Oshuamp - Episode 14: A Damaged Disciple

### Recap

As Yahlumlo and his friends leave Seamus’ home, they are shocked to see Felix standing near the end of the street, heading southward. They hurry over to catch up with a lost friend, and inform him of the treacherous discoveries they have made. Upon learning that Felix has been assisting Clark in the care of Madeleine and requires more ale from Growlers, they choose to accompany him on his way. As they venture south, Yahlumlo briefly departs to check in on another member of the Logger’s Guild, a middle-aged family man named Willard.

En route to Growlers, Ritora, Ethir, and Nesgrim discuss with Felix their perceived threats within the city, and the potential plots they have uncovered. He promises that he has stayed safe through the last few days by his own wits and the protection of Clark. Yahlumlo approaches Willard’s home, and is happy to find that he is well. Willard is also shocked to see Yahlumlo alive, after the harrowing tale from Seamus. He details the discussions from Logger’s Hall about the potential dissolution, and informs Yahlumlo that he has accepted work from Arthur, because he has mouths at home to feed and cannot be without work. Despite his desire to assist his companions with reaffirming the Logger’s Guild, he is too afraid to attempt another expedition into the Felwood. He tells Yahlumlo that Ernest may still be interested in rebuilding, but they would require at least seven more men to do so safely. Yahlumlo pays Willard for his time, and forgives him, respecting that Willard has too much to risk and would not have asked Willard to save him during the catastrophe.

Inside Growlers, Luna continues to patronize the party, but gives Felix a small cask of ale for Clark. Nesgrim attempts to flirt with her to gain her favor.

They continue to press their luck and ask questions about Widow’s Wail and watches as she demonstrates some of the properties, discusses her use in the Ale, and the risk of abuse and over-consumption. She also tells them that the plant itself seems to vary based on the location that it grows, and that she recalls it being used in Fhaorn, near Ritora’s home. As they listen to her, Nesgrim recognizes that the bloom smells of Ambrosia, and makes the connection to the Awakened Ones. He confesses that the consumption of the tea from Desielle is what made him feel desperate to drink more, and that the rest he took in the earth in Corrin’s lair alleviated his pain.

Yahlumlo catches up, and the group agrees to communally discuss the notes they received from Corrin. It is comprised of a decade of fragmented memories from his transformation, and his subsequent discoveries and hunts. Their honesty and interest in assisting drives Luna to invite them to a formal dinner that evening, and promises to introduce them to a few more of her associations within the city. She directs them towards the herbalist at the end of the street, at the Brewed Wing, believing that the owner may know more of Widow’s Wail, but confesses that he does not care much for Luna because of who she is and where she is from.

At the Brewed Wing, they are callously greeted by an eccentric elf who dismisses them until they promise coin. He warns them not to touch any of the belongings on his shelves, and they are mortified to see decayed creatures contained in vials, suspended in various liquids. Ethir is incredibly interested and begins a more friendly communication with him because of comparable passions. Adrian comments on his more eccentric services and provisions, and Yahlumlo announces that Ethir sells bones. Ethir nods in agreement and displays several pieces of his bone jewelry and the bones they have recently procured from the Cathedral. Adrian smells them and revels in ecstasy, moaning about the stories that he can feel from within.

Ethir realizes that Adrian also can see beyond Death, and they converse about their respective sights. Adrian invites Ethir for a private service in his lower level, and Yahlumlo asks if one of them may accompany Ethir. Adrian refuses initially, because the others do not possess their special visions, but offers up Nesgrim, claiming that he has already died once. Adrian glides over to him, pulling Nesgrim towards the door, and the two follow Adrian down a short staircase behind the curtains.

Inside the secluded chamber, Adrian sits inside a large circle traced with chalk, and instructs Ethir to bring him a candle. Adrian places herbs similarly to Ethir into a large brazier, and asks Nesgrim to step into the circle with him. He offers Nesgrim a bone dagger and requests a drop of blood, and Nesgrim abides. As the blood strikes the herbs in the brazier, Adrian ignites the candle and begins to burn the ingredients, inhaling the smoke, just as Ethir does.

Nesgrim watches as Adrian’s face is shrouded in smoke, and is mortified as it transforms into the face of his dead father.