With martial class power waning at later levels I was considering allowing martial classes as gestalt characters with certain other less popular classes. This would also mean a ban on multiclass... this was before PRPG came around.
What do you think about these combinations?
Barbarian/Ranger
Not so interesting at first, but with additional combat styles available and some additional tweaks (something to replace animal companion) here and there it may provide the savage warrior worth taking even when compared to the other classes. Medium armour wouldn't interfere with any abilities.
Bard/Paladin
Still a holy warrior with the ability to inspire and lead. Additional skill points and social skills would nicely transform the paladin to the gallant knight loved by gods and... well, everyone. Bard's spellcasting, Pally gets to be the crappy nonspellcaster variant from Complete warior. Of course that armour wouldn't interfewre with spellcasting.
Fighter/Monk
This is intended to be the ultimate martial artist. again the armour doesn't interfere with monk abilities and perhaps the fighter would chose one weapon group as special monk weapons (more attacks, perhaps allowing him to perform special maneuvers with them or giving bonuses). Even more athletic, built in additional speed, magic weapons (transfering the ki provided abilities to chosen weapon group) and other crunch needed.
Any thoughts? The rogue would need some more love probably, but aside from that?