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You, right now, in your real life on earth are approached in private by someone who does something to convince you beyond all doubt that he's legit. This stranger offers you a choice without any repercussions beyond the terms of the agreement. It's not a devils bargain wherein you get what you want, but they keep your soul or any such shenanigans.
You're given an amulet. Press your palm to it and you're given a suite of things.
1) You become a lich instantly, though the specifics are up to you. Preservation, appearance, etc. Also, you have the added ability to suppress/resume any inherently dangerous abilities, such as fear aura and negative energy touch. The amulet transforms into your Phylactery, but you can transmogrify it to fit your personal preference. Note: I don't care for alignment requirements in general, so lets say your personality doesn't inherently shift to evil. After you're free to behave as you wish.
2)You're instantly granted 11th level casting and craft wondrous item, the other specifics of which are up to you. If your casting class has a book you're granted one with an appropriate amount and type of spells in it.
Think about it a moment and be honest with yourself.
Do you do it?
Once you have completed your initial transformation what do you do initially then in the long term?
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Tammy would.
You forgot the T at the end of thought though. :-)
Tammy wouldn't do that.
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I think the difficulty here is that you've removed all repercussions: My appearance is up to me, my alignment doesn't shift, etc. What, precisely, is the downside, if any?
It seems like you're asking, "Would you accept immortality, nigh-indestructibility, and the ability to cast spells in exchange for... nothing?"
In that particular case, I think it's impossible to say, "No," unless you feel that being a lich would be inherently anathema to your religion.
So perhaps you can clarify the downside. If my appearance isn't affected, and I can still pass for human in every way imaginable, and my alignment doesn't shift, so my soul isn't affected, either, it seems like this question is really, "Would you accept being far more powerful than you are right now with no repercussions whatsoever?"
The answer is an obvious, "Sure, why not?"
So perhaps you might clarify what's negative about this situation...
EDIT: I mean, seriously, even a, "You have no negative effects whatsoever for as long as you exist, but your soul would be damned once you were destroyed" would be enough for me to say, "Thanks, but no thanks."
But as-written, I just don't see a downside.
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Tammy doesn't see a downside.
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Funny how many people don't see being a horrible undead monster as a bad thing just because getting their was slightly easier.
Keep in mind it's not a temporary character. Its you. Right now. And its forever
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I think the difficulty here is that you've removed all repercussions: My appearance is up to me, my alignment doesn't shift, etc. What, precisely, is the downside, if any?
It seems like you're asking, "Would you accept immortality, nigh-indestructibility, and the ability to cast spells in exchange for... nothing?"
In that particular case, I think it's impossible to say, "No," unless you feel that being a lich would be inherently anathema to your religion.
So perhaps you can clarify the downside. If my appearance isn't affected, and I can still pass for human in every way imaginable, and my alignment doesn't shift, so my soul isn't affected, either, it seems like this question is really, "Would you accept being far more powerful than you are right now with no repercussions whatsoever?"
The answer is an obvious, "Sure, why not?"
So perhaps you might clarify what's negative about this situation...
EDIT: I mean, seriously, even a, "You have no negative effects whatsoever for as long as you exist, but your soul would be damned once you were destroyed" would be enough for me to say, "Thanks, but no thanks."
But as-written, I just don't see a downside.
Well, you're dead for starters. Some may consider that a downside.
no nerve endings or biology or any of the fun things that come with it (sex, food, etc).The only downside I removed was the need to do something inherently evil to begin with and the part where you automatically kill people by touch or frighten them by your presence.
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Well, you also removed the evil alignment that comes part and parcel with being undead. When you consider how much good could be accomplished with 11th level casting, and how many of the disadvantages could be removed (extended Alter Self takes care of all those pesky biology issues, for one), there's not a whole lot of incentive to take a pass.
Well, you also removed the evil alignment that comes part and parcel with being undead. When you consider how much good could be accomplished with 11th level casting, and how many of the disadvantages could be removed (extended Alter Self takes care of all those pesky biology issues, for one), there's not a whole lot of incentive to take a pass.
