After a character joins your group, you gain complete control over him, you can give him orders, change his equipment or pick skills and talents after gaining a level. Although you meet those companions in different phases of the game, they always have same level as you. Each of them has his own unique history, personality and goal he wants to achieve. There is eight such characters in the game. Second is adding to the party characters met when exploring the game world. At the beginning you create only your own character, rest must be added during adventure. You can travel through the game world with up to 5 companions.