Need help designing this lich BBEG!

Help!

I'm designing the major BBEG for my upcoming D&D campaign (set in a homebrew setting), and I was heaviliy inspired by Claudio Pozas's artistic interpretation of Skeletor for this villain. The BBEG is, in his own right, a homage to Skeletor, though I'm not going with a very big Masters of the Universe influence on the game (heck, I'm throwing in a bit of Mumm-Ra & Saruman into the BBEG's concept, as well as a few other ideas). He's supposed to be the main opponent the PCs deal with when they reach high levels, and will face off with him once they get close to the "epic" mark (either becoming epic PCs by defeating him, or facing this BBEG once they become epic PCs).

Here's a few base ideas/guidelines that I have for this guy:

His name is Thesek. He has been around for a very long time, and many have thought that he was dead (truly dead) a long time ago. However, he did not truly "die," and has been in the shadows for decades/centuries, waiting for the best time to strike.

Thesek should be a powerful spellcaster (able to cast 9th level spells; may even be an epic character). However, I was thinking of making him a sorcerer instead of a wizard, so he wouldn't need to rely on a spellbook for his spells (he'd have a few nifty magic items to boost his magical abilities). Also, he'd have a very high Charisma score, making him a great leader/manipulator, but not necessarily super-intelligent or super-wise. AL-wise, he's Neutral Evil.

However, as Claudio's illustration shows, Thesek is wearing armor. I'm not sure what kind of (magical) armor to make it--either stylized leather armor, or a breastplate (probably mithral that has been blackened, or maybe adamantine). Thesek's main weapon is his staff (ala Skeletor's Havok Staff).

I'm thinking of having Thesek be a multi-classed sorcerer/fighter (or sorcerer multiclassed with another core class/prestige class that grants medium armor proficiency as a class ability). However, despite what kind of armor he has, he faces an Arcane Spell Failure chance while in the armor. Is there any sort of magical ability, feat, etc., that could cancel out the armor's spell failure? If so, by how much %? This could affect if the armor is either a breastplate or just a stylized suit of leather armor; it could also affect what Thesek's other class is--if it's a special suit of leather armor, I may have Thesek be a rogue/sorcerer. And, the type of armor he'd have would affect his ability scores, too--If it's leather armor, I'd give him a decent Dexterity score; if its a breastplate, he'd have an OK Dex, but an equal (if not better) Strength.

Also: Thesek's race. I was considering human, but I'd like to leave my options open for other possibilties. Could he have been a half-elf once? Maybe a planetouched race? Or perhaps a feytouched (from Fiend Folio)? In any event, for whatever race he used to be, it should leave him with a human-like skull (as per the illo), and it shouldn't have any sort of racial penalty to Cha (a bonus would be nice, though). I'm not concerned with Favored Class--Thesek's been around long enough to reach the level he's currently at.

Also, I'm thinking about Thesek being a very good melee combatant with his staff; I'd figure he'd at least have Weapon Focus & Improved Critical with the staff (also TWF if that'll help his combat abilities with a quarterstaff). I'd figure he'd have some sort of secondary melee weapon (either a longsword or a scimitar), and a "last stand" weapon (probably something like a dagger of venom).

As for the staff itself, I was thinking it should at least be something along the lines of a staff of power; however, I'd like for it to be a formidable, powerful item (maybe even artifact level, since Thesek casts 9th-level spells, or could be epic level himself). I've considered making it a mix of a staff of power and a staff of the magi; I've even considered increasing its bonus (from granting +2 bonuses to AC, saves, & as a weapon, to +4 bonuses; maybe even as high as +6). Also, I've considered Thesek (or the wielder, at least) to be able to absorb spells in order to "recharge," and be able to know how many charges are currently in the item. I've also considered giving the weapon the unholy weapon ability, and maybe even the impact weapon ability (if Thesek himself doesn't have the Improved Crit feat).

I wasn't considering making the staff a staff of fiery power from the Epic Level Handbook, because I didn't want the staff's powers/spells to only be fire-based.

I've even considered making the staff a (very big) type of magical rod (ala the staff-like rod of the python, which works like a staff in combat); perhaps even a magic item with special abilities that doesn't use charges. However, said item will be an evil magical item (thus any nonevil person who tries to use it will be severely hampered, if not hurt, by the item).

