LA+1. Can you be a 0-level character?

[Phaedrus]

By the RAW, can you be an LA+1 character with no class levels, thereby joining a "Starting at 1st level" game? You would take the +0 BAB, etc. and just use the racial abilities until you get 1000 XP and then take a class level.

If not... why not?

 

[Scotley]

Seems like I've seen rules for this somewhere recently, maybe DMG II or Unearthed Arcana? Sorry don't have the books with me. Perhaps someone else has a reference?

 

[Crothian]

Ask the DM if he's allow it. There were rules for a 0 level classes in 3.0 DMG but I've never seen them in 3.5

 

[Gnome]

There's no rules for it, but I'd probably allow it, so long as it didn't bother the other players.

 

[JimAde]

What flavor hit die would you have? Would you get another one at 1st level (making you a 2 hit die creature)? If you're a humanoid you could take a d8 (that being the base humanoid die) but then what if your 1st level is in wizard? Do you lose hit points?

These are the kinds of questions to answer.

 

[Gnome]

What flavor hit die would you have? Would you get another one at 1st level (making you a 2 hit die creature)? If you're a humanoid you could take a d8 (that being the base humanoid die) but then what if your 1st level is in wizard? Do you lose hit points?

These are the kinds of questions to answer.

I say go with Commoner as the base for 0-level, then replace with the first level of whatever class was chosen. That way, you don't have to worry about losing any abilities when you level-up.

 

[Dog Moon]

Originally posted by Gnome
I say go with Commoner as the base for 0-level, then replace with the first level of whatever class was chosen. That way, you don't have to worry about losing any abilities when you level-up.

Or the standard for your creature type, and then replace it when you gain your first level. However, you shouldn't gain anything else [BA, Saves, etc] until you gain your first level. [For the most part, I believe that would be d8, unless you're playing a Fey or Aberration or something].

I see no real reason why you couldn't, but I don't think the RAW technically says you could.

 

[Voadam]

By the RAW, can you be an LA+1 character with no class levels, thereby joining a "Starting at 1st level" game? You would take the +0 BAB, etc. and just use the racial abilities until you get 1000 XP and then take a class level.

If not... why not?

I don't believe so.

Even taking an NPC class or racial HD gives you CL = 1 and the LA would bump that up to CL = 2, even though the CR might be 1 or below. That's just the way the RAW work I believe.

I've considered allowing LA races with lower point buy or NPC class or a type HD for an upcoming level 1 game but haven't done it yet.

 

[Land Outcast]

IMHO:

No HD means you are not living/unliving/working(If construct). (i.e.: not "animated")
HD means at least ECL 1.

Therefore no, not ECL +0.

 

[Scion]

I say go with Commoner as the base for 0-level, then replace with the first level of whatever class was chosen. That way, you don't have to worry about losing any abilities when you level-up.

Commoners have spot as a class skill, not all classes have that as a class skill


Personally, I dont like LA races. I would find a way to make the class have 0 LA and then go from there.