Proto-Dracolich

A proto-dracolich comes into being when a dracolich’s spirit possesses any body other than the corpse that was created when the dragon consumed its dose of dracolich brew. A proto-dracolich has the mind and memories of its original form but the hit points and immunities of a dracolich. A proto-dracolich can neither speak nor cast spells. Further, it cannot deal extra cold damage, use a breath weapon, or use frightful presence as a dracolich. Its Strength, speed, and Armor Class are those of the possessed body.
A proto-dracolich transforms into a full-fledged dracolich in 2d4 days. When the transformation is complete, the dracolich’s form resembles that of its original body. It can now speak, cast spells, and employ the breath weapon it originally had, in addition to gaining all the abilities of a dracolich. A dracolich typically keeps a few “spare” bodies of a suitable size near the hiding place of its phylactery, so that if its current form is destroyed, it can possess and transform a new body within a few days.