Is Lich Worth It?

[Werdnam]

It seems to me that with a little creativity you can have a PC (even a low-ish level PC) as a lich and still have the idea that it takes very high-level magic to accomplish it.

An example: Suppose that Mr. Evil Wizard wants to become a lich. Now, this is something that you definitely do not want to screw up. Therefore, Mr. E might want to practice. Sure, he could probably cheaply lichify his familiar or something, but we all know that reserach on animals doesn't always translate directly to humans. So Mr. E captures some poor commoner and decides to practice the spells on the captive. With the proper precautions, he can just observe that the transformation works as desired and then destroy the captive's phylactery. Easy, right?

And then something goes wrong. Right after the transformation of the captive, Mr. E's mortal nemesis (maybe a good adventuring party) crashes the party and captures/destroys/drives him away. Now you've got some poor first level lich whose life has suddenly become much more complicated.

You might not agree, but I think this sounds like a fantastic PC backstory.

 

[Vocenoctum]

I believe van Richtens Guide to Lichs had a "lesser lich", but it may have been a different book.

I still wonder about LA's in play for acquired templates like Lich or Saint or such though. If a player was interested in becoming a lich, I think I'd nix an ability or two and make a little PrC out of it.

 

[Seeten]

Take the template at 17? Then you already have the 9th level spells. Play Dread Necromancer instead, and become a Lich with Phylactery automagically at 20, no cost on phylactery. Play a Scarred Land Crypt Lord, they become Lich at level 10 of PrC for no LA.

Lots of Options

 

[Kae'Yoss]

And then something goes wrong. Right after the transformation of the captive, Mr. E's mortal nemesis

Or maybe immortal nemesis?

(maybe a good adventuring party) crashes the party and captures/destroys/drives him away. Now you've got some poor first level lich whose life has suddenly become much more complicated.

You might not agree, but I think this sounds like a fantastic PC backstory.

The rules don't agree, either.

And I'm not only talking about the "you must have caster level 11 to become a lich" part, but also that lichdom is a thing you must agree to and work towards. That's a pretty fundamental part of the D&D lich: It's not just that you must agree to the transformation, you have to work at it yourself.

 

[hamishspence]

How to rule the human to lich changeover?

your 11th level + character must sacrifice 15000 XP odd at once, then gains a +4 level adjustment. How does one fit it into the party advancement?

Simplest way: see Exalted deeds Saint for precedent (+2 LA) You get the template, but, may not level up until you have earned enough XP for your character to be the same ECL as the rest of the party.

EG: Stage 1 4 11th level characters near 12 level :
stage 2: 3 11th level characters and 1 11th level lich
stage 3: 3 15th level characters and 1 11th level lich
satge 4: Level Up! 3 16th level characters and 1 12th level lich, from now on you all level up at same rate.

Your lich might get VERY impatient waiting though.