Living Gardens
The historic Living Gardens of Cartes are very powerful medatative gardens due to their continued use and frequent blessings. The gardens, are located at the very center of the temple district in Cartes and are considered a place of power. The gardens have been known to be frequented by magi as well as clerics.
The gardens are located in juxtaposition to the headquarters of the Hall of the Empyrean, which towers in an etherial-like manner above the temple district's pervasive fog. You can see the towers and spires from the temple district headquarters throughout the Living Gardens whether it is day or night. It was built for the purpose of helping those who have wandered too far into the Living Gardens find their way out. During the day, it's beautiful to behold as it sparkles and shimmers in the sunlight that reflect off the beautiful, marble exterior. At night, the temple acts as a great beacon. Enchanted with several spells, the temple quite literally glows in the night sky. Because of it's enchantment, this Temple has also been called "The Lighthouse".
The Living Gardens themselves are quite vast, which is why the Temple enchantments are needed-- Even with these precautions, it is quite easy to become lost within the gardens. Deep within the recesses of the gardens has been a known gathering place for some of the less reputable mages. There they practice the darker aspect of magic. If one delves deep enough into the Living Gardens, they might perchance to stumble upon one such place where dark magic is practiced. So it is with caution I warn you to beware for those who stumble upon such magic have a difficult time leaving. These pockets of black swallow up all light-- even that of The Lighthouse-- and entice travellers to continue into these black depths to their very doom. Some say the cries of lost and tourmented souls reside in these locations. Others argue that it is the wailing of souls who've gone into madness practicing the dark arts.
... but the Living Gardens isn't all a place to fear. For the most part, the gardens are a very cheery and relaxing place to be.
(more later... bedtime)
