From the development notebook. These entries discuss story details and describe the game at the time of writing.
People beside the player
Atmosphere needed responsive company as well as sound. Creature passes added anatomy, deformation, committed attacks and recoveries. The party gained contextual observations, orders, preparation and responses to danger. The watchman can answer companions sent ahead; leaving John outside the fight no longer makes their support free of risk.
The 0.10.0 pass gave the men distinct equipment and visible motion: walking, breathing, attack preparation, recoil and wounded posture. Quiet footsteps and equipment sounds help establish their physical presence. They are still procedural, stylized figures; believable human character art remains substantial work.
Our standard for companionship is practical as well as emotional. A man should be recognizable, respond to the situation, and be worth attending to. The first expedition guide describes the current orders, supplies, preparation and recovery rules.