Liches are usually powerful Sorcerers that have anchored their soul to the physical plane. This is a process that is very difficult and often kills the inexperienced. It is far better to practice on an animal first, before trying it on one's self. It involves taking a part of your own soul, or part of another's, and tying it, 'anchoring' it, to a physical object. Preferably one that will not decay over time. This makes the Lich (the one who's soul is anchored) impervious to physical weapons, disease, or age. Their body will still die, but their soul will go on, and stay on the physical plane. They won't feel hunger, pain, sadness, or any other sensation, or feeling they would have while in a body. But they will have infinite time to improve their magics. A Lich can be dispersed by another magic wielder or psychic who is more powerful. It doesn't kill them, but it makes them temporarily unable to affect the physical realm. They can be destroyed by breaking their Anchor. One of the drawbacks of being a lich, however, is that once someone has your anchor, they have your will as well.

Origins

Va'ise saw a High Elf dying of old age. She sees also, that he is not ready to die. Rather than tell Eve, who would have most likely extended the High Elf's life, she convinces the High Elf that if he ties his soul to a rock, he can exist on Vesevia forever. Desperate in his old age, the High Elf agrees and learns the dark arts of necromancy quickly. He ties his soul to a stone, as Va'ise suggested, and finds no obvious tricks. A short time later, however, he finds that he has lost feeling, and no longer needs to eat. His body begins to rot, and he knows that he has died. Though he curses Va'ise for her treachery, he knew there would be a cost. High Elfen society shuns him, as he knew they would. And he disappears from the world stage. Others either find him, or find his works, and figure out how to do the same. Some improve upon the methods, and others don't quite make it.