Question about Monster Type traits and Class Levels

[Mr. Zolrane]

I've been poring over the SRD and I can't seem to find the answer to this question: do a creature's saves based on their Monster Type apply only to racial HD? i.e., does a giant always have good Fort saves even if he has no levels of giant, merely class levels.

[Hirax]

do a creature's saves based on their Monster Type apply only to racial HD?

Yes. Otherwise racial hit die might actually be useful, but they are pretty much universally disadvantageous.

[AslanCross]

I've been poring over the SRD and I can't seem to find the answer to this question: do a creature's saves based on their Monster Type apply only to racial HD? i.e., does a giant always have good Fort saves even if he has no levels of giant, merely class levels.

Everything that a creature gets from Monster HD only comes with Monster HD. Thus, a Giant who takes Wizard levels will still only get d4s from its Wizard levels. Racial hit dice also give the appropriate skill points and BAB.

[Mr. Zolrane]

Thanks, guys. Much appreciated.