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"Sealed in this vault is the immortal sage and prophet, Melik Morteris. Having given himself to the undying pursuit of knowledge, he has caused this vault to be built over his place of study. Know all ye who would think to trespass here, the inhabitant of this vault is an Undead, a Liche possessed of eternal life and magic powers, and he will punish any who create disturbances."

—Inscription on a basement wall within the northeast tower of Schloss Blutwasser.[2]
Liche

A Liche

A Liche, also spelled Lich, is an Undead necromancer who has become foul, twisted, and tormented by years of evil toil. Liches represent some of the most powerful magic-users in the Known World.[2][4a]

A Liche's mental and bodily functions are preserved by powerful necromantic magic, but their bodies continue to outwardly decompose as if they were truly dead.[1][2]

History[]

Licheportrait

Portrait of an ancient Liche

The majority of necromancers who turn to the study of the Dark Arts in order to stave off death end up insane, incorporeal Wraiths, or simply die from their failed attempts to achieve Undeath.[1][2]

Yet there are some who find a way to beat the odds. These are Liches, beings with such a mastery of the Purple Wind of Magic, Shyish, that they've managed to arrest decay within their own bodies long after death and time should have claimed them.[2] Their soul is bound to their body, escaping mortality's grasp by trapping themselves inside their own decaying flesh. The process is traumatic. Most minds shatter at the horror of such an existence, causing the Liche to lose much of their previous power.[3a]

A Liche's body often resembles that of a Zombie or Ghoul -- an animated corpse in the process of physical decomposition.[1a]

Liche Lord[]

A Liche Lord is an unusually powerful Liche. Should a Liche survive long enough to reclaim their mind, they become true masters of Undeath. Jealous and secretive, these entities hide themselves away in strongholds, growing in power until, at last, they are ready to take their rightful and self-proclaimed place as the mortal world's rulers. Where a Liche Lord walks, crops wither and Undead legions march to their whispered commands.[3a]

Liches have had centuries to perfect the study of magic, and they are some of the most powerful spell casters one can encounter in the Known World. To a Liche, the passage of time is no longer a yoke that holds them. They are free to devote all their time and effort to gaining and perfecting forbidden knowledge.[2]

Notable Liches[]

  • Arkhan the Black - A mighty and ancient Liche who served as Nagash's chief lieutenant.
  • Karitamen - A Nehekharan King turned Liche in undeath.
  • Dread King - The Dread King is a powerful necromancer who was surrounded at all times by an aura of dread.
  • The Liche Lord - A powerful Liche who commanded a cabal of acolytes and necromancers. He was defeated by Heinrich Kemmler, resulting in his gaining the title of "Lichemaster."
  • Old Jaspar - A Liche who travels across the foothills of the Grey Mountains atop his Corpse Cart, leading the wandering band of Undead called the Night Parade.

Sources[]

  • 1: Warhammer Fantasy Roleplay 1st Edition: Core Rulebook (RPG)
    • 1a: pg. 249
    • 1b: pg. 250
  • 2: Warhammer Online: Age of Reckoning (PC Game)
  • 3: Warhammer Fantasy Roleplay 4th Edition: The Night Parade (RPG)
  • 4: Warhammer Armies: Undead (4th Edition)
    • 4a: pg. 59
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