Questions about Templates

[DemonLoki]

Hey, I've searched around a little and couldn't find a definitive answer. I am trying to figure out the mechanics for applying to a template to a PC. The specific template I am looking at is Half-Dragon, which lists a level adjustment of +3. It's very specific as added immunities and stat bonuses and such, but the problem I am running into is hit points and feats. I am starting the character out as a 7th level character with levels of fighter. The template says to adjust the racial HD but not class HD... and with the level adjustment I'm not sure how many feats the character would have. Does he essentially start out as a level 4 and then take levels of fighter? If this has been answered elsewhere, I am very sorry... Again, I have yet to find a definitive answer. Any response would be greatly appreciated, thank you

 

[Vegepygmy]

If you want to make a 7th level character with a +3 LA template, make a 4th-level fighter and then add the template.

 

[pawsplay]

I hope you didn't have big plans for those feats. With that much LA relative to your hit dice, I would go ahead and plan on taking Iron Will, Lightning Reflexes, and maybe Improved Toughness.

Assuming you want to focus on your natural weapons, Weapon Focus (claw) and Weapon Specialization (claw) look good, and then you might as well throw in Weapon Focus (bite). When you reach six hit dice, Multidexterity.

If you don't go that route, Weapon Focus (whatever you plan on focusing on) is still a strong choice because you need numbers. Conversely, Combat Expertise and Power Attack are bad choices, because your to-hit is probably going to run a little low anyway, even with high Str.

 

[irdeggman]

ECL = Racial hit dice + class levels + LA

racial hit dice are considered the same thing as class hit dice for purposes of "level based" things.

a race with only 1 racial hit dice can substitute the class level for that racial hit die (the non LA races)

max skill ranks are based on the number of Hit dice

level based feats are based on number of hit dice

skill points are awarded when a new hit die is given (usually a class hit dice, but could be racial one - although most racial hit dice already give exactly what feats and skills you awarded based on them)

xp awarded and required to "level up" is based on ECL

 

[Starbuck_II]

Hey, I've searched around a little and couldn't find a definitive answer. I am trying to figure out the mechanics for applying to a template to a PC. The specific template I am looking at is Half-Dragon, which lists a level adjustment of +3. It's very specific as added immunities and stat bonuses and such, but the problem I am running into is hit points and feats. I am starting the character out as a 7th level character with levels of fighter.

The template says to adjust the racial HD but not class HD... and with the level adjustment I'm not sure how many feats the character would have. Does he essentially start out as a level 4 and then take levels of fighter? If this has been answered elsewhere, I am very sorry... Again, I have yet to find a definitive answer. Any response would be greatly appreciated, thank you

You start out at ECL 4 (1 level Fighter +3 LA) then you add additional Fighter levels till you reach level that DM requires (in your example 7).
So you max out at 3 LA and 4 Fighter levels (if you want to only be a fighter).

LA comes before HD is how to think about it (yes, that means he doesn't exist in a ECL 3 game).
Humans don't use racial HD so ignore that note.

 

[FEADIN]

In your example you have only 4 hd (fighter levels) the other 3 LA are included in the powers of the template (yes you're weak....).

 

[DemonLoki]

Thanks guys you've been very helpful. Yes, I understand he is a little weaker, but it's not a big deal. There is a two weapon fighter that deals most of the damage with a ranger. My fighter is more tank-ish and the half-dragon works perfectly with the backgrounds of the other characters. So I got the HD covered, as far as feats... since he effectively starts at 4.... he's looking at feats at 1st, 2nd, and 4th fighter levels... and then one when he effectively reaches level 6, correct?

 

[Herzog]

Almost.

You have neglected to specify your base race, so I'm going to assume a Core race other than Human.

The first three 'levels' are 'eaten' by your LA. You get nothing (no HD, no BaB, no save increases, no hitpoints, etc.) except for the abilities mentioned in the template.

At your fourth level, you get your first level feat (which every character gets at first level). As a fighter, you also get a fighter bonus feat. You get max hp, just as every character gets at first level.
At fifth level, you get the fighter bonus feat of a second level fighter. (You are, after all, a second level fighter)
At sixth level, you get your third level feat, just as every character gets at third level. At seventh level, you are a fourth level figher, and get a fighter bonus feat.

When determining how much XP you need to get to your next level, include the LA in the calculation to determine how many levels you have.

For ANY other calculation (feats, whether you are considered 'first level' to be able to get a specific feat, what your max ranks are, etc.) ignore the LA.

 

[DemonLoki]

Thanks for being so helpful, very informative. You guys have helped me come up with a very interesting Half-Dragon Warforged Fighter. If anyone is curious, I would be happy to post the build and hear your critiques and opinions

 

[megamania]

Sure.



On a side note, I love the use of templates but as mentioned, it can create a "weaker" character in many ways. Templates are more for flavor and allowing a specific key ability or trait to be availiable.


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