Question regarding ECL templates

[Darklone]

Simple question: Dude level 5 with halfdragon template, does he count as 8 HD for level dependent spells, e.g. Cloudkill?

 

[jgsugden]

No. He counts a level 5. You only add the LA for purposes of calculating experience points gained and experience points needed for next level (and a few other small specified exceptions).

 

[Voadam]

Simple question: Dude level 5 with halfdragon template, does he count as 8 HD for level dependent spells, e.g. Cloudkill?

Nope. HD are not affected by LA. LA + HD = ECL which affects experience and starting equipment but not actual HD/character level for other purposes.

from the 3.5 srd:

Level Adjustment
This line is included in the entries of creatures suitable for use as player characters or as cohorts (usually creatures with Intelligence scores of at least 3 and possessing opposable thumbs). Add this number to the creature’s total Hit Dice, including class levels, to get the creature’s effective character level (ECL). A character’s ECL affects the experience the character earns, the amount of experience the character must have before gaining a new level, and the character’s starting equipment.

5th level half dragon is 5HD/level for spell effects.

 

[cool hand luke]

Simple question: Dude level 5 with halfdragon template, does he count as 8 HD for level dependent spells, e.g. Cloudkill?

I believe he does.

 

[Darklone]

Wow. That's a reason to take Dragon Disciple instead of the template

 

[shilsen]

I believe he does.

Nope, for the reasons enumerated above.