Why Won’t My Follower Use the Pillar of Sacrifice in Skyrim?
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The Boethiah’s Calling quest in Skyrim can be a frustrating experience, especially when your chosen follower refuses to cooperate with the key element of the quest: the Pillar of Sacrifice. The most common reason a follower won’t use the pillar is due to them being an essential NPC. Essential NPCs are marked as unkillable by the game’s code, meaning they are vital to the main storyline or other important quests. The Pillar of Sacrifice requires a mortal follower, someone who can die. If you’ve selected an essential follower, the game will prevent them from interacting with the pillar.
Beyond essential status, other reasons include bugs, mod conflicts, incorrect command execution, or even the follower being too far away from the pillar. Some followers are simply resistant to the action, either due to a programming oversight or an unexpected interaction with other game elements. Troubleshooting often involves checking the follower’s essential status, reloading a previous save, trying a different follower, or attempting to nudge them into position. Let’s delve deeper into these potential problems and explore the solutions available.
Troubleshooting the Pillar of Sacrifice: A Comprehensive Guide
Successfully navigating Boethiah’s quest requires understanding the potential obstacles and how to overcome them. Here’s a breakdown of the most common issues and solutions:
1. Essential Follower Status
The most frequent culprit is attempting to sacrifice an essential follower. These characters are protected from death by the game’s code, preventing them from being used for the sacrifice.
Solution:
- Check the Follower: Research your follower online to determine if they are flagged as essential. Skyrim wikis and community forums are valuable resources.
- Choose a Non-Essential Follower: Hire a mercenary from a city (like Riften or Windhelm) or recruit a generic follower found in a tavern. These are typically non-essential and suitable for sacrifice.
2. Command Issues and Pathfinding
Sometimes, the follower might not be able to understand or execute the “use” command correctly. This can be due to pathfinding problems, where the follower can’t find a clear route to the pillar, or a simple misunderstanding of the instruction.
Solution:
- Precise Positioning: Ensure you are close to the pillar and facing it directly when issuing the command. This minimizes ambiguity and ensures the follower understands the target.
- Clear Path: Clear any obstacles between the follower and the pillar. Ensure there are no rocks, debris, or other environmental elements blocking their path.
- Wait and Re-Command: Ask the follower to follow you, move them to a clear spot near the pillar, and then wait a few in-game hours. This can reset their AI and allow them to process the command more effectively.
- Sheathe Your Weapon: As suggested in some player accounts, sheathing your weapon and waiting for your follower to do the same before issuing the command can sometimes resolve the issue. This might reset their combat AI and allow them to focus on the interaction.
3. Bugs and Glitches
Skyrim is notorious for its bugs and glitches, and Boethiah’s Calling is no exception. A glitch in the game’s code could prevent the follower from interacting with the pillar.
Solution:
- Reload a Previous Save: This is the most common and often most effective solution for Skyrim glitches. Reloading to a point before you encountered the issue can reset the game state.
- “Wait” Command Trick: Command the follower to “wait” near the pillar, then interact with the pillar yourself. This can sometimes trigger the follower to initiate the sacrifice sequence.
- Console Commands (PC Only): If you’re playing on PC, you can use console commands to force the quest to progress. However, be cautious when using console commands, as they can potentially break your game if used incorrectly. Research the specific commands needed for the quest and use them sparingly.
4. Mod Conflicts
If you’re using mods, particularly those that affect followers or quests, they could be interfering with Boethiah’s Calling.
Solution:
- Disable Mods: Try disabling all mods and see if the issue persists. If the follower then uses the pillar, it indicates a mod conflict.
- Identify the Conflicting Mod: Enable mods one by one (or in small groups) to identify which mod is causing the problem. Pay close attention to mods that alter follower behavior, quest mechanics, or NPC scripting.
- Check Mod Compatibility: Read the mod descriptions and compatibility notes to see if there are any known conflicts with Boethiah’s Calling.
- Load Order: Ensure your mods are loaded in the correct order. Use a mod manager like Mod Organizer 2 to manage your load order and resolve conflicts.
5. Distance Issues
The follower might be too far away from the pillar to interact with it properly.
