D&D 1E Hit Points/Hit Dice Conversion D&D/AD&D 4e/1e

[the Jester]

What I want to do is a reverse of that for the new monsters that got into the game at 4e, like I mentioned before. Basically, whether there was any rhyme or reason on the hit points totals used, and what the formula (formulae?) was in deciding that (for them, not you, unless you were doing this completely different ).

That's the thing, in 4e, a monster's hit points are dependent on its level and role.

The formula is:

[(Level + 1) x Role Value] + Constitution score

where "role value" is, by monster role:

-Brute: 10
-Artillery/Lurker: 6
-Controller/Skirmisher/Soldier: 8

An elite gets double that, a solo four times that.

There are rare exceptions, usually involving lowering the hps of insubstantial monsters or monsters that heal so that they end up at an appropriate level overall, e.g. if a monster can heal 20 hps per combat, I'd reduce its max hp by about 15-20. But overall, I eyeballed the level, and that set the hps.

 

[KVNDV1]

That's the thing, in 4e, a monster's hit points are dependent on its level and role.

The formula is:

[(Level + 1) x Role Value] + Constitution score

where "role value" is, by monster role:

-Brute: 10
-Artillery/Lurker: 6
-Controller/Skirmisher/Soldier: 8

An elite gets double that, a solo four times that.

There are rare exceptions, usually involving lowering the hps of insubstantial monsters or monsters that heal so that they end up at an appropriate level overall, e.g. if a monster can heal 20 hps per combat, I'd reduce its max hp by about 15-20. But overall, I eyeballed the level, and that set the hps.

Thanks, that's exactly what I was looking for! I imagine the definitions of the various Monster roles are available too, right? You've been a *big* help!

 

[the Jester]

Thanks, that's exactly what I was looking for! I imagine the definitions of the various Monster roles are available too, right? You've been a *big* help!

Yep- in essence:

An ARTILLERY monster is designed for ranged combat. It's about 2 points more accurate with ranged attacks than most creatures or its level are with their attacks, and its AC is about 2 points worse. Example: An archer; a monster whose primary attack is to spit acid.

A BRUTE has more hp, lower AC and (sometimes) lower accuracy than an average creature of its level, and does about 25% more damage. Examples: An ogre; a zombie.

A CONTROLLER has powers and abilities to help it control the battlefield. Maybe it leaves a trail of slime behind it that other creatures find hinders their movement. Maybe it moves enemies around with great wing slaps. Maybe it can cast charm spells or create a wall of thorns. Examples: An enchanter; an umber hulk.

A LURKER has to set its big attack up. Usually, it takes one round of setup (or good situational stuff) before it can unleash a devastating attack. Sometimes, it may have an ability that it can use to heal or gain extra defenses by not attackin. Examples: An assassin; a gargoyle that can turn to stone to avoid damage.

A SKIRMISHER is the "default" monster, but design-wise, is encouraged to move around the battlefield a lot. Maybe it has both melee and ranged capability; maybe it gets bonuses on charging attacks; maybe it can fly by enemies without triggering opportunity attacks. Examples: A quickling; a (typical) kobold.

A SOLDIER is the guy who holds your fighters off so they can't reach his side's squishier targets- just as your fighters do for your side. Soldiers tend to have ways to be "sticky", punishing enemies who try to get past them. They also usually have ACs about 2 higher than an average monster of their level, and sometimes have an additional +2 to hit. Examples: A black knight; a troll with a pole arm and plate armor.

There is some overlap here, obviously; for example, artillery and controller often look similar, and so can controllers and soldiers, as well as soldiers and brutes. But you can always just write more versions of the creature! That's one of the beauties of 4e monster creation.

 

[KVNDV1]

Yep- in essence:

An ARTILLERY monster is designed for ranged combat. It's about 2 points more accurate with ranged attacks than most creatures or its level are with their attacks, and its AC is about 2 points worse. Example: An archer; a monster whose primary attack is to spit acid.

A BRUTE has more hp, lower AC and (sometimes) lower accuracy than an average creature of its level, and does about 25% more damage. Examples: An ogre; a zombie.

A CONTROLLER has powers and abilities to help it control the battlefield. Maybe it leaves a trail of slime behind it that other creatures find hinders their movement. Maybe it moves enemies around with great wing slaps. Maybe it can cast charm spells or create a wall of thorns. Examples: An enchanter; an umber hulk.

A LURKER has to set its big attack up. Usually, it takes one round of setup (or good situational stuff) before it can unleash a devastating attack. Sometimes, it may have an ability that it can use to heal or gain extra defenses by not attackin. Examples: An assassin; a gargoyle that can turn to stone to avoid damage.

A SKIRMISHER is the "default" monster, but design-wise, is encouraged to move around the battlefield a lot. Maybe it has both melee and ranged capability; maybe it gets bonuses on charging attacks; maybe it can fly by enemies without triggering opportunity attacks. Examples: A quickling; a (typical) kobold.

A SOLDIER is the guy who holds your fighters off so they can't reach his side's squishier targets- just as your fighters do for your side. Soldiers tend to have ways to be "sticky", punishing enemies who try to get past them. They also usually have ACs about 2 higher than an average monster of their level, and sometimes have an additional +2 to hit. Examples: A black knight; a troll with a pole arm and plate armor.

There is some overlap here, obviously; for example, artillery and controller often look similar, and so can controllers and soldiers, as well as soldiers and brutes. But you can always just write more versions of the creature! That's one of the beauties of 4e monster creation.

Perfect, Jester...thanks very much! If I have any more questions for you, I'll be here again.

 

[the Jester]

Perfect, Jester...thanks very much! If I have any more questions for you, I'll be here again.

My pleasure, and any time!

 

[the Jester]

Oh, I forgot to mention the leader sub-role.

Any role can have the leader sub-role; e.g. you might have a "level 12 controller (leader)".

A monster with the leader sub-role has one or more abilities that enhance their allies. Maybe it's an aura that gives all allies within 30' a +2 AC; maybe it's an action that lets an ally make a free attack; maybe it's a healing power.