Although Skyrim didn't have an official Fighter's Guild like the last two games, players could still join an elite group of warriors known as The Companions, located in Whiterun. These quests are undoubtedly some of the best in the base game, filled with lore, secrets, loot, and fascinating characters.
The Companions members are all different regarding their fighting abilities and underlying personalities. If the player digs deep enough, they can notice each character's subtle backstory, and most of them are also capable of becoming a spouse or followers.
Vignar Gray-Mane
Vignar Gray-Mane, also known as Vignar the Reverand, is the oldest member of The Companions. He claims to have joined their ranks sometime in his youth but no longer remembers his reason for joining, as his age has made him forget many things.
Vignar may be one of the original members of The Companions, but he isn't too proud to be a part of its new generation. In fact, he warns the Dragonborn to stay away because all they do lately is "squabble amongst themselves." Vignar is not too important for players, as he isn't available to be a follower, plus he probably doesn't have the strength to go into battle anymore. Although, he does replace Bulgruuf as Jarl of Whiterun if players side with the Stormcloaks.
Kodlak Whitemane
Kodlak is the noble leader and Harbinger of The Companions, meaning he holds great respect throughout Skyrim. He is open and accepting of players as they seek to join their ranks but hides some dark secrets that he later confides to them.
Despite being the Harbinger and member of The Circle — the lycanthropy group within The Companions — he is frail and diseased with 'rot.' He cannot become a player follower. Still, he plays a key role in the Companion quests. He asks that the player helps him cure his lycanthropy before his death so he will be welcomed into Sovengarde, but to do so, the player must slay a witch and bring her head. This is one of the best Skyrim quests that should be longer.
Skjor
Skjor is the second-in-command of The Companions and The Circle and perhaps the strongest right behind Kodlak. He is a brutish, serious individual who expects newcomers to prove themselves before being accepted among the ranks.
Although he cannot become a follower, there is no doubt he is one of the strongest of the Companions with his Skyforge steel sword and Wolf armor. He seems to be the group's acting leader in place of Kodlak because of his sickness, and the other members respect and fear him. He has also become the source of many Skyrim memes, as he is known for having some of the most hilarious quotes in Skyrim, such as, "You still need to prove yourself, whelp," even after the player has joined The Circle.
Torvar
Despite being amongst the ranks of The Companions, Torvar is also widely known for being one of the drunks around Whiterun. His fellow Shield-Siblings are constantly heard telling Torvar he cannot fight or participate in battles with them because of his drinking.
Like any of the drunks around Skyrim, Torvar is some comedy relief surrounded by the other hard and serious members of The Companions. Even though he is constantly scolded for drinking when training, he still participates in fights alongside the Dragonborn if asked to be a follower or a spouse. He is also one of the only Companions that can be added as a follower before joining. They have to drop some armor in front of him and allow him to take it when he asks. Perhaps he isn't the strongest one in the group, but if players are looking for a drinking buddy — he is their man.
Njada Stonearm
Njada is the feistiest of the bunch, who is not too pleased to see a newcomer amongst their ranks. She has a snarky, sarcastic disposition toward the player even after they complete the quests, although she will admit to being their friend every so often.
Njada is one of the only Sheild-Siblings who does not accept the Dragonborn amongst their ranks. In fact, she refuses to help them and constantly insults them — even after becoming Harbinger. Although her snarky behavior doesn't diminish completely, she does soften up toward the player once they complete the Companion questline, and she is available to become a follower or spouse. Even though she is brutal, she is a strong ally and the best defensive teacher.
Athis
Athis is the only Dunmer member within a large group of Nords. Although he is a quiet and civil individual, he is still a strong ally, with the ability to train expert-level One-Handed combat.
Athis has a unique storyline compared to the other Shield Siblings and explains that he had to "crawl" his way out of Morrowind. He admits he wasn't sure they would allow him to join — probably because he is an elf — but Skjor welcomed him in, exclaiming, "Even an Elf can be born with a heart of a Nord." Later, he can be added as a follower or a spouse. He is a decent archer and excellent swordsman, capable of training one-handed skills.
Ria
Ria is another of the only members who isn't a Nord, being the solo Imperial to join The Companions. She is also the newest member before players decide to join, making her more accepting than perhaps the others to a newcomer.
Ria explains how she has always wanted to be a Companion since she was a little girl and was fascinated to hear stories about their battles. She is more playful and friendly than the other female members. Upon further completing the quests, she is also another option for a follower and spouse. If players take her into battles with them, she can be seen dual-wielding her weapons, a rare trait for NPCs to have.
Vilkas
Vilkas is one of the most involved members of The Companions, assisting players on many quests. He is also the Commander-at-Arms for the Companions, training them in combative skills. Perhaps he is a tad less rugged than his brother Farkas, which might make him a better choice for a spouse.
Although Vilkas, at first, isn't thrilled about the Dragonborn joining their group, he eventually warms up to them and becomes a great teacher and friend. He is one of the only Companions who can give out 'Radiant' quests, and whether being a follower or not, joins the player in the Companions questline. He is one of the most intelligent members, and his book-smarts make him worlds different from his brother.
Aela The Huntress
Aela is one of the best Skyrim companions in two ways: one in being a member of The Companions, and two being a beloved follower. Aela is one of the most unique of the other members with her own original set of armor and fiery red hair. She is also one of the most popular and involved members.
Aela is an archery master and can train up to expert-level, making an excellent follower choice. She proves she is one of the most steadfast Companions and explains how all her female ancestors were Sheild-Sisters before her. Although it is rumored she had a close relationship with Skjor, she is also available to become a spouse to the players. She plays an important role in the Companions quests, being the one who offers up lycanthropy to the player by donating her own blood — one of the best Skyrim quests in the base game.
Farkas
Farkas is undoubtedly the best Companion due to his mere strength and kind-hearted disposition. He is an important member of the quests and a great choice for a follower or spouse.
The other Shield-Siblings like to tease Farkas for being the more dim-witted brother between Vilkas and him, but Farkas states he will punch anyone who believes he isn't smart. Despite being more brutish and prideful in his physical strength, he is nothing less than a teddy bear. He is one of the only Companions who accepts and is friendly to the player as they join and will assist them on most of the quests. In fact, he is so friendly Kodlak even writes in his journal that Farkas is "too kind-hearted" to be the next Harbinger. His skills with heavy armor and two-handed weapons make him one of the strongest allies.