If you've been playing Pillars of Eternity, you'll know that there are characters whom you can recruit into your adventuring party to travel alongside you. Each of these companions has their own backstory and personal mission for you to undertake as you progress through the main story.
You'll want to recruit as many of these characters as you can and fill up your party before making any progress, simply because having them around makes encounters a whole lot easier than they otherwise would be if you were alone. Perhaps you're having trouble with the Shades in the temple ruin in Gilded Vale–if so, having a party can help with that.
In addition to these richly written characters, you can also create your own adventurers to bolster your party. Unlike the characters already in the game, these player-made mercenaries do not have backstories.
Recruiting the NPC Companions
Aloth, Wizard: After you leave the tutorial area and get to GIlded Vale head down to the Black Hound Inn and you'll run into Aloth, the Wizard. He's having a bit of a run-in with the locals and it's up to you to rescue him.
Eder, Fighter: Enter the Black Hound Inn and rest. You'll get a vision that tells you to speak with a dead dwarf woman by the hanging tree. Eder will be waiting for you after your conversation ends.
Durance, Priest: The quests in Gilded Vale can wait until after you recruit Durance. You'll find him to the southeast in Magran's Fork. Travel along the road towards the east and you'll find Durance standing by a statue, awaiting your approach.
Kana, Chanter: Follow the road east to Black Meadow, and keep going eastward until you arrive at Caed Nua. Kana can be found inspecting the stonework right outside Caed Nua, by the gates.
Sagani, Ranger: You'll need to first complete the quest in Caed Nua by speaking to the Watcher. After acquiring the Stronghold, repair the Eastern Barbican and head south to Woodend Plains. Follow the road until you reach the crossroads, where Sagani and her pet fox are waiting.
Hiravias, Druid: Head to the east from the crossroads to Stormwall Gorge. Stick to the road until you find the circular ruins, then follow the path to the south. Hiravias will be waiting.
Grieving Mother, Cipher: If you follow the road east to Dyrford Village, you can find Grieving Mother in the southeastern corner of the map.
Pallegina, Paladin: Finally, to pick up Pallegina, you'll need to go to Defiance Bay. First, enter the Vailian Trading Company building in the Ondra's Gift district and do a short quest. Once that's done, Pallegina will be standing outside the doors of the Company building.
Be sure to check out our other guides:
Understanding Health and Endurance
