2 HD humanoids vs 1 HD PC class humanoids. CR?

[Mathius]

I just ran an adventure with hobgoblins and we are moving on to gnolls. Hobgoblins are tougher in every way then gnolls, this made compare the above categories.

To me most CR 1/2 humanoids are about the same as 2 HD humanoids.

Is this a case of the money difference between NPC and PC gear at 1st level not being enough to matter? A 1st level fighter with its 390 GP and one with one with 260 are both CR 1 or CR 1/2.

My instincts tell me that CR 1/2 accurate and that would mean that most of the CR 1 humanoids and monstrous humanoids are under CRed but I wanted to double check before a boost my gnolls.

The right fix fell like it should be better stats for humanoids and better natural weapons and armor for monstrous humanoids.

[Paladin of Baha-who?]

You could use the 0-HD gnoll race from the Advanced Race Guide, one of the examples in the race builder section.

[Mathius]

I was considering doing just that but also wanted to discuss the general point of either under CRed humanoids or over CRed NPCs with their first level and NPC wealth.

[Deighton Thrane]

Yeah, these are all just quirks of the CR system and PC classes being better at low level, especially the fighter which the default hobgoblin is, compared to creatures with racial hit dice. Hobgoblin is a particularly tough CR 1/2 while gnolls are relatively easy CR 1.

If you follow the monster statistics by CR table, a hobgoblin falls between a CR 1 and CR 2 creature, meanwhile a gnoll stats fall between CR 1/2 and CR 2 creatures. Meaning gnolls probably should actually be CR 1, with a notable weakness, while hobgoblins should also be a CR 1. That's just not how the CR system works though. So if you're looking to maintain a reasonable standard for difficulty, you could try raising the gnolls attacks and hit points. Or you could do what paladin said, and just make them NPCs with PC class levels using the 0 hd gnoll.

I wouldn't say there's one particular answer to bring different monsters more into line with the CR system though. Heck, even between PC levels there can be a large difference in difficulty between the different classes.

[Mathius]

I was just double checking my self before I give them a buff.
I was considering adding two to all stats or giving them natural reach or both. Also considered adding a d6 bite and more Nat armor or some sort pack bonus.

[Mathius]

So what do folks think would be the most interesting way to beef up a gnoll to be a CR 1 threat?

I am thinking that a D6 bite and reach would do the trick. Sub power attack for multi attack. No reach on the bites.

[Deighton Thrane]

Gnolls already are a CR 1 encounter. Their stats put them solidly in the CR 1 ballpark. Doing 1d8+6 damage is already enough damage for a CR 1 creature. Just play them smart, and use pack tactics like gnolls probably would. You could sub out long-spears for spears if you want the fight to have a different dynamic. But that's more about encounter design, and without knowing how you want to design the fight, it's hard to suggest anything other than maybe a studded leather instead of leather for 1 more AC, or add a couple points in con to boost HP.