demiliches

A demilich is a powerful undead creature often found in fantasy role-playing games, particularly Dungeons & Dragons. It represents the intermediate stage between a lich and a true lich, a potent spellcaster who has achieved undeath. A demilich is distinguished by its skull, which retains a measure of the wizard's intellect and magical prowess. The rest of the demilich's body has typically decayed or been destroyed, leaving only the sentient skull.

The process of becoming a demilich is often a desperate or incomplete attempt to achieve lichdom. A wizard might fail in their ritual, or be interrupted, resulting in this less powerful form of undeath. Despite their diminished physical state, demiliches are incredibly dangerous. Their primary threat comes from their formidable spellcasting abilities, which are often preserved from their former life. They can also unleash psychic attacks and drain the life force of their victims.

Demiliches are often encountered guarding ancient tombs, forgotten libraries, or places of significant magical power. Their motivations can vary, but they are typically driven by a desire to continue their quest for knowledge, power, or revenge. They are exceptionally intelligent and cunning, often using their remaining magical abilities and understanding of the world to set elaborate traps and overcome intruders. Unlike full liches, demiliches are often unable to create more undead minions, relying solely on their own formidable powers.