Warmaster Horus
Explorer
Why would a powerful mage choose lichdom over having a living, breathing, younger clone to transfer into upon death?
Because a mage is not interested in worldly delights but in learning and science and knowing all secrets.
Blime my working colleague is one of this guys IRL. Well, not exactly, he is into electronics. But i would dare to bet this guy is still a virgin being already 40 years old. And he still lives with his mother. If someone would offer lichdom as a means to create more electronic circuitry without needing to sleep or eat, i could imagine he would do it.
Why would a powerful mage choose lichdom over having a living, breathing, younger clone to transfer into upon death?
First and foremost, the lich form is much more powerful. You get a boatload of immunities and resistances, legendary actions, legendary resistance, and assorted minor powers like paralyzing touch and frightening gaze.
Second, I can imagine some mages seeing the lich's undeath as a positive good: You are no longer distracted from your pursuit of power by all those pesky biological needs and drives. It takes a particular twisted mindset to see things this way, of course.