After beating the Cyclops and completing the quest "Call of the Arisen", you create your main pawn.

Creating a pawn is similar to the character creation process, except that after you create your pawn you are asked a series of questions that will determine the personality of your permanent companion.

Create the pawn as usual. Then, you'll be asked a few questions. Your answers will shape your pawn's inclination.

Questions 1/4
When faced with danger, which trait would you most valie in a follower?
An iron will
Quick thinking
Careful preparation
The Charisma to lead others

Question 2/4
When in battle, which strategy you prefer your follower employ?
Kill all enemies
Rescue comrades in danger
Strike at the strongest foes
Call for reinforcements

Questions 3/4
Your follower rescues your party and turns the tide of the entire battle. What would you have them say?
"This way, Master!"
"Leave them to me!"
"Now, Master! Strike the final blow!"
"Quickly! After them!"

Questions 4/4
As a ruler, which gift would please you most?
A magick potion that preserves youth
A brave and just hero to succeed you.
The perfect spouse
A majestic white steed

Pawn Inclination
Notice the pawn inclination factors to the left as you choose the different answer. Inclinations include:
Scather, Medicant, Mitigator, Challenger, Utilitarian, Guardian, Nexis, Pioneer, Acquisitor

Next, you will select a vocation from the three possible basic vocations: Fighter, Strider or Mage

Best Vocation for first pawn
This depends on the class of your main character. You most likely don't want to make it the same class, since your abilities will be redundant. You want a class that will complement you

If you are a:
Fighter: Choose a mage as your pawn, for support.
Strider: Depending on your playstyle, if you like to attack from range then you could choose a Fighter as your pawn, to tank. Otherwise, you could choose a mage for some support.
Mage: You should choose Fighter to tank enemies, since the mage is pretty weak defensively. You can choose a Strider for more DPS, but game will be slightly more challenging.

You will be able to change your pawn's vocation later, but not for a while.

When you're connected online, your main pawn's attributes will be uploaded every time you rest at an inn. The main pawn you created can travel to other worlds online to assist other players in their travels. These adventures can result in new knowledge, items, and equipment they bring back when they return. Your main pawn will gain boons earned in other worlds at the inn, as well. Visit often to keep current on any developments.

At an inn, you can also sit in the knowledge chair to mentor your main pawn. You can give direction on how you would like them to act in battle, and while out in the field. Similarly, you can also advise your main pawn how you would have them speak to you. When you do, the pawn asks you:

Do you favor a pawn who first targets the weakest prey, or one who first slays ranged attackers
Mitigator: Aim for the weakest in a group
Challenger: Aim for the ranged attackers

My all is yours to shape, master. Should I suffer a deadly blow, how shall I voice my anguish? (Confident, Meek, Arrogant, Ordinary, As you are)

After you have created your pawn, there is a short cinematic before the game continues.