I don't know if you need much to handle gestalt. The biggest issue is 'how much should you increase threats to keep up?'

And I suspect every GM is ultimately going to have to judge the relative power of a party as they go, regardless, so not sure if any actual guidelines are needed.

I had to look up what a  gestalt rules would be. Why would we need rules to build very powerful characters ?

Gestalt isn't exactly 'powerful' so much as flexible, and it allows a lot of mixed concepts that otherwise can be tricky to build.

Although if it were me, I would consider eliminating archetypes in a gestalt system as too complex and occasionally redundant.

Like, if you want to be an Eldritch Knight, well, just go Fighter-Wizard.

Arguably, the strength of archetypes means that one of the reasons to DO Gestalt is eliminated, because you're better off writing a new archetype if you really want some new concept.

Quote from: Will;800138I don't know if you need much to handle gestalt. The biggest issue is 'how much should you increase threats to keep up?'

Well, the big issue for me is how to balance Gestalt characters versus non-Gestalt characters, because I'm trying to use those rules to replace the execrable 3e-style multiclassing rules that 5e reverted to.

If you're looking for AD&D style multiclassing I would say 1.5x exp for 2 classes and 2x exp for 3 classes MIGHT work.

Quote from: FaerieGodfather;800192Well, the big issue for me is how to balance Gestalt characters versus non-Gestalt characters, because I'm trying to use those rules to replace the execrable 3e-style multiclassing rules that 5e reverted to.

Just write a Fighter/Wizard class,  a Rogue/Wizard class, and a Wizard variant that can learn Cleric spells. That covers all the combinations that people really care about. (Fighters should just be able to get Rogue skills if that's what they want)

There's already Arcane Trickster and Eldritch Knight, so there's 2 down.

For wizards, mod:
Devout
Your magical studies are intertwined with devotion to the gods. Your spellcasting ability score is Wisdom, providing a beacon to the unseen paths of the divine.
Your spells and cantrips draw from the Cleric list. In addition, like a cleric, you do not learn spells like a wizard – instead, your channel to the divine gives you access to divine knowledge.
Channel Divinity
As the cleric ability, this includes Turn Undead and Destroy Undead.
Divine Domain
Choose a cleric domain. Gain benefits as a normal cleric, including domain spells. (Note that for Life domain, the bonus proficiency is in Light Armor, not Heavy)
Divine Intervention
Starting at 10th level, you can call on your deity for aid. As the cleric ability.

Bam.

Quote from: Marleycat;800197If you're looking for AD&D style multiclassing I would say 1.5x exp for 2 classes and 2x exp for 3 classes MIGHT work.

That's what I am using currently, but I'm on my first 5e campaign and it's still too early to tell.

edit: I'm working on something, a combination of "Building the Perfect Class" and Skills & Powers to replace multiclassing entirely with custom classes. Just have to work out and balance the various abilities.

Quote from: Will;800180Gestalt isn't exactly 'powerful' so much as flexible, and it allows a lot of mixed concepts that otherwise can be tricky to build.

Although if it were me, I would consider eliminating archetypes in a gestalt system as too complex and occasionally redundant.

Like, if you want to be an Eldritch Knight, well, just go Fighter-Wizard.

Arguably, the strength of archetypes means that one of the reasons to DO Gestalt is eliminated, because you're better off writing a new archetype if you really want some new concept.

Meh, Fighter/Wizard doesn't synergize well without help. Eldritch Knight is a good Spellsword but terrible Bladesinger, Magus, Swordmage or Rune Knight which are all F/M concepts built off the concept as the Wizard being primary instead of the Fighter.

Quote from: Ulairi;800178I had to look up what a  gestalt rules would be. Why would we need rules to build very powerful characters ?

Usually it's for solo games or 2-PC games.

It's also fun for weird concept games, like 'everyone is something AND a monk!'