Do Companions Care If You Steal in Skyrim? A Deep Dive into Morality and Loyalty
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Companions in Skyrim generally do not care if you steal, especially when it comes to minor acts of thievery. Most companions are programmed with a certain level of tolerance for your questionable actions. They won’t report you to the authorities or abandon you simply because you’ve pilfered a sweetroll. However, there are nuances, and the specifics depend on the companion, the severity of the crime, and whether the theft directly affects them. Knowing these nuances is crucial for any Dragonborn with sticky fingers.
Understanding Companion Morality
Most followers in Skyrim have a morality score that dictates their reaction to your actions. Companions from the Companions faction, for instance, have a morality value of 3: No Crime. This means they’re generally unwilling to commit crimes themselves, but they won’t judge you for your own transgressions. They’ll stand by you, even if you’re attacking innocent townsfolk, showcasing a startling level of loyalty… or perhaps simply a dedication to the Dragonborn’s cause.
However, it’s essential to note that there are limits. While they might overlook petty theft, they are less likely to be okay with you stealing their possessions or harming them directly. Think of it as a ‘don’t ask, don’t tell’ policy, with a healthy dose of ‘personal space’ thrown in.
Individual Companion Behaviors
Let’s examine how some of the more popular companions react to your kleptomaniacal tendencies:
- Lydia: The quintessential housecarl is remarkably tolerant. You can steal entire towns in front of her, and she will barely bat an eye. Her loyalty to you outweighs her moral objections to your crimes.
- Aela the Huntress: She is less forgiving when it comes to directly stealing for her. If asked to steal or kill an innocent, Aela is likely to refuse, but she also won’t judge the Dragonborn if witnessing them doing either one of those things.
- Serana: As a vampire, Serana has a more pragmatic view of morality. She’s unlikely to be bothered by your stealing, especially if it serves a purpose.
- Other Followers: Most other followers follow the same morality as that of Lydia. They will not bother to acknowledge your actions when stealing is involved.
The Importance of Sneaking and Avoiding Detection
Even though companions are generally tolerant, there are still consequences for getting caught stealing. Witnesses, even if they’re not your companions, will eventually report you to the authorities. This leads to a bounty on your head, and guards will attempt to arrest you on sight. Therefore, it’s always best to sneak and avoid detection while stealing. Using stealth skills, such as becoming invisible, is of high importance when trying to steal, and not have anyone find out.
Sneaking Tips
- Crouch in the shadows: Darkness is your friend. Stay out of direct light to minimize your visibility.
- Move slowly: Speed increases your chance of detection.
- Use Muffle effects: Reduce the sound of your movement with enchantments or spells.
- Watch the Eye: The eye icon on your HUD indicates your detection level. Keep it closed to stay hidden.
Making Money through Thievery
Stealing is undoubtedly one of the easiest ways to make money in Skyrim. By pilfering valuable items and selling them to fences (merchants who buy stolen goods), you can quickly amass a fortune. However, this comes with the risk of becoming a wanted criminal. Managing your bounty and avoiding arrest becomes part of the gameplay.
The Dark Side: Joining the Thieves Guild and Dark Brotherhood
If you embrace a life of crime, joining the Thieves Guild or the Dark Brotherhood can offer significant benefits. The Thieves Guild provides access to fences, specialized merchants who will buy stolen goods. The Dark Brotherhood offers unique quests and rewards, though it requires engaging in morally reprehensible acts.
Dark Brotherhood Drawbacks
The Dark Brotherhood’s path is not without its consequences. You may be forced to kill characters you like or need, and the guild’s actions are undeniably evil. Joining this faction will greatly affect your karma within the Skyrim universe. Some players prefer to destroy the Dark Brotherhood, acting as heroes of justice.
FAQ: Stealing and Companions in Skyrim
1. Will my companion leave me if I steal too much?
Generally, no. Most companions have a high tolerance for your criminal behavior and will not abandon you solely because you steal.
2. Will my companion report me to the guards if I steal in front of them?
No, companions will not report you to the guards. They might make a disapproving comment, but they won’t take official action.
3. Can I steal items from my companion without them getting angry?
Yes, but be careful. Stealing directly from your companion (pickpocketing their equipped items) can lead to negative reactions and potential hostility.
4. What happens if I get caught stealing with a companion present?
Your companion will typically join you in combat if guards or witnesses attack you.
5. Does joining the Thieves Guild affect my companions’ behavior?
No, joining the Thieves Guild does not directly change your companions’ behavior. They will continue to react to your actions as they normally would.
6. Can I use console commands to revive a dead companion?
Yes, on PC, you can use the resurrect console command to bring a dead companion back to life.
7. Is it better to destroy the Dark Brotherhood or join them?
This depends on your playstyle. Joining offers a unique questline and rewards, while destroying them allows you to play as a hero.
8. Who is the strongest companion in Skyrim?
Serana is often considered the strongest companion due to her high levels in Destruction, Conjuration, One-Handed, and Light Armor skills.
9. How do I steal without being noticed?
Use stealth techniques: crouch in the shadows, move slowly, and use Muffle effects.
10. What is the point of stealing in Skyrim?
Stealing is an easy way to make money and experience a different side of the game, though it comes with the risk of becoming a wanted criminal.
11. Can my house be robbed in Skyrim?
No, your owned houses in Skyrim cannot be robbed by NPCs.
12. Who buys stolen goods in Skyrim?
Fences like Tonilia in the Ragged Flagon and Mallus Maccius in the Honningbrew Meadery buy stolen goods.
13. What does a high percentage to steal mean when pickpocketing?
A higher percentage indicates a greater chance of successfully stealing the item without being detected.
14. Does follower morality affect my game?
While it doesn’t heavily affect the game, it will affect whether or not the follower does or doesn’t like what you are doing.
15. Where can I learn more about the social science of gaming?
You can find more about the social impact and learning aspects of gaming at the Games Learning Society website: https://www.gameslearningsociety.org/. You can delve deeper into understanding how games impact education, behavior, and society.
Conclusion: Embrace Your Inner Thief (Responsibly)
In conclusion, while your companions might not approve of your sticky fingers, they’re unlikely to interfere with your criminal endeavors. Understanding their morality and employing stealth techniques can allow you to embrace a life of thievery without losing your loyal followers. Just remember to manage your bounty, choose your targets wisely, and perhaps leave a little something for your loyal companion… as long as you don’t steal it back later. Remember, a well-planned crime spree is a successful crime spree!