CR when mixing NPC and PC class levels?

[Tav_Behemoth]

I'm wondering what happens to the 1/2 CR of a NPC class level when a PC class level is added.

The DMG says that (for example) a elf Warrior 1 has a CR of 1/2, and adding a second level of warrior gives her a CR of 1.

What if she has one warrior level and then adds a level of wizard -- is her CR now 1 or 2?

 

[Stormborn]

I say the CR is 1, 1 level in a NPC class isn't enough. Although to make things easy on myself I probablly wouldn't mix them like that. To my mind NPC with NPC classes are that way because they lack some heroic spark that leads to following the PC classes. Typically it is only Aristocrat or Expert that I will combine with PC classes, and I almost always just make them even numbers to keep it simple on myself.

 

[Scharlata]

[...] is her CR now 1 or 2?

1

DMG page 38
[...] For an NPC with an NPC class, determine her Challenge Rating as if she had a PC class with one less level. [...]

Aristocrat 1 = CR 0,5
Fighter 1 = CR 1
Aristocrat 1/Fighter 1 = CR 1
Aristocrat 2 = CR 1
Fighter 2 = CR 2
Aristocrat 2/Fighter 1 = CR 2
Aristocrat 1/Fighter 2 = CR 2
Aristocrat 2/Fighter 2 = CR 3

I'd handle it this way.

Kind regards

 

[THEBIGLOU]

The MM has different rules has different rules if you apply NPC classes to a Monster (creatures w/ Monstrous HD). They are always considered a non-associated class which let you add half the level of NPC class to the CR. Take a Frost Giant adding 6 lvls of Warrior you add +3 to the CR. But advancing them as a Giant is better anyway.

BIGLOU