The proper killing and cleaning of Dracoliches

Dracoliches can be a straight up pain. But there are a few neat tricks you can use to tilt the odds in your favor.

The first thing you definitely need is some way to be immune to the fear that they instill in people. Potions won't work for this purpose because most likely the dracolich will dispel the effect very quickly.

The second thing that you need is a bludgeoning weapon. Dracoliches (and other skeletal creatures) are very resistant to slashing and piercing attacks. They do half as much damage. If you find that bludgeoning weapons aren't your thing, try to bring more exotic damage types attached to your weapon. They are completely immune to cold, fire and electrical damage. Try using the more common Acid or Sonic, or the far less common divine, positive, negative and magical damages for the best effect. (A pure negative damage added to a weapon is required for this to work. Negative energy spells will NOT work)

If you plan on using spells, remember to stay away from negative energy spells as well as fire and ice spells. Also note that they have a natural resistance to spells, so mages with less power than others will likely find their spells bouncing right off. The use of Luminus spells is highly encouraged. Undeath to Death will work, however due to their strong willpower, it is very unlikely that the spell will actually kill them outright or have any effect at all. Silvania's Holy rain works well because there is no way for the dracolich to avoid the effects short of moving out of the spells area of effect.

As for it's own tendencies, dracoliches have a number of abilities that make them the deadly beings that they are. For one, they are powerful spellcasters. They like to use dispelling magics especially, and Acid Fog and Firestorm are amongst their favorite spells. They may try to cast Harm on you, so be prepared and come with the proper defenses to guard yourself from this powerful spell. Some dracoliches also have an aura around them that does cold damage periodically. The aura itself isn't all that powerful, but added with the rest of things it can put a kink in your plans if you're not careful. Dracoliches also can make use of a breath attack that does heavy fire damage and a bolt attack that paralyzes. Their melee attack is not to be underestimated either, as they do large amounts of damage, and have a chance of paralyzing their opponent. Their strikes at melee range are just as deadly, striking hard and often. Furthermore, these strikes also have a chance of paralyzing their opponent, making these attacks extremely dangerous to the uprepared. Of course, they also like to heal themselves. When near death, these powerful beasts cast Harm on themselves and fully heal. It's important that you either come well prepared for a long fight, or bring something to kill it before it has the chance to heal itself.

Now, one might wonder Why in the world would I go after such a fearsome beast? The answer is simple. They have good treasures. Over my time hunting them professionally, I've come across rare tomes, powerful rods and jewelry and the occasional piece of outstanding armor. That's not to mention the bragging rights you get for slaying such a fearsome beast.

(The above research has been carried out by Analo, professional Dracolich hunter, who takes Dracoliches as her primary hunt.)

Nice :-)

note: Only Vorshlag had an aura that does cold damage, because he used to be a Silver dragon and has retained some few bits and powers after his transformation. Most Dracoliches do not have a cold aura. This also applies to their claw attacks.

Dracoliches can also paralyze with their claw attacks or with a secondary breath weapon.

i thought Frostcornicus( i think that was his name) had an aura also up in Icereach

Thanks for the correction. The above now reflects it.

) EKOD...

So, is this post in aid of those hapless adventurers that spent the entire quest "afeared" in the corner on your last trip to Icreach? *giggle*
Faerwether says "Im sorry"

I personally have found bows most useful against Vorshlag. The reason for this is because he is too large to fit on the bridge. After you get his scales, and other such loot, I would not recommend immediately selling the scales to Darla for the 100,000 gold, but have her get the armor for you, going to Sals in Campton, and thereby getting the 150000, or so.