The Garden of Graves

The Garden of Graves
Olala in the Garden of Graves(Art by Milo Mars)
Details
First Appearance	Second Citadel - The Fool in the Garden of Death (Part 1)
Last Appearance	Second Citadel - The Priestess' Fortune (Part 2)
Type	Convent
Leader	The Abbess
Location	The Western Wastes

“

In the Garden of Graves it doesn't matter if you're good or bad, or a human or a monster. Everyone deserves a final place to rest, a final recognition that for a time they were alive, and now that time is over, and it is special because it can never come back.

”

—Olala^[src]

The Garden of Graves is a convent in the Western Wastes inhabited by Sisters who care for Everdead trees and the dead. They took in the changeling Olala and raised her for nine years. The convent is also called Corpsegarden by those of the Second Citadel. They uphold strong beliefs about the necessity of death in the creation of life, which is exemplified by the Everdeads providing the foundation for all life in the Wastes. The Sisters there have rigorous combat training.

Layout

The Garden of Graves is a secluded nunnery consisting of eight temples, with eight protectors that each have their specialisation. It is surrounded by thick forest, near the western edge of the world, and far from any other cities.

Culture

The sisters worship death, and believe that everyone and everything should have a place to rest and be remembered once they're gone, and emphasise respect of the dead. They do not discriminate against monsters, allowing any wanderer to seek refuge in their convent. This attitude towards monsters is likely what allowed Olala, half-monster half-human, to thrive in the convent she grew up in. The sisters did their best to teach Olala about their ways before they passed, and held regular sermons.

The sisters also take care of the Everdead trees, which are magical undead plants that perpetually have falling leaves. These fallen leaves form the top layer of detritus on the otherwise barren soil of the Western Wastes, allowing plants and life to grow. The sisters tend to the trees by removing axes that are embedded in them, and thus making sure they are clean and unbroken.

The sisters each have their specialisations, but they are all taught a form of martial arts to defend their convent with. This knowledge remains with them even after death. They also have knowledge of cell theory, and access to microscopes, as well as knowledge of tracking and hunting.

Magic

Like the Keep, the Garden of Graves is an ancient god-like being of pure magic who resides over soil, memory, and death. This being has a special connection to Olala, who has always been in its soil and is the only being to pass through death's gate. It is able to teleport Olala somewhere safe when she is near death on multiple occasions.

It has the ability to cast incredibly powerful illusions on Olala and fog up her memory, allowing her to believe her sisters are alive again. Olala resists the illusion, and the Garden tells her that without anyone to remember it, it will slowly fade away. Once Olala accepts that her sisters are gone, the Garden of Graves gives its power and its spirits to her, and fades away. Olala later uses this power against Sir Galahad to defeat him.

Some Sisters were able to use magic, including healing magic. This, along with their friendly relations to monsters, is likely what inspired them to be seen as witches. The Abbess in particular can use the powerful magic of the Garden of Graves to summon familiars, rare magical constructs, in order to defend the convent.

Misconceptions

There are many misconceptions about the Garden of Graves, largely promoted by scholars of the Second Citadel. They call it "Corpsegarden", and believe the sisters to be witches that eat the dead.

History

Olala's statue
Art by Milo Mars

Olala in her previous incarnation died near the Garden of Graves, by the statue made in her honor. Thousands of years later, she is reincarnated as a baby and found by Sister Tiilei. She grew up in the Garden of Graves and learns their teachings. When she is nine years old, the Kite attacks their convent and kills every single one of the Sisters.

Olala is nearly killed by the Kite in Milltown, but is teleported to the Garden of Graves right as she is near death. Once she accepts the responsibility of being the only person to remember the Garden and its sisters, she heads back to stop Galahad.

Even years later, Olala still mourns for her first home, and worries about their memories fading. She tries to read up on books about them, but finds only slanderous books written by scholars of the Second Citadel. When she comes to Silvershore, she finds books that are more accurate, and even one written by a former sister of the Garden, Sister Beenok.

Sisters

• Olala
• Sister Aano
• Sister Beenok
• Sister Bolei
• Sister Meenah
• Sister Na
• Sister Tiilei
• Sister Viina
• Sister Yano
• The Abbess
• Thirteenth Abbess, Sanguine Sister Keifah

Trivia

• All the names of Olala's eight sisters are eventually revealed.