Creatures without Hit Dice

[vargr1105]

Alright, time for another newb question; as always, apologies if this has already been previously answered to death before.


Some monsters and creatures in AD&D have an entry for HIT DICE: which lists only a set amount of hit points rather than the number of d8's to roll for them. Since Hit Dice determine THACO and Saving Throws, what is the standard procedure to figure these out for such a creature?

[Piper]

I am at work so I cannot verify, but ISTR in one of the "big three" AD&D volumes stating you should divide hp by 4.5 to arrive at an equivalent HD value.

[EOTB]

Piper is correct.

[vargr1105]

Thanks folks. The scholars of K&K never disappoint.

[Philotomy Jurament]

That's how I do it, too. But I can't find the rule in the books. Anyone have the page ref?

[Piper]

Aww, PJ ... you're going to make me look it up, aren't you?

Look in the MM, page 47. Read the second paragraph under heading "Golem."

[Piper]

I'll save you the trouble (unless you want to see it for yourself).

Magical creatures with hit dice equal to or greater than those of the golem are able to attack with effect. For purposes of determination of hit dice, figure 4.5 hit points per hit die, and points being rounded up. Thus a flesh golem has 9 dice, a clay golem 11 , a stone golem 14, and an iron golem 18.

[Matthew]

The monster appendix in the DMG should show the theory in practice, as well.