The Companions & The Silver Hand | The Elder Scrolls Podcast #44

WELCOME to the Elder Scrolls Podcast with FudgeMuppet. In this episode, Scott, Michael & Drew explore the Companions of Skyrim.
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[@dragonberrymead9525]

I used to think the reason the Silver Hand had the Songs of the Return books was because they were aware that the Companions were Werewolves so they just had those books so they could learn as much as they could about them. Know your enemy and all that. But the idea that they could be a faction that split from the Companions is really interesting, I like it. Gosh I wish they were given more of a backstory in this game.

[@royalty843]

It's rumored the silver hand were split from the companions after the witches cursed them, that they also revered Ysgramor as well and felt the lycanthropy curse was a stain on the legacy

[@TheScienceguy77]

That would make more sense if you only found a few copies of Song of the Return, but you can find dozens on Silver-Hand corpses. Seems a lot more likely that it was issued to the Silver-Hand recruits as part of their belief system than them studying their enemy.

[@RichBensen]

The Silver Hand had to do a lightning raid on Jorrvaskr because they would've known that if it lasted more than a few minutes the Whiterun guards would respond and there'd be no doubt that they would side with the Companions.

[@royalty843]

Not just the guards. The battle borns, the grey manes, the blacksmith, nazeem

[@gelonvia8525]

Fuck, not Nazeem, the true sword singer of the cloud district, lord of PUSSIEEE

[@michaelpettersson4919]

@@royalty843 And if the jarl are down at the inn having a few drinks with his people and Iraleth out looking for him she could join into the fun as well.

[@royalty843]

@@michaelpettersson4919 definitely her

[@jonathanchristman335]

Dont forget braith. That thing scares me

[@somebodyoncetoldme5203]

I think that the Five Hundred Companions were actually captains each in command of their own ships of varying size that way it would be true that Ysgramor had five hundred personal companions but the invading army wouldn't be so ridiculously small.

[@chisasa9509]

Also during a time where Elves were Elnah-fey. And men where Shezzarine's.

[@boerepompie8244]

Thats actually a great theory

[@TheScienceguy77]

They might've had dragons too since they hailed from the land of the dragon cult.

[@wolframsteindl2712]

It probably was Ysgramor's personal retinue of 500 professional soldiers plus thousands of basically armed peasants, mercenaries and auxillary. It just sounds way cooler to only talk about the 500 and leave out the "cannon fodder".

[@theliato3809]

I had an odd idea on what might have happened. Firstly theres the idea there were two phases to that initial war. Ysgramor first goes back to atmora after the attack on sarthal to rally 500 Of which may include some dragon preists and possibly a dragon or two to aid him. While hes gone the people in atmora hearing of this elven aggression start rallying a larger army in the meanwhile. When Ysgramor finishes up taking back Sarthal and retaliating again the falmer settlement the attack came from. The rest of the atmorans arrive and they start carving up chunks of the old holds that will become skyrim.

[@darkpuppetlordful]

I definitely think Kodlak accepted being a werewolf in a time when he didnt think about the afterlife. Which is interesting to see as I think its Farkas, is also at an age where he doesn't think about the afterlife and opposes the cure. I'd like to think Farkas is probably Similar to how Kodlak was.

[@Wired_User]

Yeah Farkas and Vilkas were turned when they were teenagers or younger they didn’t know what the heck they were agreeing to, lol.

[@darkpuppetlordful]

@@Wired_User yeah I think the set up of the companions NPCs is basically to show different reactions to being a werewolf. The young and abrasive embrace it for the immediate benefit while disregarding the future while the older start to take stock in the future and slow down.

[@dankcaesar4760]

​@@darkpuppetlordfulwell not skjorr

[@simonplante7877]

I liked how they did becoming a werewolf in Bloodmoon. You can get it cured and finish the DLC with the skaal, or you can keep it and work for Hircine himself and you terrorize the skaal for him

[@theMOCmaster]

‘Companions’ very well could have been a rank within an army, with each companion leading a ship of fighting men and galley thralls. It makes more sense than 500 overcoming a nation.

[@SultanFilm]

@Klonker or just Nord propaganda. Which I think is more likely.

[@Lufaine01]

It's written in text that the "500" were specifically 500 handpicked warriors from Atmora, "each a hero in their own right". They weren't all captains, they weren't all leaders. They were just 500 of the most accomplished fighters of their entire culture (at the time). Whether or not that's practical is up for debate, perhaps each of them were shezzarine level elf slaying machines (a 12yr old girl oneshot one of the elven kings with a thrown spear). But it's worth noting that none of them were thu'um users since no humans were tought the Voice until much later.

