In your game-world, what are you calling this band? Do they have a fancy "adventurer-company" style title that they use for their group, or are they just an "unnamed" trio of traveling companions?
I'm looking to have them be "in the wings" so to speak (unless the pc's start something) until the third installment or so. Plus, this gives the NPC's a few levels and a chance to make a name for themselves.
I haven't named them anything in particular. Names aren't always necessary for adventuring companies, and for this level, aren't really any benefit since very few people have likely heard of them. Everyone in Diamond Lake refers to them as the "Free City Adventurers" or the "Party from Greyhawk" since they are the only such band distinguishable by such a name. That said, IMC, the three of them don't have very strong bonds of friendship, they simply make a good team and have a good business relationship. Hence, save for one encounter where the adventurers saved the ass of the PCs (and took the loot for themselves) the PCs have only encountered them individually. Auric is always out drinking or trying to woo ladies at the Emporium. Khellek is usually studying history and lore trying to learn more about the surrounding region. Tirra is usually playing games at the Feral Dog (and besting most contenders).
