Something seems a tad off about the formula for this.
+1 over a normal skeleton of that HD.
Let's just through a real obvious one out there, but I'm fairly certain this formula breaks far sooner.
18th level skeletal champion human cleric.
20HD. 2 skeleton + 18 cleric.
Normal 20 HD skeleton CR = 8. 18th level skeletal champion = CR 9.
So a normal 18th level cleric is CR 17 by your standard formula. But if you give him undeath and those benefits, he drops to CR 9.
Now, before everyone yells, I'm aware that I can adjust the CR as I need. I'm going to put the CR as a standard NPC of that level, or +1 if the template's benefits actually merit it. (more likely at lower levels than high) I'm just pointing out the lack and suggesting that some errata might be in order.
You're adding things in the wrong order: A Clr18 skeletal champion isn't a 20 HD skeleton + 1 CR, it's a 2 HD Skeleton + 1 CR, + CR for class levels.
In short, cleric hit dice and skeleton hit dice are not interchangeable.
The skeleton/Skeleton Champion CR based on HD is from racial HD, once you add class levels in that changes. As the skeleton adds nothing to cleric status you count it as a cross role monster. so the first 2 HD of cleric would only add 1/2 CR. After that its full CR to class level ratio. so your example Undead 2/Cleric 18 would be a CR 19 creature. I recommend adding bloody for laughs and to bring it up to an even 20.
To be honest even as CR 19 creature and with the additional HD the CR is a bit high compared to a cleric lich for instance, you might want to throw in a freebie warrior or aristocrat level to even it out or use bugbear stats as a base.
True, lich is definitely more desirable than a skeletal champion at the same cr adjustment. Possibly use a couple of lower level bloody skeletal champions with cleric to Orcus levels around a traditional arcane lich as minions. (sorcerers make amazing liches now) Such as 2 level 14 clerics and a level 16 sorcerer lich would also get you to the CR 19 and is a much more dangerous fight.
You're adding things in the wrong order: A Clr18 skeletal champion isn't a 20 HD skeleton + 1 CR, it's a 2 HD Skeleton + 1 CR, + CR for class levels.
In short, cleric hit dice and skeleton hit dice are not interchangeable.
This ah, makes a lot more sense. Danke sehr.
How does one determine balance when making a skeletal champion PC?
It just doesn't seem to mesh well with the Monsters as PCs guidelines listed in the Bestiary.
You're adding things in the wrong order: A Clr18 skeletal champion isn't a 20 HD skeleton + 1 CR, it's a 2 HD Skeleton + 1 CR, + CR for class levels.
In short, cleric hit dice and skeleton hit dice are not interchangeable.
I'm trying to use HeroLab to create several variations of skeletal champions and I don't think HL has the CR valued correctly. I just want to make sure I'm doing it right when I re-value the CR.
Human sorcerer 2 skeletal champion = CR 3? HL shows CR 4. 2 HD from skeletal champion = CR 1 skeleton, +1 for skeletal champion template, +1 for sorcerer 2 (with npc level wealth). Yes?
Human monk 5 burning skeletal champion = CR 7? HL shows CR 9. Basically +2 for base skeletal champion (as above), +4 for monk 5, +1 for burning. Right?
For comparison sake, aside from the warrior 1 in the bestiary...
I don't have any other printed skeletal champion builds that I can readily find. Is the above correct, and should I ignore what HL comes up with? Thanks for the help!
Another example I was just made privy to.
For now I'm just going to ignore HeroLab's calculated CR's and go with the above when designing skeletal champions. If anyone thinks otherwise please let me know. Thanks!