Without another word spoken, the undying wraiths, with no noise nor weight in their movements swooped down from the wooden rafters above Vox Machina and Jarett's remaining soldiers alike. Instantly as their molten bodies flew through the air, the Tiefling woman was struck by one of the primordial beings, it's claws melting through her armoured chest plate like knife to butter and into her flesh forcing an eruption of black sludge to flow from both her eyes and maw, while her face grew gaunt and lifeless as if her very soul was being torn from her body.

Both her and the remaining soldier were thrust into the air, each Wraith unleashed ear piercing shrieks as they forced the two up toward the rafters and drove them right along the wooden beams straight toward the main doors, leaving a tidal wave of blackened blood in their wake as the remnants of the liquid erupted from every pore of the hapless guards until they're lifeless bodies were merely tossed to the stone floor with a sickening grind and a crunch, both faces gaunt and frozen with utter fear in their last moments as the goo hardened against their cold, dead skin.

Shifting through the party, one of the many undying glided past both Vex and Keyleth, seemingly ignoring them and shot right toward Scanlan who held Delilah's Grimoire protectively to his chest. With what strength the sluggish Oldegårdian could muster he rushed to intercept the wraith as fast as his wounded body would allow, pushing the Gnome out from his attackers grasp and to the floor, Delilah's macabre journal flying from his hand and skidding into the darkness.

Ragnvaldr's body lurched violently as yet another set of ghastly claws were driven into his chest, more of the blackened blood poured forth from whence each serrated daggers pierced staining his pale skin as more droplets flooded from both eyes and mouth, his face becoming far more corpse like as the enemy steadily drained the life from him. "Ragnvaldr!" Keyleth's panicked voice called out, watching with frozen horror as the Outlander tried but failed to resist what ever corruption had befallen him, glaring straight into the Wraith's dead, beady eyes defiantly still upright as the grateful Bard managed to scramble to his own feet with Grog protectively leering over him, prepared to tear the abominations limb from limb.

Another pair of Wraiths, whooshed straight over Jarett's soldiers mangled corpses ignoring everything that stood in their way as both loomed toward the Grimoire. "They want the book." Vex deduced as Ragnvaldr's attacker ripped the talons from his body, and lurched its head toward the item in question. Wasting not another second in joining the other beings with its emptied sockets reared upon the item in question.

As each and every undead raced to take back their masters valued property Vex sprang into action, even after seeing Ragnvaldr collapse to his knees, rasping violently as more ghastly mould flowed from his maw, she still dashed forward risking life and limb to stop them. Swiping the book into her grasp she turned, eyes instantly landing on the terrified Druid, "Keyleth! Heads up!" Vex screeched lobbing the parchment through the pitch black air toward her.

Yet it did little to stem the Wrath of the undying as two Wraiths joined at the hip charged the Half-Elf, thrashing her against the wall violently and phasing straight through her body and the layer of stone beyond, vanishing from sight as she too met the same fate as Ragnvaldr, collapsing straight to her knees barely conscious with the same black blood spilling down her blue tunic.

Pushing though the utter terror unfolding before her Keyleth leapt toward the book wild shaping into that of a brown furred rabbit, catching it between her teeny though toughened teeth and scurried across the floor, toward the dinning hall. Although one stubborn undead pulled itself as close to the cobbled stone as it could, practically dragging its rotted corpse like body across the floor. Jagged, rotted teeth just a feet from the Rabbits stubby tail.

Despite being their prime target, Keyleth refused to back down distracting Delilah's minion long enough for the others to gather themselves as best they could. However, even if she held the Journal it did little to deter the evil as one disciple rammed into Scanlan knocking him on his back and sinking its vicious talons straight into his exposed chest. Seemingly basking in the Gnome's pain as his body lurched painfully while the blades dug deeper and deeper into his meagre flesh.

"Scanlan!" Vax exclaimed, still unaffected by the blight as he leapt up behind the encroaching Wraith and drew the concealed dagger from his sleeve, raising the blade above his head and slicing the beast across the back praying to any Gods that were listening his strike would be rewarded. But, it was to no avail as the daggers steel edge merely passed through the enemy like he were swiping away at a puddle of murky water. 

