How can I make my BBEG immortal short of making them a Lich or Vampire?Does Clone spell makes someone effectively immortal?How can I make combat more challenging without making it too frustrating?How do you make a vampire cleric stay dead?How can I stop a PC from getting teleported by BBEG?How do you “safely” imprison a Lich?How can I make a monster weaker?How can I one-shot a vampire?Bounty Boards: How to make them fair and make senseIn Pathfinder, can a destroyed lich be resurrected?How does the max HP increase from the Order of the Immortal mystic's Immortal Durability work?Can a Lich create a new phylactery?

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How can I make my BBEG immortal short of making them a Lich or Vampire?


Does Clone spell makes someone effectively immortal?How can I make combat more challenging without making it too frustrating?How do you make a vampire cleric stay dead?How can I stop a PC from getting teleported by BBEG?How do you “safely” imprison a Lich?How can I make a monster weaker?How can I one-shot a vampire?Bounty Boards: How to make them fair and make senseIn Pathfinder, can a destroyed lich be resurrected?How does the max HP increase from the Order of the Immortal mystic's Immortal Durability work?Can a Lich create a new phylactery?






.everyoneloves__top-leaderboard:empty,.everyoneloves__mid-leaderboard:empty,.everyoneloves__bot-mid-leaderboard:empty margin-bottom:0;








3












$begingroup$


I'm trying to create a BBEG that can't die naturally, or at least lives for thousands of years. The PCs need to be able to kill them in the end though. I know I can use a Lich or Vampire but is there any other way to accomplish this?



I'm not interested in monsters who are already immortal, I am interested in finding a mechanic that will allow my BBEG to be immortal regardless of their race. I am considering making BBEG a Loxodon, but have not yet settled on anything. You can assume that BBEG remains on the material plane for the duration.



The final battle will be at about Level 15 for the PCs.










share|improve this question











$endgroup$







  • 1




    $begingroup$
    @Rubiksmoose Yes, that would be the final battle.
    $endgroup$
    – Eternallord66
    3 hours ago










  • $begingroup$
    A simple Elf/Drow won't do?
    $endgroup$
    – adonies
    3 hours ago










  • $begingroup$
    @adonies Elves/Drow don't live long enough.
    $endgroup$
    – Eternallord66
    3 hours ago










  • $begingroup$
    Let us continue this discussion in chat.
    $endgroup$
    – NautArch
    2 hours ago

















3












$begingroup$


I'm trying to create a BBEG that can't die naturally, or at least lives for thousands of years. The PCs need to be able to kill them in the end though. I know I can use a Lich or Vampire but is there any other way to accomplish this?



I'm not interested in monsters who are already immortal, I am interested in finding a mechanic that will allow my BBEG to be immortal regardless of their race. I am considering making BBEG a Loxodon, but have not yet settled on anything. You can assume that BBEG remains on the material plane for the duration.



The final battle will be at about Level 15 for the PCs.










share|improve this question











$endgroup$







  • 1




    $begingroup$
    @Rubiksmoose Yes, that would be the final battle.
    $endgroup$
    – Eternallord66
    3 hours ago










  • $begingroup$
    A simple Elf/Drow won't do?
    $endgroup$
    – adonies
    3 hours ago










  • $begingroup$
    @adonies Elves/Drow don't live long enough.
    $endgroup$
    – Eternallord66
    3 hours ago










  • $begingroup$
    Let us continue this discussion in chat.
    $endgroup$
    – NautArch
    2 hours ago













3












3








3





$begingroup$


I'm trying to create a BBEG that can't die naturally, or at least lives for thousands of years. The PCs need to be able to kill them in the end though. I know I can use a Lich or Vampire but is there any other way to accomplish this?



I'm not interested in monsters who are already immortal, I am interested in finding a mechanic that will allow my BBEG to be immortal regardless of their race. I am considering making BBEG a Loxodon, but have not yet settled on anything. You can assume that BBEG remains on the material plane for the duration.



The final battle will be at about Level 15 for the PCs.










share|improve this question











$endgroup$




I'm trying to create a BBEG that can't die naturally, or at least lives for thousands of years. The PCs need to be able to kill them in the end though. I know I can use a Lich or Vampire but is there any other way to accomplish this?



I'm not interested in monsters who are already immortal, I am interested in finding a mechanic that will allow my BBEG to be immortal regardless of their race. I am considering making BBEG a Loxodon, but have not yet settled on anything. You can assume that BBEG remains on the material plane for the duration.



