Is there a maximum for cohorts ?

[gmnemo]

Long-time reader, first-time poster.

There are no limitations on the class, race, or gender of a character's cohorts, nor limits to the number of cohorts who can be employed by a character.

~ [3.5] DMG 104

This seems fairly straightforward to me ... but a quick search reveals that a great number of people seem to think there is a maximum number of cohorts (possibly one ?) and are seeking out ways to gain extras. Am I missing something here ?

 

[irdeggman]

You have to look at everything to see what it means.

Pg 105 of the DMG talks about "replacing cohorts" {Why would this section be necessary if you could have more than 1 at a time?}

Pg 106 under Leadership description

"See table below for what sort of cohort and how many followers the character can recruit"

WHen put into context the text about no limit to number appears to refer to the fact that you can replace a cohort so you don't need to take the feat again (which is not specifically allowed anyway) in order to gain another.

 

[green slime]

You can employ any number of people, as long as you can afford to pay them.

But the leadership feat attracts a special category of people to you, people that feel bound to you more strongly than just the wage you pay them. These people are loyal to you, as long as you treat them well / fairly.

So: Leadership feat grants you access to a special pool of followers, who strongly believe in your destiny. These people will be very unlikely to betray you. Fanboys, if you will. They still need to make ends meet, and seek employment because you are someone with a purpose, or ethos, matching their beliefs.

But you can employ any slap lowlife you feel like that needs a break from gutter.

 

[tlantl]

after reading the entry for cohorts in the leadership feat all reference to the cohort is singular.

I would imagine if a player could have multiple cohorts the entry would have restrictions by charisma score for the maximum number of cohorts a player could maintain.

 

[ValhallaGH]

Long-time reader, first-time poster.


~ [3.5] DMG 104

This seems fairly straightforward to me ... but a quick search reveals that a great number of people seem to think there is a maximum number of cohorts (possibly one ?) and are seeking out ways to gain extras. Am I missing something here ?

Cohort has two different meanings in the rules.
1) (The most common) The unique and most powerful follower provided by the Leadership feat. You only get one.
2) (The one used in the quoted text) Various hirelings used to simplify the lives of adventurers.

Does that solve your confusions?

 

[gmnemo]

Yes, I think you're right about there being two different meanings for the same word. They really could (should) have clarified the distinction more. And while all references to "cohort" in the Leadership description appear as singular, it is never explicitly restricted to one. (I'll go with that, though, since it seems to make the most sense.) Thanks for your input.

One more question, then: Would the Leadership-cohort be subject to the rules for standard cohorts (esp., requiring half a share of the treasure) ?

 

[irdeggman]

Yes, I think you're right about there being two different meanings for the same word. They really could (should) have clarified the distinction more. And while all references to "cohort" in the Leadership description appear as singular, it is never explicitly restricted to one. (I'll go with that, though, since it seems to make the most sense.) Thanks for your input.

One more question, then: Would the Leadership-cohort be subject to the rules for standard cohorts (esp., requiring half a share of the treasure) ?

Yes, except it isn't a "requirement" for them to get a half-share of treasure - it is "usually they get. . ."Other deals can be made and the cohort could follow for free if he/she is so strongly tied to the PC (like maybe a zealot or long family history, etc.)