Suggestions for "DM buddy" for solo Paladin

[Storminator]

My son plays a wizard in a solo game, and I gave him a skirmisher companion. I'm not sure you need the full blown PC treatment. An NPC statblock with just a couple powers works pretty well.

I like the leader idea, as you don't want the DM PC to overshadow the player. I think an NPC statblock reinforces that, because most cool stuff comes from the PC... they have more powers.

PS

 

[Irda Ranger]

For the curious, here's Wendy's PC:

====== Created Using Wizards of the Coast D&DI Character Builder ======
Paks Fellsbain, level 1
Amazon Paladin [As I mentioned, this is a re-fluffed Dragonborn. No rules have been changed. - IR]
Build: Protecting Paladin
Background: Auspicious Birth [Use CHR to determine starting HP]

ABILITY SCORES
Str 16, Con 11, Dex 10, Int 10, Wis 14, Cha 18.

AC: 20 Fort: 14 Reflex: 13 Will: 15
HP: 33 Surges: 10 Surge Value: 8

TRAINED SKILLS
Religion, Diplomacy, History, Endurance.

FEATS
1: Enlarged Dragon Breath [We decided that this is actually a power granted by Bahamut, rather than a racial breath weapon. Also, it's appearance is "Calling the Thunder of Bahamut" a' la Final Fantasy, rather than something she "breathes" on foes. But again, no changes to the rules. As a side benny this is a good clear-the-room-of-Minions power to replace a Wizard's Burning Hands. - IR]

POWERS
1, At-Will: Bolstering Strike
1, At-Will: Enfeebling Strike
1, Encounter: Fearsome Smite
1, Daily: On Pain of Death

ITEMS
Plate Armor, Longsword, Heavy Shield, Adventurer's Kit
====== Created Using Wizards of the Coast D&DI Character Builder ======

 

[Irda Ranger]

Oh, and "on more thing", I've decided that some of the adventures will usually have 'helpless' NPCs around that need Defending. This will really allow the Divine Mark to shine (Ramstein can clearly take care of himself). Plus, it's the Paladin thing to do.

The first adventure is going to involve getting a Halfling priestess of Avandra (not a Cleric, just an "0th level" NPC trained in Religion and Heal) safely from Point A to Point B through a goblin-infested mountain pass.

 

[fba827]

You could also make it more of a summoned creature type thing (such as a horse or puma or whatever goes with the character), that way it won't have to talk or come up with ideas, just give those animal like noises. Perhaps it is like a figurine of wondrous power, perhaps it is a spirit guide, perhaps it is a real animal that is always with her..

you might also just consider giving the PC higher point-buy stats, though that won't solve everything (4e being very tactically oriented having only one pc with higher stats would still give the PC loss of "ally" to help build tactical positioning).

but having said both of those things, with the paladin, another divine class could, thematically, fit very well. as could a fighter that is like a squire of sorts (wants to learn from the PC but doesn't quite have the skill or aptitude). me, personally, i would avoid the barbarian/ranger/other 'strikers' because (if your wife is sensitive to this stuff) might feel "out done" by the damage output those classes do compared to hers. Sure, she does other stuff, but seeing "30 damage" compared to her "15" will be a kick in the face every round.