Companions and Followers
Companions and followers in Dungeonborne are invaluable assets, offering more than just extra damage. They provide utility, strategic advantages, and can often be the difference between a successful delve and a swift demise. This section details how to acquire, manage, and effectively utilize these allies.
Acquiring Companions
Companions are generally acquired through specific quests, faction reputation milestones, or by rescuing them from perilous situations. Keep an eye out for these opportunities:
- Quest-Based Companions: Many early-game companions are tied to the main storyline or significant side quests.
- Grak the Brute: Found during the quest "The Goblin's Lament" in the Sunken Grotto. He joins you after you defeat the Grotto Guardian and retrieve his lost axe, "Grak's Edge".
- Elara the Seeker: Joins after completing the "Whispers of the Ancient" questline, which begins in the Forgotten Library. She specializes in ranged combat and dispelling magical effects.
- Reputation-Based Companions: Some powerful allies become available once you reach certain reputation tiers with specific factions.
- Sir Kaelen: Requires "Honored" reputation with the Silver Hand Paladins. He's a formidable tank, excellent for drawing aggro. Speak to Commander Valerius in the Valerius Keep to recruit him once the reputation threshold is met.
- Rescue Companions: Occasionally, you'll encounter NPCs in distress who, once freed, will offer their services.
- Mirella the Alchemist: Found trapped in a cage within the Cursed Catacombs. You'll need a "Skeleton Key" (often dropped by Crypt Lords) to free her. She provides valuable potion crafting and healing support.
Managing Your Companions
Effective companion management is crucial for maximizing their potential. Access the Companion Management interface via the 'C' hotkey or through the main menu.
Companion Inventory and Equipment
Each companion has a dedicated inventory. Equipping them with appropriate gear significantly boosts their effectiveness.
- Weapon Slots: Companions can equip one main-hand and one off-hand item (or a two-handed weapon). Prioritize weapons that align with their primary stats (e.g., Strength for Grak, Intellect for Elara).
- Armor Slots: Head, Chest, Legs, Hands, Feet. Always aim for armor that provides defensive bonuses relevant to their role. For example, give Sir Kaelen heavy plate armor like the "Bulwark Breastplate" and "Guardian Gauntlets".
- Accessory Slots: Two ring slots and one amulet slot. These are excellent for providing utility, resistances, or further stat boosts. A "Ring of Fortitude" for tanks or an "Amulet of Arcane Might" for spellcasters are excellent choices.
Companion Abilities and Upgrades
Companions gain experience and level up alongside you. Each level grants them skill points that can be allocated to their unique ability trees.
- Active Abilities: These are skills your companions will use in combat. For Grak, consider investing in "Taunting Shout" to draw enemy attention and "Cleave" for area-of-effect damage. For Elara, focus on "Arcane Barrage" for damage and "Dispel Magic" for utility.
- Passive Abilities: These provide constant bonuses. Mirella's "Potent Brews" passive, for instance, increases the effectiveness of all potions consumed by the party.
- Synergy Bonuses: Some companion abilities offer synergy with specific player classes or other companions. For example, a Warrior player with Sir Kaelen gains a small bonus to block chance when both are actively engaged in melee.
Companion Stances and Behavior
You can set your companions' combat behavior to suit different situations. Access these options in the Companion Management interface.
- Aggressive: Companions will attack the nearest enemy on sight. Good for clearing trash mobs quickly.
- Defensive: Companions will only attack enemies that attack you or them. Ideal for controlling pulls or protecting fragile companions.
- Passive: Companions will not attack unless explicitly commanded. Useful for stealth sections or avoiding unwanted engagements.
- Follow/Guard: You can designate a companion to follow you closely or guard a specific area. Use 'F' to toggle follow/guard mode.
Strategic Utilization of Companions
Integrating your companions into your combat strategy is key to success in Dungeonborne.
| Companion | Primary Role | Key Strategy | Recommended Pairings (Player Class) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Grak the Brute | Melee DPS / Off-Tank | Use Taunting Shout to draw aggro from squishier party members. Position him to cleave multiple enemies. | Rogue, Mage, Ranger |
| Elara the Seeker | Ranged DPS / Support | Keep her at a distance. Prioritize targets with Arcane Barrage. Use Dispel Magic on enemy buffs or player debuffs. | Warrior, Paladin, Barbarian |
| Sir Kaelen | Main Tank / Protector | Engage first, use Shield Slam for single-target threat. Position to protect the backline. | Mage, Ranger, Cleric |
| Mirella the Alchemist | Healer / Utility | Focus on keeping party members alive with Healing Elixirs. Use her crafting ability to create powerful potions pre-dungeon. | Any class, especially those lacking self-sustain |
Remember to regularly check your companions' health and mana/energy. Use healing potions on them when necessary, and consider bringing companion-specific consumables like "Companion Stamina Draughts" for sustained engagements. A well-managed companion team can turn even the most daunting Dungeonborne challenges into manageable encounters.