Generally speaking CR outperforms level on a 1-to-1 comparison; a CR 8 block is one that is meant to go a few rounds with a party of ~4 level 8 PCs. If you have access to it, the Sidekick Rules from Tasha's give a decent baseline for building an NPC who can keep up with a party of equal level while keeping well clear of the trap of a DMPC that steals the spotlight.
I want to have an NPC join the Pcs in the end battle. how do i account for her when scaling the encounter?
i have a party of 4 characters at level 9 and i want the CR8 princess to join them in battle against the monstrosity her brother has become.
how does the math work? is she a level 8 character a level 10??
-M
What kind of NPC is she? Custom or an existing type? What abilities does she have that will contribute to the fight?
Find your own truth, choose your enemies carefully, and never deal with a dragon.
"Canon" is what's factual to D&D lore. "Cannon" is what you're going to be shot with if you keep getting the word wrong.
Generally speaking CR outperforms level on a 1-to-1 comparison; a CR 8 block is one that is meant to go a few rounds with a party of ~4 level 8 PCs. If you have access to it, the Sidekick Rules from Tasha's give a decent baseline for building an NPC who can keep up with a party of equal level while keeping well clear of the trap of a DMPC that steals the spotlight.
She's an astral elf aristocrat.
I think the other reply I got has a good idea. I'll nerf her a bit and make her a sidekick character.
Sounds like a plan.
Find your own truth, choose your enemies carefully, and never deal with a dragon.
"Canon" is what's factual to D&D lore. "Cannon" is what you're going to be shot with if you keep getting the word wrong.