If a Nymph gains a druid level?

[Hypersmurf]

I don't have the MM available right now, but you can find it in the SRD here.

Interestingly, the subheading is "Humanoids and class levels", implying that even 1 HD non-humanoids might have to keep their single racial HD.

See the Pixie for a counter-example.

-Hyp.

 

[DM-Rocco]

See the Pixie for a counter-example.

-Hyp.

Okay, I will have to check that out when I get home. Thanks.

 

[Hypersmurf]

I didn't see where it said you had to take racial hit dice, only how to figure ECL.

"Creatures with 1 or less HD replace their monster levels with their character levels."

Creatures without 1 or less HD don't have this option.

A nymph has 6 Fey HD. She doesn't start with 1 Fey HD and gradually accrue five more; she simply has 6 HD. So her class level can only add to those existing 6HD.

A pixie has 1 Fey HD. However, if he takes a class level, that level replaces his 'level' in Pixie, swapping his Fey HD for the new class HD.

For the nymph, there's no question about 'had to take racial hit dice'; she already has them.

-Hyp.

 

[DM-Rocco]

"Creatures with 1 or less HD replace their monster levels with their character levels."

Creatures without 1 or less HD don't have this option.

A nymph has 6 Fey HD. She doesn't start with 1 Fey HD and gradually accrue five more; she simply has 6 HD. So her class level can only add to those existing 6HD.

A pixie has 1 Fey HD. However, if he takes a class level, that level replaces his 'level' in Pixie, swapping his Fey HD for the new class HD.

For the nymph, there's no question about 'had to take racial hit dice'; she already has them.

-Hyp.

I just got home from work. I found it in the MM and it makes sense now. even though it doesn't directly say that a creature has to take all racial hit dice, it does mention what you just quoted so that implies that you do need to have full racial hit dice.

Hmm, fey creatures blow, as a new observation on my part. The Nymph for example, with one level of Druid, would be an ECL 14 creature, but only a CR of 8. With an average of 30 hit points I can't see a nymph competing with other character of the same level, assuming you could get a DM to let you play a nymph that is.

Although, I do see why it is so. Otherwise she would be a 8th level Druid with massive stats blocks.

Still, it seems a bit high too me.

I know that someone on ENWorld made a list of creature level adjustments, he was one of the judges on the ENWorld live threads where you role-play over the forums. Does anyone know what I am talking about. I used to have it bookmarked, but can't find it now.

 

[DM-Rocco]

In a semi related question, if you were starting a new campaign and only had one player (solo), but were going to use a pre-exsisting module/adventure made for four 1st level players, without editing it, what level would you start that PC out at?

What level would one character be able to handle an adventure designed for four first level characters?

My first thought was make him 4th level, but that doesn't really take into account that multiple creatures will be attacking one person, instead of dividing attacks between four, so I was thinking of 6th level.

What would you say if there were two PCs instead of one?

 

[pawsplay]

In a semi related question, if you were starting a new campaign and only had one player (solo), but were going to use a pre-exsisting module/adventure made for four 1st level players, without editing it, what level would you start that PC out at?

What level would one character be able to handle an adventure designed for four first level characters?

My first thought was make him 4th level, but that doesn't really take into account that multiple creatures will be attacking one person, instead of dividing attacks between four, so I was thinking of 6th level.

What would you say if there were two PCs instead of one?

5th level should be okay. If there are two, 3rd should be plenty.

 

[DreamChaser]

Hmm, fey creatures blow, as a new observation on my part. The Nymph for example, with one level of Druid, would be an ECL 14 creature, but only a CR of 8. With an average of 30 hit points I can't see a nymph competing with other character of the same level, assuming you could get a DM to let you play a nymph that is.

That is because ECL is based on the idea of a PC playing that character, not on the idea of a DM using it as an NPC, BBEG, or other temporary character. The nymphs racial abilities (blindness simply by looking, stunning glance each round) mean a great deal more when used over the course of a campaign than over the course of a single encounter or adventure.

DC

 

[Kae'Yoss]

Only spellcasting. So yes, those nymphs need 4 actual levels of druid to be able to resist themselves.

 

[Nail]

(chuckle)

 

[andargor]

(chuckle)

As usual, you hit the Nail on the head.