Lichs

A lich is an undead spellcaster who achieves long-term life and continued magical power by binding their life force to a phylactery, a hidden magical container. This process, commonly called lichdom, allows the practitioner to outlive mortal aging and remain a formidable intellect, often extending into centuries or longer. Liches are typically depicted as intelligent, patient rulers who surround themselves with wards, traps, and loyal undead or mundane followers. Their appearance varies, ranging from skeletal to withered humanoid forms, but the defining trait is the retention of cognitive abilities and magical talent after death.

The core mechanism of a lich is the phylactery. As long as the phylactery remains intact, the lich can endure regardless of the condition of their physical body. If the body is destroyed, the lich’s spirit can eventually reform from the phylactery. Because of this dependency, defeating a lich in most settings usually requires locating and destroying the phylactery, often guarded by elaborate defenses. Beyond the phylactery, liches are typically vulnerable to powerful holy or radiant magic, powerful anti-magic effects, and specialized artifacts or rituals tailored to their lore.

In fiction and role-playing games, liches appear as classic antagonists or morally gray figures—intelligent, patient, and resource-rich—often safeguarding ancient secrets or forbidden knowledge. They feature prominently in many fantasy universes, including tabletop games, video games, and novels. The concept has variations across settings, but the central idea remains: a once-living spellcaster who preserves power through a phylactery, becoming a dangerous, enduring threat.