Need help designing an NPC's Cohort...

[AFGNCAAP]

I need help determining what sort of cohort to make for a dwarf NPC for my D&D homebrew game.


First, a bit of background on the NPC in question:

He's a middle-aged retired 12th-level Neutral dwarf fighter who now runs his own business. The dwarf is supposed to be an "old edition" adventurer of renown (mainly from BECM-ed./Rules Cyclopedia D&D days; hence the "cap" of 12th level). This dwarf is rough, gruff, and crude, with a lot of old battle scars, colorful language, and a mug of ale always in hand. He has a fair number of followers who run the day-to-day aspects of his business, though he's the owner & proprietor. He's also known to hire adventurers for various odd jobs.

The cohort is 10th level, Neutral, and male. And that's about as much as I can say about him. I'm not sure what direction I want to go with this guy. I'm thinking he'd be the follower the dwarf would've gotten at Name level (in the older edition days), though I don't know if I want this cohort to be a fighter or a dwarf, for that matter. I have a few ideas for the character, but I can't decide on one.

The ideas so far:

• A big dumb brick of a thug. Mainly a mindless enforcer/absorber of attacks.
• A "Kif Croker" assistant to the "Zap Brannigan" of the dwarf. Frustrated by the dwarf's antics, yet powerless to do anything about it. Possibly a spellcaster or multiclassed spellcaster.
• A "Secret Service" sort of bodyguard. Quiet. Efficient. Omnipresent.

I can't really decide on what to work witrh, so I'm looking for any advice you can provide. I've posted a poll as well for the cohort, listing the above options and an "other" selection.

I'd appreciate any advice you can provide.

 

[Queen_Dopplepopolis]

What kind of business does the Dwarf run?

 

[AFGNCAAP]

What kind of business does the Dwarf run?

Buys, sells, & trades various types of alcohol. Doesn't make any himself. Bit of an "upscale" business, per se, since only the wealthy (nobles & adventurers with cash to spend) can afford the imported alcohols.

His "side businesses" include funding expeditions to abandoned ruins or dungeons, doing favors for friends and regular customers, serving as a sort of adventurers' pawn shop (dealing mainly with magic items and the like), and various other adventure-oriented activities. He'll also "foot the bill" for travel expenses (food & lodging) in some occasions.

Due to his dwarven constitution and little things like a ring of sustenance, he often "forgets" that people working for him need to eat, drink, and sleep for 8 hours. Though he'll thank them for completing a job, he'll berate them for taking so long (esp. if he "foots the bill" for them). He'll also deduct excessive expenses from the promised payment for a job.

However, he often gets adventurers to work for him because they're in debt to him somehow. It's typically because the dwarf buys off their debt to someone else and has the adventurers work it off.

 

[Aholibamah]

Secret service type. Think of "The Crow". This type will once noticed make wise pcs pause and respect the dwarf more. Also you can make really good use of him as a go between, as an extra hand when needed and if need be as the organizer of the hunt for the pcs should they cross the dwarf.

 

[Odysseus]

I'd suggest information gather. Either a rogue or a wizard, or both. Someone who can gather information to help the dwarf, keep him abreast of everything coming his way.

 

[Quartz]

Bard. Information gatherer and face man.

 

[AFGNCAAP]

Thanks for all of the replies and votes.

After having some time to think it over, I decided to go with the Kif Croker-esque sort of cohort for the dwarf. He's a gnome beguiler who's the adopted nephew of the dwarf.

However, the Secret Service/strong-but-silent type is getting used as well. I have an foppish, arrogant Aristocrat NPC who has the Secret Service-esque cohort (a human monk that serves as an aide-de-camp and bodyguard).

Once again, thanks for all of the replies.