im sort of a newbie so forgive my vagueness....
but when i got my first NPC (Lydia) to help me carry my stuff and fight for me i was thrilled. She was later killed by a giant beast and I want to know if theres another place i can get one of those helpers. I know they have a certain name but i cant remember what they are called.

if you know what im talking about could u please let me know where i can find another friend? thanks.

they wind up being all over if you look hard enough. however the easiest place to get them is from inns. find a person just sitting around in their armor in an inn, and they are probably a hired mercenary.

thx for the avdice but could you or someone else be a little more specific. it seems like i talk to alot of random people in inns and other places wearing armour but i never see the option in the dialogue for becoming a dedicated followerer. i obviously end up traveling and fighting with people for certain quests but they are temporary and not exactly workiing for me.

Do u know a specific tavern, building or location and/or a specific character who is for hire?

thx

Whiterun there is a building on the left as you walk down the main road called the Drunken Huntsman. Inside there is a dark elf named Janessa. You can hire her (or marry her).

In Riften the central building called the Bee and Barb there is a man sitting by one of the doors. He is wearing yellowish robes. His name is Mercurio, he is for hire as well.

In Riverwood there is a light brown elf named Faendal, if you get his love interest to like him he will be your follower as well. He is not a paid follower.


Those are a few off the top of my head.

well there is faendal/sven in riverwood when you first enter. you have to do a misc quest for one of them. faendal is a wood elf archer, works at the mill, sven is the bard at sleeping giant inn.

Roggi in Kynesgrove (north of windhelm). Do a small quest to get a shield.

http://www.uesp.net/wiki/Skyrim:Followers

There you go. Scroll down for a list of all the followers, where to find them and what to do to get them. Some are melee fighters, some are archers, some are mages - depends on what you're after.