Skyrim:Companions

The Companions are a group of warriors who take on private and public contracts for the people of Skyrim, and who purportedly carry on the tradition of the Five Hundred Companions of Ysgramor. Although the two groups offer a similar service, the Fighters Guild historically had a strong presence in Skyrim until the Companions seemingly replaced it entirely in the  . They are based in the city of Whiterun, within the mead hall Jorrvaskr. The most elite members are included in the Circle of Jorrvaskr, and the chief councilor and arbitrator is known as the Harbinger, after Ysgramor, the "harbinger of us all" and the only real recognized leader of the Companions. Each new Harbinger is chosen by the last.

To learn more of the Companions and their history, see the lore article.

Jorrvaskr
The Companions' sanctuary is the Nordic longhouse just below Dragonsreach, in the Winds District of Whiterun. This is an ancient and honored mead hall where generations of the Companions have met. According to local legend, Jorrvaskr is actually the oldest building in Whiterun. It existed alone on the mountain while the city was built up around it over the centuries. It features a main dining area, below which are the living quarters for the whelps and for the Circle and Harbinger.

Outside, there is a training area, and close by is the Skyforge, where the Companions' weapons are formed. The forge itself is large, ancient, and built outside on a mountain, close to the sky. Below the Skyforge is a ceremonial area known as The Underforge, which is out of bounds except on rare occasions.

Membership
thumb|right|Members of The Circle at the initiation ceremony
Joining
You may apply at their guild hall Jorrvaskr in Whiterun by speaking with Kodlak Whitemane.

Benefits
Master level trainers in Smithing, Heavy Armor, and Two-handed 
Expert level trainers in One-handed, Block, and Archery 
The ability to become a werewolf
Shield of Ysgramor and Wuuthrad
Access to Skyforge Steel weapons and Wolf Armor
Never-ending supply of Radiant quests
Improve the Skyforge to make Ancient Nord armor and Nord Hero weaponry after the quest line is completed.
Several members become possible followers after the quest line is completed.
Followers who are also trainers can provide "free" training via an exploit: train with the follower, then trade the gold back. (Note: the Unofficial Skyrim Patch removes this exploit.)

Leadership
Once the Companions quest line has been finished, you are named Harbinger. The advantages are that now you can command most of the Companions to aid you in battle, and you can now forge Ancient Nord Armor and Nord Hero weaponry at the Skyforge.

Quests
Primary Quests
The primary Companions quest line consists of six quests; multiple radiant quests must also be completed over the course of the quest line.  Three achievements (50 points; 2 Bronze and 1 Silver) are unlocked by the Companions quests.



Radiant Quests
 
These quests are available after completing Take Up Arms and are repeatable:
 

 
 
 
 
 
These quests are available after completing The Silver Hand and are repeatable:
 
 
 (This quest is unavailable after Wuuthrad is reforged during the Quest Glory of the Dead.)
These quests are available after completing Glory of the Dead and are repeatable:
 (Only Vilkas and Farkas wish to be cleansed, so you can only do the quest twice.)
 (This quest is only available while you are a werewolf, and can only be done three times, after which all Totems will have been found.)
 (This quest also requires you to have completed Dragon Rising.)

People
 

Notes
Within the Companions exists The Circle, an inner sub-faction of the highest and most prominent members, all of whom are Werewolves.
When the game tells you to "Talk to the Companions leaders for work", this generally means Farkas, Vilkas, Aela and Skjor. However, not all of them will necessarily have jobs for you at this time, but at least two of them will.
Arnbjorn and Hestla are all former members of the Companions.

Bugs