Cohorts [Archive] - Wizards Community - Pages Merged by Solauren

Cohorts [Archive] - Wizards Community

Post/Author/DateTime Post
Insignia)
12-20-04, 12:15 PM Hey everyone!

My character was recently proclaimed party-leader, and took the leadership feat. Now, the DM told me to make my own cohort, which I did (in great detail)... but I have a serious dilemma now.

Basically, you get a 'sidekick', and I'm not sure who's supposed to control it (me or the DM). It would make perfect sense to me if he played the role, as he would with all normal NPCs. Alas, he can get a tad carried away when it comes to 'his' characters within the party, so I'm afraid he'd abuse the opportunity, and not actually play my cohort as it's supposed to be played. I'd feel like an idiot playing it myself, so that's out as well... Any ideas on how to solve this issue? :(

Thanks in advance,
~I
Mirikon
12-20-04, 01:02 PM Well, that's something to work out with you, your DM, and your group. Personally, I'd say that if you aren't confident in your DM to play the cohort for you, play him yourself. Nothing wrong with that, just like there's nothing wrong with a wizard controling his familiar.
Insignia)
12-20-04, 03:09 PM Hm... Right. I prolly shouldn't have posted this question here, it is something i should sort out with my gaming crew. However, it's not a simple issue, so I wondered if anyone had similar experiences...

I love having independent NPC followers, to an extent. I mean, I prefer when my raven familiar has its own oppinions and ways to express them... Just that the DM could be a bit difficult. If I do choose to play it myself, I automatically throw away all social interaction with that person (it would be funny and boring to everyone if I started talking to myself in the middle of a session, right?).

Well, if anyone has a miracle solution, feel free to post it. If not, the subject can be officially declared dead.
Falido
12-21-04, 06:46 AM get a wizard to cast Rary's telephatic bond on you two (5th lvl spell from phb). Your cohort is very loyal so you can controll his actions but your dm can do all the talking for him.
Insignia)
12-22-04, 08:31 AM Thanks a lot... That's a neat solution, even if a bit expensive. :)
KikUSquaNtheNuts
12-22-04, 10:55 AM Here's what has worked for us:

For normal play, the player controls the cohort. Social interaction is downplayed using statements like, "My character discusses the idea with his cohort, arguing a little, but they quickly come to X agreement." In this way, the rest of the players still "see" the interaction but don't have to sit through a schizophrenic (sp?) episode where you talk to yourself for a while.

The DM takes control of the cohort when needed. For example, if the cohort has been charmed by the bad guy and the PC doesn't know it, the DM says (or passes a note under the table or somesuch) that the cohort wants to parley instead of fight.

Post/Author/DateTime	Post
Insignia) 12-20-04, 12:15 PM	Hey everyone! My character was recently proclaimed party-leader, and took the leadership feat. Now, the DM told me to make my own cohort, which I did (in great detail)... but I have a serious dilemma now. Basically, you get a 'sidekick', and I'm not sure who's supposed to control it (me or the DM). It would make perfect sense to me if he played the role, as he would with all normal NPCs. Alas, he can get a tad carried away when it comes to 'his' characters within the party, so I'm afraid he'd abuse the opportunity, and not actually play my cohort as it's supposed to be played. I'd feel like an idiot playing it myself, so that's out as well... Any ideas on how to solve this issue? :( Thanks in advance, ~I
Mirikon 12-20-04, 01:02 PM	Well, that's something to work out with you, your DM, and your group. Personally, I'd say that if you aren't confident in your DM to play the cohort for you, play him yourself. Nothing wrong with that, just like there's nothing wrong with a wizard controling his familiar.
Insignia) 12-20-04, 03:09 PM	Hm... Right. I prolly shouldn't have posted this question here, it is something i should sort out with my gaming crew. However, it's not a simple issue, so I wondered if anyone had similar experiences... I love having independent NPC followers, to an extent. I mean, I prefer when my raven familiar has its own oppinions and ways to express them... Just that the DM could be a bit difficult. If I do choose to play it myself, I automatically throw away all social interaction with that person (it would be funny and boring to everyone if I started talking to myself in the middle of a session, right?). Well, if anyone has a miracle solution, feel free to post it. If not, the subject can be officially declared dead.
Falido 12-21-04, 06:46 AM	get a wizard to cast Rary's telephatic bond on you two (5th lvl spell from phb). Your cohort is very loyal so you can controll his actions but your dm can do all the talking for him.
Insignia) 12-22-04, 08:31 AM	Thanks a lot... That's a neat solution, even if a bit expensive. :)
KikUSquaNtheNuts 12-22-04, 10:55 AM	Here's what has worked for us: For normal play, the player controls the cohort. Social interaction is downplayed using statements like, "My character discusses the idea with his cohort, arguing a little, but they quickly come to X agreement." In this way, the rest of the players still "see" the interaction but don't have to sit through a schizophrenic (sp?) episode where you talk to yourself for a while. The DM takes control of the cohort when needed. For example, if the cohort has been charmed by the bad guy and the PC doesn't know it, the DM says (or passes a note under the table or somesuch) that the cohort wants to parley instead of fight.