The final battle will be at about Level 15 for the PCs.







dnd-5e spells monsters






share|improve this question















share|improve this question













share|improve this question




share|improve this question








edited 37 mins ago









Rubiksmoose

60.5k10291446




60.5k10291446










asked 3 hours ago









Eternallord66Eternallord66

983630




983630







  • 1




    $begingroup$
    @Rubiksmoose Yes, that would be the final battle.
    $endgroup$
    – Eternallord66
    3 hours ago










  • $begingroup$
    A simple Elf/Drow won't do?
    $endgroup$
    – adonies
    3 hours ago










  • $begingroup$
    @adonies Elves/Drow don't live long enough.
    $endgroup$
    – Eternallord66
    3 hours ago










  • $begingroup$
    Let us continue this discussion in chat.
    $endgroup$
    – NautArch
    2 hours ago












  • 1




    $begingroup$
    @Rubiksmoose Yes, that would be the final battle.
    $endgroup$
    – Eternallord66
    3 hours ago










  • $begingroup$
    A simple Elf/Drow won't do?
    $endgroup$
    – adonies
    3 hours ago










  • $begingroup$
    @adonies Elves/Drow don't live long enough.
    $endgroup$
    – Eternallord66
    3 hours ago










  • $begingroup$
    Let us continue this discussion in chat.
    $endgroup$
    – NautArch
    2 hours ago







1




1




$begingroup$
@Rubiksmoose Yes, that would be the final battle.
$endgroup$
– Eternallord66
3 hours ago




$begingroup$
@Rubiksmoose Yes, that would be the final battle.
$endgroup$
– Eternallord66
3 hours ago












$begingroup$
A simple Elf/Drow won't do?
$endgroup$
– adonies
3 hours ago




$begingroup$
A simple Elf/Drow won't do?
$endgroup$
– adonies
3 hours ago












$begingroup$
@adonies Elves/Drow don't live long enough.
$endgroup$
– Eternallord66
3 hours ago




$begingroup$
@adonies Elves/Drow don't live long enough.
$endgroup$
– Eternallord66
3 hours ago












$begingroup$
Let us continue this discussion in chat.
$endgroup$
– NautArch
2 hours ago




$begingroup$
Let us continue this discussion in chat.
$endgroup$
– NautArch
2 hours ago










3 Answers
3






active

oldest

votes


















11












$begingroup$

Have them be a spellcaster with access to high level spells



The easiest way to achieve effective immortality is to use spells. A wizard has access to several of them once they get higher level spell slots.




  • Sequester will allow the BBEG to put themselves into a state of suspended animation during which they will not age. This will allow them to span any amount of time without aging (though it will mean that they are out of action for that time).


  • Clone will provide the BBEG with fresh young bodies to use once their older body dies. With enough of these, they can last an infinite amount of time. See this Q&A for more discussion on this.


  • Wish obviously wish can do anything, including granting immortality. A wish for immortality is unlikely to be granted in a straightforward manner though and would be a good opportunity for the DM to implement some sort of curse or other downside on the BBEG as a result of their wish.


  • Imprisonment is an option but it would require someone else to cast it on BBEG and for them to let them out again.


  • Reincarnate, revivify, resurrection, true resurrection can obviously also bring BBEG back from death assuming there is another caster capable and willing to cast it on them.

Be a high level Druid or Paladin



At 18th level, druids get the Timeless Body feature:




[T]he primal magic that you wield causes you to age more slowly. For every 10 years that pass, your body ages only 1 year.




Combine this with a long-lived race like the elf or warforged (see below) and you easily have thousands of years of life.



An Oath of Ancients paladin at level 15 gets:




Additionally, you suffer none of the drawbacks of old age, and you
can’t be aged magically.




Which seems likely to be able to prevent death from old age as well. (thanks @Walt)



Grant an Epic Boon



As Carcer points out in their answer, a DM can use the Epic Boon of Immortality to grant BBEG Immortality. This assumes that they have 20 PC class levels and may not be justification enough for BBEG being immortal plot-wise, but it is an available mechanic.



Magic items



The Ring of Winter listed in Tomb of Annihilation will prevent aging.



You, as DM can also feel free to invent any kind of item or artifact that can prolong life as well. Just be sure you are fine with having it fall into the PC's hands or have some sort of plan to have them need to destroy it.



In fact...



Make something up



If none of the RAW options above satisfy you, make something up. You are the DM and you have the power to change your world to contain whatever effects you want. Perhaps, the villain found or made a powerful artifact. Or maybe they found a sacred site or ritual that allows them to be long-lived. The options are really endless and really, there shouldn't be much of a concern here because the long-lived villain is a common trope and is not likely to be a problem for players to accept even without explanation.



