Alternative Companions? (spoilers)

[UllarWarlord]

I got to thinking...why be so restrictive when it comes to the end of The Worldwound Incursion?

Plz don't read if you haven't done final dungeon of TWI:

The game gives each char a mongrelman ranger 1 to accompany them into the Grey Garrison. But that seems dull. Why should everyone have the same companion? So I came up with an idea.

Give everyone different companions of an equivalent CR.

Each of the mongrelmen ranger 1s are CR 2, so this gives me a Level 3 NPC to work with.

Louise the Human Sorcerer gets:

Ellen, Wizard 3: Ellen is a childhood companion of Louise, and is every bit as NG as her friend. She isn't the best at selecting her spells (yeah, I'm not great at this), but she is more than dedicated to the fight! She will become a cohort for Louise at level 7.

Timeor the Kyton-Blooded Cavalier gets:

Furgon, Mongrelmen Ranger 1: Yes, this is the default companion option, but I got an interesting dynamic: Furgon is a female mongrelman. A mongrelwoman, if you will. She immediately is drawn to Timeor's high Charisma, and I think a little romance of not-so-beautiful and the beast isn't out of line. She will (hopefully) become Timeor's cohort upon Ascension.

Riqueza, the Ratfolk Gulch Gunner gets:

Fortuna, Ratfolk Gulch Gunner/Monk: Riqueza's long-lost sister recently was passing through Kenabres on her journey for enlightenment, and will have a tearful reunion with Riqueza...as soon as they both pop a cap in some demons. Gunslinger/Monk may seem like an odd choice, for a simple reason: it is. But Riqueza's player made a note of monk/GS in the bio, and I had a similar idea for a PFS char, so who am I to say no?

Atticus, Aasimar Cleric of Baalzebul gets:

Fazij the Tiefling Rogue: They spared this guy, who was a lackey of Chaleb. The party has expressed interest in wanting to redeem him, but Atticus...well, atticus is LE, and wants to bring him predominantly to the side of Law. Personally, I think that will make for a nice altered Redemption mechanic...but the most fun part is, Fazij took a shine to Atticus for his ruthlessness, and atticus can't stand the chaotic fiendspawn. So it will make a nice master/apprentice relationship.

So. What are you guys' thoughts on altering this part of the Worldwound Incursion?

[Mortagon]

I like it, it brings a bit more diversity and flavor to the encounter, although I would personally go for mongrelmen companions only.

[Alex McGuire]

If you don't stick with Mongrelmen companions, I suggest making sure to play up the "Mongrelmen are helping out" angle. Maybe some of them are in the inn, or when your PCs return from an attack on the cathedral, some of the soldiers are telling a story of the Mongrelmen saving them.

[UllarWarlord]

My plan is to just use one mongrel - their 'finest warrior'. Chief Sull will also participate in the 'conference of war' right before the Gray Garrison. Worry not, I will play up mongrelman aid.