Is there an Official Rule to include ECL+1 Races at 1st level? How do they progress?

[Hackenslash]

When I start my campaign I have decided to include an ECL +1 Race as a playable character from the start, ie. 1st level. However I am not too sure how to incorporate the current rules in the DMG and Savage Species regarding XP awards for these characters from 1st level.

I was thinking of maybe starting them at 1st level but making them earn "Double" XP for the 1st 2 levels and then normal XP for the levels there after. OR. Having them earn 2/3 rds XP for the next 3 levels and then normal XP there after. Not sure what to do but I do definitely want to include this race as a playable character from 1st level, but realise it would be unfair to the other players(who played standard races) if they earned the same XP at the same rate when there is the ECL +1 to consider. And, I am sure Double XP for the rest of the levels ad infinitum would be way too high as it's only an ECL +1. What do you all suggest ? and Is there a ruling that I have over looked ?...Thanks All

 

[IanB]

Just make them earn 3000 XP to get to level 2 and use the ECL xp chart from then on.

 

[Crothian]

Use the zero level rules from the DMG

 

[Arc]

Yep, it's called 'apprenticing' or something like that. Basically used for multiclassed 1st level characters, but it transfers over to ecls real easy.

 

[dcollins]

Apprenticing is not for monster characters. Per the core rules, the appropriate rule is on DMG p. 23, paragraph #1: "If a monster has 2 or more Hit Dice, it can start with no class levels (though it can gain them later)."

So it's as simple as that... if the race is ECL +1 and at least 2 HD, you can start it at level 1 as the base monster with no class level.

Regarding experince, you must choose between the DMG or SS because they're not compatible. In the DMG, see p. 24, paragraph #5: the creature functions at a level equal to its Hit Dice -- it gets XP normally and when it reaches the next level can add a class.

 

[Crothian]

They might not have designed it for it, but it works really well for them.

 

[andargor]

So it's as simple as that... if the race is ECL +1 and at least 2 HD, you can start it at level 1 as the base monster with no class level.

ECL = HD + LA. A race with LA +1 and 2 HD is ECL 3.

The only ECL 1 races that I am aware of from MM are:

Elf, (any kind)
Goblin
Kobold
Orc

Andargor

 

[Hackenslash]

Actually the race I want to use is "Half Ogre" from page 218 of Savage Species.

I would like to include the Half Ogre in my campaign as a 1st level character for someone to play but having trouble with the fact that it states it's an ECL +1 creature or if you prefer a +1 level adjustment, in other words if you have a 1st level Half ogre fighter it is really a 2nd level character etc...However to make matters more complicated, The Tome of Horrors(d20 Sword and Sorcery) page 207 states that the Half ogre is ECL +3. Now, I do really want to add this race and have to find a way around this and I still think that my best bet is to adjust the XP for this character but How ?and by How much ? and for How Long ? Any further suggestions or advice is very welcome....Thanks

 

[dcollins]

ECL = HD + LA. A race with LA +1 and 2 HD is ECL 3.

Again, my comments are based on the DMG where ECL ("level equivalent") is given as "class levels +X". I'm pretty sure what you're stating above is specific to only Savage Species.

 

[Hackenslash]

OK, seems I have to mybe make up my own rules for including the "Half Ogre" at 1st level. Thanks to all for your input.