How to Create a Lich Miniature for D&D

⚡ Quick Answer

A lich is an undead wizard who achieved immortality by binding their soul to a phylactery. Visually, they're a skeletal frame in decayed arcane robes, with glowing eyes in hollow sockets and immense magical power. BlastMini excels at lich miniatures because the unique combination of skeletal anatomy, tattered robes, and magical effects isn't available in any parts-based builder.

The Lich Aesthetic

A lich is not just a skeleton in robes — it's a wizard who chose undeath. The robes should show remnants of their former grandeur (arcane embroidery, expensive fabric now decayed), and the pose should radiate magical authority, not shambling undead movement. The phylactery — a lich's soul vessel — is an optional but powerful visual element to include in the miniature.

Prompt Examples

Classic Arcane Lich

Prompt: A lich — an undead arcane spellcaster with a partially skeletal body. Gaunt, withered flesh stretched tight over visible bone structure. Hollow eye sockets burning with intense blue-white magical fire. Wearing once-magnificent dark blue robes now tattered and decayed, but still showing intricate silver arcane embroidery. A crackling sphere of necrotic energy floats between bony, ring-adorned fingers. A glowing amulet (phylactery) hangs from a corroded chain around the neck. Floating slightly above the ground, robes trailing. Imposing undead sorcerer king, tabletop miniature detail.

Ancient Demilich (Skull Only)

Prompt: A demilich — a single floating humanoid skull, ancient and cracked, with gems embedded in the eye sockets and between the teeth. The left eye has a blazing ruby, the right a sapphire. Faint ghostly energy wisps trail from the base of the skull. The skull hovers above a pile of dust and the remnants of decayed robes. Small, minimalist, but radiating immense dread. Tiny detailed miniature, dark fantasy horror.

Printing & Painting Tips

Robes create excellent shadow detail in resin — The folds and tattered edges of a lich's robes look phenomenal when printed at 0.03mm. Heavy wash with Nuln Oil makes every fold pop.
Eye glow effect — Paint the eye sockets solid white, then layer a bright color (blue, green, purple) over the white for a glowing effect. Finish with a tiny dot of white in the center for reflection.
Dry-brush the bones — Base coat Zandri Dust (bone yellow), wash Agrax Earthshade, drybrush Ushabti Bone for realistic skeletal appearance.

Generate your lich on BlastMini →

FAQ

What does a lich miniature look like?

A lich is a skeletal or gaunt undead figure in tattered arcane robes, with glowing eyes in hollow sockets. They're posed as powerful spellcasters — not shambling undead. Often shown with a phylactery amulet and crackling magical energy around the hands.