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Message: <blockquote data-quote="DND_Reborn" data-source="post: 8489987" data-attributes="member: 6987520">This is just to be a discussion about hit dice (and the hit points gained from them). I'll start by stating a few premises about hit points (and thus hit dice) as I see it. Of course many of you might not agree with some or all of these premises, but for the sake of discussion I would appreciate it if you respond in agreement with them and thanks.1. Hit points are abstract. While a part of them represents "meat" or "body", the ability to withstand physical damage, the bulk of hit points represent skill in avoiding damage, reflexes, divine favor, luck, etc. Spending hit points when you take damage from a successful attack or failed save, is primarily these abstract factors being used. The metaphysical energy for your ability to avoid serious injury, etc. is expended. Damage which would kill a less-skilled creature is instead avoided entirely or reduced greatly.2. Hit points do not differentiate between types of damage. Damage from a sword is the same as damage from a failed save versus radiant, from a fall, etc.3. Creatures hit dice type is determined by size. Arguably this is because larger creatures have more "meat" or "body". I do not think it would be reasonable to argue the greater hit dice type is due to the metaphysical aspects of hit points such as skill, reflexes, luck, etc. because otherwise all creatures of a certain size would have that same benefit or others.4. Having more hit dice means a creature has greater ability to withstand physical injury, more skill at avoiding or mitigating it, more divine favor, more luck, etc. This is why characters gain hit dice as they gain levels. Experience translates into "more" of the metaphysical aspect of hit points, and perhaps a part of those hit points are also the enhanced ability to withstand physical pain or injury (this would also be partly represented by the Constitution bonus to hit points).QUESTIONS:1. Why would a barbarian earn a d12 for hit dice, while a sorcerer gains only a d6? What is the reason why some classes have larger hit die types than others?2. Medium creatures use a d8. Most PCs are medium in size, so why not give them the same d8 for hit dice? If we did, would it be too harsh on small characters to give them the d6 small creatures gain for hit dice?3. Due to the metaphysical or abstract nature of hit points, why is only the Constitution modifier used? Would the other abilities represent other abstract aspects of hit points, such as Dexterity representing the reflexes aspect, equally well? What about Wisdom or Charisma representing divine favor or luck, etc.?4. Could hit dice be gained in ways other than by leveling, such as a magic item?5. Could a creature or character have more hit dice than its level?That's it for now. Of course I have my own views on all of these questions, but instead of potentially biasing responses by putting my own thoughts down at this time, I am curious to hear your thoughts on the questions.Thanks to all who take the time to reply, it is much appreciated!</blockquote>

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