Post/Author/DateTime	Post
Thane26425 06-02-07, 01:30 PM	This is a variation on the traditional Lich. Overall, it is very similiar. Arcane Lich Liches are undead spellcasters who have used necromancy and negative energy to extend their lives and to gain power. Arcane Liches use a different set of rituals which infuse the Arcane Lich with the power of magic itself. Rather than being undead, the Arcane Lich would more appropriately be considered a construct. As such, they are not troubled by Turning or Rebuke Attempts. Negative Energy spells may cause direct damage, but all other effects such as energy drain do nothing. Positive Energy may likewise cause damage but will not heal. The Arcane Lich must learn the Repair Damage series of spells to repair itself, though it heal naturally as per the regular rules. Arcane Liches look much as they did in life. Changes are usually subtle, paler skin, darker eyes, slightly "mechanical" movement, but enough that close observation reveals something "off" about the character. Spells such as Disguise Self or the Disguise skill can take off this edge. (Mechanical movement would mean standing unnaturally still like a statue, slightly stiff movements, though not enough to cause penatlies, etc.) The Arcane Lich's Phylactery works in all respects as that of the standard lich. A character must be a Wizard, Sorceror or Cleric or at least level 11 to undertake the transformation. For game purposes, assume the character either researches the ritual, discovers how to do it or is coached by another Arcane Lich. HD: d12 Speed: as per base character AC: +5 natural natural armor bonus, or the character's natural Armor bonus, whichever is greater. Damage: The Arcane Lich can channel magical energy through its body as a touch attack. This attack causes 1d8 +5 magical damage and affects all creatures not immune to magic. It affects objects at half damage. A save of DC 10 + 1/2 the Arcane Lich HD + its Int modifier allows half damage. This attack is affected by Spell Resistance. Special Attacks: Spells as per character class. Special Qualities: The Arcane Lich retains all abilities it had prior to the transformation. Damage Resistence: 15/+1 Immunities: Cold, Electricity, Polymorph and Mind-affecting attacks, poison, sleep, paralysis, disease, death effects. Not Subject to: Critical hits, subdual damage, ability drain, ability damage, or energy drain. Immune to effects that require a Fort save, unless it also affects objects. Not subject to death from massive damage, but once it reaches 0 hp, the Arcane Lich falls, though if its phylactery is intact, it will rise in a few days. Also not bothered by normal climactic considtions like normal heat and cold. Since the Arcane Lich does not breathe, it can not be drowned. The Arcane Lich may polymorph itself and cast Mind-effecting spells on itself. Likewise, it may drop this defense at will to allow itself to be affected by these spell cast by another. Saves: as character Abilities: +2 STR, INT, no CON score Skills: +8 racial bonus to Hide, Move Silently, Listen, Search, Sense Motive, and Spot. Feats: as character CR: + 1 effective character level. Alignment: Any. The Arcane Lich is also subject to changing alignments as per usual.
flaiquiri 06-08-07, 05:28 PM	Level Adjustment? What kind of save for Damage ability? Is it immune to stunning and necromancy like regular constructs?
Khatoblepas 06-08-07, 05:41 PM	Okay, let's see. It's exactly the same as a Lich, except: - It gains less relevant stat mods. - It gains a weaker damage reduction (15/magic vs 15/magic and bludgeoning?) - It has to heal itself with repair damage. - it loses a few of the lich's abilities. Now, I'm not saying this is a bad idea, but it's kinda unfinished. If it becomes a Construct, why does it gain a d12 hit dice? Shouldn't it gain a d10 hit dice, and bonus HD based on size? Why does it gain a Strength bonus, if it's a spellcaster template? What happened to the spontaneous sorcerer love? No CHA bonus? No Wis bonus for the Clerics?