I also need some good ideas for other magical items in his possession: a magical cloak perhaps; enchanted bracers, belt, gloves, etc.; even an amulet or necklace that he could wear under his clothing.

Finally, I need a few good ideas for his phylactery. I want to use something else other than the standard "box" style item for Thesek; I've considered a few things for him:

* His armor
* His staff
* His tomb/coffin/sarcophagus, hidden away in his secretive dungeon lair.
* A skull made entirely out of a precious stone/material (like smoky quartz, diamond, obsidian, black marble, adamantine, etc.).
* A plain, simple ring (perhaps made of adamantine, or even simple gold... )
* A beautiful/desirable/magical object (i.e., something that adventurers/PCs may be tempted to keep as loot rather than outright destroy).
* An "intelligent" magic item--the item works as an intelligent magic item while Thesek's soul occupies it as a phylactary (maybe for longer than the usual 1d10 days, because of its unique form), using his Int, Wis, Cha, & AL for the item.

This BBEG is supposed to be a major reason for the state of affairs IMC. I'd appreciate any info/advice/comments/etc. that y'all could provide in helping me create this vile villain!

PS/FYI: following post has a bit of history on Thesek--how he helped shape the campaign world, as well as how he's involved in the here-&-now of the camapign setting.

FYI, here's some background information on the villainous uber-lich known as Thesek...

Thesek is one of the first few spellcasters to attain lichdom (any liches older than him who still survive are demiliches by now--he's that potent). Thesek was the mortal responsible for the creation of many new races as a product of his experiments for the perfect soldiers (ala Saruman). IMC, Thesek was responsible for the creation of the following races:
* Hippogriffs (a mix of griffon, eagle & horse, for use as special steeds for Thesek's operatives)
* Owlbears (one of Thesek's early experiements)
* Troglodytes (actually an evil race of short, pale gray folk, ala the duergar, derro, & svirneblin, but IMC they're called troglodytes). Thesek's ultra-specialized race for use as soldiers to conquer the underdark. However, they cannot stand the surface light at all.
* Marikos (a race made from mixing kuo-toa, locathah, & sahuagin). Thesek's ultimate aquatic soldiers, the marikos were so effective that they caused the extinction of their "parent" races (the locathah, kuo-toa, & sahuagin), & the near-extinction of some other aquatic races. Though they cannot survive out of water for too long, they are able to live comfortably in either freshwater or saltwater.

Thesek also had a strong alliegiance with a small human nation, known for their sinister, pervasive snake cult. During the centuries since Thesek's defeat, these degenerate humans have since become the evil race known as the yuan-ti.

Thesek made a pact with the orcs, & had them attach the elven nations. The elves won the battle, but it was a pyrrhic victory--the races of orcs & elves were horribly reduced in numbers from that conflict. Thesek's forces drove the halflings from their native lands, making them seek refuge in human kingdoms. Thesek's evil corrupted a dwarven nation, & his magic & breeding experiments transformed them into the troglodytes.

Thesek's original plans of conquest were almost successful, if it were not for the valiant efforts of a young hero & his allies (armed with a potent enchanted longsword), along with the betrayal/revolt of the goblinoid forces (led by the psychic Kobolds). Thesek was defeated (& thought slain), & the massive armies scattered.

But Thesek did not truly die, & over time, he returned to unlife. Thesek decided to bide his time, waiting for the right opportunity to make another attempt at conquest. He devised a new sinister lair, slowly gained new allies, & stayed behind the scenes. The young hero who "slew" him became the king of a great nation, the enchanted longsword now a heirloom of royalty.

Thesek's marikos exterminated the locathah, sahuagin, and kuo-toa; they also drove the aquatic elves & sea spirit folk to near extinction. Though the aquatic elves & sea spirit folk no longer exist, a new race was born from the mixing of these two fading peoples--the Oceanids.

It has been quite a few centuries since Thesek's "fall." The marikos have dwindled some, but still threaten the seas; the oceanids are their sworn enemies. The troglodytes are legendary dangers of the underdark.

