Riekling ( Dragonborn ) Rieklings are creatures that appear in . They tend to live in small tribes in caves , ancient ruins and even mountain peaks . They are hostile in nature , but individually pose a minor threat . They typically rely on strength in numbers and a small group can quickly overwhelm an enemy . Culture . Riekling society has a tribal structure , with tribal members holding specific occupational positions such as hunters , scouts and warriors . Strength is highly respected : the strongest member of a tribe typically assumes the rank of chief , and succession is often determined by a fight to the death between the incumbent chief and a challenger claiming to be of greater strength . This bears similarities to elements of Orsimer culture , especially that of Mor Khazgur . A non - Riekling may assume the position of chief if they have the support of the tribe , but this is exceptionally rare . Riekling settlements give insight into their level of intelligence , which corresponds roughly to a stone age society : they have developed simple tool - crafting and elements of rudimentary language and religion , and have domesticated bristleback s , which they raise for food and use as mounts . Characteristics of Riekling religion include the " Godspeak Song " and the construction of shrines , but there do not appear to be any shamans or other religious leaders . At least one Riekling is known to have learned to speak the common tongue . They are known to hoard seemingly random items , from empty bottles and platters to armor and weapons , which they have stolen or scavenged from the Dunmer , Nords or even Dwemer . They also occupy settlements such as halls and mines after driving out or killing the previous inhabitants , and make use of non - Riekling items such as barrels for shelter and storage . Rieklings are extremely vicious and hostile , generally responding with violence to any contact with the citizens of Solstheim . Combat . Rieklings are rarely found alone and tend to rely on superior numbers to overpower foes . They use spears as their primary weapon in both melee and ranged combat . Some Rieklings fight while mounted on bristlebacks , which are also used to charge at their foes . They also use ambush tactics to surprise an unsuspecting enemy by bursting out of barrels and other objects used for storage . Despite their small stature , Rieklings are fierce combatants and will rarely retreat from combat . Note that since the spears the rieklings throw are technically arrows , any arrows the rieklings acquire may be equipped instead of the spears and thrown at the Dragonborn . Interactions . The Chief of Thirsk Hall . During this quest , an intelligent riekling chief is encountered in Thirsk Mead Hall . He asks the Dragonborn to perform a series of favors that culminates in an attack on the former owners of the mead hall . After completing the quest , the Riekling tribe of Thirsk Mead Hall recognizes the Dragonborn as their leader , and several members will become available as followers . In addition , upon finishing the quest , groups of three Rieklings of any rank may be randomly encountered throughout Solstheim and Skyrim either in the open world or within dungeons , aiding the Dragonborn in combat . Potential followers . Once the Dragonborn becomes an honorary Riekling Chief by finishing the above quest , the Rieklings from Thirsk Mead Hall can be recruited as followers . They can follow basic commands and their inventory can be accessed , but they are still considered pets and therefore may be hired alongside a humanoid follower ( s ) . Thus , they are useful as pack mules , and can be given equipment to be more efficient in battle than other pets such as Armored Troll s or Dogs ( though they will still not use healing potions ) . They are more proficient in Light Armor , but equipped apparel are not visible on their bodies . Rieklings recruited at Thirsk Mead Hall have different ranks and will appear depending on the level of the Dragonborn . Common Riekling , Scout , Hunter and Warrior can be differentiated by the amount of clothing and facial hair they have . These Rieklings prefer ranged combat and will equip bows and arrows given to them . They will have riekling spears as their default weapon when first recruited , and will resort to unarmed combat if ammo is depleted . With a bow equipped , arrows and spears will be depleted but they will do more damage . When equipped with a single arrow without a bow , they will generate infinite ammo but will not do as much damage as they would with a bow . In battle , they will utilize spear animations , meaning they hold a bow in one hand , and " throw " arrows with their other . Other Rieklings that show up to aid the Dragonborn in random encounters can be recruited as well ; they will wear feathered headdresses regardless of their rank . As followers , they will instead equip Greatswords ( also utilizing spear animations while held ) and may be able to mitigate damage by blocking attacks . Locations . Rieklings can be found in the following locations . With the exception of Thirsk and random encounters , they are usually hostile , regardless of whether or not the Dragonborn finished the associated quest ( s ) in their favor ; however , when encountered , friendly Rieklings will still fight against them for the Dragonborn . Variants . Standard . All variants use both ranged and melee combat as enemies , but followers will still have the associated ranks . Dialogue . All of these are as they appear in the in - game subtitles ( using English spelling conventions ) . Miraak ' s Mantra . Rieklings found at the Beast Stone will recite Miraak ' s Mantra in their own language :