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Message: <blockquote data-quote="ExploderWizard" data-source="post: 6273687" data-attributes="member: 66434">The HD/ dungeon level parity is merely a benchmark for comparison. A given dungeon level will on average, contain monsters of hit dice corresponding to the level. This assumes typical numbers appearing and treasure type for the monster. There will be variations on this to keep a dungeon level from becoming too predictable. Dungeon level was a metagame construct presented as a clue to players about the general level of peril relative to themselves. A level one dungeon may have higher level threats included but such monsters will not be at the same strength as they would be on a level closer to their own HD/ power level. Lets take a look at some of the possible encounters for a first dungeon level from the Monster & Treasure Assortment from TSR: 20. Orcs (2-5)38. Giant Rats (3-12) 41. Goblins (2-8)46. Bugbears (1-2) 52. Carrion Crawler (1)68. Ogre (1) Notice that the first three entries feature level 1 monsters appearing in their usual numbers. The last three entries feature higher level monsters. Because of the higher level of these monsters, their # appearing on level 1 is very limited. Lets look at a few possible encounters for dungeon level three: 23. Gargoyles (1-3)31. Giant Rats (5-30)37. Troll (1)62. Ghouls (3-12)80. Ogres (1-3) On this table we have some tougher groups. The giant rats are the same type as found on level 1 but look at their # appearing here. Lower level monsters may appear on lower levels in greater numbers much like higher level monsters may appear on upper levels in limited numbers. The ogre result here likewise shows a potentially tougher encounter. A troll is level 6 monster but it appears here as a lone individual or "solo monster".  For reference, on the 6th level trolls appear in groups of 2-5.This sliding scale of HD and # appearing allows for quite a huge variety of dungeon populations without gross over or under powering. Thus the dungeon level is a convenient yardstick for players measure their level of risk. When the dungeon tricks of sloping passages, elevator rooms, and teleporters are considered which may transport the party to levels of danger that they are unprepared for, the importance of mapping, and paying close attention to the environment become clearer. If your map suddenly starts not making sense then you might actually be somewhere other than where you believed that you were. [MENTION=1300]mattcolville[/MENTION]The passage you are looking for appears in the AD&D PHB p 8 An Explanation of the usages of the term "level". </blockquote>

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