Demilich

"

Demilich Introduction

In the shadowy recesses of forgotten tombs and the echoing halls of ancient crypts, there lies a creature of unspeakable dread and arcane power—the Demilich. Once a mighty lich, this being has transcended the need for a corporeal form, existing now as a floating skull adorned with the remnants of its former grandeur. Its eye sockets, empty and hollow, occasionally flicker with a malevolent light, hinting at the dark intelligence that still resides within. The skull is often encrusted with precious gems, each one a soul it has devoured, glinting ominously in the dim light.

The Demilich is a creature of solitude, preferring the company of silence and shadows to the bustling world of the living. It haunts the deepest, most inaccessible parts of the world, where the air is thick with the weight of centuries and the walls whisper forgotten secrets. These lairs are often protected by powerful wards and traps, remnants of the Demilich's former life as a master of necromancy. Here, it broods over its dark knowledge, plotting and scheming in the endless pursuit of arcane mastery.

Legends speak of the Demilich as a being of insatiable hunger, not for flesh, but for souls. It is said that those who venture too close to its lair may find themselves ensnared by its malevolent will, their life force slowly drained away to feed its eternal existence. Despite its fearsome reputation, the Demilich is not a creature of mindless destruction. It is a being of cold, calculating intellect, driven by a singular purpose: to transcend the boundaries of life and death, and to unravel the mysteries of the universe.

Adventurers who dare to seek out a Demilich do so at their peril, for it is a foe unlike any other. Its lair is a place where the veil between worlds is thin, where the very air hums with the power of the arcane. To face a Demilich is to confront the embodiment of death itself, a test of both courage and cunning. Yet, for those who succeed, the rewards are beyond measure—secrets of the ages, treasures untold, and the chance to etch their names into the annals of history.

Demilich Skills & Traits

Skills

• Arcana +12
• History +12
• Insight +10
• Perception +10

Senses

• Truesight 120 ft.
• Passive Perception 20

Languages

• Abyssal
• Common
• Draconic
• Understands all languages it knew in life but can't speak

Abilities

• Legendary Resistance (3/Day): If the demilich fails a saving throw, it can choose to succeed instead.
• Rejuvenation: A destroyed demilich gains a new body in 1d10 days, regaining all its hit points and becoming active again. The new body appears within 5 feet of the phylactery.
• Turn Immunity: The demilich is immune to effects that turn undead.

Actions

• Howl (Recharge 5-6): Each creature within 30 feet of the demilich that can hear it must succeed on a DC 15 Constitution saving throw or be reduced to 0 hit points. On a successful save, the creature takes 10 (3d6) psychic damage.
• Life Drain: The demilich targets up to three creatures that it can see within 10 feet of it. Each target must succeed on a DC 19 Constitution saving throw or take 21 (6d6) necrotic damage, and the demilich regains hit points equal to the total damage dealt to all targets.

Legendary Actions

• Flight: The demilich flies up to half its flying speed.
• Cloud of Dust: The demilich creates a cloud of dust in a 10-foot radius around itself. The cloud lasts until the end of the demilich's next turn. The area is heavily obscured to creatures other than the demilich.
• Energy Drain (Costs 2 Actions): Each creature within 30 feet of the demilich must make a DC 19 Constitution saving throw. On a failed save, the creature's hit point maximum is reduced by 10 (3d6) and the demilich regains 10 hit points. This reduction lasts until the creature finishes a long rest.

"

Battle Tips for Demilich

The Demilich is a formidable foe, often underestimated due to its small size and skeletal appearance. However, its magical prowess and cunning make it a deadly adversary. Here are some tips for Dungeon Masters on how to effectively use a Demilich in battle:

Utilizing the Demilich's Abilities

• Levitation and Flight: The Demilich can hover and fly, making it difficult for melee attackers to reach. Use this to your advantage by keeping it out of range of ground-based attacks.
• Life Drain: The Demilich can drain the life force of its enemies. Position it strategically to target the most vulnerable or isolated party members, weakening the group as a whole.
• Legendary Actions: Make use of the Demilich's legendary actions to disrupt the players' plans. Interrupt spellcasting or movement to keep the party on their toes.

Strategic Positioning and Environment

• Choke Points: Place the Demilich in narrow corridors or rooms with limited access to control the flow of battle. This can prevent the party from surrounding it and maximize its area-of-effect abilities.
• Darkness and Illusions: Use magical darkness or illusions to obscure the Demilich's presence, making it harder for players to target it effectively.

Coordinating with Other Creatures

• Undead Minions: Pair the Demilich with undead minions to create a layered defense. The minions can serve as a distraction or shield, allowing the Demilich to focus on casting spells.
• Spellcasters: If possible, include other spellcasters in the encounter. They can provide additional magical support, such as counterspells or protective barriers, to enhance the Demilich's effectiveness.

Retreat and Survival Tactics

• Phylactery Escape: If the battle turns against the Demilich, it can retreat to its phylactery to regenerate. Use this as a plot device to extend the encounter over multiple sessions.
• Teleportation: The Demilich can use teleportation to escape dangerous situations. Plan escape routes in advance to ensure it can flee if necessary, potentially leading the party into a trap or ambush.

By leveraging the Demilich's unique abilities and strategic positioning, you can create a challenging and memorable encounter for your players. Remember to adapt these tips to fit the narrative and dynamics of your campaign.