I disregarded alignment because it's difficult to quantify IRL, but sure. My point with that was supposed to be that you are still you after the transformation.
I guess nobody cares about anything that's not specifically a game mechanic. Lichdom all around! Huzzah!
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I think the difficulty here is that you've removed all repercussions: My appearance is up to me, my alignment doesn't shift, etc. What, precisely, is the downside, if any?
It seems like you're asking, "Would you accept immortality, nigh-indestructibility, and the ability to cast spells in exchange for... nothing?"
In that particular case, I think it's impossible to say, "No," unless you feel that being a lich would be inherently anathema to your religion.
So perhaps you can clarify the downside. If my appearance isn't affected, and I can still pass for human in every way imaginable, and my alignment doesn't shift, so my soul isn't affected, either, it seems like this question is really, "Would you accept being far more powerful than you are right now with no repercussions whatsoever?"
The answer is an obvious, "Sure, why not?"
So perhaps you might clarify what's negative about this situation...
EDIT: I mean, seriously, even a, "You have no negative effects whatsoever for as long as you exist, but your soul would be damned once you were destroyed" would be enough for me to say, "Thanks, but no thanks."
But as-written, I just don't see a downside.
Well, you're dead for starters. Some may consider that a downside.
no nerve endings or biology or any of the fun things that come with it (sex, food, etc).The only downside I removed was the need to do something inherently evil to begin with and the part where you automatically kill people by touch or frighten them by your presence.
Thanks for the clarification, because even that gives me pause. I'm quite the foodie. Would I give up ever being able to enjoy a good meal again? Enjoy the company of the opposite sex?
That's a much deeper question, and gives me far more pause.
I'll have to think about that one.
The whole, "the specifics are up to you. Preservation, appearance, etc." implied to me that I could still fundamentally pass as human, and enjoy all the benefits thereof.
This changes the game a bit.
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Funny how many people don't see being a horrible undead monster as a bad thing just because getting their was slightly easier.
Keep in mind it's not a temporary character. Its you. Right now. And its forever
Yeap, thought about it. The answer is still yes! I mean you could do a world of good with the powers of a lich, and since you are not evil you are actually a groovy undead monster instead.
Well, you're dead for starters. Some may consider that a downside.
no nerve endings or biology or any of the fun things that come with it (sex, food, etc).The only downside I removed was the need to do something inherently evil to begin with and the part where you automatically kill people by touch or frighten them by your presence.
Well, now you include some downsides to consider. Still you should say yes with all the good you could do for your loved ones and the world at large.
I think the difficulty here is that you've removed all repercussions: My appearance is up to me, my alignment doesn't shift, etc. What, precisely, is the downside, if any?
It seems like you're asking, "Would you accept immortality, nigh-indestructibility, and the ability to cast spells in exchange for... nothing?"
In that particular case, I think it's impossible to say, "No," unless you feel that being a lich would be inherently anathema to your religion.
So perhaps you can clarify the downside. If my appearance isn't affected, and I can still pass for human in every way imaginable, and my alignment doesn't shift, so my soul isn't affected, either, it seems like this question is really, "Would you accept being far more powerful than you are right now with no repercussions whatsoever?"
The answer is an obvious, "Sure, why not?"
So perhaps you might clarify what's negative about this situation...
EDIT: I mean, seriously, even a, "You have no negative effects whatsoever for as long as you exist, but your soul would be damned once you were destroyed" would be enough for me to say, "Thanks, but no thanks."
But as-written, I just don't see a downside.
Well, you're dead for starters. Some may consider that a downside.
no nerve endings or biology or any of the fun things that come with it (sex, food, etc).The only downside I removed was the need to do something inherently evil to begin with and the part where you automatically kill people by touch or frighten them by your presence.
Thanks for the clarification, because even that gives me pause. I'm quite the foodie. Would I give up ever being able to enjoy a good meal again? Enjoy the company of the opposite sex?
That's a much deeper question, and gives me far more pause.
I'll have to think about that one.
The whole, "the specifics are up to you. Preservation, appearance, etc." implied to me that I could still fundamentally pass as human, and enjoy all the...
