The Strongest Liches In DnD History

Liches are among the most fearsome entities in Dungeons & Dragons, immortal spellcasters who sacrifice their humanity to attain unfathomable magical power. These undead masterminds are infamous for their cunning, magical prowess, and relentless pursuit of knowledge.

Whether they rule kingdoms, guard ancient secrets, or manipulate the multiverse from the shadows, liches represent the pinnacle of necromantic power in the game’s lore. From the legendary Vecna to the cunning Acererak, these liches have earned their place as some of the most dangerous adversaries in D&D. Here are some of the most powerful liches to ever haunt the realms, forgotten or otherwise.

8

Exethanter

The Forgotten Keeper Of The Amber Temple

Exethanter resides within the Amber Temple, the foreboding repository of forbidden arcane knowledge in Barovia. Once a mighty spellcaster, Exethanter’s memory has faded over the centuries, leaving him unsure of even his own name. However, his diminished state belies the raw power he still wields as a lich.

Despite his decayed mental faculties, Exethanter is a pivotal figure in Curse of Strahd, offering guidance—or threats—to adventurers who seek the dark powers housed within the temple. His cryptic nature and ties to the temple’s sinister vestiges make him a compelling and unpredictable character in the D&D setting, and one of the few entries of this list that you don’t have to fight if you don’t want to.

7

Khazan

The Fallen Archmage Of Barovia

Khazan, a former ally of Strahd, is another legendary lich tied to Barovia’s dark history. Once a mortal wizard who sought eternal life, Khazan achieved lichdom but ultimately fell from grace, leaving behind a legacy of dark deeds and forgotten rituals.

Many Dungeon Masters combine Exethanter and Khazan into the same character.

Though his physical presence is rarely encountered, Khazan’s influence permeates Barovia, particularly through the powerful artifacts and spells he left behind. Adventurers brave enough to seek out his secrets may find incredible rewards—or unimaginable peril—in the echoes of his power.

6

Tarul Var

The Lich Of The Doomvault

Tarul Var is a prominent servant of Szass Tam (also on this list) and one of the key antagonists in the Dead in Thay adventure. As the overseer of the Doomvault, a sprawling dungeon filled with undead horrors, Tarul Var is a formidable opponent.

His strategic brilliance and mastery of necromantic magic make him a dangerous foe, but his loyalty to Szass Tam also highlights the power dynamics within Thay’s undead hierarchy. Facing Tarul Var is a daunting challenge, as he wields both magical power and the authority of Thay’s feared lich-lords.

5

Azalin Rex

The Darklord Of Darkon

Azalin Rex is one of the most iconic liches in D&D, ruling the domain of Darkon in the Ravenloft setting. As a Darklord, Azalin is bound to the demiplane of dread, where he endlessly schemes to escape his cursed existence.

Azalin’s intelligence and vast arcane knowledge make him a formidable adversary, while his tragic backstory adds depth to his character. He is a lich who balances cruelty and intellect, making him both an iconic villain and a fascinating figure within the lore of Ravenloft.

4

Szass Tam

The Zulkir Of Necromancy

Szass Tam is the ruler of Thay and one of the most influential liches in the Forgotten Realms. As the Zulkir of Necromancy, he commands an army of undead and wields near-limitless power, making him a significant political and magical force.

Szass Tam’s ambitions extend beyond his undead empire, often involving world-shaking plots that threaten the stability of Faerûn. His cunning, charisma, and magical prowess make him one of the most dangerous liches to ever exist, and his presence looms large over the D&D multiverse.

3

Larloch

The Shadow King

Known as the Shadow King, Larloch is one of the oldest and most powerful liches in the Forgotten Realms. He resides in the Warlock’s Crypt, surrounded by a host of undead servants and ancient magical relics.

Larloch’s centuries of existence have granted him unparalleled knowledge of arcane magic and his mastery over undead rivals even the greatest of necromancers. While he rarely leaves his crypt, Larloch’s influence can be felt across Faerûn, making him a figure of both fear and respect among those who know of his existence.

2

Acererak

The Architect Of The Tomb Of Horrors

Acererak is a demilich known for creating the infamous Tomb of Horrors, a dungeon designed to test—and often destroy—adventurers. While he no longer maintains a physical body, Acererak’s spirit remains a deadly force, capable of manipulating events from the shadows.

His cunning traps and intricate designs make the Tomb of Horrors one of the most challenging adventures in D&D. Acererak’s legacy as a master manipulator and ruthless lich ensures his place among the most dangerous figures in the multiverse.

1

Vecna

The Master Of Secrets

Vecna is the archetypal lich, a wizard who ascended to godhood and became one of the most feared entities in the multiverse. His artifacts, the Hand and Eye of Vecna, are legendary items that embody his relentless pursuit of power and immortality.

In the 2024 Dungeon Master’s Guide, the Book of Vile Darkness is said to have been initially authored by Vecna.

Vecna’s influence spans multiple campaign settings, from Greyhawk to the Forgotten Realms, and his role as a deity of secrets and undeath ensures his enduring legacy. No list of liches would be complete without Vecna, the epitome of the lich archetype and a true icon of D&D.