A couple questions about changelings

[Squnk]

I recently started playing a psionic rogue changeling and a couple of guys in my group think a changeling should have a LA because of the minor change shape ability, as I don't have much experience with shapeshifters, I was wondering what if anyone had some insight on the topic?

Also I have been having a hard time finding the exact restrictions on minor shape change, such as uses per day, height, species, etc. Thanks for any help or insight you can provide, you guys are always so helpful.

 

[StreamOfTheSky]

There is no use per day limit, and the racial feature says it works like Disguise Self, except it causes actual physical changes. So go by the parameters of that spell, which includes a limit of 1 ft height adjustment up or down, how much more or less bulky you can appear, and so on. Presumably you can look like any humanoid, but I find it hard for a medium sized changeling, even at bare minimum racial height, to be able to mimick the small races, sadly.

Changeling is not overpowered. Show them the Hat of Disguise in the DMG. For 1800 gp, it's BETTER than your racial ability in many ways. It's a standard action to use and also changes your clothing, most notably, and is also unlimited use. Having the shapechanger subtype is handy in some special cases (like getting into Warshaper prestige class), but can also be a double-edged sword occasionally with the various anti-shaperchanger stuff scattered throughout the game.

I'm interested what their view on Warforged is. THOSE guys might need a +1 LA!

 

[StreamOfTheSky]

Also, you should take note of the amazing Changeling Rogue 1st level substitution in Races of Eberron if you haven't already. Taking 10 on social skills is way more awesome than trapfinding, and getting an extra 2 skill points (multiplied at 1st level to become 8!) is just icing. The other sub. levels are alright, not nearly as awesome.

 

[Duke Arioch]

Also, you should take note of the amazing Changeling Rogue 1st level substitution in Races of Eberron if you haven't already. Taking 10 on social skills is way more awesome than trapfinding, and getting an extra 2 skill points (multiplied at 1st level to become 8!) is just icing. The other sub. levels are alright, not nearly as awesome.

The 8th level is awesome too. You give up Imp. Uncanny Dodge and effectively gain fortification 50%.

Now, on topic, changeling might even be a bit underpowered (especially compared to goodies some other races w/o LA can bring). Warshaper apart (and the problem there is in PrC itself), minor change shape is only worthwhile in social part of play. It brings NOTHING else. It doesn't change the stats and/or combat effectiveness. The changes are only in looks.
Now, compared to, say warforged (as was already mentioned) it looks sad. And, you don't even have to look that far. Take a look at dwarf - a standard LA 0 race, and tell me: is changing looks and gaining +10 to disguise even comparable to dwarf racials?

 

[RUMBLETiGER]

From the Disguise Self spell entry:
"You can seem 1 foot shorter or taller, thin, fat, or in between. You cannot
change your body type. For example, a human caster could look human, humanoid, or like any other human-shaped bipedal creature. Otherwise, the extent of the apparent change is up to you. You could add or obscure a minor feature or look like an entirely different person."

I'm trying to find the source, but I recall the "Thin or fat" part allowed for a vary in weight up to a difference of about 100lbs. Until I find the source though, that's just my shoddy memory.

 

[HeavenShallBurn]

I'm trying to find the source, but I recall the "Thin or fat" part allowed for a vary in weight up to a difference of about 100lbs. Until I find the source though, that's just my shoddy memory.

I think they cut the weight difference of up to 100lb when they went from 3 to 3.5 but I'm not sure. May have been during one of the 3.0 reprints, but I distinctly remember it being called out at some point.

 

[Squnk]

Thanks for all the help. You guys mentioned some alternate classes than a basic rogue that work well with changelings, do you have any other suggestions?