What Is Considered Running Water for the Vampires' Weakness in D&D 5E?

In Dungeons & Dragons 5th Edition (D&D 5E), vampires possess a weakness to running water. However, it is not entirely clear what qualifies as running water. According to the official D&D 5E rules, running water includes:

  • Natural flowing water: Rivers, streams, waterfalls, and oceans.
  • Artificially flowing water: Fountains, aqueducts, and canals.
  • Intermittent flowing water: Waterfalls that are not constantly flowing, but still have a steady stream of water.

Water that is not considered running water includes:

  • Standing water: Lakes, ponds, and puddles.
  • Trickling water: Water that is flowing very slowly.
  • Frozen water: Ice and snow.

Key points:

  • Vampires take 20 damage if they end their turn in running water.
  • Vampires cannot cross running water unless they make a DC 15 Strength (Athletics) check.
  • Holy water is considered running water for the purposes of a vampire's weakness.
  1. Can vampires swim in running water? Yes, but they take 20 damage each round they remain in the water.
  2. Can vampires cross a bridge over running water? Yes, as long as they do not touch the water.
  3. Can vampires drink running water? Yes, but it does not quench their thirst.
  4. Does rain count as running water? No, as rain is not a constant flow of water.
  5. Can vampires be submerged in running water? Yes, but they must make a DC 15 Constitution saving throw every round or take 20 damage.
  • Kobold Press - Tome of Beasts
  • Wizards of the Coast - Curse of Strahd
  • Critical Role - Taldorei Campaign Setting
  • Green Ronin Publishing - The Book of Hallowed Might
  • Paizo Publishing - Pathfinder Adventure Path: Rise of the Runelords

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