Or even better, you can mix and match from all these options to create the long-lived villain of your dreams.






share|improve this answer











$endgroup$








  • 1




    $begingroup$
    Oath of Ancients paladin at level 15 gets "Additionally, you suffer none of the drawbacks of old age, and you can’t be aged magically." I'd consider "death" a drawback of old age, no?
    $endgroup$
    – Walt
    39 mins ago











  • $begingroup$
    @Walt nice. I knew there was a paladin option I was missing. Added thanks!
    $endgroup$
    – Rubiksmoose
    35 mins ago


















4












$begingroup$

Use a monster.



There are plenty of creatures available that live for very long times. I won't bother listing all of them, but to name a few:



Dragons live a notoriously long time and can transform into humanoid form.



Fiends (read: Devils) are generally ageless*1



I'm unaware of an age limit for Hags.



Alternatively, MacGuffin



If you're the DM and you want the BBEG to have lived for thousands of years, then he's lived for thousands of years. Literally just make up a reason (try to make it a good reason); demonic pact, other worldly blessing, unicorn blood, whatever.




If you're determined for a RAW humanoid... a handful of class mechanics



As another user mentioned, cloning can keep you young for relatively little cost.



Having a druid cast Reincarnate on you after you die. This is risky because you have to trust someone to actually cast the spell, which is harder for a BBEG to achieve.



Being an 18th level druid slows aging by 90% (1 year for every 10). Combine this with an Elf or Dwarf and you can easily live thousands of years.




Honorable mention: being the target of Imprisonment. You don't age while imprisoned.




*1 The Monster Manual calls them immortal






share|improve this answer











$endgroup$








  • 2




    $begingroup$
    Not only are Devils and Demons ageless, but they reform on their native plane when they die so they keep coming back.
    $endgroup$
    – GreySage
    2 hours ago










  • $begingroup$
    Just so you know, the question is changing a bit as we get more details from OP. Our answers are likely going to change (get shorter).
    $endgroup$
    – Rubiksmoose
    1 hour ago










  • $begingroup$
    The monster section (primarily your answer) is no longer applicable and your humanoid one seems covered now :(
    $endgroup$
    – NautArch
    29 mins ago


















3












$begingroup$

The Epic Boon of Immortality



The DMG (on page 231) describes an optional system of further advancement for characters at 20th level called epic boons:




An epic boon is a special power available only to 20th level characters. Characters at that level gain such boons only if you want them to and only when you feel it's appropriate.



[...]



Epic boons can also be used as a form of advancement, a way to provide greater power to characters who have no more levels to gain. With this approach, consider awarding one epic boon to each character for every 30,000 XP he or she earns above 355,000 XP.




One of the boons described on page 232 is the Boon of Immortality:




You stop aging. You are immune to any effect that would age you, and you can't die from old age.




These options are intended for player characters, but there is no reason you cannot also use them for your NPCs. This method does presume your NPC is a 20th level character; that could be a challenge for a ~15th level party, especially if the BBEG is of a class which gets a very strong capstone ability, like a Circle of the Moon Druid, but it's not a totally insurmountable difference, depending on the circumstances of the fight.






share|improve this answer











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    3 Answers
    3






    active

    oldest

    votes








    3 Answers
    3






    active

    oldest

    votes









    active

    oldest

    votes






    active

    oldest

    votes









    11












    $begingroup$

    Have them be a spellcaster with access to high level spells



    The easiest way to achieve effective immortality is to use spells. A wizard has access to several of them once they get higher level spell slots.




    • Sequester will allow the BBEG to put themselves into a state of suspended animation during which they will not age. This will allow them to span any amount of time without aging (though it will mean that they are out of action for that time).


    • Clone will provide the BBEG with fresh young bodies to use once their older body dies. With enough of these, they can last an infinite amount of time. See this Q&A for more discussion on this.


    • Wish obviously wish can do anything, including granting immortality. A wish for immortality is unlikely to be granted in a straightforward manner though and would be a good opportunity for the DM to implement some sort of curse or other downside on the BBEG as a result of their wish.


    • Imprisonment is an option but it would require someone else to cast it on BBEG and for them to let them out again.


    • Reincarnate, revivify, resurrection, true resurrection can obviously also bring BBEG back from death assuming there is another caster capable and willing to cast it on them.

    Be a high level Druid or Paladin



    At 18th level, druids get the Timeless Body feature:




    [T]he primal magic that you wield causes you to age more slowly. For every 10 years that pass, your body ages only 1 year.




    Combine this with a long-lived race like the elf or warforged (see below) and you easily have thousands of years of life.



    An Oath of Ancients paladin at level 15 gets:




    Additionally, you suffer none of the drawbacks of old age, and you
    can’t be aged magically.




