Silveroak, that's great!
For your stories, take your time, and then, maybe 1 at a time? I don't think I was on any of them, but better for you to take it easy and the players to have a good follow-up than trying to tackle too much, I believe.
Peregrine, I'd read point 2 there, and create a character. A grog is fine (Look at darkwing's character, he's great!), you don't have to worry and it's probably easier than creating a companion.
https://forum.atlas-games.com/t/going-south-or-thisll-suck-big-time/11398/1
IBT: Noted for Andorra.
For the mooks going south, if you're still interested, refer to my answer to Peregrine, above.