New companions interactions?

[SkySlam]

Hello everyone! I only played the original game (and din't actually complete it yet after 60+ hours).

 

I'd like to start over and play the whole story once again, this time with the White March (part 1 and 2).

 

I'm curious about the new companions, in particular how do they interact with the party and the original content? Are they limited to the White March part and then become silent followers? Or do they feel alive all game long, commenting events and bantering with other companions?

I'd love to know the answer because I'm planning my party in advance, obviously!

Also, will Part 2 bring more new companions?

 

Thanks to anyone kind enough to answer; Pillars was a blast for me, I can't wait to play it again!

[Heijoushin]

Hello SkySlam. Party members from the White March do interact with vanilla game content (though not to a huge degree)

 

And as far as we know, there will be a new barbarian party member coming with part 2.