CR table and inconsistency


Pathfinder First Edition General Discussion


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I was trying to convert a CR 13 monster over to Pathfinder. According to the chart a CR 13 outsider has 18 HD, but it should only have a +22 to hit. That means it should only have a +3 strength or dex.
I then went and looked at CR 13 outsider in the bestiary. They have 13HD, and have between a +20 to 22 to hit, which is line with the table I have not checked the other monsters, but they may be off also. I know CR is not an exact science but I don't see any way the average outsider can have a +18 to hit(they get the best BAB), and is only expect to have a 22 to hit.

I am going to feel really silly if I looked at the wrong intersection of numbers.

If this is in the wrong forum feel free to move it of course.


concerro wrote:
I am going to feel really silly if I looked at the wrong intersection of numbers.

No need to feel silly. The chart isn't meant to be read as if the numbers in the CR 13 section define CR 13. Instead, treat each category as a separate thing, and then average it out. Thus, if attack roll is higher than CR 13, damage should be lower. If AC is lower than CR 13, then hit point should be higher. Keep an eye on special abilities as well. High fast healing plus high hit points, for example, may merit a CR bump. Et cetera.

It is indeed not an exact science. It's more like an art. :)


Many of the outsiders with CR = HD (like the trumpet archon) also have "full" casting in some form (like the trumpet archon having clerical casting) -- monsters without such abilities typically have slightly higher HD to make up for the lack of other abilities. Generally each significant ability is "worth" a HD.

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