Well, you can look human, but you're still a walking corpse.
Funny how many people don't see being a horrible undead monster as a bad thing just because getting their was slightly easier.
Keep in mind it's not a temporary character. Its you. Right now. And its forever
Yeap, thought about it. The answer is still yes! I mean you could do a world of good with the powers of a lich, and since you are not evil you are actually a groovy undead monster instead.
Well, you're dead for starters. Some may consider that a downside.
no nerve endings or biology or any of the fun things that come with it (sex, food, etc).The only downside I removed was the need to do something inherently evil to begin with and the part where you automatically kill people by touch or frighten them by your presence.
Well, now you include some downsides to consider. Still you should say yes with all the good you could do for your loved ones and the world at large.
You'd be a horrible monster, but not necessarily evil...at first.
You seem to be taking the "greater good" philosophy. You'd be a horrible undead (not necessarily evil) monster and use that to help others. thats valid
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Done. Where do I sign?
Oh, I'm not inherently CE either? Sure, I'll still do it ;)
Done. Where do I sign?
Oh, I'm not inherently CE either? Sure, I'll still do it ;)
You might be. Just depends on what your current mind set is.
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Two words.
Lichable Viagra.
With four more words.
For men, or women.
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Yes, so long as I would not become evil I would accept that deal 100%. I would give up, food, sex and the joy of a good sneeze in exchange for the power to fix 90% of the worlds problems.
Yes, so long as I would not become evil I would accept that deal 100%. I would give up, food, sex and the joy of a good sneeze in exchange for the power to fix 90% of the worlds problems.
90% might be a bit much on 11th level casting, at least unless you plan on a lot of Dominate Person to get stuff done.
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That's no guarantee, just that you'd be able to work at it.
What happens when you make it three hundred years and hardly anything has changed, or, God forbid, worse.
Would you still use your powers for good, or would you say f&#& it, build a gate around your mansion and start building that doomsday device you thought of fifty years ago.
Yes, so long as I would not become evil I would accept that deal 100%. I would give up, food, sex and the joy of a good sneeze in exchange for the power to fix 90% of the worlds problems.
Not inherently in the beginning. However, in your quest to fix the world you may become evil. That depends more on you. Some of histories greatest atrocities were committed with the best intentions.
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Do you do it?
Yes.
Once you have completed your initial transformation what do you do initially then in the long term?
Murder the idiot who gave me that power, then everyone else.
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Yes, so long as I would not become evil I would accept that deal 100%. I would give up, food, sex and the joy of a good sneeze in exchange for the power to fix 90% of the worlds problems.Not inherently in the beginning. However, in your quest to fix the world you may become evil. That depends more on you. Some of histories greatest atrocities were committed with the best intentions.
Are we talking about Justin Bieber again?
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Are we talking about Justin Bieber again?Yes, so long as I would not become evil I would accept that deal 100%. I would give up, food, sex and the joy of a good sneeze in exchange for the power to fix 90% of the worlds problems.Not inherently in the beginning. However, in your quest to fix the world you may become evil. That depends more on you. Some of histories greatest atrocities were committed with the best intentions.
Good point. Because you're so powerful would you murder the Biebs just because he annoys you? I'd like to think my answer is "no," but i cant say that with 100% certainty.
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Acquire an NFL team.
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Yes, so long as I would not become evil I would accept that deal 100%. I would give up, food, sex and the joy of a good sneeze in exchange for the power to fix 90% of the worlds problems.90% might be a bit much on 11th level casting, at least unless you plan on a lot of Dominate Person to get stuff done.
I have all of eternity to hone my power if I need more. I will help where I can when I can and as my power grows I will be able to help with more.
I have no intention of even learning dominate person because free will is of great importance to me and I don't wish to take it from anyone, it always seemed like kind of a messed up spell to me. Although I can see how some would justify it's use in the pathfinder universe I would never do so personally.
Adrastus
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Personally, I think my answer would be Yes. Though the first thing I'd do is find a way to enjoy mortal pleasures again. Poly morph any object would probably do it, but since it's above my casting level at the moment it may take some time. In the mean time I'd find another, perhaps less efficient, work around. Maybe a custom magic item that I can switch on and off. Without food and sex i'd personally have an existential crisis and wonder what the point of it all is.
