Challange Ratings off?

[The_Gunslinger658]

Hi-

Looking at the Challange Rating for the Boneclaw and its a 5! Aint that kinda low for the amount hit die and damage this thing can dishout? In fact I have found this problem with most of the MMIII. The Elder Red Cap comes to mind also hit die 12 but a CR of 7. Am I missing the point of this book or somthing?


Scott

 

[Mystery Man]

From current experience the cave troll might be a bit low too.

 

[Henry]

Since this looks more like a rules-intensive question, I'll slide this over the the Rules Forum.


Just looked back over the boneclaw last night, recording its stats for something I have planned. The challenge rating does look off for a creature with +7 attack, 2d6+7 damage, and a TWENTY FOOT reach, doesn't it? Also, it's impossible for a 5th level cleric to turn, but a searing light and a lightning bolt or two could possibly make this thing toasty. Add its fairly weak AC in (only a 16), and it's not too bad. In fact, if the fighters can hold it off for two or three rounds, then a good wizard and cleric could lay this thing low in that amount of time. HOWEVER, a CR of 5 should mean they expend about 20% resources; just an eyeball estimation suggests they'd spend closer to 50 or 60%!

 

[Keeper of Secrets]

There are a few which seem off to me - but only after I end up using them. I guess be careful of creatures that can perform multiple actions as those can really add up against a group of characters.

 

[Ridley's Cohort]

It is one of those classic high offense, low defense critters that would get carved by a higher level party, but could smoke a lower level party.

A 6th level party could probably kill it with less than 25% resouces spent. A 7th level party would not let it live a round. A 4th level party would probably be TPKed by this thing.

 

[Marimmar@Home]

I'm under the impression that they took a look at the Everquest Monsters of Norrath book and were inspired by the CRs presented there. So let's take a look at the Boneclaw

AC 16 is about CR 3, a lvl 3 PC will hit about 50% of the time
Attack +7 is about CR 3 as well, a lvl 3 fighter in plate will be hit about 50% of the time
2d6+7 damage per attack will knock out a 5th level fighter with four hits

So to me CR 5 looks okay, it could be CR 6 though, especially with the special abilities like damage reduction. Not okay IMHO is the fact that clerics rarely have a chance to turn undead anymore. A 10 HD monster with turn resistance +2 makes it nearly impossible to affect this monstrosity. Corporeal undead mostly have a very high numbers of HD to compensate for their bad base attack bonus. This makes turning problematic and denies clerics the use of one of their abilities.

~Marimmar