new race ECL

[shmoo2]

I'd like some help determining the ECL of a new race in my campaign.

The race is kinda like halflings, but with the ability to grow to ogre size once per day.

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Downlings

+2 Dex, -2 Str, -2 Con, +2 Cha
Small
Base speed 20 feet
+2 racial bonus to balance
+2 racial bonus to spot

Ability to grow to ogre (large) size once per day. This follows the normal rules for small to large size increases given on page 12 of the MM, i.e. +12 Str, -4 Dex, +6 Con, +2 natural armor, -2 to AC/attack. This effect lasts for 1+ ( the newly improved) Con modifier.

favored class: transmuter
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Basically the race trades the halfling save bonus, thrown weapon bonus, and a couple of skill perks for (on average) 3 rounds per day of ogre size.
In addition, they take a hit to Con in exchange for Cha.

I can't decide if this race should be +0 or +1 ECL.

comments?
thanks!

 

[Crothian]

I'd go with +1ecl

 

[BluWolf]

I'd say +2 but I tend to be a little on the harsh side.

I mean we're talking reach, immunity to certain forms of spells. These can be very decisive things at low level.

 

[the Jester]

I'd say ECL +2, but I can't claim to have mastered the art of assigning ECLs very well.

 

[reapersaurus]

bad idea.

This race is born for sorcerers to take, and it has the ability to grow large and kick butt way better than any of the fighter-types for 5 rounds per day? (if you put a 14 in CON, it turns to an 18 after the -2 penalty)

 

[Sollir Furryfoot]

I'd say +1 ECL, but scale down the strength bonus to +8.

 

[trentonjoe]

I htink it is a good idea.


I would say +2 to the ECL. ALl those pluses will/can be abused. A barbarian would could really dominate when raging and enlarged.

If you really wanted a +0 ECL try just making them cast enlarge as 5th level sorcerer 1/day.

 

[shmoo2]

Thanks for responding.

I've used this race for a while (since early 2 edition, at least) and it has worked out fine.
I use downlings instead of halflings to give a little non-Tolkein flavor to the campaign small folk, and to let the players who pick them feel BIG once a session. Most downling PC have been fighters, actually, even in 3e.

Thanks again for the ECL advice!