    Which seems likely to be able to prevent death from old age as well. (thanks @Walt)



    Grant an Epic Boon



    As Carcer points out in their answer, a DM can use the Epic Boon of Immortality to grant BBEG Immortality. This assumes that they have 20 PC class levels and may not be justification enough for BBEG being immortal plot-wise, but it is an available mechanic.



    Magic items



    The Ring of Winter listed in Tomb of Annihilation will prevent aging.



    You, as DM can also feel free to invent any kind of item or artifact that can prolong life as well. Just be sure you are fine with having it fall into the PC's hands or have some sort of plan to have them need to destroy it.



    In fact...



    Make something up



    If none of the RAW options above satisfy you, make something up. You are the DM and you have the power to change your world to contain whatever effects you want. Perhaps, the villain found or made a powerful artifact. Or maybe they found a sacred site or ritual that allows them to be long-lived. The options are really endless and really, there shouldn't be much of a concern here because the long-lived villain is a common trope and is not likely to be a problem for players to accept even without explanation.



    Or even better, you can mix and match from all these options to create the long-lived villain of your dreams.






    share|improve this answer











    $endgroup$








    • 1




      $begingroup$
      Oath of Ancients paladin at level 15 gets "Additionally, you suffer none of the drawbacks of old age, and you can’t be aged magically." I'd consider "death" a drawback of old age, no?
      $endgroup$
      – Walt
      39 mins ago











    • $begingroup$
      @Walt nice. I knew there was a paladin option I was missing. Added thanks!
      $endgroup$
      – Rubiksmoose
      35 mins ago















    11












    $begingroup$

    Have them be a spellcaster with access to high level spells



    The easiest way to achieve effective immortality is to use spells. A wizard has access to several of them once they get higher level spell slots.




    • Sequester will allow the BBEG to put themselves into a state of suspended animation during which they will not age. This will allow them to span any amount of time without aging (though it will mean that they are out of action for that time).


    • Clone will provide the BBEG with fresh young bodies to use once their older body dies. With enough of these, they can last an infinite amount of time. See this Q&A for more discussion on this.


    • Wish obviously wish can do anything, including granting immortality. A wish for immortality is unlikely to be granted in a straightforward manner though and would be a good opportunity for the DM to implement some sort of curse or other downside on the BBEG as a result of their wish.


    • Imprisonment is an option but it would require someone else to cast it on BBEG and for them to let them out again.


    • Reincarnate, revivify, resurrection, true resurrection can obviously also bring BBEG back from death assuming there is another caster capable and willing to cast it on them.

    Be a high level Druid or Paladin



    At 18th level, druids get the Timeless Body feature:




    [T]he primal magic that you wield causes you to age more slowly. For every 10 years that pass, your body ages only 1 year.




    Combine this with a long-lived race like the elf or warforged (see below) and you easily have thousands of years of life.



    An Oath of Ancients paladin at level 15 gets:




    Additionally, you suffer none of the drawbacks of old age, and you
    can’t be aged magically.




    Which seems likely to be able to prevent death from old age as well. (thanks @Walt)



    Grant an Epic Boon



    As Carcer points out in their answer, a DM can use the Epic Boon of Immortality to grant BBEG Immortality. This assumes that they have 20 PC class levels and may not be justification enough for BBEG being immortal plot-wise, but it is an available mechanic.



    Magic items



    The Ring of Winter listed in Tomb of Annihilation will prevent aging.



    You, as DM can also feel free to invent any kind of item or artifact that can prolong life as well. Just be sure you are fine with having it fall into the PC's hands or have some sort of plan to have them need to destroy it.



    In fact...



    Make something up



    If none of the RAW options above satisfy you, make something up. You are the DM and you have the power to change your world to contain whatever effects you want. Perhaps, the villain found or made a powerful artifact. Or maybe they found a sacred site or ritual that allows them to be long-lived. The options are really endless and really, there shouldn't be much of a concern here because the long-lived villain is a common trope and is not likely to be a problem for players to accept even without explanation.



    Or even better, you can mix and match from all these options to create the long-lived villain of your dreams.






    share|improve this answer











    $endgroup$








    • 1




      $begingroup$
      Oath of Ancients paladin at level 15 gets "Additionally, you suffer none of the drawbacks of old age, and you can’t be aged magically." I'd consider "death" a drawback of old age, no?
      $endgroup$
      – Walt
      39 mins ago











    • $begingroup$
      @Walt nice. I knew there was a paladin option I was missing. Added thanks!
      $endgroup$
      – Rubiksmoose
      35 mins ago













    11












    11








    11





    $begingroup$

    Have them be a spellcaster with access to high level spells



    The easiest way to achieve effective immortality is to use spells. A wizard has access to several of them once they get higher level spell slots.




    • Sequester will allow the BBEG to put themselves into a state of suspended animation during which they will not age. This will allow them to span any amount of time without aging (though it will mean that they are out of action for that time).


