Abstract NPC Companion Rules

I really like the design of abstracted companions shown with the shepherds lifebinding spirit or the beastmasters animal companion. I think this could be a good way to handle other companions like traveling with NPCs as well. So you don’t need to track them like a full blown character, but also do not need to make them “conveniently absent” from combat.

Goals:

• Getting advantage from traveling with Companions
• Keep the action player driven
• No additional figures to track

To accomplish this each companion has 1 or more abilities of the following types:

• Battlecry: Activates when rolling initiative.
• Call for Aid: Any hero can spend 1 action to activate.
• Breather: Activates on a field rest.

Example NPCs:

=> Alaric Brightwater (Alchemist)

Call for Aid: Brightwater (1/encounter) - Alaric throws a flask of his famous alchemist fire at an enemy. 2d10+5 fire. On hit: Smoldering.

Breather: Bitter Brew - Field Rests heal for an additional 2 HP per HD spent.

=> John Bronze (Retired Hero) Battlecry: Look out! - Heroes start the first round of combat with 1 extra action.

Call for Aid: It's a …! (1/encounter) - John automatically succeeds on an Assess (if possible).

Favor (Optional): The party can have a relationship with the Companion and depending on the relationship additional abilities might unlock or upgrade after gathering enough favor.