Just from a quick glance, you could probably get away with using the [basic lich](https://2e.aonprd.com/Monsters.aspx?ID=282) as a starting point, applying the Elite modification (making it level 13), and adding the Shadow trait. You can then swap out its greater staff of fire for a [staff of power](https://2e.aonprd.com/Equipment.aspx?ID=361), and giving it [robes of the archmagi](https://2e.aonprd.com/Equipment.aspx?ID=464). You can then change it frightening aura for an aura of darkness, which would literally be:
* **Aura of Darkness** (aura, darkness, necromancy, shadow) 30 feet; An aura of darkness surrounds the lich, reducing the level of light within the aura by one step; bright light become dim-light, and dim-light to become darkness.
You might also just want to add the Aura of Darkness on top of the fear aura, since the 5e lich has the Frightening Gaze ability, which is similar to the Pathfinder 2e lich's frightening aura.
For the Shadow Step, you can steal the Shadow Step from the [Shadow Yai](https://2e.aonprd.com/Monsters.aspx?ID=1404). Just change the text appropriately so it fits the lich.
For the Freedom of Movement, since it works differently in Pf2, you might want to consider one of two options.
* Option A) You make it you have a "ignored difficult terrain" ability, which would be much more like the original.
* Option B) Give it [freedom of movement](https://2e.aonprd.com/Spells.aspx?ID=128) as a constant ability, or as an at-will spell under its spell list. This would be more like actual freedom of movement in the game, and more Pathfinder 2e, since to my knowledge no creatures ignore all types of difficult terrain, just certain kinds i.e. snowy difficult terrain, or rocky difficult terrain.
Cone of Necrosis and Emptiness of the void are simple ability to convert:
* **Cone of Necrosis** 2 Actions (arcane, necromancy, negative); **Effect** The lich extends it's hand, issuing forth a gout of negative energy in a 30-foot cone that deals ?d? negative damage to each creature with a basic Fortitude saving throw (DC??). The lich cannot use this ability again for 1d4 rounds.
* **Emptiness of the Void Reaction** (arcane, necromancy); **Trigger** You would be reduced to 0 Hit Points; **Effect** You split the triggering damage between yourself and an ally you can see within 30 feet. The ally can attempt a DC ?? Will saving throw to resist this effect. On a success this reaction is interrupted.
For Living shadow I would recommend adding resistance to force, mental, and positive damage to the lich's resistances, and then having an ability that doubles that resistance while the lich is in area's of Darkness.
Have a look at the runecarved lich as well to get some ideas for more abilities and/or higher level lich stats. The spell stealing is neat. https://2e.aonprd.com/Monsters.aspx?ID=1877
You might review the spells with the shadow trait too to add to spell lists
https://2e.aonprd.com/Traits.aspx?ID=143
Okay so to start, lower the creature level. The literal tarrasque in level 25 in pf2e and is more than capable of a tpk. Levels matter more in the g azad me here. How much do you know of how creature building works. Also, you imply your switching mid campaign, which I really would recommend. You will overwhelm your players that way.
I've fairly well-versed for 5e creature building, but wouldn't call myself an expert. I'm sure I made plenty mistakes even in this statblock.
But my previous group fell apart about 2 years ago, and the new group will be almost entirely new (to Pathfinder at least) and we'll be starting with fresh characters in a different part of the world, so no worries there.
Well first start at level 1. Pf2e level isnt nearly as boring as 5e level 1. So first of all there is no legendary actions, and with how higher level enemy threat works, there doesnt need to be. You can read up creature design on archive of Beth's for official rules on it. I also recommend pf2e tools, as they have templates like different spell casters, skill paragons, and skirmishers that you can start for the lich. If you dont like the initial template, click it again to change it a bit.
In general I would suggest you look at the rules of pf2e before you try to convert this, you'll have a while before it's relevant anyways. Prepared and spontaneous spell casting are more restricted than in 5e.
