Liches

Liches were once masters of the black arts who became so powerful, that they chose to continue their studies forever as undead wizards. This never-ending existence of evil, paired with enormous magic powers, make liches very dangerous. They usually have retained their personality, and have megalomaniacal plans. They are a constant threat, and have to be destroyed as fast as possible. Only the most powerful adventurers dare to attack a liche in its own domain. Liches are usually found within their lairs, the places where they hold power, usually deep in the dungeons. They are sometimes seen directing legions of lesser undead, and occasionally in the company of daemons or balrons.

After first seen in Ultima I, liches only appeared in Ultima IV again. From Ultima VII onwards, they were in every installment (apart from Ultima VIII). In Ultima I and IV, a liche manifested as a disembodied flying skull, although in later installments it appeared to master possession of a full body.

Named liches

 * In Ultima VII, the Avatar meets Horance in Skara Brae. The mage is possessed by a powerful liche, and wants to conquer Britannia with his hordes of undead. He practically controls every undead on the island. The liche was destroyed by the Avatar, thus freeing Horance from 200 years of spiritual torture.


 * In Ultima VII Part Two, Aram-Dol is an arch-liche who resides in the time of Serpent's Fang.


 * In Ultima Underworld II, Morphius, Lord Umbria and Lethe, the Three, are very powerful liches that have to be destroyed in order to reach Praecor Loth.

Trivia



 * The liche as seen in Ultima I somewhat resembles the Guardian.
 * Liches were to be included in the cancelled Ultima X. Link: Ultima X lich