Follower ( Skyrim ) Followers are various characters found throughout Skyrim . They can travel with , battle for , perform tasks for , and carry items for the Dragonborn . A subclass of followers is non - humanoid followers , such as dogs and Armored Troll s . ( Armored Trolls are only found in when the Dawnguard has been joined . ) These followers can neither carry nor equip items . The interaction with these followers is limited to the wait / follow commands and dismissal . It is only possible to have one humanoid follower at a time , unless additional followers are gained via a quest or conjuration ( see Multiple Followers ) In most cases , there is no penalty for dismissing a follower and then re - recruiting the follower later . Followers specialize in a variety of Skills ranging from Combat , Magic , Sneak , Smithing , Speech , Alchemy , and Enchanting . However , skills outside of Combat , Magic , and Sneak cannot be directly benefited from . Certain followers can also serve as Skill Trainers . Many followers can marry the Dragonborn , and most can join the Blades after being relocated to Sky Haven Temple . Leveling . Followers will match the current Character Level of the Dragonborn up to a certain level cap which varies from follower to follower . The vast majority of followers cap at level 30 . Roggi Knot - Beard and Sven notably cap at level 20 . Torvar , Ria , Athis , and Njada Stonearm of The Companions , Adelaisa Vendicci , and Beleval and Agmaer from the add - on cap at level 25 . Mjoll the Lioness , Illia , and all hireable mercenaries ( including Erik the Slayer ) cap at level 40 . Erandur , Cicero , the members of The Circle ( Aela , Farkas , and Vilkas ) , and all Housecarl s cap at level 50 . In " Dawnguard " , Serana caps at level 50 as well . As a result of patch 1 . 9 , followers who would level with the Dragonborn to level 81 will no longer experience a level cap , and will continue to level with the Dragonborn . They include J ' zargo , the Dark Brotherhood Initiate s , and in the " Dawnguard " and add - ons , Celann , Ingjard , Durak , and Frea also have no level cap . If patch 1 . 6 or later is not installed , followers , along with all other levelable characters , are locked at the level at which they first encountered the Dragonborn , and will not continue to level up . The only way to fix this leveling error is to use console commands on the PC ( codice _ 1 then codice _ 2 the character while they are not active followers ) or use the Wabbajack to turn them into an animal , then wait for them to change back . This resets their stats to the Dragonborn ' s current level . This does not appear to reset their inventory or quest scripting . Essential characters cannot be transformed , and one can therefore not reset their stats without using console commands . There are a couple very specific occasions in which certain followers will level up due to scripted events in quests . For example , Farkas will level up to the Dragonborn ' s current level in the quest " Proving Honor " after his scripted transformation . Likewise , Aela will level up after her transformation in the quest " The Silver Hand . " This is because the game de - spawns Farkas and Aela and replaces them with a transformed version , then re - spawns them later , which is the same process that occurs when manually using the console to disable then enable a character . Similarly , Erik the Slayer and Cicero " level up " after the first encounter with them , as the version met during the first encounter is actually a different version of the character than the one that can become a follower . Targeting a follower and typing codice _ 3 will make that follower level up with the Dragonborn until they reach level 81 . Replacing the last number in that command with a number other than 81 will change their level cap to the given number . It is notable that followers with a lower level cap , such as Jenassa , have more stats ( Health , Magicka , and Stamina ) and skill points ( One Handed , Sneak , etc . ) per level than other followers with a higher level cap , such as Aela the Huntress , or even followers with no level cap , such as Frea or Ingjard . As such , it is wise to have a similar follower with a lower level cap , such as Jenassa , up until they reach their level cap , then trade for a similar follower with a higher level cap , such as Aela , to be more effective . Combat . Morale varies from follower to follower . Some , like the Housecarl s , will always fight to the death , while others , like Roggi Knot - Beard , will often flee from combat if seriously injured . All followers favor two - handed weapons over one - handed weapons , even if they are unskilled in two - handed weapon usage . Therefore , letting followers whose primary combat skill is one - handed weapons have two - handed weapons in their inventory should be avoided . Additionally , followers appear to favor magic staves over melee weapons and will default to using a magic staff if given one , only switching to a melee weapon after spending several seconds in close combat . Most non - magic - using followers have a bow as part of their default , non - removable equipment . This bow shoots an endless supply of iron arrows , which are not visible in the follower ' s inventory . To have a follower shoot more powerful arrows , a single arrow of that type should be put in their inventory . This will allow them to lose an endless supply of that arrow type . Followers will automatically choose the most powerful arrow type available in their inventory . Followers can dual - wield melee weapons , but only if there is no shield in their inventory , and only if a Forsworn Sword , Forsworn Axe , Falmer War Axe , Falmer Sword or a pickaxe is wielded along with another melee weapon ( the Housecarl of Falkreath , Rayya , can dual wield scimitar s ) . They will also