Ghoul, Zombie, Skeleton, and Lich
Discover ways to use the undead in your TTRPGs.
Undead come in many flavors, but each one has subtle differences that you can use to level up your storytelling. This article will cover the undead groups described in the Referee’s Toolkit. If you are playing another fantasy game, or none at all, the information will still provide some fun thoughts on those who die and yet do not die.
Zombies, the Freshly Dead
Empowered by necromancy the freshly dead reanimate. The taste of life is still in them, they hunger for more. Zombies benefit from hordes. They are not major threats on their own, but can easily overwhelm with numbers. Referees should keep zombies in groups when possible as they are likely to roam around together. However, the lone zombie at a pivotal point, a long narrow hallway, or a small room, will still prove an interesting encounter.
Skeletons, the Long Dead
Zombies that stick around long enough decay into skeletons. Skeletons can also be created from the bones of fallen creatures. Skeletons are often set as guards because they can stand as sentinels without rest. They are undead after all. Skeletons should not serve as big threats, they are rather frail, especially if they lack a shield. Instead, the skeletons should alter other larger threats. In this way, skeletons act as an alarm system that the players have to navigate around. They become a living puzzle of sorts. This is why in “The Necromancer’s Hovel” the skeleton guards are equipped with gongs. The players will have to figure out how to get around the skeletons without letting them sound an alarm, or risk facing off with whatever monster they summon.
Lich, the Intentionally Dead
The chance for eternal life and unimaginable power causes many to sacrifice their lives, literally, to the pursuit of undeath. Unlike other systems, Along the Leyline does not describe how liches accomplish this feat. In fact, it is a guarded secret. To obtain lichdom, one must discover how to become a lich on their own. It is a heavily guarded secret by the Pax Lichdom. Somewhat of a fraternity, but more like a loose alliance of all of the liches within the world. Anyone who breaks the pax by openly attacking another lich, giving away magic knowledge for free, or divulging the secret of lichdom faces the malignant consequences only undead wizards can imagine. For this reason, we shall not describe it here. For if one knows how to make a lich, one knows how to unmake them. And liches shall not be unmade without a fight.
Those who attempt lichdom and fail wind up as ghouls. They succeed in making themself undead, but in the process lose their ability to cast magic. Ghouls are husks of their former selves. Their memories, including the intoxicating feeling of casting spells, remain impressed upon their minds. They hunger for magic and seek it with all of their withered soul.
Example Encounter
Outside the Necromancer’s Lair stand a half dozen skeleton guards. Unmoving they watch the perimeter with unwavering diligence. A gong in the hand of each. Should something dangerous or otherwise threatening approach, they will ring the gong. The gong will summon a hoard of zombies.
Inside the Lair
A long corridor of rooms packed to the brim with zombies. Try not to startle them. The rooms have large wooden doors. The doors can be blocked. One of the rooms along the corridor will be full of gold and jewelry taken from the bodies of the unfortunate now zombies. The lich has little use for gold. They desire secret knowledge above all.
The Lich’s Quarters
The last room may contain a lich or a ghoul. For lower level parties reduce the number of skeletons and zombies and place a ghoul at the end. For higher level parties include a powerful lich. The lich or ghoul will first attempt to summon their zombie hoard. Then they will cast death upon the players.
Loot
It makes the most sense to give zombifying spells at the end of this encounter. Some way for the players to make zombies. A ritual spell, a spellscroll, a wand, or a spelltome. The lich’s grimore will also be in the room. If you want a more detailed version of this encounter, check out “The Necromancer’s Hovel“.
Thanks for reading. I wish you a long moment of unlife. Perhaps you can discover the secret to lichdom. Most likely not, but isn’t it worth a try?