Gestalt Confusion

[Cranthis]

I thought Gestalt is taking two classes and combining them, getting the best of both, but also the limits of both?

Like if I made a Wizard//Fighter (I would never really do that, don't worry), I would have good will and fortitude saves, good BAB, the fighter bonus feats, etc etc.

Apparently this is wrong?

[INoKnowNames]

I thought Gestalt is taking two classes and combining them, getting the best of both, but also the limits of both?

Like if I made a Wizard//Fighter (I would never really do that, don't worry), I would have good will and fortitude saves, good BAB, the fighter bonus feats, etc etc.

Apparently this is wrong?

Um... that's actually exactly what Gestalt is.

And that combination is actually not too terribly bad. Buff Up and Beat Down, with awesome spells and more than enough bonus feats to enter into any prestige class you want. There are definitely better, but it's certainly not bad. D10 Hit Dice, the most important saves, better skill points (due to Wizard's Int Focus), good bab, fighter -and- wizard bonus feats, and the Wizard's spell list and familiar. Not bad at all.

[jmelesky]

Wrong in what way? That seems a reasonable nutshell of gestalting to me.

[Cranthis]

Ah. Alright then. But I still wouldn't go Fighter//Wizard

I'd go Duskblade//Wizard.

[Cranthis]

Also. Is Gestalting even balanced for a normal game?

[Mando Knight]

By no means. (http://www.d20srd.org/srd/variant/classes/gestaltCharacters.htm#balancingGestaltCharacters)

[Jeraa]

Also. Is Gestalting even balanced for a normal game?

Gestalt characters are not meant to be used in a group with normal characters. They are supposed to be used when all characters in the party are gestalt characters.

[tonberrian]

I'd gestalt Psion//Warblade.

I mean, if I were into that sort of thing.

[Malroth]

Of course 2x tier 4 classes gestaulted together would barely compete with tier 3 classes, and 2x tier 3 classes gestaulted together would be on par with the Tier 1's

[MesiDoomstalker]

Of course 2x tier 4 classes gestaulted together would barely compete with tier 3 classes, and 2x tier 3 classes gestaulted together would be on par with the Tier 1's

Not by a long shot. There is a huge power gap between Tier 3 and Tier 2, which can not be surmounted without Spells or Powers. And not just any spell/power, but a selection of spell/powers that are game breaking. So no, no combination of Tier 3s will ever equate to a tier 1.

[TypoNinja]

Also. Is Gestalting even balanced for a normal game?

Its a more higher powered option obviously, but it isn't as strong as it first appears. Action economy still hits you like a brick wall. Its not like you can full attack and cast spells too (well quicken but:P)

So unless you happen to get two classes who's features synergize really well you are typically still only doing one thing a turn. You have more options available, so are less likely to be completely unprepared, but there's still just one of you.