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Pathfinder RPG (2nd Edition) Pathfinder RPG (1st Edition) Starfinder RPG

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Bestiary / Monster Advancement / Adding Racial Hit Dice

Step 2: Add Hit Dice

Source Pathfinder RPG Bestiary pg. 295
Next, determine how many Hit Points the base monster receives per Hit Die (see Table 1–5 for average results based on the die type). Using Table 2–1, add up all of the values in the Hit Point Change column for each increase using the Higher CR column. For example, if the base monster was CR 3 and the new monster is set to be CR 5, the total would be 25 hit points. Next, add additional Hit Dice to the monster to increase its hit points by the desired amount. Note that if the creature increases in size, its Constitution may also increase, as noted on Table 2–2, granting it additional hit points that might offset the need for additional Hit Dice (this also applies to any other Constitution increases).

These values are not absolute. Some monsters have fewer hit points than normal for a creature of their CR and rely on a higher AC or other defenses. Some creatures are primarily spellcasters and typically have fewer Hit Dice. When advancing your monster in this way, be sure to take these factors into account and adjust your monster accordingly.

Table 2-1: Monster Advancement

Higher CRLower CRHit Point ChangeAC ChangeAttack Bonus ChangeDamage Change
1Less than 15112-3
215212-3
321011-22-3
4310222-3
541511-23-4
651511-23-5
761511-24-5
871511-24-5
981521-24-5
10915113-5
111015114-5
12111521-24-5
131220114-5
141320113-5
151420114-5
16152011-28-10
171630117-10
181730118-10
191830117-10
201940218-10
21+20+40218-10


Table 2-2: Size Changes

Old Size*New SizeStrDexConNatural Armor
FineDiminutiveSame-2SameSame
DiminutiveTiny+2-2SameSame
TinySmall+4-2SameSame
SmallMedium+4-2+2Same
MediumLarge+8-2+4+2
LargeHuge+8-2+4+3
HugeGargantuan+8Same+4+4
GargantuanColossal+8Same+4+5
* Repeat the adjustment if the creature moves up more than one size.