As the title says, how would you modify companions initial stats, class, race or other characteristics. The backstory of the companion would remain, but everything else is fair game.
I would start with Shadow Heart. Having 13 strenght and 9 on Dexterity makes no sense. It would be way better if she has 12 strenght and 10 dexterity to avoid the dexterity penalty. And considering that she is not going to be a melee fighter, it would be better if she has higher dexterity. That way she could use a ranged weapon more effectibly.
Anyway, it doesn't seem as if we are going to have the chance to change that.
Shadowheart can have the exact same stats and a 10 Dex with point buy. She and Astarion are just made intentionally shitty, with a +1 in both of their dump stats.
She'd be fine in melee with a 14 starting Strength. Its the -1 to AC, Initiative, and more importantly Dex saves that's an issue. Mine spent a lot of time on her ass thanks to ice patches.
