Astral Wraiths

Eternal Hunger

  This malevolent undead being is known for its insatiable hunger for the life force of living creatures, haunting the dark corners of The Astral and striking fear into the hearts of adventurers. These creatures are believed to be composed of the souls of the dead that have suffered an untimely end due to poor magical practice.  

Description

  Astral wraiths are depicted as semi-translucent, cloaked figures with the face of a skull. Their bodies resemble emaciated and decomposing flesh, made of ethereal light. They possess claw-like fingers, which they use to latch onto their prey and drain the life essence from their victims.   While these creatures typically reside within The Astral, they are occasionally seen wandering the immediate vicinity of an Astral Gate. Due to their intangible nature, astral wraiths can only be defeated with the use of specific weaponry and essence abilities.  

Origins

  The origins of the astral wraith are steeped in mystery and conjecture. They are believed to be the result of a curse or magic ritual gone awry, transforming a once-mortal creature into an undead abomination driven by an insatiable thirst for life energy.   Some legends suggest that astral wraiths were once humanoid creatures who delved too deeply into forbidden necromantic arts, condemning themselves to an eternity of undeath as punishment for their hubris, often compelling a connection to Kudahll cultists. Others claim that they are the vengeful spirits of those who died unjust deaths, returning from beyond the grave to seek retribution on the living.  

Behavior and Abilities

  Astral wraiths are cunning predators, stalking their prey from the shadows before striking with lethal precision. They possess the ability to pass through any object at will, allowing them to ambush unsuspecting victims with ease. Once they have captured their prey, astral wraiths drain their life force, leaving behind desiccated husks.   In addition to their formidable physical abilities, astral wraiths are also adept spellcasters, wielding dark magic to ensnare and manipulate their enemies with illusions and deceit. They are known to posses lesser creatures, using them as pawns in their sinister schemes, and as bait to lure in unaware prey.  

Encounters

  Encounters with astral wraiths are often fraught with danger and suspense. These creatures are typically encountered in dimly lit dungeons, haunted ruins, or other places steeped in darkness and decay. Adventurers must use all of their cunning and resourcefulness to survive an encounter with these deadly adversaries.   Astral wraiths are often powerful adversaries for even the most seasoned of essence users to overcome. Their insatiable hunger for life energy and their mastery of deceptive magic make them formidable foes, capable of challenging anyone who is not fully prepared to encounter such an entity.  

Conclusion

  The astral wraith is a terrifying creature of darkness and death, haunting the nightmares of rookie and veteran adventurers alike. With its grotesque appearance, unquenchable hunger for life energy, and use of manipulative magic, it embodies the dangers that lurk in the shadows, waiting to strike at anyone and anything.