Unlike the previous CHAINMAIL (SI5) release, PLATEMAIL (SI6) provides a completely new and much-improved associate henchperson system that allows a player to customize and thus personalize their henchpersons (referred simply as ‘associates’ from this point on). Associates may typically be hired from Taverns or Inns found across the Isles, with the current range of class/abilities:

Cleric – Possibly the most useful and effective associate one may hire. They will provide healing and even resurrection if their master is hurt or even killed. However, if in the heat of battle their priority is to survive themselves, and this comes before any healing/resurrection of others.

Fighter – Skilled with the blade and with wits of steel, a fighter will provide anyone with a formidable frontline defense against the chaos and evil often found on the battlefield.

Rogue – Adept with devices and stealth, these associates provide one with the means to disarm and disable potentially fatal traps, and they are also able to unlock even the most complex contraptions.

Wizard – Schooled in the formidable arcane arts, the wizard is able to trounce those far-cross the battlefield with ease as long as their allies hold the fronts.

You may customize and equip your associates as you see fit. If an associate is killed, and you are able, then you may choose to resurrect them, just as you would a fellow friend. If you do not resurrect them, and they have been equipped with custom items / equipment, then that equipment is available within their remains. Furthermore, your henchperson type associates persist between client instances, so as long as you look after them, they will be there for you, through all of your adventures.
The number of associates that you may hire scales with your level of experience as you inherently gain skill in command and leadership. The following formula is used to determine the maximum number of associates a PC may have in service:

Max Number of Associates = 2 + (PC Level / 5)

Therefore, at level 1 a PC may hire a maximum of 2 associates, while at level 40; they may have a maximum of 10 associates.


DEV STATUS: The above statements are subject to change as PLATEMAIL (Seviss Isles 6) is currently under development. This feature’s core functionality is considered mostly-complete but is pending enhancements, modifications and improvements planned in a future build release. There is an item within a PC’s “Worldly Items” container named, “Associate Widget”, this is not yet implemented, it will eventually be used to tactically control your associates both on and off the battlefield.