How do you determine hitpoints?

[Chiaroscuro23]

I've started a new game, and I'm disatisfied with rolling HPs, mainly because it sucks to roll low and it can drastically alter game balance. I'm interested to know how others handle it. If your favorite option isn't represented in the poll, please post about it in more detail.

Thanks!
-C.

 

[Jim Hague]

I tend to use the following method, modified depending on the game:

*Roll standard hit die.
*If the die comes up a 1, you may choose to reroll or take the average.
**If the roll is sub-average, you may choose to reroll or take the average, and you're stuck with the reroll, whatever it is.

Note this works better for high-powered games, not so much so for gritty style ones.

 

[Chiaroscuro23]

One thing I've done in the past was allow rerolls if the first roll came up at 1/4 or less of maximum HPs. So a 4 or lower for barbarians, only on a 1 for wizards. Maybe I should have included "some rerolling allowed" as a poll option.

Thanks!

 

[Desdichado]

I just have the players roll twice and take the best result.

I like a bit of randomness, but hit points are forever, and it sucks to blow that roll. With two rolls, there's almost always one of them that's average to good.

 

[Aus_Snow]

I used to have players roll HPs in my campaigns, but these days it's median, rounding up (i.e., if it was d12, it's 7.)

Works well, I find.

 

[Wystan]

We can choose, median or random.

Median works out better for most, but Random is more fun.

 

[am181d]

One thing I've done in the past was allow rerolls if the first roll came up at 1/4 or less of maximum HPs. So a 4 or lower for barbarians, only on a 1 for wizards. Maybe I should have included "some rerolling allowed" as a poll option.

"4" is actually 1/3 HP for a barbarian, not 1/4. Based on your rule, a barbarian should only be able to reroll a 1-3.

 

[I'm A Banana]

My group likes rolling. The standard house rule is that if you roll a 1, you reroll and subtract 1. And if you get 1 again, you're stuck with it!

 

[thalmin]

I allow rerolls, but with the next smaller die. (Only even-sided dice used. No d3, d5, d7)
Rerolls may also be rerolled in same fashion.

 

[Chiaroscuro23]

"4" is actually 1/3 HP for a barbarian, not 1/4. Based on your rule, a barbarian should only be able to reroll a 1-3.

You are correct. I typed the wrong number. I used 1/3, round down, for:

1 for d4
2 for d6 & d8
3 for d10
4 for d12

I think. Could be wrong--it's been a while.