    • Clone will provide the BBEG with fresh young bodies to use once their older body dies. With enough of these, they can last an infinite amount of time. See this Q&A for more discussion on this.


    • Wish obviously wish can do anything, including granting immortality. A wish for immortality is unlikely to be granted in a straightforward manner though and would be a good opportunity for the DM to implement some sort of curse or other downside on the BBEG as a result of their wish.


    • Imprisonment is an option but it would require someone else to cast it on BBEG and for them to let them out again.


    • Reincarnate, revivify, resurrection, true resurrection can obviously also bring BBEG back from death assuming there is another caster capable and willing to cast it on them.

    Be a high level Druid or Paladin



    At 18th level, druids get the Timeless Body feature:




    [T]he primal magic that you wield causes you to age more slowly. For every 10 years that pass, your body ages only 1 year.




    Combine this with a long-lived race like the elf or warforged (see below) and you easily have thousands of years of life.



    An Oath of Ancients paladin at level 15 gets:




    Additionally, you suffer none of the drawbacks of old age, and you
    can’t be aged magically.




    Which seems likely to be able to prevent death from old age as well. (thanks @Walt)



    Grant an Epic Boon



    As Carcer points out in their answer, a DM can use the Epic Boon of Immortality to grant BBEG Immortality. This assumes that they have 20 PC class levels and may not be justification enough for BBEG being immortal plot-wise, but it is an available mechanic.



    Magic items



    The Ring of Winter listed in Tomb of Annihilation will prevent aging.



    You, as DM can also feel free to invent any kind of item or artifact that can prolong life as well. Just be sure you are fine with having it fall into the PC's hands or have some sort of plan to have them need to destroy it.



    In fact...



    Make something up



    If none of the RAW options above satisfy you, make something up. You are the DM and you have the power to change your world to contain whatever effects you want. Perhaps, the villain found or made a powerful artifact. Or maybe they found a sacred site or ritual that allows them to be long-lived. The options are really endless and really, there shouldn't be much of a concern here because the long-lived villain is a common trope and is not likely to be a problem for players to accept even without explanation.



    Or even better, you can mix and match from all these options to create the long-lived villain of your dreams.






    share|improve this answer











    $endgroup$



    Have them be a spellcaster with access to high level spells



    The easiest way to achieve effective immortality is to use spells. A wizard has access to several of them once they get higher level spell slots.




    • Sequester will allow the BBEG to put themselves into a state of suspended animation during which they will not age. This will allow them to span any amount of time without aging (though it will mean that they are out of action for that time).


    • Clone will provide the BBEG with fresh young bodies to use once their older body dies. With enough of these, they can last an infinite amount of time. See this Q&A for more discussion on this.


    • Wish obviously wish can do anything, including granting immortality. A wish for immortality is unlikely to be granted in a straightforward manner though and would be a good opportunity for the DM to implement some sort of curse or other downside on the BBEG as a result of their wish.


    • Imprisonment is an option but it would require someone else to cast it on BBEG and for them to let them out again.


    • Reincarnate, revivify, resurrection, true resurrection can obviously also bring BBEG back from death assuming there is another caster capable and willing to cast it on them.

    Be a high level Druid or Paladin



    At 18th level, druids get the Timeless Body feature:




    [T]he primal magic that you wield causes you to age more slowly. For every 10 years that pass, your body ages only 1 year.




    Combine this with a long-lived race like the elf or warforged (see below) and you easily have thousands of years of life.



    An Oath of Ancients paladin at level 15 gets:




    Additionally, you suffer none of the drawbacks of old age, and you
    can’t be aged magically.




    Which seems likely to be able to prevent death from old age as well. (thanks @Walt)



    Grant an Epic Boon



    As Carcer points out in their answer, a DM can use the Epic Boon of Immortality to grant BBEG Immortality. This assumes that they have 20 PC class levels and may not be justification enough for BBEG being immortal plot-wise, but it is an available mechanic.



    Magic items



    The Ring of Winter listed in Tomb of Annihilation will prevent aging.



    You, as DM can also feel free to invent any kind of item or artifact that can prolong life as well. Just be sure you are fine with having it fall into the PC's hands or have some sort of plan to have them need to destroy it.



    In fact...



    Make something up



    If none of the RAW options above satisfy you, make something up. You are the DM and you have the power to change your world to contain whatever effects you want. Perhaps, the villain found or made a powerful artifact. Or maybe they found a sacred site or ritual that allows them to be long-lived. The options are really endless and really, there shouldn't be much of a concern here because the long-lived villain is a common trope and is not likely to be a problem for players to accept even without explanation.



