How hard is it to become a lich?

bioshrike

I have a good bit of general knowledge about the D&D setting, but am lacking in more specific details. In the setting Neverwinter takes place in, just how difficult is it to become a lich? I mean, there's obviously Valindra, but then there's also the lich whose phylactery we find in the Neverdeath graveyard, there's Cragmire from the artifact quest, and it's said all the Zulkir's from Thay are lichs. Is this something a level 60 CW could theoretically be capable of doing, (if their morals and such didn't prohibit it)? What about other intelligent undead, like the Wights and stuff? Is that a condition one could willingly enter into, or are those just more capable servants of even more powerful necromancers/lichs?

Thanks for reading!

arontimes

I don't have the books handy, but there are two ways to become a lich in D&D 4e. The easier way is to perform the Lich Transformation ritual, which can be cast at paragon tier. The harder way is to take the archlich epic destiny (similar to a paragon path but for epic characters). The former requires the help of Orcus, Demon Prince of Undead, while the latter does not. Basically, the easy path requires you to bargain with a demon prince, while the hard path requires you to be an epic character.

Oh, paragon tier = levels 11 to 20 in PnP, while epic tier = 21 to 30. Multiply PnP level by three to get the equivalent Neverwinter level.

eldarth

I am still scouring the Neverwinter/Sword Coast area for reference material on attaining Lichdom.
I was unfortunately unable to acquire and retain the phylactery from the lich in Neverdeath, and he refuses to consult with me -- I think he fears my success.

I have found the following odd runes, but some are twisted and undecipherable.
I think they may even contain some false trails.
Lichdom: Forgotten Realms Wiki
Lichdom: Dungeons & Dragons Wiki

However, a "wiki" seems to be some sort of mad ramblings by odd individuals.
I shall endeavor to continue in my pursuit of this knowledge.
Do let me know if you uncover any more meaningful tomes.

Eldarth,
Master of Necromancy