Demi-Lich - Creature Conpendium - The World Arcanum
hroughout history there have been those that have sought immortality at any cost. Many have searched in vain for the fabled waters of life or begged blessings from the gods, but a few, who have studied the magickal arts, have access to an alternate, more sinister means of achieving their goal. Through spell, incantation and extraordinary magickal ascendancy, there are those who have attempted to twist themselves into the form of an immortal lich. Few have succeeded.
Far greater in number are those who fail and are doomed to spend the remainder of their wretched existence in the form of a demi-lich. It is believed that through some misspoken word, incomplete gesture, or lack of capability, many that attempt the transformation reduce themselves into this incomprehensible monstrosity.
Unlike the lich, the newly born demi-lich begins to decay immediately and it is quickly apparent to any observers what has occurred as the stench of death begins to emanate from every fiber of the once powerful mage. Having donned ritualistic trappings of the dead in order to complete the ceremony, the ungainly demi-lich is unable to remove them, and thus shall it remain, to decay within its death shroud, a dirty, filthy creature, slowly rotting to insignificant dust.
Early on in its existence, it appears the demi-lich retains some semblance of humanity in both thought and motion. However, the incomplete metamorphosis effects some part of the mind, causing speech to be lost instantaneously, along with the ability to perform the more powerful magicks. Yet some form of memory must remain, for it has been observed that the demi-lich behaves as if in constant pain. It has been postulated that the demi-lich might be feeling the pain of its own decay, or, perhaps, lamenting the bitter memory of its own failure and inadequacy. Truly, we do not know. And as the years pass, this perpetual distress drives the demi-lich further into the realms of insanity. It is not long before the creature is nothing but a feral beast.
Although a demi-lich is but a mere shadow of a powerful mage, we have observed that they, in the early stages of their transformation, still command considerable magickal powers, and therefore pose a significant threat. A newly created demi-lich usually has the ability to cast moderately destructive spells. With age and decay it begins to lose its mind, and, ultimately, its powers.
Our work in the field has revealed that a demi-lich who is nearly decayed to dust will nevertheless attempt to do you harm. Due to the monstrosity's lack of strength, most victims will likely survive the ordeal. However, should you happen upon one with most of its faculties about it, might I offer the pertinent advice of protecting oneself against magick as swiftly as possible, and leaving the vicinity with the greatest of haste.
