For little oasis, the npc is Sabrina for red goblin quest. You may have to find her at specific time i.e afternoon/evening to trigger it.
Port Lodeen, there is a "hidden" tavern just near the entrance. In there, a quest npc, a hirable tank mercenary and a time waster npc is available.
Lance is a story character crucial to the main plot. So he will not be removable at the early parts of the story. In the full game, there is a choice where he will leave you permanently based on your choices.