If you permit me I'll post my own Marinan and Elephant Guard inspired companions here... I spent too much time working on them just to trash them out. Manekemaan will decide who to pick, or whether he wants all of them

#npc19 = Marinan inspired
Name: Kazter de Regor
Age: 42
Gender: male
Skill focus: Weapon Master (one-handed weapons, polearms and crossbows), Shield, Power Strike, Horse Archery, Leadership
Fighting style: as a veteran Landsknecht mercenary, Kazter is flexible in his fighting style but relentless in combat. However, upon coming to Ponavosa he purposefully switched most of his wargear to lighter armament to better suit rough terrain combat situations; hence while he wears classy Marinan chainmail and iron hat, his actual weaponry includes a light crossbow, a one-handed arming sword and a steel round shield. While he prefers close combat, Kazter is also a competent marksman, even while on horseback (though his actual Riding skill is abysmal). In essence, he is a balanced combatant who can manage in most situations and be specialised as he levels up.
Personality: Kazter de Regor is a righteous and courageous warrior of justice, even though he cannot deny his past as a mercenary since he can put up with injustices to a certain degree before flipping out. Given his vast life experience, he possesses much wisdom and likes to share advices or provide mentorship to younger companions. He's, all in all, a local "Paladin", despite the fact that his morality may not be in line with the established laws...
Background: (included in recruiting dialogue)
Recruiting dialogue:<Kazter de Regor>: Greetings friend. There's a whispering around town that you're looking for some capable brothers-at-arms. Is that true ? I would be delighted to join you in thy quest across Ponavosa.
<Player>:
- (Accept) A kind offer, but I'd prefer to get to know you first.
- (Neglect) You must've misheard something, I don't hire anyone. Good day to you.
(If "Accept" is chosen, dialogue continues)
<Kazter de Regor>: As you wish, <Player name>. Oh, don't be suprised that I know your name - the townsfolk here are suspicious to newcomers, so the town watch has eyes and ears everywhere. And I used to work with them for a while, thus it wasn't long 'till I was informed 'who' stepped through the gates of our humble town. It is an honor to meet you, thy majesty.
<Player>: Well... thank you, but I still don't know your name.
< Kazter de Regor >: Of course, how impolite of me. I am Kazter de Regor, once a mercenary captain of a Landsknecht company in the service of the Republic of Marina, though now I am more of a lone freelancer who wanders this continent, lending my services to those who are most deserving of my aid; this is how I repent for my foolish past misdeeds.
<Player>: What misdeeds ? You look a fine enough fellow to me...
<Kazter de Regor>: As I said, I was a mercenary captain. When Ponavosa was discovered, untold masses of soldiers and would-be settlers decided to set sail towards its shores in hopes of riches, fertile lands and a better life. My company of sell-swords was assigned by a Marinan merchant family to capture land 'round some river, suitable for watery traveling and farming alike. We went through many battles with the natives, particularly the Akcy and the Tuljuze tribes. We treated them in the same manner like we did with the Imperials during the War of Recapture - burnt their villages, looted their properties and slaughtered them, sparing not even women and children. We thrived on our unjustly claimed wealth like ordinary bandits. What's worse, I was enjoying it.
<Player>: But there was something that changed you, right ?
<Kazter de Regor>: Indeed. Suffice to say, our company outperformed itself, and acquired much, much more land than we were supposed to. When we sent report of this, the Marinan government somehow decided that the merchant we worked for has no claim to the extra territories, and instead they were proclaimed state-owned, henceforth belonging to the Republic of Marina as a whole. As a bonus, for our band's "services to the republic", I was promised the title of lieutenant within the Regular Army of Marina. As you can imagine, our employer wasn't quite happy with these developments.
<Player>: I suppose he wasn't. What happened then ?
