All living things must strive. Nature knows no harmony, only war for the privilege to exist. Maug of the Bitter Spirit, the Albatross God, promises no intervention nor advice to His worshippers, just a silent approval of those of you strong enough to help themselves…

The Book of Salts, Ch. 7, verse 12

Transformed by the Ghulscorch Ague, the Lords of the Ghouls walk among usâ?¦

"When in disgrace with fortune and men’s eyes
I all alone beweep my outcast state,
And trouble deaf heaven with my bootless cries,"

-Shakespeares 29th Sonnet.

I will be the blade that shines by the holy suns.
I will be the shield that protects by the darkened shadows.
I will be vigilant in my duties to protect the Gods and their flocks.
I will be faithful to the edicts of my brethren.
Above no other will I be fully given to but the gods and my brethren.
I will be pure and woe to those who are not true.

- Mirrored Hand Ceremonial Edict

Men of wisdom, gathering lore of ways to heal the sick and suffering, these monks are not really different from other orders of the same religion.

Except for their thing with drug-addicts and similar hopeless existences.

The figures looked more or less human. And they were engaged in religion. You could tell by the knives (it’s not murder if you do it for a god).
—(Terry Pratchett, Small Gods)

Those of the Southern Territories were at a disadvantage at court. However, banded together, they become a mighty force for conservative and religious values.