#perks

Henry’s surrounded by Hans, Žizka, and Katherine all looking very much like companion options for later on. (Seeing I could buy women’s clothes from the tailor only cemented this misconception.) Obviously, this was not that case. Really about the closest you get is keeping Capon’s ass alive during story quests and ferrying Rosa around. And I’m not mad about it! Being a guy alone with his horse and dog fits what the game is going for. But as someone who really loves all these characters, I am a bit sad we can’t interact with them more.

So, I’m going to pretend this is an alternative universe where you can bring the cast along. (Then I’m going to double pretend that they have affection levels and if you max them out you get a secondary, cooler perk.) Yes, this does sound a lot like the companion system from Fallout 4. Anyhow—

Hans Capon

Initial Perk: Charming Smile – Something about having a noble peeking over your shoulder makes conversations go smoother than they normally would. (Henry’s charisma increases by 3.)

Max Affinity: Impeccable Shot – You always knew Hans was the better archer, but he’s never been this good. Not that you’re complaining, you need all the help you can get. (Hans’ marksmanship increases by 5.)

Romance: Audentes Fortuna Iuvat – With him by your side you think you could be bold forever. (Henry’s warfare is increased by 3.)

Katherine

Initial Perk: Under their Noses – Katherine knows just how to go unnoticed, even when wearing ostentatious finery. (Conspicuousness is decreased by 15.)

Max Affinity: Sneak Attack – When sneaking up on two enemies, if you kill or incapacitate the first Katherine will kill or incapacitate the second.

Romance: Balm for the Soul – You soothe each other’s monsters. Every night results in a restful sleep. (Henry’s energy reduces half as fast.)

Jan Žižka

Initial Perk: Wage War – Žižka is nice enough to teach you a few tricks. All of them are dirty. (Henry’s Warfare increases by 3.)

Max Affinity: Skullcracker – Nothing like a man with a mace watching your back. Even down an eye, Žižka is a terror. (Žižka’s heavy weapons increases by 5.)

Samuel

Initial Perk: Vengeance - There’s few other men you’d prefer to have at your back in a fight. Especially since Sam keeps drawing enemy attention off of you.

Max Affinity: Almost-Brother - When taking on multiple opponents Sam can jump in and prevent a killing blow.

Godwin

Initial Perk: Debauchery – With Godwin you can drink twice as much as before. Perhaps his godly aura is keeping you sober. Oh well. Time for more wine!

Max Affinity: Mysterious Ways – It seems Christ Himself is in your corner. Enemies will randomly become tired or drop their guard.

Dry Devil

Initial Perk: Drunken Master – Sometimes you wonder how the Devil is still standing, let alone hitting targets at 50 paces. But he’s an apt teacher all the same. (Henry’s Marksmanship increases by 3.)

Max Affinity: Long Shot – It is utterly ridiculous the things you’ve seen Hynek do with a crossbow, and now you’re getting the hang of it too. (The farther the target the more damage Henry does.)

Kubyenka

Initial Perk: Charmingly Obnoxious – You’ve had to cover for this idiot so often you’ve found yourself better able to speak in general. (Henry’s speech increases by 3.)

Max Affinity: Devil’s Luck – You are convinced beyond a shadow of a doubt this man should not be alive. (Kubyenka turns a blow that should have killed him into one that kills the enemy.)

Janosh Uher

Initial Perk: How the Sausage is Made – Janosh knows the best cuts of meat and how best to preserve them. Your hunts are always more successful with him.

Max Affinity: Unexpected Guile – It’s easy to lose track of Janosh in the middle of a fight. So easy that enemies keep dying from being stabbed in the back while you were keeping them busy.

Adder

Initial Perk: Backup Plan - You’ve never run this much (or from so many angry husbands) in your entire life. At least it’s made you faster. (Henry’s speed increases by 3.)

Max Affinity: Cat Calling – Just because you can ignore Adder threatening to fuck somebody’s wife doesn’t mean the enemy can. And, since you’re with him, they take offense to you as well. (Henry’s taunts are twice as effective.)

Rosa Ruthard

Initial Perk: Noble Education – Rosa has a lot to say about a lot of things and she’s more than happy to narrate your entire time on the road. You take it as an opportunity to learn. (Henry’s scholarship increases by 3.)

Max Affinity: Sniper – Sometimes a headshot from the back line is all that stands between you and victory. Rosa, luckily, is good at those. (Rosa is more likely to hit critical areas in battle.)

Romance: Shining Armor – Being her ever-loyal knight has made you able to withstand the toughest battles. (The effectiveness of Henry’s armor increases.)

Klara

Initial Perk: Undergrowth – Klara has taught you how to skulk about unseen, even in places you shouldn’t be. (Visibility is reduced by 15.)

Max Affinity: Women’s Work – Sometimes you can really tell how many years Klara has spent working with bandits. (Potions poured into stews or used to coat weapons are more effective.)

Romance: Physician Heal Thyself – You comfort each through the worst. (Henry’s alchemy is increased by 5.)

Black Bartosch

Initial Perk: Sword Master – You can see why von Bergow was so impressed. Your tourney wins are nothing compared to what Bartosch can do. (Henry’s swordsmanship increases by 3.)

Max Affinity: Total Eclipse – Bartosch can pull off combos you can only dream of. This does a lot in terms of stripping the enemy of their armor.

Romance: Black Knight – Side by side, you stand through the trials of life. (Henry’s vitality is increased by 3.)

Musa of Mali

Initial Perk: Man of Letters – With Musa’s help your potions are more effective. All that education going to good use, it seems.

Max Affinity: Potion Master – Musa is more than happy to throw potions at you doing a fight so long as he doesn’t have to participate.

Bonus:

Istvan Toth

Initial Perk: True Hate – You’d kill him if you could, sadly circumstances prevent that. It’s made you rather grumpy. (Henry’s intimidation creases by 10, overall charisma decreases by 2.)

Max Affinity: Enemy of my Enemy – You hate to say it (do you really?) but Isrvan is rather good at the business of killing people. (Istvan’s warfare increases by 5.)

Chamberlain Ulrich

Initial Perk: Endless Lamentation - You wonder if Ulrich will ever shut up. Probably not. The sheer boiling rage it elicits is useful in a fight, though. (Henry’s unarmed increases by 3.)

Max Affinity: Human Shield – If Ulrich had figured out by now that you’re dodging behind him to ward off blows, he’d probably hav something to say about it. Sadly for him, he has not. Perhaps if you’re lucky one of them will kill him. (Henry’s armor effectiveness increases when behind Chamberlain Ulrich.)

Ignatius

Initial Perk: Smelling the Roses – Ignatius seems to know how to gather the most herbs with the least amount of effort, and they always last longer. And thank Jesus Christ! Your back is killing you.

Max Affinity: Stampede - As it turns out, most people don’t expect to be bowled over by a charging ram in the middle of a sword fight. Frankly, it’s their fault for not paying better attention.