I have just rescued Esbern from the Ratway, and I wanted to give the guy some nice clothes, a respectable weapon and perhaps a good staff. The Arch-Mage's Robes, the Blade of Woe and a Staff of Fireballs would suit him well, I think. But I can't seem to sneak up on him to reverse pick-pocket him, and I don't get a trade items dialouge either. Any ideas? Thanks in advance!

Your really cannot do anything in that regard other than reverse pick-pocketing them as far as i know.

You know, when i saw the topic title, i immediately thought of followers becoming a small figurine or doll to be used at your whim... and that figure being placed in a small bag with a handful of choice followers.. kinda like a shikigami

On topic: I suppose it would be possible, were you to be on PC, but on a console, its not possible, arent all temporary followers that arent meant to die invincible anyway?

I am on PC. But I wanted to find a way in-game to do this. I don't know how to do more than a few basic commands through the console commands. But if that is the only option that I have, can some one point me at a good, simple guide to doing this/

Ok, try http://www.uesp.net/wiki/Skyrim:Console if you dont like that, i can try to find another guide.

He won't see any combat once he's out of Riften, and he'll probaly just equip those mining clothes again...