Post/Author/DateTime	Post
ConfirmedCrit 01-30-08, 04:55 PM	My group is going to fight a Vampire Lord (http://www.wizards.com/default.asp?x=dnd/mm/20021018a) here in a few days, and I need help. Yes, the characters know we are fighting him, so I'm not metagaming. Any good ideas in terms of spells, item, or strategies? We've got Incarnum, Divine and Arcane magic, and will be around level 12+ when we fight it.
Pathanus 01-30-08, 06:20 PM	Protection from Evil spell (defense vs. domination) Death Ward spell (defense vs. energy drain) Undead Bane Weapon spell Magic Silvered Weapons Gloves of Ghost Fighting (MIC item) Prevent escape route (Force Cage Scroll, Wall of Stone(s), Stone Shape) or cast Sunburst and hope it fails reflex save and is then destroyed. Depending on what class levels the vampire has you may want to use different tactics as well. If it is a main bbeg I'd guess at least 10 class levels.
Kobajagrande 01-30-08, 07:33 PM	Heal?
ConfirmedCrit 01-30-08, 10:59 PM	I'm anticipating his saves to be somewhere in the "yeah funny" to "you're ::censored:: kidding" range. I believe the term Hexblade came up at some point, and while it isn't that great a class, the Arcane Resistance with that Charisma bonus is going to be rough.
Pathanus 01-31-08, 12:27 AM	If it has Hexblade lvls that will be interesting for you to fight, any classes added synergising with the vamps high ability scores will make him much tougher (like levels of Paladin of Tyranny or Swashbuckler or something). Sheltered Vitality spell will help vs blood drain, forgot to mention in prev post. Depending on classes taken the things fortitude save may be the lowest of the 3. Magic Missile while invisible then Disintegrate (use Gloves of Ghost Fighting to target easily in gaseous form), hope he cannot see or sense you, though hoping for that is not very likely. Good luck on the battle!
ConfirmedCrit 01-31-08, 12:30 AM	Thanks Pathanus, I'll check that stuff out.
kelvinaw273 01-31-08, 08:54 AM	Be prepared to deal with large numbers of Charmed and Dominated minions, as well as his spawn. remember this guy is intelligent, he won't fight fair. Try and time the fight so that it's daylight outside. If he knows you know, expect a preemptive strike. Being arrested and thrown in the dungeon because a dominated witness saw you murder somebody can really mess with your plans, especially if he then comes after you in the cell after nightfall. If you know that it's going to be a straight fight, and you have him backed into a corner, they'll make it tough. Stock up on Bless, Aid, Remove Curse and Restoration as much as you can. Hexblades are great debuffers, and good fighters with it. With high charisma he'll be tough, so avoid spells that give him saves. What's your party composition?
ConfirmedCrit 01-31-08, 01:58 PM	It's an oddly put together gestalt game. I'm unfamiliar with most of the actual builds, but I have the general concept. Cleric/Healer Mr. Arcane Caster Greatsword-wielding Incarnum user Swift Hunter Archer Crusader/Ordained Champion Ninja/MomF
Pathanus 02-01-08, 04:52 PM	Definitely prepare for minions as suggested. The cleric should be able to turn spawn easily even with turn resistance as they usually are of lower hit dice, even better if he/she has Greater Turning. Depending on how much sneak attack the Ninja (and Scout, if he doesn't have Swift Hunter feat and favored enemy undead) getting a wand of Grave Strike (Spell Compendium) to use would be nice to have and they are inexpensive; put it in a wand chamber (Dungeonscape) so you can still wield weapon/shield without holding the wand only. Also check out Peaceful Serenity of Io from Races of Dragon to help vs. charm/domination if Protection from Evil gets dispelled or to use vs. the vampires minions.