D&D’s Spelljammer Setting Has Made Liches Even Scarier

D&D’s Spelljammer Setting Has Made Liches Even Scarier

The new Spelljammer monsters include the Eldritch Lich, which was created through a rather unusual method. The standard lich is a spellcaster who puts their soul into a phylactery, and they remain alive so long as it remains unharmed. The Eldritch Lich attains their undead state by absorbing a parasite granted by an Elder God that takes over their body, causing a tentacle and mouth to sprout from their abdomen. This method of undeath would suit one of D&D‘s Great Old One warlock patrons, as it fits their theme perfectly.
The Eldritch Lich’s parasite acts in a similar manner to a phylactery, as it will revive its host 2d4 days after it was destroyed. This might seem like the superior choice, but it comes with a catch, as slaying the Eldritch Lich within the boundaries of a magic circle spell will cause it to revive as a mindless Otyugh, robbing it of its power. In combat, the Eldritch Lich has access to some powerful spells, like lightning bolt, but its real strength lies in its unusual abilities. The Eldritch lLch can use Psychic Whispers twice a round, forcing a DC 17 Wisdom save on a target, with failure resulting in 6d6+4 damage and the stunned condition. By far the most dangerous move used by the Eldritch Lich is Parasitic Tentacle, which can poison the target. If the target fails their poison save three times, they die and their body transforms into a gibbering mouther.
Spelljammer introduced Archliches to D&D, which are some of the only good liches that have appeared in the game. The Eldritch Liches are the furthest thing away from Archliches, as even the standard evil liches can be bartered or reasoned with, as their own self-preservation and the hunt for arcane knowledge have value to them. The Eldritch Liches are twisted abominations and any D&D party that runs afoul of one should turn their spelljammer around and drive in the opposite direction, lest they be turned into gibbering mouthers.
The Spelljammer: Adventures in Space campaign set for Dungeons & Dragons will launch on August 16, 2022.
Source: D&D Beyond

#DDs #Spelljammer #Setting #Liches #Scarier

D&D’s Spelljammer Setting Has Made Liches Even Scarier

The new Spelljammer monsters include the Eldritch Lich, which was created through a rather unusual method. The standard lich is a spellcaster who puts their soul into a phylactery, and they remain alive so long as it remains unharmed. The Eldritch Lich attains their undead state by absorbing a parasite granted by an Elder God that takes over their body, causing a tentacle and mouth to sprout from their abdomen. This method of undeath would suit one of D&D‘s Great Old One warlock patrons, as it fits their theme perfectly.
The Eldritch Lich’s parasite acts in a similar manner to a phylactery, as it will revive its host 2d4 days after it was destroyed. This might seem like the superior choice, but it comes with a catch, as slaying the Eldritch Lich within the boundaries of a magic circle spell will cause it to revive as a mindless Otyugh, robbing it of its power. In combat, the Eldritch Lich has access to some powerful spells, like lightning bolt, but its real strength lies in its unusual abilities. The Eldritch lLch can use Psychic Whispers twice a round, forcing a DC 17 Wisdom save on a target, with failure resulting in 6d6+4 damage and the stunned condition. By far the most dangerous move used by the Eldritch Lich is Parasitic Tentacle, which can poison the target. If the target fails their poison save three times, they die and their body transforms into a gibbering mouther.
Spelljammer introduced Archliches to D&D, which are some of the only good liches that have appeared in the game. The Eldritch Liches are the furthest thing away from Archliches, as even the standard evil liches can be bartered or reasoned with, as their own self-preservation and the hunt for arcane knowledge have value to them. The Eldritch Liches are twisted abominations and any D&D party that runs afoul of one should turn their spelljammer around and drive in the opposite direction, lest they be turned into gibbering mouthers.
The Spelljammer: Adventures in Space campaign set for Dungeons & Dragons will launch on August 16, 2022.
Source: D&D Beyond

#DDs #Spelljammer #Setting #Liches #Scarier