The Elder Scrolls V: Skyrim
The Elder Scrolls V: Skyrim

Stewards & Housecarls (Hearthfire)

Manage your Skyrim homestead with Stewards & Housecarls. Hire help for furnishings, guards, and companionship in the Hearthfire DLC.

Stewards & Housecarls (Hearthfire)

The Hearthfire DLC for Skyrim introduces the ability to hire Stewards and Housecarls, adding a layer of personal management and companionship to your Dragonborn's life. These NPCs can assist with managing your homestead, protecting your family, and even accompanying you on your adventures, making your custom-built homes feel more alive and functional.

Stewards are primarily responsible for managing your homestead, ordering furnishings, and hiring guards. Housecarls, on the other hand, are more personal companions who can be assed to protect your home, act as followers, or even be sent to manage one of your other homesteads. Both roles are crucial for creating a well-run and secure estate.

Hiring a Steward

To hire a Steward, you must first own a homestead with at least one bedroom. Then, you can approach any Jarl or Steward in Skyrim and ask about hiring help. They will direct you to available candidates. You can only have one Steward per homestead.

Key Responsibilities of a Steward:

  • Ordering Furnishings: Your Steward is your primary contact for purchasing furniture, decorations, and building upgrades for your home. They will present you with a catalog of available items.
  • Hiring Guards: Stewards can hire up to two guards to protect your homestead. These guards will patrol the area and defend your home from attackers.
  • Managing Livestock: If you build a garden or apiary, your Steward can help manage them.
  • General Home Management: They will reside in your home and perform basic upkeep.

Where to Find Potential Stewards:

Potential Stewards are typically found in the taverns or inns of major cities. Some common candidates include:

  • Gregor (Rorikstead)
  • Valdimar (Whiterun)
  • Angi (Falkreath)
  • Lentus Uvirath (Riften)
  • Irileth (Whiterun, if not promoted to Housecarl)
  • Erikur (Solitude)

Note that some NPCs who are already followers or have specific roles might not be available or may have unique requirements.

Hiring a Housecarl

Housecarls are loyal warriors who can be recruited from any Jarl. They are skilled fighters and can serve as followers or be assed to protect your home. You can also have a Housecarl assed to one of your homesteads, where they will act as a personal guard.

Key Roles of a Housecarl:

  • Follower: A Housecarl can accompany you on your adventures, providing combat support.
  • Home Defense: You can ass a Housecarl to protect one of your homesteads. They will then reside there and defend it if attacked.
  • Managing Another Homestead: If you have multiple homesteads, you can send a Housecarl to manage one of them, acting as a personal guard for that location.

    • Where to Find Potential Housecarls:

    Housecarls are typically found in the Jarl's Longhouse in each major hold. Some examples include:

    • Irileth (Whiterun)
    • Jordis the Sword-Maiden (Solitude)
    • Calder (Windhelm)
    • Farkas/Vilkas (Companions, can become Housecarls after certain quests)
    • Rayya (Markarth)
    • Valdimar (Whiterun)

    By hiring Stewards and Housecarls, you can transform your custom homes into functional and secure bases of operation, adding a new dimension of management and companionship to your Skyrim experience.