    Or even better, you can mix and match from all these options to create the long-lived villain of your dreams.







    share|improve this answer














    share|improve this answer



    share|improve this answer








    edited 35 mins ago

























    answered 3 hours ago









    RubiksmooseRubiksmoose

    60.5k10291446




    60.5k10291446







    • 1




      $begingroup$
      Oath of Ancients paladin at level 15 gets "Additionally, you suffer none of the drawbacks of old age, and you can’t be aged magically." I'd consider "death" a drawback of old age, no?
      $endgroup$
      – Walt
      39 mins ago











    • $begingroup$
      @Walt nice. I knew there was a paladin option I was missing. Added thanks!
      $endgroup$
      – Rubiksmoose
      35 mins ago












    • 1




      $begingroup$
      Oath of Ancients paladin at level 15 gets "Additionally, you suffer none of the drawbacks of old age, and you can’t be aged magically." I'd consider "death" a drawback of old age, no?
      $endgroup$
      – Walt
      39 mins ago











    • $begingroup$
      @Walt nice. I knew there was a paladin option I was missing. Added thanks!
      $endgroup$
      – Rubiksmoose
      35 mins ago







    1




    1




    $begingroup$
    Oath of Ancients paladin at level 15 gets "Additionally, you suffer none of the drawbacks of old age, and you can’t be aged magically." I'd consider "death" a drawback of old age, no?
    $endgroup$
    – Walt
    39 mins ago





    $begingroup$
    Oath of Ancients paladin at level 15 gets "Additionally, you suffer none of the drawbacks of old age, and you can’t be aged magically." I'd consider "death" a drawback of old age, no?
    $endgroup$
    – Walt
    39 mins ago













    $begingroup$
    @Walt nice. I knew there was a paladin option I was missing. Added thanks!
    $endgroup$
    – Rubiksmoose
    35 mins ago




    $begingroup$
    @Walt nice. I knew there was a paladin option I was missing. Added thanks!
    $endgroup$
    – Rubiksmoose
    35 mins ago













    4












    $begingroup$

    Use a monster.



    There are plenty of creatures available that live for very long times. I won't bother listing all of them, but to name a few:



    Dragons live a notoriously long time and can transform into humanoid form.



    Fiends (read: Devils) are generally ageless*1



    I'm unaware of an age limit for Hags.



    Alternatively, MacGuffin



    If you're the DM and you want the BBEG to have lived for thousands of years, then he's lived for thousands of years. Literally just make up a reason (try to make it a good reason); demonic pact, other worldly blessing, unicorn blood, whatever.




    If you're determined for a RAW humanoid... a handful of class mechanics



    As another user mentioned, cloning can keep you young for relatively little cost.



    Having a druid cast Reincarnate on you after you die. This is risky because you have to trust someone to actually cast the spell, which is harder for a BBEG to achieve.



    Being an 18th level druid slows aging by 90% (1 year for every 10). Combine this with an Elf or Dwarf and you can easily live thousands of years.




    Honorable mention: being the target of Imprisonment. You don't age while imprisoned.




    *1 The Monster Manual calls them immortal






    share|improve this answer











    $endgroup$








    • 2




      $begingroup$
      Not only are Devils and Demons ageless, but they reform on their native plane when they die so they keep coming back.
      $endgroup$
      – GreySage
      2 hours ago










    • $begingroup$
      Just so you know, the question is changing a bit as we get more details from OP. Our answers are likely going to change (get shorter).
      $endgroup$
      – Rubiksmoose
      1 hour ago










    • $begingroup$
      The monster section (primarily your answer) is no longer applicable and your humanoid one seems covered now :(
      $endgroup$
      – NautArch
      29 mins ago















    4












    $begingroup$

    Use a monster.



    There are plenty of creatures available that live for very long times. I won't bother listing all of them, but to name a few:



    Dragons live a notoriously long time and can transform into humanoid form.



    Fiends (read: Devils) are generally ageless*1



    I'm unaware of an age limit for Hags.



    Alternatively, MacGuffin



    If you're the DM and you want the BBEG to have lived for thousands of years, then he's lived for thousands of years. Literally just make up a reason (try to make it a good reason); demonic pact, other worldly blessing, unicorn blood, whatever.




    If you're determined for a RAW humanoid... a handful of class mechanics



    As another user mentioned, cloning can keep you young for relatively little cost.



    Having a druid cast Reincarnate on you after you die. This is risky because you have to trust someone to actually cast the spell, which is harder for a BBEG to achieve.



    Being an 18th level druid slows aging by 90% (1 year for every 10). Combine this with an Elf or Dwarf and you can easily live thousands of years.




    Honorable mention: being the target of Imprisonment. You don't age while imprisoned.




