Can undead gain levels?

[Hygric]

Can an undead that can progress in character classes gain levels after death?

eg, can a 12th level fighter who became a vampire at 12th level get to 13th level?

I know that in 2e a lich was stuck at that level for ever, but that never realy made sense to me for an intelligent undead. One would assume that being free willed and intelligent should include the ability to learn...

 

[Crothian]

Depends on the undead. Vampires can, skeletons cannot. Look at the advancement if it is a creature. Templates advance like the base creature.

 

[(Psi)SeveredHead]

Think of it this way:

Don't liches get more powerful over time? What's the point of becoming a lich if you can't learn more spells?

Don't vampires in all those sci-fi books/shows get more powerful over time?

Do undead learn and remember? Those with Intelligence scores can.

Remember, undead DO have a life force. Just a negative life force. So yes, intelligent undead (Int 3+) can gain levels.

 

[Hygric]

Thanks for the quick reply.

I was hoping that they could continue to gain levels in 3e, and I mainly wanted to check to see if there was any little rule stashed away somewhere that I would have to house-rule.

 

[Bob5th]

I know lich has "as character class" listed for advancement and Vampire's probably do also.