So, my group got into the Saturday event, and there are three of us. But, my wife may have to leave early for the CosPlay contest stuff -- is it likely to be possible to play with a smaller group (just the three of us) and not do the "epic" play with 6-12 players? We don't want to screw over 3-9 other players just because she has something else scheduled as well. [We won't screw over 3-9 other players even if it doesn't work. If she can't play it then, she'll grab the supplies and we'll play it at a later date with her when we can get 3 other players].

I know we don't really have any reference point for this, so it's all conjecture but... any conjecture?

We do have a reference. LOTR used sn epic multiplayer mode before, and it's possible to play it normally with 1-4 players. I presume this is the same.

We don't know for sure yet, but as Network says previous precedent says you can play with a single group of 4.

But I don't think it will be a problem anyway. The events look pretty informal, and I expect that if your wife leaves early nobody would object to you taking over her character.

https://www.gencon.com/events/111678

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Short Description: Investigate the Labyrinths of Lunacy in this epic 12-player scenario.

Long Description: Event registration closes at 12:45pm on Thursday, August 17th. Participants will be free to form their own groups to play through the scenario, there will be support staff on hand to help put people into groups of 6-12 players. Can you escape the labyrinth’s many chambers? Can you solve the Paradox and survive? Or will you perish in agony and despair? The special Gen Con scenario deck, "In the Labyrinths of Lunacy" will be provided to each participant.

However, if you continue on, the group minimum is 2 players...