The Companions - Earn your stripes
⚪ Last updated 2017⚠️ Install Order · 5 steps
Install in this order, then this mod last — most mods fail to load without their framework and dependencies in place.
Preview
🔍 Analysis
- 👍 2.4% endorsement rate — high engagement, a strong quality signal
- 🏆 #10 of 11 Guilds/Factions mods in this game by downloads
📋 About This Mod
I always felt like the Dragonborn's career in The Companions guild was way too vertical, so I created this mod for myself and eventually decided to share with this fantastic community.
Do you feel the same way? Roleplaying as a character, which is still a member of the Companions, yet not a werewolf or even their leader?
Then this mod is for you!
Inspired by the "Not So Fast"-Series.
What it does in game:
You will now have to do many more radiant quests (Animal Extermination, Hired Muscle, Trouble in Skyrim etc.) in order to get through the whole Companions questline. Earn your status!
Focusing very much on the first part with you as a regular member and not being part of The Circle, which is only reserved for the leaders.
How exactly does it do that:
- No change until the end of Take up Arms, so you will prove you are worthy just like in vanilla.
- Before being asked to talk to Skjor to get the Wuuthrad fragment (Proving Honor), you will now have to do 3 radiant quests instead of 1.
- Do another 6 radiant quests (Vanilla: 1) and only then you will be sent to Gallows Rock by Aela (The Silver Hand) and in its outcome become a member of The Circle / a Werewolf.
- Blood's Honor will finally trigger after doing 3 radiant quests instead of 2. I did not alter any other requirements, so make sure at least one of those is given by Aela.
- Continue the story just like in vanilla and become a highly esteemed Harbinger.
Installation:
Make sure to install before starting Take up Arms.
Uninstallation:
Not tested, but most probably safe anytime. Definitely before Take up Arms and after Blood's Honor.
Compatibilty:
Anything that doesn't alter literally the same quests.
Load Order:
Doesn't matter. Let LOOT decide, if in doubt.
Can be merged into a Bashed Patch.
Permissions:
Feel free to do anything.
This mod delays progression in The Companions questline, requiring the Dragonborn to become a regular, well-established member before joining The Circle or becoming Harbinger. It's a simple tweak for Skyrim players who want more gradual faction advancement. With 3,640 endorsements and 151,930 downloads, it's a popular choice for role-players.
✨ Key Features
📊 Pros & Cons
✅ Pros
- Community favorite with 3,640 endorsements and 151,930 downloads
- Adds meaningful role-play depth to the Companions questline
- Lightweight and simple, won't bloat your load order
⚠️ Cons
- Only affects the Companions questline, so it's a niche tweak
- Last updated in 2017, so it may not be compatible with the latest Skyrim versions or mods
- Potential conflicts with other mods that alter the Companions questline
For Skyrim role-players who want to earn their place in the Companions rather than being promoted too quickly. If you prefer fast progression or don't care about faction pacing, skip this.
💡 Beginner Tips
- Place this mod early in your load order to ensure it doesn't conflict with other quest mods.
- If you use a mod manager, let it handle the file placement to avoid overwriting issues.
- Check the mod's page for any compatibility patches if you use other Companions overhauls.
📊 Mod Details
- Game
- Skyrim Mods
- Author
- vanderLuuk
- Version
- 1.0
- Downloads
- 151,930
- Endorsements
- 3,640
- Category
- Guilds/Factions
- Created
- 12/7/2017
- Updated
- 12/7/2017
🔧 How to Install Skyrim Mods
Download from Nexus.
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Visit the official mod page for specific installation instructions for this mod.
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