The Verdant Wardens
The Verdant Wardens are the devoted guardians, priests, and druids of Eldara’s faith. This sacred order serves as both protectors of the wilds and stewards of cultivated lands. The Wardens see themselves as intermediaries between civilization and nature, advocating for respect and balance. Their temples are often simple shrines located in sacred groves, gardens, or natural clearings, with the most revered sites built around ancient trees known as "Heartwoods"—natural conduits to the divine essence of Eldara
Tenets of Faith
Stewardship of the Earth
Members of the Verdant Wardens ensure that local communities respect natural laws and use resources sustainably. They mediate disputes between mortals and nature (e.g., hunting rights, forest usage, or over-farming).Balance of the Harvest
Verdant Wardens encourage the proper balance of consumption and preservation. Excessive greed and hoarding are seen as sins.Preserve the Sacred Wilds
No matter the price, ancient woods, glades, and groves must be preserved. The desecration of sacred sites is one of the most heinous acts in Eldara’s eyes.Teach the Grand Cycle
Members are teachers of the natural cycle of life and death. The teachings of the Grand Cycle are shared with mortals through festivals, harvest celebrations, and rites of passage.Oppose Unnatural Corruption
Forces that bring plague, rot, or unnatural blights to nature are viewed as abominations to be purged.Worship
Seasonal Festivals
Seasonal solstices and equinoxes are marked by large festivals where communities offer crops, flowers, and fruits to Eldara. During these events, followers plant trees, restore damaged wildlands, and share harvests with the poor.Seed Blessings
Before planting seeds, farmers bring them to Verdant Wardens, who bless them with sacred water and soil from a nearby Heartwood grove. This rite ensures the growth is touched by Eldara’s grace.The Rite of Decay
When a loved one dies, a ritual burial involving seeds or saplings is performed. The body is laid to rest with a seedling, symbolizing the return of life to the soil and the continuation of the cycle.The Wild Vigil
Initiates seeking to become full-fledged Wardens must endure a night-long vigil in one of Eldara's wilds, exposed to the elements and the dangers of the wild. The experience is meant to connect them with the untamed side of nature.Offerings to the Heartwoods
Devotees bring baskets of produce, flowers, and crafted wooden items to the Heartwoods—ancient trees that serve as living altars to Eldara. These offerings are seen as acts of gratitude for the gifts of nature.
Type
Religious, Organised Religion
Location
Controlled Territories