Then of course that gives me all the time in the world to study magic and improve my casting (I.E. Gain more levels in Wizard in my case.)
In between study sessions I would try to make the world a better place. How exactly would depend. I think make as many world leaders as possible my thralls. Maybe create a demiplane haven to ensure humankind's survival. Like a magic ark of a sort. Or just use my magic to colonize mars and re-engineer human culture to not be so self destructive. Maybe all three or more. I'm going to have a lot of time and hobbies are going to be important.
Edit: Then once I've ensured humans aren't going to totally wipe themselves out (or given up on that hopeless idea) I'd explore the universe. By this point hopefully i'd have 9th level spells. Liches are perfect for space exploration as they're very durable and don't breathe. Leave your phalactry somewhere safe. Interplanetary teleport somewhere. Take notes, samples, pictures, etc. Then if something did kill you you'd reform back in your safe place. I'd just avoid carrying anything fragile or difficult to replace.
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Acquire an NFL team.
Go sit in the corner.
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Funny how many people don't see being a horrible undead monster as a bad thing just because getting their was slightly easier.
Keep in mind it's not a temporary character. Its you. Right now. And its forever
Or until you get destroyed. The other interesting part of this question is that it impugns the existence of an afterlife, which I as an atheist am a through disbeliever in.
Now if there were such a thing as an afterlife, that would be something that I'd have to factor in my decision. However I'm a firm believer in the idea of the Price of Magic, so I'd never be able to accept the concept that there would be no strings attached.
And as Xykon has shown, there are quality of life issues as well. (an enternity without coffee?!)
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Yes, so long as I would not become evil I would accept that deal 100%. I would give up, food, sex and the joy of a good sneeze in exchange for the power to fix 90% of the worlds problems.Not inherently in the beginning. However, in your quest to fix the world you may become evil. That depends more on you. Some of histories greatest atrocities were committed with the best intentions.
Thats an interesting thought, they say absolute power corrupts absolutely after all. I would still do it but I would need to think of a way to keep myself in check and not go too far. A difficult task indeed if history is anything to judge by.
Adrastus
RPG Superstar 2015 Top 32, RPG Superstar 2012 Top 32
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I would definitely need to know exactly what it means to "be undead" in the context of this world. The OP's premise already takes away the auto-evil part, which I think is perhaps(?) the biggest component of why lichdom is generally considered objectionable.
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Funny how many people don't see being a horrible undead monster as a bad thing just because getting their was slightly easier.
Keep in mind it's not a temporary character. Its you. Right now. And its forever
Or until you get destroyed. The other interesting part of this question is that it impugns the existence of an afterlife, which I as an atheist am a through disbeliever in.
Now if there were such a thing as an afterlife, that would be something that I'd have to factor in my decision. However I'm a firm believer in the idea of the Price of Magic, so I'd never be able to accept the concept that there would be no strings attached.
And as Xykon has shown, there are quality of life issues as well. (an enternity without coffee?!)
I too am atheist and don't believe in an afterlife, but the scenario doesn't necessarily disprove one. It just prevents you from dying. What happens after that, if anything, is still unknown. You could spend your eternity determining if there is an afterlife. Though I can see how that could go down a dark road very quickly.
No coffee would be a serious problem for me too. Though I think Xykon is choosing not to look for alternatives. He's a pragmatist. Well, a sociopath pragmatist, but still.
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I would definitely need to know exactly what it means to "be undead" in the context of this world. The OP's premise already takes away the auto-evil part, which I think is perhaps(?) the biggest component of why lichdom is generally considered objectionable.
You're a walking corpse, but otherwise you are yourself. In this case it's more a matter of how your body functions and not your mind. I'm very certain that most people would choose to be an extremely well preserved corpse as to continue to appear human. However, this doesn't change the fact that you're dead.
