Post/Author/DateTime	Post
JWilkerson 04-21-08, 09:36 AM	Hello everyone, I was wondering if there are rules describing how players might create lvl 1=3 characters from races in the monster manual? Specifically, I'm looking at playing a pixie, but both the DM and I agree the template looks too overpowered for the parties' level range. So that's why I'm asking, are there rules that describe playing these races, or other rules I could use to tone down the template? Thanks
runestar 04-21-08, 10:33 AM	A pixie has LA of +4. This means that a pixie with 1 class lv is ECL5 (meaning that it is deemed to be as strong as a typical 5th lv character), and the soonest you can play one is at lv5, in a 5th lv party. Forgive me if I sound repetitive, as I am trying to drive home the concept of LA and ECL beyond reasonable doubt, as this appears to be one of the hardest concepts to grasp around here. Unless you have access to savage species, which breaks down the pixie into a 5 lv class progresion (not recommended, because the book was quite poorly conceptualized and not entirely 3.5 compatible, so it is generally a waste of money), there isn't really any way you can play one in a game before 5th lv.:( You are right though in that the pixie is a very strong race, and can be a very powerful PC if you know how to build your character properly and exploit its powers to the max.:)
EjoThims 04-21-08, 11:09 AM	so it is generally a waste of money), there isn't really any way you can play one in a game before 5th lv.:( I LOVE my Savage Species! Commoner 1/ Surviver 1 is so much fun. Plus, the templates are rocking from a DM's perspective, and the magic items are amazing for both DM and player.
Carrion_Buffet 04-22-08, 01:06 PM	I made a post a little while ago that address my method for playing races from the MM. Here is the one about the Ogre Mage http://forums.gleemax.com/showthread.php?t=996783 I have been able to apply this to all of the playable races in the MM1, but the pixie. The pixie does not have racial levels. If you are intent on playing a pixie, I would suggest sitting down with your dm and spreding the powers of the pixie over a few class levels (or make some pixie racial levels) and then use the sliding LA I stated in the Ogre Mage posting. By the time you gain all of your powers your LA will be at +4. One arguement you can explore is the difference between a dragon disciple (a class) and the half-dragon (a racial template) when you examine both they give nearly the same bonuses to the base race. The big difference, between them is the class is spred over 10 levels and the race adds a +3 LA to your character. This has always seemed to be a hint from the DND designers on how a player can aproach player races with nice powers. I just put my spin on it by allowing for a "maturing" of the powers over racial levels (hit die) so at low levels you do not over power the encounters and do not lag to far behind in experience. Having said that you need to deal with the fact you will have fewer hit points, saves, ab and maybe ac than a non level adjusted character.
Templario 04-22-08, 01:20 PM	You are right though in that the pixie is a very strong race, and can be a very powerful PC if you know how to build your character properly and exploit its powers to the max.:) Yes... like a... BARBARIAN! MUHAHAHA :evillaugh: Ok, a caster is a better idea :P
Carrion_Buffet 04-22-08, 01:23 PM	Yes... like a... BARBARIAN! MUHAHAHA :evillaugh: and dump a lot of points into intimidate!
runestar 04-22-08, 07:39 PM	Well, flight and permanent invis make the pixie very difficult to track down, let alone kill. Dr and spell resistance help make it all the more resilient at higher lvs (you will be surprised at how many foes cannot overcome dr/cold iron). Not to mention the shock factor of a pixie frenzied berserker...:D
deanruel 04-22-08, 08:04 PM	I posted the following just a number of days ago when someone wanted to know how to play a bear Monk in one of their games. The information helped him and I believe it would apply well as a "How to" to get what you want out of a pixie (which by the way I have used to create a pixie character for one of my own players). So here it is. http://forums.gleemax.com/showthread.php?t=681572 I am giving you a link to "Races of War" which besides being very interesting has the best rules for playing monsters as your PC's that have ever been posted on these boards. Using that system your bear would look something like... Bear (Minimum Level 5) * Large Size * 40' movement * Magical Animal Type * Low-Light Vision * +12 Strength, +4 Constitution, -6 Intelligence, -4 Charisma * Scent. * +5 Natural Armor. * Automatic Languages: Common * 5 Starting Hit Dice (5d8 HP; 4 + Int Bonus x 4 skill points; +4 Fortitude, +1 Reflex, +1 Will ; +4 BAB, 2 Feats) His strength is gonna be through the roof. But his armor class and his hit points are going to be fairly shabby. Especially considering his MAD caused by his requirement to put a half-decent score into Intelligence to even be a playable character. Additionally you lack proficiency in any kind of weapon or armor but your strength and natural armor bonus' should make this a handicap you'll be able to overcome. I didn't create the rules for his claw/bite/improved grab abilities because I believe they'll be something you (the DM) will want to put special care into. Finally I'm adding in a link at the end here to the "Dungeonomicon" made by the same person as "Races of War". The Dungeonomicon has an alternate Monk class that I have replaced the standard monk with in my group as it is one of the best homebrew classes ever made. Enjoy. http://forums.gleemax.com/showthread.php?t=659653
Templario 04-22-08, 10:48 PM	Not to mention the shock factor of a pixie frenzied berserker...:D It would be the 3.5 approximation of the "piranha" pixies from 4th!
Drackthor 04-22-08, 11:26 PM	Yes... like a... BARBARIAN! MUHAHAHA :evillaugh: Ok, a caster is a better idea :P Tinkerbell: The Reaping