The new munchkin race of choice is . . .

[Shadowdancer]

. . . the Hobgoblin.

I was just checking out the article in Dragon No. 309. Hobgoblin as a PC race: +2 to Dex and Con, and no penalties to any other abilities; +4 to Move Silently; and only an ECL of +1.

I foresee whole swarms of Hobgoblin fighter/rogues taking over gaming tables in the near future.

 

[Zappo]

Uhm... that's all? I don't think it's particularly powerful. You take a hit of 1 level for a couple small stat bonuses and a good bonus in a single skill. It's useless for any spellcaster and about balanced for fighter types. It's good for rogues, but not overpowered.

 

[Shadowdancer]

Well, there are some other benefits, but my copy of the magazine is at home, and I'm at work right now. It just seemed like you get several benefits with no penalty except the ECL +1. The thing I was most surprised about was the +2 to two abilities which benefit every class, and no penalties.

 

[Dinkeldog]

Aasimar's get +2 to Wisdom and Charisma; acid, cold and electricity resistance; the Light spell 1/day; +2 to listen and spot; darkvision to 60'; and are Outsiders that can still be raised.

Dwarves were the most powerful PHB race before the revision and they got boosted even more.

Oh, and neither is a hobgoblin.

 

[Nightstorm]

Aasimar is a good choice, BUT the all time tweeked character goes to DEEP GNOMES lets see , +4 ac to EVERYTHING , magic resistence, darkvison, and on and on.

 

[Dinkeldog]

Aasimar is a good choice, BUT the all time tweeked character goes to DEEP GNOMES lets see , +4 ac to EVERYTHING , magic resistence, darkvison, and on and on.

Sure, but they have big noses. Aasimar are pretty.

 

[Camarath]

Before Savage Species Hobgoblins were ECL +0 according to the DM's Guide. IMO they are significantly weaker than other LA +1 races. I think they were changed to support the unbanced stats equal LA assertion that SS makes.

 

[Darkness]

Aasimar is a good choice, BUT the all time tweeked character goes to DEEP GNOMES

They cost more than 1 level, though. (ECL +3, maybe? I forgot.)

Also, like all gnomes, they suck.

 

[BiggusGeekus]

They cost more than 1 level, though. (ECL +3, maybe? I forgot.)

Yep. +3.

Also, like all gnomes, they suck.

Yeah, -4 Charisma. What's up with that? If there are any anti-charisma spells in your game your character could die of ugly. That's just embarassing. Also, the race name is hard to pronounce. Snivelbivelsomething.

Anyway...

+2 STR/DEX is nice, but balanced at +1 ECL. At level 2, a human fighter will have more hit points and the same "to hit" modifier. At level 20 four extra attribute points aren't going to save the day.

I'm not saying "hobbies suxor", just that the race looks balanced to me.

 

[bwgwl]

i wouldn't give up a whole level for what hobgoblins get.

i'd say they're a little underpowered for an ECL +1 race.

i'd either take something away (or give them a penalty) and make them +0, or give them something else worthwhile and leave them at +1.