The Grand Aquifer is supposedly the source of the White Gull River[1].
| ATTENTION: SPOILERS AHEAD! Beyond this point, major plot spoilers are expected. Continue at your own risk. |
It becomes home to Faulkner's offshoot of the Parish of Tide and Flesh following the assassination of High Katabasian Roemont[2] and the destruction of the safety of the Paraclete's Gulch by the Peninsulan government as orchestrated by Katabasian Greve[3]. It is close to Bellwethers.
Description[]
The Aquifer has a low-stone entrance hall, collapsed tunnels, a banqueting chamber turned into a all-purpose sleeping space, a radio room, and Faulkner's chamber.
Faulkner's Chamber[]
Faulkner's chamber is a throne room, comprised of a dreaming pool chamber with a stone bridge over a stagnant pit of water which the disciples believe to be the origin of the White Gull River. Inside the room is a stone chair facing the water. It smells sulphuric. His sleeping area is tuck into a dark alcove behind the stone chair.
Notable Events[]
Scuffle With The Woundtree[]
Whilst Elgin's people were out scouting for a new location for the disciples of the Woundtree to move to they ran into the Parish of Tide and Flesh. Shots were fired, and when Harrier died the Woundtree took out his killer and four other followers of the Trawler-man, along with five more disciples of the Woundtree. A couple escaped on either side.[4]
The High Prophet's Address And The Wither Mark[]
Faulkner addresses his people in the hall of the Grand Aquifer. He speaks to Brother Philly, who has been tasked with killing Adjudicator Shrue in Glottage. Brother Philly asks Faulkner to share the Wither Mark with his people, and after some coercion he does so. After finding out that Carpenter is there, Faulkner pleads with brother not to go through with this and orders him to stop. Sibling Rane gives the order to continue on Faulkner's behalf.[5]
Murder In The Dreaming Chamber[]
Following the use of the Wither Mark in Glottage, people have been fleeing the Aquifer. Sister Cull speaks to Rane about it and informs them of a plane crash in the White Gull River. Rane says they will speak to Faulkner about it.
In the Dreaming Chamber, Rane is confronted by Faulkner, who blames them for Carpenter's death. He says that he will make Rane a Katabasian, but instead drowns them. Faulkner has begun to lose his grip on his sanity.[6]
Final Reunion[]
Carpenter is brought to the Grand Aquifer by Sister Cull. The Aquifer is flooding. Cull realises that everyone has fled and, after uncuffing Carpenter, quickly does the same.
In the Dreaming Chamber, Carpenter and Faulkner have their final conversation. Faulkner rages at the end that seems to be destined for him, still dreaming of being a great man. Carpenter pleads with him to come with her in spite of it all. She eventually decides that she will not die down there with him, but gives him directions on how to follow her. Faulkner continues to be trapped in his delusions.[7]
The Aquifer Drowns[]
Faulkner finally realises his mistake, alone and continuing his tale in the Dreaming Chamber. He decides to follow Carpenter. The flooding of the Aquifer has only been increasing, and Faulkner gets into difficulty in the water. He calls out for his sister to help him as he drowns.[7]
References[]
- ↑ Chapter 33: And Where Once Its Howling Forebears Walked
- ↑ Chapter 35: The Wise Man Knows The Taste Of Rot
- ↑ Chapter 38: Shall Wither In Ruin And Rust
- ↑ Chapter 37: And Even The Kings In Their Bowers Of Steel
- ↑ Chapter 43: One Last Song Of Revelations
- ↑ Chapter 43: One Last Song Of Revelations
- ↑ 7.0 7.1 Chapter 45: Of Love, And Gods' Defeat (Part Two)