What Happens When You Tell a Follower to Part Ways in Skyrim?
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In the vast, dragon-haunted world of Skyrim, companionship can be a lifeline. Whether you’re delving into ancient ruins, battling fearsome creatures, or simply hauling loot back to town, having a loyal follower at your side makes the journey considerably easier – and often, far more entertaining. But what happens when the adventure winds down, or you simply need a break from their helpful (or sometimes hindering) presence? The answer lies in the simple phrase: “It’s time for us to part ways.” When you utter these words, or the equivalent dialogue option, to your follower, they will return to a predetermined location, usually where you first met them, and patiently await your summons for future adventures.
This “parting ways” mechanic is a crucial element of the follower system, offering players flexibility without permanently losing access to their favorite companions. Unlike simply telling a follower to “wait,” which can lead to them being forgotten in some obscure cave, “parting ways” ensures they make their way back to a safe and accessible location. This article delves deeper into this aspect of Skyrim‘s gameplay, exploring the nuances and answering frequently asked questions to help you manage your band of loyal companions. Think of it as your definitive guide to navigating the complex social dynamics of adventuring in Tamriel.
Understanding the Follower System in Skyrim
Before we dive into the specifics of parting ways, it’s important to understand the basics of Skyrim’s follower system. Followers offer a variety of benefits, from extra combat power to carrying burdens too heavy for the Dragonborn. They can be acquired in numerous ways: completing quests, hiring them for gold, or even having them assigned to you as a Housecarl upon becoming Thane of a hold.
The Importance of ‘Part Ways’
The “part ways” option is superior to the “wait” command for several reasons. Most importantly, it guarantees the follower’s return to a safe location. Telling a follower to wait somewhere – even seemingly safe places like your house – runs the risk of them getting stuck due to pathfinding issues, encountering hostile enemies, or simply being forgotten in the vastness of Skyrim. The “part ways” command bypasses these issues by triggering a script that forces the follower to travel back to their default location.
Predetermined Locations
Each follower has a predetermined location they return to when dismissed. This is typically the place where you first met and recruited them. For example:
- Lydia, the iconic Housecarl of Whiterun, returns to Dragonsreach if you haven’t purchased Breezehome, or to Breezehome once you own it.
- Mercenaries like Jenassa will return to the inn where you hired them.
- Followers acquired through quests, such as Aela the Huntress, will return to their respective guild halls or homes.
Knowing these locations is crucial for re-recruiting your follower later.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) About Parting Ways with Followers
Here are some frequently asked questions regarding how parting ways with followers works in Skyrim:
1. What Exactly Happens When I Tell a Follower to Part Ways?
The follower will acknowledge your request and immediately begin their journey back to their designated home location. They are removed from your active party, freeing up the follower slot for another companion. They won’t follow you, assist you in combat, or carry your burdens any longer. Essentially, they revert to their pre-follower state until you decide to recruit them again.
2. Can I Get My Follower Back After Dismissing Them?
Yes! That’s the beauty of the “part ways” system. Unless they die (which is a separate issue, more on that later), your follower will remain at their designated location, ready to join you on future adventures. Simply return to their location and initiate a conversation to re-recruit them.
3. What if My Follower Dies After I Tell Them to Part Ways?
If a follower dies after you’ve dismissed them and they are on their way back to their home, they are permanently dead. This is why it’s often recommended to dismiss followers in a safe location, such as your home, to minimize the risk of them encountering hostile enemies on their journey.
4. How Do I Know Where to Find My Follower After Dismissing Them?
Generally, followers return to the location where you first recruited them. For Housecarls, this is usually your house in the city you became Thane of. For hired mercenaries, it’s the inn where you paid for their services. Some followers, like those associated with guilds, will return to the guild headquarters. If you’re unsure, a quick search on a Skyrim wiki will usually provide the answer.
5. Does It Cost Me Anything to Re-Hire a Follower After Dismissing Them?
This depends on the follower. Housecarls and quest-related followers are free to re-recruit. However, hired mercenaries will require you to pay their fee again, even if you’ve hired them previously.
