Making Halsin a companion for a level 1-4 party would completely undermine his character and archdruid position in the game world and narrative.
It's comparable to making Galadriel a party member in LotR even though Halsin isn't quite that epic. To build a believable world and have some scale of power in it some monsters and NPC's have to be above and beyond your PC's. An archdruid definitely fits this bill. He has power and knowledge far beyond you and is able to teach and guide the party, like Halsin is doing. He has responsibilities leading a circle of druids and no time to join whatever rookie adventuring party that just showed up.
Powerful NPC's are a narrative tool, an example of what the party might become or what kind of power they might wield eventually if they survive. What we need to witness as players is a scene where Halsin takes on a foe beyond your ability to fight and saves you from them. Think of Gorion, even though they don't have to die necessarily.
So, anyone asking for Halsin to be a companion doesn't really know what they're asking for. They just like the character a lot and it's Larian's job to deliver quality Halsin scenes without demoting their power NPC's to low level companions.
Nettie could be a level 3-4 companion from the Druid Circle.
Last edited by 1varangian; 24/07/21 07:25 PM.
