This playthrough, I'm playing a ranged character, and decided to pick up Lydia early to be my "tank". The problem is, she almost ALWAYS hangs back and fires a bow at enemies instead of engaging them in melee. I have not given her a bow, and I take away any arrows she picks up. Even if I manually command her to attack something, she STILL stays at range unless the enemy engages her. Is this a part of their AI as followers? Is there a way to FORCE the Sword and Board followers to actually do what they're suppossed to do? Any help is appreciated.

Kindayar <><

Bump. Posts move quickly =/ Any help at all?

K <><

Give her a better sword, that should do the trick.

Note: I base this on nothing other than the fact that since I gave Lydia an axe I made for myself, she's never used her bow. Pick up a 2H elven sword or something and give to her, and she'll probably forfeit her bow.

BTW, doesn't she have a bow in her inventory? Can't you take it away from her? Or is that just my imagination?

You can give followers orders.

The followers do what you do. Put on a sword, and lydia will charge right in. Since you are fighting with a bow, so will she.

When you're at range she'll use a bow but once you move in closer she's go melee.

from testing ive done there is something buggy with the AI. ive reloaded several fights and ive had my companion run straight in and the next reload they use a bow and sometimes they dont do anything until an enemy gets right in their face. its all over the map so there is either a preprogrammed random aspect or its just plain buggy. i follow occam's razor in these instances.

Thanks for the replies. At this point I just run away and try to "drag" enemies on to Lydia. It's frustrating. If I wanted a Ranged Follower, I'd get one. Seems silly to me that I'll deck her out in Heavy Armor with a 1H and Shield and all the sudden she's trying to Legolas every damn thing. Ah well.

Kindayar <><

Certain companions prefer specific weapons and armor. However, they'll almost always use the best items you give them.