Lich

Liches are intelligent undead created with powerful magic which allow them to reform even if their physical form is destroyed. This is most commonly achieved by storing their souls in an object of great arcane power - some even fragment their soul between several of these objects. The creation of liches is an incredibly complex task, but is one that has been replicated by several cultures. There exist many names for the objects liches store their souls in - exhuma, soul vessels, kahari, and others.

Demilich

A demilich is a lich whose transformation was flawed in some major way, or whose exhuma has been destroyed. These flaws can result in the loss of personality, memories, unreliable regeneration, or other corruptions. While there is no distinct measure of when a lich should be considered a demilich, those that study such matters deeply tend to have their own opinions on when that line is crossed.

Basic Information

Anatomy

Dracolich by Ron Broyde

Liches can be created from any species that could otherwise be turned into an undead - it is generally believed that creatures whose very soul makes up their form such as elementals cannot be turned into a lich. This also includes most demons, though it depends on how they were crafted. Dragons who have achieved lichdom are known as Dracoliches, for example.

Genetics and Reproduction

To create a Lich is an incredibly complex task, and one that is impossible to mass produce. Each is its own unique task, tailored for the still living creature to be transformed. A perfect transformation leaves the creature with all of their memories, personalities, and desires intact. But to leave even a single flaw in your enchantments, to disregard even a single aspect of the soul's true nature could lead to disaster. At best, the undead creature created could be corrupted, unlike what it was before. At worst, it could be instantaneously and utterly destroyed. While the huge majority of liches are powerful mages who transformed themselves, it is not impossible to transform another. Most often reserved for those loyal followers and warriors not familiar with the arcane, they are often known as Deathknights.

Biological Cycle

Liches are immortal, though this immortality can have its quirks. When a lich is created or destroyed, they regenerate to a form decided when they achieved their lichhood - many choose the bodies they had during life. Unlike during life, these bodies are not truly connected to the soul, serving as a shell for the lich to puppeteer. They cannot feel, taste, smell, or experience life as they once did. Eventually these bodies age, contract illness, and die, leaving the lich remaining in the rotting shell of their body until they reform once again.