Vampire/Vampire Spawn ECLs?

[Dagredhel]

Hey there.

I just finished glancing over Savage Species. I had hoped there would be more on vampires, but oh well. It has interested me in the idea of spreading the abilities of a vampire (spawn?) over a certain number of levels to make a 'monster class' as per the examples in the book. But how many levels to spread them over? Does anyone know the ECL of a standard vampire spawn or templated (full-fledged) vampire? Are the ECLs official/published, and if so, where? Would anyone like to take a stab at analyzing the ECL per the guidelines in Savage Species?

I'd appreciate any and all feedback, thoughts, or suggestions.

Thanks!

 

[Yeoman]

Actually I think that the templates ecl is listed in the appendix at the end of the book. I could have sworn vampire was on there, but IDHMB with me at work.

 

[Darklone]

I think it's a bit strange to stretch some templates over a few levels.... I would have thought a vampire does not acquire abilities during time. He simply is that way.

 

[Dagredhel]

Actually I think that the templates ecl is listed in the appendix at the end of the book. I could have sworn vampire was on there, but IDHMB with me at work.

You're absolutely right. I missed it. The vampire template is listed as +5 ECL.

For a creature to become a full-fledged, templated vampire, rather than a vampire spawn, the creature must start out with 5 or more HD, so a vampire's total level equivalent will be 10 or better.

I'd still like to know the ECL of a vampire spawn. Because its not templated, it seems like a better starting point for a Savage Species-style monster class.

 

[Dagredhel]

I think it's a bit strange to stretch some templates over a few levels.... I would have thought a vampire does not acquire abilities during time. He simply is that way.

What I was thinking was that the vampire's abilities could be spread over a goodly number of levels, more than a few, to replace the template entirely. A newly 'spawned' vampire would trade-in previous class levels for vampire monster levels on a one-for-one basis. Once the basic vampiric abilities were 'bought' in this fashion, the character would have the option to retain remaining class levels or swap them for advanced vampire monster class (prestige class?) levels. A creature without levels to swap-out for vampire levels could still get the basic vampiric abilities/monstrous class levels, but then be stuck with an experience point deficit reflecting the sudden bump in ECL.

I haven't worked out the details. I'm just playing with the notion at this point, wondering if it would be feasible.

And as far as it goes, I think its safe to say that the idea of a vampire becoming more potent with the passage of time, of older vampires being more powerful, is pretty prevalent. If we take it for granted, then the question would be benchmarking the lower threshold of power for newly created undead fresh from the grave.

 

[Dagredhel]

***BUMP***

Anyone? Pretty please?

 

[Zarthon]

And as far as it goes, I think its safe to say that the idea of a vampire becoming more potent with the passage of time, of older vampires being more powerful, is pretty prevalent. If we take it for granted, then the question would be benchmarking the lower threshold of power for newly created undead fresh from the grave.

There is a Vampire Lord template at the Wizards of the Coast website.