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Hit Point Die

Hit Point Die

The Hit Point Die is one of the most fundamental mechanical elements of any character class, determining your hero's base health and survivability throughout their career. This single die type shapes how durable your character will be in combat and dangerous situations.

What is a Hit Point Die?​

Every class specifies a particular die type (such as d6, d8, d10, or d12) that represents that class's natural hardiness and resilience. This die determines how many hit points your character gains each time they advance in level, directly affecting their ability to withstand damage and continue fighting.

How Hit Point Dice Work​

When you create a character, you start with maximum hit points based on your class's hit die plus your Constitution modifier. For example, a class with a d10 hit die would give you 10 hit points at first level (plus Constitution modifier).

At each subsequent level, you roll your class's hit die and add the result (plus your Constitution modifier) to your total hit points. This creates natural variation in character durability while maintaining the general power level associated with each class.

Class Variations​

Different classes use different hit dice to reflect their typical role and training:

  • Larger dice (d10-d12): Usually assigned to classes focused on physical combat, endurance, or roles that put them directly in harm's way
  • Medium dice (d8): Common for balanced classes that mix combat with other abilities
  • Smaller dice (d6): Typically used by classes that rely more on avoiding damage than absorbing it

Strategic Considerations​

Your class's hit die affects more than just survival—it influences your tactical options and role within a team. Characters with larger hit dice can afford to take more risks and serve as front-line protectors, while those with smaller dice may need to rely on positioning, allies, or special abilities for protection.

The hit point die also affects how you approach character advancement and equipment choices, as characters with fewer hit points may prioritize defensive gear or abilities that help them avoid damage entirely.