Another Start Scenario:

The Nautiloid crashes in the mountains.
You and a few other survive without the Tadpole. (no Timer)
You find a village and must stay because the mountain pass is blocked with snow for a few weeks.
To repay and stay in the village, you slay monsters in the vicinity.
Over time (Quests and Sleep) the snow melt, the people assemble a caravan for trade.
You make a last Quest because in 3 days the caravan starts.
You come back, a XXX attacked the village. Village people and not used companions are kidnapped.
A ruthless organisation used the free mountain pass to invade because the Nautiloid promises treasures.
YOu fight against the rearguard and now follows the Kidnappers... Act2

Thats my aapproach and maybe more in Gray Ghost taste.