> would be very similar.
Champions (the original hero system release) first came out in the very early 80's-I forget the exact year, but I think '81 or '82. The original edition had rules for "dependant NPCs" (DNPC) as well as for enemies, both taken as disadvantages during character creations. The DNPC were explicitly supposed to be more hindrance than help. Later editions added rules for creating followers, ranging from nameless thugs to almost as powerful side kicks. *nostalgic sigh for some of his old Champions super-heros*
I've been thinking about the follower thing, and it seems to me that people are really talking about two different sorts of followers: nameless spear carriers versus side-kicks.
A off-the-top-of-my head solution would be to actually seperate these two categories. Vanilla followers would follow the HW follower rules (two words, -8 and -12, no cost to replace them). Sidekicks could have different rules. Perhaps they could have a 20 word write-up, with one score of 21 and others at 13. They could receive a single hero-point per session used only to increase their skills (never for a bump). The hero could spend additional HP on them if they wished. If a sidekick is killed, for one HP the hero can get a new side-kick with the same score for best trait, other traits at 13. (Deliberately this makes side kicks pretty bad at developing high levels in magic--heroes should be the main users of flash and coolness)
Just one of many possible takes on the issue.
Regards and Merry Christmas;
Bryan
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