Just to have another way to discuss companions, here are my first impressions that will affect any considerations about whether or not to keep them:
[sniped & yoinked]
So, what are everyone else's impressions? In free, unsystematic terms?
Oh, nice Idea. Here are my opinions:
Lae'zel: She is dismissive and bossy, but feels competent enough. I do not trust her unwavering patriotism, but as long as our goals (mostly) align, I would keep her. I will definitely keep my eye on her and keep an (emotional) distance, since if she would ever be forced to chose between us and Vlaakith she would probably chose the latter.
Shadowheart: She is a nice, if snarky, person who prefers her privacy but seems to have her heart at the right place. Also somehow lacks of knowledge of Shars (and Selunes) Dogma. This massive clash makes her very interesting. Looking forward to unravel her mysteries!
Gale: I do not like him. At all. He is condescending, thinks he knows best and has delusions of grandeur. Or in other words, a Wizard. A class often characterized by their jealousy of people with natural talent (Sorcerers) and people who picked better teachers then them (Warlocks). He acts like a stereotypical snobby Wizard and is not nearly as suave, charming or even smart as he thinks he is.
Astarion: A snob and an abomination.While it is hard for me to keep my latent racism towards undead in check, I do think he is actually an interesting character. While undoubtedly a selfish sociopath, he feels like he has a reason to act like that. This, together with his newfound ability to walk in the sun makes me think there might be a possibility to redeem and resurrect him if you can help him grow. ..I will still kill him in most runs when he tries to drink my blood, see racism towards undead.
Wyll: He feels like a young man who hides insecurity behind showmanship. But he also makes it very clear that he is, mostly, a good person in a bad spot. He Patron feels less like a distant power source and teacher and more like a *very* abusive partner. His worst moment in EA (the torture) shows that there is a hidden darkness that this partnership brings out - but also that a good friend can turn him into the shining hero he so desperately wants to be. Not sure about the result of the rewrite, of course.
Karlach: ...Sorry, to distracted ogling her... Seriously though, she seems to be a nice, if temperamental, person. Strong, good-hearted, willing to help the weak. Also a bit of a romantic! Basically, everything that is shown to us makes her the perfect l... companion.
