Lich

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Lich Introduction

In the dim recesses of forgotten crypts and the shadowy corners of ancient libraries, where the air is thick with the scent of dust and decay, there lurks a being of unspeakable power and malevolence. The lich, a master of necromancy and a seeker of forbidden knowledge, stands as a testament to the lengths some will go to achieve immortality. Its skeletal visage, often draped in tattered robes that whisper of a bygone era, is a chilling reminder of the price paid for eternal life. The lich's eyes, glowing with an eerie, otherworldly light, seem to pierce the very soul, promising both wisdom and doom to those who dare to meet its gaze.

Legends speak of the lich as a once-mortal spellcaster who, in a desperate bid to escape the clutches of death, performed a dark ritual to bind its soul to a phylactery. This object, hidden away in a place known only to the lich, serves as the anchor of its undying existence. As a result, the lich is nearly impossible to destroy, for even if its corporeal form is vanquished, it will inevitably rise again unless the phylactery is found and destroyed.

The lair of a lich is as much a reflection of its twisted mind as it is a fortress against intruders. Often found in the depths of ancient ruins, abandoned castles, or secluded towers, these sanctuaries are filled with arcane traps, undead minions, and tomes of forbidden lore. The very walls seem to hum with dark magic, and the air is thick with an oppressive sense of dread. It is said that those who venture too close to a lich's domain can feel the chill of death creeping into their bones, a warning to turn back before it is too late.

Despite its fearsome reputation, the lich is not a creature of mindless destruction. It is a being of intellect and cunning, often pursuing its own inscrutable goals with a patience that spans centuries. Some seek to unravel the mysteries of the universe, while others plot to dominate the world with an army of the undead. Whatever its ambitions, the lich is a formidable foe, and those who cross its path must be prepared to face a power that defies the natural order.

As you stand on the threshold of the lich's domain, the air grows colder, and the shadows seem to stretch and twist with a life of their own. The silence is broken only by the distant echo of a mournful wail, a reminder of the countless souls that have been claimed by the lich's insatiable hunger for power. Will you dare to step into the darkness and confront the terror that awaits, or will you heed the warnings of those who have come before and turn back while you still can?

Lich Stat Block

Skills

• Arcana: +18
• History: +12
• Insight: +9
• Perception: +12

Senses

• Darkvision: 120 ft.
• Passive Perception: 22

Languages

• Common, Draconic, Elvish, Undercommon, plus up to five other languages

Abilities

• Legendary Resistance (3/Day): If the lich fails a saving throw, it can choose to succeed instead.
• Rejuvenation: If it has a phylactery, a destroyed lich 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.
• Spellcasting: The lich is an 18th-level spellcaster. Its spellcasting ability is Intelligence (spell save DC 20, +12 to hit with spell attacks). The lich has the following wizard spells prepared:
  • Cantrips (at will): mage hand, prestidigitation, ray of frost
  • 1st level (4 slots): detect magic, magic missile, shield, thunderwave
  • 2nd level (3 slots): detect thoughts, invisibility, mirror image
  • 3rd level (3 slots): counterspell, dispel magic, fireball
  • 4th level (3 slots): blight, dimension door
  • 5th level (3 slots): cloudkill, scrying
  • 6th level (1 slot): disintegrate, globe of invulnerability
  • 7th level (1 slot): finger of death, plane shift
  • 8th level (1 slot): dominate monster, power word stun
  • 9th level (1 slot): power word kill

Actions

• Paralyzing Touch: Melee Spell Attack: +12 to hit, reach 5 ft., one creature. Hit: 10 (3d6) cold damage. The target must succeed on a DC 18 Constitution saving throw or be paralyzed for 1 minute. The target can repeat the saving throw at the end of each of its turns, ending the effect on itself on a success.

Legendary Actions

• The lich can take 3 legendary actions, choosing from the options below. Only one legendary action option can be used at a time and only at the end of another creature's turn. The lich regains spent legendary actions at the start of its turn.
• Cantrip: The lich casts a cantrip.
• Paralyzing Touch (Costs 2 Actions): The lich uses its Paralyzing Touch.
• Frightening Gaze (Costs 2 Actions): The lich fixes its gaze on one creature it can see within 10 feet of it. The target must succeed on a DC 18 Wisdom saving throw against this magic or become frightened for 1 minute. The frightened target can repeat the saving throw at the end of each of its turns, ending the effect on itself on a success.
• Disrupt Life (Costs 3 Actions): Each non-undead creature within 20 feet of the lich must make a DC 18 Constitution saving throw against this magic, taking 21 (6d6) necrotic damage on a failed save, or half as much damage on a successful one.

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Battle Tips for Facing a Lich

The Lich is a formidable undead spellcaster, often serving as a powerful antagonist in any campaign. Known for their mastery of magic and their ability to command undead minions, Liches can be a challenging foe for any adventuring party. Here are some tips for Dungeon Masters on how to effectively use a Lich in battle, as well as strategies for players to consider when facing one.

Dungeon Master Strategies

• Utilize Legendary Actions: Liches have access to legendary actions, allowing them to act outside their turn. Use these to cast spells, move strategically, or disrupt player plans.
• Leverage Lair Actions: If the Lich is in its lair, make use of lair actions to create environmental hazards or summon additional undead minions to overwhelm the party.
• Spell Selection: Choose spells that can control the battlefield, such as Wall of Force or Cloudkill, to separate and weaken the party.
• Phylactery Protection: Ensure the Lich's phylactery is well-hidden and protected by traps or powerful guardians, adding an additional layer of challenge for the players.

Coordinating with Other Creatures

• Undead Minions: Pair the Lich with a variety of undead creatures, such as skeletons or wights, to create a multi-layered defense and distract the party from the Lich itself.
• Allied Spellcasters: Consider having the Lich work alongside other spellcasters, such as necromancers or death clerics, to amplify its magical prowess and create devastating spell combinations.
• Strategic Retreats: If the battle turns against the Lich, it can use spells like Dimension Door or Misty Step to escape and regroup, potentially leading the party into a trap or ambush.

Player Tips for Battling a Lich

• Disrupt Concentration: Use spells or abilities that can break the Lich's concentration, preventing it from maintaining powerful spells like Shield or Invisibility.
• Target Weaknesses: Exploit the Lich's vulnerability to radiant damage and its relatively low physical defenses by focusing attacks that bypass its magical protections.
• Phylactery Hunt: Once the Lich is defeated, prioritize finding and destroying its phylactery to prevent it from returning to unlife.
• Coordinate Attacks: Work as a team to focus fire on the Lich, using abilities that can restrain or incapacitate it, reducing its ability to retaliate effectively.

By understanding the strengths and weaknesses of a Lich, both Dungeon Masters and players can create memorable and challenging encounters that test the limits of strategy and teamwork.