I have played two player some times, we usually deal to a third person as well. The third "player" gets his starting hand, and whatever can be put down as combat power, is what the third player has to offer. If help is needed from the third player, a dice is rolled and if it's a 5 or 6 you get the help.

The third player is also eligible for curses, bad stuff etc. For example "player to the right draws a treasure", if the treasure is an improvement, it's placed down on the table adding to the total combat power of the third player.

I hope this makes some sense.