has the number of characters change in starting a new group?

[Jilli Blackheart]

has the number of characters change in starting a new group?

[Rolig Loon]

Nope.  Not in 13 years.  You need one member to open a group.  You need to keep two members in the group or it will close within 48 hours.  The smart thing to do is to open the group and immediately invite your own alt to join, making her the co-owner of the group.  Your own alt is the only one you can always trust not to leave the group unexpectedly or -- worse yet -- sell group assets and run off to Canada.

[Lindal Kidd]

MY alt sold my assets and ran off to Canada! But that's all right, I'm going to boot her right in the assets.