Come december, I'll be running this campaign for a group potentially as small as 3 people. I know that this is already a difficult campaign with 6 PC's, as I am currently running it for a group that size. I was wondering, if the 3 PCs were kept at 1 level above the curve and made gestalt, would it be balanced and kept at the same challange level it would be for the 6 PC group?
I've only got 2 players in the campaign right now, but they are running 3 PC's each and it's all they can handle most of the time. It's a tough campaign--Kazmojen is a VERY tough foe for 1st-2nd level characters in the first adventure.
If you only want to run 3 PC's, my suggested options would be:
1) Start them off at 3rd level (I'm not kidding, they'll need it) or allow ECL's of +2 at the start for non-standard races if you allow them.
2) Add at least 2 NPC's--maybe a healer or cleric if they don't have one
3) Give them access to a safe resting place often...make Rope Trick available or maybe a minor artifact that helps them hide from foes or shrouds their camp when they sleep, something like that.
4) Allow them to hire a small squad (4-5 1st level warriors) of mercenaries that stay 3-4 levels below them and act as added muscle, camp guards, coolies, etc.
Currently, I'm planning for more than 3 players but am letting everyone start at level 3, with zero experience. So it will be a long trip to 4th level, but they will have a chance at being capable adventurers (hopefully capable enough to survive the traps, Grick, & Kazmojen).
If I end up with only three players, I fully intend to let them play Gestalted characters and expect that to more than make up for a half size party (without them being of a higher level).
I would guess that your 3 characters, being gestalt and 1 level above the curve should be plenty, assuming they aren't completely tactically dense.
Come december, I'll be running this campaign for a group potentially as small as 3 people. I know that this is already a difficult campaign with 6 PC's, as I am currently running it for a group that size. I was wondering, if the 3 PCs were kept at 1 level above the curve and made gestalt, would it be balanced and kept at the same challange level it would be for the 6 PC group?