[@TheAsj97]

Nah, it's more like 500 lvl 80 ebony warriors, of course they can take over a nation.

[@lazilycatharticone4191]

@@SultanFilm I dont know if it was all just propaganda. In Ironbind barrow, outside of the Nightgate inn, Skyrim, the Draugr boss Gathrik actually IS that big. Sure that could be an outlier, but it does show that at least SOME of them were as tall as giants. An if they were 500 of the Atmorans best, I could see many of them being that stacked. It doesn't mean all of the Atmorans as a race were giants, but the ones that went with Ysgrimor, at least a sizeable amount, may have been.

[@michaelpettersson4919]

It could be Ysgramors guard of elite warriors. Standard warriors then act as support.

[@wastelandwanderer9491]

Would have been cool to have the decision to join ethier the Companions or the Silver hands.

[@michaelpettersson4919]

Like the civil war it seems unfinished yes.

[@corvoattano7430]

Michael Pettersson yup

[@yarus5889]

SILVER HAND, TRUE TO YSGMMOR

[@LucasDimoveo]

It would have been cool if the Imperials and Stormcloaks actively tried to recruit the Companions. If there was a lore reason for why you were recruited so easily - maybe a disastrous battle against the Aldmeri Dominion that left only a few experienced warriors - that would have been cool.

[@chisasa9509]

(Imperial+ Thalmor)÷(Stormcloaks+ Companions)

[@TheScienceguy77]

As if Imperial supremacists like Tullius would recruit the Companions.

[@michaelpettersson4919]

They SHOULD have made a civil war DLC because as it is in as of now it seem unfinished. I also hate having to betray Jarl Balgruuf if I join the Stormcloaks. It would be better if, instead of betraying him it would be about convincing him to join your side.

[@oK-sf6sv]

There’s a book that says the reason they don’t fight in wars is because it caused shield siblings to fight against each other

[@RichBensen]

Regarding the question of whether there were really only five hundred Companions -- epic tales frequently omit the "little people", i.e. porters, cooks, squires, grooms and other servants. For instance in the Arthurian tales Knights of the Round Table like Sir Gawain are described as going on lonely solo quests, but historical knights always traveled with a retinue of servants and retainers. I tend to think that that's what's going on with the tale of Ysgramor & Co. A contemporary audience would be aware that many supporting personnel were needed for a military campaign and the storyteller was omitting them to focus on the heroes of the tale.

[@edwinbrown7179]

I was trying to figure out how I could have missed this podcast. Then I realized it was just uploaded lol

[@curiousjoe2126]

Same same

[@PaRaNiki_]

It was in my recommended before it was in my sub feed.

[@chrzan71]

Same here

[@antoniocaliz3336]

Hello what do you thing about biomutant? it looks like a good rpg thank u

[@billfletcher3966]

Yes, ty for addressing the night of tears. I constantly see comments talking about Nords being racist against elves. Well gee, I can't imagine where that came from. People see thru their own lens, because I don't see very many comments about how dark elves have enslaved the Argonians and the Khajiit.

[@michaelpettersson4919]

Dunmer vs argoninian enmity are actually the reason why the argonians are stuck at the docks of Windhelm. And for the local nords hating the dunmer? I doubt it but I guess that they are sick and tired of uncooperative complainers. The guards sends buissnises to the local dunmer shopowner after all. For being stuck in the grey quarter, well Windhelm is a fortress, there isn't much room avalible to work with. It is hardly racism keeping them down if there isn't any houses for sale.

[@billfletcher3966]

@@michaelpettersson4919 Exactly, if the Nords really hated the dark elves they wouldn't be allowed in Skyrim. Also remember the Dark elves betrayal is what broke apart the Ebonheart pact.

[@Lcgx]

Some big brain thinking going on in this podcast, the silver hand really do feel like a true companions cult trying to clear the line of wolf blood.

[@MrLightningbob]

I'd like to see what you guys have to say about the mystery of the disappearance of Falinesti. How does a giant walking tree city that was the center of Bosmer civilization just vanish with everyone inside?

[@maxmodine7551]

THIS

[@rafaelbalsan4512]

I love how this comment sounds like an attempt at intimidating someone to talk about some conspiracy theory

[@MrLightningbob]

@@rafaelbalsan4512 Yet its a big mystery in the Elder Scrolls.

[@Ohmargod]

Last time I was this early, attributes still mattered. And fatigue was a real bitch.

[@denakarganta1502]

Please do one on the connections between Akatosh and Lorkhan, they have one of the most interesting dichotomies in the series, with Akatosh being time and Lorkhan being space.

