Vigilance is a dog companion you can buy at the Markarth Stables in The Reach. He is not just any stray: his owner, Banning, explains that his family trains dogs for the Jarl and for their own use, and calls Vigilance a war-dog from a litter bred for combat and protection. For players who want an animal at their side without a quest attached, he is one of the simplest options in Markarth.
Where to find him
Vigilance hangs around the Markarth Stables just outside the city gates, with Banning nearby. Talk to Banning to ask a few questions about the dog and to buy his services for 500 gold. Think of the fee as a mercenary contract rather than a purchase: every time Vigilance leaves your side and you want him back, Banning charges the 500 gold again. If you tell Vigilance to wait and leave him too long, he wanders back to Banning.
Banning can be killed during the Daedric quest The Taste of Death, which takes place in Reachcliff Cave. If that happens, his assistant Cedran keeps selling horses but not the dog, so recruit Vigilance first if you want him.
As a pet (Hearthfire)
With Hearthfire installed, Vigilance can move into your home as a pet. That has one big advantage: once he lives with you, you can ask him to follow you again without paying Banning anything.
Notes
- Vigilance levels alongside you, from level 6 up to level 50. At the cap he reaches 500 health, double that of Meeko and other stray dogs.
- He has the highest level cap of any dog follower except Barbas.
- When you ready a weapon or spell, he crouches low and snarls in place of drawing a weapon.
- Owning him counts as having an animal follower, so other vendors such as Gunmar with his armored trolls may refuse to sell you a second one.
