The Demi-liche

The Demi-liche

A New Character for the Undead Army

One of the things that bothers me about the Undead army list is that there are a limited number of undead lower level magic users. The only low level affordable sorcerers are Necromancers. There are quite a few sticky questions about "Undead Only" items, as well as the fact that half of their spells will affect them, but not the rest of the army. If the rumors of a "dry" army are true, then the Demi-liche becomes even more "in theme".

Looking at the Necromancer Lord and the Liche show that the differences between their statistics is: none! The Liche gets one few spell, but is undead (may not march move, may only Stand and Accept Charge, etc.). The Liche does save you 60 points, however, which seems to be the big difference. As has been mentioned in the "Cost of Models" articles available at various spots on the web, a magic level is worth ~50 points. Keeping the level but losing the spell should be worth a bit less. Being movement restricted can be a big deal for a general (especially one whose army will crumble if he dies), so there must be an additional savings there.

For the lesser undead casters, I would figure a savings of ~50 points (or less) over the cost of the corresponding Necromancer, to represent the penalty on characters for being restricted in movement, and the loss of a spell level. The savings is reduced in direct relation to the power of the model.

Demi-Liche (115 points)

This is a necromancer who has managed to avoid the Wraith-form lurking in his future by transforming himself into a Liche, albeit a weak form of one. The Demi-liche resembles a true Liche in most ways, but is much weaker both physically and magically. Often these lesser liches come to the attention of a true Liche, who will enthrall them to his dark bidding.

Troop Type	M	WS	BS	S	T	W	I	A	Ld
Demi-liche	4	5	5	4	3	2	4	3	9

Weapons/Armor: A Master Demi-liche may be equipped as an Undead Character Model. Note that wearing armor prevents a wizard from casting spells. A Demi-Liche may ride a Steed wearing barding, and this does not interfere with his spell casting ability.
May ride: a Skeleton Steed, an Undead Chariot.
A Demi-liche is a 2nd level sorcerer, although he may take only 1 spell. They retain cards as does a Necromancer Champion (3+).
He may also take 2 magic items as appropriate.

As with a Liche, a Demi-liche causes Fear, and is Immune to Psychology. They also suffer the standard movement restrictions experienced by all undead.

Demi-Liche Master (230 points)

If a Demi-liche has done a particularly good job in the service of a true Liche, its master may reward it by performing additional rites upon it to bring it closer to being a true Liche. If given sufficient study, a free-roaming Demi-liche may perform the same rites upon himself. The additional infusions of dark magics give the Demi-Liche more power. A Demi-Liche Master has incrementally increased his power, on the way to becoming a true Liche.

Troop Type	M	WS	BS	S	T	W	I	A	Ld
Demi-liche Master	4	6	6	5	4	3	5	4	9

Weapons/Armor: A Master Demi-liche may be equipped as an Undead Character Model. Note that wearing armor prevents a sorcerer from casting spells. A Demi-Liche Master may ride a Steed wearing barding, and this does not interfere with his spell casting ability.
May ride: a Skeleton Steed, an Undead Chariot or a monster taken from the monster section of the Undead book.
A Master Demi-liche is a 3rd level sorcerer, although he may take only 2 spells. He retains magic cards as a Master Necromancer (2+).
A Master Demi-liche may also take 3 magic items as appropriate.

As with a Liche, a Master Demi-liche causes Fear, and is Immune to Psychology. They also suffer the standard movement restrictions experienced by all undead.