The Eldest Isles lies behind terrible storms and sharp reefs, with only one method of safe passage through it. The floral reef known as the Dragon's Garden. This reef lies on the far side of the Mantis kingdom of Orchid Orchard, the only portion of the Eldest Isles even remotely well known to those of the continent. They were charged, long ago, with guarding a place sacred to the gods, to be the first line of defense. So the God of the Sun and the Goddess of Growth blessed their island with eternal spring that they might never know want, and never have reason to grow lax in their duties of service and guardianship.
Now the Orchid Orchard is a place that exports herbs to the rest of the kingdoms, for there is not a bloom that has ever existed that does not grow, somewhere, in the many gardens and well kept parks of the kingdom. In these places the Mantisfolk practice their martial arts, and it is here that many an aspiring monk or martial artist begins the final steps towards true mastery of their craft, proving themselves of strong will and honorable, if not necessarily good, conscience before being permitted to travel deeper into the Eldest Isles. The furthest island of which is said to be the only place one might truly master the arts of unarmed combat.