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When a D&D-vampire picks up an object, what do you see in a mirror? With the vampire having no reflection (and neither his clothing), does the item float? Does it get invisible? Does it depend on D&D rules version and/or the setting in use?
"Real world" reason for the question: A PC sits in a bar with a large mirror, back to the common room. Would he see a vampire sneaking up to him that picked up a stool to smash it on the PCs head in the mirror?
There is no RAW for this, but with the intention of following the RAI I would look for similar effects already stated. Therefore I would rule that the effect of an Invisibility spell apply to the reflection of the vampire:
"If the recipient is a creature carrying gear, that vanishes, too. [...] Items dropped or put down by an invisible creature become visible; items picked up disappear if tucked into the clothing or pouches worn by the creature."
Within the limits of common sense, of course; for example, the vampire's reflection wouldn't become visible after attacking, making this actually a Greater Invisibility spell, and of course the effect cannot be dispelled since it is a supernatural effect.
The above description works for 3.5e; I am not familiar with the mechanics in the different D&D editions, but whatever happens to the reflection will be tied to what the game you're playing defines as being invisible.
Unfortunately I have not found any specific references to what does and does not reflect in D&D. I have looked at a monster manual for editions 2-4 and each of them only says one thing "casts no reflection in a mirror". Although, the AD&D book said "no reflection in glass" if you needed to be specific, so a steel mirror could technically catch them. Otherwise, I was unable to find a reference in D&D. I would judge that whether or not items show up in the mirror should reflect (ha!) on the vampire's weapons too. IE, if you can see when a vampire lifts a candlestick, you should also be able to see the +4 sword on his hip and the backpack on his shoulders.
In theory, if you want to go with what the text says solely, and implicit deny everything else, it does not include clothing or equipment, just the vampire itself so you might see a set of clothes hovering like someone put them on an invisible mannequin.
This is a pretty clear cut case of "spirit of the rule", not letter. The above answers are entirely accurate, and they basically say the same thing I would add. Just use common sense. The Vampire is a legendary creature and it's traits should be considered in the scope that they were intended. In my world, the Vampire would be non reflective, but if that vampire decides to mount a horse, no deal on the horse. Same as if he leaned on the wall of his castle. I don't care how long he leaned there, the ability to not cast a reflection will NEVER transfer to the castle. If the vampire decided to spend two decades using it's great strength to truck around a wagon that was firmly lashed to it's back, at no time would wagon ever be considered a personal effect and receive the non reflective ability. Just use your own knowledge of the legends of vampires, and that should help you make a decision. What's reasonable within the scope and spirit of the legend?
