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Are high ECL races worth it?
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<blockquote data-quote="Zerovoid" data-source="post: 2130" data-attributes="member: 283"><p>I really don't like the current ECL system. The rules on monster PC's in the DMG were just wierd, and while the rules in the FRCS are more consistent, I find them equally problematic.</p><p></p><p>Take Drow for example. They are ECL +2, so you can have a 1st level drow when you could have a 3rd level character of another race. Now, even with the drows spell like abilities, having only one hit die is a real weakness at this level, and you might easily die. I think its pretty obvious that a 1st level drow has alot less survivability than a standard 3rd level PC. But, will this pay off in the long run? I'm not sure. The drow's SR of 11 + class level is pretty good, but remember that they are two levels behind. They get a net +4 to stats, which can be really good, especially with point buy, but is it worth two levels? I don't think so for a spellcaster, just like multiclassing is a bad idea, and a fighter will really miss the hit points and BAB. Even a Rogue has his skillpoint cap lowered vs his party mates.</p><p></p><p>I would much rather that all powerful races were treated as multi-hit dice monsters. If drows really kick so much butt, then make them 3 hit dice warriors as a base or something. The idea would be that these levels of the "drow" class should be equal to any other class levels. Class levels would just be multiclassed on as normal.</p><p></p><p>Note that drow are just one example. I had a cool character background for a drow, but decided not to play one because the level hit was too severe. I think Tieflings are even worse. A net +2 to stats, and Darkness 1/day don't come close to equalling the level you lose. Half Dragon might pay off for fighters, but in general, the sacrifice doesn't seem worth it.</p></blockquote><p></p>
[QUOTE="Zerovoid, post: 2130, member: 283"] I really don't like the current ECL system. The rules on monster PC's in the DMG were just wierd, and while the rules in the FRCS are more consistent, I find them equally problematic. Take Drow for example. They are ECL +2, so you can have a 1st level drow when you could have a 3rd level character of another race. Now, even with the drows spell like abilities, having only one hit die is a real weakness at this level, and you might easily die. I think its pretty obvious that a 1st level drow has alot less survivability than a standard 3rd level PC. But, will this pay off in the long run? I'm not sure. The drow's SR of 11 + class level is pretty good, but remember that they are two levels behind. They get a net +4 to stats, which can be really good, especially with point buy, but is it worth two levels? I don't think so for a spellcaster, just like multiclassing is a bad idea, and a fighter will really miss the hit points and BAB. Even a Rogue has his skillpoint cap lowered vs his party mates. I would much rather that all powerful races were treated as multi-hit dice monsters. If drows really kick so much butt, then make them 3 hit dice warriors as a base or something. The idea would be that these levels of the "drow" class should be equal to any other class levels. Class levels would just be multiclassed on as normal. Note that drow are just one example. I had a cool character background for a drow, but decided not to play one because the level hit was too severe. I think Tieflings are even worse. A net +2 to stats, and Darkness 1/day don't come close to equalling the level you lose. Half Dragon might pay off for fighters, but in general, the sacrifice doesn't seem worth it. [/QUOTE]
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