Becoming a Steward in Whiterun: A Comprehensive Guide
So, you’re aiming to become a steward in Whiterun, eh? Well, hold your horses, Thane, because you can’t directly become the Steward of Whiterun. That role is permanently held by the stalwart Proventus Avenicci, trusted advisor to Jarl Balgruuf the Greater. However, what you likely want to know is how to acquire your own steward for a homestead in the hold of Whiterun. This is achieved by building a home through the Hearthfire DLC and then recruiting a suitable candidate. Let’s delve into how to make this happen, adventurer!
Acquiring a Homestead in Whiterun Hold
The path to hiring a steward starts with owning land. The Hearthfire DLC is crucial for this. Once installed, you can speak with Jarl Balgruuf (or his successor if the Stormcloaks have taken Whiterun) to purchase a plot of land. This plot is located in the Pale, near the city of Dawnstar. Despite the location not being directly in Whiterun, it still falls under the administrative domain of Whiterun Hold and allows you to hire a steward.
Once you’ve bought the land deed from the Jarl (or his steward), you will have a basic structure where you can start building your dream home. Gather resources like wood, stone, and clay to construct your house using the building interface at the drafting table and anvil.
Recruiting Your Steward
With your homestead established, it’s time to find a reliable steward. This is where the fun begins! You can’t just appoint anyone; they need to meet certain criteria.
Who Can Be a Steward?
Generally, any follower you can recruit can potentially become your steward. This includes many of the companions you meet in taverns, members of the Companions, or even your Housecarl (like Lydia). Not all followers will be amenable to the idea, but most are.
The Recruitment Process
- Choose Your Candidate: Consider their skills. Do you want someone good at combat to protect the property? Or perhaps someone with a silver tongue who can manage resources well?
- Bring Them to Your Homestead: Have your chosen follower accompany you to your newly constructed home.
- Initiate the Conversation: While on the property, talk to your follower. A dialogue option should appear, allowing you to ask them if they would like to be your steward. The exact phrasing may vary, but it will generally be something like, “I need someone to manage this place. Would you be interested?”
- Confirm Their Appointment: If they accept, congratulations! You now have a steward.
What Does a Steward Do?
Stewards are incredibly helpful. They can:
- Furnish Your Home: They’ll purchase furniture and decorations for your house, saving you the time and effort of gathering resources yourself.
- Hire Guards: They can hire guards to protect your property from bandits and wild animals.
- Purchase Livestock: Need cows, chickens, or horses? Your steward can buy them for you.
- Buy Building Materials: Stewards can purchase lumber, stone, and clay, essential for expanding your homestead.
- Act as a Vendor: They can buy items from you, providing a convenient way to offload excess loot.
FAQs About Stewards in Skyrim
How do I get Adrianne Avenicci’s quest in Whiterun?
Talk to Adrianne Avenicci at Warmaiden’s inside Whiterun. Ask her what she does, and she’ll give you the quest to deliver a sword to her father, Proventus Avenicci, the steward.
Where is the Whiterun Steward usually?
Proventus Avenicci is usually found near Jarl Balgruuf in Dragonsreach. He also frequents the terrace on the back side of Dragonsreach during lunchtime.
Can Lydia be my steward?
Yes, Lydia, your Housecarl assigned to you after becoming Thane of Whiterun, can be a steward.
How can I get a free house in Whiterun?
You cannot get a completely “free” house. However, marrying Ysolda after completing her “Rare Gifts” quest offers a place to live. Purchase an Amulet of Mara in Riften and propose to her after completing her quest.
What is the easiest house to get in Skyrim?
The Companion Quarters in Jorrvaskr are easy to obtain by joining the Companions in Whiterun.
Which is the best house in Skyrim?
Heljarchen Hall (obtained after becoming Thane in The Pale) is considered one of the best houses due to its size, location, and views.
Can you turn Lydia into a vampire?
You can only turn Lydia into a vampire if you side with Serana and Harkon in the Dawnguard DLC.
Is Lydia the best wife in Skyrim?
Lydia is a popular choice for a wife due to her accessibility and dependability. However, other options such as Aela the Huntress or Muiri are often regarded as better choices.
Who is the strongest Housecarl in Skyrim?
Valdimar (Housecarl obtained in Morthal) is considered the strongest Housecarl.
Whose side is Whiterun on?
Whiterun initially tries to remain neutral in the civil war but ultimately sides with the Empire due to Ulfric Stormcloak’s actions.
Can I fix Whiterun after the Battle?
Not in the base game, however, there are mods available that will repair the city after the Battle for Whiterun.
Who can you marry in Skyrim?
You can marry almost anyone of any race or gender, provided you have an Amulet of Mara and complete their associated quest.
Can you become Jarl in Skyrim?
No, you cannot become a Jarl in the base game without mods.
Who is the best follower in Skyrim?
Serana is often considered the best follower due to her unique abilities and involvement in the Dawnguard DLC.
Does it matter if Lydia dies?
If Lydia dies, you lose her as a follower. You can retrieve her gear from her coffin in the Hall of the Dead in Whiterun.
The Importance of Stewards: More Than Just Servants
Having a steward in Skyrim is more than just a luxury; it’s a strategic advantage. They contribute significantly to your homestead’s growth and security, freeing you up to pursue grander adventures. A well-chosen steward can handle the mundane tasks of resource management and defense, allowing you to focus on questing, exploring, and perhaps even delving deeper into the Games Learning Society research on player agency and world-building within complex game environments. Understanding how player choices impact the game world, like deciding who to appoint as steward, is a key element of game design and appreciation.
A Final Word
Becoming a steward yourself in Whiterun isn’t possible, but creating your own fiefdom and entrusting it to a capable steward is entirely within your reach. So, gather your gold, build your house, and choose wisely, for the future of your homestead rests in their hands! Delve further into the world of gaming and education at GamesLearningSociety.org.