Motto: “Through nature’s bloom, we find renewal; in life’s end, we sow its seed.”

The Scarlet Garden is a secretive and alluring cult devoted to the eldritch remnant known as the Dread Blossom, a grotesque and mesmerizing entity that thrives on the balance between growth and decay. The cult publicly presents itself as a druidic circle and a protector of nature, advocating for harmony, regeneration, and the sanctity of life. Members of the Scarlet Garden are known for their passion for restoring balance to the natural world, often acting as intermediaries between nature and civilization. They are seen as guardians of sacred groves, protectors of wildlife, and champions of sustainable living.

Their philosophy resonates with those seeking solace in nature’s beauty and balance, drawing in those who value renewal, growth, and preservation. Many perceive the Garden as a benevolent force, tirelessly working to heal the wounds inflicted upon the natural world by the spread of industry, deforestation, and exploitation.

Headquarters

The public face of the Scarlet Garden is the Verdant Hollow, an overgrown sanctuary located deep within Gwydion's Bosque, one of Eirendor’s most enchanting and ancient woodlands. Verdant Hollow is seen as a haven for those seeking communion with nature, and visitors describe it as a lush, mystical grove where druids and nature worshippers convene to celebrate the cycles of life.

The Garden also manages healing retreats for weary travelers and those seeking peace, offering herbal remedies and guidance on living harmoniously with the natural world. The Verdant Hollow is considered a place of refuge and reflection, attracting both common folk and nobles who desire respite from their hectic lives.

Members

Members of the Garden advocate for the delicate balance of life, teaching communities to respect nature’s boundaries and rhythms. They also work to heal areas devastated by war, industry, or neglect, planting new life where the land has been scarred. Their ceremonies and festivals celebrating seasonal changes draw large crowds, instilling a sense of wonder and reverence for the natural world.

Purpose and Goals

The Scarlet Garden presents itself as a force dedicated to protecting and restoring nature, celebrating the cycles of life and death, and opposing industrial or magical exploitation of the land. Their public purpose is to inspire harmony between humanity and the natural world by emphasizing sustainable practices, reforestation, and the protection of sacred groves.

Symbols and Traditions

Symbol: The Scarlet Garden's symbol is a grotesque and mesmerizing flower, its curling black petals tipped with crimson hues, and a pulsating central eye surrounded by intricate thorn-like patterns. This symbol is encircled by twisting tendrils and faint fungal growths, hinting at the Garden's devotion to the balance of beauty and decay.

Membership

Who Joins: Disillusioned druids and nature worshippers, Zealots seeking power through destruction, Desperate individuals lured by the Blossom’s intoxicating promises.

Benefits: Access to forbidden knowledge of decay and rebirth, Gifts of power from the Dread Blossom, such as the ability to manipulate corrupted flora or spread its spores, A sense of belonging and purpose in reshaping the natural order.