Originally Posted by TheOnlyRealTav
So far, we have 5 origin story companions, with
3 more coming for sure:
Minsc
Helia
Karlach
As for non-origin companions, a lot of people were asking for
Halsin and Minthara
How realistic is it, I do not know, although seeing Halsin as at least camp follower would be very nice. He is such a cool guy after all.
A little bit of info, which probably does mean something:

- Minthara if looted, just like companions loses all the equipment and the change is visible on the model. (loses the shield/armor/weapon)
- There is an romance option for her. (currently only an option for companions, might change in the future)
- Has a tadpole in her head, just like rest of companions so far, while still having possible friendly-ending interactions which hint further co-operation (this might not be true in the future).
- I have read that in game files one of companions in hinted to be a drow.
- Wiki displays her as a potential companion
- Probably will be possible to recruit late act 1/early act 2 if she survives, won't be possible to recruit as soon as others
Source
https://steamcommunity.com/app/1086940/discussions/0/2969520311927202564/
Above for drow companion, with a bit of other information regarding possible companions, one of them being the poor unlucky windmill gnome.
https://baldursgate3.wiki.fextralife.com/Minthara
Link for wiki is above
They can realistically do a 12-15 companions without degrading the quality of their storylines IMO. Having 8-10 origin ones and 3-4 non-origin companions would be a sweet spot.
Cinematics are quite important, as mimics in this game is done very well (looking down especially at Astarion and Shadowheart).

Remember everything is subject to change.

In the audio files a new male infernal mage origin character popped up. Either more are already on the way or Minsc got axed. I find it weird that this new guy has files before Minsc and Helia but not Karlach. It's probably nothing though. Grain of salt etc etc.