What is the difference between a “Creature” and a “Character”?

[Terquem]

Or more specifically, where can I find the specific rules for what types of creatures are permitted to have “class levels” (either NPC or PC class levels)?

Is there a specific Guide that lists the requirements that a creature must adhere to in order to be eligible for Class level application, or are the details spread out over multiple volumes of the rules?

See, what I am doing is trying to craft new random encounter tables for my “Its “A” Dungeon” adventures and I am looking at making a “creature type” table that sets the first parameter, and then having sub tables that are used to apply class levels to those types in specific encounter situations, but I need to know what creature types can have class levels and what creature types cannot.

If anyone can help me with this dilemma I would very much appreciate it.

[AlaskaRPGer]

Anything with a 3 Int or greater can take class levels, provided they meet the usual restrictions (i.e. alignment...etc)

[fretgod99]

Adding Class Levels

So far as I'm aware, there really isn't a distinction between "creature" and "character". People probably tend to think of creatures as the enemies they encounter (in particular those not typically used as PC races). Characters are either PCs or NPCs. NPCs are typically thought of as the people who flesh out the world around them (those they interact with in town, etc.), recurring allies or villains, or possibly even one-off encounters with what otherwise would be considered a creature but is a member of a relatively standard PC race.

That's how I usually think of them and how (I think) a lot of people I've played with think of them.

As for requirements for taking class levels, there really aren't any other than "Does it make sense for this creature to have class levels". Beyond assuming a creature has above animal intelligence, you can probably do just about whatever you want.

So while giving a wolf levels of magus doesn't make any sense, giving an ogre levels in Fighter (great synergy) or Oracle (not great synergy) is doable.

Ultimately, you're the GM. So have at it.

[dragonhunterq]

Any monster can gain class levels. There are no restrictions other than the GMs common sense.

Some classes may not be useful to some creatures though. Oozes aren't going to gain much from wizard levels, and even if smart may have trouble manipulating components.

And the monster must meet requirements for the class such as alignment.

[Terquem]

dragonhunterq wrote:

Any monster can gain class levels. There are no restrictions other than the GMs common sense.

Some classes may not be useful to some creatures though. Oozes aren't going to gain much from wizard levels, and even if smart may have trouble manipulating components.

And the monster must meet requirements for the class such as alignment.

perfect thank you,

and it sort of makes me realize that I should abandon the effort.

Adding "templates" to monsters is more suited to calculated adventure design.

I think I will try to find a way to make a table that has basic creatures from the bestiary, and separate entries for encounters with possible "NPC Adventuring Parties"

[Kazaan]

There's no hard rules-derived difference, but more of a difference in how much a part of the story they are. Character tends to be more of a floating term that describes a creature with whom you're going to interact with. To illustrate, if you're walking through the woods and encounter a pack of wolves, these wolves are creatures. But if you encounter a wandering ranger or some roving bandits or a traveling merchant, these are characters. But the wolves might also be considered characters if, say, your druid (or other nature/animal associated character) decides to try and communicate with them. Then, they'd be considered NPCs. But creatures that are there for nothing more than a basic fight usually aren't considered as characters, at least until you start trying to do more than fight with them. Again, this is all informal distinction and not derived from hard rules.

[CorvusMask]

fretgod99 wrote:

So while giving a wolf levels of magus doesn't make any sense

Dunno, makes perfect sense to me :D

[fretgod99]

CorvusMask wrote:

fretgod99 wrote:

So while giving a wolf levels of magus doesn't make any sense

Dunno, makes perfect sense to me :D

Sif doesn't cast spells, I don't think. Pure melee.

Point still stands. ;P