I got 99 problems but a Lich ain't one

[Incriptus]

Did some quick searching on the forums, did find a few hits, but it's been years since the last discussion so I figure I'd start anew. Plus I came up with a cool thread subject title

Looking for a Lich knockoff ...

First thoughts are there are two undead creatures from South America 1 & South America 2 who fit the bill of powerful intelligent undead, but neither of them are something you've willingly become.

Second thought is a HU style undead Mega-Hero, either a mystic study or a russian necromancer

Third thought is indeed a Necromancer who's cast the vampire spell, but I don't want the vampire trappings. (although it's not like I can't just mix and match the ones I want)

Fourth Thought: Nightbane Morheus

Final Thought: Make something up completely

[Shark_Force]

just recently reread rifter 50, there's a mortificant spell that can steal the power from a master vampire in it, but i don't believe it actually turns you into a vampire (though it will allow you to command lesser vampires). that might fit the bill, if you have access.

[ShadowLogan]

You might want to check out the Land of the Damned Series (#2 is what I'm thinking of specifically) from the Palladium Fantasy Line. There might be something in there for what you are looking for.

[kaid]

I would go with the south america 2 undead immortals option they are pretty powerful and lich like.

Other option is not quite undead but has a lot of undeadish features is the cold blooded OCC from merc adventures. They are not quite dead but are close to it and are REALLY hard to keep dead. Ironically they are super good vs necromancers and other undead.

[The Beast]

The two-part Castlerake adventure from the Rifter has a lich stated out, and has a spell for becoming one. I don't currently remember which numbers they are.

[SpiritInterface]

In the Palladium Monsters and Animals on page 121 is the Mummy Immortalus. According to the write up it is a person, often mage, who was turned into a type of undead while retaining its mind and magic.

[random_username]

There is a very simple 3-stage Lich-equivalent combo that is incredibly powerful (especially with some bona fied adjudication) wherein you can create a deific level NPC. That makes for a very good villain NPC.

Have one for a module/e-book/equivalent story-line shelved based on this.

Let the games begin...

[Thinyser]

In the Palladium Monsters and Animals on page 121 is the Mummy Immortalus. According to the write up it is a person, often mage, who was turned into a type of undead while retaining its mind and magic.

This is the simplest by the book lich equivalent.