[@jovalleau]

That music....gets me EVERY DAMN TIME!

[@johnleblanc9028]

This podcast, the whole channel really, have made my Skyrim play through’s so much more immersive and makes me slow down, read, listen, and investigate things. When before I was just running around trying to get the best items/strongest player, paying little attention to the lore. Bethesda should pay you guys lol

[@silverwizardess7921]

Same. I've gotten so invested in the characters and the lore.

[@markuswelander8551]

Last time I was this early Aela told me I'd make a decent shield-sibling. I just want to roll around in the plains of Whiterun with her after hunting those pesky Silver Hand.

[@Priceluked]

Simp alert. Ysgramor curse you.

[@Randy_Flamethrower]

Cringe

[@honestkyn718]

around 24:00 Honor is not a constant throughout all cultures, it's a subjective term. The Nords use the old Nordic defition of honor, which was you kept your word, you fought bravely and not as a coward. The Compainions fit this. it doesn't mean you don't have loyalty to one side or are unable to be practical

[@michaelpettersson4919]

This is important to keep in mind with culture crashes. Someone from culture A do something that is considered the honorable thing to do in culture A. Problem is that is that this someone is an immigrant in a place run by culture B that consider that very act highly dishonourable and react with anger. And the accusations of racism start to fly...

[@isiraratnayake9491]

Their proly weren't any thuum users with ysgramor, because paarthurnax taught the notds to shout during the dragon wars in skyrim.

[@joshuatayloe8616]

He taught the non Dragonborn that were rebelling against the Dragon Cult to use the Thuum. Don't forget in the lore there are 2 types of DB. Those in the line of the covenant blessed with the Blood of a Dragon by Akatosh and those born with the Soul of a Dragon that can master the Thuum. As both Nord and Dragon descend from Atmora it is reasonable to think that DB born with the Soul of a Dragon originate from Atmora and therefore there could have been at least 1 master of the Thuum amongst the 500. Also we know the Dragons taught there most faithful the Thuum during the height of the Dragon Cult these faithful were Priest, but animal worship had a long history in Atmora with Dragons included in their Pantheon. So it also reasonable to think that amongst the 500 there could have been those faithful to the Dragons that had been taught the Thuum.

[@isiraratnayake9491]

@@joshuatayloe8616 the first dragonborn was miraak right?

[@joshuatayloe8616]

@@isiraratnayake9491 That is dependent upon how you define 1st. Technically in chronological order Alessia and those in the line of her covenant with Akatosh would be the 1st, but they were blessed with the Blood of a Dragon and could not do the things the DB can in Skyrim. At the point of the DLC Mirrak would be the 1st known to be born with the Soul of Dragon, but 1st known and actual 1st are 2 different things. The Dragon Cult itself originates from Atmora so while it hasn't been stated it could be possible the founder and subsequent leaders of the Cult were in fact DB, but due to their position they were labeled Dragon Priest and the concept of what a DB is wasn't established until Mirrak's revolt.

[@joshuatayloe8616]

@@isiraratnayake9491 Oh and it should also be pointed out the traditions of the Blades come from Akavir, since they recognize the DB as the ultimate Dragon Slayer/Hunter there is the possibility of DB far older than Mirrak that were born in Akavir.

[@isiraratnayake9491]

@@joshuatayloe8616 hmmm, but the akavir came to tamriel in search of the db during reman's reign. Its possible that they learned of the dragonborn long after the deagon wars or even during that time. Plus I remember during the akaviri podcast thw trio talking about thw tsecsae being vampiriv and eating everything that they kill.

[@KyrilTheBreaker]

Scott is the Himbo Nerd of this group.

[@radioghost2732]

I like to think the rot is a side effect of him rejecting being a werewolf or that it's a curse from hircine to keep him from freeing his soul, and or the souls of others from his hunt.

[@royalty843]

Last time I was this early Martin Septim was still worshipping my Lord sanguine

[@Wired_User]

That explains your pfp lol

[@royalty843]

@@Wired_User 🍷 🍻 💊⛽

[@smitty1647]

you can kinda join the forsworn, they have conviction o'plenty

[@lazilycatharticone4191]

Damn I wish you could formally join the Forsworn. Maybe even join a witches cult/coven as a Darker alternative to the College of Winterhold (its not uncommon to see witches with the forsworn). They could also be treated like the Mages guild and Telvanni in Morrowind. Where they rival each other, but you're not explicitly kept out of one because you joined the other. You could learn some dark shape-shifting magics from the Hagravens, or even some of the spells they have in ESO. Some dark magic where you summon different types of Daedra or animal spirits. Poison and sound spells that disrupt/damage other mages. Necromancy where you summon Bonelords and ghosts instead of just raising the dead. Be nice to give some more depth to the magic system in Skyrim without mods.

