Allies giving bonuses? Looking for ideas.

[Rylar]

Looking for ideas to give my players bonuses for gathering allies that don't include putting more bodies into play. I don't want to fill up with cohorts or DM PC's but I want them to have solid reasons to make friends.

One possible ally is a guy who is a barbarian/gladiator type who will attack them when they attack his slavers. I want them to feel rewarded if they manage to subdue him without killing him.

Looking for as many ideas as I can get to use throughout the campaign.

[Covert Operator]

PFS vanities grant followers who explicitly do not participate in fights and just grant a minor bonus.

Having NPCs that have +5 to a 3 skills and +2 to any skills that fit him would be cool. He could roll for things the party lacks, or do Aid Another.

NPCs that speed up craft time for items would be greatly appreciated.

[Rylar]

I was thinking a crafter could be a cool idea. Assisting the NPC's to do it works even better.

Bonus to skill are cool, but many of the skills don't come into play all that often for us, such as gather information.

I was also thinking of giving bonus feats or traits. I would pick these out based on the ally they make (possibly making them up). What do you think?

[Outland King]

you could give them discounts on purchased goods, or Skill bonuses.

examples are if they befriend a thief type character they may get an underworld contact that give 5% off magic items.

or befriending a scout gives a +1 to perception/survival due to training or being along in the party.

as you stated artisan friends can help with crafting.