Decoding Housecarl Housing: Can You Squeeze Two Loyal Warriors into One Skyrim Home?
Fast answer first. Then use the tabs or video for more detail.
- Watch the video explanation below for a faster overview.
- Game mechanics may change with updates or patches.
- Use this block to get the short answer without scrolling the whole page.
- Read the FAQ section if the article has one.
- Use the table of contents to jump straight to the detailed section you need.
- Watch the video first, then skim the article for specifics.
The short answer is: generally, no. While you can acquire multiple housecarls throughout your Dragonborn adventures in Skyrim, you cannot permanently station two housecarls in the same house. Think of it like a carefully choreographed dance of loyalty – each housecarl has a designated home, typically the one provided in the hold where you earned your Thane title. Let’s delve into the intricacies of housecarl placement, availability, and some tricks you can use to bend the rules a little.
Understanding Housecarl Allegiance
Housecarls are assigned to a specific location. This is primarily based on your Thane status in each hold. When you become Thane, you are granted a housecarl, who will reside in the Thane’s house in that hold (or, if you haven’t purchased a house, they might hang out in the Jarl’s palace, like Lydia in Dragonsreach). This location is their “home base,” and they will usually be found there when not actively following you.
The game mechanics prevent two different, officially designated housecarls from occupying the same residence permanently. This ensures clarity in the game world and prevents potential conflicts or glitches.
The Illusion of Coexistence: Temporary Arrangements
While permanent cohabitation isn’t possible, there are scenarios where you might see two housecarls in the same location:
-
Brief Encounters: You can travel with one housecarl to another housecarl’s location. They will both be present temporarily. However, when you dismiss the traveling housecarl or fast travel away, the original housecarl will remain, while the other will return to their own designated home.
-
Marriage and Relocation: One way to circumvent this limitation is through marriage. You can marry a housecarl and then move them to any house you own. This effectively allows you to have them residing in a different location than their original assignment. However, the game still treats their original location as their primary allegiance, so they might comment on being “home” when you visit their original house.
-
Hearthfire Stewards: If you have the Hearthfire DLC, you can appoint a housecarl as a steward to one of your custom-built homes. This will cause them to move to that home and manage it for you.
Exploiting Follower Mechanics
Skyrim is known for its occasional glitches and exploitable mechanics. Some players have reported using console commands (on PC) or specific sequences of actions to force two housecarls into the same location. However, these methods are often unstable and can lead to unforeseen issues, so it’s generally recommended to avoid them.
FAQs: Housecarl Housing Edition
Here are some frequently asked questions about housecarls and their living arrangements in Skyrim:
1. How many housecarls can I have in total?
You can have one housecarl per hold in which you become Thane. Since there are nine holds in Skyrim, you can potentially have nine housecarls in total.
2. Who is the most powerful housecarl in Skyrim?
Many consider Valdimar from Morthal to be the most powerful. He has a diverse skill set including light armor, magic, and melee combat, making him a versatile companion.
3. Can a housecarl die permanently?
Yes, housecarls can die permanently if they take fatal damage. However, they typically enter a “kneeling” state when their health is low, giving you a chance to protect them. They are only truly dead if you (or an enemy) continues to attack them while they are down.
4. Can I replace my housecarl?
Not in the traditional sense. Once a housecarl is assigned to you, they are permanently your housecarl for that hold. If your housecarl at a Hearthfire home dies, you can ask another follower to become the new housecarl.
5. Can Lydia become a Blade?
Yes, you can recruit Lydia into the Blades by bringing her to Delphine at Sky Haven Temple after completing the quest “Alduin’s Wall.” She will then wear Blades armor and use a Blades sword.
6. Can Lydia be a house steward?
Yes, Lydia can be a house steward. She is a dependable and skilled warrior, making her a good choice to manage your Hearthfire home.
7. Can I have multiple homesteads?
Yes, with the Hearthfire DLC, you can purchase and build all three available homesteads: Lakeview Manor (near Falkreath), Windstad Manor (near Morthal), and Heljarchen Hall (near Dawnstar).
8. Can I turn my housecarl into a vampire?
Yes, if you are a vampire lord, you can turn some followers, including housecarls like Lydia, into vampires. However, be aware of the potential drawbacks, such as their vulnerability to sunlight.
9. What happens if I accidentally kill Lydia?
If you are playing on PC, you can use console commands to resurrect her. Open the console, click on her body to get her ID, and then type “resurrect” followed by “enable.” On consoles, unless you reload an earlier save, she’s gone for good.
10. Is there a way to make Lydia immortal?
On PC, you can use console commands to set her as essential, preventing her from dying. Use the command “setessential a2c8e 1” to make Lydia immortal.
11. Can I marry a housecarl?
Yes, you can marry certain housecarls, such as Iona from Riften.
12. Is Ysolda a good wife in Skyrim?
Ysolda is generally considered a pleasant spouse. She is friendly and has a relatively simple life in Whiterun.
13. Can I have a housecarl and a wife?
Yes, marriage does not affect your ability to have housecarls. Your housecarl will continue to reside in their assigned location, and your spouse will live in the same house as you.
14. Do housecarls get paid?
No, housecarls do not receive a salary. Their loyalty is rewarded with shelter and supplies in the Thane’s household, as well as a share of any spoils you acquire during your adventures.
15. Can I get a new steward if one dies?
Yes, you can replace a dead steward. Simply find another suitable follower and ask them to become your steward. The steward’s qualifications will depend on the choices available to you.
Conclusion: Managing Your Skyrim Household
While you cannot permanently station two different, officially designated housecarls in the same house, you can manipulate the system through marriage, stewardship, and temporary follower arrangements. Understanding the rules governing housecarl allegiance and the potential for bending those rules allows you to create a more customized and enjoyable Skyrim experience. Remember to prioritize your housecarls’ safety and well-being, as they are valuable allies in your quest to save Skyrim.
For more on gaming and education, consider visiting the Games Learning Society at GamesLearningSociety.org. This site provides insightful research and analysis on the power of games in educational settings.