Vampire

Historic woodcut portraits associated with Vlad the Impaler. — Vlad Țepeș Woodcuts, Wikimedia Commons.

Armor Class: 2 [17]
Hit Dice: 7–9
Attacks: Bite (See below)
Special: See below
Move: 12/18 (when flying)
HDE/XP: 9/1,100; 10/1,400; 11/1,700

Description

Vampires are some of the most powerful of undead creatures. They can only be hit with magic weapons and when “killed” in this way they change into a gaseous form,returning to their coffins. They regenerate at a rate of 3 hit points per round, can turn into gaseous form or into a giant bat at will, and can summon a horde of bats or 3d6 wolves out from the night.Looking into a vampire’s eyes necessitates a saving throw at -2, or the character is charmed (as per the spell Charm Person). Most terrifyingly,a vampire’s bite drains two levels from the victim. Fortunately, vampires have some weaknesses. They can be killed (these are the only known methods) by immersing them in running water, exposing them to sunlight, or driving a wooden stake through the heart.They retreat from the smell of garlic, the sight of a mirror,or the sight of “good” holy symbols. Any human killed by a vampire becomes a vampire under the control of its creator. This description will be recognized easily as the“Dracula” type of vampire. Many other possibilities for vampires exist in folklore: Chinese vampires, for instance,and blood-drinkers more feral than intelligent. Plus, other cultural templates with different attributes could be created—how about an ancient Egyptian mummified vampire, or an Aztec vampire?