» Tue Jun 05, 2012 9:06 pm
Derkeethus isn't *supposed* to dual-wield. The pickaxe is set to equip to either hand instead of either the right or left, and NPCs think it's okay to use a normal right-hand weapon and then will equip the pickaxe because they don't have anything in their left hand. And why would he use a greatsword when he's skilled with one-handed weapons? Now, if you want a dual-wielding follower, try Jenassa.
Fix his little run-back-home thing with "StopQuest DarkwaterCrossingDerkeethusRescueQuest," though that will remove his essential flag. Then he can die if he's not following you or married to you.
Anneke? Not like Linwe exists from the start of the game -- just do her quest before doing "Summerset Shadows."
Now, OP, I think Mjoll, being a paladin-y sort and fairly hardy, as well as essential, would be perfect for your priest. You can get her starting at level 14. Until then, you could purchase the services of a hireling, like Stenvar in Windhelm. Just scrounge up 520 gold (500 for purchase, 20 for the carriage) at Helgen and in Riverwood. Or you could get far enough in the main quest to get Lydia, the Whiterun Housecarl.
They use swords or axes (one-handed for Lydia, and two-handed for Mjoll and Stenvar) and heavy armor; Lydia and Stenvar both have steel by default, but they might prefer the Imperial Captain's armor if you follow Ralof out of Helgen. Mjoll should like practically anything, since she starts with iron. They can also use the other type of weapon (in other words, one-handed for Mjoll and Stenvar and two-handed for Lydia), though they won't do as much damage. Mjoll is equally good with all types of two-handed weapons.
Or, if you'd prefer a fellow priest, Erandur in Dawnstar will follow you if you help him, though it might be tough for a low-level player. Erandur has a lot of health, but isn't good with any armor type and knows only three weak spells. He is, however, skilled at using one-handed weapons, and has a lot of dialogue.