[@shadow9743]

If each of the 500 were tongues or even a majority I could see it being that few

[@Mary_Beth_Reimer]

That could explain how they got the longship up to Whiterun, shouted it up.

[@BoxStudioExecutive]

@@Mary_Beth_Reimer or maybe one them of thought “lol let’s build a ship here so our descendants will spend their entire lives wondering how we got a ship here”

[@idipped2521]

Almost a milli, guys. Maybe we can get an interview with MK or somebody else as a 1 million sub special? Been here since around the time Drew came on the show myself

[@mudcrabmenace8534]

We need an interview with MK...and Todd Howard

[@idipped2521]

@@mudcrabmenace8534 MK and Todd but it would have to be substantive questions and not just memeing around for an hour

[@idipped2521]

@@mudcrabmenace8534 The difference between MK and Todd is that MK lies for storytelling purposes and Todd lies for money

[@rafaelbalsan4512]

@@idipped2521 hot take

[@portal2canttouchthis]

Just hit me that i really have been watching this channel throughout my life for 5 years

[@tatwood93]

Scott's highlights looking fresh as hell, and if those aren't highlights then I'm jealous

[@JamesBrown-ep2rf]

I would have my shield at your back so that the world may never overtake us 👊🏻

[@joeygwood]

Arguably the best line in the entire game. ⚔️🛡

[@EdStrings]

I always felt like the Nord might not have the biggest armies, but they are great individual warriors. Give me a few good Nord over an army any day. 😂😂

[@MrYelly]

Cold resistance? I'd rather have 5 Bretons over 50 Nords

[@EdStrings]

@@MrYelly i mean it took 3 nords and the DB to beat Alduin, while Tsun just watch and everyone else in Sovngarde just chilled and party

[@wolframsteindl2712]

I wish there was a game set during the time of Ysgramor.

[@idipped2521]

There is a period of time in the First Era set before the reign of Reman and After the Thrassian Plague that is largely unexplored or doesn't have a lot of lore for at least 300-400 years. Could easily come up with a good crisis to make a game out of with that much time. At least one thing could have happened that we have no info about

[@TheAndrewPoore]

Hot take: instead of an ancient faction that’s strayed from the path, ESVI should have a warrior guild that you join on day one. The early focus could be recruitment, the middle focus could be establishing a presence, and then maybe at the end you’d open an arena-style thing that generates radiant “quests.”

[@georgenip5315]

The original 500 carried the ship upside down and use it as a mobile fortress to hide in as they marched

[@TheIgnitionCollective]

Damn im so early, elsweyr is still one unified country

[@williampope3761]

This made me laugh out loud in public-gg m8 😂

[@jetri_co]

the discussion just made me think of this question, why don't we see more falmer structures on skyrim. sure there are dwemer ruins, and forgotten vale, but wasnt falmer spread more throughout the province before they went underground? where did they live then?

[@michaelpettersson4919]

The night of tears made the snow elves hated. I suspect that everything was systematically dismantled after the conquest. The ruins in the Forgotten Vale still stand just because it was indeed forgotten.

[@City-Swimmer]

Perfect timing 💨

[@LysergicKids]

Any time I feel myself becoming impatient with the wait for TES 6. I stop, take a deep breath, exhale, and think about how half assed the companions quest was in Skyrim. No Todd, take your time. For the love of god, take your time.

[@michaelpettersson4919]

I would love for modders to take a bite at updating the main, civil war and faction questlines.

[@morrigankasa570]

The Silver Hand are a bunch of Bandits and Criminals. Ysgramor might have tolerated the Bosmer and respected their hunting/Green Pact. Also the Silver Hand could have wanted to kill all the Companions and claim the Skyforge but didn't want to have to deal with the guards. I say all hail Talos and Ysgramor and the Companions. Nothing wrong with being a Werewolf either. Additionally with the Skyforge it has power more ancient then Ysgramor and the Companions. Including with the Underforge there is that stone basin and totem pedestals. So what does that mean? Perhaps the Werewolves are deeper lore then you think. Boethiah is one of the most evil Daedra and I say the Companions are quite honorable. Also all the Circle and the drunk treat you quite decent. Additionally Aela is one of the best characters and I respect her strength/accepting of Lycanthropy. As well as her pragmatism. What's more is I like your guys content in many ways however, I disagree with sooooo many of your opinions about things.

