How to Bid Farewell to Your Housecarl in Skyrim
The life of the Dragonborn in Skyrim is often a solitary one, filled with perilous quests and dragon-slaying adventures. However, sometimes, the game offers the companionship of a Housecarl, a loyal personal guard sworn to protect you and your home. While their unwavering loyalty can be invaluable, there might come a time when you wish to part ways. So, how do you get rid of your Housecarl in Skyrim? The straightforward answer is: you can’t permanently “get rid of” them in the sense of dismissing them entirely from the game. However, you can effectively remove them from your immediate presence by sending them to live at a different owned property, or by making them a Steward at a property that has that option. There is no “dismiss” command that completely removes them from service.
Understanding Housecarls in Skyrim
Before delving into how to manage your relationship with your Housecarl, it’s essential to understand their role and limitations within the game. Housecarls are assigned to you when you become Thane of a hold. This typically involves completing quests for the Jarl and assisting the citizens of the hold. Once you become Thane, you are granted a Housecarl who will swear loyalty to you and follow you on your adventures.
These dedicated warriors are more than just companions; they are assigned to a specific home that you own in the hold. They will typically reside at that home, guarding it from bandits and providing a sense of security. However, they will also follow you when asked, offering combat support and carrying your burdens.
Methods to Manage Your Housecarl
While you can’t outright dismiss your Housecarl, there are several ways to manage their presence and effectively remove them from your immediate adventuring party or your primary residence:
Relocating Your Housecarl to Another Property
This is the most common and effective method. Since Housecarls are tied to a specific property, sending them to live at a different one will effectively remove them from your current home.
- Purchase another house: If you don’t already own multiple properties, purchase one in a different hold.
- Travel to your current house: Locate your Housecarl.
- Initiate Dialogue: Speak to your Housecarl.
- Instruct them to move: Choose the dialogue option that instructs them to move to a different owned house. They will then travel to that house and reside there.
This method ensures that your Housecarl is still available if you need them in the future, but they won’t be constantly following you or cluttering your preferred residence.
Appointing Your Housecarl as a Steward
With the Hearthfire DLC, you can build your own homes and appoint a Steward to manage the property. Your Housecarl can be assigned this role, which will keep them at the homestead, overseeing its construction and maintenance.
- Build a Homestead: You need to have a built home via the Hearthfire DLC
- Construct a Management Item: You have to construct the required item which differs for each player
- Initiate Dialogue: Speak to your Housecarl.
- Choose the Steward Option: Select the dialogue option to appoint them as your Steward. They will then remain at the homestead.
As a Steward, they will offer services such as purchasing building materials and hiring a bard or carriage driver. This is a good way to keep them occupied and away from your primary residence.
Utilizing Mods (PC Only)
For PC players, the modding community offers a range of options to manage followers, including Housecarls. Some mods allow you to completely dismiss followers, while others offer more complex control over their behavior and location.
- Find a Suitable Mod: Browse the Nexus Mods website for follower management mods.
- Install the Mod: Follow the mod’s installation instructions.
- Use the Mod’s Features: Utilize the mod’s features to dismiss or manage your Housecarl.
Be cautious when using mods, as they can sometimes conflict with other game files or cause instability. Always read the mod descriptions and user reviews before installing anything.
Turning Your Housecarl into a Blade
This is the most permanent option. Note that, while it still doesn’t “get rid” of them, it completely changes their behavior and purpose.
- Complete the Dragonborn Main Questline: You will need to progress far enough into the story to gain access to the Blades.
- Recruit Your Housecarl: By bringing them to Delphine or Esbern, you can induct them into the Blades
- They will stay at Sky Haven Temple: Housecarls that are recruited into the Blades reside at Sky Haven Temple, offering support for your dragon slaying efforts.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Here are some frequently asked questions about managing your Housecarl in Skyrim:
1. Can I kill my Housecarl?
No, Housecarls are essential characters and cannot be killed by the player. They will simply kneel and recover after taking enough damage. This is to prevent players from accidentally losing access to important NPCs.
2. Can I marry my Housecarl?
Yes, many Housecarls are eligible for marriage. If you have the Amulet of Mara equipped, you can propose to them after establishing a high enough relationship.
3. How many Housecarls can I have at once?
You can have one Housecarl per house. If you own all the houses across Skyrim then you can have 5 Housecarls in total.
4. What happens if my Housecarl dies in combat?
Housecarls are protected NPCs, as such, they are not capable of dying in combat.
5. Can I change my Housecarl’s equipment?
Yes, you can give your Housecarl new armor and weapons, and they will equip them automatically if they are better than their default gear. You can remove items from their inventory by pickpocketing (if you have the perk) or by using the follower command to have them equip something else.
6. Can I use my Housecarl for sneaking missions?
Housecarls are not particularly stealthy. Their heavy armor and tendency to charge into combat can make them liabilities in sneaking missions. It is best to travel alone in situations where stealth is necessary.
7. Can I make my Housecarl essential through console commands?
While you can use console commands to make any NPC essential, this is generally not recommended as it can cause unforeseen issues with quests and game balance. However, Housecarls are already essentially unkillable (protected).
8. What is the best Housecarl in Skyrim?
The “best” Housecarl is subjective and depends on your playstyle. Some players prefer Lydia for her early availability, while others prefer Iona for her more agreeable personality. Each Housecarl has slightly different skills and attributes.
9. Can I have multiple followers in addition to my Housecarl?
No, you can only have one active follower at a time without using mods. This limitation applies to all followers, including Housecarls.
10. My Housecarl is missing. Where did they go?
If your Housecarl is missing, try checking their assigned house. They may have returned there after being dismissed or if you fast-traveled away from them. If they are still missing, try waiting for a few in-game days.
11. Can I dismiss my Housecarl and then rehire them later?
Yes, you can dismiss your Housecarl by instructing them to stay at a specific location or property. You can then rehire them by returning to that location and asking them to follow you again.
12. Can I assign my Housecarl to more than one house?
No, a Housecarl can only be assigned to one house at a time. To move them to a different house, you must first instruct them to go to the new location.
13. What happens if I become Thane of a new hold? Do I get a new Housecarl?
Yes, when you become Thane of a new hold, you will receive a new Housecarl assigned to the house you own in that hold.
14. Can I give my Housecarl quests?
No, you cannot give your Housecarl quests. They are primarily support characters whose main purpose is to protect you and follow your orders.
15. Are Housecarls affected by the Steed Stone or other carry weight bonuses?
Yes, Housecarls benefit from carry weight bonuses just like any other follower. The Steed Stone, as well as perks that increase carry weight, will allow them to carry more items for you.
By understanding these options and limitations, you can effectively manage your relationship with your Housecarl and ensure they are not impeding your adventures in Skyrim. Whether you choose to relocate them to another property, appoint them as a Steward, or utilize mods, there are several ways to customize your experience and create the Dragonborn life you desire.