Class levels for monsters [Archive] - Wizards Community

Class levels for monsters [Archive] - Wizards Community

Post/Author/DateTime Post
DethHalo
01-13-04, 09:38 PM Where can I find out exactly what monsters can take class levels? Are there any restrictions on this? For example, can my warhorse take a level in fighter?
Makaris
01-13-04, 09:51 PM Savage Species is the best way to find out about this. Generally, you must be sentient to take class levels. To be sentient, you must have a minimum INT of 3.
Factol Rhys
01-13-04, 09:57 PM Basically, a monster can take levels in a class provided that it has some measure of intelligence. Personally, I would set the line at 3, since characters can't have a lower intelligence than that. Pretty much, animals don't qualify (unless you use an "awakened" animal using magic from Savage Species). Besides that, it also has to meet any other qualifications like alignment, just like a regular character. Your horse probably doesn't have sufficient intelligence. Even if it was a paladin warhorse, if I were DM I'd say no for two reasons. #1: it already "levels up" when you gain levels. #2: it doesn't really adventure, so it can't really gain levels in a PC class.

In the end, just go with what makes sense. Troll with fighter levels: interesting, challenging encounter. Octopus with fighter levels: just weird, doesn't make sense, DM is making the campaign into a joke. Besides, that octopus is probably just in it for the bonus feats, not the RP.

Post/Author/DateTime	Post
DethHalo 01-13-04, 09:38 PM	Where can I find out exactly what monsters can take class levels? Are there any restrictions on this? For example, can my warhorse take a level in fighter?
Makaris 01-13-04, 09:51 PM	Savage Species is the best way to find out about this. Generally, you must be sentient to take class levels. To be sentient, you must have a minimum INT of 3.
Factol Rhys 01-13-04, 09:57 PM	Basically, a monster can take levels in a class provided that it has some measure of intelligence. Personally, I would set the line at 3, since characters can't have a lower intelligence than that. Pretty much, animals don't qualify (unless you use an "awakened" animal using magic from Savage Species). Besides that, it also has to meet any other qualifications like alignment, just like a regular character. Your horse probably doesn't have sufficient intelligence. Even if it was a paladin warhorse, if I were DM I'd say no for two reasons. #1: it already "levels up" when you gain levels. #2: it doesn't really adventure, so it can't really gain levels in a PC class. In the end, just go with what makes sense. Troll with fighter levels: interesting, challenging encounter. Octopus with fighter levels: just weird, doesn't make sense, DM is making the campaign into a joke. Besides, that octopus is probably just in it for the bonus feats, not the RP.