Calculating appropriate CRs for gestalt

[Question]

If CR + 1 encounters are appropriate for a party of 4 gestalt, how do you calculate the appropriate encounters for a party of less or more than 4 gestalt PCs?

 

[Fieari]

I've gestalted my group, and I tend to assume that each character's level is equal to 1.5 x HD, and so far (at lowish levels) this has worked out pretty well with regards to CRs...

 

[Rystil Arden]

I've gestalted my group, and I tend to assume that each character's level is equal to 1.5 x HD, and so far (at lowish levels) this has worked out pretty well with regards to CRs...

That is going to work less and less as time goes on though, until eventually it snaps and breaks altogether. The way the CR system scales, a flat +2 CR means twice as many opponents of the same power. What you are saying with the 1.5x CR is that a level 4 gestalt character is worth 2 level 4 nongestalt characters (highly debatable due to actions) and that a level 12 gestalt character is worth 8 level 12 nongestalt characters (definitely absurd).

 

[TheGogmagog]

We have been using approx +1/4 levels. So for the first three levels there is no adjustment, although the characters should be able to endure one or two more encounters. The adjustment grows in higher levels because of quickened spells and spells of long duration being in effect most the time.

Also the DM throws in gestalt opponents.

 

[jrients]

I have not found the CR/EL system very useful for my Gestalt campaign. I've been learning the hardway how to intuit challenges for the group. So far I haven't overgunned any encounters but I have used to wimpy foes a couple times.

 

[Question]

My DM looks to be intending to use standard encounters for a 4 man party, for each party(regardless of actual make up, some will be 2 man gestalt, some standard 4, etc). Im not sure whether he will be awarding xp based on CRs or "you beat the first encounter, you get this amount of XP".