Does CR for an NPC = the character level?

[Dracuwulf]

Does CR for an NPC = the character level? i.e., is a level 9 character CR 9?

 

[shilsen]

If the NPC is from one of the standard races and the levels are in a PHB class, yes.

 

[drunkmoogle]

If the NPC is from one of the standard races and the levels are in a PHB class, yes.

Unless the NPC has NPC class levels greater than PC class levels. Then it is Character Level -1.

 

[Voadam]

Does CR for an NPC = the character level? i.e., is a level 9 character CR 9?

Generally yes.

Half-orc barbarian 5 = CR 5.

For MM races, add the CR of the monster to the class level if they work well together (Hill giant and fighter) or only add half the class levels to CR if they don't work well together (Hill giant and wizard).

NPC classes count as 1 level less than PC classes. if a 1st level NPC class then CR goes down to 1/2 as the default.

Some MM races have a CR modifier listed in their monster entry, for example kobolds subtract some CR while drow and duergar add some.

 

[shilsen]

Unless the NPC has NPC class levels greater than PC class levels. Then it is Character Level -1.

Um, that's why I said it applies if "the levels are in a PHB class". The NPC classes aren't in the PHB.

 

[(Psi)SeveredHead]

Officially, it's CR = level. However, at higher levels NPCs tend to be weaker, mainly because of equipment issues (they get less.)

It also breaks down between spellcasters and fighters - fighters are more dependent on equipment, so an NPC fighter with less equipment is less powerful than a spellcaster with less equipment. The NPC spellcaster also has the advantage of being able to blow away all of his spell slots in the encounter (using the last one or two to escape) which is something a PC spellcaster rarely has the luxury of doing... even if they're actually capable of doing so.