The LA-assignment thread II: Where The Em Dash Doesn't Exist

[Blue Jay]

I haven't actually participated in this thread yet, but I've been lurking the whole time.

I'm curious about the comparison between the ogre and the centaur. I would have pegged the two as pretty equal for use in melee builds, but you felt the centaur was worth a higher starting ECL. The standout ability for the centaur seems to be the damage benefits with the lance; then I guess a series of minor comparison points favor the centaur (monstrous humanoid is somewhat better than giant, ogre's mental stats and Dex suffer, increased carrying capacity, etc). On the other hand, the ogre has a few things going for it: reach, more natural armor, and slightly better Strength. Most of the other stuff is pretty equivalent.

I mean, I agree that the centaur is the better option overall, but do you think the difference is dramatic enough to warrant a difference in starting ECL?