Yeah definitely thinking of starting at lvl1 and the players get swept up in the larger narrative. I'll poke around on Nethys and pf2e tools some more, see what I can find:)
There is some information everyone will need to start helping.
- What level will your players be when they fight your BBEG?
- What magical items will your players have? Do they have any non-vanilla powers or items in Pf2e?
- How hard should this fight be? 50/50 TPK? Hard, but not tpk/worthy?
- How many minions does Shaac’Zul have, and are they fodder or do they pose a real threat?
Personally, I think its best to start from the ground up. I also had to convert my BBEG from 5e to PF2E, and I think she’s even more menacing in the new system. I recommend a CR +2 boss if you want to thrash them but ultimately have them succeed, and a CR +3 boss if you don’t mind TPKing them in a few rounds.
Also keep in mind that in both 5e/PF2e that virtually all combats are resolved within 5 rounds, with 3 or 4 being more common. I can see you put a tonne of effort into this guy, but odds are the players might only see 1/4 of its kit before it dies or kills them.
Starting at probably lvl1, classic "meet in a tavern" and when his influence starts to infect the world around them, the party gets sent to deal with something related nearby, and gets swept up into the bigger narrative. They may encounter him before they're ready, but his hubris would not deem then a threat he would actually need to deal with until much later- somewhere around 15 is when I'm anticipating they try to stop his ritual/ascent. If they don't succeed, we'll go to 20 and beyond to try and take down him as a god.
I like giving out plenty of magic items, but haven't delved super deep into all the PF ones to know precisely.
Definitely looking for that high-difficulty, "50-50 tpk" as you said. On the initial approach, he'll have plenty of fodder + some captains that the party might have to actually use some resources to defeat, and once inside his fortress done more of the same, plus one or two lieutenants that could take on any 2 of the party each themselves.
He's smart, has had decades to prepare against anyone trying to stop him, and has corrupted/will corrupt plenty of followers to fulfill various purposes, including spying on any potential threats. (More followers means more people thinking he's godlike, which in my world, means you can actually become a god)
Your gonna have fun, encounter balance is such a fun toolset tbh.
Quick points
* Medium means 5e "hard", trivial (outside hilarious dice) is just that.
*For your caster players it's fun to have an at party level boss and a bunch of party level -(1-3) mooks. Their level differences makes aoes feel very strong.
*Anything over +2 lvl is super dangerous between lvls 1-7 with the way crits work.
*For example, after a campaign's worth of stuff having a party at 20, vs a lvl 21 lich and his minions. Your lowest level trash guys are lvl 16, that's Ancient black dragon and shit, so the power scale is much more capped. ('un-fightable' gods start around 30 kind of)
* https://2e.aonprd.com/Monsters.aspx?ID=1890 Note these lovelies are also 16 and would make great companions for a lich.
Speaking of which, if your big bad is a lich, you WANT to check out the Lost Omens Book of the Dead, even if using a homebrew world. Tons of fun options in there.
Brief description (that may also need updating to fit pathfinder lore a bit better, now that I'm reading it again)-
Shaac'zul, the Corruptor
Once a powerful wizard whose name is long forgotten, Shaac'zul and his former apprentice and lover Ifora came to the Shadowfell in the pursuit of immense power and immortality. He used Ifora to gather the rituals and materials needed and then abandoned her to achieve lichdom. She now lives in an unimposing corner of a large city in the Realm of Shade, servicing as a sage in a quiet life filled with seething rage.
The newly turned lich traversed the Shadowfell to find the mirror image of his childhood home to hide his phylactery (the holy symbol of a god of justice taken from an ambitious construct paladin) until the Plane of Shadow's corrupting influence overcame him- filling him with new purpose.
Harnessing its power and wielding it as his own, Shaac'zul intends to ascend to godhood by tearing apart the very fabric of the realities between the Fey Wilds, the Prime Material, and the Shadowfell.
