Maybe a silly question, but what does it mean when a adventure or module says it's "CL 5"?
I get it has to do with how hard the adventure is supposed to be, but I don't know the assumptions behind it. Is it intended for X number of level X characters?
I suspect it's from 3E originally, but since I missed that edition totally I haven't got a single clue to this.
CL typically stand for "challenge level" as in a challenge level 5 trap carries with it to the dex attribute roll (or save) a -5 to the players roll. I guess it could stand for Caster Level or it could stand for Character Level also, but they are kind of all the same. See PH page 164 in the 6th ed pdf for the description of CL and I think that might help. Based on your words you make it sound like this is on the top of the module, now assuming this is a CnC specific module I would GUESS this means its meant for 5th lvl PCs to have on average a balanced (no penalty) game... that said, for thirds they would be on average at -2, or for 7ths they would do things more readily at +2... but to be truthful, I hope someone else has a more definitive answer for you.
It might help if you site a very specific module you have in question.
Wow, Another Natural One! You guys are a sink hole for luck. Stay away from my dice.
A CL 5 module would be a challenge for a 3rd level part, an average challenge for a 5th level party, and so on. It's just a way for you too know when an adventure is "appropriate" for a party's level.
R-
Castles & Crusades: What 3rd Edition AD&D should have been.
TLG Forum Moderator House Rules & Whatnots My Game Threads
Monday Night Online Group Member since 2007
Yeah, the two of you have given a pretty thorough answer in my opinion.
Since its 20,000 I suggest "Captain Nemo" as his title. Beyond the obvious connection, he is one who sails on his own terms and ignores those he doesn't agree with...confident in his journey and goals.
Sounds obvious to me! -Gm Michael
