Templates and Class Levels

[am181d]

I wanted to create a character using the Half-Illithid template in FIEND FOLIO, who also had a few class levels, and I realized that I don't understand how to apply a template.

When a template replaces Hit Die type, is that for monster HD, class HD or both? Can a template lower a HD type? If a creature with a template takes class levels later on, does he still gain HD of the type indicated by the template?

If a template grants powers based on the creature's HD, do they mean monster HD or total character HD?

Advice? Suggestions? Any books that spell this stuff out?

Thanks.

 

[Camarath]

It replaces monster HD becuase it changes the creatures type. It can lower HD if the type changes to one with a lower HD. If the character increases his monster HD the he gain the new hit dice if he gain class lvs then he gain the appropriate class HD. Templates do not affect class base HD unless expressly stated in the template.

It helps to think of template as an extension of the characters race not as a class.

 

[am181d]

Okay, that makes sense.

(Though the only examples of creatures with templates and class levels that I can find in the core books-ghost and lich-both change HD type of pre-existing HD. I guess the rule is, if it mentions it, it affects class levels. Otherwise it doesn't.)

But what about template abilities keyed to HD level. Such as the half-illithid's psionics? Should those also be keyed only to monster HD? (So a half-illithid tarasque would have all the powers, but a 30th level half-illithid kobold psion would just have the 1 HD ability?)

 

[Emongnome]

Page 112 of Savage Species shows you how to read templates, and gives examples of which templates change existing HD, and which change ALL hit dice, before and after. I don't have Fiend Folio yet, so I can't say which one the half-illithid is. Maybe this is the best way to figure it out. It's usually confusing to me too.

 

[DreamChaser]

it seems to me that a good rule of thumb is that if the template is something you start out as (say a half-celestial or half-dragon), then only racial hit die are affected. If you life for a while without a template then something happens to make you get it (like a lich or ghost), then all hit die (so far at least) would be affected.

I don't have any rule backing but that's what makes sense to me.

DC

 

[Camarath]

pg 112 Savage Species; Quote [Some templates change the size of Hit Die (usually as a consequence of changing the creature type). A few templates completely change Hit Dice gaind with class levels. Some Temeplates only Change the creature's original Hite Dice and leave class Hit Dice unchanged.] then there is a chart listing Temeplates form ss and mm1 in three categories: HD Unchanged, HD Changed, HD Completely Changed
none of the first categorie have the HD listing in thier Template
the second categorie all have listiings under HD
the third categorie is all undead temeplates and they get d20 for all class lvs

i think if a creature gains a con bonus (or has a con score) to HD then it gians normal class HD but if not it uses its type HD