+1 to all the above but I'd also like for it not to simply be the Aserai companions that are effectively a tier above the rest and objectively better. Aserai scholar gets 120 or 140 medicine, the Hyenas and Princes get some obscene leadership and scouting skills whilst the Spicevendor and Leopardess' skills also leave any caravan owner with little choice, if they want the better skills at least. Having to spend 2.5 or 3k gold to hire a companion because they have a nice one handed sword is sweet an'all but then maybe give them some bloody one handed skills - or a two-hander, if that's where their all of their skills are at. Not complaining, it isn't game breaking, just hope it'll be addressed once we get to the polishing stages.