Henchmen/Retainers as Items or Encounter Powers
Was watching a video and I see the Mandalorian and then the Twilek assisting her Sith Lord @ 2:19. Rather than henchmen simply be a schmuck torchbearers or another NPC, maybe they can become well items or a set of bonus encounter powers when next to their lord.
Why?
#1 They are not the heroes, they are heroes helpers.
#2 They are not really the front liners.
#3 They do not become targets on the battlefield - more hassle, more time in combat which is already long, not another character sheet. Maybe they can level up into one ?
#4 To create those awesome synergistic battle moments. Or to add yet another dash of cinema to the battle. Example: Graf Thuryar Shieldbearer of Kozuel Lytharandreer leaps to his lords side shield in hand as the Medusa's poisoned arrows are about the strike. He rolls to block and misses, so he uses his own body as a shield. His lord is safe, but he is sadly gone.
Kozuel turns, fury in his eyes, " Damn you Despaira, Damn you and your kind to HELL!!!!!"
#5 It adds a little old school flavor to the modern game. Heroes and their attendants, squires, torch and loot bearers, hired mercenaries all delve into the dungeon.
If items they could be used as at will or encounter powers sort of attached or equipped by the hero.
If they are an extra set of powers - maybe there can be a few sets of them depending on how close they are to the lord, or their role. Maybe they have multiple roles and can be chosen - Flankers, Artillery, Scout, Protectors, Combat Assistants.
Another thing they could add, is to allow smaller groups of folks < 2 or 3 man parties > maybe lacking X Y or Z Class the ability to fight on like a well rounded party.
Thoughts?
Why?
#1 They are not the heroes, they are heroes helpers.
#2 They are not really the front liners.
#3 They do not become targets on the battlefield - more hassle, more time in combat which is already long, not another character sheet. Maybe they can level up into one ?
#4 To create those awesome synergistic battle moments. Or to add yet another dash of cinema to the battle. Example: Graf Thuryar Shieldbearer of Kozuel Lytharandreer leaps to his lords side shield in hand as the Medusa's poisoned arrows are about the strike. He rolls to block and misses, so he uses his own body as a shield. His lord is safe, but he is sadly gone.
Kozuel turns, fury in his eyes, " Damn you Despaira, Damn you and your kind to HELL!!!!!"
#5 It adds a little old school flavor to the modern game. Heroes and their attendants, squires, torch and loot bearers, hired mercenaries all delve into the dungeon.
If items they could be used as at will or encounter powers sort of attached or equipped by the hero.
If they are an extra set of powers - maybe there can be a few sets of them depending on how close they are to the lord, or their role. Maybe they have multiple roles and can be chosen - Flankers, Artillery, Scout, Protectors, Combat Assistants.
Another thing they could add, is to allow smaller groups of folks < 2 or 3 man parties > maybe lacking X Y or Z Class the ability to fight on like a well rounded party.
Thoughts?