Can You Become a Leader in Skyrim? A Deep Dive
Yes, and no. While Skyrim grants you titles and positions of authority within its various factions, the extent of your leadership is often more symbolic than truly impactful. You’ll be called Harbinger of the Companions, Arch-Mage of the College of Winterhold, Guild Master of the Thieves Guild, and even Listener of the Dark Brotherhood. You can become Lord of Castle Volkihar if you side with the vampires. However, these titles don’t always translate to tangible control or decision-making power. You might command followers in battle, unlock new quests, or gain access to special resources, but the core gameplay experience often remains centered on your individual actions. The game excels at making you feel like a leader, even if the mechanical reality is more nuanced.
Faction Leadership: Titles vs. Reality
The Companions: Harbinger’s Burden
Becoming Harbinger of the Companions after completing their questline is a significant achievement. You can order members into battle. It also grants you access to the Skyforge for crafting specific items. However, the daily operations and quest assignments still originate from the inner circle. Your leadership is more about upholding tradition and answering the call to adventure than dictating policy.
The College of Winterhold: Arch-Mage’s Dilemma
As Arch-Mage, you gain access to the Arch-Mage’s Quarters and the powerful Staff of Magnus. While NPCs acknowledge your position and offer deference, the day-to-day management of the College remains in the hands of the various instructors and specialists. You’re essentially the figurehead, the champion mage, but not necessarily the administrator.
The Thieves Guild: Guild Master’s Perks
Ascending to Guild Master of the Thieves Guild brings tangible benefits. The merchants affiliated with the guild will carry significantly more gold, and you’ll receive an upgraded set of Thieves Guild armor. You’ll also oversee the restoration of the guild’s influence in various cities by completing specific radiant quests. You’re responsible for the prosperity of the Thieves Guild, but the operational details are managed by your lieutenants.
The Dark Brotherhood: Listener’s Whispers
The Listener of the Dark Brotherhood holds a unique position, receiving contracts directly from the Night Mother. While you guide the assassins and manage their targets, the inner workings of the Sanctuary continue under the watchful eye of the other members. Your influence stems from your connection to the divine, not necessarily from strategic planning or resource allocation.
The Dawnguard/Volkihar Clan: Choosing Your Allegiance
If you side with the Volkihar Clan, you will become a Vampire Lord, wielding immense power and commanding the vampire forces. However, if you choose the Dawnguard, Isran remains the leader. You’ll fight alongside him but will never usurp his position, a testament to his unwavering dedication and tactical prowess. This highlights the fact that while you can achieve positions of authority, you cannot always outright replace established figures.
Why the Illusion of Leadership Works
Skyrim prioritizes player agency and immersion above all else. The game gives you the freedom to shape your character’s story and interact with the world on your own terms. Bestowing titles of leadership allows you to feel a sense of accomplishment and belonging within these factions. The limitations on your actual control reinforce the idea that these are established organizations with their own traditions and hierarchies. Instead of micromanaging every aspect of the guild or college, you’re tasked with addressing specific challenges and contributing to the faction’s overall success.
The design aligns with the Games Learning Society principles of creating engaging and meaningful learning experiences. It uses the game environment and systems to teach about organizational structures and roles. The degree to which the game fulfills leadership roles may be a question for further study from the academic community like those that can be found through GamesLearningSociety.org.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. Can you become a Jarl in Skyrim?
No, it’s impossible to become a Jarl in Skyrim without using mods. While you can become a Thane in various holds, which grants certain privileges and responsibilities, the position of Jarl is reserved for those of noble birth or appointed through political maneuvering within the game’s established lore.
2. Who is the best follower in Skyrim?
Many players consider Serana to be the best follower in Skyrim, particularly if you have the Dawnguard DLC. Her unique abilities as a vampire, coupled with her versatile combat skills and engaging backstory, make her a valuable and interesting companion.
3. Can I marry a Jarl in Skyrim?
No, you cannot marry a Jarl in Skyrim. These characters are typically essential to the game’s narrative and political structure, and therefore, are not available as marriage candidates.
4. What happens when you become leader of the Companions in Skyrim?
When you become Harbinger of the Companions, you gain the ability to command most members as followers, access to crafting unique items at the Skyforge, and the respect of your fellow warriors.
5. Should I join Dawnguard or vampires?
The choice between joining the Dawnguard or the Volkihar Clan depends on your personal preference. The Dawnguard offers a more traditional vampire hunter experience, while the Volkihar Clan allows you to embrace your vampiric powers and delve into a darker, more sinister storyline.
6. Can I still become a Vampire Lord if I side with the Dawnguard?
Yes, even if you initially side with the Dawnguard, you can still become a Vampire Lord later in the Dawnguard DLC with Serana’s help. This allows you to experience both sides of the conflict.
7. How many jobs do you have to do to become Guild Master?
To become Guild Master of the Thieves Guild, you must complete five radiant jobs in each of the four major cities: Whiterun, Windhelm, Solitude, and Markarth.
8. Can you betray the Thieves Guild?
There isn’t a specific questline to destroy the Thieves Guild in the base game. However, your actions and choices can impact your relationship with the guild and its members.
9. What are the disadvantages of joining the Dark Brotherhood in Skyrim?
Joining the Dark Brotherhood requires you to commit morally questionable acts, including assassinating innocent people. This can conflict with certain character builds or role-playing preferences. Some find the Dark Brotherhood distasteful due to the required murders of some essential characters.
10. Should I destroy the Dark Brotherhood or join them?
Whether to destroy the Dark Brotherhood or join them depends on your character’s moral alignment and your preferred gameplay style. Destroying them allows you to play as a heroic figure, while joining them offers access to a unique storyline and powerful rewards.
11. Are you evil if you join the Dark Brotherhood?
Yes, by definition, joining the Dark Brotherhood aligns you with an evil organization. You’re participating in acts of murder and morally reprehensible behavior, regardless of your personal justifications.
12. Can you become leader of the Dawnguard in Skyrim?
No, you cannot become the leader of the Dawnguard in Skyrim. Isran remains the leader throughout the entire questline.
13. What happens if the guild leader leaves the guild?
This scenario primarily applies to online multiplayer games. If the leader leaves the guild or is inactive for an extended period, leadership typically transfers to another active member, usually an officer or the player with the highest contribution. This is not directly applicable to the single-player experience in Skyrim.
14. What happens if you say no to becoming a werewolf in Skyrim?
You can complete the Companions questline without becoming a werewolf. The game does not force you to accept lycanthropy.
15. Who is the strongest Jarl in Skyrim?
While strength is subjective, Balgruuf the Greater of Whiterun is often considered the strongest Jarl due to his strategic acumen, strong alliances, and commitment to protecting his people.
Conclusion
While the concept of “leadership” in Skyrim is more nuanced than direct control, the game effectively creates a sense of responsibility and importance within its various factions. Through titles, rewards, and narrative events, you’re given the opportunity to shape the world and leave your mark on Skyrim, even if you’re not always calling the shots. You are the Dragonborn and can influence the land, but you can not always be the top authority figure.