I have a very small group. Two PCs. I want to run them through CotCT and I have a few ideas on how to run a group this small, but would like your suggestions as well.
One thing I'm planning on doing is having a couple short intro adventures. For instance, instead of having the PCs simply write into their backgrounds how Lamm has hurt them, I'm actually going to run through it. I hope to get the players to level 2 before the AP actually kicks in.
Thanks!
It's a bit of a challenge to only have three player characters.
And it's quite a challenge to only have two!
I don't think making them level 2 before things start (whether with played prequels or by just giving away XP) will really do the trick. I think there needs to be some more juicing.
Options include (you can combine them)
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Depending on the classes involved you can probably manage the Gaedren Lamm stuff with 2 PC's.
Consider having an NPC or 2 join in and help. They could clear Verik's name and he would help. Or sober up Grau and he'd help. Or just have Cressida assign them a couple guard allies. If you don't want GM controlled allies let the players control the extras.
You can cut a few baddies from each of the encounters in many cases.
I'd avoid having them outlevel the content too much because that can cause other imbalances like saves and such being out of whack with the challenges presented. Better to overgear them or give them a lot of hit points.
There are definitely things in this path that will be tough with only 2 PC's no matter how you slice it - like the symbols in the Vivid Labyrinth where if they both fail their saves... game over.
Allies and/or hirelings help a long way, to making this easier for you as the GM to handle things. Other options that will give them a boost would be figurines of wondrous power or other options to give them another fighter in a combat situation. More powerful companions or familiars. Having a trained pair of war dogs can also be a good thing. As they can guard the party and be useful in combat. A kindly cleric for healing and cheap or free healing potions.
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Our group has a revolving door of PCs and NPCs for CoCT. We often call upon them for assistance. In our experience, having made contact with loads of NPCs means we usually have an option in a tight situation.
I think the suggestion for allies, friends and hirelings would be a great idea. Our GM insisted on having strong connections to Korvosa beforehand, so the characters also have family to call on as well.
For example, our PCs are all linked closely to a minor noble house. We have three PCs (one is now an NPC) who were actually named members of the house, and one character (PC) who was married into the family (he is a widow and his wife was a plot hook to Gaedren Lamm. She was also a sibling of two PCs and cousin to another).
Marcus Merivanchi* is a notable member of his house and a rising star in Korvosan politics (or has the potential to be). He lives with his wife, Cristiana, and sister, Marianna, in the Heights. Marcus also maintains a number of servants who play a key role in the campaign. Dante, his valet, often accompanies his master around town and tends to his master.
Marianna Merivanchi is a scholar and a former student of the famous sage Arius the Wise. She is betrothed to Orlando Ornelos. Mari also maintains a number of servants, one being her former nurse. Unlike her brother, Mari publicly known to be more concerned with socialising with her friends, though she has gained a level of acceptance from her family and allies for her role in stopping the various perils that plague the city.
The Merivanchi family often calls on allies, family and friends for favours. For example, Mari was able to secure magical scrolls from Arius the Wise to help prevent disasters in the city. On other occasions, Felix, the sibling of Agon (PC), has played a role in helping the characters succeed where they might fail (he has also become a major PITA as well).
Basically, the group has a developed a large network of people that can potentially help them. This has been the result of roleplaying, as well as the plotline of the adventure path.
* Yes, the Merivanchi name from the Savage Tide (an inside joke).
I have some experience playing with two players. It never troubled us. The players had min-maxed PCs (but not gestalt). I provided one or sometimes two NPCs to enhance the party.
The advantage is that you can use these NPCs to help the story by tying them into the plot.
One of their NPC allies might become a leader in the undergroudn resistance later in the AP.
The PCs might meet a nice young girl (among the lambs?) who joins them for a while, until she suddenly disappears. When the PCs meet her again, she is a brain-washed grey maiden. Can the PCs persuade her she is on the wrong side (she might even help them sneak into the castle) or has she become an enemy?
Can the PCs win the confidence of one of the tribesmen who helps them communicate with his people? Or do the tribesmen send one of their own with the PCs to check up on them?
Here's what I'm thinking. Please tell me if I should consider doing more or less...
I will let each player start with 25 Points and I will give them their Max hit points each level.
I will also rearrange it so that there will always be a (GM ran) NPC (or at least the possibility of one) with the PCs.
So do you think that will solve the problem? Or is there more I need to do? Giving them 25 points with max HP isn't going to make them too powerful, is it?
Thanks everybody!
Also, I have changed this to Pathfinder instead of 3.5, if that makes a difference. I know Pathfinder starts characters a bit more powerful than 3.5.
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I have a thought for you for those sticky situations that may come up do to fewer actions. Zellara. Let her manifest a bit more solidly and/or let her "animate" a weapon or something. Maybe a dagger with the Dancing Property that she can trigger 1/day. Gives the party another attack line and with some imagination it can be quite helpful in other ways. If you are sure the party isn't going to need assistance for a day let her be helpful in some other way so that the party doesn't feel like she is only there to get them out of a jam. Let her manifest and distract people. Just make sure she is more than just an occasional appearance and that the players feel like she is a character, albeit one that doesn't over shadow their part in the story.