Gale - My ride or die besti. Either as a companion or in his origin, he stays in the group. He talks a lot but that is alright, he has interesting things to say. A perfectly wholesome cinnamon role on first glance he has some dark currants streaming through his layers. He has some of my favourite writing in the game along with Lae'zel and one of these days I'll have him and the vampire become gods together - they'll cause such perfectly beautiful chaos.

Astarion - Seeing him choke on poisoned blood during bite night never gets old. He becomes a surprisingly good friend quickly enough and when you tell him to stay in camp after one of his more biting remarks, it almost feels like banter. I also enjoy his quest and character development very much - in the spawn path at least.

Lae'zel - She is my bro. Once you give her a chance, she is a good team player and often a voice of reason. She and Gale also have some of my favourite banter.

Jaheira - Team mom.

Shadowheart - Shart is a weird one, fluctuating between edgy and needy in the beginning and becoming extremely soft in the end. She is ok to have around for the most part.

Minsc - big, well meaning oaf who talks to his hamster and is treated by everyone like a big, well meaning oaf who talks to his hamster. I enjoy his company more than I expected.

Wyll - Since I figured out how to play blade pact warlocks, I have developed a soft spot for him - like for a sad puppy found in the rain. His moralising annoys me and that he feels like a secondary character in his own plot most of the time - but I do enjoy his epilogues when Karlach isn't around.

Halsin - He is alright as a NPC but just superfluous as a companion - apart from other things.

Minthara - Haven't had the chance to get to know her properly yet. I am looking forward to it though.

Karlach - She is cute and I liked her well enough before I noticed just how hard the game tries to make me care for her at every possible corner. You can't even be properly mean or grumpy towards her in places when it is warranted. Her naivety also starts to become grating as time wears on. Minsc is an idiot but everyone treats him like one, Karlach by contrast is treated as something special and precious by everyone including the narration itself. The next time around, she'll become a coat and I am sure it will be an overall improvement.