Alternatively, maybe it is possible to just 'wipe blank' companions, giving them starting level 'zero' AND 8000 xp, so that the player can (theoretically?) level them up in-game upon enlisting to the party.
Assuming you know a bit about the editor, this would be quite a bit easier actually than learning the stats system and xlsm/txt files from scratch.
I wouldn't do it by unleveling them though, I'd do it by removing their attributes/abilities/talents and giving them the points back.
Well actually you could also assign them in the way you want as well this way too.
All you need is a main dependent module, and then copy each companion file to your mod by right clicking it on the story list.
INIT Section:
//Jahan Reset ------
//Attributes -----
//CharacterRemoveAttribute(CHARACTER_Jahan,"Strength",NUMBER);
//CharacterRemoveAttribute(CHARACTER_Jahan,"Dexterity",NUMBER);
CharacterRemoveAttribute(CHARACTER_Jahan,"Intelligence",4);
CharacterRemoveAttribute(CHARACTER_Jahan,"Constitution",2);
//CharacterRemoveAttribute(CHARACTER_Jahan,"Speed",NUMBER);
CharacterRemoveAttribute(CHARACTER_Jahan,"Perception",1);
//Abilities ----
CharacterRemoveAbility(CHARACTER_Jahan,"Willpower",1);
CharacterRemoveAbility(CHARACTER_Jahan,"WaterSpecialist",2); //Remember 2 levels in an ability = 3 points
CharacterRemoveAbility(CHARACTER_Jahan,"AirSpecialist",2);
KB Section
IF
DialogCharacterEventSet("Jahan_Recruited",_Player,_)
THEN
ProcRemoveDialogEntryForSpeaker(CHARACTER_Jahan,"CYS_Jahan");
DB_Dialogs(CHARACTER_Jahan,"JAH_Default");
DB_CompanionRecruited(CHARACTER_Jahan);
CharacterMakeCompanion(CHARACTER_Jahan,_Player);
Proc_LimitAbilitiesForCompanion(CHARACTER_Jahan);
CharacterSetEvent(CHARACTER_Jahan,"Hired");
DB_Companion(CHARACTER_Jahan);
ProcSetPartyFullIfLoneWolf();
//Give the points back -- This is the part I added
CharacterAddAttributePoint(CHARACTER_Jahan,7);
CharacterAddAbilityPoint(CHARACTER_Jahan,7);
The big problem with this method is you can't remove talents. For that you'd have to use the files. If Abraxas* writes a guide for that, it would be nice since there really has never been one. It's all spread across the board in different threads.
If you don't know anything about the editor I would say try and learn the txt/xlsm files, it's probably easier than learning the editor.
Baardvark's mod includes respecting companions in a more proper way:
http://steamcommunity.com/sharedfiles/filedetails/?id=669623796
