Undead without LA

[czak808]

In the book Libris Mortis the Necropolitan allows a character to gain the "augmented humanoid" as an undead creature. The character must die, be raised (as per Raise Dead thus lose a level) and sacrifice 1000xp.
Henceforth, no longer subject to critical hits, sneak attacks, fort saves (unless object affected) or aging, immune to mind affects(?), etc...
Is this your "lich on the cheap" template?

 

[darthkilmor]

In the book Libris Mortis the Necropolitan allows a character to gain the "augmented humanoid" as an undead creature. The character must die, be raised (as per Raise Dead thus lose a level) and sacrifice 1000xp.
Henceforth, no longer subject to critical hits, sneak attacks, fort saves (unless object affected) or aging, immune to mind affects(?), etc...
Is this your "lich on the cheap" template?

That sounds a little bit like the shigmuu PrC from Ptolus.

 

[kreynolds]

Is this your "lich on the cheap" template?

They don't get this...

"Fear Aura (Su): Liches are shrouded in a dreadful aura of death and evil. Creatures of less than 5 HD in a 60-foot radius that look at the lich must succeed on a Will save or be affected as though by a fear spell from a sorcerer of the lich’s level. A creature that successfully saves cannot be affected again by the same lich’s aura for 24 hours.

Paralyzing Touch (Su): Any living creature a lich hits with its touch attack must succeed on a Fortitude save or be permanently paralyzed. Remove paralysis or any spell that can remove a curse can free the victim (see the bestow curse spell description). The effect cannot be dispelled. Anyone paralyzed by a lich seems dead, though a DC 20 Spot check or a DC 15 Heal check reveals that the victim is still alive."

...nor a bunch of other scary stuff, so I'm include to say...nope.

 

[czak808]

I'll admit, the full lich is a terrible thing to face. The fear, the paralytic touch, the DR, the stat and skill bonuses and the ultimate recurring/ undying villain. I love em.
... but
As a player, you give up 4 levels compared to your group (if a DM would allow you to play one). That's four caster level and probably 2 spell levels.
The Necropolitan does NOT provide DR, paralytic touch, fear or near-immortality. But, you also are of a level with the rest of your party, and the benefits (as listed above) you do get are pretty good. All while staying of comparable level with the rest of your party.

In addition, why do you paste what was written RIGHT above your post into your post...?

 

[kreynolds]

In addition, why do you paste what was written RIGHT above your post into your post...?

Habit, would be my guess. Ensures people know who you are addressing. I've done that before too.

 

[irdeggman]

Use the Savage Progression system from the WotC boards.

http://www.wizards.com/default.asp?x=dnd/sp/20031212a

This one is the lich.

It breaks down the progression to a "base" - no LA and then 4 "class like" levels that can be taken at any time. This allows a smoother transition to the "full" lich without having a sudden 4 level difference in party members.

 

[czak808]

A character "progressing" without BAB, skill or save adjustments doesn't seem like advancement. Sure, by the rules it works, but I'm not a big fan of RAW.
After looking through Complete Arcane, once a character is a Necropolitan, its a short hop to Spell-stitched...

No ECL adjustment, but you're undead (an all that goes with it), DR, SR, save bonus', SLA (pick paralyze & fear if ya wanna go the lich route). No ability or skill bonus', but you're FOUR caster levels make up for that IMHO.