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

Factions & Guilds (General)

Join Skyrim's factions. Learn about guilds like the Companions and College of Winterhold, their questlines, and unique rewards for the Dragonborn.

Factions & Guilds (General)

Skyrim offers a rich tapestry of factions and guilds, each providing unique questlines, rewards, and opportunities to shape your Dragonborn's journey. Engaging with these organizations is a core part of the Skyrim experience, offering more than just combat; you'll delve into intricate narratives, hone specific skills, and gain access to powerful gear and allies. This section provides a general overview and actionable advice for navigating these influential groups.

Joining a Faction: First Steps

Most factions have a distinct entry point, often a specific quest or a conversation with a key NPC. It's generally advisable to join factions that align with your character's playstyle early on to maximize skill training and quest rewards. For example, a stealth-focused character will benefit greatly from the Thieves Guild or Dark Brotherhood, while a mage will find the College of Winterhold indispensable.

  • The Companions (Whiterun): To join, simply travel to Whiterun and locate Jorrvaskr, the large mead hall near the Skyforge. Speak with Kodlak Whitemane or any of the prominent members like Skjor or Farkas. The quest "Take Up Arms" will initiate your entry. You'll be tasked with a simple combat trial, usually involving a sparring match with Vilkas.
  • College of Winterhold (Winterhold): Head to Winterhold and cross the long bridge to the College. Speak to Faralda at the entrance. She will require you to cast a specific spell to prove your magical aptitude. If you don't know the spell, she will sell it to you for a small fee (e.g., "Flame Atronach" or "Conjure Familiar").
  • Thieves Guild (Riften): This one requires a bit more subtlety. Travel to Riften and look for Brynjolf in the marketplace during the day. He'll be hawking a "miracle cure." Engage him in conversation, and he'll offer you a "job" – the quest "A Chance Arrangement." This involves planting a Silver Ring in Madesi's strongbox in the Riften marketplace.
  • Dark Brotherhood (Various): To attract the attention of the Dark Brotherhood, you must first commit a murder. Any innocent NPC will do, but a common method is to complete the quest "Innocence Lost" in Windhelm. This quest begins by hearing rumors about Aventus Aretino attempting the Black Sacrament. After completing his request, sleep in any bed, and you will be abducted, initiating the quest "With Friends Like These..."
  • Imperial Legion / Stormcloaks (Various): The choice between these two factions is a major decision that impacts the Civil War questline. You'll be prompted to join one or the other early in the main quest, specifically after escaping Helgen and reaching Riverwood. Hadvar will direct you to the Imperial Legion in Solitude, while Ralof will point you to the Stormcloaks in Windhelm. You can also join by speaking directly to General Tullius at Castle Dour in Solitude or Ulfric Stormcloak in the Palace of the Kings in Windhelm.

Maximizing Faction Benefits

Once you've joined a faction, active participation is key to unlocking its full potential. Don't just complete the main questline; take advantage of radiant quests and unique opportunities.

  • Skill Training: Most factions have expert or master trainers for skills relevant to their focus. For example, the College of Winterhold has trainers for all schools of magic, while the Companions offer training in one-handed, two-handed, heavy armor, and block. Remember to save your gold for these valuable services.
  • Unique Items & Rewards: Completing faction questlines often grants powerful, unique items.
    • The Companions offer access to Werewolf Transformation and the powerful Wuuthrad axe.
    • The College of Winterhold provides access to Arch-Mage Robes and the Staff of Magnus.
    • The Thieves Guild rewards include Nightingale Armor, the Skeleton Key (an unbreakable lockpick), and the ability to fence stolen goods.
    • The Dark Brotherhood grants the Blade of Woe, the Shrouded Armor set, and the spectral horse Shadowmere.
  • Followers & Allies: Many faction members can become powerful followers, offering combat support and carrying capacity. For instance, Lydia can be obtained early in the main quest, but members of the Companions like Farkas and Vilkas are excellent warrior followers once you've progressed their questlines.
  • Safehouses & Resources: Factions often provide safe havens, merchants, and crafting stations. The College of Winterhold offers an Arch-Mage's Quarters with an alchemy lab and enchanting table, while the Thieves Guild's Ragged Flagon has fences and a general merchant.

Important Considerations

  • Reputation: Your actions within one faction generally do not negatively impact your standing with others, with the notable exception of the Imperial Legion and Stormcloaks. Choosing one side in the Civil War will make you an enemy of the other.
  • Radiant Quests: After completing the main questline for a faction, most will offer repeatable "radiant" quests. These are excellent for earning gold, improving skills, and gaining favor with the faction. Don't neglect them!
  • Role-Playing: Consider your character's personality and moral alignment when choosing which factions to join. A noble paladin might struggle with the morally ambiguous tasks of the Dark Brotherhood, while a cunning rogue might find the straightforward nature of the Companions less appealing.