The Wraith merely twisted its decrepit form toward the Half-Elf screeching horrifically as it barred the rotted teeth barley hanging on to the scraps off flesh flanking from the bone. "Damn it!" The Rogue hollered watching on, helpless as the beast pressed its dagger like appendages deeper to the Gnomes skin, all while keeping its milky whitened eyes locked with Vax's own. Almost like the unfeeling being were taunting him and his fellow protectors.

Thankfully, Grog reached past the Wraiths outstretched limbs and snatched Scanlan into his own, hauling the miniature humanoid over his shoulder. "I got him." The ever reliable Goliath thundered, storming straight toward the doors at the far end of the corridor in a desperate bid to reach the candle lit safety of the State room just a few yards away. 

Pike followed behind, keeping up with her friend as best she could while supporting Vex's weakened body tucked to her side. "Fall back!" she ordered, retreating to the hold out as Vax took one of Ragnvaldr's limpened arms and hooked it around his shoulders, holding the burnt of the Oldegårdians expectantly heavy weight balancing himself as he dragged Ragnvaldr's bedraggled feet across the stone.

Everyone, including Keyleth still shaped into the small Rabbit raced toward the cascading light emanating from the room beyond, barely trudging their wounded forward as the Wraiths closed the gap with every passing moment, their pained shrieks emanating through the darkness as Pike with Vex in toe crossed the threshold into the assumed safety of the large room. 

Last to make it was Vax and Ragnvaldr, with Grog holding one of the two heavy wooden doors open for the pair watching over their heads as the obscured pursers closed in moment after moment. Awaiting his chance, Grog's giant paw gripped the handle tightly, and just as his fellow Barbarians feet were dragged into the light slammed the entrance behind them and, for what little good it would do bolted it shut. 

The Wraiths unending shrieks stopped in an instant as Grog stepped toward the large wooden table encrusted with what used to be the Keeps previous owners sigil, setting Scanlan as gently as he could against its surface. "Aw, that sucked..." The Bard gasped between heaving coughs rolling onto his back, splattering some of the strange tar on the wood as Pike clambered atop the table and to the Gnomes side, kneeling down next to him.

Without her magic Pike merely gave Scanlan what little support she could as everything fell into utter silence, nothing but the laboured pants of the survivors pounding through the dusty space as all eyes lay on the bolted doors before them. Expecting at any moment for the monstrosities to burst through and continue their never before seen spree of unstoppable terror.

Luckily, all was not lost as Keyleth now back to her usual self pressed her back closest the far wall, arms clamping the Grimoire as close to her chest as it possibly could. Nearby Ragnvaldr barely remained standing, gripping heartily to the edge of one of the standing chairs, the Oldegårdians normally steadfast posture all but crumpling as he spat another gob of tar to the cobbles, wiping one hand across his lips and smearing the disgusting substance over his jaw.

 "We need a way to fight them." Vex panted, blue garb stained black along with her paled skin streaked with the same goop as both Scanlan and Ragnvaldr. 

Jarett, unlike his remaining soldiers had managed to escape the onslaught as well pressing his shoulder against the door as he stole a backward glance toward the Prisoners, his grip on the few scavenged weapons beneath his arms tightening as the Captain, rather reluctantly made a decision that could possibly save their lives. "No use in you being unarmed anymore." he grunted apprehensively, tossing a sword to Vax and a worn out crossbow to Vex, both twins rather distressed with the choice of weapon forced upon them.

Vax merely stole a glance at the medium length blade as he caught it by its leather sheath, the sword feeling unnatural and unbalanced to the Half-Elf so accustomed to using daggers alone. Darting his dulled eyes to the leering Outlander, he shook his head and slid the weapon across the table shooting a silent nod to the human as he redrew the hidden dagger from his sleeve.

 "A trigger? Ew." Vex whined as she raised the butt of the bolt thrower to her shoulder, closing a single eye and taking aim, confident that despite wielding such a crude impersonation of her Bow her impeccable accuracy would be none the less effective. Meanwhile, Ragnvaldr drew the blade with an echoing shriek, tossing the leather scabbard to the floor sharing the same distaste yearning to reacquire his beloved axe. 

Despite his weakened state, layed flat across the table Scanlan managed to conjure a few stuttered words. "I could really use my lute about now." The Bard remarked, all while the Priestess by his side tried desperately to conjure her Life Giving blessings, but to no avail as both Gnome and human struggled on.

