[free plate armor super early]

So in other words, it really makes no difference in the scheme of things...

[Two things...]

There's a total of 7 or so NPCs you can incarcerate:

 

http://pillarsofeternity.gamepedia.com/Dungeons

[NPC story progression]

Cool, thanks for this.

[NPC story progression]

Since the answers will inevitably contain some spoilers, I guess I should post it here...

 

What happens to the story/dialogue/plot progression of storyline NPCs that you have recruited but are not in your party? Do their storylines never unfold, or are there "milestones" triggered by visiting certain areas and/or doing certain things that, even if the relevant storyline NPC is not in your party at the time, you can still open up subsequent storyline dialogue with them after?

 

So for example, if I explore the Endless Depths without Kana and just leave him at Caed Nua.

 

If not, then what are the various points during the game when I should swap specific NPCs into the party to trigger their questlines?

 

Thanks.

[Temple of Eothas is kicking my butt...]

Yeah, I recommend you snag Durance and Kana before you hit that dungeon. There are a few guides online about how to recruit all the story companions, and from Gilded Vale you can snatch those two without fighting anything.

[Two things...]

I am a stickler for little details, especially when it comes to "immersion" stuff....

 

1) Making use of the services of prostitutes at the Salty Mast should constitute resting...uh, "resting" I mean. They say you are paying for "the night", so it would seem logical that time should pass equivalent to staying at an inn.

 

2) Prisoners should be stripped of equipment when taken...prisoner. It would rather ridiculous that if I was going to jail tomorrow, that I could bring my AR-15 and ballistic body armour with me to my cell. No wonder these prisoners escape. Players who take prisoners should not be punished by being deprived of the loot being carried by the prisoners. It...doesn't make sense. 

 

Thanks.