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<blockquote data-quote="dave2008" data-source="post: 8833361" data-attributes="member: 83242"><p>The CR guidelines are, IMO, fairly straight forward. However, they are lengthy and involved so I think people just look at the table. If you just look at the table things will seem wildly off. Also, even veteran designers use the table wrong (I've had long arguments with Mike Myler about the correct way to adjust offensive an defensive CR based on the table). The important thing to remember is that beyond HP, AC, DPR and attack bonus, there are many things that affect CR:</p><ul> <li data-xf-list-type="ul">resistances and immunities</li> <li data-xf-list-type="ul">number of saving throw proficiencies</li> <li data-xf-list-type="ul">monster traits/features</li> </ul><p>Regarding resistances and immunities: the DMG provides some nuance in how to impact CR. First, the monster needs to have 3 or more "damage" resistances or immunities (condition immunities don't count) to even consider apply the HP modifications table. Even then, the DMG suggests that you should look at your group to determine if this really applies or not. So don't apply this formal if the monster has force, radiant, and cold resistance and no one in your group inflicts those damage types.</p><p></p><p>Regarding monster traits/features: This is a 2-page table in the DMG with monster traits & features and how the modify the CR calculation. This has not been updated since the DMG came out. There are many traits that have been added since. You have to do your best to compare new traits vs old ones and adjust accordingly (I hope this get's updated in the '24 DMG).</p><p></p><p>Now, I can go through this with you step-by-step if you want. However, this online calculator does a good job of doing the work for you if you check all the boxes and can calculate DPR: <a href="https://iadndmn.neocities.org/CRcalc.html" target="_blank">Monster CR Calculator</a></p><p></p><p>On thing about the online calculator, the resistance & immunities adjustment is just an on/off toggle. You have to determine when to turn it on (see my notes above).</p><p></p><p>So in summary, I find that issues people have are:</p><ol> <li data-xf-list-type="ol">The don't adjust offensive and defensive CR correctly from the table based in the difference between actual and expected AC & attack bonus.</li> <li data-xf-list-type="ol">People don't calculate DPR correctly</li> <li data-xf-list-type="ol">People don't modify the CR calculation based on # of saving throws.</li> <li data-xf-list-type="ol">People don't modify the CR calculation based on the monsters traits/features.</li> </ol></blockquote><p></p>
[QUOTE="dave2008, post: 8833361, member: 83242"] The CR guidelines are, IMO, fairly straight forward. However, they are lengthy and involved so I think people just look at the table. If you just look at the table things will seem wildly off. Also, even veteran designers use the table wrong (I've had long arguments with Mike Myler about the correct way to adjust offensive an defensive CR based on the table). The important thing to remember is that beyond HP, AC, DPR and attack bonus, there are many things that affect CR: [LIST] [*]resistances and immunities [*]number of saving throw proficiencies [*]monster traits/features [/LIST] Regarding resistances and immunities: the DMG provides some nuance in how to impact CR. First, the monster needs to have 3 or more "damage" resistances or immunities (condition immunities don't count) to even consider apply the HP modifications table. Even then, the DMG suggests that you should look at your group to determine if this really applies or not. So don't apply this formal if the monster has force, radiant, and cold resistance and no one in your group inflicts those damage types. Regarding monster traits/features: This is a 2-page table in the DMG with monster traits & features and how the modify the CR calculation. This has not been updated since the DMG came out. There are many traits that have been added since. You have to do your best to compare new traits vs old ones and adjust accordingly (I hope this get's updated in the '24 DMG). Now, I can go through this with you step-by-step if you want. However, this online calculator does a good job of doing the work for you if you check all the boxes and can calculate DPR: [URL='https://iadndmn.neocities.org/CRcalc.html']Monster CR Calculator[/URL] On thing about the online calculator, the resistance & immunities adjustment is just an on/off toggle. You have to determine when to turn it on (see my notes above). So in summary, I find that issues people have are: [LIST=1] [*]The don't adjust offensive and defensive CR correctly from the table based in the difference between actual and expected AC & attack bonus. [*]People don't calculate DPR correctly [*]People don't modify the CR calculation based on # of saving throws. [*]People don't modify the CR calculation based on the monsters traits/features. [/LIST] [/QUOTE]
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