Calder is a Nord warrior and the housecarl assigned to you when you become Thane of Eastmarch. He lives in Hjerim, the house you can buy in Windhelm, and from that point on he is sworn to be your sword and shield.
Where to find them
Normally he is appointed by Ulfric Stormcloak. If Ulfric was killed in the civil war, the new Jarl, Brunwulf Free-Winter, appoints him instead. When he is not following you, he waits at Hjerim, or at Sky Haven Temple if you have recruited him into the Blades.
Follower & marriage
Buy Hjerim and earn the title of Thane, and Calder becomes your housecarl and a follower. He scales with your level (10 to 50) and is a heavy hitter. At level 50 his Heavy Armor, One-Handed and Block are all maxed out at 100, with Archery right behind at 98, so he can tank with a sword and shield or hang back with a bow. His magic skills are minimal.
Gear notes: he already wears his own armor set, so he will ignore ordinary steel armor even after you improve it, though he does wear helmets and will put on unique improved sets such as General Tullius’ Armor. Like every follower he starts with a hunting bow and iron arrows and will switch to better ones if you hand them over.
Calder is also a marriage candidate. Wear an Amulet of Mara and talk to him; he is surprised you are single and, a little nervously, offers to stand by your side until the Divines take you both. Right after the ceremony he asks where the two of you should live, and even offers his own place. Once you settle in, he can open a small store at home, give you a share of the profits and cook you a meal each day. With Hearthfire he can also serve as your steward.
Personality & relationships
Calder is the dutiful, cheerful type. He greets you with honor and long life, gets loud and colorful in combat with threats about carving enemies to pieces, and calls out Victory or Sovngarde when things get serious. In the field he comments on caves and spots trouble ahead.
Good to know
- With Dawnguard, he struggles with crossbows, raising and lowering them without ever firing properly. Give him a bow instead.
- Want to compare him with other companions? See our guide to the best followers in Skyrim.
Quick facts
- Race: Nord
- Gender: Male
- Level: levels with you (x1)
- Class: Warrior
- Status: Protected
- Found in: Windhelm
- Services: Follower; housecarl; steward (Hearthfire); can be recruited into the Blades
- Base ID: 000A2C90
Also in Windhelm
Calixto Corrium, Captain Lonely-Gale, Coldhearted Gravedigger, Dalan Merchad, Desperate Gambler, Elda Early-Dawn, Faryl Atheron, Grimvar Cruel-Sea, Helgird, Hermir Strong-Heart, Hillevi Cruel-Sea, Idesa Sadri.
Race, level, class and factions read from the Skyrim game files; story details checked against community wiki articles and written in our own words.