Lydia’s Demise and the Hunt for a New Housecarl in Skyrim
Yes, you absolutely can get another Housecarl if Lydia dies in Skyrim. While losing your first loyal companion can be a somber experience, the game provides multiple avenues to acquire new Housecarls, each bound to a specific hold where you’ve earned the title of Thane. This article will guide you through the process of finding a replacement and delve into the intricacies of Housecarls, followers, and related game mechanics.
The End of Lydia and the Thane System
Lydia, the Housecarl bestowed upon you by Jarl Balgruuf of Whiterun, is a valuable asset early in the game. However, she isn’t immortal. Once she falls in battle, she’s gone for good (unless you reload an earlier save). This opens the door to exploring other potential Housecarls Skyrim has to offer.
The key to obtaining more Housecarls lies in the Thane system. You become a Thane of a hold by completing specific tasks and quests for the Jarl and citizens. Once you’ve aided the hold sufficiently and purchased property within its walls (if available), the Jarl will grant you the title of Thane. This comes with its own unique Housecarl who will be loyal to you, guarding your home and accompanying you on your adventures within that hold.
Becoming Thane and Gaining New Housecarls
The process of becoming Thane varies slightly from hold to hold, but generally involves the following steps:
- Building Relationships: Speak with the Jarl and the local inhabitants of the hold. Look for opportunities to help them with their problems, completing quests ranging from delivering items to clearing out bandit camps.
- Completing Main Quests: Engage in quests that are central to the hold.
- Purchasing Property: Acquiring a house in the hold is often a crucial step.
- Earning the Title: Once you’ve met the Jarl’s requirements, they will bestow the title of Thane upon you, along with a unique Housecarl.
Notable Housecarls and Their Holds
Here is a list of the Housecarls you can obtain and the hold you can find them in:
- Lydia (Whiterun): Given after becoming Thane of Whiterun.
- Iona (Riften): Granted upon becoming Thane of The Rift.
- Calder (Eastmarch – Windhelm): Awarded when becoming Thane of Eastmarch.
- Rayya (The Reach – Markarth): Given when becoming Thane of the Reach.
- Valdimar (Hjaalmarch – Morthal): Granted when becoming Thane of Hjaalmarch.
- Argis the Bulwark (The Pale – Dawnstar): Awarded when becoming Thane of The Pale.
- Gregor (Falkreath Hold – Falkreath): Granted when becoming Thane of Falkreath Hold.
The Limitations of Housecarls
It’s important to note that while you can have multiple Housecarls, each is primarily associated with the house in the hold where they were appointed. This means that Argis the Bulwark will typically reside at your home in Dawnstar, while Iona will guard your house in Riften. You can only actively have one follower at a time, which can be any of the Housecarls or a different NPC altogether. If one of the Housecarl dies while following you, you can return to their respective house and hire them again.
Benefits and Drawbacks of Housecarls
Housecarls offer a range of advantages:
- Loyalty: They are sworn to protect you and your property.
- Combat Prowess: Each Housecarl has decent combat skills and can be a valuable ally in battle.
- Burden-Carrying: They can carry your extra items, alleviating your encumbrance.
However, there are also limitations:
- Limited Customization: You can equip them with different armor and weapons, but you can’t drastically alter their skills or behavior.
- One Follower at a Time: Only one follower (Housecarl or other NPC) can accompany you at any given moment.
- Potential for Bugs: Like all NPCs in Skyrim, Housecarls can sometimes be subject to glitches or odd behavior.
Exploring Other Follower Options
Beyond Housecarls, Skyrim boasts a plethora of other potential followers. These can be recruited through various means, such as:
- Completing Quests: Many NPCs will offer their services as followers upon completion of specific quests.
- Hiring Mercenaries: Taverns across Skyrim are populated with mercenaries who can be hired for a fee.
- Joining Factions: Guilds like the Companions offer access to skilled warriors who can join your party.
- Dawnguard DLC: Serana is considered one of the best followers in Skyrim.
Each follower has unique skills, abilities, and personalities, adding depth to your gameplay experience.
Conclusion
While the death of Lydia might initially seem like a significant loss, Skyrim provides ample opportunities to acquire new Housecarls and followers. By becoming Thane in multiple holds, you can amass a collection of loyal protectors, each guarding your homes and accompanying you on your adventures throughout the realm. So, don’t despair over Lydia’s demise; embrace the chance to explore the diverse range of companions Skyrim has to offer.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. Is Lydia the only way to get a Housecarl early in the game?
While Lydia is the first Housecarl most players encounter, it’s possible to become Thane of another hold relatively early in the game, depending on your playstyle and focus. However, Whiterun is a common starting point for many players.
2. Can I have more than one Housecarl actively following me at a time?
No, Skyrim only allows you to have one active follower at a time, regardless of whether they are a Housecarl or another NPC.
3. Can I change the equipment of my Housecarls?
Yes, you can equip your Housecarls with different armor and weapons. Just trade with them and give them the items you want them to use. Keep in mind they have skills that lend themselves to certain types of equipment.
4. Do Housecarls level up with me?
Yes, most Housecarls level up with you to a certain level cap. However, their level will not surpass the cap. Lydia’s level cap is 50.
5. What happens if my Housecarl dies while following me?
If your Housecarl dies while following you, they are permanently dead. You will need to acquire a new follower to replace them.
6. Can I marry my Housecarl?
Yes, you can marry certain Housecarls, including Lydia. This adds a new dimension to your relationship and provides unique dialogue options.
7. Are all Housecarls human?
No, Rayya, the Housecarl of Markarth, is a Redguard. The other Housecarls are Nords.
8. Can Housecarls be affected by diseases or vampirism?
No, Housecarls, like most followers, are immune to diseases and cannot be turned into vampires through normal gameplay.
9. Can I make my Housecarl essential (immortal) using console commands?
Yes, on PC, you can use console commands to make your Housecarl essential. The command is setessential [base ID] 1, where [base ID] is the unique ID of the Housecarl.
10. Can I dismiss a Housecarl if I don’t want them anymore?
Yes, you can dismiss a Housecarl as a follower. They will then return to your house in the hold where they were appointed Thane.
11. Can I ask a different follower to become a Housecarl?
If one your housecarl for one your Hearthfire homes dies you can bring another follower and ask them to be the new housecarl.
12. Where can I find information about modding followers in Skyrim?
You can find information about modding followers in Skyrim on various websites and forums dedicated to modding the game, such as the Nexus Mods website and the STEP (Skyrim Total Enhancement Project) guide. These resources provide tutorials, tools, and community support for modding enthusiasts. Furthermore, if you’re interested in the educational aspects of gaming and learning, consider exploring resources from the Games Learning Society. Visit GamesLearningSociety.org to discover more about how games can enhance learning.
13. Are there any Housecarls associated with the Dragonborn DLC?
No, the Dragonborn DLC does not add any new Housecarls to the game. However, it introduces new followers and companions that you can recruit.
14. Do Housecarls have any unique dialogue or interactions compared to other followers?
Yes, Housecarls often have unique dialogue options related to their role as protectors and their loyalty to you as Thane. They may also offer insights into the culture and politics of their respective holds.
15. Can I make my Housecarl a member of the Blades?
Yes, you can recruit certain Housecarls, such as Lydia, into the Blades, as part of the main questline. This allows you to expand the ranks of the Blades and utilize their skills in dragon hunting.