With his sword's handle gripped in both hands, Jarett whirled around, firing a blazing glare toward the mischievous Bard. "I thought you said it wasn't a weapon?" he hissed venomously as Scanlan raised his head upward as much as he could manage.

"Obvious lie..." he muttered dropping his head back to the wood below with an audible thud followed by the loud, ear piercing shriek of wood against stone as Ragnvaldr pushed himself upright, one hand clamped tightly to the sword, his weakened muscles tensing as his streaked chest heaved up and down erratically, neck hunched forward ever so slightly as his gaze latched onto the doubled doors, a silent rage burning in his eyes.

"Not that any of these will do fuck all." The Rogue admitted, fully aware of the ever shrinking odds of their survival. However, Vax's caution grew ever stronger as silence still befell the corridor outside, not a muffled sound puttering from the other side, until the Grimoire tumbled to the floor catching their attention as all eyes fell to Keyleth.

The Half-Elf Druid's slim body lurched as something pulled her back toward the wall, her arms sizing by her side as deathly gasps shuddered from her lungs. A split second later a loud crunch emanated throughout the room as more blackened tar expelled from her mouth and across her emerald green robes. Keyleth's mouth fell open as her eyes rolled backward, head twitching as if she were possessed by some demon. 

Her torment did not ease as she was dragged up the wall, stopping halfway as one leg twitched at the knee, her whole body following suit as the sanctuaries candles were all snuffed out in an instant. Finally, the Wraiths made themselves known, one of the conjurations unleashing a familiar heart stopping shriek as it fazed its rotted skull through the wall right beside Keyleth's own.

Without a second thought, throwing caution to the wind as the final light was snuffed from existence Percy bolted toward his friend. "Keyleth!" the Nobleman exclaimed, getting not a foot from the woman only for another Wraith to careen toward him, locking him in its grip and pinning the human to the wall sinking its claws into Percy's collar as a single useless bolt passed straight through the side of the attackers molten head. Such action did little to deter the creature as the corruption took hold of Percy as well, though the attack did consume its attention as the Wraith released its captive and shot toward both Vex and Jaret. 

Meanwhile, Grog spotted the Grimoire laying on the cobble were it had dropped snatching it in one had the Goliath circled the edge of the table as he drew the abominations ire. Swinging wildly the Goliath's colossal fist swiped right through the Wraiths robed torso and struck one of the chairs, smashing it to smithereens. "Why. Can't. I. Hit. You!" he raged with every single swing as another set of claws latched around his torso and dug themselves into his chest. Instantly, the Barbarians attempted rampage was cut short as he unleashed a bellowing scream, his vast bulk lifted from the floor as if he were weightless.

 "Hang on, buddy!" Pike called out, breaking from Scanlan's side and charging across the table leaping toward her friend and latching to his leg, her meagre form keeping the Goliath from being taken any higher as she locked herself into a deranged game of tug of war. Struggling with all her might, the Cleric latched her hand to the edge of the table, staving herself firmly in place until another such beast weaved across the floor and straight toward her. "You creepy fuck!" The Priestess screeched as the Wraith slowly, stabbed its dagger like claws through her leather gambeson.

More blight poured from Pike's mouth as she spat a glob of it straight into the Wraiths half rotten face, in one last act of pointless defiance all while Ragnvaldr snatched one of the snuffed torches from the wall and managed to hobble his way through the carnage toward Jarett. "Your weapon, give it to me!" he exclaimed reaching out his waiting hand.

The Captain didn't reply, stubbornly keeping his ineffective weapon in hand. "Why? So they can kill me too?" the dark skinned man bit back only for the ever blunt Oldegårdian to leap forward and snatch the steel into his hand. Pining the wooden torch beneath his knee the red-haired human placed the sharpened edge of one sword against the flattened surface of the other, slicing steel against steel as tiny sparks burst to life with every strike. A few of which fell against the burned head of the torch.

"They snuffed the lights out for reason!" he chittered as Jarett's narrowed eyes softened with realisation as he too kneeled to the floor, taking back his blade as Ragnvaldr held his own close to the dimmed flame. "As soon as it ignites, follow my lead." he uttered between gritted teeth as his wounded side burned with excruciating pain.

