Who Is The Best One-Handed Follower In Skyrim? A Comprehensive Guide
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Determining the “best” one-handed follower in Skyrim is subjective and depends heavily on your play style, your character build, and what you value in a companion. However, considering factors like level cap, skills, perks, and overall combat effectiveness, Teldryn Sero emerges as a strong contender for the title of the best one-handed follower in Skyrim. His high level cap, diverse skill set, and unique abilities make him a valuable asset to almost any Dragonborn.
Teldryn Sero: The Master Swordsman
Why Teldryn Reigns Supreme
Teldryn is a Dark Elf mercenary you can hire at The Retching Netch in Raven Rock, Solstheim. What makes him stand out?
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High Level Cap: Teldryn levels up to level 60, making him one of the highest-level followers in the game. This ensures he remains relevant and powerful even at higher player levels.
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Diverse Skill Set: He excels in One-Handed combat, Light Armor, Destruction magic, and Conjuration. This versatility means he can adapt to various combat situations, from melee brawls to ranged magical attacks. He can summon a Flame Atronach to aid in battle, providing additional damage and acting as a distraction for enemies.
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Unique Dialogue and Personality: Teldryn is a seasoned and pragmatic mercenary with unique dialogue that adds flavor to your adventures. He isn’t just a mindless follower; he has his own opinions and comments on the world around him.
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Early Availability: While Solstheim requires the Dragonborn DLC, gaining access to Raven Rock and hiring Teldryn can be done relatively early in the game, providing you with a powerful companion for a large portion of your playthrough.
Honorable Mentions
While Teldryn is an excellent choice, several other followers are proficient in one-handed combat and deserve consideration:
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Lydia: Your first housecarl and readily available after becoming Thane of Whiterun. She is competent in One-Handed, Heavy Armor, and Archery. However, her level cap is 50, so she’s not the strongest in late game.
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Aela the Huntress: A member of the Companions, she’s skilled in Archery, Light Armor, Sneak, and One-Handed. Her versatility makes her a good choice for stealth-oriented characters.
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Vilkas: Another member of the Companions, Vilkas is primarily a warrior, skilled in One-Handed, Two-Handed, Heavy Armor, and Archery.
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Serana: While primarily a necromancer, Serana is also proficient in One-Handed combat. If her magicka runs out, she’ll switch to a melee weapon, making her a reliable combatant in any situation.
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Uthgerd the Unbroken: A Nord warrior found in the Bannered Mare in Whiterun. She specializes in One-Handed and Heavy Armor, making her a solid early-game follower. However, her level cap is only 30.
Choosing the Right Follower: Factors to Consider
Beyond raw power, consider these factors when choosing a one-handed follower:
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Your Character Build: A follower’s skills should complement your own. If you’re a mage, a melee-focused follower like Teldryn or Lydia can provide essential protection. If you’re a stealth archer, Aela’s sneak skill might be more beneficial.
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Roleplaying Preferences: Do you prefer a stoic warrior, a sassy mage, or a loyal companion? Different followers have distinct personalities that can enhance your roleplaying experience.
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Leveling System: Choose a follower whose level cap aligns with your intended playthrough length. If you plan to play well into the late game, a follower with a higher level cap will be more effective.
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Follower Mods: Numerous mods can enhance follower behavior, appearance, and abilities. Exploring these mods can customize your follower experience to your exact liking.
Ultimately, the “best” one-handed follower is the one who best fits your individual needs and preferences. Experiment with different followers to find the perfect companion for your Skyrim adventures.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. What is the highest level a follower can reach in Skyrim?
The highest level cap for a follower in Skyrim is 81. This applies to the player as well. However, few followers reach this cap. Teldryn Sero reaches level 60, making him one of the highest-level followers.
2. Can followers die in Skyrim?
Yes, unless they are marked as “essential” characters. Essential followers, like Aela the Huntress during certain quests, cannot die. However, most followers can be killed if they take enough damage.
3. How do I improve my follower’s combat abilities?
You can improve your follower’s combat abilities by providing them with better equipment, such as weapons and armor. You can also use console commands (on PC) to adjust their skills and perks.
4. Can I marry a follower in Skyrim?
Yes, you can marry certain followers in Skyrim. After completing the necessary quests, you can purchase an Amulet of Mara and propose to an eligible follower. However, Serana cannot be married.
5. What is the best armor for a one-handed follower?
The best armor depends on their skills and preferences. For a follower skilled in heavy armor, Daedric or Dragonplate armor is ideal. For a light armor follower, Dragonscale or Glass armor is a good choice. Consider their skills to avoid encumbrance penalties.
6. Where can I find Teldryn Sero?
You can find Teldryn Sero at The Retching Netch in Raven Rock on Solstheim. You must have the Dragonborn DLC installed to access Solstheim.
7. Can I equip my follower with enchanted weapons and armor?
Yes, you can equip your follower with enchanted weapons and armor. Enchantments can significantly enhance their combat abilities. Be sure to choose enchantments that complement their skills and play style.
8. How many followers can I have at once in Skyrim?
Without mods, you can only have one humanoid follower at a time. However, you can also have a dog or other creature companions in addition to your humanoid follower.
9. Can followers use potions and scrolls?
Yes, followers can use potions and scrolls if you give them to them. It’s a good idea to provide your follower with healing potions and scrolls to help them survive tough battles.
10. What is the best weapon for a one-handed follower?
The best weapon for a one-handed follower is the Dragonbone Mace or Dragonbone Sword due to their high base damage. However, a weapon with enchantments like fire damage or soul trap can also be very effective.
11. Can followers level up with me?
Yes, most followers in Skyrim level up with you to a certain level cap. This ensures they remain relevant and powerful as you progress through the game. However, some followers have lower level caps than others.
12. How do I dismiss a follower in Skyrim?
To dismiss a follower, simply talk to them and select the dialogue option that indicates you want them to leave your service. They will then return to their original location.
13. Are there any followers who are essential and cannot die?
Yes, certain followers are marked as “essential” during specific quests and cannot die. This ensures that they are available for quest-related events. Aela the Huntress is an example of an essential follower during the Companions questline.
14. What is the best way to level up one-handed skill quickly?
One of the fastest methods for leveling up the One-Handed skill is to attack a target that can take damage but cannot be killed, such as Shadowmere. The experience gained depends on the base damage of the weapon you are using. Learning more about the educational aspects of gaming is interesting. Visit Games Learning Society for more information. Or visit GamesLearningSociety.org.
15. Can Serana be cured of vampirism?
Yes, it is possible to cure Serana of her vampirism after completing the Dawnguard DLC. You can bring her to Falion in Morthal, who can perform a ritual to cure her. You can also cure your own vampirism in this manner.