Hmm, given you can actually miss out on Sir Cabbage, I wonder if it's possible to actually finish the game without bonding with any other characters other than Mom and Dad? What's the minimum number of companions necessary for the final gauntlet?
(Mild spoilers) Mum and Dad are also missable if you don't finish their quest lines. If you have no allies at all you stay stuck in the vortex!
I'm trying to remember the lowest number I cleared it with, but it's been a bit too long. I think Maisy and the courier we're usually the most valuable units.