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Message: <blockquote data-quote="AbdulAlhazred" data-source="post: 4686328" data-attributes="member: 82106">Hmmm, #2 is an interesting idea, if a bit abstract. NPCs are NEVER dealt with in the role of companions anywhere explicitly in the core rulebooks. So technically by RAW they just don't exist within the party. Yet obviously they will form a significant element in most campaigns at some point. All I can say is my personal solution is to stat them up. If they are likely to be around only for a short time or they are members of non-PC playable races then I use standard pre-generated monster stat blocks. There is an excellent collection of them here, all expanded from the NPC construction rules in the DMG. You are correct that NPCs will slow down combat somewhat. There are a few ways to easily limit them. First of all they can be expensive, at least ones willing to actually follow a party and fight. If they aren't being paid they certainly should demand an equal share of treasure (assuming they are at the same level as the party). Failure to keep the NPCs happy can be lead to bad situations (the NPCs bolt with the party's pack train in the middle of the Pass of Bones, 10 days from any supplies in the bitter cold). In most cases just make the NPCs either minions (porters or other such types) or 1-2 (or more) levels below the PCs. They can still contribute usefully but should remain mostly as background.Companions are another matter... Per RAW there are none available except to Rangers. Unless either a multiclass feat is defined which allows other classes to acquire the Beast Master class feature, or else AP or PHB2, etc defines rules for other companions there is technically no such thing for other classes. It is widely assumed that at least some Arcane classes will gain familiars at some point in the near future, but I don't know this for sure. If PCs really want animals, then they can certainly buy animals or possibly train them or something similar. I would rule that the animal works more or less like an animal companion. But there are no feats or powers available to buff them.  You might try creating a feat or two allowing some basic use of the animal, like a heroic tier feat that would let you call your animal to you when it was within sight (or 20 squares or whatever).</blockquote>

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