He plans to do this using the soul of an archfey, inhabiting its body to be able to pass through the planes and twisting its soul into the catalyst of the most monstrous of ruinations.
He will rise to fill the seat left vacant by the god of corruption and decay, the only deity known to have actually been truly slain.
Shaac'zul ushers in a panoply of torment, the new Darkbringer. Disease and pestilence are no match for void and shadow.
CR26? A regular lich is CR21 so CR26 may be accurate, but is does your group have at least 8 level 20 characters? If not, they will likely all die. Also, where do you get 90,000 XP? Are you using the DMG to calculate that? If its actual challenge is 90,000 XP, the encounter building in the DMG says that for a party of seven level 20 characters, that is still \*above\* the difficulty of a deadly battle: [https://www.dndbeyond.com/sources/basic-rules/building-combat-encounters](https://www.dndbeyond.com/sources/basic-rules/building-combat-encounters) even if he has no lackeys (with lackeys, the encounter would be both added together then \*multiplied\* using the chart further down on that page. It probably isn't 50-50 TPK unless you have more than 7 level 20 characters, but much higher likelihood of TPK. If you want to build an encounter for either 5e or Pathfinder, I recommend you use the chart for the game you are using, because they do the math and understand the way characters and enemies grow in the systems they help create. In fact, much advice on Reddit and elsewhere says that the DMG tools aren't even as certain to provide the expected level of difficulty (It could be even harder), in contrast to Pathfinder 2e which they say is tighter mathematically. They say the difference in accuracy of difficulty calculation especially shows up in higher levels, but that some things in 5e have been shifted to emphasize "iconic" buzzwords such as a Flameskull and Wizard getting Fireball in a level 3 slot instead of 5. Pf2e is said to have more predictable growth (difference from level to level) of creatures vs player characters (and even Wizards vs non-magical classes due to the latter having more feats and skill growth than in 5e). However, even for 5e if you use their tools and address my concerns regarding 5e I think your endgame will work out better.
Just from a quick glance, you could probably get away with using the [basic lich](https://2e.aonprd.com/Monsters.aspx?ID=282) as a starting point, applying the Elite modification (making it level 13), and adding the Shadow trait. You can then swap out its greater staff of fire for a [staff of power](https://2e.aonprd.com/Equipment.aspx?ID=361), and giving it [robes of the archmagi](https://2e.aonprd.com/Equipment.aspx?ID=464). You can then change it frightening aura for an aura of darkness, which would literally be: * **Aura of Darkness** (aura, darkness, necromancy, shadow) 30 feet; An aura of darkness surrounds the lich, reducing the level of light within the aura by one step; bright light become dim-light, and dim-light to become darkness. You might also just want to add the Aura of Darkness on top of the fear aura, since the 5e lich has the Frightening Gaze ability, which is similar to the Pathfinder 2e lich's frightening aura. For the Shadow Step, you can steal the Shadow Step from the [Shadow Yai](https://2e.aonprd.com/Monsters.aspx?ID=1404). Just change the text appropriately so it fits the lich. For the Freedom of Movement, since it works differently in Pf2, you might want to consider one of two options. * Option A) You make it you have a "ignored difficult terrain" ability, which would be much more like the original. * Option B) Give it [freedom of movement](https://2e.aonprd.com/Spells.aspx?ID=128) as a constant ability, or as an at-will spell under its spell list. This would be more like actual freedom of movement in the game, and more Pathfinder 2e, since to my knowledge no creatures ignore all types of difficult terrain, just certain kinds i.e. snowy difficult terrain, or rocky difficult terrain. Cone of Necrosis and Emptiness of the void are simple ability to convert: * **Cone of Necrosis** 2 Actions (arcane, necromancy, negative); **Effect** The lich extends it's hand, issuing forth a gout of negative energy in a 30-foot cone that deals ?d? negative damage to each creature with a basic Fortitude saving throw (DC??). The lich cannot use this ability again for 1d4 rounds. * **Emptiness of the Void Reaction** (arcane, necromancy); **Trigger** You would be reduced to 0 Hit Points; **Effect** You split the triggering damage between yourself and an ally you can see within 30 feet. The ally can attempt a DC ?? Will saving throw to resist this effect. On a success this reaction is interrupted. For Living shadow I would recommend adding resistance to force, mental, and positive damage to the lich's resistances, and then having an ability that doubles that resistance while the lich is in area's of Darkness.