[@jzargowinterhold1942]

This live is a GREAT MATERIAL for the mod I'm working on about the SILVER HAND. I'll incorporate a lot of this on my questline!!!

[@chisasa9509]

Nords used to ride "SKY WHALES."

[@billfletcher3966]

I want to see Atmora

[@GK-ye3fr]

Is there a MOD which "fixes" the Companions? Maybe a MOD that turns the Companions around.

[@michaelpettersson4919]

There are plenty of mods modifying the companions.

[@napdragon94]

I was disappointed by the Companions and Silverhand storyline tbh lol an organization of werewolf hunters should be more akin to the dawnguard not a ragtag bandit group :/ I once read a really good FanFiction once about a former companion member who was a close friend to Kodlak and comparable in age, skill and honor and found out the circle are werewolves felt betrayed because family except his youngest son were killed by a werewolf years ago and founded the silverhand with his son and another badass companion member who disliked each other a lot but looked past it to destroy the inner circle it'd make a great mod. Too bad Silverhand isn't Dawnguard esque organization who you have the chance to join before you became a werewolf and kill the inner circle but the Companions stay intact because no more werewolf leaders so their beef with them is ended

[@theeloquentbrigand2232]

Breathe my guy

[@michaelpettersson4919]

Well I suspect that the Dawnguard will start dealing with things like werewolfs once they are done with the main vampire problem. If the Vampires won due to the Dragonborn joining them remnants of Dawnguard could join with remnats of the Silver Hand and surving Vigilants. That way the Dawnguard could continue to exist even after a defeat.

[@caluminnes579]

While I’m sitting bored at work this is what I imagine my last three brain cells are doing. I swear I just discuss the elder scrolls with myself.

[@dremora2232]

underrated comment of 2021

[@richardlionerheart1945]

I didn't like how joining companions which are basically fighters guild you need to become a werwolf to finish the storyline

[@jbox293]

Ya boi Scott starting to look like a vault boy

[@joshuarathbun4941]

What about a class build where you wear heavy armor with spellbreaker shield, and you use magic in your right hand and do a lot of shield bashes and magic blasts and only pull out a mace when your magicka runs low. This is my favorite play style and I feel like no one ever tries it but you will have fun

[@dukedvl6977]

I was just watching the silver hand video yesterday and now we get this, perfect timing!

[@Weeklong_Seagull]

Omg guys you're almost to 1 mil. I'm so proud, been watching since some of the first builds you did, I found you through MxR that's how long ago

[@jesseharlan2884]

Nord honor is not the same as the stereotypical "Arthurian Honor" and I thank you guys confuse the two at points. Which isn't necessarily a bad thing because this dichotomy of what is honorable exist in game. When Ulfric Stormcloak killed the High King as an honorable challenge between two people of equal standing, according to Nordic traditions that was an honorable act but not just for Ulfric but for Torygg as well. To accept the challenge, to die an honorable death. To live, to fight and to die for what you believe in is considered highly honorable almost the Nords. Even if it's directly opposed by another Warrior or ruler that you respect. Even more so because your honor demands you take action, and action you must take isn't necessarily something that you want to do.This is proven because both Ulfric and Torygg are both accepted into sovngarde upon their deaths. Some people say that Ulfric shouldn't have used the power of the voice to defeat Torygg, but it would be a considered dishonorable not to bring everything you have to bear against a respected opponent. Some people say Ulfric was just power-hungry and wanted the throne for himself. If true or not that is inconsequential to the Nordic ideal of honor. With the Arthurian view of honor which is similar to the Imperial and Breton View, to oppose your King especially when you have respect for him is dishonorable. This is the reason why many Imperials and imperialized Nords have a deep problem with Ulfric's actions.

[@TheScienceguy77]

Very well said.

[@michaelpettersson4919]

Exactly but the Greybeards of course have the right to complain since Ulfric failed to follow the way of the voice. He was essentially an apprentice Greybeard after all and as such should stay away from politics.

[@jesseharlan2884]

The Graybeards are a joke in many ways to Nord identity, Jurgen Windcaller and his ideals weaken the Nords and rob every son and daughter of Skyrim of their Kyne given right to wield the thu'um. Jurgen's defeat at Red Mountain was His weakness, not the weakness of All Nords. It is my belief that the teachings of the Graybeards are poisonous to to Skyrim and her people. The Graybeards them selfs don't stay out of politics, by even agreeing to hold the peace talks at High Hrothgar and by speaking up dearing the meeting means they are involved in politics if the Graybeards like it or not. Skyrim is a place where the strongest lead... be they strong of body, strong of mind or strong of spirit. If Ulfric is stronger then he should lead, If Ulfric is defeated in the attempt then he was unworthy of leadership. Even though I personally dislike the teachings of Jurgen Windcaller and the Graybeards, Jurgen Windcaller along with Ulfric, Galmar, Rikke, Olaf, and Svaknir are still in Sovngarde because they died with honor by living and dying doing what they believed in. All of then were driven to act, knowing the consequences but did so anyway because there honor demanded it. Arthurian honor is about pledging your self to an idea larger then your self and putting its needs above your own. Like the ideal of Camelot or The Empire. Nordic honor boils down to "to thy own self be true."

