Post/Author/DateTime	Post
Gilgawath 12-08-07, 09:32 PM	CR ratings are given based on 4 character parties, and the DMG gives advise on graduating encounters based on slight variations to the level of the CR and the average level of the party. My problem comes from the fact that our 'small group' has suddenly expanded from 1 DM + 5 players to a regualar occuance of 1 DM and 7-8 players. Using set modules it does not seem fair that double the characters is double the creatures ie 1 Balor now becomes 2. Is this the best way to handle it or is there something that I have missed that explains the workings to me? Help please Tony
A_Ninja_Errant 12-08-07, 10:14 PM	Unfortunately, this is more of an art than a science, you really just have to feel your way into it. For starters I would recommend about 1.5 times the number of monsters. In cases where its only one monster, give him a henchman maybe 2 CR points lower. Only very rarely should you use increased monster CR, as this tends to kill off large numbers of PCs, even if you do have a lot. If you find this isn't challenging enough, increase it a bit, if they're dying right and left pull it down a bit. Just let them know that you're still unsure as to how to balance encounters for them, and tweak as needed. I'm not the normal DM but my group has gone through periods like that, so I know how hard it can be to keep encounters balanced.
StevenO 12-08-07, 11:32 PM	If your party is twice the "standard" size it is usually best to double the number of creatures encountered. A double sized party could be considered to have an Average Party Level +2 higher that actual when figuring out what ELs and CRs to use but note that using a creature with a CR +2 what a four member party would fight is asking for trouble. As a single creature the big party often has either an advantage due to their larger number or because of their lower level than anticipated may not be able overcome the creatures defenses; the result is either an easy encounter or TPK.
Man in the Funny Hat 12-10-07, 12:37 AM	Setting encounter levels is not an exact science - not even for character parties of exactly 4 characters. Look at it this way though: You have a PC party of 8 characters. Take the average level of the whole party. If one Balor is an appropriate encounter for 4 characters then 1 Balor for the OTHER 4 characters is also an appropriate encounter. The fact that these two encounters then occur in the same place at the same time doesn't change the fact that BOTH halves of the party are appropriately challenged. Now that also doesn't change the fact that having more PC's and more monsters altogether WILL change the dynamics in certain ways. You will simply have to work out the nuances for yourself.
Salla 12-10-07, 12:39 AM	As stated, it's more art than science, but here's some basic art supplies to help you out: http://www.penpaperpixel.org/tools/d20encountercalculator.htm
deathbane 12-10-07, 07:00 PM	CR ratings are given based on 4 character parties, and the DMG gives advise on graduating encounters based on slight variations to the level of the CR and the average level of the party. My problem comes from the fact that our 'small group' has suddenly expanded from 1 DM + 5 players to a regualar occuance of 1 DM and 7-8 players. Using set modules it does not seem fair that double the characters is double the creatures ie 1 Balor now becomes 2. Is this the best way to handle it or is there something that I have missed that explains the workings to me? Help please Tony I split the group into 2 parties and assign the CR ratings accordingly, then bring all the enemies to the table. In other words if I have 2 parties of that are level 4 then they fight two encounter level 4 monsters at the same time.