Do Housecarls Get Paid? Unpacking the Economics of Skyrim’s Loyal Protectors
The short answer is no, housecarls do not receive a regular salary in the traditional sense within the game mechanics of The Elder Scrolls V: Skyrim. However, their loyalty and service are rewarded in other ways, making their role a fascinating blend of duty, honor, and practical benefit. Let’s delve into the details of the housecarl system in Skyrim and explore the nuances of their “compensation.”
What Exactly Is a Housecarl?
A housecarl in Skyrim is a personal bodyguard assigned to you by the Jarl after you’ve proven yourself worthy and earned the title of Thane in a particular hold. They are sworn to protect you and your property, acting as unwavering companions on your adventures. Each hold where you become Thane offers its own unique housecarl. This individual is bound to your service and will remain in your home (or follow you) unless dismissed.
The “Payment” of Loyalty: Exploring Housecarl Compensation
While there’s no paycheck being handed out on a monthly basis, the benefits housecarls receive are significant:
- Shelter and Sustenance: A housecarl is provided with a place to live within your house, along with food and other basic necessities. This is a crucial benefit, especially considering the harsh conditions of Skyrim.
- Equipment and Supplies: While they usually start with basic gear, you have the freedom to equip your housecarl with armor and weapons of your choosing. Supplying them with high-quality equipment turns them into formidable allies, directly benefiting them.
- Share of Loot: Housecarls, like other followers, will carry items for you and also profit from any loot found in dungeons, bandit camps, and during quests. This is essentially a performance-based bonus!
- Protection and Purpose: Perhaps the most important “payment” is the sense of purpose and the security of being under your protection. In a world filled with danger, having a powerful and resourceful leader to serve under offers a degree of safety and belonging.
- Stewardship (Hearthfire DLC): With the Hearthfire DLC, you can appoint a housecarl as the steward of one of your custom-built homes. This provides them with additional responsibilities and a more stable role in managing the property. It comes with additional responsibilities like buying livestock and furnishings, managing resources, and hiring other servants to live at your house.
Ultimately, the “payment” for a housecarl is a combination of in-kind benefits, shared spoils, and the inherent rewards of loyalty and service.
The Historical Context: Saxo Grammaticus and Real-World Housecarls
The provided text snippet sheds light on the historical basis of the housecarl concept. Saxo Grammaticus notes that historical housecarls received monthly pay. The terms “málamenn” (men receiving wages), “solidarii” (salarymen), and “stipendarii” (paid men) used in various historical texts further emphasize the paid nature of these warriors. It’s interesting to see how Skyrim adapts this historical concept, shifting the focus from direct monetary compensation to a system of shared benefits and loyalty. The distinction between historical and in-game practices illustrates how games reimagine history for engaging gameplay, a topic explored by the Games Learning Society and discussed at GamesLearningSociety.org.
FAQs: Everything You Need to Know About Skyrim’s Housecarls
1. Can I have more than one housecarl at a time?
Yes, you can have multiple housecarls. You receive one housecarl for each hold in which you become Thane. Each will reside in the house you own in that hold.
2. Can I marry my housecarl?
Yes, you can marry your housecarl if you wish. This allows you to move them to any house you own, effectively relocating them from their assigned hold.
3. What happens to my housecarl if I get arrested?
Your housecarl will typically wait for you in your house or wherever you left them. They will not be arrested alongside you.
4. Can a housecarl die?
Yes, housecarls can die in combat. Unlike some essential NPCs, they are not immortal unless you use console commands on PC to make them essential.
5. What are the best housecarls to have?
Each housecarl has their own strengths and weaknesses. Valdimar, available in Morthal with the Hearthfire DLC, is considered by some to be the strongest due to his varied skills, including magic. It really depends on your character’s style.
6. Can I turn my housecarl into a vampire or werewolf?
Yes, you can turn some followers, including housecarls, into vampires with the Dawnguard DLC. Werewolf transformations are also possible if you are a werewolf and have the relevant perks from the Companions questline.
7. What is the level cap for housecarls?
The level cap varies depending on the specific housecarl. Lydia, for example, has a level cap of 50.
8. Can I give my housecarl better armor and weapons?
Absolutely! You can equip your housecarl with any armor and weapons you choose. This is highly recommended to keep them effective in combat.
9. What do I do if my housecarl disappears?
Housecarls typically return to their assigned house if they get lost. If they are truly missing, try waiting for a few days in-game or checking your house in the hold where you became Thane.
10. Can I make my housecarl a Blade?
Yes, you can recruit your housecarl into the Blades by bringing them to Delphine at Sky Haven Temple after completing the quest “Alduin’s Wall.”
11. Can my housecarl use a horse?
Yes, housecarls can use horses. If you purchase or acquire a horse, they will often mount it if you are also riding one.
12. How do I dismiss a housecarl?
Simply talk to them and select the dialogue option to dismiss them. They will return to your house in the hold where they are assigned.
13. Do housecarls have unique dialogue?
Yes, each housecarl has unique dialogue lines and personality traits. Some are more talkative than others.
14. Can I change my housecarl’s name?
Unfortunately, you cannot change your housecarl’s name without using console commands on PC.
15. Are housecarls essential for completing the main quest?
No, housecarls are not essential for completing the main questline. They are optional companions who can aid you in your adventures.
Conclusion: Loyalty, Service, and Shared Adventure
While the housecarls of Skyrim might not receive a regular paycheck in gold, their loyalty and service are rewarded through shelter, sustenance, shared loot, and the satisfaction of serving a worthy Thane. This system reflects a fascinating blend of historical inspiration and engaging gameplay mechanics, making the housecarl a valuable and intriguing part of the Skyrim experience. Their “compensation” is more nuanced than a simple salary; it’s about a bond forged in adventure and a shared destiny in the harsh and beautiful world of Skyrim.