So due to scheduling problems with the group I was running the CC AP with, I decided to run another AP with the 2 players who can attend regular games.
I figured KM would be one of the best paths to run because it is ran at the players own pace.
I have allowed the two PCs to be created using 25 pt buy and I have also included a trustworthy GMPC cleric (20 pt buy) as a healbot/ buffer.
I don't plan to have the cleric make any decisions or participate in any interactions because I have always been a firm believer in not using a GMPC.
Seeing as we have just started SL, and I haven't read ahead, is their any problems and possible solutions with only 2 PCs??
It might be harder for them definately.
I would recommend for the GM to be reading ahead for preparedness and adjusting things that may need adjusting.
problem: action ecomony and CR
Solution: reduce the number of monsters or adjust their hit points, AC, atack bonus, etc..
Problem: missing a class skill set
Solution: gestault PCs, or add NPC helpers (heck you can make these NPCs anything you what back ground hirelings, to PC love interests)
I'm thinking about granting them the leadership feat for free, but only as it pertains to a cohort. Essentially giving them each two characters to tun
I am running Kingmaker with 2 gestalt PCs. They are currently 6th level: one cleric/monk and one druid/ranger. They're doing just fine, and have only fallen below 0 hp twice (we're currently wrapping up Book 2).
There is a benefit to running Kingmaker with fewer PCs: the AP comes with loads of NPCs that you can flesh out into emergency back-up party members. Normally, when the PCs are about to face a significant threat (as opposed to just exploring hexes), I let them choose a couple of council member NPCs to bring along. This gives them a party-wide boost, and lets them customize their party's design to suit specific encounters.
The danger here is over-reliance on NPCs (PCs love the help, but they hate being upstaged). I make sure they don't take more than 2 along at a time (sometimes I have to get creative with excuses, but these people ARE running a kingdom, after all), and I give the NPCs very basic "AI" style tactics, unless the PCs specifically ask them to do something special. Finally, I fudge rolls so that the NPCs don't get all the juicy kills.
The leadership/cohort arrangement might be even better, since it will ensure the NPCs are lower level (and less likely to have their own agendas).
Gonturan, I kinda like your idea better honestly.
It's very Baldur's Gatey
Do You have to continually update your NPCs to stay on par with PCs?
Gonturan, I kinda like your idea better honestly.
It's very Baldur's Gatey
Do You have to continually update your NPCs to stay on par with PCs?
I believe so
I do level them up, but not always on par with the PCs. Sometimes I can guess which NPCs they will choose for a mission, and so I can advance them before the game session begins. If they surprise me (or if I don't have time), they might get an NPC who is 1 or 2 levels behind.
There isn't much internal game logic to this system -- there's no real reason the NPCs would be leveling quietly in the background -- but in my opinion, it's way more fun than hauling a bunch of 2nd level NPCs around with a 6th level party.
So I think I am going to incorporate a hybrid of ideas.
I plan on granting them a house ruled feat after SL. (Not that it needs a name, but something to due with the charter will suffice.) The feat will allow each PC to choose an NPC to accompany them on their travels. The PCs will be limited to choosing an NPC (15 pt. build) that is 2 levels lower than their character. If at any point the PCs want to "swap out" their cohort, they can. Each NPC will also have their own agendas as well so the players should take that into consideration. (Basalways: I always RP the NPC, the players control the NPC actions when they are a cohort. Any actions on the part of the NPCs while not a cohort is left to GM discretion.)
Let me know what you think!
I'm thinking about granting them the leadership feat for free, but only as it pertains to a cohort. Essentially giving them each two characters to tun
Why not just allows them to run 2 PC's?
Why not just allows them to run 2 PC's?
I could do that but I have had problems with it in the past. The game I ran using that strategy turned into a "roll" playing game. I like to limit the amount of RP a player does to just one character especially because my players tend to not be the die hard nerds I wish they were.
I don't think it's really necessary to allow Leadership. The encounters and challenges are generally designed to be solvable using a multitude of options, thus typically even two characters will find the means to solve them.
I play in a 2-player Second Darkness campaign; and although it is challenging, it is certainly enjoyable and do-able. We play with a simple rule of thumb: our characters are always about 2 levels higher than the recommended character level for a 4 character party. This gives us the needed boost in power and options to more-or-less be on par without changing encounters at all.
It can get *very* challenging - but that too is part of the fun.
I'm running the exact same party (2 PCs, one GMPC healbot) and have had no problems. Have not had to adjust the encounters at all. The PCs will tend to be between half to a full level ahead of where they should be, but everything balances out fine. (Assuming you split treasure/XP equally between the three members of the party.)
We're just finishing up RRR, BTW.
I'm running the exact same party (2 PCs, one GMPC healbot) and have had no problems. Have not had to adjust the encounters at all. The PCs will tend to be between half to a full level ahead of where they should be, but everything balances out fine. (Assuming you split treasure/XP equally between the three members of the party.)
We're just finishing up RRR, BTW.
Awesome timing lol. My game starts in an hour.
Have fun! It really is a terrific AP.
Have fun! It really is a terrific AP.
Agreed
King Maker is a very well made Adventure Path.