[@leafpratt]

People never seem to bring up the fact that the Falmer are (more then likely) ice based magic users and the Nords are resistant to magic so 500 vs 5000 isn't that big of a deal when the opponents attacks literally do nothing to you

[@Haggysack2k8]

When the topic about the ship of the companions came up, i was just barely listening, but thought this not to be impossible for them to get to where Whiterun is now (I also had the Skyrim map infront of my eyes on my main monitor, cuz i was just playing the Special Edition) Now i don't know where exactly the 500 Companions landed on the coast of Skyrim, but if we just say they landed at Dawnstar's location or somewhere little bit west-ish of Dawnstar's location, then probably 20 or 30 of them took the boat turned it upside down and all at once carried it south through the mountains. They probably took the path going alongside the current location of the Hall of the Vigilants, Fort Dunstad, then to where the Weynon Stones are and from that on, they probably already saw the mountain on which Whiterun later would be and went there. ...And i know that this route will not take long, since i am playing the SE version with Survival Mods and i am also restraining myself even more by not using fast travel. Downside is, that i have to carry a lot of food, firewood and my tent with my (or my follower takes those) and i also have to save more often, because of Skyrim's F'ed up engine, which tends to shit itself sometimes, meaning i get CTDs. Especially around Dawnstar, because there might be some Meshes-related problem, which constantly results in me having CTDs. Funfact: I got to the town and also could go into the Jarl's Longhouse, but i was trapped from that point on in there, because everytime i went outside, the game crashed. Had to COC myself to the Riverwood Trader, waited there for 24 ingame hours, saw the Jarl of Dawnstar leaving the Riverwood Trader (???) and then i could leave the Riverwood Trader interior. Tried COC to Riverwood = Crash. COC to Riverwood Trader and immediately go outside = Crash. The 24 hour waiting could have reset some things and therefore made it possible for me to finally go to an exterior without crashing. Imma punch the person into their face, who's responsible for this shitty fragile engine over at Bethesda, if i ever meet them. So probably never.

[@dannyhothrikker4783]

Yunno they could always repair parts of the Hall as time went on, right? Doesn't have to be magic that's keeping the Hall in good health, I mean there's missing planks here and there in the roof 😂

[@Mary_Beth_Reimer]

Thank you again, guys! ❤️💜💙😁

[@ericamborsky3230]

39:45 They just stood their boats up on the oars and walked across the ground like they were in a Scooby Doo cartoon.

[@zbat11220]

The podcast is 40 minutes long and posted 37 minutes ago, yet it still has dislikes. What?

[@chisasa9509]

The dislike are for Scott's Hair. Lol

[@Ppppftt]

Bots

[@Rewwgh]

Elfs

[@michaelpettersson4919]

Thalmor sympathisers...

[@tibag001]

I always considered Kodlak's "Rot" to be the werewolf taking him over, like the rot taking him would be him dying and the wolf dragging him to the hunting grounds

[@MCDRaddictedrose]

I like that the companions are so ""fallen"" from the original Ysgrammor 500. It adds a time scale sense, and in game it mentions a lot how there's been a lot of history and the whole honor thing.

[@williamcote4208]

2:13 the only tale of the sort that I know happened was the story of Léo Major in WW2… THE MAD MAN LIBERATED A CITY ALL BY HIMSELF! I know it’s not as big as 300 Spartans taking on Xarxes’ army or the 500 companions driving the snow elves out of Skyrim’s surface but it’s still pretty amazing nonetheless

[@ryancier]

I like how this video is still critical of how ES lore is written from a production standpoint and not just fanboys carrying on about the gospel of lore. I feel like you guys could bring on guests who've been critical of ES in the past, like Strat-Edgy Productions.

[@jonathanwilgus5021]

As far as the ship, it seems they disassembled it instead of carrying it whole. Also, it says they captured many elven slaves, who probably carried the wood. "Thus began the labors, once more, of Menro and Manwe, whose eager hands again laid to the Atmoran wood which had born them all across the sea, and what was their ship became their shelter as this valley became their purview until the end of all their days." Also, it would seem fitting to treat the wood to prevent decay, but also replace piece by piece the old wood as it rotted away. Or you know, magic....

