Can a lich be charmed?

Can a Lich be Charmed?

The concept of a lich, a powerful undead being, raises many questions about its vulnerability to various forms of magic. One of the most intriguing questions is whether a lich can be charmed. In this article, we will delve into the world of liches and explore the possibility of charming one.

Direct Answer: No, a Lich Cannot be Charmed

According to the official 5th edition Dungeons & Dragons sourcebook, Mordenkainen’s Tome of Foes, a lich is resistant to magic, including charms. On page 129, it is stated that a lich has advantage on saving throws against magical spells and effects. This means that a lich is less likely to be affected by charms or other forms of magic.

Condition Immunities: A Lich’s Defenses

A lich’s condition immunities provide additional protection against various conditions, including charm. Specifically, a lich is immune to:

• Poison
• Paralysis
• Fright
• Charmed

This implies that a lich cannot be charmed, paralyzed, or affected by similar conditions.

Cantrips and Spells: What Works and What Doesn’t

While a lich is resistant to charms, it is not entirely impervious to magic. Certain cantrips and spells can still affect a lich, albeit with varying degrees of success.

• Cantrips: A lich’s resistance to charms does not extend to cantrips that do not involve charm magic. For example, cantrips like Mage Hand or Prestidigitation are unlikely to affect a lich.
• Spells: Some spells that do not involve charm magic, such as Fireball or Lightning Bolt, can still harm a lich. However, spells that rely on charm magic, such as Charm Person or Suggestion, are unlikely to succeed against a lich.

When Does a Lich Drop Its Immunities?

While a lich’s condition immunities provide robust protection, there are scenarios where it may drop these immunities:

• Dispel Magic: The Dispel Magic spell can temporarily dispel a lich’s immunity to charms and other conditions.
• Remove Curse: The Remove Curse spell can also potentially remove a lich’s immunity to charms.

Conclusion

In conclusion, a lich is highly resistant to charms and other forms of magic. While it is not entirely impervious to magic, certain cantrips and spells can still affect it. However, it is important to note that a lich’s condition immunities provide robust protection against charms and other conditions, making it challenging to charm a lich.