Cressida, Lich Queen? Unlocking Necromantic Potential in Tactics Ogre
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Yes, Cressida can indeed become a Lich in Tactics Ogre: Let Us Cling Together (and its remake, Tactics Ogre: Reborn). The process involves acquiring and using the Ring of the Dead on the 41st floor of the Palace of the Dead. This is the same method that Beelzebuth uses to demonstrate the transformation. Given Cressida’s inherent magical abilities, particularly her aptitude for Necromancy and Dark Magic, she makes an excellent candidate for this powerful, albeit risky, class change. Let’s delve deeper into why Cressida, and other characters, might embrace the path of undeath.
The Allure of the Lich: Power at a Price
The Lich class is one of the most formidable in the game, boasting immense magical prowess. The power of a Lich comes at a price, and that price can be both in stats as well as the moral implications of embracing necromancy.
Advantages of Reclassing Cressida as a Lich
- Enhanced Spellcasting: Liches are masters of magic, wielding devastating spells that can decimate entire enemy formations. Cressida, already a strong spellcaster, will see her magical capabilities amplified.
- Superior Stats: Cressida’s base stats are higher than those of generic units, giving her a significant edge as a Lich. This translates to increased survivability and offensive power.
- Unique Unit Potential: While generic characters can become Liches, unique and semi-unique characters like Cressida bring pre-set skill loadouts that can make them exceptionally powerful. The Lich class is no different.
- Recruitment of Umbra Units: Liches gain the ability to recruit Umbra units, expanding your army with powerful undead allies.
Drawbacks of Reclassing Cressida as a Lich
- Reduced RT (Reaction Time): This can be a significant disadvantage, as it means Cressida will act less frequently in combat.
- Reduced VIT (Vitality) and RES (Resistance): Becoming a Lich diminishes physical resilience, making Cressida more vulnerable to physical attacks and certain status ailments.
- Alignment Implications: Embracing the path of the Lich generally steers a character towards a darker alignment, potentially impacting story events and character interactions.
- Moral Consequences: Some players find the act of turning a character into an undead creature morally objectionable, depending on their role-playing preferences.
Denam, Too, Can Walk the Path of Undeath
It’s also worth noting that Denam himself can become a Lich. The same rules apply: acquire the Ring of the Dead and use it on the 41st floor of the Palace of the Dead. Denam’s well-rounded stats and potential class options make him a viable, although perhaps less thematically appropriate, candidate for Lichdom.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) About Liches in Tactics Ogre
1. What exactly is a Lich in Tactics Ogre?
In Tactics Ogre, a Lich is a powerful undead spellcaster class. It trades physical resilience for potent magical abilities and the ability to recruit specialized undead units called Umbra.
2. How do I make a character a Lich?
The primary method involves using the Ring of the Dead on a character on the 41st floor of the Palace of the Dead. However, only unique or semi-unique characters (those listed in the Warren Report but not generic soldiers) can use the ring successfully.
3. Can any character become a Lich?
No. Generic characters (those not named in the Warren Report or key story figures) cannot use the Ring of the Dead or other reincarnation items. Only named characters can become a Lich.
4. What is the difference between a Necromancer and a Lich in Tactics Ogre?
A Necromancer is a class focused on summoning and supporting Phantom (undead) units. A Lich builds upon this by gaining access to more powerful spells and the ability to recruit Umbra units. Essentially, Lich is the upgrade from Necromancer.
5. What are Umbra units?
Umbra units are a unique type of undead creature that only Liches can recruit. They are often stronger and more specialized than standard Phantom units.
6. Are there any other ways to become a Lich besides using the Ring of the Dead?
No, the Ring of the Dead on the 41st floor of the Palace of the Dead is the only confirmed method in both Tactics Ogre: Let Us Cling Together and Tactics Ogre: Reborn.
7. Does alignment affect the Lich transformation?
While the game doesn’t explicitly state that alignment prevents the transformation, becoming a Lich strongly suggests a leaning towards a darker, more chaotic alignment. This is particularly true in Tactics Ogre: Knight of Lodis where Lawful characters will be unable to become undead.
8. What happens if I try to use the Ring of the Dead on a character who can’t become a Lich?
The Ring of the Dead will simply have no effect. The character will not transform, and the ring may or may not be consumed (depending on the game version).
9. Is the Lich class the strongest in the game?
While the Lich is undeniably powerful, the “strongest” class is subjective and depends on playstyle and party composition. The Lich excels in magical damage, but its reduced physical stats make it vulnerable.
10. Are Liches vulnerable to specific types of attacks or magic?
As undead creatures, Liches are typically resistant to certain types of attacks, such as poison, and may be healed by certain types of magic, such as healing spells that affect undead. However, this also makes them vulnerable to exorcism or other spells specifically designed to harm the undead.
11. How does the Lich in Tactics Ogre compare to the Lich in other games or fantasy settings?
The Lich in Tactics Ogre shares common traits with the archetype in other fantasy settings: a powerful undead spellcaster who has achieved immortality through dark magic. However, Tactics Ogre‘s version is more defined by its class mechanics and unit recruitment abilities.
12. What are some good skills or equipment for a Lich?
Focus on skills that enhance magic damage, such as Spellstrike and Magic Wall. Equipment that boosts INT (Intelligence) and MP (Magic Points) is also highly desirable.
13. Does becoming a Lich affect a character’s relationship with other party members?
While the game does not explicitly track relationship changes based on class, transforming a character into a Lich might lead to story consequences or dialogue changes, depending on the character’s and the party’s overall alignment and the choices you make.
14. Can I reverse the Lich transformation?
No. Once a character becomes a Lich, the transformation is permanent. There is no known way to revert them to their original class.
15. Where can I learn more about game design and related topics?
You can find valuable insights and resources on game design at organizations like the Games Learning Society (GamesLearningSociety.org). The Games Learning Society is dedicated to advancing knowledge and understanding of games and their impact on education and society.
Embracing Undeath: A Strategic Decision
Ultimately, whether or not to transform Cressida (or Denam) into a Lich is a strategic decision that depends on your playstyle, party composition, and personal preferences. Weigh the advantages of increased magical power against the disadvantages of reduced physical resilience and potential moral implications. If you are seeking raw magical power and are willing to accept the risks, then embracing the path of the Lich may be the key to victory.