Vampires and Domination

[AuraSeer]

FTR, flanking the vampire will not prevent him from using his dominate ability. He has to focus on his attackers one at a time, of course. But once he dominates someone, they're no longer a threat to him, and no longer count toward flanking.

Moreover, it takes a standard action to use this, so unless the vampire is hasted, it won't be doing anything else in the round, giving other party members a good chance to beat it senseless or turn it.

It's a standard action, not a full-round action, which means he can still move. He doesn't have to stand still and get pummelled.

Anyway, "not doing anything else in the round" is moot, because domination is probably the most powerful weapon he can bring to bear. Unless the vampire is also a high-level spellcaster, it's unlikely that any of his other abilities could be more disruptive to the party.

I never said vampires were invincible, but I do think may DMs underestimate and underutilize their power.

 

[Xahn'Tyr]

Subjects resist this control, and those forced to take actions
against their nature receive a new saving throw with a bonus of
+1 to +4, depending on the type of action required. Obviously
self-destructive orders are not carried out. Once control is
established, the range at which it can be exercised is unlimited,
as long as the character and the subject are on the same plane.

It is probably in most fighters nature to kill vampires that are eating his friends, so that's a bonus save right there. It's probably self destructive to stand immobile while the vampire kills your friends, so that is not an option. You are not charmed. You don't like the vampire. You just have to do what he telepathically comands you to do (so long as it is not self-destructive or against your nature).

Just some things to keep in mind.