I'm thinking of putting together my three recruits for the Blades and trying to role-play all the way. I know, in truth, it doesn't matter who you recruit. However, I would like to recruit those who are most fitting for the job, and I'm coming to you guys for suggestions.

So far, I've recruited only that ugly bastard from Morthal that was rejected from the guard for his zeal. He wants to fight, and protect, and dragon-hunting requires a zealous sort of attitude.

That leaves two spots open. So far, I've been considering a number of possible recruits: Kharjo, the travelling Khajiit bodyguard, Farkas, the enthusiastic brute of the Companions, Erandur, the Dark Elven Priest, Faendal, my Riverwood-friend, or any of my Housecarls (so far I've only got Whiterun and Markarth, leaning towards the Markarthian).

- Kharjo is the fellow you get from the Moon Amulet quest; one of the caravan guards. He seems incredibly loyal, though I think it might be cruel to make him swear an oath to stay in the freezing north he hates so much. (Also, if the AI was a bit better, he might actively refuse)
-Farkas has been my character's friend since the beginning as I made The Companions a priority. Furthermore, his quest following your ascendance to Harbinger is to go hunt down a dragon. He's enthusiastic enough for hunting the scaly beasts, but should I part him from his brother? Would make sense if the Blades still worked under-cover and he could remain with the Companions
-Erandur is happy to do good in the world and needs new purpose. He's a Priest of Mercy, but wants to help the Dragonborn and the world. How better than to hunt dragons?
-Faendal is a skilled marksman trying to protect his town (Riverwood has been attacked like... three times by Dragons) and seems a fitting dragon hunter in his Orcish Helm of Marksmanship. But should I part him from Camilla? Probably could.
-Housecarls are Housecarls.

I'm not counting mercenaries, save maybe the amiable, fight-loving one from Windhelm. However, being that they're mercenaries, I doubt they'd fight for a higher purpose. Also, has anyone met other companions that you think would be more fitting than those I've listed above?

recruit roggi knot-beard

Who is he? Where is he? And why?

Oh, and I figured out the name of the Markarth Housecarl: Argis the Bulwark, which is pretty cool. >.>

The Heavy Armor Fighter at The Bannered Manner seems ideal to me. The Lionless (Or something like that) lady in Riften also seems to be interested in doing "the right thing".

because his name is awesome

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

Well, yes, I know about Paarthurnax. But I'm just gonna ressurect him using the console. Or so I hope.

Doesn't that take away from the roleplay? Choices like that make great character development.

I feel that it was a fault on the writers' part to make it impossible for the Dragonborn to coerce his Blades into listening to him about Paarthurnax. The Blades are dragonslayers, but they are also meant to serve The Dragonborn. A Dragonborn (especially with high Speech and perks) should be able to tell Delphine she's out of line and make her realize her place in the world: serving the Dovahkiin.

Oh, well. Part of roleplaying is dealing with the hand you've been dealt.

Oh, well. Part of roleplaying is dealing with the hand you've been dealt.

Bwuh? Double post?

"Double post, my bad. This kid's a noob$#%."

At any rate, I mod it when I don't like the writing. I don't mod it when I simply dislike the choice they're forcing me to make. If the Dragonborn was simply inducted into the Blades, and not their de facto Lord, then I would love this choice. Perhaps you need to kill Paarthurnax to gain their trust or to continue rising in the ranks. Or maybe, even the Blades need to take down a big enough dragon to show the public they're not defunct. But to just kill a dragon because a pair of shmucks told you to? Doesn't sit right with me. The obvious choice is to say No, unless you want to see more quest material, which is Out of Character.

But, back on topic. Who else to recruit? I've also seen Erik the Slayer and Ghorbash Iron-Hand on the list that just have fun names.

want a mage and archer and a tank, best archer is aria the hunter whos the compation girl, most soilders are good tanks but the one you get from being thane of whiterum is prefect and the best mage is the dawnstar court mage who you do the dream quest with but if u want the staff from the quest u need to kill him

That seems a little bit unwarranted. Not sure if that was intended to be venomous, but, anyways...

I'd say stay away from Erik. While faithful and devoted, he lacks any real experience and seems too brash and too cocky. I'd consider maybe an Orc from a Stronghold. Perhaps the female from... Well, forgot which one. Not only has she trained all of her life, being the daughter of a Chieftan, but she makes comments like "Once an Orc follows you, she follows you for life" and "There is no greater bond than that of two warriors". Either way, she's both dedicated and loyal with some experience to boot.

The quote up there is from the College Humor song "We didn't start the Flame War." It's pretty hilarious. Not meant to be venomous at all. Your double-post reminded me of it. Not gonna link it because it's particularly explicit, but a quick google search will find it fine. It's to the tune of "We didn't start the Fire."

Thanks on the suggestion. I've yet to meet many Orcs from the Stronghold. Only found one and a giant slaughtered the entire place. Remember which one?

I don't, sadly. Her last name is something like "Steel-hear", though actually... It may be the one west of Dawnstar, sort of in the most northwestern part of the map.

Any other suggestions besides the Orc woman? Any favorites of my choices?

Sven, because the Blades need some music to lighten their mood. Bunch of no good, backstabbing lollygaggers. Why doesn't she recruit her own soldiers. Lazy woman. Just a shame you can't kill them both (meaning Delphine and Esbern).

I like J'zargo (Kajit mage follower) mostly because he thinks he's so awesome at everything, being the best dragon-slayer in the land seems to suit him. I also think he'd come up with a bunch of anti-dragon spells to assist the blades.

I am leaning towards recruiting Ghorbash the Iron-Hand, an Orc warrior (axe/board and archer). Now I just need to round it out with a mage. Erandur the priest or J'zhargo.. Hmm.

Also, there's the question of keeping the Order entirely human, as it was in Oblivion. Should I go for this path, or continue my multi-culturalism. I've decided to deny Bosmer and Altmer lest they be Thalmor agents.

Represent all ten races - a poetic homage to being "dragonborn".

yeah i will not do it. refuse.

You're only allowed to recruit three members, unfortunately, or else I wouldn't have this problem.