In the options on the launcher windows you can change the set value of slots over from NPC to more PC's. My question is as follows; why can't I start the game with 8 players even when I change the number of slots? WIll I able to add the others from a tavern after the tutorial?
If not, then what is the point of changing this value at all?

I am of course using the Circle of Eight mod, for reference.

You can have more than 5 people, but the game (for whatever reason) still only shows five character slots during party creation. The people you choose over 5 will still be in the party, their portraits just won't show up until you get into the game.