Basics

[kayn99]

Ok dumb question but I can not find the answer anywhere. When you add a template to a monster or what ever, I understand the monster gets the benefits of that level. What happens if the monster raises in level due to class or other reasons, does that monster get the additional benefits of the template for higher hit dice?

Kayn

 

[Infiniti2000]

It depends on the wording for the specific template, but usually yes. The reason is because class levels increase your HD and the templates usually are based on HD, so the abilities increase accordingly. If the template specifies racial HD, then no, the abilities wouldn't increase due to class levels. If the creature somehow manages to increase in racial HD at a later point, though, I'd probably increase the template abilities accordingly.

 

[Vlos]

Good question.

If the Racial HD went up I would say yes. If it were class levels, I would tend to say no.

My reason would be that its part of the base creature and not it's training. I.E.: training as a fighter doesn't all of a sudden open up racial abilities, but I guess it's how you view templates.

 

[Prism]

If you look at the half celestial template it is based on hit dice and gives an example of a half celestial human 9th level paladin. The class levels give all the benefits of the template including the spell like abilities for higher hit dice and SR

If compare that to the voidmind template in MM3, the reflex save of its acid attack is based on racial hit dice. The same applies to the mineral warrior template in Underdark. Its earthstrike ability is based on racial hit dice

In Savage Species its called 'monster' hit dice rather than racial hit dice. The feral template offers additional Ex attacks only based on its racial/monster hit dice not class hit dice