Sidekicks

22.07.2026 @ 2200

Sidekicks are supporting NPCs associated with a player character. A sidekick might be gained through a faction Renown reward, summoned as a familiar, recruited during an adventure, or acquired through another feature.

The player associated with a sidekick controls it during play. However, sidekicks are supporting characters rather than full player characters and require instructions before they can act effectively.

What Counts as a Sidekick?

Sidekicks can take many forms, but they are always creatures that support and accompany a player character rather than acting as independent heroes. Common examples include animal companions and pets, summoned familiars, magically bound creatures, loyal retainers, hirelings, or friendly NPCs who have chosen to travel with the party. A sidekick might be a trained war dog, a spirit summoned through magic, a squire learning from a knight, or a rescued ally who now aids the group.

To qualify as a sidekick, the creature must be directly associated with a specific player character and act under that character’s guidance. Sidekicks are not full party members and do not make independent decisions in combat or exploration unless directed. Instead, they exist to support the player character through assistance, protection, or additional utility, enhancing the character’s capabilities without overshadowing them.

Sidekicks in Combat

A sidekick occupies its own space and can be targeted, damaged, healed, and affected by conditions normally.

The sidekick takes its turn at the same time as its associated player character. The player decides how to divide the character’s and sidekick’s movement, actions, and other activities, but each creature still has its own movement, action, bonus action, and reaction.

Instruct

The player character must use a Bonus Action to give the sidekick instructions. These instructions are for single actions only. They can include moving, attacking, helping another creature, using an item, or performing another reasonable action. Once instructed, the sidekick follows those instructions during the current turn.

If the player character does not use a Bonus Action to give the sidekick instructions, the sidekick takes no actions and does not move. It may still use its reaction when appropriate.

A sidekick cannot be given instructions while its associated player character is incapacitated.

Interpose

Interpose is a special reaction that only sidekicks can use. When the player character is attacked and the sidekick is within 5ft of them they can interpose. The sidekick becomes the target of the attack instead of the original target. You cannot Interpose if you are incapacitated or are unable to move.

Interpose can only be used against attacks that make an attack roll. It cannot be used against saving throws, environmental damage, or other effects that do not directly target the protected creature with an attack.