The Dryleaf Sect is the canon's most explicit statement of a Realm of Shadow spirituality that does not require a god. The Dryleaf Robe flavour text states their programme without ambiguity : '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.' Their armour set, robe, arm wraps, cuissardes, is uniformly dust-faded ; their travel-leather is worn at the same rate by every member of the order. They do not pray to a god. They walk.

Their martial discipline is the canon's only formalised unarmed-combat tradition. The Palm Blast skill description names them : '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 Whirlwind is the discipline's pinnacle : '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.' Dane is the most visible Dryleaf practitioner. The altered Dryleaf Robe's flavour text records the small contradiction Dane lives with : 'the leather satchel hanging from the shoulder is decorated with one of Miquella's emblems, a golden grass motif.' Even the Dryleaf Sect's most disciplined wanderer, when offered Miquella's charm, kept the emblem he was given. Self-discipline survives most things ; it does not survive a kindly god.

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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.