The Companions. In no particular order, here are the 12 companions: -Ser Barristan Selmy (Frontliner) -Brienne of Tarth (Frontliner) -Dacey Mormont (Frontliner) -Hagen the Beautiful (Frontliner) -Mya Stone (Frontliner) -Syrio Forel (Frontliner) -Ser Beron Grey (Archer/Frontliner-he has good proficiency at 1h and archery)
Companions' traits and troops (as vassals): Adonja: 1200, Roguish, some Mystmountain and Bearclaw Berserkers. Alyssa: 2000, Bad-tempered, no special troop. Ansen: free, Upstanding, no special troop (good companion to be vassal) Boadice: 6000, Martial, some Maidens & Valkyries (no Lady Einherjar) Diev: 4000, Benefactor, no special troop.
Why the game doesn't really handle a lot of companions well. Mainly, the skill/perk system is a huge drag to allocate with so many companions. The "C" Character menu has terrible performance scaling. With 75 companions, it was taking 5 seconds to load. Doing this after every battle was annoying. The menu itself is also terribly designed.
Guide to combat Tactics, includes how to organise troops on the battlefield and simulation battles; Guides for how to quickly gain Renown and Influence in Calradia; A Character Development guide to Factions, Skills, Companions, and Marriage; A guide covering Character Builds for different combat styles such as melee, mounted, and ranged
XylOa.