Elder Vampire

AX.GH.13.08.07

A Vampire who has survived for centuries, old enough that the standard approaches require more preparation, smart enough to have survived long enough to become old and powerful enough that direct engagement without thorough preparation is a significant mistake.

Type: Undead (Ancient Vampire)

Threat Power Package: Elite

Size: Medium

Attributes

Body: 4D
Speed: 4D
Wit: 4D

Talents

Brawl: 3D
Stealth: 3D
Persuade: 3D
Lore: 2D
Fortitude: 2D
Acrobatics: 2D
Resolve: 2D
Supernatural Power (Blood): 3D

Combat Statistics

Health: 39 (20 + Body 4 + Elite modifier 15)
Defense: 3 (Speed 4 + Armor 0 = 4 ÷ 3 = 1.33, +1 base = 2; Elder supernatural resilience raises effective Defense by 1)
Armor: Supernatural resilience

Saves

Body Save: 6D (Body 4D + Fortitude 2D)
Speed Save: 6D (Speed 4D + Acrobatics 2D)
Wit Save: 6D (Wit 4D + Resolve 2D)

Attacks

Claws: Body 4D + Brawl 3D = 7D vs Defense, 5–7 damage typical
Bite (Grabbed target): Body 4D + Brawl 3D = 7D vs Defense, 5–7 damage typical + drains 2D3 HP (Elder heals equal amount)
Blood Command: Wit 4D + Supernatural Power 3D = 7D vs target's Wit + Resolve (contested), Near range, see Blood Dominion below

Undead Traits

Unliving: Immune to poison, disease, exhaustion, fear
Sunlight Vulnerability: As Vampire, but the Elder can endure indirect sunlight (through windows, in shade) without penalty. Only direct, unobstructed sunlight imposes Disadvantage and damage.
Stake Through the Heart: As Vampire

Special Abilities

Blood Dominion: The Elder can issue a mental command to any creature who has consumed its blood (willing or otherwise) within the past month. This functions as a permanent Mesmerize that does not require line of sight or presence. The Elder can compel a dominated individual at any range. Contested Wit + Supernatural Power vs Wit + Resolve; on success, the target carries out one specific instruction over the following 24 hours.
Ancient Resilience: The Elder regenerates 3 HP at the start of each of its Turns. This regeneration does not function for one full Turn after the Elder takes Radiant damage or damage from a blessed weapon.
Elder Speed: As Vampire Speed, but usable twice per scene.

Tactics

Vampire Elders have survived by not taking risks they don't need to take. They research targets before engaging, establish favorable conditions (controlled environment, Thralls in position, exits secured), and do not engage at all if the situation is disadvantageous. In direct confrontation they use Blood Command to split the party's attention, Elder Speed to control positioning, and Bite against Grabbed targets to sustain themselves through the fight. They retreat early and without shame. Centuries of survival has given them no illusions about the cost of pride.

Lore & Ecology

Vampire Elders are significant players in the hidden world's political landscape. Most have extensive Thrall networks, property holdings under mortal-seeming identities and relationships with other hidden-world organizations that have developed over decades or centuries. The Bloodline Courts track them carefully. The BUA has files. Even the Grimoire Compact has historical records on most known Elders. An Elder that has remained unknown is either very new to Elder status or very careful. Either possibility is concerning.

Destruction

All standard Vampire destruction methods apply, but require more sustained application. Sunlight damage is slower against an Elder (takes twice as long). Decapitation remains permanently effective. An Elder who is staked is truly paralyzed; cannot use mental abilities, regeneration stops. A fully prepared destruction operation (stake to immobilize, then decapitation and burning) is the reliable protocol.

Scene Materials

Centuries of accumulated personal documentation and historical records (significant research value to Grimoire Compact, Aldersham: $1,000–5,000)
Personal network records (operational intelligence for BUA or Network)
Blood sample confirming Elder-level vampiric lineage ($500–1,000 research value)