But Thesek is planning a return. He has "gifted" a few select people with crystal ball each (actually a crystal hypnosis ball), gaining control over them. He has made an alliance with a powerful noble family in the human kingdom, gaining a means to cripple the legacy of Thesek's "slayer."

And, Thesek has started his experiments again. He has created new races for his new army:

* Hobgoblins (goblins who were bred with orcs, humans, & other creatures in order to breed a tough, hardy warrior race, ala the Uruk-Hai)
* Bugbears (after the hobgoblins, Thesek further bred the bugbears as stronger, tougher creatures to serve as berserkers, shock troops, and ambush troops)
* Kobolds (actually the Blue goblins from the Psionics Handbook, but IMC they're called kobolds)
* Ogre mages (a mix of ogres, trolls, and other creatures; intended to serve as Thesek's field commanders)

Thesek's evil rises again, and now a new generation of heroes must thwart this great evil once and for all.

---------------------------
Some side notes:

FYI, I still have the reptilian "kobolds" & "troglodytes," stat-wise, though they are now members of the same race of creatures IMC (I haven't come up with replacement names for them: I was thinking of having them worship powerful (& evil) death slaads, & calling them the sla'adeshk).

Since "kobold" is a term used to describe the blue goblins, IMC gnomes gain bonuses to attack goblinoids & xvarts.

I like your ideas. I don't have time atm to contribute but I hope you post any updates of your campaign ideas here or in the story time area.

20+ wizard equivalent levels, 10+ levels of fighter (or perhaps even blackguard, with his divine spells being drawn from his absolute faith in his own mandate of conquest). This guy has done a lot of magical research, and that kinda conflicts with being a sorcerer (no real capacity for new spells) and not having super-intelligence.

I wouldn't worry about his stats being balanced or even reasonable, though giving him a really bad wisdom score might fit the Skeletor theme. The power a party of high-level characters can bring to bear is staggering, and he'll need to be able to stand up to it.

Considering what he is, he probably created his armor and weapon himself. The armor could be enchanted to simply not interfere with his casting. Maybe it just doesn't cause any problems, or it could do something neat like becoming insubstantial shadow-stuff while he's casting spells and snapping back into solidity when he's not casting.

It'd be neat if his created races were inherently obediant to him.

As for the Havoc staff.. Hmm.. Artifact with the following properties, among others?
1) Arcane Focus: While held, the Havoc Staff functions as an arcane focus for spells; it replaces both foci and material components normally required by arcane spells (spells like Trap the Soul and Magic Jar use the Staff itself instead of the gem normally empowered by the spell).
2) Energy Blast: Thesek can convert his memorized spells into raw energy blasts as a standard action. An attack with an energy blast counts as a ranged touch attack, and deals 4d6 damage per spell level of the sacrificed spell (minimum 1d6, for sacrificing a cantrip).
3) Spell recovery: The staff has 50 "charges." As a free action once per round, charges can be sacrificed to restore spells to Thesek's memory, at the rate of 3 spell levels per charge used. If the Staff is drained down to 0 charges, it becomes dormant until at least 1 charge is returned to it.
4) Charge restoration: As a full round action, Thesek can sacrifice spells to restore charges to the staff. The staff regains 1 charge for each spell level worth of spells sacrificed; any number of spells can sacrificed in one action. It can be assumed that Thesek keeps the Havoc Staff at full charge, in case of emergencies. This is the only function of the Staff that functions if the Staff becomes dormant.
5) Rightful owner: As a free action, Thesek can summon the Staff to himself from anywhere in the world.
6) Combat: The Havok Staff function as a Quarterstaff in melee combat. The head of the staff counts as a +6 Unholy Bane weapon, affecting any target struck as a bane weapon of the appropriate type. The butt of the Havok Staff is simply +5. One a successful hit with the head, Thesek can choose to channel an Energy Blast into the strike for full damage; this can be done with every hit in the round. So, on a normal hit with the head, he could deal 3d6+8+Str+unholy damage, or he could also sacrifice, say, a Horrid Wilting, and deal 37d6+8+Str damage to a good-aligned opponent. Thesek enjoys melee combat and often drags it out against inferior opponents, but can end it very swiftly when he deems it necessary.

The Staff seems to serve more as a focus for Skeletor's abilities than as anything else..

