Liches (concept)
A Lich is any Magi that has achieved a state of Lichdom through discovering the Four Forbidden Steps and then performing the Thirteen Abyssal Steps. The soul of a powerful Magi trapped within an unliving body, Liches are generally accepted to be the most powerful Magi of the world. Having mastered Dead Magic in order to perform the Thirteen Steps, a lack of any understanding of right and wrong (or a lack of care) and unlimited time to study Arcana means that each one is a caster of unbelievable power.
The first Lich was Vilas Venslau, who performed the Sorrowing of Oejeynica and established the Lichdoms in the far north. He soon after embarked upon the first Black March, invading south in an attempt to extend his dominion upon all living beings (and presumably to turn them undead in order to better worship him.)
Liches generally share several personality traits. The reason why is hotly debated, whether it is some aftershock from the ceremony to become a Lich or from only a certain type of person being willing to do so, or perhaps an endless life among the dead pushing a soul towards a certain kind of insanity. Regardless of the reasons, the list of shared traits can be found Here.
Due to boredom, Liches often change their identities every few hundred years, and generally take what they see as 'beautiful' and 'powerful' names through alliteration.
Aliases: Lich