*Wincing* CR for humanoids?

[RUMBLETiGER]

Ok, yes, I understand CR is messy, unprescise (Inprecise?), etc.

However, I want to know if anyone is aware of a mostly-clearly defined system for Class level NPC's = CR for the purpose of exp. Individual NPC's and groups of NPCs.

I'm trying to work up a roster of various NPC's to pull out for campaigns the way one does with a Monster Manual. An assassin guild, road bandits, city guards, and so on. In the past I've fudged exp for my players, but I'm trying to get a bit more organized.

For example, if I was to send 3 Half-elf Assassins: a Scout3, Beguiler3, Rogue3 against my player party of four level 5 characters, how much exp would they have earned? And so on.

 

[Ashtagon]

In theory, CR = class levels + racial HD + racial level adjustment. That's strict RAW.

Of course, we all know which is the bigger challenge between a druid 20 and a fighter 20.

 

[Hassassin]

By the book for races without racial HD or CR modifiers: Class level in PC class = CR. Class level in NPC class - 1 = CR.

 

[Empirate]

In theory, CR = class levels + racial HD + racial level adjustment. That's strict RAW.

Of course, we all know which is the bigger challenge between a druid 20 and a fighter 20.

Not quite true: CR = base creature's CR + (effective class levels), where (effective class levels) equals (NPC class levels -1) + (PC class levels) in the case of associated class levels;
and {[(NPC class levels -1) + (PC class levels)] / 2 up to as many class levels as the base creature's HD} + [(NPC class levels -1) + (PC class levels) for class levels in excess of base creature's HD].

Racial HD and LA don't figure into CR linearly, as can be shown in several template descriptions, where CR adjustment and LA adjustment differ.

 

[Rhun]

It isn't entirely perfect, and sometimes needs some adjustment, but this tool can be very useful:

Handy Dandy Encounter Calculator

Using the info above, and assuming all things are per the D&D standard, this encounter would have an EL of 6, and each PC would snare 563 experience.

 

[RUMBLETiGER]

Much thanks to you all.

Hm... So a party of four level 5 characters would consider a single level 5 NPC with PC classes a level 5 encounter.

Thank you Rhun, I will make liberal use of that calculator!

 

[Dandu]

Mind you, it kinda depends on what exactly that NPC is...

 

[Rhun]

Hm... So a party of four level 5 characters would consider a single level 5 NPC with PC classes a level 5 encounter.

All things being per the expected D&D standard, then yes.

 

[RUMBLETiGER]

Mind you, it kinda depends on what exactly that NPC is...

All things being per the expected D&D standard, then yes.

While I do understand that not all PC classes are created equal, this is more accurate a breakdown then I was hoping for, so good enough!

 

[Celebrim]

The problem with calculating CR for classes is that not all builds are created equal.

Generally, CR = class level. However, several things can modify that.

1) NPC isn't built to the same point by as the PC's: This can be between -1 and -2 depending on how limited the NPC is.
2) NPC doesn't meet suggested wealth by level standards: This can vary from between -1 CR to the loss of up to 25% CR for non-spellcasters. Many of my NPC's don't go around in mobile arsenals, and don't have excellent gear.
3) NPC doesn't have an optimal build: This can vary from between -1 CR to the loss of up to 25% CR depending on how far from optimal you are. Many of my NPC are essentially 'noncombatants' with builds optimized for farming, business, and daily life. They take lots of skill focus feats, and put there skill points into things that help them with ordinary challenges. If one is unexpectedly defending himself from the PC's, I won't give the full XP for defeating what is ultimately not a challenge worthy of them. (On the other hand, 'defeating' them in their own field of expertise might be worth full XP.)
4) NPC is a support class (or has a support build), but doesn't have anyone to support: Many PC classes and some builds shine best when working with a group. If an NPC has this class and has to defend themselves alone, then they probably won't be worth their CR. I tend to ad hoc the equivalent of a 1 CR penalty in this case.
5) NPC has NPC class levels: This usually means 1/2 the expected CR, and in the case of commoner it means more like 1/4 the expected CR.

I takes a fair amount of work to make a level 5 humanoid as difficult of an encounter as a CR 5 monster. You shouldn't expect it to just happen and if for some reason you don't want to put in that work, whether because you are doing a low powered gritty game or because of time constraints, don't be afraid to estimate the difficulty rather than sticking to a hard and fast rule.