Hi

please I need some explanations:

1- What is the difference between a steward and a housecarl? I already know that you can ask any of your followers to become a steward of your home, but how can I get a housecarl for my home?

2- Can a steward and a housecarl defend your home when attacked by enemies?

You get the Housecarl by becoming Thane of the Hold, so go back and talk to the Jarl. There might be a conversation option like “Is there anything else you need?” The Housecarl patrols your property and in my experience does a pretty good job of protecting it.

The steward gives you options to purchase things for your property that you can’t get elsewhere, plus they can help you decorate if you don’t want to do it yourself. Sorry I don’t remember if the stewards go outside and fight when there’s an attack. It’s been awhile since I had a steward.

Hi Grits Thanks for answering, but just to better understand, what is that Thane of the Hold? is it a mission? and can I ask the Jarl of any city or is there a specific one?

Also what if a housecarl dies during battle, can I replace it?

Becoming Thane is a quest you can do for any Jarl in their Hold. In most cases it has to do with a favor for the Jarl plus favor quests for various people you meet. I don’t think a dead Housecarl gets replaced. I’ve never had one die unless I was using them as follower.

You might want to ask this in the spoilers section so that you can get more specific answers. There are some differences between Holds in how you get the Thane quests. For Hearthfire houses you would be looking at Falkreath Hold, Hjaalmarch (the Jarl is in Morthal), or the Pale (where the Jarl is in Dawnstar). You have to be at least level 22 to get the quest from Jarl Skald in Dawnstar.