Anyways, I hope that helps.

So, he needs to be a powerful spellcaster, a competent melee combatant, able to wear armor, and able to create new life? It seems easier to make him an epic-level cleric. They can do all of those things, while a wizard or sorcerer can only cover the "powerful spellcaster" aspect.

A suggested faith would be the worship of power, perhaps, as devotion to a diety seems wrong for him.

Consider using the EK. Armor, combat, and spells. Seems like what you want.

Thanks for the replies! Keep `em coming!

I've considered the Eldritch Knight PrC, though it really didn't do much for me. The updated/revised/reprinted Spellsword PrC from Complete Warrior (originally in Tome & Blood) seemed viable as well, though he'd definitely would have been epic-level in order to use 9th-level spells (at the time, I was considering keeping him between 18th-20th level, class-wise; this may be a moot point by now, though). Also, I wasn't too sure about the Channel Spell ability of the Spellsword PrC, esp. through an item like a staff of power--seemed to invite the possibility of an unintentional retributive strike. However, the class has a ignore spell failure ability that works well.

I didn't go with wizard for the character since I really wanted him to really have a sort of innate power, and not something derived from a wholly outside source (like a deity) or be reliant on a library of spellbooks. I've even toyed around with the idea of him being a psion, but I intend to wait until April (with the release of the Revised Psionics Handbook) before using psionics at the moment.

Also, I think that giving him a high Wisdom score would counter some of the character's flaws, so to say--his greed & ambition have overwhelmed his common sense from time to time (that, in part, is what lead to his first defeat). Also, I didn't really envision him as being super-intelligent, either; he's smart, but some things are even beyond his capacity (though he may be reluctant to admit it).

However, he's got personality--it's what has enabled him to gain such power in the past. Sure, he's limited in his spells, but he uses magic items, lackeys, or a combination thereof to counter that problem. One of his most deadly weapons is his voice--it's what has swayed armies to his side, convinced others that threats lie elsewhere, played on the weaknesses of his "allies" and enemies alike, etc.

As for the melee combat aspect, I was thinking he'd be more than proficient, but not an out & out master; if anything, I was thinking he'd have 5 or less levels in any sort of non-spellcasting class; on the technical side, he'd have the class levels for the class ability-granted weapon & armor prof. feats, a slight BAB boost, and a few better Hit Die (while mortal).

I've contemplated giving him levels in the Archmage PrC (the Arcane Fire ability seems quite applicable); I've also considered having him be a straight sorcerer with the Pale Master PrC from Tome & Blood, but his armor (from Claudio's illostration) doesn't really have the look & feel of the Pale Master's bone mail (besides, the bone mail bonus is deemed Natural armor, & wouldn't stack with the lich's natural armor bonus--he'd have either 1 or the other).

A quick aside: would the Improved Familiar feat be viable for this guy? (Perhaps for a Panthor-like mount, or a Ma-Mutt-like servant/familiar; maybe some combination thereof?)

Any other ideas for his magical gear? How about his phylactery?

Please keep those comments/ideas/opinions/info/etc. coming!

One place I'd put his phlyatry, in a bag of holding or some unbreakable/unmeltable device, and stick inside an active volcano.

Skip Sorcerer and go wizard instead. Just don't give him an INT higher than 19, but increase his CHA alot. Take Leadership feat a good bit.

Instead of fighter, go ranger instead. Also I was thinking of maybe Viligant Arcanist since they have some good wizard/arcane powers as well. But that's just one idea.

If you want to give him armor, avoid Arcane Spell Failure, and don't mind using a few books. One option you could use is a Blended Quartz Heavy Steel Shield, a Blended Quartz Chain Shirt, a Mithral Chahar-aina, and a Mithral Dastana. Those give you a total AC bonus of +8 with no Arcane Spell Failure. Blended Quartz is form A&EG and the Dastana and Chahar-aina are from OA.

Or just try to find some resource that has something that reduces arcane spell-failure, either by enchantments or special metal/materials.

This just came to me, why not use Clothborn armor instead? It gives the recipitant the armor bonus of the armor but is consider for all other purposes, padded armor. Certainly the mininium spell failure is good. Only thing is you can't enhance the armor beyond that.