In 2001, a company called Troika Games made a great RPG called Arcanum. This RPG ended up selling more than a million copies and made several gaming magazines and websites. That being said, how many of you are actually still interested in playing an Arcanum module? I've got an idea for a story, and if I can peak your interests I might throw Arcanum back on my computer and try out my idea. Any input is appreciated.
Something that I think would be nice is instead of simply having followers that stay with you all the time, etc, also include hirelings that you can hire and will follow you for a certain amount of time based on how much money you paid them, your charisma, etc. Have something like guilds that you can go to and hire specialists. A mages guild for hiring people specializing in certain colleges, a temple to hiring cleric-like people, fighters specializing in white necromancy, thieves guild, etc, etc.
That is an excellent idea. You also need to remember though that there is a limit to followers, not just game imposed. If you have more than a handful of followers your game will lag to unplayability.