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Message: <blockquote data-quote="AtomicPope" data-source="post: 8271357" data-attributes="member: 64790">A long time DM made some adjustments for determining CR in 5e:<ul> <li data-xf-list-type="ul">add one level per attuned item in the group (averaged)</li> </ul>The mechanics were sound.  When we were 20th level with several boons and a legendary item each our average  CR was calculated as four level 23 characters.  The Encounter CR was usually boosted by adding more lower tier robust monsters like Devils and Giants rather than allow a high level monster to get overwhelmed by Action Economy.  I used it in my campaign and it allowed me to keep things interesting, especially bosses.  Over the years we both had a PCs die in our boss higher level boss fights with the adjusted CR, and not because we were looking to kill PCs.  It reintroduced the deadliness to Deadly Encounters.I'd also add that even with this adjustment Medium Encounters can still be fairly soft.  I found myself using Lair Effects more and more even when there were no Legendary Creatures to keep the combat dynamic and allow the "bad guys" to get an extra turn.  For example in my last campaign arc the PCs infiltrated Dorakaa, the City of Skulls.  I turned the entire city into a Lair, emulating the effects of various BBEG undead like Death Tyrants, and using Skill Challenges to determine progress.</blockquote>