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I'm so glad everyone is catching on. :-)
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RPG Superstar 2015 Top 32, RPG Superstar 2012 Top 32
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I would definitely need to know exactly what it means to "be undead" in the context of this world. The OP's premise already takes away the auto-evil part, which I think is perhaps(?) the biggest component of why lichdom is generally considered objectionable.You're a walking corpse, but otherwise you are yourself. In this case it's more a matter of how your body functions and not your mind. I'm very certain that most people would choose to be an extremely well preserved corpse as to continue to appear human. However, this doesn't change the fact that you're dead.
Okay, so I'm normal-looking, still myself, and I'm up and walking around, but "this doesn't change the fact that you're dead". You now need to define "dead", because you've just removed most of what it actually means.
I would definitely need to know exactly what it means to "be undead" in the context of this world. The OP's premise already takes away the auto-evil part, which I think is perhaps(?) the biggest component of why lichdom is generally considered objectionable.You're a walking corpse, but otherwise you are yourself. In this case it's more a matter of how your body functions and not your mind. I'm very certain that most people would choose to be an extremely well preserved corpse as to continue to appear human. However, this doesn't change the fact that you're dead.Okay, so I'm normal-looking, still myself, and I'm up and walking around, but "this doesn't change the fact that you're dead". You now need to define "dead", because you've just removed most of what it actually means.
Your body moves around, but that's it. My assumption is that people take steps to prevent themselves from further decaying. 1/d preserve corpse or the like. With 11th level casting there are a lot of options.
If that's an insufficient answer I'm going to need you to clarify what part is unclear because I'm not understanding the confusion.
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Acquire an NFL team.Go sit in the corner.
Why, it's a relevant career choice for an all powerful undead.
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Why, it's a relevant career choice for an all powerful undead.Acquire an NFL team.Go sit in the corner.
*points to corner*
:-)
I think the difficulty here is that you've removed all repercussions: My appearance is up to me, my alignment doesn't shift, etc. What, precisely, is the downside, if any?
It seems like you're asking, "Would you accept immortality, nigh-indestructibility, and the ability to cast spells in exchange for... nothing?"
In that particular case, I think it's impossible to say, "No," unless you feel that being a lich would be inherently anathema to your religion.
So perhaps you can clarify the downside. If my appearance isn't affected, and I can still pass for human in every way imaginable, and my alignment doesn't shift, so my soul isn't affected, either, it seems like this question is really, "Would you accept being far more powerful than you are right now with no repercussions whatsoever?"
The answer is an obvious, "Sure, why not?"
So perhaps you might clarify what's negative about this situation...
EDIT: I mean, seriously, even a, "You have no negative effects whatsoever for as long as you exist, but your soul would be damned once you were destroyed" would be enough for me to say, "Thanks, but no thanks."
But as-written, I just don't see a downside.
Well, you're dead for starters. Some may consider that a downside.
no nerve endings or biology or any of the fun things that come with it (sex, food, etc).The only downside I removed was the need to do something inherently evil to begin with and the part where you automatically kill people by touch or frighten them by your presence.
There's also the detail that anyone who is making a deal for your soul IS planning on collecting at some point.
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RPG Superstar 2015 Top 32, RPG Superstar 2012 Top 32
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Your body moves around, but that's it.
If that's an insufficient answer I'm going to need you to clarify what part is unclear because I'm not understanding the confusion.
Well, look at some of your comments so far, talking as though you're shocked that people would so readily accept becoming a "horrible undead monster" and offering reminders to the effect of "but you're still dead!" and so forth.
So clearly there's something which, in your mind, is inherently part of being undead and is presumably objectionable in some way, to such a degree as to be worth commenting on when somebody's okay with it.
But the things that immediately come to mind when speaking of "undeath" are things like a skeletal visage, various forms of evilness (like eating the living or whatever), and no longer really being yourself.
But you took all that away, so unless you're having trouble keeping track of your own proposition, those aren't the things you're reacting to.
So let me frame my question this way: what are all the aspects of undeath that you're surprised to see people so readily accept?
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I will admit that one of my first objectives upon receiving 11th level casting would be to blow Penn and Teller's minds. Preferably with Prestidigitation.
