Companion System & Recruitment

Find and recruit companions in Skyblivion. Learn how to hire mercenaries, gain allies through quests, and leverage their unique combat skills and utility.

Forging Bonds in Cyrodiil

The companion system in Skyblivion allows you to recruit various individuals to join you on your adventures, offering combat support, unique skills, and even narrative insights. These companions are more than just hired muscle; they are characters with their own personalities, backstories, and sometimes, their own agendas. The ability to recruit a companion can significantly alter the flow of combat and exploration, providing valuable assistance against the many dangers of Cyrodiil.

Recruiting companions can be achieved through several means. Some are found as mercenaries in taverns, offering their services for a fee. Others are encountered during quests, and may choose to join you based on your actions or dialogue choices. For instance, a skilled archer named Valenwood might be found in the Drunken Huntsman in Whiterun, offering his services for 500 gold. Alternatively, a loyal warrior might join your cause after you successfully complete a challenging quest for their faction, such as aiding the Fighters Guild in a particularly perilous dungeon. The game mechanics allow for a limited number of active companions, typically one or two, depending on your character's skills or perks.

Each companion possesses distinct combat styles and skill sets. Some excel in melee combat, wielding weapons like swords and axes, while others are proficient with bows or powerful destruction magic. For example, a mage companion might specialize in shock spells, dealing an average of 30 shock damage per cast, while a warrior might have a high proficiency with two-handed weapons, capable of dealing critical hits with increased damage. Some companions may also offer unique utility outside of combat, such as a rogue companion who can pick locks or a scholar who can identify ancient artifacts. Understanding their strengths and weaknesses is key to effective team composition.

When selecting a companion, consider your own playstyle and the challenges you anticipate. If you are a spellcaster, a melee-focused companion can draw enemy attention, allowing you to cast spells from a safe distance. Conversely, if you are a melee fighter, a ranged companion can provide crucial support fire. A common mistake is to recruit a companion based solely on their initial appearance or dialogue, without considering their combat effectiveness or synergy with your character. Always check their stats and skills before committing. Furthermore, some companions have specific questlines or loyalty missions that, when completed, can unlock new abilities or improve their performance. For example, completing a quest for the warrior Borin Stonehand might unlock his "Shield Bash" ability, which can stun enemies for 3 seconds.