Rebuilding the Blades: Why Bring Followers to Delphine in Skyrim?

The Dragonborn’s journey in Skyrim is filled with choices, and one of the most impactful is whether or not to rebuild the Blades. Delphine, one of the last surviving members of this ancient order, tasks you with this very mission. But why should you bother? The core reason to bring followers to Delphine is to re-establish the Blades as a force to be reckoned with, dedicated to serving the Dragonborn and hunting dragons. By inducting followers, you expand their ranks, unlock unique quests related to dragon hunting, and gain a symbolic and practical boost in your fight against the resurrected dragons of Skyrim. While the immediate benefits might seem modest, the long-term implications and the role-playing opportunities make this a worthwhile endeavor for many players. The act of bringing followers allows you to shape a new generation of dragon slayers, solidifying your legacy as the Dragonborn.

Understanding the Benefits: Beyond Dragon Bones

While the text mentions a “dragon killing bonus,” “access to some companions,” and “a radiant dragon hunting quest,” the benefits are more nuanced than they appear at first glance. Let’s dissect each of these:

• Dragon Hunting Quests: These radiant quests, initiated by speaking to Esbern about dragon lairs after inducting new Blades, offer a repeatable source of dragon bones and scales, valuable resources for crafting and improving armor and weapons. They also provide a steady stream of experience points.
• Companions as Blades: The followers you induct into the Blades can still accompany you on your adventures, offering their combat skills and carrying capacity. However, their primary purpose shifts to serving the Dragonborn as members of the Blades. This can be seen as a role-playing advantage rather than simply obtaining a companion. You’re actively shaping them and their purpose within the world.
• Static Location and Convenience: As the text mentions regarding Kharjo, inducting followers gives them a permanent residence at Sky Haven Temple. This makes them easily accessible if you want to switch companions. This is particularly useful for followers who wander, making them difficult to locate otherwise.
• Role-Playing and Immersion: Perhaps the most significant benefit is the enhanced role-playing experience. Rebuilding the Blades allows you to feel more deeply connected to your Dragonborn character and their destiny. You’re not just a dragon slayer; you’re the leader of an ancient order, shaping its future.
• Strategic Advantage: The dragon hunting quests help to clear out more dragons from Skyrim, it helps to have less chance of getting attacked.

Choosing Your Recruits: Considerations Beyond Combat Prowess

The article suggests Kharjo, Golldir, and Benor as suitable recruits. While their tankiness is a factor, consider these points when selecting Blades:

• Personal Preference: Choose followers you enjoy playing with. You’ll likely be spending a lot of time with them, so pick characters whose personalities and combat styles complement your own.
• Disposition and Loyalty: Some followers are more naturally inclined to follow orders than others. Characters with a strong sense of duty or those already loyal to the Dragonborn are good choices.
• Moral Alignment: Consider the moral implications of inducting certain followers. Are they truly suited to the life of a Blade? Some characters might be better left to pursue their own destinies.
• Unique Abilities: Does the character have a skill or ability that would be particularly useful to the Blades? A master smith, for example, could help maintain the order’s equipment.
• Avoid Essential Followers: While tempting, avoid inducting essential followers if possible. While they can’t die, losing a follower can cause complications with quests.

Potential Drawbacks: Considerations Before Induction

Before committing to rebuilding the Blades, consider these potential downsides:

• Loss of Follower Identity: Once inducted, followers become primarily Blades, potentially losing some of their unique dialogue and personal storylines.
• Limited Interaction: After induction, followers primarily reside at Sky Haven Temple, limiting your interaction with them outside of quests.
• Conflicting Loyalties: Some players find the Blades’ unwavering loyalty to the Dragonborn unsettling, especially when it comes to morally ambiguous decisions like sparing Paarthurnax.
• Irreversible Choice: The decision to induct a follower into the Blades is permanent. There’s no way to remove them from the order.

FAQ: Rebuilding the Blades – Your Burning Questions Answered

Here are some frequently asked questions to provide further clarity on the topic of rebuilding the Blades:

1. How many followers must I bring to Delphine?

You are required to bring at least three followers to Delphine to fully complete the quest “Rebuilding the Blades.”

2. Can I induct any follower into the Blades?

No. Some followers, such as Serana and Cicero, are ineligible due to their unique circumstances or affiliations. Other essential followers and those tied to specific quests may also be excluded.

3. What happens if a Blade dies?

The text notes, “Once a follower joins the Blades they will permanently be relocated to this place. If they die you cannot replace the follower (i.e. another recruit cannot join the Blades in their place).”

4. Is there a level requirement for followers to become Blades?

No, there’s no specific level requirement. However, it’s generally best to choose followers who are at least reasonably competent in combat.

5. Does joining the Blades affect my relationship with other factions?

Rebuilding the Blades has no direct impact on your standing with other factions, such as the Companions or the College of Winterhold. However, some players may find that their moral alignment with the Blades conflicts with their role-playing within other factions.

6. Can I romance any of the Blades?

The short answer is no, you cannot romance any of the Blades. The text implies a strong sentiment “Skyrim Marriage Rule : all the desirable ones can’t be married . nobody could love delphine.“

7. What is the reward for completing the Dragon Hunting quests?

The primary rewards are dragon bones, dragon scales, and experience points. These resources are essential for crafting and improving dragonbone and dragonscale armor and weapons.

8. Should I side with the Blades or the Greybeards?

This is a moral choice. Siding with the Blades means killing Paarthurnax, a dragon who has dedicated his life to atonement. Siding with the Greybeards means disobeying the Blades.

9. Does Delphine offer any unique quests besides rebuilding the Blades?

Delphine is primarily involved in the main questline and the rebuilding of the Blades. She doesn’t offer any significant side quests beyond these.

10. Where is Sky Haven Temple located?

Sky Haven Temple is located in The Reach, south of Markarth. You’ll need to progress through the main questline with Delphine to gain access.

11. Are there any glitches associated with rebuilding the Blades?

There can be glitches in any game, but there are no significant glitches associated with this questline.

12. Can I dismiss a follower after they become a Blade?

Yes, you can dismiss a follower after they become a Blade. They will return to Sky Haven Temple.

13. How does this relate to the Games Learning Society and education?

While seemingly unrelated, the choices presented in Skyrim, like rebuilding the Blades, offer valuable lessons in decision-making, consequence, and ethical considerations. The Games Learning Society studies how games can foster these skills, making them powerful tools for learning and personal development. Players develop problem-solving skills, strategic thinking, and critical analysis, which are all valuable in educational settings. Visit GamesLearningSociety.org to learn more.

14. Who is the most loyal follower in Skyrim?

According to the text, “The daughter of the village shaman, Frea is an astute warrior with some serious mental fortitude, making her one of the most loyal followers in Skyrim.“

15. Is Delphine always essential?

The text notes, “Because Delphine and Esbern are always essential characters and cannot die it is not possible to kill them to protect Paarthurnax. However, it is not necessary.“

Final Verdict: A Worthwhile Endeavor with Nuance

Rebuilding the Blades is not a simple black-and-white decision. It offers tangible benefits such as dragon hunting quests and convenient access to followers, but also presents moral dilemmas and potential drawbacks. Ultimately, the decision to bring followers to Delphine depends on your individual playstyle, your role-playing preferences, and your overall vision for your Dragonborn’s destiny. Weigh the pros and cons carefully, and choose the path that resonates most deeply with you.