NPC's move plot along?

[rodeoclown]

I am going through this game for the first time (though long time RPGamer) and I almost never take on NPC's as a matter taste.

Unfortunately, I am also one of those players who does not like to miss anything in the game, and was wondering (I am in Arnika right now) if someone could give me some non spoiler suggestions.

For instance, I met Myles, was not impressed, did not need his skills, and don't want to give him "my" xp's. So, I did not take him on. Well, I stumbled into Vi Dominae later, and went back to talk to Myles (b/c she told me she wanted to talk to different ppl in town) and he got mad!

I also see that I get xp's when I have npc's.

Bottom line question: will npc's continue to give me quests that I would miss if I did not add them to my party? I don't want to add them, because I feel thy kind of mess up the balance I have achieved so far (with skills and such), but I will if they are parts of quests, or lead to other quests.

TIA

[Halsey]

Rodeoclown:
Welcome aboard!
None of the NPC's are critical, but Vi runs through the plot line...and you can finish the game without her. A number of them are involved in specific quests...and there are xps for using them. Some of them are put there for their specific skills.
Good Luck.
Halsey

[Ziggurat]

There are some NPCs you need to pick up as a quest. Later in the game. Other than that, they are just there for fun. They slightly cut down on experience points gained through fighting, but not alot. They add much color and you can learn how other character professions can play. The dialog can be great! Or annoying... Some people take all of them at least part of the time. I have two favs but I am not using any except for quest related ones in this current game. And, no, you do not need any of them to get new quests, just to finish a couple you will already have. Hope this helps.

[HolyWarrior]

Most NPCs are quite limited in areas they will go. Miles, for example, will not go to Mt. Gigas or Martin's Bluff. Only one NPC will go to Rapax Rift. Vi will not go to Bayjin or the water caves.

[EEWorzelle]

Rodeoclown, most of the RPC (recruitable player character) quests are small, and you can get some, such as those Myles tells you about, without taking him along. Some RPCs want you to bring them places, and you get a small amount of money and experience (well, in a couple cases a fairly large amount) for doing so. Use your judgement, based on the importance of the quest. Ultimately, you can take them along for just those short type quests, or skip them entirely.

Either way works. Usually RPCs add color to the game, and can be fun, but they do take experience and their earlier, less than precise, development prior to joining the party can be a bit frustrating, as is their suddenly wanting to leave the party at times.

[TINKER_TINKERMAN]

Holywarrior - Just for clarity There are actually two NPC's that will go into the rift. I think one of them was going to be another one of those quests that got dropped due to budget cuts.

Rodeoclown - There is only 1 area that no NPC's will dare to venture. IMO NPC's are interesting to have with you, at least the first time through the game. Many of them give you useful information when you enter a new area with them.

welcome rodeoclown

when i first started playing i experimented with different NPCs, and as tinker points out, they can fill in a lot of information to the new explorer. it seems that the more people play (and re-play) the game, the greater there is a tendency to not use them (acknowledging that's not true for everyone).

so if you feel like bringing them along for now, dont sweat it. they'll make it fun, give you lots of background and information, and you'll get to see the little subplots and quests they're involved in.

ater, when you replay for the 5th, 10th, or 50th time , you can use them all again, hook up with your one or two favourites, or just say hi as you're passing through and go on without them.