Regarding Astarion:
I agree that he could use more vampire traits. Just having a bite? Doesn't feel like enough. The Gur talks about vampire spawn like they're far more dangerous. I'd like Astarion to feel like a vampire. Maybe charm person as an ability. Be creative. On the other hand, I also think he should have the undead type, which would cause him problems when Turn Undead is used.
--I'm not terribly concerned with what vampire spawn are in 5e. Really. It sounds to me like Astarion is way more interesting than whatever vampire spawn are in the tabletop version, which means I think it was a great change.
--As for vampires always being evil in Forgotten Realms, I recall reading a short story in a Forgotten Realms anthology years and years ago that featured a good vampire.
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All of that said, I can't help but feel like the Astarion discussion might be somewhat off topic for the thread.
I think you're talking about Jander Sunstar from the novel "Vampire of the Mists" (Raveloft universe), he's Chaotic Neutral (Good).
However, the natural norm remains that vampires are naturally evil.
It's becoming a cliché to always play/encounter the 0.000000001% exceptions around every corner, which ties in with my remark about Hellia the grandmother halfling bard werewolf.
