Core Rulebook, Chapter 1, under "Common Terms":
Hit Points (hp): Hit points are an abstraction signifying how robust and healthy a creature is at the current moment. To determine a creature's hit points, roll the dice indicated by its Hit Dice. A creature gains maximum hit points if its first Hit Die roll is for a character class level. Creatures whose first Hit Die comes from an NPC class or from his race roll their first Hit Die normally. Wounds subtract hit points, while healing (both natural and magical) restores hit points. Some abilities and spells grant temporary hit points that disappear after a specific duration. When a creature's hit points drop below 0, it becomes unconscious. When a creature's hit points reach a negative total equal to its Constitution score, it dies.
Some people use average hit points instead, i.e. 1/2 the Hit Die (so, in the case of d8 Hit Dice, 4.5 per level plus any modifiers; 1st level is maxed).
Hope that helps! :)
Ah, thanks (assumed at level 1 you possibly add your constitution score instead of just the modifier, would explain how my first few sessions felt a bit easy :p)
Modifier for HP, but (negative) score for death threshold.
So with 12 Con (+1) you get HD+1 HP/lv (+misc) and die at -12 HP.
Technically it's up to the DM, most give maximum hit points at first level, a few might require rolling. Either way apply consitituion and feat modifiers if any after that's done.
Has to how that's what the hit dice are about, that's what you would roll if rolling was required.
A GM who does not grant maximum HP on the first level for a PC class is violating RAW.
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You've got it right. Max hit die (so 8) plus constitution modifier plus possibly favoured class bonus. A cleric with a 12 constitution and favoured class cleric put into hit points would start with 10 hit points and die at -12.
As a general rule, always have a 12 or better constitution. Don't dump it please.
A GM who does not grant maximum HP on the first level for a PC class is violating RAW.A GM doesn't violate RAW. He impliments house rules.
I'm not saying the GM can't houserule it. I'm merely saying that the rules are very clear about this. If that was not clear from my post, my bad.
Put another, more correct, way, GMs who don't give full HP at first level are going against the intent.
First level = max hit die. Levels thereafter - as I know it - hlaf hit die +1 + Con mod, oh and toughness from four onwards if you have it.
:)
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They're also fishing for PC deaths.
Of course, you're ignoring the fact that a GM could house rule something that's MORE generous than max HD + CON modifier.
Max HD + CON score is one thing I've seen. Usually by GMs that otherwise don't play softball. It helps a few more PCs make it to 2nd level in a "hardcore" game.