Party Level Adjestments

[Jin]

I know how the whole party of 4 with fighting a monster with a CR of their average level things works.

I also know how to calculate monster CRs when there are more than one.

So, what's the actual level of a party with 8 members vs. CRs?

For example, I have 8 10th level PCs. Do I add +1 to the average level per party member above 4? +2?

Edit: For example, the aforementioned party would be 14th with a +1 per PC above 4.

Thanks

 

[Maitre Du Donjon]

A small note: A monster's CR never changes. The EL (Encounter Level) changes when there are more than 1 monster. For example, every time you double the number of opponents, you add 2 to the EL. An ogre is a CR 2. Two ogres are, individually, CR 2, but put together, represent an EL of 4 (2+2). 4 ogres represent an EL of 6 (2+2+2).

For parties with more than 4 adventurers, I think the same rule applies. When you double the number of adventurers, you can assume that they can take on creatures with a CR of their average level +2.

Which makes sense. A 4-adventurer party of 5th level can take on a CR 5 creature. 2 4-adventurer parties of 5th level could both take on a CR 5 creature. Put together, the 8-adventurer party of 5th level could take on both the CR 5 creatures, which amounts to an EL of 7 (5+2).

Maitre D

 

[AuraSeer]

For parties with more than 4 adventurers, I think the same rule applies. When you double the number of adventurers, you can assume that they can take on creatures with a CR of their average level +2.

That's right, most of the time.

You need to be careful though, because the lower-level PCs don't have access to the same kind of resources. They won't have as many magic items; if they encounter a monster with DR, make sure at least a couple of them have weapons that can damage it. Against a monster with a special attack, make sure some of the party can defend against it. (E.g., if the cleric cannot yet cast death ward, don't populate your dungeon with bodaks.)

Also, though numbers can somewhat make up for levels, each PC will be more fragile. Two fewer levels means lower saves and fewer hit points, so PCs are more likely to die. Plan your encounters accordingly.

 

[Maitre Du Donjon]

On AuraSeer's note, its indeed probably best that you simply put twice as many monsters of appropriate CR (ie = party level) instead of putting tougher monsters...

Maitre D

 

[Darklone]

Simple example: 8 lvl 1 chars have a real hard time and prolly several casualties against an ogre (without several archer twinks and high encounter distance) while they should kill the same EL orcs without too many problems (assuming no crits with those nasty greataxes).

 

[Jin]

I see what y'all are saying.

That easy enough for non-unique encounters & shouldn't be a problem.

I'll just make sure those special unique encounters have more than double their number of henchmen about & maybe an extra level or 2.

Thanks all.