ECL Calculation rules?

[AlphaChannel]

I was wondering what rules DMs out there use to calculate the ECL of new races they build? Or, do you just 'wing it'?

 

[CRGreathouse]

Go to the House Rules forum - there are systems there. I'd give you a link if I had it, but I don't...

 

[Wolf72]

http://www.webspawner.com/users/enbsoldarin/index.html

here is soldarin's ECL

 

[krupintupple]

sneak attack and some types of creatures.

while i understand that undead, constructs, oozes and plants are immune to critical hits and sneak attack, why aren't elementals? it seems that an elemental is basically just a large collection of the element in question, almost like an ooze, except composed of one of the four elements.

anyone care to enlighten me?

 

[Corsair]

while i understand that undead, constructs, oozes and plants are immune to critical hits and sneak attack, why aren't elementals? it seems that an elemental is basically just a large collection of the element in question, almost like an ooze, except composed of one of the four elements.

anyone care to enlighten me?

The answer is pretty simple: They are immune to critical hits (and consequently, sneak attack).

 

[Aus_Snow]

I was wondering what rules DMs out there use to calculate the ECL of new races they build? Or, do you just 'wing it'?

Mainly, I've used Upper Krust's excellent 'appendix v5', of his Immortals Handbook line. It's a free PDF: download link. Nothing else comes even remotely close to balancing CR and ECL properly, IMO. It takes from getting used to, for many, but it *is* worth it.

That, and eyeballing it. I find the art of that to be invaluable, even with such a fantastic resource at hand. But ain't that always the way.

 

[Thatwackyned]

Does HD play into the ECL? Like a Minotaur has 6d8 + Level adj of +2, so at level 1, it's a levle 9 ECL?

 

[krupintupple]

while i understand that undead, constructs, oozes and plants are immune to critical hits and sneak attack, why aren't elementals? it seems that an elemental is basically just a large collection of the element in question, almost like an ooze, except composed of one of the four elements.

anyone care to enlighten me?

GAH!

sorry everyone, i guess i was fairly tired and not realizing that I wasn't making a NEW post instead of replying to someone elses. this is an entirely different topic and this particular question should be erased, if possible.

 

[irdeggman]

Does HD play into the ECL? Like a Minotaur has 6d8 + Level adj of +2, so at level 1, it's a levle 9 ECL?

DMG pg 172.

ECL = LA + racial hit dice + class levels.

Do not confuse ECL and CR (they are not automatically intertwined).

 

[Corsair]

At least you got your answer, krup.