Where Does Lydia Go When Dismissed?
In the popular fantasy role-playing game, The Elder Scrolls V: Skyrim, Lydia is one of the most loyal companions a player can have. She is a Housecarl, a skilled warrior who is sworn to serve the Dragonborn (the player character). However, sometimes Lydia may decide to part ways with the Dragonborn, leaving them to wonder where she goes after being dismissed.
Either Breezehome or Dragonsreach
When a player decides to dismiss Lydia, she will typically choose to return to her homeland, Whiterun. She can be found either at Breezehome, a small house in Whiterun, or at Dragonsreach, a castle in the heart of the city. It may take some time for Lydia to travel back to these locations, so it is essential to be patient while waiting for her to arrive.
Finding Lydia After She Has Left
If the player wants to re-acquire Lydia’s services after dismissing her, they need to know where to find her. Here are the locations where Lydia can usually be found:
- Breezehome, Whiterun (house)
- Dragonsreach, Whiterun (castle)
If you have already purchased Breezehome, then Lydia will likely choose this location to return to. However, if you do not own Breezehome, then Lydia may opt for the nearby Dragonsreach, which is a safer alternative.
Why Lydia Chose to Leave
If a player has reached their limit with Lydia, then they can dismiss her for a while. In-game, this is because of Lydia’s loyalty and bond with the Dragonborn. When the Dragonborn requests for Lydia to leave, it can be a result of:
- Insulting or disrespecting Lydia: Lydia’s loyalty to the Dragonborn is unconditional. However, if the Dragonborn treats her with disrespect, she may choose to part ways.
- Changing allegiances: If another character gains Lydia’s allegiance, she may abandon her bond with the Dragonborn.
Consequences of Dismissing Lydia
If a player decides to dismiss Lydia, there can be some significant consequences. One of the most obvious impacts is that Lydia will:
- Leave her valuables: Lydia’s equipped items and armor will no longer be available for use.
- Forget prior quests: Lydia may lose her knowledge of past quests and tasks, rendering some missions unfinishable without her.
Keeping Lydia by Your Side
When the player wants to regain Lydia’s services, there are a few options they can explore:
- Resurrect Lydia: Although not the most ethical, a player can resurrect Lydia using a spell or spellbook. This option involves creating a new life in Lydia’s body.
- Use console commands: Using the essential follower command, the player can make Lydia immune to death and prevent her from leaving. This will give Lydia the ability to resist death, but this choice is at the discretion of the player.
In the end, Lydia is one of the most unique companions in Skyrim, with an incredible sense of loyalty to the Dragonborn. After being dismissed, she typically returns to her home city of Whiterun. Understanding her motivations for parting ways and learning ways to regain her services as a companion can enrich a player’s experience in Skyrim.