<Kazter de Regor>: Our employer moved in with his family and personal gathering of servants and household soldiers to start erecting buildings on his new Ponavosan property. He asked us to celebrate the event together with him, but later that day things went horribly wrong. After I went to bed by nightfall, soon some comrades of mine came to my tent - and tried to stab me with their weapons. By some devilish luck I evaded the blows; I yelled at them why they turned on me, but there was no reason to be made with them. I ran, ran as far as my legs could bear me. Not knowing what exactly happened, I had to disguise myself and stalked around our employer's property to see the truth behind the treachery. Somehow I overheard the merchant talking with his guard captain, about how he bribed my own men to kill me, and how he'll have my comrades slaughtered after he exposes the murder which in fact was all arranged by him. All because we worked 'overtime' and thus our employer's business rivals could gain a foothold on the new continent along with him. I tried to warn my comrades, but their answer was a crossbow bolt to my shoulder. They wanted the prize money on my head still. Again, I ran, knowing I would not see my companions ever again.
<Player>: That's terrible !
<Kazter de Regor>: Yes... that was when a thought struck me... were I not their captain, but was it someone else, and me a simple soldier, offered a bribe... I would have killed 'the captain', too. Why ? Out of greed. Greed... the driving force behind all evil. My trials did not end there yet, though. I have been wandering for days without food, and scarce water, until I stumbled upon a hidden Akcy refugee camp in the woods. I was wounded and weak... by then, I spoke a few words of their language, and asked for help. What I received was about a hundred glares, all filled with unconcealed mix of fear and despise. None granted me shelter nor any aid at all; they just glared for a while, then decided to ignore me, leaving me there, as I crawled on the ground, my shoulder wound festering with disease. I cried out, loud and piercing. I was cussing and cursing and begging. It availed to nothing.
<Player>: Still, you stand here, quite healthy and all...
<Kazter de Regor>: Yes. For the very next day, one of the elderly hunters dragged me to his patchwork shelter, gave me some food and medicine. Fortunately for me, he spoke the Calradian common language on a basic level. I thought he helped me only to interrogate me, and I wasn't far from the truth. He asked if I was alone, and if there were others chasing me. After some talking, it turned out he knew me personally: in one of the skirmishes, it was I who murdered his son in battle. And he, the old wreck he was, could not help, and was dragged away from the fighting by a cousin of his. I was half-expecting to end up killed in the next couple of moments, but as you may see, my fate was not to perish that day.
<Player>: That's interesting... continue, please.
<Kazter de Regor>: As I learnt, the Akcy traditionally do not mourn their dead for long. They believe that each person's life is predestined. Each life has a purpose, and once fulfilled, it ends. Their thinking resembles Spiritual Enlightment in some aspects... and was also the reason why I was left alive. The refugees simply thought they had nothing to do with me. But the old man felt he had. Through our conversations, I became familiar with Akcy worldview... I questioned the old man that what could have been the point of so many innocents dying by my hands, and why am I going through my suffering. His answer was... intriguing, to say the least: "Perhaps to make you think. Perhaps to make you reconsider life, and this time choose a different road." From that point onwards, my life changed. As soon as I recovered, I set off on a journey across the continent, ever opposing those who are controlled by their greed, and misuse their influence to oppress and misguide the weak and poor.
<Player>: How come you're here then, and ask to be employed by me ?
<Kazter de Regor>: This town had some rather decadent officials - until a month or two ago I exposed them to have them replaced. The townsfolk were grateful and wished to grant me a titled position, but I neglected their offer - this is not my destiny. However, I began to realize I would be able to help a lot more people were I to acquire a position of greater power. You, <Player name>, are known as an ambitious individual; were you to rise high, I would rise along with you, and thus be able to spread justice across the continent. I know there are untold masses of foes ahead until you achieve your ambition, but I do believe that the end justifies the means... to a certain extent. If you make sure you commit no more honorless acts than necessity requires, I'll get along somehow. So, what do you say ?
<Player>:
- (Accept) Wander lonely no longer, Kaztor; in my band, you will find many kindred spirits !
- (Neglect) I need no goody two-shoes lecturing me while I burn villages. Get lost.
(If "Accept" is chosen:)
<Kazter de Regor>: Your words warm my aging heart with new passion, <Player name> ! I shall gather my belongings and prepare to march out within the hour. I shall not fail thee, I swear it !
