Author: HollowHush

**”Fungal Folly & Fallen Friends”**

Not a moment after the priestess shrieked, a pair of throwing daggers thudded into the mushroom-laden zombie’s forehead. It let loose another echoing howl before it collapsed, releasing Althea’s ankle. The acolyte darted a glance back and saw Lorna brandishing another three knives between the fingers of one hand. She gave Althea a silent nod before lobbing the next dagger at another stirring corpse. Meanwhile, Fabian brandished his longsword and sliced another fungal undead’s head in half. In that time, two more of the corpses managed to get to their feet and now began shuffling on rigid limbs toward the trio of breathing adventurers.

“We need to get out of here!” Fabian shouted as one of the undead lurched toward him. A tendril of the familiar but foul black bile dribbled at the corner of the zombie’s lips, and its black mold blindfold only distanced the unliving abomination from its former humanity. Lorna ran by and planted a dagger into the grappling undead’s skull like a wooden stake in one maneuver. It fell from Fabian’s arm, but that was when an oily, black vine dropped from the darkness above, coiling about the bald mercenary’s throat. “GHGGKKKHH–” he gagged and dropped his sword, gasping at his throat. Read more »

**”In Sickness and in Wealth”**

Sure enough, Fabian’s expertise paid off. He successfully disabled a tripwire, picked several locks, and navigated the trio around a hidden pit trap. After an hour of careful advancement through the underground tunnels, they came to an abandoned warehouse in a larger chamber with a vaulted ceiling. Lorna wrung her hands with glee at the sight of it, and Fabian cracked his knuckles as he approached the large, iron door.

“What is this place?” Althea asked, giving the large building a once-over. Ignoring her question, Fabian produced his pack of thieves’ tools to once more pick the lock. But this puzzled the acolyte. Clearly the tunnel continues forward, so why was he straying off the path? Lorna peeked down the tunnel before scurrying up beside her bald friend. She brushed a scarlet dreadlock from her face. “Is there something we need in there?” Althea asked, brows knit with concern. Lorna and Fabian gave each other a smile before nodding. Read more »

Author’s Note: WARNING! This is an extremely niche story with a lot of fucked up content. If fucking zombies or getting covered in rotten ichor disgust you, turn away now. If you want to watch a 19yo priestess fall into a pit of corruption and decay, stay tuned for more.

**Chapter 1: Scoundrels & Shortcuts**

Althea Amberhearth sat at her usual spot in the Black Crab tavern. Few windows and a scarcity of candles meant the establishment rarely rose above dim light. Probably so that the customer base would fail to notice the numerous stains littering the wood floor. A shame the lighting did little to stymie the stench, as the sickly sweet scent of old ale trickled into the young woman’s nose. She idly flipped her loose, blonde braid from one shoulder to the other and glanced back toward the wooden door. Still no sign of her traveling companions. Looking down at the table, she slowly pushed the cup of cloudy water away from her. No, she would abstain from drinking anything here. The Black Crab was a place better suited to meeting contacts rather than dining or drinking. Althea cast furtive glances about the pub, noting the numerous individuals bearing black leather armor and heavy scars. Indeed, not her usual crowd, but thankfully no one had bothered her since she arrived. Althea plucked her small prayerbook from her pouch and flipped to the silk string bookmark. Read more »