I'll also be expanding the party size to
7 unless the engine craps out on me. It's currently holding steady but big fights might be iffy. I did optimize it more since Memoirs so it should be able to handle at least 7x7 fights without too much lag.
There'll be two types of recruit-able units: Troops and Heroes (which are just single-unit troops like the player character and companions). Both are subject to permadeath if the option is enabled.
Troops
Troops are groups of mercenaries, crusaders, cultists, etc. The number of individuals in any given one is abstract. Basically a small squad, more than one but less than 10.
They are not very powerful by themselves but rely on weight of numbers to do their fighting for them. They are also easy to use as they don't have access to the skill trees that actual companions will. And they tend to have higher HP compared to heroes, to reflect that these are masses of fighting men.
Players will be able to hire or recruit these units in a variety of ways.
Heroes
These are strong individual units that can take on multiple opponents at once or other heroes. Anything with a class will belong here, including the player character and companions you recruit.
They generally have lower HP than Troops but will be more dangerous, having access to skill trees and possibly more Action Points than most Troops. They will also be harder to hit as well.
Players will be able to recruit these companions either through reaching 100% trust with them, or capturing them and converting them to the worship of your dark master that way.