My favorite NPC is Guard Esteban. Granted, he's really a minor NPC and he lacks the intrigue of most others you meet, but he plays a pivotal role for all my characters. Guard Esteban watches over the crossroads leading towards Verdant forest. Since I generally go to this area of the game first whenever I start anew, I'm always first level when I meet him. On countless occasions, he's cracked the skulls of goblins and wolves when I ran pathetically back to him for protection. In addition to keeping my sorry butt alive on those many occasions, he offers entry level quests that often get me the cash and experience I need to get on to second or third level with a decent suit of armor.