Background: I'm working on a module for a single player with 3 henchman. My goal is to make the henchman "come alive" through inter-party banter, contributing to the story, and possible romance as well as trashing the forces of darkness.
What is your favorite NWN Henchman Module and why? Aside from the OC and the expansions I don't really have a favorite, thus the question.
I have to say in most cases henchies are just mercs with little to .. erm.. say.
I still have a reserved place in my heart for Pirotase from Paladin trilogy. Then again it's a party of 2 banter.
I know Proleric mods utilize quite active inter-henchman mechanics.
Last thing - if your henchies are opposite and this can be a source of conflict then do so. It's a classic to pit lawful paladin with chaotic rogue 
Now that you mention cats.. there is blink lynx companion in Mountain of Mirrors.. I like him because he is lynx. Kind of obvious, duh
I liked pirotase for the same reason - you could steer her to the path of lawfulness.. or not by your actions.
Thanks guys. I've downloaded the first two of the Paladin's Trilogy as Mountain of Mirrors. I'll also take a look again at Proleric's modules (I've got them somewhere on my harddrive).
I would suggest checking out the companions in Planescape: Torment, Mask of the Betrayer and Dragon Age: Origins (if you haven't already). They can be profoundly influenced, "hardened", and offer more than just fluffy banter: they can empower the PC and vice versa. Does anyone recall the Circle of Zerthimon with Dak'kon? Nothing beats that, imo. The extended dialogues with Morte and Grace were evocative, too. That's all the more impressive considering PS:T pioneered the idea of companions being more than just mules, meatshields and "banter posts".
For NWN, I especially liked Deekin and Valen; and mod-wise Dante and Robert of The Aielund Saga were great, even if simple. I also liked how you could influence Zarala's alignment in Swordflight.
In terms of NWN modules, I liked the henchies in Tales of Arterra. Their backstories were compelling, the banter between them entertaining and the fact that I could bring all 3 along (and had dialogue options that pulled them all in) made it even better.
I also remember thoroughly enjoying the henchmen interaction in Stephen Gagne's Hex Coda.
the fact that I could bring all 3 along (and had dialogue options that pulled them all in) made it even better.
I have got to agree with that, always hated when I was made to choose (unless henchies were just meatshields with no personality)
I also remember thoroughly enjoying the henchmen interaction in Stephen Gagne's Hex Coda.
Indeed, these ones had genuine personalities and really felt alive.
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One thing I really like is when companions make comments about the environment and talk among themselves as you are exploring... what I mean is, they don't always interrupt the adventuring with a full-blown dialogue session; it's just a bit of floaty text that appears over the playing field, and also in the chat window (if it's also voiced, that's even better). Consider the back and forth between Alistair and Morrigan in Lothering, for example, or Deekin's various comments in the Undermountain dungeons of Hordes of the Underdark. These add heaps to the atmosphere and immersion; sometimes, it's the lil' things that count.
In terms of NWN modules, I liked the henchies in Tales of Arterra. Their backstories were compelling, the banter between them entertaining and the fact that I could bring all 3 along (and had dialogue options that pulled them all in) made it even better.
I also remember thoroughly enjoying the henchmen interaction in Stephen Gagne's Hex Coda.
Okay, I've downloaded both and will give 'em a go. Cheers!
Though it's been years since I played it, I remember finding the "angel" henchman you must nurture & protect in Tales of Arterra to be one of the most satisfying RPG experiences I have ever had in this genre. At one point in the game, you are forced to make a decision - give her up and hand her over to an enormously powerful mage that has come to reclaim her, or fight for her. I chose the latter, and the pay-off was a seriously challenging (but never frustrating) battle to keep her. I never got this emotionally involved in an RPG before and she remains my favorite henchman in an NWN module.
The Aielund Saga has great companions. Robert Black, Nellise, Dante, Criosa, Maggie, Ronan are all great. (I especially like Robert and Nellise. Robert being my favorite of all non campaign companions)
Tales of Arterra too especially Montador and Persey.
Deekin is easily my favorite henchmen ever just for all those comments he makes in HOTU. The fact that I feel bad for bringing him along and don't just see him as fodder (as I do with most OC henchmen) says a lot about the character.
Deekin is awesome. Love him.
I really thought some of the Henchmen in "The Prophet" series by Baldecaran created good emotional resonance.
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