converting cr to la

[zioth]

The Monster of Legend template (MM2) has a CR of +2. It gives +10str/con, +6 dex, +5 natural armor and some powerful special abilities.

If I wanted to create a character with this template, what would the LA be? If there's no standard formula, anyone have a good guess? I'd think at least +4, but it's better than Half Celestial and other +4 templates.

[Nytemare3701]

The problem with converting the two is that a CR only template was never meant for a player to use, and is usually horribly imbalanced for player use. That said, I would start with the acid test in Savage Species.

[dman11235]

You cannot directly convert CR to LA.  I mean, if that were the case, then a level 10 Dwarven Warrior would have an LA of +10.  Or something.  They are not connected in any way, except that both go up as the creature is more powerful.  The reason for this is, as Nyte said, that some monsters have abilities that are better for players than for monsters, and vice verse.  And sometimes a creature will not have an LA because it's not meant to be played by a player (or can't).  This is the case with animals, oozes, most undead, etc.  So you have to ask the DM.  Work with your DM to see what an acceptable LA would be.  I'd say at least a +2 with a racial HD, or at least a +3.  I don't know what the abilities are (and don't feel like opening my book), so I can't be of more help.  Do keep in mind that LA follows a bit of a logarithmic power increase.  This is to say that a +1 LA is not much of a cost, but a +2 is a pretty big cost, and a +3 is almost prohibitive, while a +4 is just insane.

[Maat Mons]

The update booklet says it's LA +7. 

Monster of Legend: Outsider; 10 ft./10 ft.; 10/magic; Intimidate +3, Listen +8, Search +3, Spot +8; Great Fortitude, Improved InitiativeB, MultiattackB, Power Attack, Track; LA Base creature +7; Change to cold and fire subtypes, haste spell. Type changes to outsider (native); monsters of legend can be raised, reincarnated, or resurrected normally.

[Rejakor]

Don't use LA as LA is hugely overcosted always and forever.

Use Monster Classes.  At least you get some HD out of the deal and you're not shafted running around as a str 30 monster of legend otherworldly paraelemental boar with 2 hitpoints at level 15.

[kitep]

Savage Species, page 11, in the right-hand column, under "level adjustment factors" has some hints on figuring out the level adjustment.

I kinda zeroed in on the 5 levels of cleric casting.  So LA 5, at least.  Because of the fast healing, high stat adjustments and spell turning, I would probably place it at 6-8.

Hmmm... I see Maat found a quote that puts it at +7.  (Although it looks like the update booklet was printed before MM2, so I wonder why MM2 didn't include the LA?)

[Jackinthegreen]

Hmmm... I see Maat found a quote that puts it at +7.  (Although it looks like the update booklet was printed before MM2, so I wonder why MM2 didn't include the LA?)

Because many of the books were created with little thought to what was in other books.  Cross-referencing stuff costs time and money after all.

[zioth]

Thanks. I think I`ll try the +7.

This is for an epic wild shaping character, with a custom feat that allows templates in wild shape.