    *1 The Monster Manual calls them immortal






    share|improve this answer











    $endgroup$








    • 2




      $begingroup$
      Not only are Devils and Demons ageless, but they reform on their native plane when they die so they keep coming back.
      $endgroup$
      – GreySage
      2 hours ago










    • $begingroup$
      Just so you know, the question is changing a bit as we get more details from OP. Our answers are likely going to change (get shorter).
      $endgroup$
      – Rubiksmoose
      1 hour ago










    • $begingroup$
      The monster section (primarily your answer) is no longer applicable and your humanoid one seems covered now :(
      $endgroup$
      – NautArch
      29 mins ago













    4












    4








    4





    $begingroup$

    Use a monster.



    There are plenty of creatures available that live for very long times. I won't bother listing all of them, but to name a few:



    Dragons live a notoriously long time and can transform into humanoid form.



    Fiends (read: Devils) are generally ageless*1



    I'm unaware of an age limit for Hags.



    Alternatively, MacGuffin



    If you're the DM and you want the BBEG to have lived for thousands of years, then he's lived for thousands of years. Literally just make up a reason (try to make it a good reason); demonic pact, other worldly blessing, unicorn blood, whatever.




    If you're determined for a RAW humanoid... a handful of class mechanics



    As another user mentioned, cloning can keep you young for relatively little cost.



    Having a druid cast Reincarnate on you after you die. This is risky because you have to trust someone to actually cast the spell, which is harder for a BBEG to achieve.



    Being an 18th level druid slows aging by 90% (1 year for every 10). Combine this with an Elf or Dwarf and you can easily live thousands of years.




    Honorable mention: being the target of Imprisonment. You don't age while imprisoned.




    *1 The Monster Manual calls them immortal






    share|improve this answer











    $endgroup$



    Use a monster.



    There are plenty of creatures available that live for very long times. I won't bother listing all of them, but to name a few:



    Dragons live a notoriously long time and can transform into humanoid form.



    Fiends (read: Devils) are generally ageless*1



    I'm unaware of an age limit for Hags.



    Alternatively, MacGuffin



    If you're the DM and you want the BBEG to have lived for thousands of years, then he's lived for thousands of years. Literally just make up a reason (try to make it a good reason); demonic pact, other worldly blessing, unicorn blood, whatever.




    If you're determined for a RAW humanoid... a handful of class mechanics



    As another user mentioned, cloning can keep you young for relatively little cost.



    Having a druid cast Reincarnate on you after you die. This is risky because you have to trust someone to actually cast the spell, which is harder for a BBEG to achieve.



    Being an 18th level druid slows aging by 90% (1 year for every 10). Combine this with an Elf or Dwarf and you can easily live thousands of years.




    Honorable mention: being the target of Imprisonment. You don't age while imprisoned.




    *1 The Monster Manual calls them immortal







    share|improve this answer














    share|improve this answer



    share|improve this answer








    edited 2 hours ago

























    answered 2 hours ago









    goodguy5goodguy5

    9,69023577




    9,69023577







    • 2




      $begingroup$
      Not only are Devils and Demons ageless, but they reform on their native plane when they die so they keep coming back.
      $endgroup$
      – GreySage
      2 hours ago










    • $begingroup$
      Just so you know, the question is changing a bit as we get more details from OP. Our answers are likely going to change (get shorter).
      $endgroup$
      – Rubiksmoose
      1 hour ago










    • $begingroup$
      The monster section (primarily your answer) is no longer applicable and your humanoid one seems covered now :(
      $endgroup$
      – NautArch
      29 mins ago












    • 2




      $begingroup$
      Not only are Devils and Demons ageless, but they reform on their native plane when they die so they keep coming back.
      $endgroup$
      – GreySage
      2 hours ago










    • $begingroup$
      Just so you know, the question is changing a bit as we get more details from OP. Our answers are likely going to change (get shorter).
      $endgroup$
      – Rubiksmoose
      1 hour ago










    • $begingroup$
      The monster section (primarily your answer) is no longer applicable and your humanoid one seems covered now :(
      $endgroup$
      – NautArch
      29 mins ago







    2




    2




    $begingroup$
    Not only are Devils and Demons ageless, but they reform on their native plane when they die so they keep coming back.
    $endgroup$
    – GreySage
    2 hours ago




    $begingroup$
    Not only are Devils and Demons ageless, but they reform on their native plane when they die so they keep coming back.
    $endgroup$
    – GreySage
    2 hours ago












    $begingroup$
    Just so you know, the question is changing a bit as we get more details from OP. Our answers are likely going to change (get shorter).
    $endgroup$
    – Rubiksmoose
    1 hour ago




