Question a pirate's cohort

[Kid Charlemagne]

I'd think a rogue would make an excellent choice - all the skill points, the Dex-based skills fit on board ship very nicely, and you could explain away some of his disable device skills as being related to fine jewelry work, or something along those lines.

You could also have a fighter/rogue, with intention of having him take the duellist PrC later on.

 

[Lord Pendragon]

Three words: "Awakened Parrot Sorcerer"

Or a druid cohort with Natural Spell. One more level and he can wildshape into a parrot.

 

[Gregor]

Or a druid cohort with Natural Spell. One more level and he can wildshape into a parrot.

I like the way you think...you're hired!

 

[Khayman]

Or a druid cohort with Natural Spell. One more level and he can wildshape into a parrot.

Bingo! The advantage of having a familiar or awakened anything aboard includes the ability to spy on your fellow PCs, er, I mean, to keep tabs on the crew.

Unless its a ninja, in which case it cannot be trusted.

 

[Liquidsabre]

Except that the cohort will only be 4th level and natural spell can only be taken by the druid at 6th level, but that's definately something they could work towards.