Today's Crusader

[Sonyme]

I have answers for three clues, but in no way can I relate them to the clues. It may be that something is wrong, but again I can't see where. Can anyone help?
17a - Madman flourished with time in crooked directorate
(2 words 3&10 letters)- ??D ?A?A?E??? - I have put bad management
15d - Food at home in inn A?B?R?I?E I have aubergine but can't see the connection- The B is the initial letter from the previous clue.
16d - Plot is repeated about plumage - ?T?L?S?S
several words will fit utilises, stylises stylists but again can't make any connection with clue. I've been looking at this for more than 30 mins. HELP PLEASE!!

[nightmare]

17a anagram of MADMAN + AGE in BENT

15d at home is IN, in AUBERGE

16d anagram of PLOT + IS + IS - PTILOSIS= plumage

[ddon]

17 anag of madman age bent
15 auberge = inn + in (at home)

[Sonyme]

Thank you both for speedy response
PTILOSIS is a new one for me and for my thesaurus!, as is AUBERGE..Must remember to get bigger dictionary
Thanks again.