Take Up Arms

Training the Whelp

You hear the sounds of a pitched battle across the plains, close to Pelagia Farm, within the outskirts of Whiterun. Come closer to the fight, and you’ll witness two warriors attempting to topple a giant who was trespassing too far into the farmland. You may watch or join the fracas. After the giant is killed (you can search him without penalty), you may speak with Aela the Huntress, Ria, or Farkas, the warriors who slew the giant. They explain who the Companions are and how you may join their Guild: Head to Jorrvaskr if you’re worth anything in a fight.

Enter the city of Whiterun and climb the streets until you reach the steps leading up to Jorrvaskr, the Companions’ longhouse. When you step inside, you’ll likely see a training fight in progress, with two recruits (Athis and Njada Stonearm) brawling. The other Companions watching the melee offer words of encouragement. The sparring is overseen by an intimidating, one-eyed man named Skjor. Speak to him when you wish to proceed with important knowledge about this Guild. He explains the Companions are known by many names, and not all of them complimentary. The battle switches to fists, and Njada Stonearm lives up to her last name, finishing her opponent and ending the fight.

You may speak with her and listen to her rude replies. But when you ask her (or other Companions) who is in charge, she mentions someone named Kodlak Whitemane, who is the Harbinger; this is the closest to a leader this rabble have and to whom they pledge their loyalty. Once you learn about Kodlak, this quest officially commences.

Head to the longhouse’s south end, down the stairs, and open the doors to the Living Quarters. Head along the main lower-floor corridor to reach Kodlak. He is usually speaking with Vilkas, who still hears the call of the blood, which Kodlak calls “a burden to bear.” They finish speaking and look at you: There is a stranger in their hall.

You can ask Kodlak who the Companions are, why he joined them, where they stand on the Civil War, and, most importantly for this quest, if you can join them. Although Vilkas voices his disapproval, Kodlak says that Jorrvaskr has some empty beds for those with a fire burning in their hearts. He then asks how you are in battle. You may answer how you wish; it results in Kodlak requesting that Vilkas take you outside to see how you handle yourself.

Exit Jorrvaskr and head into the courtyard to the structure’s rear. Vilkas instructs you to take a few swings at him. Oblige by unsheathing your favored melee weapon and striking Vilkas, who expertly blocks with his shield. Stop your attacks when instructed (or you’ll soon learn why crossing the Companions isn’t a good idea). Vilkas seems to think you have an inkling of promise, but you’re still considered a whelp to them. In the meantime, you have some orders to take care of: Vilkas wants you to take his sword up to Eorlund Gray-Mane, who is waiting to sharpen it.

• Skyforge Steel Sword

Take the sword (optionally testing it out in an unrelated adventure or two), and bring it up the steps hewn into the rocky outcrop to the north of Jorrvaskr. You reach the Skyforge, an impressively large forge where Eorlund Gray-Mane works the steel. Inform Eorlund of your errand. Depending on your answers, Eorlund tells you to remember that nobody rules anyone in the Companions, so subservient attitudes aren’t necessary. They haven’t had any leaders since Ysgramor. Eorlund isn’t a Companion, but he’s an expert in working the Skyforge, which produces the best steel in all of Skyrim. Before you go, Eorlund has a request: He wants you to take a shield to Aela the Huntress. Seeing the irony of this request is optional.

• Steel Shield

Return to Jorrvaskr, and search the hall or the Living Quarters for Aela the Huntress, who is usually speaking with Skjor. Tell her you have her shield, and she gratefully receives it. She learns who you are and of your fight with Vilkas. She asks how you’d handle yourself in a real fight with him. Answer how you wish, although she won’t like it if you threaten violence to a Shield-Brother. She tells you to speak to Farkas, who arrives at the end of this conversation.

Quest Conclusion

Farkas seems pleasant enough; in fact, he’s glad of the company. He takes you down the main hall of the Living Quarters, to the dormitory you’ll be sharing. You can pick any bed that isn’t being slept in. The quest concludes.

Postquest Activities

Farkas ends the conversation, asking whether you might help with a problem they are having. You may speak to him or ignore him and seek out employment from another Companion: And so begins your Faction Radiant Quests (consult the quest name that appears after agreeing to the task, and cross-reference it with the Radiant Quest in this chapter). You’ll need to complete at least one of these before Companions Quest: Proving Honor begins.