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Message: <blockquote data-quote="MerricB" data-source="post: 3776917" data-attributes="member: 3586">It never is set independently. Well, it sort of can be, but in general...PCs need a challenge. Sending a Great Wyrm Red at the PCs might be setting the challenge independently of the PCs, but it isn't going to be fun. The entire system of Challenge Ratings is there to say "This monster vs these PCs will be fair. Probably."It also applies to traps.The DCs of the Search, Disable and Save are all linked to the CR - if you make the Save 10 higher, then the CR is going to go up.And don't forget that AC is also a DC.Now, when you write an adventure, you often do it for your PCs, so you set level-appropriate threats. It's not ever CR=APL, there'll be a range, but within that range you should also get a range of DCs (and ACs) that are achievable, if occasionally difficult.The trouble is, as PCs get higher, you can't even guess how much they'll vary. I've seen two 13th fighters... one with a AC of 20, one with an AC of 35. To-hit numbers and skill bonuses can similarly vary - skills especially.So, how do you set a fair DC when you don't know what level PC would be likely to make that check?Now, I'm all for rewarding players who specialise, but the gap becomes too big.Cheers!</blockquote>