dual - wield magic staves , regardless of whatever else is in their inventory . If the Dragonborn enters sneak mode , humanoid followers will follow suit . While in sneak mode , they will not attack unless attacked first . Non - humanoid followers , e . g . dogs such as Meeko , Vigilance , or the stray dog s , however , do not understand the concept of " stealth " and will charge straight at an enemy as soon as they see one , even if the Dragonborn is in sneak mode . Death . Fortunately for followers , enemies will tend to ignore them once their health is depleted and turn their attention to the Dragonborn or any other allied characters . This condition is easily spotted , as the follower will drop to one knee and stay in that position for a short period of time . Once they have regenerated a sufficient amount of health , they will stand up and rejoin the fight . However , this does not mean that they cannot die by physical attacks from characters . In some cases , especially when left no other target , enemies will continue to attack a follower until death . Additionally , in a near - death state , a follower is not in danger of being killed outright unless hit by an attack from the Dragonborn or another follower . Extremely powerful attacks , especially area - of - effect attacks such as those from a Dragons , can also kill a follower . Some followers are marked essential , specifically : Mjoll the Lioness , Derkeethus , Serana , Cicero , Farkas , and Dark Brotherhood Initiate s . They cannot be killed by any means — should their health be depleted , they will fall to the ground , and will get up after a certain amount of their health has regenerated . This makes them especially valuable as distractions for difficult battles . It is important to remember that enemies using poison can kill followers since the poison continues its effect even after the follower drops to their knee . Caution is advised if encountering high level Falmer , Chaurus , poisoned traps , etc . To avoid a follower ' s death in this scenario , the best course of action is to lead attackers away from the area where the follower is trying to recover . Followers may also be given several healing potions or Potions of Cure Poison to carry in their inventory , which they will automatically use if the need arises . In some cases , the best course of action may be to tell a follower to wait before entering a particularly dangerous area . Other ways followers can die include : Followers can be revived using the console command codice _ 4 . Commands . Permanent followers can be given several commands . Initiate conversation ( outside of combat ) , and tell them " " I need you to do something . " " The Dragonborn may also hold down the " select / activate " button while pointing at the follower . This method can be done at a distance and is a great way to call the follower to the Dragonborn ' s position while they are in their " wait " mode . They can : There are some additional benefits from using certain commands . These are : If told to wait , a follower will wait roughly three days before they get to leave the Dragonborn . They will then return to their home or the location where they were originally found . Morality . Every follower has their own level of morality . Certain followers , such as Farkas , are lawful citizens and will report the Dragonborn to the guards if they witness a crime , or simply leave their service . Other followers , such as Jenassa , will readily commit any crime they are ordered to do and will ignore any criminal behavior by the Dragonborn . Some will report the Dragonborn for a serious crime , such as murder , but not for a petty crime . All followers , regardless or their morality , will not have any possible interactions while trespassing , saying only " You ' re not supposed to be in here " when spoken to . Cicero and Serana are the only exceptions . They will still fight for the Dragonborn , however , and commands can still be issued by activating them from a distance ( holding the " activate " button ) and telling them the desired task . If not hidden , the Dragonborn will be held responsible if a follower is asked to perform an illegal activity . However , it is possible for the guards in a town to attack the follower while leaving the player character alone . Interfering with the battle will be seen as a crime , though . Equipment and inventory . Followers always equip the best possible weapons or armor given to them . More specifically , the weapon with the highest damage value and the pieces of apparel with the highest armor value are equipped . Followers will not use equipment that is the same in armor or damage value as their starting equipment unless it has been improved by smithing or enchantments . On occasion , a follower may equip a weapon that they are not skilled in over one they are . For example , Mjoll the Lioness is better skilled in Two - Handed weapons over One - Handed , but if given a sword with a higher damage rating than a battleaxe , she will equip the sword . Each follower tends to have their own preference of armor . For example , Aela has no preference and will use heavy armor if she receives it , even though she is a marksman whose default armor is light . A Dark Brotherhood Initiate , however , strongly opposes the use of heavy armor unless it is significantly better than their current armor . This is because the initiate prefers light armor , matching their skills . If a follower insists on using an undesirable piece of equipment , the only way to prevent this behavior is to remove it from their inventory . Ironically , the default equipment of many followers does not correspond to their actual combat skills . For example , Aela ' s default armor is Heavy Armor , despite her being skilled in Light Armor , and Erik the Slayer ' s default equipment is Iron Armor and a one - handed