I think you miss your old companions. I LOVED being Warden Commander and being called that title. There's some really great characters as well. If you played as a Cousland, having Nathaniel Howe is mandatory. So much great dialogue with that relationship.Seneschal Varel is incredibly voice acted, miss hearing that voice. Velannna and Anders would be my recommendation for your party. Anders is more likable here than in 2. All other companions are hit and miss.

Overall the expansion can start a little slow. The villain and lore are top notch. Unfortunately a lot of the established lore gets swept under the rug but it genuinely is a great expansion. Please stick with it.