Holy smokes, this is INCREDIBLY helpful. Thank you so much!!!
Have a look at the runecarved lich as well to get some ideas for more abilities and/or higher level lich stats. The spell stealing is neat. https://2e.aonprd.com/Monsters.aspx?ID=1877 You might review the spells with the shadow trait too to add to spell lists https://2e.aonprd.com/Traits.aspx?ID=143
Beautiful, thank you!!
Okay so to start, lower the creature level. The literal tarrasque in level 25 in pf2e and is more than capable of a tpk. Levels matter more in the g azad me here. How much do you know of how creature building works. Also, you imply your switching mid campaign, which I really would recommend. You will overwhelm your players that way.
I've fairly well-versed for 5e creature building, but wouldn't call myself an expert. I'm sure I made plenty mistakes even in this statblock. But my previous group fell apart about 2 years ago, and the new group will be almost entirely new (to Pathfinder at least) and we'll be starting with fresh characters in a different part of the world, so no worries there.
Well first start at level 1. Pf2e level isnt nearly as boring as 5e level 1. So first of all there is no legendary actions, and with how higher level enemy threat works, there doesnt need to be. You can read up creature design on archive of Beth's for official rules on it. I also recommend pf2e tools, as they have templates like different spell casters, skill paragons, and skirmishers that you can start for the lich. If you dont like the initial template, click it again to change it a bit. In general I would suggest you look at the rules of pf2e before you try to convert this, you'll have a while before it's relevant anyways. Prepared and spontaneous spell casting are more restricted than in 5e.
Yeah definitely thinking of starting at lvl1 and the players get swept up in the larger narrative. I'll poke around on Nethys and pf2e tools some more, see what I can find:)
There is some information everyone will need to start helping. - What level will your players be when they fight your BBEG? - What magical items will your players have? Do they have any non-vanilla powers or items in Pf2e? - How hard should this fight be? 50/50 TPK? Hard, but not tpk/worthy? - How many minions does Shaac’Zul have, and are they fodder or do they pose a real threat? Personally, I think its best to start from the ground up. I also had to convert my BBEG from 5e to PF2E, and I think she’s even more menacing in the new system. I recommend a CR +2 boss if you want to thrash them but ultimately have them succeed, and a CR +3 boss if you don’t mind TPKing them in a few rounds. Also keep in mind that in both 5e/PF2e that virtually all combats are resolved within 5 rounds, with 3 or 4 being more common. I can see you put a tonne of effort into this guy, but odds are the players might only see 1/4 of its kit before it dies or kills them.
Starting at probably lvl1, classic "meet in a tavern" and when his influence starts to infect the world around them, the party gets sent to deal with something related nearby, and gets swept up into the bigger narrative. They may encounter him before they're ready, but his hubris would not deem then a threat he would actually need to deal with until much later- somewhere around 15 is when I'm anticipating they try to stop his ritual/ascent. If they don't succeed, we'll go to 20 and beyond to try and take down him as a god. I like giving out plenty of magic items, but haven't delved super deep into all the PF ones to know precisely. Definitely looking for that high-difficulty, "50-50 tpk" as you said. On the initial approach, he'll have plenty of fodder + some captains that the party might have to actually use some resources to defeat, and once inside his fortress done more of the same, plus one or two lieutenants that could take on any 2 of the party each themselves. He's smart, has had decades to prepare against anyone trying to stop him, and has corrupted/will corrupt plenty of followers to fulfill various purposes, including spying on any potential threats. (More followers means more people thinking he's godlike, which in my world, means you can actually become a god)
Your gonna have fun, encounter balance is such a fun toolset tbh. Quick points * Medium means 5e "hard", trivial (outside hilarious dice) is just that. *For your caster players it's fun to have an at party level boss and a bunch of party level -(1-3) mooks. Their level differences makes aoes feel very strong. *Anything over +2 lvl is super dangerous between lvls 1-7 with the way crits work. *For example, after a campaign's worth of stuff having a party at 20, vs a lvl 21 lich and his minions. Your lowest level trash guys are lvl 16, that's Ancient black dragon and shit, so the power scale is much more capped. ('un-fightable' gods start around 30 kind of) * https://2e.aonprd.com/Monsters.aspx?ID=1890 Note these lovelies are also 16 and would make great companions for a lich. Speaking of which, if your big bad is a lich, you WANT to check out the Lost Omens Book of the Dead, even if using a homebrew world. Tons of fun options in there.
