Character Concepts and Creation

[GM Marvel]

Which type of Cactacae did you choose?  Because regular Cactacae have have an LA +2.  Mountain Cactacae only have an LA+0.

Level Adjustment is something I'm still trying to wrap my head around.  So if I went with a regular Cactacae, as a level two character I would still functionally be level 1?  If i understand how it is supposed to work as explained here: https://dungeonsdragons.fandom.com/wiki/...r%20level.

Then functionally I am stuck at level 1 functionally until I have enough XP to hit level 4, at which point I would functionally advance to level 2? And from that point forward I would level normally although always 2 levels lower than my XP total would indicate?

This probably a better source because it at least offers a chart.  http://www.d20srd.org/srd/variant/races/...tments.htm You would need to have a CLASS LEVEL of 6th (and then 9th) before you can start buying off the Level Adjustment.

From the source there is an example of a Drow who has a +2LA and no Monster Hit Dice, which is exactly the same as yourself.  I hope this clears up some confusion.  The self correcting nature of gaining experience points should let eventually catch up in experience.

Similarly, a drow cleric who has just reached 6th level (ECL 8) is eligible to reduce her level adjustment from +2 to +1. She must pay 7,000 XP, and her ECL becomes 7 (6 class levels plus her +1 level adjustment). When she gains her 9th class level (ECL 10), she can reduce her level adjustment to +0 (and her ECL to 9) by paying another 9,000 XP.