Solution:
- Bring Follower Close: Ensure the follower is standing right next to the pillar before issuing the command. They need to be within interaction range.
- Use the “Follow” Command: After positioning them close, issue the “follow” command again. This will make them stay put right next to the pillar, rather than wandering off slightly.
6. Overburdened Follower
A follower carrying too much weight might have difficulty interacting with the pillar.
Solution:
- Reduce Follower’s Inventory: Take items from the follower to reduce their encumbrance. A lighter load can improve their mobility and responsiveness.
Pillar of Sacrifice FAQs
Here are some frequently asked questions about the Pillar of Sacrifice and Boethiah’s Calling, designed to further clarify the process and address common concerns:
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Can I use any follower for the Pillar of Sacrifice?
No. You need a non-essential follower, meaning one that can die. Essential followers, who are crucial to the main storyline or other quests, cannot be sacrificed.
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Where can I find a suitable follower for the sacrifice?
Good options include mercenaries from cities like Riften or Windhelm (usually found in taverns) and generic followers encountered in taverns or through specific quests. Avoid using companions who are involved in major questlines.
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What level do I need to be to start Boethiah’s Calling?
You must be level 30 or higher for the quest to initiate. If you’re below level 30, the cultists won’t be present at the shrine.
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How do I start Boethiah’s Calling?
Read the book ‘Boethiah’s Calling.’ It can be found in various locations throughout Skyrim, such as bandit camps and libraries. Reading the book will mark the Sacellum of Boethiah on your map. You can also be initiated into the quest by encountering a Boethiah Cultist carrying Boethiah’s Proving.
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What happens after I sacrifice the follower?
After the sacrifice, Boethiah will inhabit the body of your dead follower and give you instructions for the next stage of the quest.
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Can I fail Boethiah’s Calling?
Yes, it is possible to fail the quest. If you displease Boethiah, she may remove you from the quest. However, you can later recruit her ex-champion.
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What is the reward for completing Boethiah’s Calling?
The reward for completing the quest is the Ebony Mail, a unique piece of Daedric armor with powerful enchantments.
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Where is the Ebony Mail located?
The Ebony Mail is located on the body of the Champion of Boethiah, who you must defeat at Knifepoint Ridge (northwest of Falkreath) after Boethiah commands it.
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Are there any glitches associated with Boethiah’s Calling?
Yes, Boethiah’s Calling is known for its glitches. Common issues include followers not interacting with the pillar, the quest not initiating, or the Ebony Mail not appearing. Reloading a previous save often resolves these issues.
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Who are Boethiah’s allies?
In Dunmer religion, Boethiah is considered one of the Three Good Daedra, along with Azura and Mephala.
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Is Boethiah good or evil?
Boethiah’s morality is complex. While the Dunmer consider Boethiah a benevolent deity, other cultures view her as a Daedric Prince of deceit, conspiracy, and treachery.
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Can I sacrifice a Dark Brotherhood initiate?
No, Dark Brotherhood initiates are invincible, preventing you from sacrificing them.
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What happens if I accidentally kill the cultists before starting the quest?
Killing the cultists before the quest initiates can potentially break the quest. It’s best to avoid engaging them until the quest is active.
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Can my follower use the Pillar of Sacrifice more than once?
No, the Pillar of Sacrifice can only be used once per playthrough for the Boethiah’s Calling quest.
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Are there any mods that fix the Pillar of Sacrifice bug?
Yes, several mods on sites like Nexus Mods address the Pillar of Sacrifice bug. Search for mods specifically designed to fix Boethiah’s Calling or follower behavior. Always read the mod descriptions and compatibility notes carefully before installing.
Conclusion
Boethiah’s Calling is a challenging quest, and the Pillar of Sacrifice can be a significant hurdle. By understanding the reasons why your follower might refuse to cooperate and applying the troubleshooting steps outlined above, you can increase your chances of successfully completing the quest and obtaining the coveted Ebony Mail. Remember to choose a suitable follower, address potential bugs, and ensure a clear path to the pillar. Good luck, and may Boethiah’s favor be upon you! This article may be improved with additional input from the Games Learning Society. For more resources, visit GamesLearningSociety.org.