Do you roll for a Monster's HP?

[Dagda]

I often roll hp so my players can't determine exactly when a creature will fall. So when they are attacked by multiple of the same creature, they can't just count hp and know "Oh, that one has only one hp left, let the weak guy get it." Also, I use DM's Familiar and it has the option to roll random, use the average, or use specified values so it's very easy.

Also, if I want to scale an encounter slightly, I'll just use HP to do it.

 

[Orius]

Always roll. I like having an excuse to roll the dice. Plus I like to keep encounters unpredictable.

 

[Davelozzi]

I usually use the listed values but will roll if I'm working out an NPC or enemy in detail the modd strikes me.

 

[KB9JMQ]

i make the players roll for hps at all lvls.

so why shouldn't i do some ground work and roll ahead for the monsters too.


i always roll.

This is also the way I do it.

 

[Ibram]

I usualy take the average, but I'll spread the numbers around abit... say that a creature has on average 40 hp, I'll take that and then make some 35, others maybe 37, one or two 45, and perhapse one at 50.

Honestly does the hp of a chump goblin realy matter to the 6th level barbarian? no, a single hits going to smoke the goblin.

for challenging fights (such as the big bad or a major minion) I look at the average then go above 5%-10%.

 

[diaglo]

I haven't rolled a monster or NPC's hit points in probably four years.

i wonder why that is....


there is nothing wrong with setting hps and such as others have posted.

i'm just in the opposite camp. i have over 14000 dice and a lot of time on my hands to be creative.

 

[Nifft]

I have a computer and an auto-die roller. I always "roll", though it does not involve physical dice.

-- N

 

[ProfYeti]

In the campaign I am currently playing there is no such thing as variable monster hit points. They get 100% of their points, while the PC's still roll theirs. It makes use a little more cautious, but otherwise works just fine.

 

[LazerPointer]

Most of the time I just look at the average HP and change it arbitrarily. It depends on what kind of challenge I want to give my players and whether or not the monster is unique. If that's the case, I'll roll. and then add an arbitrary amount....

 

[Arnwyn]

I can't answer this poll, as none of the options apply to me.

I almost never roll the monster's hps, and I almost never "take the value in the book". All the monsters I use are usually at 75% max (this helps avoid the 'monster is defeated too quickly' problem that different writers and publishers have spoken about in the past).