sword , despite the fact he ' s actually skilled in two - handed weapons and light armor . Enchantments on weapons work normally , but followers will only benefit from the following enchantment effects on their apparel and armor : Inventory . Followers can be used to carry almost any item , either via the inventory menu or picking up world items . However , they also have a weight limit , which restricts how much they can carry . In the inventory menu , items that would over - encumber them appear grayed out . Quest - related items cannot be given to followers for storage . An exploit is possible to make them carry over their limit . First , place the items in any container and then order the follower to take everything in the container . After this , every single item will be in the follower ' s inventory . However , these items will be marked as stolen . If these items are dropped and picked up again in plain sight , it will be considered a crime . Alternatively , entering a new area will remove the " stolen " label . An alternative exploit is to drop the items on the ground and instruct the follower to pick up each item one at a time . While potentially time consuming , it is a handy method when containers are not present or handy . Followers will retain their inventories even after the Dragonborn dismisses them . In this way , it is possible to use them for limited storage . If they are killed , the stored items can be looted off the body . Ammunition . If a follower is using their own default bow , placing just a single arrow in a follower ' s inventory will give them an infinite supply of that type of arrow . Enemies may also exhibit this behavior : Shooting an enemy with an arrow more powerful than their own arrows has a small chance of adding that arrow to their inventory , allowing them to equip the more powerful arrow and return fire with an infinite supply . Effect dismissing has on equipment . If the Dragonborn sends their follower away , i . e . dismisses them , and later decides to recruit him / her again , the Dragonborn will find the follower wearing their original equipment . The Dragonborn can fix this by either leaving the area or by simply taking away any piece of equipment from them , which will in turn " reset " them , causing them to equip their best available equipment . If the Dragonborn chooses to “ reset ” their follower , they will use new or better equipment again . Multiple followers . Followers are supposed to be limited to one at a time ; however , there are several ways to avoid this limit . Quest characters triggered to follow the Dragonborn , the Dark Brotherhood Initiate s , Serana and summoning more than one Atronach . For more information , see Multiple Followers . Theoretically , if all DLCs are installed , one can have a maximum of fifteen followers at one time , though this can be undesirable in cramped spaces . It is also possible to use the spell / power gained through the Dark Brotherhood questline for an additional follower . The Spectral Assassin will stay by the Dragonborn ' s side until it is defeated in battle or another familiar / atronach is summoned . It will travel with the Dragonborn across Skyrim . Followers . Housecarls . Housecarl s are essentially bodyguards who protect nobility and important people from threats . Becoming Thane of a Hold will grant a personal housecarl . In the , almost all available housecarls are Nord warriors , however , adds additional housecarls for The Pale , Falkreath and Hjaalmarch . All Housecarls have a level cap of 50 . All Housecarls are one - handed warriors , with the exception of Valdimar , who is a sorcerer . A Housecarl ' s main skills are Heavy Armor , One - Handed , Archery and Block , with the exception being Valdimar ( Heavy Armor , One - Handed , Alteration , Destruction and Restoration ) . Faction followers . Completing certain quests for a faction will grant access to some followers from that faction . Dawnguard . Having installed adds several more followers , both humanoid and non - humanoid , to the game . Most are dependent on which faction the Dragonborn decides to side with during the Bloodline quest , thus A New Order needs to be completed . Mercenaries . Mercenaries are typically found in taverns across Skyrim . They cost 500 to hire for any length of time . Dismissing a mercenary will send them back to the tavern they were found . All Mercenaries reach their maximum level at 40 , the exception being Teldryn Sero , who caps at level 60 . Quest reward followers . These followers typically have a quest attached to them and it must be completed in order to gain them as a follower . Miscellaneous followers . These followers have no specific quest attached to them . Gaining them as a follower may sometimes be a trivial affair , such as Brawling against them and winning the match . Their levels cap at 30 . Non - humanoid . Non - humanoid followers can be used alongside any humanoid follower , which means that the Dragonborn can have one human and one non - human follower simultaneously . Most non - humanoid followers cannot be given items and thus cannot use equipment , the exception being Riekling . Trainer followers . Some potential followers are also Trainers who can train the Dragonborn in particular combat skills , allowing them to increase the skill level for those skills . The training is not free , but once these trainers become the Dragonborn ' s followers , they may receive training without any permanent cost ; If the Dragonborn asks a follower to train him or her in a particular skill , after receiving the training , they may access the trainer ' s inventory and recover the spent gold . The following followers are also trainers : ( Note : all but Faendal and Talvas Fathryon are Companions , who require the Dragonborn to complete the Companions quest line before they become recruitable as followers . )