How do you guys do Hps? And why?

[Quasqueton]

I offer HD average rounded up (d4=3, d6=4, d8=5, d10=6, d12=7), or roll normally.

I would prefer the players just take the set number for a couple reasons: it allows the PCs to level up between game sessions without having to wait till the next session to roll in front of the DM; and like others here have said, it takes away the randomness from a long-term stat. This set number is slightly higher than what they would get on average if they rolled. A 10th-level fighter would have 64 hp by taking my set number. The same fighter would have 59 hp by rolling every level.

But players just love to roll hit points. The PCs in my game just leveled up from 1st to 2nd. Three of the four wanted to roll. The first rolled what he would have gotten if he had just taken the set number anyway. The second rolled max on d10. The third rolled max on d8. And the fourth chose to take the set number (he rolled afterward just to see what he *would* have gotten -- 2 on d10).

I would just flat-out rule that PCs *have* to take the set number, but I know many players would mutiny over such a rule.

Quasqueton

 

[Zephalon]

I allow my players to reroll their total hps each level (a 7th level fighter would roll 7d10). If they get a higher total than before, they keep it, else they stay at the same total +1.

This averages out bad rolls, but also good ones. Thats why they can choose to do it.

 

[officeronin]

In a campaign that I play in, hp rolls are becoming a real issue. The Rog2/Fig1 has 16 hps while the Dru3 has 32. I believe their cons are 14/16 respectively. Obviously. he rolled really bad, a 1 on his fighter level no less.

OK -- since the rogue2/fighter took his first level in rogue and has the 14 Con, his hit points are 14-28, while the 16 Con Druid is 19-33. The rogue is 2 points above minimum, and the Druid 1 point below maximum.

Since the Rogue/Fighter has emphasized rogue (by taking it at level 1 and having double the rogue levels than fighter, he's not really a fighter-type. Even if they were both "averaged", the BAB would be the same and the Druid would still have better hit points. Not double, but still higher...

OfficeRonin

 

[CRGreathouse]

Re: Re: Re: How do you guys do Hps? And why?

The 20th level barbarian above could have rolled 1 on every single HD and end up with 12+19+20=51 hp. That would be an extraordinarily fragile "melee character". At least he wouldn't have to worry about failing a "massive damage" save

Of course, the chance that a barbarian with this Con rolls above 100 hit points is greater than 99.99%, so this is pretty extreme.

 

[Arthur Tealeaf]

In my games it works like this: You get to roll three times, and every time you roll you have to decide to keep or discard the result. If you discard the first two then end up with something horrible then you're stuck with it

 

[Morpheus]

In the game I run, the player gets to choose at each level whether to roll or use the 'fixed hit points' option from the DMG (half max). Using the latter option lowers your average, but eliminates the possibility of sucky rolls-I generally recommend using it the first few levels for fighters and clerics. If you choose not to do that, you're not allowed to complain about rolling poorly for hit points.

Exact same system I use.

 

[Joseph Elric Smith]

After first level roll the die and hope luck is with you, nothing like a bit of randomness to make the game fun,of course we also believe in rolling-up stats too.
ken

 

[Staffan]

I let the players roll the regular die and a die of one step lower, and choose between them. So a fighter would take the best of a d10 and a d8 at each level.

 

[Herremann the Wise]

Not happy with what you rolled?
Feel that Random HP Rolls don't make sense?

I've found that my players appreciate and enjoy the following system.

(1.) You roll your die as per usual.
(2.) If you are happy with your roll you take it.
(3.) If you are not happy, you start back at (1.) but with the next die down:
1d12 to 1d10 to 1d8 to 1d6
until...
(4.) If you roll a 1d4, you have to live with the result.

This nicely skews the results up for those who deserve it (Barbarians, Fighters etc.) while keeping those who don't (Wizards and Sorcerers) at a normal level and thus preserving game balance.

Nobody likes it when they roll poorly, particularly when they have a class type that does not deserve it. As such, the above works very well.

Best Regards
Herremann the Wise

PS: And yes, I have had a fighter who ended up with a 1 regardless. At least the player felt like he earned it.

 

[Celtavian]

Re

We roll 2 times re-rolling 1 and 2's for d10 or d8 and re-rolling 1's for d6 and d4. We like to make sure everyone has a reasonably good hit point total.