Can Salma Be A Follower in Skyrim?
Nope. Salma, the Redguard woman you encounter alongside Beem-Ja in Ironbind Barrow, is not a permanent follower in The Elder Scrolls V: Skyrim. She is only available as a follower during the quest “I.H.A.H. Skyrim SE: Salma, part 1 of 2“. Once the quest is completed, she parts ways with the Dragonborn, and you cannot recruit her again. Now, let’s dive deeper into everything you need to know about followers, marriage, and other companions in Skyrim.
Understanding Skyrim’s Follower System
Skyrim offers a rich array of companions to accompany you on your adventures. These followers can assist in combat, carry your burdens, and even provide unique dialogue and quest opportunities. Understanding the nuances of the follower system is key to maximizing your gameplay experience.
Related Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Here are 15 frequently asked questions that will enhance your knowledge of followers, marriage, and other related aspects in Skyrim:
1. Who is considered the strongest follower in Skyrim?
While strength is subjective and depends on your playstyle, many consider Serana to be the strongest follower. Her high levels in Destruction, Conjuration, One-Handed, and Light Armor skills make her versatile and powerful. She can raise the dead, cast powerful spells, and hold her own in melee combat. Some players, however, prefer the simplicity and tankiness of Lydia or the unique character of Cicero. It boils down to personal preference and synergistic gameplay.
2. Can I have a wife and a follower at the same time in Skyrim?
Yes! You absolutely can. Being married to an NPC doesn’t restrict you from having a follower. In fact, some potential followers are also marriage candidates. Lydia, for example, is a common choice for both. After marrying Lydia, you can have her follow you to different locations for adventures.
3. How many Housecarls can follow me simultaneously?
The term “Housecarl” refers to a personal guard assigned to you after becoming Thane of a hold and purchasing a house. Each house you own comes with its own assigned Housecarl. However, you can only have one Housecarl actively following you at a time. You can have other followers in addition to your active Housecarl, assuming you’re not using a mod that alters these rules.
4. Who is the strongest Housecarl in Skyrim?
Many players consider Valdimar, the Housecarl you receive after becoming Thane of Morthal, to be the strongest. His combat prowess and durability make him a valuable asset, especially in the early to mid-game.
5. Can I get another Housecarl if Lydia dies?
Once a Housecarl dies, they are permanently gone. To obtain another Housecarl, you need to become Thane of another hold, purchase a house there, and receive the new hold’s assigned Housecarl. Remember that each Housecarl is tied to a specific house and hold.
6. Can two men or two women marry in Skyrim?
Yes! Skyrim allows for same-sex marriage. You can marry any eligible NPC regardless of gender. The game celebrates diversity in relationships and allows players to create characters that reflect their own identities and preferences.
7. Can I have two wives in Skyrim?
Unfortunately, no. You can only have one spouse in Skyrim. Even if your spouse dies, you cannot remarry. Choose wisely!
8. Is Serana a romance option in Skyrim?
Despite the close bond that develops between the Dragonborn and Serana during the Dawnguard DLC, she is not a romanceable character in the base game. Many players have expressed their disappointment about this, given the depth of their interactions. However, mods exist that enable romancing and marrying Serana, fulfilling that desire for many.
9. Who is considered the best female follower in Skyrim?
Again, this is subjective, but Serana is often considered the best female follower due to her combat abilities and unique dialogue. As a powerful necromancer, she can raise the dead to fight alongside you and switch to melee weapons when necessary. Other popular choices include Aela the Huntress for her archery skills and werewolf transformations, and Mjoll the Lioness for her unwavering loyalty and heavy armor expertise.
10. Which followers are essential and cannot be killed in Skyrim?
Essential followers are characters who cannot be killed, making them valuable companions in tough battles. Some notable essential followers include Serana, Aela the Huntress, and Cicero. Having an essential follower can be a strategic advantage, especially when facing challenging enemies or exploring dangerous dungeons. Barbas, the talking dog is another example of a follower that cannot be killed.
11. Who is the most liked and disliked character in Skyrim?
The “most liked” and “most disliked” characters are subjective and vary among players. However, some commonly cited examples include:
- Most Liked: Paarthurnax and M’aiq the Liar
- Most Disliked: Nazeem and Maven Black-Briar
12. Who makes the best wife in Skyrim?
The “best wife” depends on personal preferences, but some popular choices include:
- Muiri: Located in Markarth, she has a unique questline and a connection to the Dark Brotherhood.
- Aela the Huntress: A strong and independent warrior from the Companions.
- Lydia: The loyal and dependable Housecarl of Whiterun.
13. Can my wife divorce me in Skyrim?
Sadly, there is no divorce mechanic in Skyrim. Marriage is a lifetime commitment, and the only way to end it is through the death of your spouse. This makes choosing your spouse a significant decision.
14. Can my spouse get pregnant in Skyrim?
In the base game, you cannot have children biologically. However, you can adopt children from orphanages after building a house with the Hearthfire DLC. This allows you to create a family and experience the role-playing aspects of parenthood within the game.
15. Can Lydia level up with me in Skyrim?
Yes, Lydia does level up with you, but only to a certain point. She scales with the player up to level 50. After that, her stats remain fixed, making her less effective in combat at higher levels. It’s crucial to equip her with appropriate gear to maximize her survivability and damage output.
The Broader Context of Gaming and Learning
The depth and complexity of Skyrim’s mechanics, including the follower system, marriage options, and questlines, offer significant opportunities for learning and skill development. Games like Skyrim encourage problem-solving, strategic thinking, and decision-making. They also provide a platform for social interaction and collaboration, especially in multiplayer environments or through online communities. To explore more about how games can be used for educational purposes, visit the Games Learning Society at https://www.gameslearningsociety.org/. These organizations are at the forefront of studying the impact of games on learning.
Conclusion
While Salma remains a temporary companion tied to a specific quest, Skyrim offers a plethora of other engaging follower options. Understanding the game’s systems, mechanics, and lore enhances the player’s experience and immersion. So, explore the world, experiment with different followers, and create your own unique story in the vast and captivating world of Skyrim. Choose your Housecarls and spouses wisely!