Companions
Companions are playable characters who can join and fight alongside the player. Each has their own motivations, personalities, and affinity that increase or decrease according to the player's choices. At high approval levels, many companions can be Romanced. Conversely, a companion may leave the party or even try to kill the player if their approval becomes too low.
Since the game's initial release, the default Class of companions can be changed. However, for story purposes, the game acts as if they have their original Class.
See also: Camp Followers.
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Origin Companions
Origin Companions are playable characters with rich backgrounds and ties to the world and the events of the game. Each Origin can be selected as a player character as an alternative to making a custom character. These origin companions can be recruited shortly after completing the Prologue.
Shadowheart
Dark Priestess
Half-Elf Cleric
Standard Companions
Temporary Companions
There are also temporary companions during your adventure. These characters can be recruited into the player’s party during quests or through world interactions.
Unlike Camp Followers, temporary companions are able to join the player’s party and some can become a temporary playable character.
Us, an Intellect Devourer.
Hirelings
There are 12 Hirelings available to recruit – one for each class. Each has their own name, visuals, and race, and their abilities can be re-specced at any time.
- Eldra Luthrinn - a Gold Dwarf Barbarian
- Brinna Brightsong - a Lightfoot Halfling Bard
- Zenith Feur'sel - a High Elf Cleric
- Danton - a Mephistopheles Tiefling Druid
- Varanna Sunblossom - a Wood Half-Elf Fighter
- Sina'zith - a Githyanki Monk
- Kerz - a Half-Orc Paladin
- Ver'yll Wenkiir - a Lolth-Sworn Drow Ranger
- Maddala Deadeye - a Human Rogue
- Fafner - a High Half-Elf Sorcerer
- Kree Derryck - a Duergar Warlock
- Sir Fuzzalump- a Rock Gnome Wizard
Recruitment Locations
Origin Companions
- Astarion: Standing on the trail west of the crashed Nautiloid on the Ravaged Beach.
- Gale: Interacting with an Ancient Rune Circle just east of the Nautiloid.
- Halsin: In the Worg Pens within the Shattered Sanctum at the Goblin Camp.
- Lae'zel: You'll first encounter her during the Prologue. Afterwards, she can be found trapped by Tieflings, south of the Emerald Grove.
- Minthara: Moonrise Towers.
- Shadowheart: She'll join you if you free her during the Prologue, and will later be unconscious close to the place your player landed. If not freed from the Nautiloid, she'll be at the entrance of the Dank Crypt nearby. If not recruited on the Nautiloid or the Dank Crypt, she'll be found inside the Secluded Grove. If ignored again, you'll encounter her either at the Goblin Camp or at the Mountain Pass.
- Wyll: Inside the Secluded Grove, training young Tieflings.
- Karlach: North of the Owlbear Nest, south of the Tollhouse. Follow a trail of blood towards the river.
Temporary Companions
- Glut: In the Myconid Colony, Glut can be temporarily recruited during the quest Protect the Myconid Circle. He will remain in the player's party for as long as they remain in the Underdark, and as long as his quest isn't completed.
- Sazza: Held prisoner in the Druid Grove. If the player helps her, she'll join the party while escaping.