Each associated class level a monster has increases its CR by 1.

However, there are several methods by which extraordinary or unique monsters can be created using a typical creature as the foundation: by adding character classes, increasing a monsters Hit Dice, or by adding a template to a monster.

These methods are not mutually exclusiveits possible for a monster with a template to be improved by both increasing its Hit Dice and adding character class levels.

Creatures that fall into this category have an entry of By character class in their Advancement line.

When a monster adds a class level, that level usually represents an increase in experience and learned skills and capabilities.

Creatures with increased Hit Dice are usually superior specimens of their race, bigger and more powerful than their run-of-the-mill fellows.

Templates usually result in tougher monsters with capabilities that differ from those of their common kin.

However, improved monsters are individuals and often have better than normal ability scores, and usually make use of either the elite array or the nonelite array of ability scores.

Monsters who improve by adding a template, and monsters who improve by increasing their Hit Dice, may use any of the three arrays (standard, nonelite, or elite).

Any monster unique enough to be improved could easily be considered elite.

While the monster has one weakness compared to a typical member of its race, it is significantly better overall.

The elite array is most appropriate for monsters who add levels in a player character class.

The nonelite array does not necessarily make a monster better than normal, but it does customize the monster as an individual with strengths and weaknesses compared to a typical member of its race.

The nonelite array is most appropriate for monsters who add class levels in an NPC class.

This only applies to Hit Dice increases, monsters do not gain ability score increases for levels they already reached with their racial Hit Dice, since these adjustments are included in their basic ability scores.

Additional Hit Dice gained from taking levels in a character class never affect a creatures size.

The monster loses the attack bonus, saving throw bonuses, skills, and feats granted by its 1 monster HD and gains the attack bonus, save bonuses, skills, feats, and other class abilities of a 1st-level character of the appropriate class.

Generally, only monsters with an Advancement entry of By character class receive NPC gear; other creatures adding character levels should be treated as monsters of the appropriate CR and assigned treasure, not equipment.

It gains more feats and skills, depending on its type, as shown on Table: Creature Improvement by Type.

Increased size also affects a creatures ability scores, AC, attack bonuses, and damage values as indicated on the tables below.

Most creatures are built using the standard array of ability scores: 11, 11, 11, 10, 10, 10, adjusted by racial modifiers.

If you give a creature a PC class use the elite array of ability scores before racial adjustments: 15, 14, 13, 12, 10, 8.

Creatures with NPC classes use the nonelite array of 13, 12, 11, 10, 9, 8.

Does Monster-S Really Do Only 6000 Dmg?