Specific rules for determining ECL's

[Quickbeam]

One of my players wants to introduce a character of non-standard racial origin to replace his recently deceased PC. I cannot find specific rules or guidelines for determining the ECL to apply for this character (since it's not an NPC, or one of the listed examples in the DMG) and he will have some special abilities.

Is there something I've missed, or as DM's or we supposed to use our best judgment in assessing the ECL?

 

[Crothian]

There are no rules. There is an on line genreator, that is oksy sometimes, but for the most part close your eyes and guess. Or post it here and get a few opinions from many people.

 

[Quickbeam]

That's what I thought...but I've been known to overlook things in the past, and wanted to double check.

 

[dcollins]

Feel free to say "no" to your player. Any accomodation for a new race is a new house rule you're making.

 

[kreynolds]

Is there something I've missed, or as DM's or we supposed to use our best judgment in assessing the ECL?

AFAIK, there isn't anything official. Here are some helpful links though...

Solidarn has a nice system.

RPGCosmos has a decent online tool, but its not as accurate as Soldarin's system, IMO.

Lastly, touch it up with your own judgement.

 

[Quickbeam]

Thanks for the links KR! I tend to believe that I'm a reasonable and fair DM (we all think that ), but having the input of others on a racial ECL is nice, and these tools will prove helpful.

FWIW, it's nothing outlandish -- I just know that it's gonna require at least a +1 ECL. If it was over the top or totally unbalancing, I would just smile an say, "no."