What's the easiest way to immortality?

[Valkys]

Since the major theme of the campaign seems to be the orc is looking for immortality, how about a minor or major artifact that happens to grant immortality as a side effect? Naturally, no one knows where said artifact is currently hidden, though rumours speak of a Waterfall Beyond the Edge of the World, or some such, where the artifact can be found.

This way, you have to Listen to the Rumours, Find the Guru who knows the way to the Waterfall, Find the Way to the Waterfall, then Pass the Tests of Worthiness. And the entire way, you're fighting off the orcs minions, trying to get there first.

Its The Last Crusade all over again.

 

[phoamslinger]

In my current campaign I put in a staff with graduated powers. At 1st level it was +1, at 3rd it granted undead control, at 5th a commune spell (with the staff), etc. At 19th it grants unaging and at 21st it grants lich hood.

Maybe a similar device could be rumored to exist in your campaign.