Liches and their unarmed attacks.

[nsruf]

from the srd on lich templates:

Damage: Creatures without natural weapons gain a touch attack that uses negative energy to deal 1d8+5 points of damage to living creatures;

I always read the latter part as imposing a targeting restriction, i.e. only living creatures could be attacked at all, as with spells limited to target e.g. "one living creature". So the lich couldn't affect itself.

If you want a lich to heal itself, it should probably use negative energy ray from T&B on itself, curing 5d6 damage with a 1st level spell.

 

[James McMurray]

1. rules base, the negative energy lich touch does not explicitly state it cures undead.

That's about the only worthwhile argument being made. The one thing about 3E is that they are generally fairly redundant. However, lack of proof is not proof of lack, therefore the fact that it doesn't say it can heal does not automatically mean it cannot heal.

2. game balance, unlimited touch healing is powerful.

Then Ghaele Celestials are overpowered and out of balance with the game. Liches are simply an evil balance to Ghael's in this case.

3. Flavor, it is the lich's own energy so it cannot heal itself.

Flavor is a good argument, but it cannot be taken as the only possible answer. any answers based on flavor are subjective. That means that they are not the best answer for every game. I've given examples of how a lich healing himself can be viewed from a flavor angle, so those types of arguments don't really matter. They come down to personal taste, not rules, which is the name of this forum.

 

[kreynolds]

Tell ya'll what. I solve this little problem for everybody.

If you wanna follow the rules, then the Lich can't heal itself.

If you wanna use a house rule, then the Lich can heal itself.

Nuff said.

 

[Crothian]

Having a Lich heal iteself by touch is not that big of deal. It would take a standard action at least and a d8+5 is not that impressive at the levels most liches are at. Sure, if it escapes and has enough time it can totally heal itself, but it must at least spend that time doing that. It's like a poor man's fast healing.

So, personally, I'd allow it. Liches should be tough opponents and giving them a little extra power is okay in my book.

 

[kreynolds]

Having a Lich...

You type slow.

 

[Crothian]

Tell ya'll what. I solve this little problem for everybody.

If you wanna follow the rules, then the Lich can't heal itself.

If you wanna use a house rule, then the Lich can heal itself.

Nuff said.

Wow! Your solving problems. I recall when all you did was stir them up. But that is about how it boils down to. Darn you rule zero, you make it so all people can play the game as they want to and makes argueing a moot point!!

 

[Crothian]

You type slow.

Are you standing over my shoulder with an stop watch? What is that based on? I type how I type at the speed I type and I'm typing happy about it!!

 

[kreynolds]

Wow! Your solving problems. I recall when all you did was stir them up. But that is about how it boils down to. Darn you rule zero, you make it so all people can play the game as they want to and makes argueing a moot point!!

LOL

 

[kreynolds]

Are you standing over my shoulder with an stop watch? What is that based on? I type how I type at the speed I type and I'm typing happy about it!!

ROTFLMAO

Well, I was sorta watching over your shoulder. Know that spiffy new "who's online" page? There ya' go.

 

[James McMurray]

Although I don't necessarily agree that Lich's healing themselves requires a house rule, since it boild down to negative energy healing undead, I do agree that if you want them to they will, and if you don't want them to they won't. Of course, this assumes you are the DM and get to make those calls.