We have, as I said, 7 pcs. They recently claimed an old ruined castle just outside the boundaries of the current kingdom, and are now claiming to be the rulers of the region around it(one PC has taken the title of Baron). They've hired a stonemason and workers, plus a number of guards. Two of those guards (Roger and Ben, I think) have accompanied them on one adventure (just before the PCs multiplied from 4 to 6 - a week later it went up to 7). The wizard PC who is claiming the title of Baron is their actual employer; I let that player run the guards, but I retain the right to voice their opinions, and to refuse to do anything they feel is too dangerous. The cleric of the party has just "sent for an acolyte" from his home temple. The PC background is that he is a "retired high priest" who is "going exploring for lost religious texts" (I let him get away with this because he came into the game at 5th level). He doesn't quite realize it, but I believe that he was "retired" by his temple because he was just a little too heretical for them, and the "acolyte" they will be sending has orders to ensure that any lost religious matter that he finds doesn't fall into the hands of anyone who would misuse it. Again, I will let the cleric's player run the acolyte when he arrives, but I will retain the right to speak and act for him as needed. IF I decide to have the acolyte have any special, hidden abilities, I will keep a separate character sheet for him in my notes for future reference.