[Ziggurat]

There are many strategies for fighting these guys. I find it one of the hardest battles as well, sometimes you do have to level up to 15 or more to get tough enough. Stamar has a good strategy, I used it as well, even running around the corner of the building outside to make them come to me. Doesn't always work. They can give up the hunt, and you have to start over, sans some magic points and they are waiting around the corner. One Death Cloud can ruin your whole day! Any way you can, keep all magic protections up. Use all before battle that you can. Have a lot of magic nectars or stones. If you put Gaurdian Angel on your Bishop, say, renew it after four or five rounds if under physical attack, even if not expired. Beware, the Death guys can hit through walls. Elementals are good. Silence is good, Pandemonium is good, Insanity by bard is good on cultists. In my last attempt, a few days ago, I went straight in as you did. Lost the first 2, won the third (but the Bish lost it, I no longer think a Mook Bishop is such a good idea, the only who has been killed, 3 times now). I was probably higher level than you, and used the Air spell to remove afflictions (forget its name). If your magic user has the points and is slow, you can cast it before you get Death Clouded and it will prevent it from taking effect at the end of the round. Otherwise, Death Cloud is random in its killing and you may have a chance in the next round. Definately a challenge, almost a guaranteed do-over.