Stupid question

[el_pornstachio9]

This has been bugging me for a while. In a monster's stat block, a goblin for example, it lists their hit points, and then behind it, a dice roll (2d8 +3) or whatever. What is the meaning of the number in the parenthesis?

[hymer]

This has been bugging me for a while. In a monster's stat block, a goblin for example, it lists their hit points, and then behind it, a dice roll (2d8 +3) or whatever. What is the meaning of the number in the parenthesis?

It shows how they arrived at that number, and it shows you how to randomize that particular monster's hp if you want to. It used to be standard practice for monsters to have hit dice, possibly a modifier, and you rolled for each one.
Some people use it to know what's the maximum hp for that kind of monster, and then give tough leaders that many.

[Ninja_Prawn]

This has been bugging me for a while. In a monster's stat block, a goblin for example, it lists their hit points, and then behind it, a dice roll (2d8 +3) or whatever. What is the meaning of the number in the parenthesis?

That's how their hit point total was calculated. So the aboleth for example has 18 hit dice, which are d10s (because of its size category, large). It then gets a +36 bonus from Constitution (+2 modifier x 18 hit dice). 18*5.5=99; 99+36=135.

...and I knew taking the time to get a book out would lead to getting ninja'd. *cry*

[CaptAl]

The hit points is the average of the dice roll. So, a 3d8+3 creature has 16-17 Hp on average, 3 Hit Die and a +1 Con modifier.

[hymer]

...and I knew taking the time to get a book out would lead to getting ninja'd. *cry*

Muahaha! Let that be a lesson to you, grasshopper. :smallwink:

[Fighting_Ferret]

The Monster Manual list the average HP of the monster, and then goes to show the DM how that number was generated.... If instead of having ALL goblins with 7 HP, you could instead roll 2d6 and use that role for individuals... ranging anywhere from 2-12 for an average of 7.

They do the same thing for monster damage.

Well... that was fast...

[Ninja_Prawn]

Well... that was fast...

Ooooh, it's got to hurt when you get ninja'd by someone responding to someone complaining about being, themselves, ninja'd... :smalltongue:

[krugaan]

Ooooh, it's got to hurt when you get ninja'd by someone responding to someone complaining about being, themselves, ninja'd... :smalltongue:

"Ninception"

[Ninja_Prawn]

"Ninception"

Well, I herd you liek ninjers...

[el_pornstachio9]

Most excellent...

[Plaguescarred]

It showed its #HD+ in case as a Dm you would like to roll its HP instead of using the average given.