Converting gestalt to 4e - possible?

[Herobizkit]

Just a random thought I wanted to add for discussion. I am currently running a solo game and I'm toying with the idea of switching to 4e. Problem is, the PCs I want to convert are already level 10, AND they're Gestalts.

What would YOU suggest to replace/convert:
a) a Favored Soul/Sorcerer
b) a Barbarian/Rogue
c) a Druid/Warlock
d) a Monk/Psychic Warrior?

I know, it might even be too general a question, but I'm curious.

 

[mattdm]

I think the Gestalt idea in general would work fine in 4E, because it has the same balancing factor: economy of actions. You may have twice as many powers, but you still can't do twice as much in a round. And of course there's the multiple-attribute issue, although most gestalt games use a pretty high pointbuy anyway.

So, I think the main issue here is really that there's not really good mappings for most of the classes you list (with the exceptions that 4E cleric or paladin can stand in fine for Favored Soul, and that 4E Warlock basically is the Sorcerer conversion).

I'm also curious about how your game is run — it's a solo game meaning one player swaps in one of those four characters?

 

[Vael]

I actually considered Gestalt rules for 4e. Basically, it comes down to allowing PCs to take a second class as a template, like monsters. As a balance factor, they are considered "elite", so I'd throw twice the monsters at them. The only change I made was that I didn't add the CON score twice, so you only get the X per level hp boost.

 

[Mircoles]

You could keep to total powers known category on the character advancement table on pg.29 in the PHB and just have them pick their powers from two different classes?

 

[jadrax]

Just a random thought I wanted to add for discussion. I am currently running a solo game and I'm toying with the idea of switching to 4e. Problem is, the PCs I want to convert are already level 10, AND they're Gestalts.

What would YOU suggest to replace/convert:
a) a Favored Soul/Sorcerer
b) a Barbarian/Rogue
c) a Druid/Warlock
d) a Monk/Psychic Warrior?

I know, it might even be too general a question, but I'm curious.

I would have thought you could easily get away with the 4E multiclassing to basically get the same effect of covering all the bases. More problematic is only 2 of those 8 classes currently exist, so I would wait until PHII hits the shelves.

Actually as a Qualifier to that, It may be better to work in terms of actual character concepts rather than just "Classes" anyway. What broader Archetypes are these guys actually playing?

 

[tsadkiel]

What would YOU suggest to replace/convert:
a) a Favored Soul/Sorcerer
b) a Barbarian/Rogue
c) a Druid/Warlock
d) a Monk/Psychic Warrior?

I know, it might even be too general a question, but I'm curious.

Just using the regular multiclassing rules, rather than trying to come up with any sort of gestalt houserule -

a) Paladin/Warlock, focusing on charisma powers for both classes.
b) Depends on the character's focus. if it's sneaking up on people and hitting them with a big sword, probably Fighter/Ranger or vice versa. If it's RAGE!!!!!, you may have to wait for an appropriate book.
c) Cleric with a liberal splash of Fey Pact Warlock, or vice versa.
d) Tricky. Swordmage might work, or perhaps Rogue (for the movement powers) or Ranger liberally flavored with Star Pact Warlock.

 

[mattdm]

I actually considered Gestalt rules for 4e. Basically, it comes down to allowing PCs to take a second class as a template, like monsters. As a balance factor, they are considered "elite", so I'd throw twice the monsters at them. The only change I made was that I didn't add the CON score twice, so you only get the X per level hp boost.

If you're throwing twice the monsters at the players, they're going to need more actions. In fact, I'd suggest following the suggestions in the DMG for converting a monster to solo and basically do the same things: add the template as you suggest, give a bonus to saves, more action points, and flat-out more actions.

 

[Vael]

Adding a template gives an action point ... so gestalts have 2 and gain one per milestone.

 

[That One Guy]

Just a random thought I wanted to add for discussion. I am currently running a solo game and I'm toying with the idea of switching to 4e. Problem is, the PCs I want to convert are already level 10, AND they're Gestalts.

What would YOU suggest to replace/convert:
a) a Favored Soul/Sorcerer
b) a Barbarian/Rogue
c) a Druid/Warlock
d) a Monk/Psychic Warrior?

I know, it might even be too general a question, but I'm curious.

House Rules the heck out of things.
If you want to do it by rawish... Tsadkiel makes some excellent suggestions. Other ways of doing it are...

A) Cleric with high Str and Wis (probably 16's in both). This would allow a good smattering of Cleric meleeness & ranged attacks.
B) Rogue/Ranger MC. Consider the +1D6 until the end of the next turn a rage. Similarly, a Fighter/Rogue or Ranger/Fighter->Iron Vanguard might be up there on his/her list of stuff. (Or Kensai, maybe... Fighter Paragon paths can be kind of Barbarianish) ...and a Berserking Weapon is a must.
C) Fey Pact Warlock (But emphasize the earth aspects rather than the fey). If healing is a favored item for this Druid MC into cleric and take the level 6 encounter power swap feat to take that heal power per encounter thing. It's handy. If shape-shifting is their preference, then the rules as is do not cover that. However, if you do not mind a few house rules I would suggest a utility power replacement (if the shape shifting is not a combat option. If it is, I'd suggest borrowing shifter encounter powers from the MM).
D) Swordmage. Tsadkiel has it. Or... if we want to go with the WotC mini swaps and a few house rules... Two-Weapon Ranger w/ unarmed attacks at a +3 bonus, and some amount of upgrading damage. I'd suggest 1D8 Heroic, 1D10 Paragon, and 1D12 (which'll make basic & @Wills 2D12) for Epic... that is assuming this person does use their fists and not a sword. A MC into Cleric but reflavouring attacks as 'psychic' might do it okay.

As far as gestalting powers, others have given appropriate suggestions.

Really, it depends on character concept. Powers can be reflavoured and swapped relatively easily.