NOTE: he could develop a friendship with Gab 'Kilit' Norston (the Antarian companion I put up earlier)
#npc30 = Elephant Guard inspired
Name: Twigwhistle
Age: 20
Gender: female
Skill focus: Ironflesh, Athletics, Weapon Master (one-handed weapons, bows and throwing weapons), Tracking, Power Throw
Fighting style: Twigwhistle handles throwing weapons of all sorts with frightening skill and is a somewhat decent archer; while she is lacking in physical strength, she is dexterous enough to hold out in melee combat. A handler of multiple weapons, she carries a set of throwing daggers, a reflex bow and a sickle-like sword (like that of the Battle Shamans), but hardly wears any armor (or any clothing at all for that manner...) when you first meet her. She fights on foot, since she has no Riding skill.
Personality: Twigwhistle may first come across as childish, loving and meek, however she does possess all the bravery and skill of a true amazon of the Elephant Guard, and her insight to others' personalities seems rather uncommonly developed. If someone treats her with care and respect, she will do so in return and be a loyal, if somewhat hardly predictable companion.
Backstory: since Twigwhistle is mentally ill, she cannot re-tell her backstory right at the recruiting dialogue, so I'll do it for her: she and twin sister were part of the Elephant Guard expedition that accompanied the first Khergit settlers on the new continent. However her sister (who was always more dominant) committed dishonorable acts in combat, which led her to being exiled from the Elephant Guard, not to return until she learned her lesson. As additional punishment, a sign was carved into her back to signify her exiled status. This is where Twigwhistle's story got messed up, as she tried to trace down her sister on her journey to accompany her into exilement. However, she eventually found out she became a leader of a gang of rogue sell-swords, and wanted nothing to do with Twigwhistle and the Elephant Guard anymore. To emphasise her opinion, she had Twigwhistle tied and she ordered her men to carve the same sign into Twigwhistle's back like the one she had, and leaving her behind. More determined to stand up to her sister than ever, Twigwhistle traced her sister again, encountering hostility wherever she followed after her (remember, they are twins...), until the time of confrontation came. Her sister proved superior however and cracked her skull, then left her behind again. She was found by the town watch of the nearby town and taken into custody, with everyone believing she was the villain that terrorised the local peasants. The skull injury, however, inflicted her mind, making her into a more childish personality than an average woman of her age, and the judges decided she was free to go, but not to leave the city and a watchman always had to supervise her. Ever since she is trying to find companions to track down her sister and set things right, however so far no-one listened to her childish riddle-speeches...
Recruiting dialogue:<Twigwhistle>: Is there none in this place of eternal drinks who would attend my plea ?!
<Player>: Hey, calm down girl. What's your problem ?
<Twigwhistle>: A thief ! Damnable, wretched thief had stolen my body, and stop her me must !
<Player>:
- (Accept) I suppose I could listen to her rambling a little... it may be entertaining.
- (Neglect) I should back off from this crazy witch...
(if "Accept" is chosen, dialogue continues:)
<Twigwhistle>: (The girl's eyes glitter with some indescribable mix of childish hope and the curiosity of an adult woman as she measures you, as if in anticipation of a reaction.)
<Player>: Umm... your plea intrigues me. I mean... how could your body be stolen ? You seem to possess one, after all...
<Twigwhistle>: This body and look, mine it's not ! It is one of a thief, one treacherous and murderous, and in stead of thief, me is punished !
<Player>: Is it just me or is this developing into an "evil twin sister" story ?
<Twigwhistle>: Twin... twin ? Twine ? No... twin is two things twined by not differing. Sister ? Si-s-ter... sin-is-ter... sin-is-there... nay, no such me have.
<Player>: What makes you think there is someone who has your apparence and is running amok then ?
<Twigwhistle>: Remember, me does... before iron marred my head, I hunted thief, who stole my body ! Between mine fingers neck of thief snap, will ! Thief wears my body like cloak ! Everything taken, mesmer-misery granted in turn ! Thief took even mind of mine... forgetting had I... no, forget I musn't ! Not yet ! Not yet...
