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Message: <blockquote data-quote="Dagredhel" data-source="post: 1331647" data-attributes="member: 3421">This thread is for anyone interested in modeling a vampire variant that is as true as we can make it to the creatures described in Dracula.My opening thoughts:1. Vampires in the novel (obviously) don't have Energy Drain, and while Dracula gets his hands dirty disposing of Renfield, he does it while grappling (taking that -4 to attack to do lethal damage?), so I'd argue no Slam Attack, either.2. Spider Climb: Dracula climbs down the wall of his castle headfirst, certainly.  But I would attribute this feat to his enormous strength and unflagging stamina--- and to the plentiful hand and footholds the weather-worn structure affords.  It may be nitpicking, but I think a Climb speed would model the ability better.3. Gaseous Form:  Both Lucy and Dracula's brides make use of this power, so it would have to be standard for spawn.  The brides appear capable of mesmerizing an opponent while in this form, the effect on Jonathan Harker something like a Hold Person spell.  I'm not sure they can use the ability at will, anywhere, however.  To gain entrance or egress from their resting place or lair, sure, which in the case of the brides might include the entire castle.  But is this one of the abilities that is limited to places where the vampire has power, like his haunts, or the abode of his victim, into which he has been invited?  The vampire probably can't use the power during the day.  I guess my question is whether a vampire could use it at night, in the middle of a field, say, in order to avoid an encounter, or whether its use is more circumscribed.  On the other hand, Dracula fades to mist when attacked by a knife-wielding sailor.  The question is whether the entire vessel is his temporary 'lair' at the time.4. Alternate Form:  Dracula definitely uses the shape of a bat, and another that is described as a large wild dog but might be a wolf.  But (I think?) he is limited to changing shape at certain times of the day (dawn, twilight, noon) and in certain places, either his lairs, the abode of his victim, or 'unholy' places like the grave of the suicide.  Any thoughts on this?  In terms of game mechanics, I'd lean towards applying adjustments (as with were-creatures) to the vampire's ability scores rather than giving him the standard for the animal type, rather than the ability to assume the form of the dire version of the animal.5. Summoning:  I think Van Helsing describes this ability to summon and command lesser creatures, rats and insects, if I remember correctly.  While Dracula is able to sort of demand submission of wolves, they don't seem to react to him very well--- he can make an individual dog or wolf cower when in cliose proximity, or make a pack scatter with a sweeping gesture and words, but they complain of his presence when he is near.  He also speaks words to his carriage horses to soothe them--- a spell, or Handle Animal check?Anyway, more thoughts to come--- Ihave to get ready for work now!I look forward to your ideas--- please share!</blockquote>

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