Hit Points and Hit Dice
HP = max hit die + CON modifier at level 1, then roll or take average + CON each level. Hit dice are spent on short rests to recover HP.
Hit points measure a creature's capacity to absorb punishment before being incapacitated.
Starting HP (level 1): Maximum hit die value + Constitution modifier. Example: Fighter with CON 14 (+2) = 10 + 2 = 12 HP.
HP per level (levels 2+): Roll the class hit die (or take the average) + Constitution modifier. Average values:
| Hit Die | Average per level |
|---|---|
| d6 | 4 |
| d8 | 5 |
| d10 | 6 |
| d12 | 7 |
Hit Dice pool: You have a number of hit dice equal to your level (all the same die type for single-class characters).
Short rest recovery: Spend any number of hit dice, rolling each and adding your Constitution modifier. Regain that many HP.
Long rest recovery: Regain all lost HP and recover half your maximum hit dice (minimum 1).
Dropping to 0 HP: You fall unconscious and must make death saving throws (DC 10). Three successes before three failures stabilizes you. Three failures means death.
Instant death: If damage reduces you to 0 HP and the remaining damage equals or exceeds your hit point maximum, you die instantly. For example, a character with a maximum of 12 HP currently at 6 HP takes 18 damage — they drop to 0 HP with 12 damage remaining, which equals their max HP, so they die outright.