The Dryleaf Sect are named in the game as 'a group of spiritual seekers', and their robe states the programme: 'Sun-faded and lightly soiled travel attire worn by clergymen. The gold necklace found under the breast belongs to a group of spiritual seekers known as the Dryleaf Sect. This sect rejects dependence on others in all matters of faith, seeking self-discipline and self-sufficiency above all else.' What is refused there is dependence on others, not faith itself: the sect's own catalyst, the Dryleaf Seal, 'enhances incantations of Miquella', and it gives the order an origin. 'Those who saw the decline of the Erdtree in the fallen leaves long ago braced themselves for the weakening of Order, and embraced a strict faith. And then, they made to serve a new god.' They read the falling leaves as a warning, hardened their faith, and went to serve. Their gear keeps returning to one phrase, sun-faded and lightly soiled: the robe, the cuissardes with their 'boots made of sturdy leather', the arm wraps 'wound tightly around the arms as if it might prevent them from being broken'.

The discipline is set down as a teaching. Dryleaf Arts is 'a technique for hand-to-hand combat without the aid of a weapon' that 'combines fist strikes and kicks', 'revealed only to those of worthy valor and character' ; 'the practice of this martial art marks the dawn of an ascetic's journey'. Palm Blast carries the sect's name too: 'Skill of the spiritual seekers known as the Dryleaf Sect. Imbues hand with energy before using a palm strike to unleash an explosive blast.' Dryleaf Dane takes the discipline further. Dane's Footwork is 'unique to Dane, a Dryleaf and sworn ally of Leda', acquired 'by training with the aid of a waterfall; letting the water beat his body, and throwing himself into its basin', and Dryleaf Whirlwind 'represents the pinnacle of Dane's footwork-based martial artistry'. His hat is 'worn low over the eyes' because 'meeting the gaze of another can overcome the senses, often leading to the downfall of those who would walk the noble and solitary seekers' path'. The altered robe puts one mark on that solitude: 'the leather satchel hanging from the shoulder is decorated with one of Miquella's emblems, a golden grass motif.' The game does not say who put it there. It does say where Dane is heading: the message he leaves at the ancient ruins is addressed 'to kindred spirits who also pursue Miquella's trail'.

◆ Sources

ArmorDryleaf Robe

The gold necklace found under the breast belongs to a group of spiritual seekers known as the Dryleaf Sect. This sect rejects dependence on others in all matters of faith, seeking self-discipline and self-sufficiency above all else.

ArmorDryleaf Robe (Altered)

The leather satchel hanging from the shoulder is decorated with one of Miquella's emblems, a golden grass motif.

Ash of WarPalm Blast

Skill of the spiritual seekers known as the Dryleaf Sect. Imbues hand with energy before using a palm strike to unleash an explosive blast.

Ash of WarDryleaf Whirlwind

This skill represents the pinnacle of Dane's footwork-based martial artistry. Rise into the air with a series of spinning kicks before crashing down with one final strike.