[@shingnosis]

The "honorable" Companions: The highest ranking members are werewolves who drank their brethrens blood after their forebears made a pact with some witches. They will "settle" any dispute in your favor if you give them money, basically like the mafia. If you can make a claim that someone is a bandit or a witch they will kill almost anyone, and anyone in proximity to that person, without proof or investigation. The "evil" Silver Hand: The guys who for some reason don't like the Companions. Me: The lvl 70 dragon soul sucking Nord who two-shot Alduin, saved the world twice, took down the dark brotherhood and journeyed to Sovngarde and back. But who then for some reason decided to join the Companions over the Silver Hand and now enjoys being called a "whelp".

[@lieutenantdan9337]

Why does Scott look like Johny Depp?

[@KaelDenna]

This is my favorite Drew moment of all time 🤣

[@maxrander0101]

i have the guide in front of me and it does say he would be around the late 20 to early 30s and contracted something which is most likely the rot and this is the reason he took the joining rather than not and staying out of the circle having been told it would cure it but again was tricked by those within the old circle

[@RecordedMercury]

It feels good to watch because it feels like I'm in a discussion abut the lore. I don't have a lot of friends that play any RPGs so I don't get to talk to anyone about it.

[@DistrustfulAtom]

I’ve always compared the Companions to the Witchers, essentially a group of “monsters” that will go out and take care of monsters, as long as there’s coin involved.

[@eclipsedbadger]

17:23 - Just, say it as it is, Drew...it's a fanclub. An Ysgramor Fanclub.

[@derskalde4973]

I think, it'd make a lot of sense to say, that those original 500 companions were probably accomplished, honored warrior chiefs, individuals of great reknown, who each had their own retinue of loyal warriors under their command, (or maybe even the entire clan, band or whatever the group they were the Leader of would've been called) which they brought along on this campaign. Also, the way I understand this historical account, Ysgramor and his 500 companions went to Skyrim with the intension to conquer it and settle there, so it's likely, that each of the warriors, that took part in this campaign, brought their households (meaning their family, serfs and possibly their families, heirlooms and similar objects of great importance to them, as well as possibly livestock and such) along on this trip, so it was potentially several thousands of atmorans that went to Tamriel during this campaign. I also imagine, that, over time, the principles of the companions would change with their surroundings and culture, as is the nature of time, but that they still held some core values of those ancient times at their core philosophy. Something like, "To join the companions of Jorrvaskr, you must proove your strength, you must have and live with honor, you must either share or at least show respect to the nordic believe and traditions (and possibly be born in Skyrim)", something like that. Because strength and honor are obviously not possessed by one single people. History shows several such occassions, where a group of people held their enemy in such high regards, showed so much respect to their fallen foe, that they burried them in honor, like a hero. The Red Baron would be such an example. And another, in universe example, would be the Snow Prince of the Falmer, who was burried by the nords in all honor, just short of a nordic chieftain or hero.

[@Changeling]

You did miss the entire reason that The Companions don't get involved in the Civil War. That was something set down by a Harbinger named Mryfwiil the Withdrawn who felt that The Companions joining in wars would ultimately lead to their destruction...which is not a leap considering that Skyrim is no stranger to civil wars in its history. You would also have shield brother fighting against shield brother which would threaten to destroy The Companions from within as well. Your take on the Silver Hand is not without merit and them being a splinter faction of The Companions is very likely, but they're not exactly living up to the legacy of Ysgramor either and I would argue that they--as a whole--are even further from it. They ultimately have more in common with the bandit groups of Skyrim than they do with other organizations that hunt down things like werewolves and vampires like the Vigilants of Stendarr and the Dawnguard. If you approach one of their guaranteed spawn locations (like Gallows Rock) without being a member of The Companions they will still attack you with the intention of looting your corpse. They may have started with the intention of purging The Companions and the rest of Skyrim of Lycanthropy in addition to preserving the legacy of Ysgramor, but they ended up falling so much further.

[@ryancier]

Aye yo, Fudgemuppet boys, I gotta weird video idea for you: In the style of your video-essays on the lore of Nirn and the general Aurbis, I'd like to see you rank the Ayleid ruins from ESIV:Oblivion based on from best to worst, or most unique to most dungeon-crawly generic. I'd appreciate this greatly, and look forward to ALL your videos, ALL the time!

