Character Concepts and Creation

[Jonath]

That's a tough call. The NPC is a bit more work for you but probably the better option, plus you could use it to introduce plothooks and help "steer" us at times, so it could be a handy tool for you. We're already splitting treasure with two less people (unless we get replacements, hopefully we will), so that's not a huge concern for me (says the monk with no weapons or armor to pay for, hehe).

Personally I vote NPC, but I'm good either way.