Funny how many people don't see being a horrible undead monster as a bad thing just because getting their was slightly easier.
Keep in mind it's not a temporary character. Its you. Right now. And its forever
Or until you get destroyed. The other interesting part of this question is that it impugns the existence of an afterlife, which I as an atheist am a through disbeliever in.
Now if there were such a thing as an afterlife, that would be something that I'd have to factor in my decision. However I'm a firm believer in the idea of the Price of Magic, so I'd never be able to accept the concept that there would be no strings attached.
And as Xykon has shown, there are quality of life issues as well. (an enternity without coffee?!)
I too am atheist and don't believe in an afterlife, but the scenario doesn't necessarily disprove one. It just prevents you from dying. What happens after that, if anything, is still unknown. You could spend your eternity determining if there is an afterlife. Though I can see how that could go down a dark road very quickly.
No coffee would be a serious problem for me too. Though I think Xykon is choosing not to look for alternatives. He's a pragmatist. Well, a sociopath pragmatist, but still.
If there isn't an afterlife, how can there be a soul to bargain away?
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I do believe in an afterlife and I think it this is interesting to think about, let's take a look at the potential situations regarding the undead (particuarly a lich in this case) and the afterlife.
One important thing to note is that you are still good unless corrupted by the power of being a lich so here are the situations that come to mind.
1) the god in question wants to bring you into the afterlife because you are good but is not all powerful and thus cannot because you have no soul. In which case I would be sacrificing my enjoyment for the greater good which I have already established I personally would be willing to do.
2) the god in question wants to bring you into the afterlife because you are good and is all powerful so it does so despite you having no soul at the time and you get into the afterlife, awesome!
3) the god in question is all powerful and could allow you into the afterlife but does not because of some arbitrary no undead allowed b%*@%++& despite you being good. In this case I honestly don't want to be in that God's afterlife because he sounds like a t%#&.
4) you become evil and don't get in anyway.
However this all assumes that you have no soul, the op mentions that nobody is in possession of your soul other than you and I see no reason why a lich's soul would be unavailable after an event that destroys them (bearing in mind that I know very little about how liches and phylacteries work) so you might just be able to go in anyway.
Adrastus
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There's also the detail that anyone who is making a deal for your soul IS planning on collecting at some point.I think the difficulty here is that you've removed all repercussions: My appearance is up to me, my alignment doesn't shift, etc. What, precisely, is the downside, if any?
It seems like you're asking, "Would you accept immortality, nigh-indestructibility, and the ability to cast spells in exchange for... nothing?"
In that particular case, I think it's impossible to say, "No," unless you feel that being a lich would be inherently anathema to your religion.
So perhaps you can clarify the downside. If my appearance isn't affected, and I can still pass for human in every way imaginable, and my alignment doesn't shift, so my soul isn't affected, either, it seems like this question is really, "Would you accept being far more powerful than you are right now with no repercussions whatsoever?"
The answer is an obvious, "Sure, why not?"
So perhaps you might clarify what's negative about this situation...
EDIT: I mean, seriously, even a, "You have no negative effects whatsoever for as long as you exist, but your soul would be damned once you were destroyed" would be enough for me to say, "Thanks, but no thanks."
But as-written, I just don't see a downside.
Well, you're dead for starters. Some may consider that a downside.
no nerve endings or biology or any of the fun things that come with it (sex, food, etc).The only downside I removed was the need to do something inherently evil to begin with and the part where you automatically kill people by touch or frighten them by your presence.
It is specifically stated in the op that it is not a devils bargain and your soul will not be taken or expected, they just give you lichdom for free.
Adrastus
There's also the detail that anyone who is making a deal for your soul IS planning on collecting at some point.I think the difficulty here is that you've removed all repercussions: My appearance is up to me, my alignment doesn't shift, etc. What, precisely, is the downside, if any?
It seems like you're asking, "Would you accept immortality, nigh-indestructibility, and the ability to cast spells in exchange for... nothing?"
In that particular case, I think it's impossible to say, "No," unless you feel that being a lich would be inherently anathema to your religion.
