User blog comment:The Milkman/Is Escorting Impossible?/@comment-5145446-20120630231234

I recommend a balanced party for escort missions. A fighter pawn with the Shield Drum/Summons skill will help draw bad guys away from your squishy follower. A mage with Anodyne and Halidom (preferable the upgraded "High" versions) to heal them between fights is also essential. If a fight can't be avoided just do your best to keep your follower out of the fray. Make use of pawn commands to request healing and send your pawns out ahead of you to draw off your attackers. Then as others have mentioned, pick up and carry and/or throw your follower out of the way whenever possible while using any ranged attacks at your disposal to contribute to the fight from a safe distance.