Can someone please explain what actually happens when a vampire is reduced to 0 hps? The "Slaying a Vampire" section in the MM is a little ambiguous:
* Does the vampire continue taking damage below 0, or do they stop at 0 regardless of additional damage?
* When they turn to gaseous form at 0, are they still conscious and intelligent, or do they return to their coffin on "autopilot"?
* If they take damage while in gaseous form (i.e., an AOO from a magic weapon while floating through a threatened area), what happens? Ignored?
* Can they return to solid form anywhere, or only in their coffin?
* If they take damage while recovering in their coffin, do they simply pop into gas again, or what?
Thanks for replies. Currently running a party through Heart of Nightfang Spire, and I think I've made the vampires WAY too easy.
* Does the vampire continue taking damage below 0, or do they stop at 0 regardless of additional damage?
* When they turn to gaseous form at 0, are they still conscious and intelligent, or do they return to their coffin on "autopilot"?
* If they take damage while in gaseous form (i.e., an AOO from a magic weapon while floating through a threatened area), what happens? Ignored?
* Can they return to solid form anywhere, or only in their coffin?
* If they take damage while recovering in their coffin, do they simply pop into gas again, or what?
Thanks for replies. Currently running a party through Heart of Nightfang Spire, and I think I've made the vampires WAY too easy.