1. Aelanyth Vathirian
High Elf • Oldest Apprentice • Scholar and Perfectionist
In Life
Aelanyth was the eldest and most disciplined of the apprentices—quiet, brilliant, and fiercely protective of her mentor. She acted as the de facto leader of the group and often mediated arguments. Her notes were exhaustive, her spellwork immaculate.
She insisted the resurrection attempt could work. Her confidence pushed the others forward.
In Undeath (Hollow Wight)
Aelanyth wanders the Shadowfell echo of the basement with her hands forever miming the flipping of pages. Invisible spellbooks turn under her fingers as she silently reviews lessons no longer there.
Her posture is rigid and precise, but her eyes are empty wells of flickering gray.
Sometimes, she lifts a hand as if to hush the others—still trying to lead them, even in death.
🧟♀️ 2. Sarrira Emberhuff
Copper Dragonborn • Optimist • Warm-Hearted Apprentice
In Life
Sarrira was bubbly, enthusiastic, and loved making jokes—sometimes inappropriate ones during lessons. She was the glue that kept spirits high. She believed magic was meant to bring joy, and saw necromancy as a kindness: a way to return someone precious.
She supplied the rare materials for the ritual.
In Undeath (Hollow Wight)
Sarrira’s Hollow Wight form is one of the saddest. Her shoulders slump, her copper scales dulled to tarnished, almost greenish hues. Her claws twitch in repeated attempts to perform gestures she once used for cantrips and illusions.
Faint crackling motes of shadow cling to her hands—echoes of the joy magic she once loved.
She paces in figure-eights, retracing the original ritual circle, as though trying to correct it.
🧟♂️ 3. Kaedric Holt
Human Male • Ambitious • Brilliant but Impatient
In Life
Kaedric was quick-witted, sharp-tongued, and constantly pushing himself. He was the one who proposed modifying the original resurrection spell to “improve its stability,” unknowingly making it more dangerous.
He admired Professor Renn deeply but always felt overshadowed by the elf apprentices.
In Undeath (Hollow Wight)
Kaedric shuffles rapidly, as though restless even in death. His Hollow Wight form wrings its hands ceaselessly, mimicking his old habits of constant thinking and fidgeting.
Sometimes he slams his palm on invisible parchment—the echo of his frustration.
He is the most reactive of the six, turning toward sounds or movement with eerie speed.
🧟♂️ 4. Bromdur Granitehand
Dwarf Male • Stubborn • Loyal to a Fault
In Life
Bromdur was quiet, steadfast, and fiercely loyal—especially to Professor Renn, who once saved him from a cursed artifact. He wasn’t the strongest spellcaster, but he had an unshakable heart and a booming laugh.
He participated in the ritual out of love and duty.
In Undeath (Hollow Wight)
Bromdur’s wight lumbers slowly along the wall, one hand dragging across the stone in a repetitive gesture—he was tracing runes there during the ritual.
His face is slack and jaw slightly open, as if trying to sing—but silence falls out instead.
Occasionally, he kneels at the shadow of the ritual circle and presses his palm to the floor.
🧟♂️ 5. Ulf Emberbound
Halfling Male • Gentle Soul • Fond of Tea and Stories
In Life
Ulf was the youngest in spirit, despite being middle-aged by halfling standards. He loved to brew tea for everyone in the shack and had a calming presence. He feared the ritual but didn’t want to let the others face it alone.
His hands always smelled like herbs.
In Undeath (Hollow Wight)
Ulf's Hollow Wight repeatedly mimes pouring invisible tea into invisible cups. He even brings an empty hand to where his lips once were.
Sometimes he sits cross-legged in a corner, hands cupped as though holding a warm mug—but nothing is there.
His shadow is always slightly too long, stretching behind him like a spilled memory.
🧟♀️ 6. Lysandra Vel
Half-Elf Female • Kindhearted • The Most Emotional of the Group
In Life
Lysandra was tender-hearted and easily moved to tears. She adored Professor Renn and saw him as a father figure. She was terrified of the resurrection ritual and nearly backed out. Aelanyth convinced her to stay.
Her voice was soft, her magic elegant and subtle.
In Undeath (Hollow Wight)
Lysandra stands silently in the corner of the Shadowfell version of the shack, arms crossed over her stomach as though holding herself together. Her head tilts just slightly—like a child listening for comfort.
Sometimes, though she makes no sound, her shoulders shake as though weeping.
Her Hollow Wight looks toward where Professor Renn appears most often, as if she senses him but cannot perceive him.
💀 What They Mean to Professor Renn
He remembers every one of them:
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Aelanyth: “My prodigy… my steadfast star…”
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Sarrira: “Her laughter made the shack feel alive.”
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Kaedric: “Brilliant boy… always reaching too high.”
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Bromdur: “Never failed a friend. Not even at the end.”
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Ulf: “He made the best tea. I miss it still.”
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Lysandra: “Sweet child… she deserved joy, not this.”
He sees them as his greatest failure—and his greatest love.