an ancient Tibetan palace where the monks later buried the Talion, the key needed to open the door to the Temple of Xian. Guarded by various traps and legendary creatures, it was thought a suitably safe place to leave the treasure.
The Seraph was used to access the catacombs and ensure that the Talion had not been disturbed. However, it was stolen by an unidentified group in the last few centuries, and the monks could no longer access the ruins and could not keep the creatures that inhabited it in check. The artefact was later returned to them by Lara Croft, who used it to access the catacombs and take the Talion.
Recent History
More recently, the monks were responsible for bombing the cruise liner, the Maria Doria, causing the loss of countless lives. They did this to protect their monastery and to prevent Gianni Bartoli from using the Seraph to infiltrate the Catacombs of the Talion.
After the events of Tomb Raider II, the monks presumably still live in their monastery as they have done for centuries. Released from the obligation to guard the Talion and by association the Dagger of Xian, they seem happy to let Lara Croft keep the artefact, knowing that it will be in safe hands.
In-game
The monks seem happy to let Lara wander around their complex, as a visitor rather than a tomb raider. They understand her motives and are willing to let her get on with whatever she is doing.
If shot at however, they immediately become hostile, ganging up on Lara to protect their brothers. Even if they are aimed at with any weapon, they will assume a defensive position, warning her of the consequences.
Just one misplaced bullet can be enough to make the entire brotherhood attack you, so caution is advised when battling the various mercenaries who invade the compound.