Close by Pike was thrown toward both Vax and Vex whom were both pressed, backs against the wall. Grog was tossed straight onto the table crushing it to pieces under his immense weight launching Scanlan through the air and straight into Vex, knocking the Half-Elf to the floor. "Can't see shit." Pike uttered, pushing herself upward while Vax stayed on one knee, dagger held tightly in his hand as he gripped Pike by the collar and wrenched her closer to himself and his sister.

At the centre of the room, laid upon the shattered table Grog twinged just enough to reveal Grimoire he still held close. Unleashing the same high pitched screams the Wraiths contorted their shrivelled bodies whooshing across the room and toward the barely conscious Goliath.

Finally, the scraping of blades ceased as the meagre sparks ignited the leather wrapped torch, igniting its tip in a hopeful glow which quickly turned into a burning flame. Snatching the torch from the ground both men shot to their feet just as one singular Wraith passed over head. Ragnvaldr, pushing through the pain of his torn wound jabbed the flame straight into the abominations wistful form watching as the burned flesh bubbled and boiled, a dozen white pustule blisters rising from the tears in its torn robe as the beast shrieked painfully. "Oh! The light!" Pike exclaimed, the very same realisation dawning on her as well.

Wielding the torch like it were his own axe, Ragnvaldr watched as his assailant quickly sped of course latching itself to the far wall as its milky, dead eyes fell upon its attacker. However, it did little but draw the creatures wrath as it Shrieked more horrifically than before, almost as if it were driven into a rage and propelled itself toward the Oldegårdian stabbing its talons into his torso and lifting him through the air, smashing his back against the glass window overlooking the room with a mighty crack. The shards splintering as the Wraith released him and threw him to the cobbled floor beneath pursing after its prey like it were some demonic animal.

Faced with no other option Jarett snatched the dimming torch from the ground and backed his way toward Grog, wielding the flame just as Ragnvaldr had done keeping the apparitions at bay as best he could. "Yeah, be a great time to make some more." Scanlan coughed, voice barely audible over the chaos.

The Priestess's hand clamped around the amulet hanging around her neck and outstretched her hand, focusing as best she could to gather what little magic remained. Both twins and Scanlan watched helplessly as a mere shimmer of light flickered in Pike's hand, only for it to quickly dissipate like it were some cruel joke. "I can't..." Pike grunted, gathering every ounce of focus she had for the sake of those she called friends.

"Pike?" Vax questioned as the light from Jarett's torch, the soldiers only defence against the encroaching Wraiths dimmed second by second.

"I said I can't!" she howled whirling to face the Rogue, eyes wide with fear and utter helplessness just as the flame tragically fizzled away, encroaching the room once more in utter darkness. Now with the chance to strike, the Wraiths charged Jaret all at once, the defenceless soldier drawing his useless blade, steeling himself for whatever fate lay ahead.

As Jarett waded through the debris, barely avoid the taunting swipes of the Wraiths talon like finger, Keyleth after experiencing the horror she had just minutes ago clawed her beneath the remains of the table hiding away from the carnage with both knees tucked tightly to her chest, head held in both hands as her friends fell all around her. The whimpers pouring from her chest drowned out as Vax became the next victim, his dagger clattering to the floor as another Wraith leapt toward Vex whom had broken from Scanlan's side to rescue her brother.

 Shutting her eyes for but a brief moment, Vox Machina's youngest member blocked out the chaos above not but listening as each of her friends fell one by one. "Keyleth..." a stuttered voice uttered as she snapped both eyes open, her emerald irises landing upon its source. Ragnvaldr lay just feet from her, teeth gritted tightly as a Wraith leered overhead, its pointed teeth inches from his face. "It's time... Prove yourself..." the Oldegårdian hissed as his already weakened body fell even weaker as his eyes grew ever dimmer.

Shrieks echoed all around, every single member of Vox Machina pinned by a single Wraith as Jarett was finally knocked from his feet as well. The only one left was Keyleth, their only hope, the only chance they had of survival against an undying enemy. Steeling her fear, the Druid shot from her hiding place and, with every bit of Druidic power she could conjure, once more a ball of pulsing light formed in her hands yet, instead of just fizzling out like it