[@thepunisher4507]

I agree the Companions questline could have been a bit better fleshed out. That said I kind of like the whole anarchist commune vibe they have and the idea that over time cultures change and perhaps the Companions ended up evolving past just being followers of Nord culture (Stormcloaks sort of have that as their schtick). As far as the war goes I guess you can just hire companions one at a time and they gave me the impression that if the soldiers are just fighting each other they wouldn't care but if say a raiding army decided to target the citizens they would get involved.

[@thepunisher4507]

Also lastly, elder scrolls has never convinced me that there is anything bad about being a werewolf or other lycanthrope really. They don't really do anything deviant compared to the normal people of that world.

[@bradenearp6506]

I love these podcasts so much. Thanks for making us great content guys

[@shannonflow2675]

No one ever takes into account that it's stated the Atmoran's were larger in build than the Nords of today. I turn to think of Tsun and his size as the true Admora stature. Then you have to take into account that it's possible they were accompanied by their Dragon Overlords or powerful Dragon Priest. 500 Atmorans and a few Dragons would be more than capable of destroying the Snow Elves.

[@Ryhindor]

He guys, love these podcasts! As an amateur astronomer I would love to see/hear a podcast about Elder Scrolls cosmology/astronomy/astrology. (I know, never, ever combine these in our universe!) Keep up the good work!

[@Mary_Beth_Reimer]

Wasn't there one elven Harbinger? Dark elf or wood elf?

[@K0M3.0K3]

that is true they're the only faction that needed it like the dawnguard vs the vampires

[@henrylancaster1234]

like really how did the ship get there if both rivers have waterfalls ?

[@ScrannibalLecter]

Where were they when the dragon came tho 🤨🤨🤨 not very honourable to hide

[@Rattafix]

First elder scrolls guild most people joined, let's gooooooo!

[@maxrander0101]

if you listen to Ulfric he does mention he intends to force them to return to their true origins and if your char is the leader by the time you hear that there is a 1-100 chance he will say to your char he hopes he can count on you to make it happen

[@williammynssen7862]

A nice topic to discuss too is Magic in general, and maybe where it comes from. Some say it comes from aetherius, but what about daedric magic? what about necromancy?

[@EJDubbz]

26:51. I always kill heimskr first thing.

[@NorscaWolves]

The 500 number ive always taken to be symbolic like the 300 Spartans. The 300 spartans in reality were backed up by thousands of other greeks so I think here irs likeky 500 elite top tier powerful warriors plus thousands of infantry

[@flyesthuman]

Drew had some good jokes in this one 😂

[@dustinfugate6532]

Yes the companions

[@blueorchid1313]

23:10 so... basically Moses? I think that's a better analogy that Jesus lol

[@EJDubbz]

If the companions are all about personal freedom, why did they make me become a werewolf to join the circle? 😜

[@barkasz6066]

The Silver Hand being offshoots of the Companions makes sense. I think they are filled with non-Nords because they were made out to be a pretty generic faction. I enjoy Skyrim a lot (mainly thanks to mods to be honest) but one of my biggest gripes with it is the fact that the Silver Hand vs Companion questline is so shallow. :/ I would have loved to become an epic warewolf hunter.

[@GrimDarkHalfOff]

I always wanted to join the silver hand

[@srs4530]

36:48 had me laughing

[@felipealexandre144]

Awesome as always. I would love to see you guys doing in depth analysis of Dark Souls lore, it would be amazing!

[@chasebrekke6816]

New skyrim build soon or oblivion crisis 2.0... btw another great episode from you guys

[@alvin13miller]

Hey fudge an idea just dawned on me. They have the loremasters library on ESO website where we learn a good amount of lore from all different type of things in the game . You ever think of covering these in future videos even take polls see if ppl want to watch that? I just think it would be a cool idea to help illustrate these stories.

[@Priceluked]

ES6 needs Fallout style companions if they have companions at all.

[@dead_buttons]

Loving the podcast, guys! Would you consider doing an episode on vampires?

[@Replica2901]

I'd like to play as a Silver Hand, sounds interesting 😃

[@goldenknight578]

Have you ever wondered whether or not werewolves can lick themselves the same way dogs do? Just imagine those Companion Staff Meetings.

[@vtheman1850]

I honestly think the entire deal is much simpler and is basically a failure to deliver on BGS's part. The wanted a Viking myth faction, and the werewolf was supposed to be this whole "Berserkyr" skin changer warriors of Nordic myth(IRL). Honestly I think that's it, the just shot themselves in the foot, and didn't really deliver, but considering that most factions in Skyrim are pretty underwhelming it's kind of just it.

[@hhhggg6144]

Let's go guys

[@rafaelbalsan4512]

Looking forward to the next episode :)