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Message: <blockquote data-quote="Hammerhead" data-source="post: 291426" data-attributes="member: 73">ELC races usually hurt most at lower levels.  The lack of HP can really sting in the first few level.  It's not as big of a deal if you only use ECL +1 races, but it still makes a difference.Also, ECL races generally work better for fighting classes than spell using classes.  A fighter doesn't really gain that much from each level - attack bonus, HP, saves, and maybe a feat.  A race that gives a bonus to STR can make up for the loss of an attack bonus, and a bonus to CON eventually makes up for the loss of a HD.  However, the loss of spells, particularly high end ones, often isn't worth it for casters.Later on, ECL races can be very good.  Take an 8th level human fighter and a 7th level earth gensai fighter for example.  The human is 2 feats ahead, one for race and the 8th level feat.  He's also got an extra 1d10+CON mod in HP.  However, the Earth Gensai's bonus to strength makes up for his reduced BaB, and he's at +1 to damage - maybe +2 if you use a 2 hander.  His Con is 2 points higher, so he has an extra 7 HP.  So the earth Gensai has +7 HP, while the human has 1d10+CON.  In terms of straight up combat power, I'd say that they're about even- maybe the human's Imp. Crit makes the difference.  The Gensai then has Darkvision, and some other junk going against the human's extra feats, skills, and higher WIS and CHA.  The human is more versatile and better trained, but the Gensai has some raw power.  In general, core races, especially humans, are going to be better overall, but special races tend to produce more specialized characters.  The Gensai can do a bit more damage, and will eventually be tougher, but the human has more overall stuff.  The Assimar will rapidly overtake the human in turning, spells, lay on hands, and saves, but will be less effective in normal fighting.</blockquote>

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