I'm getting ready to start the AP for a group that's relatively new to 3ed (but not to D&D). I have been reading the posts about the potential for the AP to be pretty difficult. I was just wondering if anyone had any thoughts on a good, semi-recurring NPC that could help the group out once in a while if they needed it.
I was originally thinking about Alek but I recently read the module where he checks out. Any other ideas? One of the acolyte clerics maybe? The Striders?
I've been running the Adventure Path since shortly after the first installment came out as an ongoing campaign. The NPCs that I used most often were Jenya Urikas, but as for one accompanying the PC's, that one will not work with the storyline. I'd reccommend some of the lesser members of the Striders, possibly even Shensen Tesseril. But be sure not to introduce her until "Flood Season."
If nothing else, introduce your own NPC. Some affiliations that work are The Chisel, or maybe even some other organization of your own making. Just remember not to use that NPC to "steal the thunder" from the PC's.
Just my two cents worth...
One of the best NPCs IMO are the stormblades. Set up some friendly rivalry between them and the party. Or get them to join up with the party on particularly tough missions (like 13 cages). Other options are the striders (or at least some members) and of course Alec Tercival.
I had Rufus Laro from Shackeled City join the party, he is still in it and they just completed "The Test of the Smoking Eye". I am however getting tired of using him as a plot device.
I just started the AP and one player is going to miss the first two sessions so I've been playing Rufus as an NPC. I think he's going to take over Rufus when he gets back. It's worked out pretty well so far.
My party is nearing the end of Flood Season, and I think the most useful NPC to the party thus far, is Jenya... after all, for these first two installments, she's a major plot device, with Divination magic as well! But, aside from Jenya, who never leaves her church (at least, not in any way that affects the party), I'd have to give credit to Shienisae (changed from Shensen, which reminded me too much of my mother's Lhaso Apso, Shen-Shen).
Introduced as 5th level character when the party was made up of 3rd and 4th level characters, Shienisae definitely added a bit of flavor and power to the group, for a background NPC. Also, since we already had a bard (no one needs two bards... No one.) I modified her into a 1st-level Monk/4th-level Druid, which gave her just a bit more focus and direction. We play her just as Druid who has a monastic background and uses barehanded attacks whenever feasible. Also, we use her as the go-between for the party and the Striders, without revealing the full nature of the Striders or their influence to the party. Lastly, she has an attraction of sorts with the party's half-drow Sorcerer/Rogue, so there's potential for an NPC romance, if he nurtures it.