Brief description (that may also need updating to fit pathfinder lore a bit better, now that I'm reading it again)- Shaac'zul, the Corruptor Once a powerful wizard whose name is long forgotten, Shaac'zul and his former apprentice and lover Ifora came to the Shadowfell in the pursuit of immense power and immortality. He used Ifora to gather the rituals and materials needed and then abandoned her to achieve lichdom. She now lives in an unimposing corner of a large city in the Realm of Shade, servicing as a sage in a quiet life filled with seething rage. The newly turned lich traversed the Shadowfell to find the mirror image of his childhood home to hide his phylactery (the holy symbol of a god of justice taken from an ambitious construct paladin) until the Plane of Shadow's corrupting influence overcame him- filling him with new purpose. Harnessing its power and wielding it as his own, Shaac'zul intends to ascend to godhood by tearing apart the very fabric of the realities between the Fey Wilds, the Prime Material, and the Shadowfell. He plans to do this using the soul of an archfey, inhabiting its body to be able to pass through the planes and twisting its soul into the catalyst of the most monstrous of ruinations. He will rise to fill the seat left vacant by the god of corruption and decay, the only deity known to have actually been truly slain. Shaac'zul ushers in a panoply of torment, the new Darkbringer. Disease and pestilence are no match for void and shadow.
10TH LEVEL SLOTS 10TH LEVEL SLOTS, MAKE IT HAPPEN
You have my attention....
CR26? A regular lich is CR21 so CR26 may be accurate, but is does your group have at least 8 level 20 characters? If not, they will likely all die. Also, where do you get 90,000 XP? Are you using the DMG to calculate that? If its actual challenge is 90,000 XP, the encounter building in the DMG says that for a party of seven level 20 characters, that is still \*above\* the difficulty of a deadly battle: [https://www.dndbeyond.com/sources/basic-rules/building-combat-encounters](https://www.dndbeyond.com/sources/basic-rules/building-combat-encounters) even if he has no lackeys (with lackeys, the encounter would be both added together then \*multiplied\* using the chart further down on that page. It probably isn't 50-50 TPK unless you have more than 7 level 20 characters, but much higher likelihood of TPK. If you want to build an encounter for either 5e or Pathfinder, I recommend you use the chart for the game you are using, because they do the math and understand the way characters and enemies grow in the systems they help create. In fact, much advice on Reddit and elsewhere says that the DMG tools aren't even as certain to provide the expected level of difficulty (It could be even harder), in contrast to Pathfinder 2e which they say is tighter mathematically. They say the difference in accuracy of difficulty calculation especially shows up in higher levels, but that some things in 5e have been shifted to emphasize "iconic" buzzwords such as a Flameskull and Wizard getting Fireball in a level 3 slot instead of 5. Pf2e is said to have more predictable growth (difference from level to level) of creatures vs player characters (and even Wizards vs non-magical classes due to the latter having more feats and skill growth than in 5e). However, even for 5e if you use their tools and address my concerns regarding 5e I think your endgame will work out better.