I want to have a Winter Wolf as my cohort, and I am permitted a 13th-level cohort. How many class levels will he have after racial hit dice? The rules that I can find don't seem to cover it.
I want to have a Winter Wolf as my cohort, and I am permitted a 13th-level cohort. How many class levels will he have after racial hit dice? The rules that I can find don't seem to cover it.
When I designed a "monster" cohort for one of my players, the cohort was supposed to be about 11th level, so I aimed for a roughly CR 11 creature. I actually didn't give the creature class levels at all--in my case I took a cauchemar, raised it by a few hit dice, and altered the abilities for the fluff/nature of the beast that I wanted. (I was then informed after spending hours making this creature that there were already 3.5 stats for a similar creature with even the same name I had thought I'd so cleverly come up with on my own, and I refrained from smacking my player upside the head.)
The rules for monster advancement are fast and loose because stricter rules don't apply easily to all types of creatures.
But in general I'd follow a similar idea--make him into a roughly CR 13 cohort. With Winter Wolves I'd say you might be better adding more hit dice rather than class levels, but if you're adding class levels, I'd see where you are at adding 7 class levels, see if that's what you want, tweak, and run it by your GM.
When I designed a "monster" cohort for one of my players, the cohort was supposed to be about 11th level, so I aimed for a roughly CR 11 creature. I actually didn't give the creature class levels at all--in my case I took a cauchemar, raised it by a few hit dice, and altered the abilities for the fluff/nature of the beast that I wanted. (I was then informed after spending hours making this creature that there were already 3.5 stats for a similar creature with even the same name I had thought I'd so cleverly come up with on my own, and I refrained from smacking my player upside the head.)
The rules for monster advancement are fast and loose because stricter rules don't apply easily to all types of creatures.
But in general I'd follow a similar idea--make him into a roughly CR 13 cohort. With Winter Wolves I'd say you might be better adding more hit dice rather than class levels, but if you're adding class levels, I'd see where you are at adding 7 class levels, see if that's what you want, tweak, and run it by your GM.
I would have deserved that smack. But I will also note that the 3.5 stats are for a low-CR creature, whereas you created stats for a cohort relevant to my PC's level. Also, yours are cooler.
To the OP: advancing the winter wolf by HD is what I also suggest, perhaps adding appropriate templates as well. Only after you've done that would I suggest class levels. A dire, advanced winter wolf perhaps?
I would have deserved that smack. But I will also note that the 3.5 stats are for a low-CR creature, whereas you created stats for a cohort relevant to my PC's level. Also, yours are cooler.
Heh. Thanks.
I felt particularly silly because I actually have the book they're in. I decided the Ur-Epona are her children. :)
To the OP: advancing the winter wolf by HD is what I also suggest, perhaps adding appropriate templates as well. Only after you've done that would I suggest class levels. A dire, advanced winter wolf perhaps?
Template is a good idea. Could also help adjust the creature for the particular flavor of the character.