In Swordhaven: Iron Conspiracy, companions are more than just sidekicks; they shape your entire experience through the world and combat. Knowing what to expect from your early companions can save you from costly restarts and let you build a party that truly synergizes with your preferred playstyle.
Note: This overview covers the starting companions available at the beginning of the game. Additional allies will be detailed as you venture further into Swordhaven.
All Starting Companions
Your background selection determines which of the five initial companions you’ll have by your side through much of the early game.
Fiona (Noble)
Fiona is built around Attention and Dexterity stats, making her a clear pick if you favor a ranged-rogue approach. She excels with Ranged Weapons and can master rogue skills like Stealth, Lockpicking, and Pickpocketing.
Her signature skill, Fight Song, buffs ally damage—priceless if your main character thrives in melee combat. She’s the quintessential ranged support who keeps enemies at bay.
Nicodemus (Adventurer)
Nicodemus stands out with high Intellect, offering flexible growth thanks to extra skill points per level. Despite weak ranged abilities, he excels in Martial Arts, making him an effective healer-monk hybrid.
Lore of the Land, his unique skill, heals 26 HP on a 50-turn cooldown, a reliable support tool for tough fights. Ideal if you want a solid support who can keep the party alive.
Gyntar (Waidellot)
Gyntar’s high Strength and Dexterity make him the frontline bruiser perfect for tanking hits. His expertise lies exclusively in Blunt weapons, with no distractions in other skill areas.
His Healing Hands skill removes negative effects from any ally, reinforcing his role as a durable fighter who keeps himself and teammates safe. If you’re shaping a paladin or straightforward melee fighter, Gyntar is your go-to.
Nostra (Bandit)
Nostra specializes in spear combat with crowd control capabilities, designed to keep foes at distance. She boasts high hit chance and armor penetration, and her skill set can expand into Outdoorsmanship and Stealth for greater utility.
Her unique ability, Mugger’s Slash, adds 15% extra damage and grants you 0 to 33 coins per hit, making her effective both for team damage and resource gain in close quarters.
Jemmahor (Merchant)
Jemmahor fills the role of a straightforward melee fighter with balanced stats tailored for combat. While he lacks additional versatility, his sword skills and durability make him a solid party guard, especially for characters relying on charm and intellect.
His unique skill, Revel in Blood, heals him for half the damage he deals, providing sustainability during fights. For players who prefer a durable protector, Jemmahor is a dependable choice.
Slaver’s Camp Companion
Budukeid
Budukeid becomes available after a capture event near Clemreach or can be found to the north in the Slavers’ Camp. He excels in Martial Arts and boasts valuable skills like Lockpicking, Crafting, and Medicine, outclassing Nicodemus in some support roles.
His unique ability, Boulder Man, boosts Shield Block chance by 50%, making him a formidable tank with useful secondary skills. He’s a versatile companion for a balanced melee fighter who brings utility beyond combat.
Grainhold Companions
Within Grainhold, you’ll encounter a pivotal quest involving the Bailiff and two imprisoned men. Dialogue-driven investigation leads you to decide between recruiting either Eres or Kedarain, each with their own strengths.
If initial talks with Ozka don’t resolve the quest, speak with Koriat west of Ozka to expose a witness’s falsehood. This uncovers important truths to clear Kedarain’s name, unlocking your companion choice.
Eres
Eres offers a solid mix of utility skills like Lockpicking, Pickpocketing, Crafting, and Medicine, alongside proficiency with daggers. His 6 Attention stat aids in spotting traps, making him valuable both in and out of battle.
His unique skill, Come Get Me, provokes enemies to attack him, useful for controlling aggro and protecting vulnerable teammates.
Kedarain
Kedarain specializes as a sturdy melee tank and inventory carrier. If you have another companion adept at utility tasks like lockpicking, Kedarain’s raw combat strength makes him a dependable frontline fighter.
His unique skill, Hurt Me Plenty, ups his damage for three turns at the cost of reduced accuracy, trading precision for raw power during crucial moments.
Temporary Companions
Certain companions join for a limited span tied to specific locations or quests, adding variety without long-term commitment.
Treniota (Clemreach)
You can recruit Treniota shortly after receiving the “Uninvited Guests” quest from Clemreach’s village headman. Engage with him just outside the village before leaving the area, as he departs your party upon exiting Clemreach.