lîch

lîch is a stylized form of lich used in some fantasy writings and games. In those contexts, a lîch is an undead spellcaster who retains intellect and magical power after death, typically by binding their soul to a phylactery. The term lîch derives from Old English lic, meaning body, and the modern fantasy term lich traces to that root. The circumflex in lîch is not standard in English; it is used in some works to indicate a long vowel or to distinguish a particular variant.

In fantasy literature and role-playing games, liches are usually powerful, ancient wizards who achieved immortality through necromancy. They are often depicted as dangerous adversaries who rely on a phylactery to survive; destroying the lich's body is not enough—the phylactery must be destroyed to end the creature. Typical abilities include high magical power, resilience to aging, and the ability to control undead minions. Weaknesses commonly include vulnerabilities to anti-magic, radiant energy, or the need to guard the phylactery against destruction.

Notable appearances include Dungeons & Dragons materials and various fantasy fiction, and the concept appears in popular culture such as the Lich King in Warcraft. The portrayal of lîch varies by work, ranging from malevolent rulers to tragic scholars seeking knowledge or redemption. The diacritic form is primarily stylistic and does not denote a separate, standardized term beyond this variant.

See also: lich; phylactery; necromancer.