Can You Make Any Follower a Steward in Skyrim? The Definitive Guide
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The short answer is a resounding no. While the Hearthfire DLC for Skyrim allows you to appoint a follower as a steward for your homestead, not all followers are created equal in the eyes of the game’s coding. This article delves into the nuances of steward selection, explores the limitations, and answers frequently asked questions to help you build the estate of your dreams without any frustrating surprises. You’ll soon discover that choosing the right steward is key to a smoothly run homestead!
Understanding the Steward System
The steward system in Skyrim is a valuable addition introduced with the Hearthfire DLC. It allows you to delegate tasks such as furnishing your home, hiring a carriage driver, purchasing livestock, and defending the property from unwanted visitors like bandits or giants. Essentially, a steward acts as your estate manager, freeing you up to pursue more pressing matters like slaying dragons or fulfilling your destiny as the Dragonborn. However, the game doesn’t allow you to appoint just anyone to this position.
Who Can Be a Steward?
The selection process for a steward is governed by specific criteria defined within the game’s code. Generally, characters who are flagged as potential followers and have the correct dialogue options are eligible. This often includes:
- Housecarls: Characters assigned to you upon becoming Thane of a hold (e.g., Lydia, Jordis the Sword-Maiden, Irileth, Argis the Bulwark, Calder, and Valdimar).
- Certain Followers: A range of other followers who, for whatever reason, have the programming to become stewards. This includes characters like Aela the Huntress, Uthgerd the Unbroken, and Rayya.
- Members of The Companions: Many Companions members are viable steward candidates.
The Limitations: Why Some Followers Can’t Be Stewards
The frustrating reality is that many beloved followers simply aren’t eligible to become stewards. This is usually due to one or more of the following reasons:
- Missing Dialogue: The most common reason. The follower lacks the specific dialogue trigger required to initiate the “become steward” conversation.
- Essential NPCs: Some NPCs are marked as essential and cannot be permanently removed from their designated locations or roles. Appointing them as stewards would disrupt their primary function.
- Quest-Related NPCs: Certain followers are deeply tied to specific quests. Allowing them to become stewards could potentially break those quests.
- Faction Affiliations: A follower’s allegiance to a particular faction might prevent them from being appointed.
- Location Restrictions: Some followers are tied to specific locations and cannot be moved to your homestead permanently.
For example, despite her powerful necromantic abilities, Serana cannot be a steward. This likely stems from her crucial role in the Dawnguard DLC and the potential for conflicts. Similarly, Jenassa is reported by many players as being unable to be recruited.
The Steward Selection Process: A Step-by-Step Guide
If you’re unsure whether a follower is eligible, here’s the best way to find out:
- Build a Homestead: Ensure you have a homestead with at least the Small House layout and sufficient beds (one for you and one for your prospective steward). The beds don’t necessarily need to be in the Small House – you could build the Main Hall and put the beds there.
- Recruit the Follower: Ask the potential steward to follow you.
- Travel to the Homestead: Take your chosen follower to your homestead.
- Initiate Conversation: Speak to the follower while on the homestead property.
- Check for Dialogue Option: Look for the dialogue option that allows you to ask them to become your steward. If the option appears, congratulations! If not, the follower is ineligible.
Does Steward Choice Matter? The Truth About Steward Abilities
While some followers might have superior combat skills, in reality, there is no functional difference between stewards. All stewards perform the same tasks and behave identically. The only real difference is where they reside when they aren’t following you. They’ll manage your property and defend it, but they don’t have any unique steward abilities. The choice is purely aesthetic, so pick someone you like having around!
Replacing a Steward
What happens if your steward dies, or you simply want a change of scenery? The article mentions that, you will be able to hire another one, but it may take extreme measures. According to the article “killing my steward made EVERY NPC IN THE GAME hostile towards me”, so its recommended to just recruit them as followers again to be able to have them “follow” you away from the current property, then you can find a new follower for the property.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) About Stewards in Skyrim
1. Can I marry my steward?
Yes, you can marry a steward. However, if you marry your steward, they are still bound to your house.
2. If I marry someone and make them my steward, should I just keep them as a follower?
It’s your choice! If you want extra protection, find someone else for your stewart, you can have a housecarl and a steward.
3. Do stewards still act as followers?
Yes, they do. Once hired, it may be hard to fire them and if you bring them to another property, you may be able to make them the steward there as well.
4. Can Lydia be a steward?
Yes, Lydia, the Housecarl assigned to the Thane of Whiterun, can be a steward. She’s a popular choice and a skilled warrior.
5. Can any Housecarl be a steward?
Generally, yes. Housecarls are typically designed to be both followers and potential stewards.
6. What happens if my steward dies?
You can replace them! But it may take extreme measures to do so.
7. Are there any benefits to choosing a specific steward?
No, all stewards perform the same functions regardless of their individual skills or backgrounds. The difference is where they live!
8. Can I have both a Housecarl and a steward?
Yes! If you appoint someone other than the assigned housecarl to be steward, you’ll have two people hanging around guarding your house instead of just one.
9. Can I move my steward to a different home?
Once a steward is assigned to a property, they’re generally tied to it. The easiest way to move a steward is to reassign them to a new homestead.
10. Can I change my steward’s gear?
Yes, you can equip your steward with better armor and weapons to improve their combat effectiveness.
11. Can I make a character from a mod my steward?
It depends on the mod. The mod creator must have flagged the character as a potential follower and steward and included the necessary dialogue options.
12. Why can’t I hire a steward?
Make sure you have a livable house (minimum: Small House Layout) and sufficient beds (one for you and one for them).
13. Can I have multiple stewards?
No, you can only have one steward per homestead.
14. Can I marry Karliah and also have her as a steward?
Karliah is marriable and can be a follower. However, it is up to you if you want her as a steward too.
15. Can I turn Lydia into a vampire and have her as a steward?
You can turn Lydia into a vampire, and you can still keep her as a steward. However, consider the pros and cons before embracing the dark side.
Conclusion: Choose Wisely, But Don’t Overthink It!
While the steward system in Skyrim has its limitations, it’s still a valuable addition to the game. While the Games Learning Society may not have research specifically focused on steward behavior in Skyrim, the game still offers interesting insights into virtual economics and resource management. Visit GamesLearningSociety.org to learn more about the educational aspects of gaming. Remember, the most important aspect of choosing a steward is finding someone you enjoy having around your homestead. So, experiment, have fun, and build the Skyrim estate of your dreams!