Xzar and Montaron.

[Valden21]

Since there's an early-game quest involving these guys, do I need them in my party past that point?

[fauxpas]

The scene with the Zents in BG plays out differently depending on which one (or both) are with you as well but it's not a huge deal either.

[Clovis Sangrail]

I let them join me so I can take their stuff (potions, scrolls, and armor for Imoen), then I dump them at the Friendly Arms Inn just before Tarnesh attacks so I do not have to share that experience.

They must not have wanted to go to Nashkell very badly, because they are still standing there.

[𝔜𝔲𝔢]

Originally posted by Clovis Sangrail:

They must not have wanted to go to Nashkell very badly, because they are still standing there.

You took their money, weapons and armor. Basically, you left them naked, surrounded by monsters, only protected by the Friendly Arms guards.
Of course they can't travel to Nashkell now ... poor guys.

[Millstone85]

I don't know if there is any companion quest worth doing if you do not plan to keep the companion.

[Clovis Sangrail]

Originally posted by Kiryan:

Originally posted by Clovis Sangrail:

They must not have wanted to go to Nashkell very badly, because they are still standing there.

You took their money, weapons and armor. Basically, you left them naked, surrounded by monsters, only protected by the Friendly Arms guards.
Of course they can't travel to Nashkell now ... poor guys.

I didn't take everything. That would be mean. I left Xzar a nice dagger and Montaron a sword and some leather armor, more than enough to pillage and loot their way to Nashkell if they were really motivated to do so.

But I could tell they were slackers the moment I met them, so away with them.

[Clovis Sangrail]

Originally posted by Millstone85:

I don't know if there is any companion quest worth doing if you do not plan to keep the companion.

Kivan's quest to go after those bandits up north of Peldvale and Larswood is pretty lucrative, but you don't really need Kivan along to do it.

[fauxpas]

I take them to Naskel and leave them in the Dragon after talking with the mayor. By that point they know the mines are getting cleared and their isn't any real reason for them to put themselves in harms way.

[Damn_Monkey]

I sacrifice Xzar to Tarnesh. Monty I'll keep around. I like that guy.

[Mentos]

Originally posted by Damn_Monkey:

I sacrifice Xzar to Tarnesh. Monty I'll keep around. I like that guy.

Opposite, dislike Montaron but Xzar's banter is hilarious. Sadly I don't typically keep single class mages in my party. I don't like having to rest after every single encounter to keep them useful, which they are not without their spells unless they are a multi/dual.

Anyways, to OP no you don't need them. You don't need ANY of the npcs. You can litterally solo the entire game (though that might be difficult depending on your class, and boring imo since you'd lack the banter which is for me is half the game)