There is a theory which states that if anyone ever discovers exactly why someone would willingly transform into a disease-ridden insectoid human, the Lands Between will instantly disappear and be replaced by something even more bizarre and inexplicable.
There is another theory which states that this has already happened. Twice.
Entry 1,986,282 in the Lands Between Edition: Man-Fly Ashes
The Man-Fly Ashes represent perhaps the most philosophically troubling question in the entire Realm of Shadow: at what point does a person stop being a person and start being an inconvenience at picnics? These ashen remains summon three spectral man-flies – former hornsent who contracted what can only be described as the universe’s most unfortunate case of “turning into a fly.” The lore suggests they were relieved when the transformation completed, which tells you everything you need to know about what their lives were like beforehand.
The spell requires 29 FP, a number that the Committee for Insect-Adjacent Combat Solutions reportedly selected after extensive consultation with several fruit bowls and a very confused entomologist. This puts it firmly in the “moderately expensive but not quite extortionate” category, rather like a sandwich from a train station.
What you get for your 29 FP is a tactical trio: two of your new buzzing companions will attack from the air with all the grace and coordination of someone discovering they have wings roughly forty-five minutes ago, while the third positions itself in the rear to spit poison at enemies. This “one in the back, two in front” formation suggests either sophisticated military strategy or a complete inability to agree on anything.
DON’T PANIC if you notice your Man-Flies making a beeline (or rather, a man-fly-line) directly toward the nearest source of filth. These creatures thrive among squalor – they’re essentially what would happen if you crossed a philosophy student with a dumpster and gave the result wings. The Village of Flies where you find them is, quite literally, a village of flies, which is exactly the sort of redundant naming convention one expects from a realm where geographic features are named by whoever gets there first and can’t be bothered with creativity.
The Guide would like to note that while the Man-Fly Ashes are technically classified as “poison support summons,” this is much like classifying a house fire as “aggressive central heating.” They do apply poison, yes, but they also apply a generous helping of existential dread to anyone watching them.
Pros, Cons, Usage Tips & Conclusion
Pros:
- Three summons for the price of one, which is excellent value if you don’t think too hard about what you’re actually summoning
- Poison damage from the rear-positioned spitter adds genuine tactical utility (the sort of phrase that sounds professional but essentially means “sometimes it helps”)
- Aerial attackers can reach flying enemies that your sword demonstrably cannot
- Lore is genuinely tragic, which makes you feel cultured while watching them die
- Weak to fire, so at least you know how to put them out of their misery if needed
Cons:
- Durability roughly equivalent to a biscuit in tea
- Watching former humans who transformed into insects fight for you raises ethical questions you don’t have time for mid-boss-fight
- The buzzing sound may trigger unpleasant memories of summer barbecues
- Their grab attack animations, when they were enemies, were deeply unpleasant – now you must simply hope they don’t turn on you
- Cannot be invited to formal dinners
The Guide would like to observe that Man-Fly Ashes occupy a curious niche in the spirit ash ecosystem: they are technically useful, occasionally effective, and perpetually disturbing. They represent FromSoftware’s commitment to asking, “But what if we made it worse?” and then answering that question with wings and compound eyes.
Usage Tips:
- Deploy in fights where poison damage is advantageous, such as against enemies who clearly have bloodstreams and therefore something to poison
- Particularly effective when paired with other poison-inflicting attacks, creating what strategists call “synergy” and what enemies call “deeply unfair”
- Best used in open areas where their aerial mobility can shine, rather than in corridors where they will inevitably bounce off walls like particularly morbid rubber balls
- Do not summon during cutscenes or emotional story moments unless you want the tone thoroughly undermined
Rating: 7.2 out of 10 on the “Probably Shouldn’t Have Swatted That” scale
Note: The Guide accepts no responsibility for any questioning of the nature of identity, consciousness, or the soul that may occur while using these ashes. Side effects may include excessive swatting motions and sudden vegetarianism.
Cross-reference: See “Metamorphosis and You: A Guide to Unwanted Transformations” (Entry 1,915,191) and “Why All the Good Spirit Ashes Have Tragic Backstories” (Entry 2,001,001).
… and by the way: we’re also having other Guides & Tips you may want to check out.
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