Allies and Henchmen
Not every fight has to be a lone battle—sometimes, you need backup. Whether it's a loyal henchman, a trained militia squad, or a fierce animal companion, allies provide tactical support and shared responsibility in combat.
In Sentius: Last Enclave, the system supports both player-acquired henchmen and GM-assigned allies, making combat more dynamic while ensuring players stay engaged rather than waiting for long GM turns.
Types of Allies
✔ Henchmen & Animal Companions
These are permanent allies that a player invests in through traits. They are always with you and grow alongside your character.
✔ GM-Assigned NPC Allies
These are temporary NPC groups—like militia, scavengers, or other survivors—that the GM places in combat or challenges to assist the party.
What makes allies different?
- Players control them during combat, keeping everyone involved in the action.
- They are not as powerful as full characters, ensuring the heroes still shine.
- They follow simple rules, making them easy to manage without slowing down gameplay.
How Allies Function in Play
Allies help balance encounters, support players, and reduce the GM’s cognitive load during large fights.
Instead of the GM controlling every NPC, players take on the role of allies—making turns faster and keeping the action flowing.
🔹 Example Scenario:
- The GM introduces a militia squad to assist the party in defending a town.
- Instead of the GM running all NPCs, each player takes control of one or more militia members.
- This allows players to stay engaged while ensuring the GM can focus on storytelling.
Henchmen & Animal Companions
Unlike GM-assigned NPCs, henchmen and animal companions are designed by the players and follow simple creation rules:
✔ Weaker than full characters – They start with a [d4] Grit Die, 8 skills, and lower ability scores.
✔ Henchmen get traits & hindrances – A limited selection to shape their abilities.
✔ Animal Companions grow over time – They follow a unique progression, unlocking exclusive traits.
The Role of Leadership
Allies are useful, but they aren’t fearless warriors—without proper guidance, they may break ranks and flee when morale drops.
That’s where Leadership (or Animal Handling) comes in.
- Commanding allies efficiently keeps them focused and effective.
- Boosting morale ensures they stay in the fight instead of running.
- Coordinating tactics makes larger battles more manageable.
A strong leader can turn the tide of battle, keeping their allies fighting against overwhelming odds.
Final Thoughts
Allies add depth, strategy, and engagement to the game, ensuring that players aren’t just waiting for their turn while the GM handles everything.
Whether it’s a trusted henchman, a scavenged militia squad, or a loyal beast companion, allies help create more immersive, tactical, and fast-paced gameplay.