6. Can Essential Followers Die While Traveling Back to Their Home Location After Dismissal?
“Essential” followers, those marked as significant characters in the game’s storyline, cannot die. They are flagged as immortal and will only be downed in combat, recovering after the battle ends. This applies even while they are traveling back to their home location after being dismissed. Keep in mind, this doesn’t apply to all followers; many are mortal and can die if they encounter danger.
7. What Happens if I Part Ways with a Follower While I Have Stolen Goods in Their Inventory?
The goods remain with them. Upon re-recruiting them, the stolen items will still be in their inventory, retaining their “stolen” status. This can be a risky strategy, as you could be caught with stolen goods if the follower is searched by guards while following you.
8. Can a Follower Get Lost or Stuck After I Tell Them to Part Ways?
While the “part ways” command is generally reliable, there’s always a chance that a follower could encounter pathfinding issues and get stuck. However, this is less likely than if you simply tell them to wait. If you suspect a follower is stuck, try waiting a few in-game days near their designated location. If they still don’t appear, using console commands (on PC) to teleport them to you may be necessary.
9. Can I Have Multiple Followers By Dismissing One and Recruiting Another?
Yes! The “part ways” mechanic is specifically designed to allow you to swap out followers. By dismissing your current follower, you free up the follower slot, enabling you to recruit a new companion. This allows you to tailor your party to specific quests or playstyles.
10. Does Parting Ways Affect My Relationship With the Follower?
Dismissing a follower has no impact on your relationship with them. They won’t hold a grudge or be less willing to assist you in the future. They simply return to their default state, awaiting your next summons.
11. What if I’ve Moved My Family to a Different House? Will My Housecarl Go to the Old House After Parting Ways?
This depends on the follower’s programming. Housecarls are typically tied to the hold, not a specific house. Lydia, for instance, will always return to Dragonsreach until you purchase Breezehome, regardless of where you move your family later in the game. Other Housecarls will behave similarly, returning to your main residence within their hold.
12. Can I Dismiss a Follower While I’m in a Dungeon?
Yes, you can dismiss a follower at any time, even while you’re deep within a dungeon. However, be mindful of their safety. Dismissing them in a dangerous location increases the risk of them dying on their way home.
13. Are There Any Mods That Affect the “Part Ways” Mechanic?
Yes, numerous mods can alter the follower system, including the “part ways” mechanic. Some mods add new follower commands, improve follower AI, or allow you to have multiple active followers. Always read the mod descriptions carefully to understand how they might affect your game. As a reminder, these are unofficial changes to the game and therefore we do not encourage using them.
14. What are some alternative methods to get rid of a follower, other than telling them to part ways?
While “part ways” is the recommended method for safely dismissing a follower, there are other options, albeit with potential drawbacks. You could tell them to “wait” indefinitely, but this risks them getting lost. Another option is to intentionally get them killed, although this is generally frowned upon, especially if you have any affection for the character. The most efficient and risk-free method is to simply use the “part ways” command.
15. Does follower level affect whether they arrive at their destination when you tell them to part ways?
No. If you tell your follower to part ways, their level will not affect them on their way home. However, it may affect their safety. A lower-level follower is more susceptible to enemies on their way home than a follower at max level.
The Ethical Considerations of Dismissing Followers
While Skyrim is a game of dragons and magic, it also presents opportunities for moral consideration. Are you using your followers or genuinely forging relationships? This might sound silly, but games like Skyrim can teach players about empathy and the consequences of their actions. For instance, the Games Learning Society explores how games can be used as powerful tools for education and social impact. Thinking about the stories and lives of your followers can add another layer of depth to your playthrough. More information about this topic can be found on GamesLearningSociety.org.
Conclusion: Mastering the Art of Follower Management
The ability to tell a follower to part ways in Skyrim is a fundamental aspect of the game, providing both convenience and flexibility. By understanding the mechanics behind this system, you can effectively manage your party, ensuring that your favorite companions are always ready for adventure while minimizing the risk of losing them. So, the next time you need to bid farewell to Lydia or Jenassa, do so with confidence, knowing they’ll be waiting for you, axe at the ready, when you next need their help. Remember that pathfinding issues can sometimes occur, but the command generally ensures your followers safe return.