[quote=@Deft]
Is everyone restricted to being an Earthling? From reading the synopsis that's how it would seem. Are we also students of other hermits/martial art styles or is there other ways we can claim to be good fighters?
[/quote]

You can certainly be a student from one of the hermits if you wish, but your character is entirely up to you. If you want to be self taught, or some kind of adventurer (or anything really) be my guest.  As far as races go, due to power levels needing to be somewhat balanced, I can only allow earthlings and animal characters.