[PF] First time GM advice

[Laniius]

I am running Skull and Shackles, but have a larger than average party. I've added a bunch of NPCs to make the ship feel more full and intimidating.

I like making my own characters rather than using the Pirate template they provide.

What is the power discrepancy between an NPC class with 2 levels and a PC class with 2 levels? I prefer using PC classes as I want to make these characters feel dynamic to myself as well as the players, since this is an NPC heavy campaign.

[Novawurmson]

An NPC class is usually assumed to be one below its CR of an equivalent PC class; for example, a Human Warrior 3 is CR 1, while a Human Fighter 3 is CR 2. However, note that the CR system is kind of broken and should only be used for rough estimates, not hard determinations.

I prefer to add defenses to NPCs to make them tougher fights; adding defenses increases the possibility that the battle will involve tactics and positioning instead of being over in a round or two because of a few big hits.