So, how I'm going to handle the NPCs (besides Aureus) is that they will follow the PCs orders almost to the letter (and within reason). While both Gareth and Timmins have some experience in the past, they haven't been adventuring in a
long time, so they will defer to the PCs if things get intense.
Note that while Meridith and Wieland are older than Caerth (*), they did grow up in the same area as the half-orc. In the past ,they likely didn't think much of him, but since he helped bring back Lord Pendour's body, they've come to respect him at least. Meridith will likely follow his lead while Wieland might object once in a while.
Quinten has a camaraderie with Quinn, so he'll look to the chain-wielding fighter for guidance.
Brutus is the one wild card. He is young, inexperienced and has a lust for fighting. He is only
16 years old, so your PCs shouldn't let him go in, axe swinging, without Quinn (or Caerth) there to back him up.
* I'm assuming. Meridith is 21 and Wieland is 27. I didn't see an age listed for Caerth on the
Rogues Gallery, but I'm assuming he's not older than Wieland. I guess he could be Meridith's age or a little older.