Goliaths balanced at LA +1?

[kayn99]

Compare goliath and 1/2 ogre

The 1/2 ogre was raised to a ECL of 2 in the most recent books and I think it is a good change. Comparing the two, the goliath comes out short with only 5 foot reach and no natural armor that the 1/2 ogre has. Although I do feel that the Goliath should have a -2 to their Chr. score.

 

[satori01]

According to the formulas in Savage Species this race should have an LA higher than +1.

An Unbalanced stat block is considered +1 LA on it own. The rest of its abillities should be considered .5-+1 LA.

Of course compared to Drow, Githyanki, and Githezerai at +2 LA this race is weak. All in all seeing races like this makes me weep for the poor half-orc.

 

[Estlor]

I don't really agree with the unbalance stat block = +1 LA theory. I think it really depends on what unbalances the stat block. When you tie an ability score so closely to level, you create one situation in which the character might be overpowering and several others where they are weak.

Case in point, the hobgoblin as a +1 LA creature. Yes, he has an unbalanced stat block (one of his +2 bonuses doesn't have a balancing -2 penalty), but he has hardly anything else to his name. A bonus to hide or something like that. Compare this to a dwarf (the most powerful +0 race) with a balanced stat adjustment but a laundry list of other benefits. A Hobgoblin Fighter 1 would have his hide handed to him by a Dwarf Fighter 2.

All in all, I really like the goliaths. I hate that they are ECL 1, but giving up the powerful build ability takes away a lot of their character. Dropping one level, especially if you're in a campaign that stays close to their native environment, is a fitting cost.