The Lich (Level 3)

Becoming a Lich

Across the Multiverse, there are many ways to become a Lich, each determining the type of Lich the mortal becomes. However, within Etharis, there is only one type of Lich, as there is only one known method of ascending to Lichdom: The Ritual of Dread. The process of this ritual is a well-guarded secret, entrusted to only a handful of mortals at any one time. The process of the ritual involves several despicable acts, including murder, the brewing of a vile concoction, and even one’s own death. However, it is the process of tearing one’s soul from the body that is most despised, for this process involves the sacrifice of something truly dear to a mortal, and no substitute will be accepted. For some, it is the death of a cherished loved one. For others, it is a family legacy. Regardless of the sacrifice, unless the Dreadscape spirits deem it worthy, Lichdom will not be granted.

Transformation Features

A Lich has the following transformation features:

Prerequisites

• Ability Scores: Intelligence 16
• Spellcasting Ability: You must have the ability to cast 7th-level spells.
• Roleplay: You must complete the Ritual of Dread. The process of this ritual is partially described but left intentionally vague so it can be tailored to your setting and campaign. Discuss with your GM how you can achieve this in-game.

Some of your abilities require your target to make a saving throw to resist their effects. The saving throw DC is calculated as follows:
Transformation save DC = 8 + your proficiency bonus + your Intelligence modifier

Level Milestones

The following are examples of possible level milestones for the Lich:

• Discover ancient and dark arcane knowledge.
• Consume the soul of an exceptionally powerful spellcaster.
• Build a monument to your power to serve as a giant arcane focus.
• Create an army of undead.
• Kill a god.

Transformation Level 3

Starting at 3rd level, you can pick one of the following Transformation Boons, or pick a boon from a lower level that you meet the prerequisites for. You also gain this level’s Transformation Flaw.

Transformation Boon: Relentless Undead

Whenever an undead creature you control is reduced to 0 hit points, it may immediately move up to its full speed and make an attack action before dying. This feature has no effect if the creature has been reduced to 0 hit points by radiant damage.

Transformation Boon: Arcane Supremacy

You become an exemplar of arcane power. When you cast a concentration spell, if you are already concentrating on one concentration spell, you do not lose concentration of that spell; instead, you gain one level of exhaustion. If you are already concentrating on more than one spell, this feature has no effect. If you cast a third concentration spell during this time, you lose concentration on one of the two spells. Once you use this feature, you cannot use it again until you complete a long rest.

Transformation Boon: Staff of the Dreadscapes

Starting at 3rd level, you can use an action to summon a deathly staff made of blackened bone and twisted rotwood. The staff is the same as a quarterstaff, with the following features:

• Necrotic damage dealt by you ignores resistance to necrotic damage.
• Your Spell Save DC and Transformation DC are both increased by 2.
• Food and non-creature plants the staff touches wither and decay.

You can unsummon the staff at any time with the use of an action. If you un-wield the staff, it immediately unsummons.

Transformation Boon: Enhanced Phylactery

Prerequisite: Phylactery Bond

Your bond with your phylactery strengthens, granting additional benefits:

• If you aren’t wearing armor, your base Armor Class is 15 + your Dexterity modifier. Your phylactery’s AC is increased by 2.
• Your spell save DC and spell attack bonus each increase by 2.
• You and your phylactery have advantage on saving throws against spells and other magical effects.

Transformation Flaw: Necromantic Dystrophy

Your body has become dependent on consuming souls; otherwise, it becomes withered and frail. If you go more than 24 hours without converting 4 CR worth of souls from your Phylactery into spell slots, you gain the following effects:

• You cannot use the Dash, Dodge, or Disengage actions. You cannot use these actions as bonus actions.
• You cannot use your reaction to make opportunity attacks.
• You cannot disguise your Hideous Form feature.

Upon converting the required amount of souls into spell slots, you are no longer affected by the aforementioned effects.