Lengthening one's life

[Zanniej]

So, I was reading about Halaster Blackcloak (not even sure how I got there though . . . ) and read that he's over 1100 years old. That's quite old for a human.

Apart from becoming undead, what means do humans / wizards have to lengthen their life (like Halaster Blackcloak has done? Can't even find how he done it).

[kleomenes]

Well the simple answer is that the original FR, before it was ever in D&D, allowed magical means of longevity. And 2nd edition at least had potions of longevity for this purpose too.

Those were removed from 3rd ed but many powerful individuals seem to enjoy prolonged life - the chosen of mystra, that ice witch in the great glacier (chosen of auril). Halaster is always implied to be something a bit more than "a mad old mage" so it might be that we don't know why but that its not something common for him.

I suppose the short answer is "chosen of the gods" and/or "powerful magic" allow it?

I'd have thought this a topic for tips and tricks though?

[Zanniej]

I'd have thought this a topic for tips and tricks though?

I have no idea what you're talking about
(sorry, couldn't quite judge where to place it. Thanks )

---

I figured it would need to be some spell or ritual, or something. Didn't think of divine intervention. Good one!

[Steve]

Vegetarian diet, regular exercise and positive acceptance of the trials of life.

Oh wait....you're asking/talking fantasy! Oops.

Anyway....I'm gonna just say this here: MAGIC!!

Oh, btw, I did catch this little bitty:

In 1372 DR when Elminster was inadvertently sent to hell while defending the Dalelands from the Shadovar. Mystra made a bargain with Halaster, that she would try to cure his insanity if he rescued Elminster from hell. Halaster agreed, and entered Avernus. Though he was unsuccessful, and had to be rescued in turn by Alassra Silverhand,

Maybe Mystra should have called on any number of our own Epic Heroes and Villains, since they seem to easily bypass the dangers of Hell, no sweat (okay, maybe a little sweat...I mean, it IS hot there!).

lol.

[Darkcloud777]

Use of a limited wish removes 10 years

[aaron22]

Use of a limited wish removes 10 years

i limited wish for 20 years added.

[Flasmix]

Push-ups, sit-ups and plenty of juice.

[The Whistler]

The Zhentarim inner circle is rumored to possess such secrets.

Also, this

[chad878262]

beer...

In all honesty I think the reason potions of longevity no longer show up after 2nd edition is because spells like haste no longer age the recipients of the spell by a year. In 1st and 2nd edition if the core rules were utilized this was a big deal for Humans and some other short lived races since you may start in your 20's, but if you get touched by a ghost, have a few haste's cast on you all the sudden you are at -1STR and CON +1 INT and WIS at 40 yrs (or whatever the cutoff was, going from memory here).

Haste has always been a powerful spell, but it used to come with a cost that, perhaps an elf would be more willing to pay than a human, for instance. In any case, a potion of longevity was a sought after prize in some tabletop games since it really could help a human who'd had one too many failed saves against a ghost.

[Storm Munin]

Become undead (Lich, vamp or whatever).
Become a Chosen of a god
Make use of clones (spell)
Wish or miracle spell
Potions or amulet of longevity
Get stuck in a magic item (during the spell plague or whenever)
Convince a deity you need a second chance at life for whatever reason


Did I miss something besides mundane things like exercise, a healthy diet and above all not trying to kill Elminster (even by mistake)?

[Hoihe]

Befriend a druid.
Get killed near druid.
Get Reincarnated as a young adult of your new race and sex.
Repeat ad infinitum.

(well, until the whateverhteirnameis decide you're breaking the laws of universe and come to kill you for being alive for thousands of years)

[Blackman D]

(well, until the whateverhteirnameis decide you're breaking the laws of universe and come to kill you for being alive for thousands of years)

that would be the gods of the dead that will actually send people out to do such because they hate people cheating the life/death cycle, like kelemvor

and in that case lichdom is probably your safer choice since you can probably find others doing the same thing to help you fend off the doomguides

[Hoihe]

(well, until the whateverhteirnameis decide you're breaking the laws of universe and come to kill you for being alive for thousands of years)

that would be the gods of the dead that will actually send people out to do such because they hate people cheating the life/death cycle, like kelemvor

and in that case lichdom is probably your safer choice since you can probably find others doing the same thing to help you fend off the doomguides

There's some creature existing across all timelines/worlds called the "unsomething", Unrelenting, Unstoppable? Something.

[Selande]

Petrification.

[Moltrazahn]

Eat your veggies, exercise, get fresh air and get plenty of vitamins. Remember to have a routine and do something that gets you up in the morning! Long life ensured!