    $begingroup$
    Just so you know, the question is changing a bit as we get more details from OP. Our answers are likely going to change (get shorter).
    $endgroup$
    – Rubiksmoose
    1 hour ago












    $begingroup$
    The monster section (primarily your answer) is no longer applicable and your humanoid one seems covered now :(
    $endgroup$
    – NautArch
    29 mins ago




    $begingroup$
    The monster section (primarily your answer) is no longer applicable and your humanoid one seems covered now :(
    $endgroup$
    – NautArch
    29 mins ago











    3












    $begingroup$

    The Epic Boon of Immortality



    The DMG (on page 231) describes an optional system of further advancement for characters at 20th level called epic boons:




    An epic boon is a special power available only to 20th level characters. Characters at that level gain such boons only if you want them to and only when you feel it's appropriate.



    [...]



    Epic boons can also be used as a form of advancement, a way to provide greater power to characters who have no more levels to gain. With this approach, consider awarding one epic boon to each character for every 30,000 XP he or she earns above 355,000 XP.




    One of the boons described on page 232 is the Boon of Immortality:




    You stop aging. You are immune to any effect that would age you, and you can't die from old age.




    These options are intended for player characters, but there is no reason you cannot also use them for your NPCs. This method does presume your NPC is a 20th level character; that could be a challenge for a ~15th level party, especially if the BBEG is of a class which gets a very strong capstone ability, like a Circle of the Moon Druid, but it's not a totally insurmountable difference, depending on the circumstances of the fight.






    share|improve this answer











    $endgroup$

















      3












      $begingroup$

      The Epic Boon of Immortality



      The DMG (on page 231) describes an optional system of further advancement for characters at 20th level called epic boons:




      An epic boon is a special power available only to 20th level characters. Characters at that level gain such boons only if you want them to and only when you feel it's appropriate.



      [...]



      Epic boons can also be used as a form of advancement, a way to provide greater power to characters who have no more levels to gain. With this approach, consider awarding one epic boon to each character for every 30,000 XP he or she earns above 355,000 XP.




      One of the boons described on page 232 is the Boon of Immortality:




      You stop aging. You are immune to any effect that would age you, and you can't die from old age.




      These options are intended for player characters, but there is no reason you cannot also use them for your NPCs. This method does presume your NPC is a 20th level character; that could be a challenge for a ~15th level party, especially if the BBEG is of a class which gets a very strong capstone ability, like a Circle of the Moon Druid, but it's not a totally insurmountable difference, depending on the circumstances of the fight.






      share|improve this answer











      $endgroup$















        3












        3








        3





        $begingroup$

        The Epic Boon of Immortality



        The DMG (on page 231) describes an optional system of further advancement for characters at 20th level called epic boons:




        An epic boon is a special power available only to 20th level characters. Characters at that level gain such boons only if you want them to and only when you feel it's appropriate.



        [...]



        Epic boons can also be used as a form of advancement, a way to provide greater power to characters who have no more levels to gain. With this approach, consider awarding one epic boon to each character for every 30,000 XP he or she earns above 355,000 XP.




        One of the boons described on page 232 is the Boon of Immortality:




        You stop aging. You are immune to any effect that would age you, and you can't die from old age.




        These options are intended for player characters, but there is no reason you cannot also use them for your NPCs. This method does presume your NPC is a 20th level character; that could be a challenge for a ~15th level party, especially if the BBEG is of a class which gets a very strong capstone ability, like a Circle of the Moon Druid, but it's not a totally insurmountable difference, depending on the circumstances of the fight.






        share|improve this answer











        $endgroup$



        The Epic Boon of Immortality



        The DMG (on page 231) describes an optional system of further advancement for characters at 20th level called epic boons:




        An epic boon is a special power available only to 20th level characters. Characters at that level gain such boons only if you want them to and only when you feel it's appropriate.



        [...]



        Epic boons can also be used as a form of advancement, a way to provide greater power to characters who have no more levels to gain. With this approach, consider awarding one epic boon to each character for every 30,000 XP he or she earns above 355,000 XP.




        One of the boons described on page 232 is the Boon of Immortality:




        You stop aging. You are immune to any effect that would age you, and you can't die from old age.




        These options are intended for player characters, but there is no reason you cannot also use them for your NPCs. This method does presume your NPC is a 20th level character; that could be a challenge for a ~15th level party, especially if the BBEG is of a class which gets a very strong capstone ability, like a Circle of the Moon Druid, but it's not a totally insurmountable difference, depending on the circumstances of the fight.







        share|improve this answer














        share|improve this answer



        share|improve this answer








        edited 34 mins ago

























        answered 56 mins ago









        CarcerCarcer

        26.6k579140




        26.6k579140



























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