Stonechild, is it worth it?

[metalbear]

I am a big fan of Races of Stone, and the Goliath race in particular. What I was wondering though is if all the bonuses and benefits of the Stonechild race is worth the +4 LA and an ECL of 6? Also, for a gestalt campaign what builds would help me make the most of the Stonechild's natural abilities? I'm currently thinking a cleric/fighter build with taking the LA on the fighter side.

[Person_Man]

No. LA is rarely worth it (notably exceptions: Mineral Warrior, Feral, a few others). Even if you only take one level of the racial class, losing 1HD, the Skills, Saves, and potential class abilities is not worth +2 Con, +2 Int, -2 Cha, Darkvision, and immunity to Acid and Poison. You're better off with a Dwarf or Orc.

[celestialkin]

Depends. Are you wanting to play it for mechanics, or are you wanting to play it for roleplaying?

If you are doing gestalt I am guessing the answer is mechanics.

[Ascension]

LA isn't so bad in gestalt. In a normal campaign I'd advise against it, but every gestalt campaign I've known of has encouraged unusual builds... after all, a gestalt campaign is often your only chance to do really zany stuff without totally gimping your character in the process.

[Bassetking]

Stonechild is a traaaaaaaaaaap. Do not fall for its sexy allure; those stat-boosts are vastly outstripped by the class-features you would be giving up.

[Thurbane]

OT: Love the av and sig, Bassetking.