Game Effects for Vampire Bites

[Aluvial]

Perhaps this is a rules question, but I'm not system specific (play both 4e and 3.5).

I'm playing a gothic adventure with the lead BBG being a vampiric wizard. the head vampire has plenty of lesser vampires (spawn) running around, and a few major creatures (over 5 HD) that he's turned to bloodsucking.

During the a few of the encounters, a few of the PC's have been biten.

I'd like to try and incorporate some vampire lore into the game that has something to do with the bites.

Going with the idea that 3 bites and then biting the original vampire will turn you into a vampire, what effects could I use for the three stages before vampirism?

Thanks for any help.

Aluvial

 

[Rechan]

Bite #1:

Symptoms: Victim cannot remember the attack, and can barely remember the vampire that fed from them, often dismissing it as a dream or other bit of confusion.

For the Vampire: The vampire who bit you knows your current location.

Bite #2:

Symptoms: Victim wakes in a bit of a stupor, very suggestible at first. Victim is lethargic, sluggish, and may show mild discoloration. The connection between the vampire and the victim grows stronger; other things (such as dogs and other animals) can sense this, and they avoid the victim. The victim is subconsciously nervous around holy sites and symbols. (Possible mechanics: Mild penalty to will and speed. Mild penalty in presence of holy sites.)

For the Vamipre: The vampire that bit you can Compel you to their location. Either one is in a state of sleepwalking daze, or a subconscious leading - the victim thinks they are going in the "right" direction, but is invariably going in the direction of the vampire.

Bite #3

Symptoms: Victim wakes in state of confusion, and can easily lapse into staring off into space. Victim is visibly pale and weak. Victim openly avoids daylight and anything affiliated with holy power. The proximity to undeath is very near. Other undead can sense the looming Undeath hanging over the victim. (Possible mechanics: Penalty to all defenses/saving throws or healing surges. Target may get less from healing (or be healed by negative energy) or have Necrotic resistance. Victim is treated as an undead, thus can be targeted by Turn Undead).

For the Vampire: The Victim is extremely susceptible to the vampire that bit them (or possibly any vampire), having a penalty to overcome any effect the vampire might throw at the victim. The Vampire also has powers of suggestion over the victim beyond simple Domination (treat as Suggestion spell, perhaps).