It is apparently possible to recruit companions who will fight by your side, carry out simple tasks, and so forth. I have managed to acquire one in the very first village, but have thus far not had him travel with me because I don't know how sturdy he'll be in combat.
Do companions die permanently, like most NPCs? Or do they become incapacitated/unconscious like vital questgivers? Die but can be picked up again from their original location later?
Best Answer
Follower death is handled pretty oddly;
But there are situations that may cause a follower to die permanently, even after they enter the "knocked out"/"cower" state: if an enemy keeps wailing on them, there's a chance they'll die permanently.
But it's not guaranteed: looking around online, I've found numerous accounts of Lydia or Faendal dying easily, but others who swear nothing they do kills them. UESP describes the follower death mechanics as such: