How equal is this group

[yipwyg42]

I am planning on running a campaign for 3 players. I was wondering how equivalent is 3 players being gestalt characters compared to 4 players playing normal ones.

Thanks

 

[Kafkonia]

I am planning on running a campaign for 3 players. I was wondering how equivalent is 3 players being gestalt characters compared to 4 players playing normal ones.

Thanks

Well, the individual characters will be more powerful.

But they will still have the same number of HP and actions -- which means they'll have fewer of each than a 4 person party. So you should show some caution when building encounters.

 

[Hypersmurf]

But they will still have the same number of HP...

Not necessarily

We just started a 1st level gestalt game... and all of us are gestalt barbarians.

It means we're all on 14-17 hit points, rather than 6-17

-Hyp.

 

[EyeontheMountain]

I would say they are roughly equal, really. 3 gestalt = 4 regular characters. I would jsut watch for combinations that greatly increase power, as they are a lot easier to pull off in gestalt.

Things like monk/Druid getting an insane Ac at about 5th level.

Or everyone going for Frenzied Berzerker, like in Hypersmurf's example. TPK time!!!

 

[Kafkonia]

Not necessarily

We just started a 1st level gestalt game... and all of us are gestalt barbarians.

It means we're all on 14-17 hit points, rather than 6-17

-Hyp.

Fair enough. But you have no more HP than an all-barbarian/knight non-gestalt party. Unlikely, true, but a possibility (as well as anything with d10 hit points and a high CON.)

 

[Herobizkit]

The relative power level is equivalent to a 4p game. Given that all pre-made modules are based on the assumption that groups have at least 4 players, be sure to keep count of the number of bad guys so that the players aren't overwhelmed if they're outnumbered. Having an extra blocker makes all the difference in hard fights.

 

[Nifft]

Fair enough. But you have no more HP than an all-barbarian/knight non-gestalt party. Unlikely, true, but a possibility (as well as anything with d10 hit points and a high CON.)

Let's not forget the Warblade. Or the Dwarf.

Cheers, -- N

 

[Nikroecyst]

I've used Gestalt more often then not in the past due to lack of a full group. I find its a great way to cover a 4 person module with 3 players. Despite not having that extra meat shield, all the players tend to have more hp, that is on average mind you.

Typically the spellcasters can hold thier own in a fight and the fighters have more to do than just bash at things. I would recomend the gestalt over the core classes for any situation except running a premade module with 4+ players or new players.

 

[Kafkonia]

Let's not forget the Warblade. Or the Dwarf.

Cheers, -- N

I don't own the Bo9S, and I try to forget the Dwarf whenever possible.