Character writeups

[malkav565]

You are giving 3000 free xp to people picking monster classes/LA. Why wouldn't we pick a monster again?

Aug 11, 2010 11:35:21 GMT -5 nydhog said:

I'm going to go ahead and say that while I am okay with the Savage Species and some monster classes, please don't everybody pick a monster class.

[nydhog]

*facepalm* it's NOT 3000 free xp lol. If you pick a LA +2 character, you will have to EARN 3000 xp for 2, 3000 xp for 3rd, 4000 xp for 4th etc etc. If you play as a standard it's 1000 for first and so on as normal. You will be stuck at level 1 for a while. Be forewarned: I don't delve xp out like crazy. I am very meticulous in planning how much xp it'll be for combat or problem solving. yes i give bonus xp for Rp'ing and thinking outside the box and solving something (especially if it's a way I hadn't thought of). However, 3000 xp is a fair amount in my games. I do about 70% rp/problem solving and 30% combat. Plus the combat I usually put it is not typically outrageous. And given that everyone is picking LA 2 monsters, the parties EPL is TECHNICALLY a level 4 or 5 right now.... So it'll take even longer. I have NO issue if you want to play as them, just don't expect to level left and right lol. ALSO, if it is from a book i don't have: I need a scan or a by-the-book writeup of the class/race.

[malkav565]

Nydhog - that's not exactly how it works. LA is meant to balance monster and non-monster pcs/cohorts. A character with 1 level and 2 LA is ECL (Effective Character Level) 3 and needs the standard 3000 xp to get to 4th. That character is Character Level 1, 1 hd, etc, and is considered level 1 for everything EXCEPT xp and gear level.

While the LA don't give you HD, they aren't empty either. You get almost as much for those LA as you do normal levels. That's why they cost XP.

So, if I were to choose to play an LA +0 character (an elf), that's all I get. 0 xp and a class level.

If I were to play an LA +1 character, I would normally have to earn or start with 1000 xp, just to get to ECL 2. The other pcs would have to start at 2 to balance the monster pc. Either way, that's 1000 xp I don't have to earn in the first place.

If I were to play an LA +2 character, I would normally have to earn 3000 xp just to play one. for that 3000 xp, I get an avg bonus of +2 on every score, possible magic resistance, possible DR, etc., depending on the monster/template. That's sometimes BETTER than 2 class levels.

That's why you pay xp for them.

If you don't believe me, then try to answer this question - If I started at 7th level as an Ogre, how many class levels would I have:

* Just taking the LA in one lump sum
* Or having gone through the Ogre monster class

The answer is 1st both ways. I hope that clears things up.

[Andre]

as far as the nydhog-malkav discussion ..... if that's what nydhog wants in his campaign we should probably go with that .. no offense intended to you malkav, honest ! But if as a DM that's nydhog's viewpoint on it the easiest thing to do would be to just go with that ... having said that, nydhog (or malkav) do you know which book it is that nydhog needs? I can probably hook him up with it as a pdf

So far you guys are doing a great job discussing it maturely but.... my own personal opinion.. I'd prefer not to see it devolve into a rules argument that gets personal and/or upsets or offends either person .. then again you know me I worry too much

[malkav565]

Agreed. I'm certainly not trying to argue with Nydhog as the GM. I think it's important to clarify rules as written, and if a GM wants to override that for their world, that's their prerogative. I'll send a different character write up based on the "one class, two level adjustment" template. It doesn't sound like monster classes are gonna work in this world.

[Andre]

I'm running a monster class, two levels monster one level monk (nydhog gave me the ok for it ).. and yep malkav that's very true clarification of rules (or pretty much anything for that matter) is always important to avoid misunderstandings , a mishap I've been known to fall prey to myself (the misunderstanding thing that is ) so my apologies ! But yeah it looks like we should write up the equivilent of a 3rd level PC basically ...

[Andre]

Aug 11, 2010 17:31:15 GMT -5 @darkalloy said:

Ok so I just thought of an Important question. What kind of stat system are we doing?

nydhog mentioned 32 point buy system for ability scores earlier on in the thread if that's what you mean

[nydhog]

I confuseled my self. I meant playing as monsters is okay. BUT I got confused with the MC's. HOWEVER, I allowed them. SO: If you're a monster class, this is fine since I mistakenly okayed it. I won't lie though: I have never run a game with monster classes so it could get wonky at first.

[darkalloy]

Ok i didn't see the 32 thing i reread alot, i guess i just missed a spot quite often,

[Andre]

Aug 12, 2010 16:24:25 GMT -5 nydhog said:

I confuseled my self. I meant playing as monsters is okay. BUT I got confused with the MC's. HOWEVER, I allowed them. SO: If you're a monster class, this is fine since I mistakenly okayed it. I won't lie though: I have never run a game with monster classes so it could get wonky at first.

Well she is a lawful good medusa so you can expect the "goodie two shoes" behavior from her to act as a certain constraint ....

[darkalloy]

Don't know if you got my email Nydhog, but I can get on for an hour, sometimes more depending each day. So if you need anything more just let me know.

[mikker0]

Before I start making this character, let me comfirm that power gaming wont be an issue?

If it is ill just make something simple.

[nydhog]

Given that I preferr roleplaying over combat: I'd rather no powergaming

[rogueserpent]

Wow, I just read this and Im way behind. Im terribly busy but want in. So what in the hell are the other classes that will be along side me so I can adjust mine accordingly? :-) Can I play a Tarrasque? Just Kidding.

[darkalloy]

Well... Rulyth my pc right now is nothing but Werewolf.