Monster Hit Points (Brute, Artillery, etc.)

[Andrew D. Gable]

Was wondering, based on all the fan-created monster write-ups floating around: has WOTC formally previewed the monster class/HP calculation? Or are people just reverse-engineering them and figuring them out?

Either way, can anybody either throw me a link or post the values?

 

[Benimoto]

Was wondering, based on all the fan-created monster write-ups floating around: has WOTC formally previewed the monster class/HP calculation? Or are people just reverse-engineering them and figuring them out?

Either way, can anybody either throw me a link or post the values?

They haven't formally previewed anything yet. Some stat blocks, like those on the back of the DDM cards show what might be an older formula, but from DDXP forwards, all the monsters have HP from the following formula:

[(level + 1) * class HP + Con score] * tier modifier

Where the class HP are:
Brute = 10
Skirmisher, Soldier = 8
Artillery, Controller, Lurker = 6

And the tier modifier is 1 for normal monsters, 2 for elites and 5 for solos.

I think though that the old Pit Fiend preview is a little off this formula. He seems to have 6 hp/level despite being a 'Soldier'. Maybe his summoning ability drops his HP?

 

[Jack99]

They haven't formally previewed anything yet. Some stat blocks, like those on the back of the DDM cards show what might be an older formula, but from DDXP forwards, all the monsters have HP from the following formula:

[(level + 1) * class HP + Con score] * tier modifier

Where the class HP are:
Brute = 10
Skirmisher, Soldier = 8
Artillery, Controller, Lurker = 6

And the tier modifier is 1 for normal monsters, 2 for elites and 5 for solos.

I think though that the old Pit Fiend preview is a little off this formula. He seems to have 6 hp/level despite being a 'Soldier'. Maybe his summoning ability drops his HP?

Controllers gain 8 hp, not 6.

 

[keterys]

The pit fiend might also just be out of date - he was from a while ago and if you look at DDM, there's clear indication they increased hit points across the board.

 

[Jack99]

The pit fiend might also just be out of date - he was from a while ago and if you look at DDM, there's clear indication they increased hit points across the board.

Assuming he has the same CON, he should have 486 hps, which is quite a bit more.

 

[Benimoto]

The pit fiend might also just be out of date - he was from a while ago and if you look at DDM, there's clear indication they increased hit points across the board.

That's true, but it's a weird coincidence that the formula works otherwise, but just gives him 6 HP/level instead of 8.

 

[keterys]

Except that it doesn't...

He has 350 hp and 27 Con. So 175 - 27 = 148 hp, which is not a multiple of 26 or 27. It's just some other formula entirely.

 

[Benimoto]

Except that it doesn't...

Woah, you're right. I thought I just did the math, but evidentially, I did it wrong. Yeah, I would say in that case that the Pit Fiend seems to be using some old formula.

 

[Stalker0]

Except that it doesn't...

He has 350 hp and 27 Con. So 175 - 27 = 148 hp, which is not a multiple of 26 or 27. It's just some other formula entirely.

Or, its not a formula at all.

Remember guys, WOTC has said over and over that their monsters are no longer slaves to formulas. While they likely use a formula to get standard numbers, when all is said and done they will change numbers as they see fit to get the monster they want.

 

[keterys]

That just makes it a more freeform formula

But, yes, that's why it might be that it has less hit points because of its summoned minions or any of a variety of other reasons.

I do think it's very likely its final monster manual hit points are higher than the 350 initially announced, however.