Great undead warriors are such a trope of fantasy fiction (and various other versions of D&D) that I felt it was about time to bring them in to classic. I've rarely used this one, they're not something to drop in as a random encounter, they're epic foes for epic level play, and they shouldn't be confronting the party directly unless they must. But I'm sure you'll be able to see the utility of this one.
Lich, Warrior
by Cab Davidson
| Stat | Lich, Warrior* |
| AC: | 0 (or by armour) |
| HD: | 9d8 + 2hp per level thereafter*** |
| Movement: | 120' (40’) |
| Attacks: | 1 weapon (multiple attacks) |
| Damage: | By Weapon + 10 + paralysis |
| No. Appearing: | 1 (1) |
| Save As: | F36 |
| Morale: | 10 |
| Treasure Type: | Special |
| Intelligence: | 15+ |
| Alignment: | Chaotic |
| XP Value: | Special |
A warrior lich is an evil warrior, usually an avenger of level 21 or above, who has died in the pursuit of a greater evil. His hatred drives him on after death.
The warrior lich appears like any other lich, an emaciated, dead human, demi-human or humanoid with thin stretched, papery skin. They are invariably clad in armour, usually highly magical in nature, and armed with a hideous array of weapons. The process of becoming a warrior lich bonds the weapons they possessed in life to them, and in addition to retaining all class based combat abilities including multiple attacks and fighter options (and spellcasting) they retain weapon mastery and skills from life. With their bonded weapons they inflict an extra 1d10 damage per blow, and any strike from such a weapon can cause paralysis for 1d100 days if the target fails to make a saving throw vs. paralysis.
Warrior lichs cannot be destroyed by turning, but can be turned. They are immune to sleep, charm and hold spells, all mind affecting magic, polymorph, cold, lightning, death, stun and poison effects. They can only be struck by weapons of +3 or greater enchantment and spells below fourth level have no effect on them.
Warrior lichs are not interested in simple combat, their goals are greater than a single kill. They readily control lesser undead, which they use intelligently and tactically to do their bidding, and will plot terrible deeds with other evil entities. A warrior lich is unlikely to confront adventurers directly, unless no other options are available.
They have little interest in mundane treasures but retain all magical items from their previous lives, and continue to accrue more. They are invariably equipped with powerful magical weapons and armour, and favour items that give them increased mobility (such as haste) and damage (e.g. slicing). The subtleties employed in their greater schemes are not reflected in their combat style – they will remorselessly destroy foes one at a time, using minions to delay other enemies until each faces their turn to fall to the sword.