The final game of the Kickstarter cRPG revival, Torment: Tides of Numenera, has finally released. You won’t be alone in your journey through the Ninth World, as there are 6 possible companions who can join you on your quest for understanding. Only 2 of these characters may accompany you at any one time, but their effects are profound. They can extend effort to help you succeed at tasks, as well as give combat support during a conflict. We’ve created the ultimate Companion Guide to help you in choosing and understanding these characters.
Aligern
Class: Nano
Stats: Might: 6, Speed: 2, Intellect: 6, Health: 31
Tides: Red and Indigo
Background: Aligern is a fallen priest, a downtrodden wanderer seeking to atone. He has been wronged by the Changing God and demands retribution. His body is marked with writhing, Living Tattoos that he can attune to powerful effect. He is one of two potential companions that greet the Last Castoff at the beginning of the game.
Take with you if:
- You like the character trope of emotional, caring men hiding behind tough exteriors á la Edér.
- You need a multi-faceted combat companion who can take, deal, or heal damage.
- You require a character skilled at Mechanics, hitting things, or withstanding.
- Additionally, Aligern refuses to be in the party at the same time as Callistege, so bear that in mind.
Callistege
Class: Nano
Stats: Might: 2, Speed: 4, Intellect: 9, Health: 23
Tides: Red and Silver
Background: Callistege is the walking definition of an enigma. A scholar with an insatiable lust for knowledge, Callistege labored and toiled until one day she was able to do the impossible: access parallel versions of herself. They float and coalesce around her when she first meets the Last Castoff at the beginning of the game.
Take with you if:
- Understanding the Ninth World and all its complexities is of utmost importance to you.
- You need a talented, long-range caster for combat.
- You desire a character well-versed in the mysteries of this game’s unique setting.
- Additionally, Callistege refuses to be in the party at the same time as Aligern, so bear that in mind.
Matkina
Class: Jack
Stats: Might: 3, Speed: 10 (Edge), Intellect: 7, Health: 27
Tides: Red and Silver
Background: Matkina is an assassin, first and foremost. She shares an origin with the Last Castoff as a discarded vessel of the Changing God. She suffers from a violent form of amnesia, having certain thoughts stolen from her.
Take with you if:
- You enjoy having a sneaky, rogue archetype in your party.
- You believe it’s important to bring along someone who shares the “castoff” experience with your main character.
- You need a companion skilled in the ways of perception or stealth. She’s also exceptional at contributing to speed checks, with a high pool and edge.
Erritis
Class: Glaive
Stats: Might: 5(edge), Speed: 5, Intellect: 2, Health: 30
Tides: Red
Background: Erritis is the Paladin of Pound. He’s the Sultan of Self-Aggrandizing. He’s the Colossus of Crush. Erritis is the living embodiment of recursive self-confidence; the more he believes in himself, the more heroic his actions become and vice versa.
Take with you if:
- You like the RPG playstyle of a noble knight.
- You enjoy the company of a somewhat dim-witted paragon.
- You need someone with versatile training in exploration skills.
Tybir
Class: Jack
Stats: Might: 4, Speed: 5 (edge), Intellect: 6, Health: 2
Tides: Red and Gold
Background: A roguish soldier with a honeyed tongue, Tybir is one of the first characters you meet in Sagus Cliffs. A veteran of the Endless Battle, Tybir has realized his true calling lies in generally being a scoundrel. The Last Castoff finds him desperate for help, hoping to save his companion Ris, who is sentenced to die as a result of his scheming.
Take with you if:
- You like the playstyle of a cunning duelist.
- You want to bring along a literal jack-of-all trades who has failed at everything except conning people.
- You desire someone who has a knack for elocution.
Rhin
Class: None
Stats: Might: 1, Speed: 4, Intellect: 5, Health: 13
Tides: Indigo and Gold
Background: Rhin is a child. Much like Matkina, she struggles with her memory. She also carries stones in her pocket that she insists are actually the gods of her people. She’s in Sagus Cliffs as the result of being enslaved by Tol Maguur.
Take with you if:
- You’ve enjoyed playing dad simulator games such as The Last of Us or Bioshock Inifinite.
- You’re willing to take along a character who cannot wield weapons.
- You desperately need help succeeding stealth checks.
- You love novels written by Patrick Rothfuss.
Want to learn more about Torment: Tides of Numernara? Visit the Official Numenara Wiki on Gamepedia.
Bryan Herren
Pairing a love of DOTA 2 with traditional sports statistics, Bryan previously worked as a statsman for internationally renowned gaming tournaments. He then joined the Beyond the Summit crew to help design and develop several features for the game, such as Teamfight Recap. Now, he lives in Alabama with his wife and works as a freelance production assistant and writer.
