New character in Throne of Baal: Question

[Henry]

I have just started Throne of Baal and I want to solo the beginning bit to gain some XP just for myself and go up a few levels.
1) If I then summon a couple of NPCs later on when the going gets tougher will they be of approximately the same level as me?
2) If so will, the game have assigned them their high level abilities or will I be in charge of doing that when they join?

[nmyerson]

1. No. Think Savorak gains 1 lvl to lvl 18. The rest come in with a certain amount of experience. Think 2.5M. Not sure on that number.

I tried to summon some for help with Ascnesion...