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Bestiary / Monster Advancement / Adding Class Levels

Step 3: Determine CR

Source Pathfinder RPG Bestiary pg. 297
Determining the final CR for a creature with class levels requires careful consideration. While adding a class level to a monster that stacks with its existing abilities and role generally adds 1 to its CR for each level taken, adding classes that do not stack is more complicated.

Table 2–4 gives general guidelines regarding which core classes add directly to a monster’s abilities based on its role. Classes that are marked “key” generally add 1 to a creature’s CR for each level added. Classes marked with a “—” increase a creature’s CR by 1 for every 2 class levels added until the number of levels added are equal to (or exceed) the creature’s original CR, at which point they are treated as “key” levels (adding 1 to the creature’s CR for each level added). Creatures that fall into multiple roles treat a class as key if either of its roles treat the class as key. Note that levels in NPC classes are never considered key.

Table 2-4: Monsters with Class Levels

Monster Role	Barbarian, Fighter, Ranger	Cleric, Druid, Sorcerer, Wizard	Bard, Rogue	Monk, Paladin
Combat	Key	—	—	—
Spell	—	Key*	—	—
Skill	Key	—	Key	—
Special	—	—	—	—

* This class is only key if its spellcasting levels stack with those possessed by the creature.

Archives of Nethys

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Step 3: Determine CR

Table 2-4: Monsters with Class Levels