quick ECL question

[0-hr]

Is a pixie (1 "fey" HD and Level Adjustment +4) with no class levels equivalent to a 4th level character, or a 5th level character?

I know it will be equivalent to level 5 once it takes a class level. But before that, does the native hit die bump it up a level beyond its level adjustment? (I can have a level 4 cohort and am wondering if a classless pixie fits that restriction).

 

[Voadam]

Racial HD count as full class levels for purposes of ECL.

1 HD +4 LA = 5 ECL

 

[Voadam]

From the 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.

 

[Lorgrom]

Is a pixie (1 "fey" HD and Level Adjustment +4) with no class levels equivalent to a 4th level character, or a 5th level character?

I know it will be equivalent to level 5 once it takes a class level. But before that, does the native hit die bump it up a level beyond its level adjustment? (I can have a level 4 cohort and am wondering if a classless pixie fits that restriction).

Also remember that Level Adjustment is not the same as Cohort Level Adjustment. I belive starting in MM3 they started adding that line to the monster stat information.

 

[0-hr]

Also remember that Level Adjustment is not the same as Cohort Level Adjustment. I belive starting in MM3 they started adding that line to the monster stat information.

I don't see anything about that in MM3, or anywhere else. If someone has more info on this, please post a pointer.

 

[saucercrab]

Also remember that Level Adjustment is not the same as Cohort Level Adjustment. I belive starting in MM3 they started adding that line to the monster stat information.

I think the Cohort LA was just to indicate that the creature would not be suitable as a PC. A creature with a regular LA would be suitable as either a PC or cohort, with the LA the same for either.