Liches

A Liche is formed by the Create Liche ritual, a sorcerous spell that can be cast at any time. The caster must sacrifice seven virgins of a sentient species, then commit ritual suicide and suceed in a successful ceremony roll. Success means that the character's soul is dissolved (much like a vampires) and they have become a Liche. Failure means that the character dies, their soul being sent to whatever afterlife it is meant for where it will be damned to whatever Hell that character's God has waiting for those who dabble in Chaos, Undeath and the mysterious Arts.

Whilst the spell can be cast by anyone, Liches are often found in the cult of Thanatar, where the lust for power and knowledge easily consumes worshippers. As Than has the greatest connection to Undeath and Monsters, it is usually his Doom Lords that sacrifice themselves in such a manner. It is rare for anyone other than a Priest or Rune Lord to voluntarily become a Liche, mainly as advancement in Thanatar without a soul is quite difficult. As the spell is sorcerous in nature, the liches are mainly found in Western and Eastern wings of the cult, i.e. in Carmania, Ralios, the Atyari of the Kralorelan Empire, and the odd one or two in the Heortland.

Also, Lhankor Mhy scholars desperate for knowledge have turned to Lichehood, and sorcerors often consider it as an alternative to the Immortality spell - especially if they are non-Malkioni. However, any may become a Liche, even those with no intrest in knowledge and learning (although the ritual creates a desire for such things).

Liches appear as withered, emancipated figures, drained of fluids and with their flesh pulled tight around their bones. Even newly created Liches appear this way. Normally there is no smell of rotting, or of decomposition. Liches often use perfumes to cover the smell. Liches have been known to walk about in towns and cities, under the cover of heavy clothing, to purchase books, tomes and grimoires, but otherwise spend most of their time in libraries. Liches are often solitary in nature. They never take apprentices.

STR	3d6x2	Move	Species+1	R Leg0*/7
CON	3d6x2	HP	19	L Leg0*/7
SIZ	2d6+6	FP	NA	Abdomen 0*/7
INT	2d6+6	MP	3d6	Chest 0*/8
POW	NA			R Arm 0*/5
DEX	3d6+6			L Arm 0*/5
APP	1d6	DEX SR	2	Head 0*/7

*= Liches often wear armour if expecting trouble, and usually have some forms of protective magic.

Weapon		SR	att		dmg

Touch		7	Base 25	      1d3+db+special

Magic: Never has Spirit Magic, but they are often powerful sorcerors and sometimes have Divine Magic. Those in Thanatar are often loaded with Consume Mind, Devour Books etc...

HeroQuest Information: Liches gain the Passion of Lust (knowledge) +10

Notes: The touch of a Liche is especially devastating. Upon striking it drains 3d6% of a skill chosen by the Liche. This skill can be any Knowledge skill, Speak skill, Magical Art or Sorcery spell. The loss is permanent. In return the Liche gains an "experience tick" in that skill, even if one cannot normally be gained in (lores etc...). The tick is instant, and if it suceeds then the Liche gains 1d6% in that skill to reflect the knowledge it has learnt from the drained victim. Liches often capture victims alive to use this upon. They usually have a myriad of Lores, some in the region of 150% to 200% if the Liche is of any reasonable age.

Sorcery Notes: I favour the rule that upon becoming a Liche they gain a Vow of Lichehood. This adds their old POW as Presence. It is lost if they ever attempt to stop being a Liche.