Homunculi

[groveborn]

So, I see that a homunculus with more than 2hd can be created...

1) Can they be added later?
2) If 1, then is it like adding other abilities, with the DC rising by
1 for each 1000gp?
3) No max HD is given. Is there one? I thought I had read somewhere
that size determines maximum hit points, but I don't know if it also
limits hit dice.

Finally, just for funzies, what would you say is a reasonable maximum number of homunculi a person might have - as no maximum is given?

[VRMH]

groveborn wrote:

1) Can they be added later?

Much to my surprise: yes. The Homunculus-specific way to add Hit-Dice can only be used while creating the creature. But the general rules for modifying Constructs still apply too, and they allow it.

Quote:

2) If 1, then is it like adding other abilities, with the DC rising by 1 for each 1000gp?

Yes. For a Homunculus, the listed cost of one HD is +2,000gp.

Quote:

3) No max HD is given. Is there one? I thought I had read somewhere that size determines maximum hit points, but I don't know if it also limits hit dice.

The Construct-modification rules say: "Because a construct’s size is limited, a Hit Dice modification cannot increase its size. Therefore Hit Dice modification can never increase the base construct’s Hit Dice beyond 50% of its total HD."

The Homunculus-specific rules do not contradict this.

Quote:

what would you say is a reasonable maximum number of homunculi a person might have - as no maximum is given?

When a Homunculus is destroyed it deals 2d10 points of damage to the owner. So I'd say you should have no more than one per 20 Hitpoints you have.

[groveborn]

So you'd say that, even though homunculus implies strongly that more than 3 hd are permitted, only 3 hd are permitted? Is that a correct understanding of your interpretation?

The specific rules don't counterdict the general specifically, but the implication is there. Consider the line "a homunculus with more than 2 hd can be created.."

Why would that be worded that way, if you can only create them with 2 or 3 hd? Surely the implication is that there can be more. Now, perhaps that's only for creation, not for improvement. A strong argument can be made for initial creation only having as many as you feel like spending for... but you can only ADD 50% of the creation hd total after creation.

Actually, I think that's the answer. I think I just needed to see it from that angle.

[VRMH]

groveborn wrote:

So you'd say that, even though homunculus implies strongly that more than 3 hd are permitted, only 3 hd are permitted?

Per a strict interpretation of the RAW: yes. Your interpretation does make a lot more sense though, so I'd go with that.