Creating the Most Foul 5E D&D Lich Villain Straight from the Monster Manual
Welcome fellow Nerdarchist. Today I’ll be guiding you through the horrors of the fifth edition Dungeons & Dragons Monster Manual as we discuss a villain most foul. Nerdarchy was asked to do a video about a 1,000 year old lich who was a human and is chaotic evil from one of subscribers over at the Nerdarchy the YouTube channel. The request was for both a story and stats. I think the first step is to go to the 5E D&D Dungeon Master’s Guide to craft our lich as an NPC.
Villains Most Foul — Creating a Lich
Occupation and history
Originally our lich was an explorer who sought out lost lore and artifacts from ancient civilizations. They sought to share this information with all who were inclined to learn it. In the prime of their career they became quite renowned for their exploits. Until a fateful day when they discovered the cursed Dagger of Hork.
The dagger is now where the explorer’s soul resides. They were instantly transformed him into an undead lich at the same time they were cursed. Where the explorer once pursued curiosity with relentless determination, now they are obsessed with a psychotic need to collect old lore and artifacts. Where before it was pure joy and pleasure to share finds with others they now hoard them away in secret places jealously guarded.
Our lich now currently resides in a tower just outside of the town of Gryphongaff and maintains two personas. The first is not aware of the second. The lich is a complete recluse and most steer clear of his tower.
Appearance
Most who encounter our lich find an old human of regal bearing dressed in fine clothing even if they seem to be a bit out of fashion. They’re tall and whip thin with an appearance of frailty and they’re always seen either sitting or standing ramrod straight. Anyone looking into this elder’s eyes sees the color of storm clouds set beneath bushy white eye brows. Hair cascades down their back, white, long and braided in a style not seen in over 100 years. Their skin has a tan and weathered appearance.
In our lich’s true form they’re a desiccated husk of the above appearance. Their eyes appear as actual thunderstorms with crackling lightning.
Abilities
The elder seems to have little to no physical strength contained within their frail form. Will alone seems to be hold them together. Looking into their eyes one finds a place full of ancient wisdom and intelligence tinged with kindness.
In their undead lich persona the kindness is completely absent from eyes replaced with a baleful mistrust and wariness.
Talents
They are a master painter.
Mannerisms
Often tugs at their braided hair unconsciously while talking or thinking. They even do this in their revealed lich form.
Interaction trait
Kind and friendly while in his guise of benevolent old wizard. When revealed they are wary and suspicious in all their dealings.
Ideals
In their guise as an elderly human they are a strong proponent for tradition, history and learning. As the lich persona they obsess over secrecy.
Bonds
The lich’s bond is simple — an insatiable need to collect lost lore and artifacts. In addition they feel obsessed with keeping them secret and hidden away.
Flaws and Secrets
Here we have a lot of them. First and foremost the lich is cursed with undeath. Unlike most liches this individual didn’t set out to become a lich and probably started out with minor magical talent they developed over the past millennia. Next we have their collection or art and artifacts, which they’ll do anything to preserve and keep safe. Then there is the secret identity. Lastly they secretly run the Golden Hands thieves’ guild.
Straight from the 5E D&D Monster Manual
As for stats I know many DMs feel the need to create a stat block whole cloth for such important and unique sounding NPC, but I don’t. If I need this lich in combat I’m fine with flipping open the Monster Manual and using what’s given in there. I can reskin things on the fly if think something needs to be changed.
So here is our bare bones 1,000 old human lich wizard who has been cursed to be a chaotic evil collector of ancient things for all of eternity. Perhaps you noticed they’re still missing something — a name! How about you help me out and drop a name suggestion the comments below.
Until next time, stay nerdy.
dragonmasterdean
January 27, 2015 at 3:34 pmGreat article and its always good to see how another DM sets up those nasty villains.
Dave Friant
January 28, 2015 at 9:19 amThanks. One of my objects was to show that you could make a cool NPC without spending to much time on it.
dragonmasterdean
January 27, 2015 at 3:53 pmGregor Stormgrey
Dave Friant
January 28, 2015 at 9:20 amNice, I like it. Thanks for the name. We’ll what else get’s thrown out there.
Nathan Riggins
January 31, 2015 at 3:04 pmTorian Dopplan is my vote for a name
A fellow DM.
March 20, 2015 at 8:49 amRathian Rattlebone
Terry Street
July 27, 2015 at 10:24 pmEdward Zaganthian Dobbs ( those that know of him call him Zag )