Overview

The Pact of the Lich is a secretive group that is devoted to the demigod Vecna, master of lies of destruction.

There are no real collections of teachings studied by the cult, as Vecna is a secretive deity, but copies of the Book of Vile Darkness are highly sought after by Vecna's adherents due to the fact that Vecna himself was instrumental in its creation.

Goals

Their ultimate goal is to bring about a twisted version of the Ragnarok myth, where Vecna is the one surviving deity.

Towards this goal they are attempting to:

• build the ranks of Vecna's faithful in order to increase the demi-god's direct power
• Free Vecna from his prison in the demi-plane Cavitius
• Build an army of undead, constructs, and other minions to serve in the coming apocalypse
• Build the Cult's power, influence, and wealth, in order to support the other aims

Ranks

Each position in Vecna's cult is named for a certain body part. At the top is Vecna himself, followed by the Voice of Vecna, which can only be filled by Vecna's manifestation.

Next is the Heart of Vecna, the high priest of the cult. The last known Heart of Vecna was Diraq Malcinex of Ket, who was slain by adventurers in 581 CY.

Immediately below the Heart of Vecna are two bizarre monsters known as the Hand and the Eye. The Eye of Vecna creature appears as a slender humanoid with an eyeball for a head, whereas the Hand of Vecna appears as a stocky humanoid with a huge left hand where its head should be.

Individual congregations are known as organs. Each organ is led by a Thought of Vecna. Lesser priests are known as Memories of Vecna.

Lay members of the cult consist of the Teeth, Fingers, Blood, and Spawn of Vecna. The Teeth of Vecna are made up of wizards, and specialize in arcane spellcasting and crafting magical items for the cult. The Fingers of Vecna consist mainly of thieves, who engage in various forms of subterfuge. The Blood of Vecna are mainly warriors charged with protection and enforcement of the cult and its goals. The Spawn of Vecna are the lowest in the cult hierarchy, and consist of the common people who honor the Lich Lord.

Each organ is dedicated to some particular goal of the cult, for example the fist of Vecna is working to convert the population of Skylark into an undead horde to act as Vecna's army on Leres.