<Player>: (Sigh), I tire of this. There is no such thing as a body-thief. You are clearly just ill and need treatment. Nothing was stolen from you.
<Twigwhistle>: EVERYTHING WAS STOLEN ! (Her outcry is so anger-filled and desperate that you feel as if the very earth beneath you shook for a moment. The girl continues while she struggles with tears.) After metal kissed skin of me, I woke up beneath a whistling twig, and all passer-lookers knew me, when they not did ! All the thief hurt-harmed were there, and in the stead of thief, me blamed, accused, hurt... 'till one who knew truth, pity granted... but voices cease not, still me here, hear... hear them. No take it any longer, me cannot ! (At this moment, even as she wipes off a teardrop, the girl appears suprisingly mature and confident.) Yet thief strong, help I must possess.
<Player>: Hm... weeell... (I might regret this, but oh hell.) You do look like a warrior, and I need helpers myself. What do you say ?
<Twigwhistle>: Help in turn of help, deals both just-jolly !
<Player>: Um, yeah I think so myself. One thing, though. What if the thief you seek happens to be dead when you find her... or him ?
<Twigwhistle>: Thief uncanny-cunning certainly is, die the thief is unlikely if not by hands of me. But Sessar a day thief's carcass will gnaw... and sense within senseless world must mine heart find. That anywhere could be... by even your side, if your and mine spirit happen a-like.
<Player>: Sounds reasonably good to me. What skills do you offer ?
<Twigwhistle>: Aim with eyes un-faltering, feet swift and blade that is curved like tusk of mother Elephanis.
<Player>: Well, in that case, welco-
<Twigwhistle>: (Suddenly a town watchman barges into the tavern, gazing around, finally his eyes fix at the girl. "Going 'round town tellin' your stupid story again ?!" - he grunts. Confidently, the young maiden shifts her gaze to the watchman and replies: "When story true is for more than one, stupid no longer is it !" After a few moments of awkward silence, the watchman turns to you. "Hey, you do know this girly here is not allowed to leave town for being accused of murderin' and lootin', righty ?")
<Player>: (Sigh), just when I was hoping for cheap labor... Supposing I 'insist' on bringing her along for whatever reason, what would it cost ?
<Twigwhistle>: (The girl presents a childish smile, staring at the watchman in await of a reply. The watchman scratches his balding head, then answers: "Weeell... two hundred Denars should suffice for a bribe." The maiden's eyes glitter with hope and her smile is that of a triumphant adult.)
<Player>:
- (Accept) Here's your money. Now let's go- ...what was your name again ?
- (Neglect) This whole circus is just not worth that much. I'm off, good day to everyone.
(if "Accept" is chosen, dialogue continues:)
<Twigwhistle>: (As the watchman happily leaves with his illegal income, the girl turns back to you.) A name... "girly" they called me, for no such thing have me. Upon thieving mind of mine, name stolen as well...
<Player>: Well, you've got to find a new name then. If you've lost your memory and the thief has to die, you could be considered a 'reborn' person.
<Twigwhistle>: First thing upon waking me felt was... whistling twig... twig whistling... twig-whistle... Twigwhistle. Let me be this new life. Does your life possess name ?
<Player>: Indeed. It's <Player name>, and I shall soon introduce you to my other companions as well. Welcome to the band, Twigwhistle.
<Twigwhistle>: (All of sudden, the girl who now calls herself Twigwhistle embraces you, with her arms tenderly fondling your back and head, her left cheek meeting your right; this is not a hug of passion, but that of a long-lost sibling who is not alone against the madness of a cruel world anymore. She whispers to you some more words, with unexpected, though temporary coherence and intellect, as if a final seal to your newfound alliance.)
<Player>: W- what are you doin-
<Twigwhistle>: You, too, were hurt... betrayed by kindred life. Now you and I, torment's twine intertwines... let us go.
<Player>: ...yes. Let us.
NOTES:
- she could have a quest to track down her twin sister.
- she could have a romantic relationship with Gab 'Kilit' Norston (the Antarian companion I made up a while back)
- I planned her 'true' name to be Femi, and her twin sister's name is Kakra.