Lore To Sleep To ▶ D&D: Vampires

Explore the complete history of Vampires and Vampire Lords in Dungeons & Dragons—from Slavic folklore and Eldritch Wizardry’s first named vampire Kas the Bloody-Handed, to Strahd von Zarovich in the classic Ravenloft / Curse of Strahd campaign, through every edition’s rules (level-drain terror in AD&D, template flexibility in 3E, legendary actions in 5E). We spotlight key variants—vampire spawn, jiangshi, dhampir—and trace their impact on novels, video games, and tabletop horror. Perfect for DMs, players, and lore-hungry fans who need fast tips to run, fight, or role-play D&D’s most iconic undead.

Sources Consulted:

Dungeons & Dragons, Eldritch Wizardry (TSR, 1976) – found introduction of the Hand and Eye of Vecna artifacts and mention of Kas as Vecna’s vampire lieutenant.

Dungeons & Dragons “White Box” Set (TSR, 1974) – found vampire listed as an undead monster with level drain ability.

Advanced Dungeons & Dragons, Monster Manual (TSR, 1977) – found description of vampire as “chaotic evil...drains life energy” and noted classic weaknesses (garlic, sunlight).

AD&D Module I6: Ravenloft (TSR, 1983) – found Strahd von Zarovich’s character, backstory of tragic romance, and mechanics for vampire charm and gaze, plus iconic castle maps.

AD&D 2nd Edition, Ravenloft: Realm of Terror boxed set (TSR, 1990) – found rules for fear/horror checks and introduction of nosferatu variant for Ravenloft vampires.

Van Richten’s Guide to Vampires (TSR, 1991) – found detailed vampire lore: age categories (fledgling to patriarch) and expanded weaknesses (e.g., blood frenzy, stake & decapitation requirements).

D&D 3rd Edition, Monster Manual (Wizards, 2000) – found vampire presented as a template, with example human vampire, spawn rules, and changes to energy drain (negative levels).

Libris Mortis: The Book of Undead (Wizards, 2004) – found new vampire variants (moonbane, psychic, etc.) and the Vampire Lord template removing some weaknesses.

D&D 4th Edition, Monster Manual (Wizards, 2008) – found vampire as Level 11 Elite monster with charm and blood drain adapted to healing surge mechanics.

D&D 4th Edition, Player’s Option: Heroes of Shadow (Wizards, 2011) – found Vampire as a playable class and the Vryloka race, illustrating PC vampirism options.

D&D 5th Edition, Monster Manual (Wizards, 2014) – found refined vampire stat block (charm, bite reducing max HP, Legendary Actions) and notes on vampire spawn and variants like spellcaster or warrior vampire.

Curse of Strahd (Wizards, 2016) – found modern retelling of Ravenloft, with Strahd’s 5e stats (legendary vampire) and expanded storyline for Barovia, reinforcing horror atmosphere.

Van Richten’s Guide to Ravenloft (Wizards, 2021) – found updated lore for multiple domains, jiangshi stats and Dhampir lineage, indicating contemporary approach to diverse vampire tropes.

Dragon Magazine #126 (TSR, 1987) – found article giving AD&D stats for Dracula and introducing vrykolaka (variant Greek vampire).

Dragon Magazine Annual #1 (TSR, 1996) – found compilation of global undead variants including nelapsi and stregoni (identified as vampire types).

Ravenloft: Strahd’s Possession PC Game (SSI, 1994) – found faithful implementation of AD&D vampire mechanics (level drain, mist form to coffin) and narrative encounters with Strahd.

Baldur’s Gate II: Shadows of Amn PC Game (BioWare, 2000) – found portrayal of vampire guild (Bodhi) with level drain mechanics and storyline integration of vampirism (PC can briefly become a vampire).

Dungeons & Dragons Online: Ravenloft Expansion (Standing Stone, 2018) – found adaptation of Strahd and Barovia into MMO format, retaining key vampire weaknesses (players use holy symbol to weaken Strahd, etc.).