The Hedge Lich

Originally written in response to:

Can a PC be a Lich in D&D 5E?

An actual lich would be pretty powerful for a typical player character to be at lower levels. So, probably successfully becoming a lich would make one an NPC in most games.  Instead I suggest a compromise for those wanting to play a walking skeleton:

The Hedge Lich

Sometimes wizards try to become a lich when they just aren't well studied enough to pull off the appropriate ritual. Other times a mage creates a ritual attempting to resurrect someone, a gift which only divine power can truly provide. Often the result is simply failure, but occasionally the caster creates a lesser form of free willed undead sometimes referred to as a "Hedge Lich".

The flesh of a hedge lich gradually rots away leaving only an animated skeleton. A hedge lich has the same ability scores they had in life as well as any classes, skills or proficiencies. However, they lose any racial abilities except those which are innate physical features of a skeleton (e.g. claws or teeth are still present and effective, scales are gone and provide no protection, wings are present but provide no lift, and low light vision, luck or breath weapons are all absent).

Acquired traits:

Darkvision: 120 ft.

Reviled - Disadvantage on all Charisma based social interactions except intimidation if the listener can see your appearance. This is negated while using effective disguise, illusion or other spells to hide your appearance.

Disillusioned - Gain advantage on checks to resist charm or illusion spells unless they are specifically tailored to undead. You gain a Wisdom saving throw to see through illusions even when the effect would not allow a save.

Chains Forged In Life -There is a sort of "fool's phylactery", some object you are bound to. If it is destroyed, your soul is released from this existence to eternal reward or damnation. As long as the item exists, even if your body is destroyed, you are unable to move on or be truly resurrected, though someone using the same ritual may reanimate you as a hedge lich again.

Free of the Flesh - You no longer need to eat, drink or breathe. Additionally, you are immune to all normal poisons and diseases, though some magical or exotic forms may still effect you.

Anathema - Channel Divinity and similar powers which effect undead also effect you, unless cast by a cleric dedicated to the same divine beings you are.

Mockery of Life - Healing magics which cure hit point loss fail to work on you. However, magic which grants temporary hit points may still functions. The Arcana skill is used on you in place of the Medicine.

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