The Vampyr-with illustrations, age categories, a PrC, & a half-vampyr template!!!

[Camarath]

Yes, on both counts. (Should I specify that, or do you think it would be better reworded? I think I borrowed the language from the MSRD.)

I think you should add "grapple checks" such that it reads "takes a –2 penalty on melee attack rolls and grapple checks" because there is some contention on if grapple checks actualy count as melee attack rolls.

 

[Camarath]

The other thing that is nagging me is that I seem to recall that Van Helsing laid a circle of protection using holy wafers towards the end of the novel which kept Dracula's brides at bay (and maybe kept Mina inside?) That may need some mentioning...

To me Communion wafers sound very much like a holy symbol crafted of precious materials (in this case the metaphorical body of Christ) and blessed upon a consecrated altar.

 

[Camarath]

Maybe I should have also made it explicit that if a character corners a vampyr with a consecrated holy symbol and then uses it to attack, (or makes any sort of attack, for that matter,) then the vampyr is free to respond in kind? I figured that since holding the creature at bay is a standard action, a character wouldn't be able to do that and make an attack at the same time.

If you do not want one character to hold off and maybe corner a vampyr while the other characters (or maybe the same character in exceptional circumstances such as Shapechanged into a Choker) attack with reach weapons you should state the being attacked either suppresses the effect for one round or ends the effect and the effect can not be resumed for one round.

 

[Dagredhel]

Originally Posted by Camarath

I think I would go with CR +2 since it is not any more powerful than the base Vampire template but still provides a number of abilities that would make it challenging to encounter and ECL +4 becuase it provides good abilities that are somewhat balanced by a significant set of limitations and none of the abilities appear to be devastating except for the Mesmerize ability, also the template looks about as strong as the other ECL +4 templates Lich, Half-Celestial, and Half-Fiend.

I edited the template to reflect your suggestions. Thanks .

I think you should add "grapple checks" such that it reads "takes a –2 penalty on melee attack rolls and grapple checks" because there is some contention on if grapple checks actualy count as melee attack rolls.

Makes sense. Edited for added clarity. Thanks again!

To me Communion wafers sound very much like a holy symbol crafted of precious materials (in this case the metaphorical body of Christ) and blessed upon a consecrated altar.

My thinking was this:
I didn't want to supersede or render superfluous the Cleric's (or Paladin's) ability to Turn Undead.

I figured I could manage this by first making a distinction between holy symbols based upon their material construction (and therefore their cost,) and secondly by requiring the more potent type be blessed on a consecrated altar, to necesitate the good offices of a cleric in its creation.

There were also considerations based upon the novel: Van Helsing runs around with silver and gold crucifixes in Dracula. And (I think it was) Harker (who) ponders the question of whether the power of the crucifix over the vampire is the result of belief, faith, and trust, or of a quality inherent in the object. I wanted to preserve a bit of both.

I also figured that there is already a game mechanic in place for Holy Water. Communion wafers seemed similar to me in the sense that they are both made from a common material, be it water or unleavened bread, which is then sanctified by--- and gains its efficacy against the undead as a consequence of--- ritual.

But upon consideration, I goofed. If we assume for game purposes (only!) that the creation of a sacred foodstuff follows the guidelines for the creation of holy water, then it requires the expenditure of 25gp. worth of silver, putting it on par with a silver holy symbol in terms of expense.

So to make a long story short, you're right.

 

[Dagredhel]

If you do not want one character to hold off and maybe corner a vampyr while the other characters (or maybe the same character in exceptional circumstances such as Shapechanged into a Choker) attack with reach weapons you should state the being attacked either suppresses the effect for one round or ends the effect and the effect can not be resumed for one round.

Actually, this scenario doesn't bother me that much, especially considering the vampyr's spider climb and gaseous form abilities. If a party does manage to trap a vampyr regardless, then I think they should be able to hack away at it with something long and sharp--- if they're clever enough to think of it.

 

[Camarath]

Actually, this scenario doesn't bother me that much, especially considering the vampyr's spider climb and gaseous form abilities. If a party does manage to trap a vampyr regardless, then I think they should be able to hack away at it with something long and sharp--- if they're clever enough to think of it.

Team work and clever thinking are always good things to reward.

One more thing the Mesmerize ability does it require a standard action each round to mantain the effect or does the effect last untill the target succeeds at its save as per the Hold Monster spell?

 

[Camarath]

sorry double post

 

[Camarath]

triple post

 

[Camarath]

I really should check and see if there is a second page before I assume it didn't post.

 

[Ferret]

Actually I like the idea of thousands of bats flying out of a crematorium chimney.

The only other thing I can say is that as written its rather blocky.