Short Round is [i]probably[/i] an example of why I'm hesitant to use the idea? 

But a conman face sounds good. Wonder if I can come up with anything decent.

Since the younger Von Hessen travelled quite a bit in Asia an Asian assistant/companion might not be THAT out of the question although I'll leave that up to the GM and/or discuss details with them if they like the idea.

Or he could just be someone hired to help with carrying, excavating and the like.