So perhaps you can clarify the downside. If my appearance isn't affected, and I can still pass for human in every way imaginable, and my alignment doesn't shift, so my soul isn't affected, either, it seems like this question is really, "Would you accept being far more powerful than you are right now with no repercussions whatsoever?"
The answer is an obvious, "Sure, why not?"
So perhaps you might clarify what's negative about this situation...
EDIT: I mean, seriously, even a, "You have no negative effects whatsoever for as long as you exist, but your soul would be damned once you were destroyed" would be enough for me to say, "Thanks, but no thanks."
But as-written, I just don't see a downside.
Well, you're dead for starters. Some may consider that a downside.
no nerve endings or biology or any of the fun things that come with it (sex, food, etc).The only downside I removed was the need to do something inherently evil to begin with and the part where you automatically kill people by touch or frighten them by your presence.
It is specifically stated in the op that it is not a devils bargain and your soul will not be taken or expected, they just give you lichdom for free.
Adrastus
Someone giving away something like that for NOTHING? That is simply something I can't wrap my head around. It's like dividing by zero, it's beyond incomprehensible.
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Someone giving away something like that for NOTHING? That is simply something I can't...There's also the detail that anyone who is making a deal for your soul IS planning on collecting at some point.I think the difficulty here is that you've removed all repercussions: My appearance is up to me, my alignment doesn't shift, etc. What, precisely, is the downside, if any?
It seems like you're asking, "Would you accept immortality, nigh-indestructibility, and the ability to cast spells in exchange for... nothing?"
In that particular case, I think it's impossible to say, "No," unless you feel that being a lich would be inherently anathema to your religion.
So perhaps you can clarify the downside. If my appearance isn't affected, and I can still pass for human in every way imaginable, and my alignment doesn't shift, so my soul isn't affected, either, it seems like this question is really, "Would you accept being far more powerful than you are right now with no repercussions whatsoever?"
The answer is an obvious, "Sure, why not?"
So perhaps you might clarify what's negative about this situation...
EDIT: I mean, seriously, even a, "You have no negative effects whatsoever for as long as you exist, but your soul would be damned once you were destroyed" would be enough for me to say, "Thanks, but no thanks."
But as-written, I just don't see a downside.
Well, you're dead for starters. Some may consider that a downside.
no nerve endings or biology or any of the fun things that come with it (sex, food, etc).The only downside I removed was the need to do something inherently evil to begin with and the part where you automatically kill people by touch or frighten them by your presence.
It is specifically stated in the op that it is not a devils bargain and your soul will not be taken or expected, they just give you lichdom for free.
Adrastus
I dont understand what their motive would be but that is the premise.
I question who would possess an item capable of turning someone into an undead but who is generous enough to give it away and does not wish to use this item themself to benefit mankind. It's very odd but that's the way it goes apparently :).
Adrastus
If there isn't an afterlife, how can there be a soul to bargain away?Funny how many people don't see being a horrible undead monster as a bad thing just because getting their was slightly easier.
Keep in mind it's not a temporary character. Its you. Right now. And its forever
Or until you get destroyed. The other interesting part of this question is that it impugns the existence of an afterlife, which I as an atheist am a through disbeliever in.
Now if there were such a thing as an afterlife, that would be something that I'd have to factor in my decision. However I'm a firm believer in the idea of the Price of Magic, so I'd never be able to accept the concept that there would be no strings attached.
And as Xykon has shown, there are quality of life issues as well. (an enternity without coffee?!)
I too am atheist and don't believe in an afterlife, but the scenario doesn't necessarily disprove one. It just prevents you from dying. What happens after that, if anything, is still unknown. You could spend your eternity determining if there is an afterlife. Though I can see how that could go down a dark road very quickly.
No coffee would be a serious problem for me too. Though I think Xykon is choosing not to look for alternatives. He's a pragmatist. Well, a sociopath pragmatist, but still.
Good point. Perhaps it's just a matter of language. "Soul" might just be another name for life force or that spark that makes us unique. It may not go anywhere after death. Perhaps it just "reabsorbs" into "the universe." It'd be a good thing to spend your unlife researching.