Does anyone ever hear their companions' idle dialogue?

BretonMage · May 19

As you probably know, companions have idle lines which they will say after 10 or 15 minutes (?) of the player idling. I have my companion reactions set to normal frequency, yet I feel like I practically never hear them, though I'm idle a lot. I've heard Azandar and Bastian both a grand total of once in the past 2 years, and Sharp, never. Some of their lines are great insights into their characters and histories, and I really wish I heard them more often. Or, indeed, at all.

For example, here's one of Azandar's that I copied off UESP. I've never heard it in-game, of course: "You have most likely noticed, but all my life I have erm. Struggled. With communication, commiseration. My intellect is attuned to a frequency all its own. But you seem to appreciate this. And thus, I appreciate you."

I've just done a test in-game and even after 15 minutes on normal or frequent dialogue setting, none of the idle lines for Sharp or Azandar have triggered.

What's your experience of these idle lines? Are there any tricks to ensure they run? Are they bugged?

LostScot · May 19

I've had a few idle lines from Sharp-as-Night while banking...

Hard to find my place in this world. The Thieves Guild is run by incompetents. Fighters Guild, too social. I'm too dumb to join the Mages Guild. Too smart to join the Undaunted. Too sane to join the Dark Brotherhood. For now, I guess I'm stuck with you.

People talk about finding someone you could share long, companionable silences with. Didn't know what that'd be like until ... well, just now.

You ever look at a guar? I mean, really look at a guar? They've got those clawed little hands tucked up there ... You think I'd get bit if I just grabbed one of those little clawed hands? Probably what I'd do if someone grabbed my hand.

Found out the hard way that I still know a bit of Jel from my life before. Ended up snorting my drink all over someone who asked me to be their uxith-beeko for the night at some tavern in Helstrom. Haven't been back since.

old_scopie1945 · May 19

I have always had Ember, but even now she will say something new from time to time.

vsrs_au · May 19

I've had Mirri as a companion for some time now, and I've heard her dialogue when I've been idle.

TybaltKaine · May 19

I think it depends on a couple of factors. Rapport has an influence obviously, and I also think how long you've actually been idle. I mean like, actually idle, not doing anything. I heard one from Ember yesterday that I hadn't heard before where she says "It's okay to be scared". I'm always ripping and running with her, so rarely do I just stop and wait around doing nothing.

LunaFlora · May 19

i hear it occasionally, but i do have the companion reactions set on frequent.

spartaxoxo · May 19

Yes. I hear it when I am idle sometimes. I have my companions set to frequent.

BretonMage · May 19

I just spent a few hours testing Sharp's and Azandar's idle dialogue. Parked my character somewhere with either Sharp or Azandar out, and left them. Started a stopwatch, did not touch the mouse or keyboard.

I managed to get Azandar's idle dialogue after 6 minutes on frequent setting. Rapport is almost maxed out with him.

Sharp's idle dialogue did not trigger, not even after 20 minutes. My character has high rapport with him, say about 80-85%, but not close to max.

So it may well be a rapport issue, as @TybaltKaine mentioned. It's interesting that they only share their thoughts with you at max rapport; it makes it a much more meaningful act when you think about it.

antihero_kazuma · May 22

Idle chatter for Ember "I get all my worst ideas when I'm standing around like this. See, right now I'm thinking about a fishing rod that boils the fish with magic, and stealing pants"