How does a lich heal himself?

[HeavyG]

Don't liches come standard with a negative energy touch attack that could be used for healing his undead form?

Good point. It doesn't make sense to me for a creature to recharge its undead life force with its undead life force, but the way the rules are written, this should work.

I like the Negative Energy Burst spell, from Tome and Blood. Don't know if its been converted officially in a 3.5E book, though.

 

[kigmatzomat]

In early editions I believe liches were also clerics (Scary) and could use cause X wounds.

in 3.0 Tome & Blood had a whole series of arcane negative energy spells that will harm living/heal undead. Not sure if they migrated to 3.5 Complete Arcane or not.

 

[WizarDru]

So, by implication, intelligent undead heal naturally if they have an INT score.

I interpeted that to mean the unintelligent undead were incapable of even thinking of healing themselves, let alone actually doing it. That is to say, they can't cast a spell on themselves or take actions with the intent of repairing their damaged forms...they're simply mindless killing/eating machines bent on killing the living. As opposed to a lich or vampire, who is intelligent and has independent thought, who can take intelligent action to heal and protect itself.

 

[jmucchiello]

Limited Wish.

Or take a few levels of Cleric. Or even bard (eiwww)

Or only take levels of Cleric. Not all Liches are arcane spellcasters. Cleric based Liches are fun because they can unhallow their own homes making them even more turn resistant. Under Bolster Undead it says, "An evil undead cleric can bolster himself in this manner." They can wear armor.

 

[lukelightning]

I'm unconvinced that every negative energy effect should heal undead. Just as a burst of positive energy (e.g. disrupt undead), won't heal a living creature, why should a lich's negative energy touch heal undead?

I would rule that only inflict spells can heal undead like this, the same way a cure spell can heal a living creature.

 

[Remathilis]

A lich with Lord of the Uttercold (cold spells do 1/2 neg energy, 1/2 cold) work nice. Immune to cold, healed by Neg Eng.

 

[devilish]

I'm away from my books (A POX on working!) but is there anything in
Libris Mortis? I thought there was a bunch of negative energy spells there
that could help here.

 

[ThirdWizard]

I'm unconvinced that every negative energy effect should heal undead. Just as a burst of positive energy (e.g. disrupt undead), won't heal a living creature, why should a lich's negative energy touch heal undead?

I would rule that only inflict spells can heal undead like this, the same way a cure spell can heal a living creature.

-Cannot heal damage on its own if it has no Intelligence score, although it can be healed. Negative energy (such as an inflict spell) can heal undead creatures. The fast healing special quality works regardless of the creature’s Intelligence score.

Emphasis mine. But note also:

—Not subject to critical hits, nonlethal damage, ability drain, or energy drain. Immune to damage to its physical ability scores (Strength, Dexterity, and Constitution), as well as to fatigue and exhaustion effects.

Not just any negative energy attack will do it. It has to normally cause hp damage. They can't use enervation/energy drain to heal themselves.

 

[lukelightning]

Thanks, ThirdWizard; I probably should have stated that "as a houserule this is how I feel."

The idea that any negative energy damage can heal undead irks me. The D&D rules, in keeping the "arcane can't heal" sacred cow, has decided that it takes special divine mediation to effect healing...just raw positive energy won't work. I figure, what's good for the goose is good for the gander, and that raw negative energy shouldn't do the same for undead.

 

[RolandOfGilead]

Libris mortis states that intelligent undead heal much like living creatures do,
after 8 hours of rest 1hp per hd. 24 houres rest 2hp per hd.
thanks
Roland