EL Calculation?

[Ghostwind]

Alright, I'm having a brain-fade moment. What's the mathematical formula used to determine correct ELs for encounters and adventures?

 

[diaglo]

Alright, I'm having a brain-fade moment. What's the mathematical formula used to determine correct ECLs for encounters and adventures?

ONe Dm + ONe party = ONe group

 

[Psion]

Alright, I'm having a brain-fade moment. What's the mathematical formula used to determine correct ECLs for encounters and adventures?

Since you are talking about encounters, do you mean ELs instead of ECLs?

ECL = Effective character level = level "cost" of templates and certain races.

 

[jtone]

If you mean EL, here's one solution that has worked well for me. http://jjtone.com/wp/archives/2004/08/16/encounter-level-challenge-rating-party-strength/

I put the formula in an Excel/Openoffice spreadsheet and let the computer do the work.

The formula is
p = CR {if CR < =2} or 2^(CR/2) {if CR > 2}
EL = SIGMA(p) {if SIGMA(p) < =2} or 2 * ln (SIGMA(p))/ln(2) {if SIGMA(p) > 2}

If the group consists of PC’s instead of monsters, substitute their adjusted levels for CR.

For example, if your party consists of 5 members, level 4, 4, 5, 7, 10, then the total party is equivalent to EL 11.66. An appropriate challenge would be EL 7.66.

 

[Ghostwind]

Yes, I meant ELs. I told you I was having brain fade this morning. Need caffeine...

 

[Ghostwind]

Okay, for the calculus challenged, is there an easier formula or does someone have this nifty formula that jtone just gave already in Excel format?

 

[jtone]

I have it written up in an Excel Spreadsheet. You can email me at joel [at] jjtone.com and I'll send you a copy.

Also note that according to my calculations:

Appropriate (Party EL - 4) approximately 15 of these = 1 level
Difficult (Party EL - 2) approximately 8 of these = 1 level
Deadly (Party EL) approximately 4 of these = 1 level

 

[Ghostwind]

Email on the way. Thanks!

 

[Psion]

sigma means sum.

also, from jtone's fromula, he uses ln and divides by ln(2) -- this is converting to log base 2. Excel has a function called logbase, just go logbase (blah, 2) instead of ln, and skip the ln(2).

Oh, and there is no calculus in this or any preceding post.

 

[Ghostwind]

That's exactly what I was looking for jtone. Thanks again!!