With six pet companions it seems that it is actually a very easy way to finish the game. Especially in corridors the only thing you have to do is block the way with a couple of beasts and shoot the enemies from a distance

I think controlling 12 "units" would be a disaster with the current pathing system, unless you treat it as a real-time strategy combat thing where you just mob everything.

 

That said, other than healing, I completed the game with no real magic/chanter/cipher users.  So it should work just fine in that sense.

Edited June 6, 201510 yr by Chaos Theory

Yes definitely, although a chanter thrown in there for tanking and some sure-handed Ila / fire chant would be extremely beneficial IMO. You don't really need healing when 5 rangers can focus fire on the most problematic targets and take them out in under a second.

Does this count?

 

http://www.pcgamer.com/pillars-of-eternity-diary-playing-as-a-party-of-bears/

That's a whole lot of bears. I approve.

I would rather have a chanter and 5 rangers to get his aura.  Just keep chanting to speed up reloads... 

I did a party with 3 rangers & a chanter.  I never did more than 3...