Factions & Relationships
Skyrim's world is populated by numerous factions, each with its own goals, ideologies, and questlines. Joining these factions offers unique opportunities for character development, access to specialized gear and training, and a deeper understanding of the political and social landscape of the province.
The major factions in Skyrim offer distinct gameplay experiences. The Companions, based in Whiterun, are a guild of warriors who value honor and strength. Joining them allows you to become a werewolf and master combat skills. The College of Winterhold is the premier institution for mages, offering advanced magical training, powerful spells, and access to unique artifacts. The Thieves Guild, operating from the shadows of Riften, focuses on stealth, thievery, and subterfuge, providing opportunities to hone your sneak and lockpicking skills. The Dark Brotherhood is a shadowy order of assassins, offering lucrative contracts and a dark, morally ambiguous questline. Beyond these major guilds, other sificant factions play a crucial role in Skyrim's narrative. The Imperial Legion and the Stormcloaks are the two opposing sides in the ongoing Civil War, and choosing to support one will have profound consequences for the province. The Blades, an ancient order dedicated to hunting dragons, offer a different perspective on the Dragonborn's destiny. The Dawnguard and the Volkihar Vampires are two warring factions introduced in the Dawnguard DLC, offering unique storylines and powerful abilities depending on your allegiance. Building relationships within these factions is key to progressing through their questlines. This often involves completing tasks for faction leaders, demonstrating loyalty, and making choices that al with the faction's goals. Some factions have ranks that you can ascend, unlocking new privileges and responsibilities. For example, rising through the ranks of the Companions can lead to becoming the Harbinger, the leader of the guild. Similarly, becoming the Listener for the Dark Brotherhood sifies ultimate trust and power. Your relationships with individual NPCs within factions can also be important, potentially leading to marriage or the ability to recruit them as followers. Be mindful that actions taken for one faction may negatively impact your standing with another, creating complex choices and potential conflicts.
Major Factions:
- Companions: Warrior guild in Whiterun.
- College of Winterhold: Mages' guild in Winterhold.
- Thieves Guild: Stealth and thievery guild in Riften.
- Dark Brotherhood: Assassin's guild.
- Imperial Legion & Stormcloaks: Sides in the Civil War.
- Dawnguard & Volkihar Vampires: Factions in the Dawnguard DLC.