D&D 5E Vampire Query

[pedro2112]

Is the only way to kill a full vampire to get it to 0 hit points and force it into mist form, and then destroy its resting place so it cannot reform? Is there any other way?

 

[Warmaster Horus]

Killing in sunlight or running water prevents the mist transformation and destroys the vampire. Using the Sunbeam spell or a Sunblade (and bringing a Vampire to 0hp in their sunlight radius) is a great way to polish them off without having to hunt down their resting place.

 

[MonsterEnvy]

Staking also solves the problem as they have no way to remove it.

 

[pedro2112]

Killing in sunlight or running water prevents the mist transformation and destroys the vampire. Using the Sunbeam spell or a Sunblade (and bringing a Vampire to 0hp in their sunlight radius) is a great way to polish them off without having to hunt down their resting place.

When I read the entry in the MM, I must have missed that part at the end of the first paragraph of Misty Escape. Thanks for pointing that out.

 

[MiraMels]

Drop them to 0 hit points while they're in a Moonbeam spell.

The vampire's "Misty Escape" feature says, "If it can't transform, it is destroyed".

Moonbeam says that shapechangers, once they fail their save against the spell, can't assume a different form until they leave the spell's light.

It's a pretty tricky thing to set up, but it should work.