Who Can Stay At Your House in Skyrim? A Comprehensive Guide
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The sprawling lands of Skyrim offer adventurers the chance to build or purchase homes, providing a haven from dragons, civil wars, and the occasional overly persistent giant. But a house isn’t truly a home without those you care about sharing it. So, who exactly can take up residence in your Skyrim abode?
The answer is relatively straightforward: your spouse, your children (if you have adopted any), your steward, and your housecarl. While followers might accompany you on adventures, they don’t permanently reside in your home when dismissed. They return to their original locations, awaiting your call to adventure once more. Let’s break down each resident type in detail:
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Spouse: Marriage is a cornerstone of Skyrim life, offering both roleplaying opportunities and practical benefits. Once married, your spouse will move into whichever house you designate as your primary residence. They will also often manage a shop and provide you with daily income!
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Children: If you’ve embraced the Hearthfire DLC, adopting children opens up another layer of home life. These little adventurers will fill your home with the sounds of laughter and the occasional request for a sweetroll. Up to two children can be adopted and will stay in your home, provided it has the necessary beds and storage.
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Steward: Appointing a steward to your Hearthfire homes brings a touch of management to your homestead. Your steward will purchase building materials, decorate rooms, and defend your property from bandits. Note that the same character cannot be the steward for two different properties.
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Housecarl: Earned through becoming Thane of a hold, a housecarl is assigned to you as a personal bodyguard and a protector of your home. They’ll remain at your house, ever vigilant, ready to defend it from threats. However, if you make your housecarl your steward or marry them, you’ll lose them as a housecarl, effectively sacrificing that security role.
Skyrim Home Life: Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Housing and Home Dwellers
Here are some of the most frequently asked questions about who can reside in your hard-earned Skyrim homes.
1. Do Followers Stay At Your House in Skyrim?
No, followers do not permanently stay at your house in Skyrim. When dismissed, they return to their original locations, such as taverns, halls of the Companions, or their own homes. Only your spouse, children, steward, and housecarl are permanent residents.
2. Can I Have Guards for My House in Skyrim?
You cannot hire guards in the traditional sense. Your housecarl, steward, and spouse are the primary defenders of your homestead. Marrying a strong warrior or mage and assigning a capable follower as your steward are excellent ways to bolster your home’s defenses.
3. How Many Stewards Can I Have in Skyrim?
You can have one steward per Hearthfire home you own. With three possible buildable homes through the Hearthfire DLC, that means up to three stewards maximum. Each steward must be a unique character; you can’t assign the same follower as steward for multiple properties.
4. How Do I Hire a Steward in Skyrim?
To hire a steward, you need to own a Hearthfire home. Then, bring a follower you trust to the homestead. While on the property, speak to them. If they are eligible, an option to ask them to become your steward will appear in the dialogue. Accept, and congratulations, you have a steward!
5. Who Is the Best Steward to Hire in Skyrim?
The “best” steward is subjective and depends on your priorities. Some popular choices include:
- Rayya: A skilled warrior and a housecarl from Falkreath.
- Aela The Huntress: A fierce warrior and member of the Companions.
- Jordis The Sword-Maiden: The housecarl from Solitude.
- Lydia: The housecarl from Whiterun, and a common choice due to her easy accessibility.
Consider their combat skills, personality, and your personal preferences when making your decision.
6. Can You Have a Wife and a Steward in Skyrim?
Yes, you can absolutely have a wife and a steward in Skyrim. Just ensure that your spouse and steward are different characters. Your housecarl can also be different to the other two to fulfill the roles in your household.
7. Can Lydia Become a Steward?
Yes, Lydia can become a steward. Many players choose Lydia as their steward due to her early availability and loyalty. However, remember that if you make her your steward for a Hearthfire home, she will no longer reside at Breezehome in Whiterun. She will instead stay at your Hearthfire property.
8. Can I Have a Housecarl and Steward?
Yes, you can have both a housecarl and a steward at your Hearthfire home, provided they are different characters. Your housecarl serves as your personal guard and protects the property, while your steward manages the home’s upkeep and resources.
9. What Happens If Your Steward Dies in Skyrim?
If your steward dies, they are gone for good without console commands. The only way to get a new steward is to replace them with another follower by making them a steward.
10. Can Bandits Raid Your House in Skyrim?
Yes, bandits can and will raid your Hearthfire homes. The frequency of these attacks depends on various factors, including your level and the proximity of your home to bandit camps. Having a strong housecarl, steward, and spouse will significantly increase your chances of defending your home successfully.
11. Can You Leave Things on the Floor of Your House in Skyrim?
Yes, you can leave items on the floor of your house, and they should remain there. However, there’s a small chance that items might despawn over time. For valuable items, it’s always best to store them in chests or containers within your home.
12. What Followers Cannot Be Killed in Skyrim?
Certain essential followers cannot be killed in Skyrim. These characters are vital to the game’s main questline or other significant storylines. Examples include Aela the Huntress, Barbas the talking dog, and Cicero. They can still be knocked down in combat, but they will eventually recover.
13. Can You Lose Your Follower in Skyrim?
Yes, you can lose your follower in several ways. Telling them to wait in a location and forgetting to retrieve them is a common occurrence. Glitches can also cause followers to disappear. Regularly check your follower’s status and location to prevent losing them.
14. Can I Get a New Steward If One Dies in Skyrim?
As said before, yes you can, but the original steward will remain dead. In order to do so, you must brutally murder them and then get someone else to take the role.
15. Can You Turn Lydia Into a Vampire?
Yes, you can turn Lydia into a vampire, but only if you side with the Volkihar vampires in the Dawnguard DLC. This involves becoming a vampire yourself and progressing through the Volkihar questline. This will change her appearance and give her vampire abilities.
16. What are the benefits of having a house in Skyrim?
Owning a house in Skyrim brings a multitude of benefits. It provides a safe haven for rest and storage, allowing you to keep your hard-earned loot secure. Houses offer the chance to raise a family by adopting children and creating a comfortable environment for them. Additionally, you gain the ability to craft and create items, from potions to armor, enhancing your character’s skills and abilities. Investing in property also provides a sense of accomplishment and personalization in the vast world of Skyrim.
Conclusion
Creating a home in Skyrim is a rewarding experience, and understanding who can share that home with you is crucial for building the life you desire. Whether it’s the unwavering loyalty of a housecarl, the managerial skills of a steward, the comforting presence of a spouse, or the playful antics of adopted children, each resident adds a unique dimension to your Skyrim adventure. Just remember to choose wisely, defend fiercely, and enjoy the comforts of home amidst the chaos of the Dragonborn’s journey.
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