How do you deal with followers?

[Buttercup]

So I've been thinking about giving my PCs a follower. Probably a level 3 warrior, but possibly something else, maybe even a PC class. Now I want to know all the logistical details surrounding a follower. For example:

• Should the follower have a full character sheet, or only a summary sheet? (If you use a special sheet for followers, please attach the file or post a link.)
• Who will control the follower during combat, the DM or a party member?
• Should I intertwine him with the plot, or just let him be cannon fodder?

Can you think of any other issues I haven't mentioned?

 

[Ankh-Morpork Guard]

One of my PCs with the Leadership feat doesn't even HAS his followers around with him. They stay back at the 'home' of the group and basically guard it and keep it in good condition while the group(plus cohort) go adventuring.

However, I DO stat out the followers. Not insanely detailed, but you never know if you'll need the stats...and no, I try to keep them out of the way. Just background characters.

 

[Arnwyn]

How we do it:

- Full character sheet.
- Player controls the follower in combat.
- Either/or. Intertwining with the plot is good, as long as it doesn't "screw the player" (as he/she did spend a feat to get followers). If no feat was spent, then intertwine away (including to the PCs detriment if it makes a good adventure)!

 

[The_Gneech]

In my game, the group only has one "follower" at the moment, and he's more like a regular member of the group who happens to be an NPC; he's fully statted, PC classes, same level as the rest of the group. He's another hero, basically, just "my" character instead of any of the players.

The group's other DM decided he wanted the party to be huge, and so in addition of our own characters, each player also controls one or two NPC adventurers -- except that the DM can override us at any time. ("No, actually, Tyro wouldn't do that, so he does X instead.") Most of the time, it's not an issue. Again, fully statted, PC classes, same level as the PCs. He also has a few completely NPC characters traveling with us.

The problem with lower-level followers, particularly NPC-class followers, is that they're too fragile! In the other guy's game, we're a huge party of 7th-8th level characters, and we're still getting slapped around fairly often. Any 4th-level warrior men-at-arms wouldn't survive beyond two sessions!

-The Gneech

 

[Shallown]

I give the option to the players if I generate a follower or them, So far I have created the Follower. I do take request in that one Player wanted a support character (prefering a cleric) So I created a Mystic Thuerge that worked out well. Later a Player wanted a Follower to help out the scout in finding traps and such so I did a Goblin Rogue/Monk.

I run the Character as far as roleplaying goes but the players run them in combat. I have enough to worry about at the level they are (13-14th) The bad guys get complicated at that point and another NPC is too much for me.

They have complete character sheets and backgrounds that I reveal in the course of the game. I usually try to have a reason for them to join the group that fits well.

Later

 

[Bloodstone Press]

It sounds like you want to add an NPC to the group who follows the PCs, rather than accommodate a PC who has taken the Leadership feat.

If that is the case I would run him as a typical NPC.

Should the follower have a full character sheet, or only a summary sheet? (If you use a special sheet for followers, please attach the file or post a link.)
Who will control the follower during combat, the DM or a party member?
Should I intertwine him with the plot, or just let him be cannon fodder?

1. Depends on your answer to #3.
2. The DM should probably control such a character in combat.
3. Depends on what you want to accomplish with the NPC.

If, on the other hand, the follower is attracted to a PC with Leadership, then I would let the player run the follower in combat, I would have a fairly standard character sheet for him and he would probably not be cannon fodder.

 

[Buttercup]

This is a new campaign, set in Freeport. The party has just reached second level, and they're all so terrified of getting killed that it's taking us ages to accomplish anything. So I thought that if they had a 3rd level warrior following them around, perhaps they would be braver.

What I had in mind is to set up a scenario where they end up rescuing some big dumb guy, and he just starts tagging along to pay his "debt" to them.

 

[Ao the Overkitty]

Okay. so you're looking for an NPC companion. I'd give him an NPC stat sheet. Something along the lines of this:

William Monroe
2nd level Warrior
Alignment: Lawful Good
Str 14, Dex 8, Con 14, Int 13, Wis 14, Cha 10
Fort +5, Ref –1, Will +2
AC & FFAC 14, Touch 9
HP: 17

Skills: Intimidate +5 (5 ranks), Ride +6 (5 ranks), Handle Animal +5 (5 ranks), Craft (Weaponsmithing) +3 (2.5 ranks)

Feats: Expertise, Improved Disarm

+5 Greatsword 2d6+3
+4 Longsword 1d8+2
+1 Mighty Composite Shortbow (Str +2) 1d6+2

Languages: Common, Draconic

Equipment: MW Chainshirt, MW Light Steel Shield, MW Greatsword, Longsword, Mighty Composite Shortbow (Str +2)

The example is the chief of my character's followers, who helps guard the manor. He answers to my cohort, who also helps guard the manor, but occasionally adventures with us (depending on the group size for that week).

 

[diaglo]

name, rank, and serial number only. which means the player only gets the basics. name, where (s)he is from, and maybe what equipment carried/owned.

no levels, no classes, no ability scores, no hps, no feats, no skills, no spells, no....

 

[Vlos]

I would be careful making it more powerful than the players characters. This could detract from the story as he seems to be in control. (unless he is leading the group).

I would make him the same level as the players (max) and dont make him too good in combat. If you are looking to make the PC's survive, you may want to give him feats like toughness or put extra points into CON so he has more hit points. Then give him Intimidate skill so he can try to get monsters to attack him rather than the party. He wouldn't do too much damage but would basically be a HP absorber.


The other idea, would be to give the PC's a magic item which would give them a few extra hit points, sort of like a very minor Stoneskin. Works once a day or something.