Level Adjustment

[Evil DM]

Hi folks,

after my last thread and a little discussion with one of my players some question arised in my mind:

In the descprition of the Sainthood from BoED ist written that the character has tu sacrifice two levels which I did not understand because the later example was exactly how Level Adjustment works -> so what is this special sacrifice? (read the Thread above for further information)

Now I have nearly the same problem with one player who became a lycanthrop with LA+2.

But I remembered the Forgotten Realms Setting where is written that if you start with a powerfull race you start with some XP - even if first level.

Which made me think of: If you get a level adjustment by getting a template (like the lycanthrope) - do you get a XP boost? Like if you have started with it?

This would explain the sacrifice of the Saint - he does not get a XP boost. He has two work through two levels without getting any benefit of them.

What do you think?

Cheers, Evil DM

 

[Infiniti2000]

What happens with an acquired template is undefined in the rules. You have three options, from which people will adopt without about equal diversity.

1. Give the template for "free", ignoring the LA.

2. Make 'em pay. The character has the new ECL, but cannot advance until he has gotten enough XP for the next level. This will of course likely be a long time.

3. Use a Savage Progression ala savage species or some on-line resource.

Personally, I prefer option 1 because I would use any such change as temporary. If it would become permanent, then I would choose option 2.

Note that option 4 (giving the character a massive amount of XP) does not exist.

 

[smootrk]

Personally, I would not bother. I would just say it is going to take a lot of xp before you see another class level (depending on what level the character is afflicted). Now the (effectively) lower level party members will gain more xp as well, much like a character who has fallen behind due to a death or other level loss, and will over time make up the difference in power-level.

Now, since the character is effectively stronger, I would make the encounters all a little stronger to adjust for this more powerful character, just as I would do if a new character had joined the party who had a level or two up on the rest of the party. All in all, just normal playing & DM'ing - adjusting to the new characteristics & dynamics of the party.

 

[Azalnubizar]

yes - had the same situation and did the same thing...

...since the character does get less xp than the rest and needs more to advance, this will all level out over time... allthough it can be a bit hard on the player, seeing the other guys level up all the time when he can't, but he is a werewolf now...