An Idea, not sure if it is possible but here goes.
Can a cargo disk be made that has very small carry capacity but that gives a boost to some skill, like a block bonus +10 . Use a different existinig graphic, maybe an a automaton. It would be sort of like a "pet"- the gnomian shield bearer.
Similar things could be scaled down fire elementals for mages that might add to flame skill or some other bonus
Druids might have a small treeant of some type that gives some bonus in some way
The items could be rare loot.