Board Thread:General Discussion/@comment-177.17.97.30-20130910001545/@comment-3012590-20130930164432

It depends on where you got this "Riekling Warrior" from. If you simply recruited him from the Thirsk Mead Hall, he will only equip bows. If you want a melee-oriented Riekling (one that will equip Greatswords), you will need to explore Solstheim until random creatures (including Dragons) attack you. Eventually, a trio of Rieklings will arrive to help you fight; you can tell that they're melee-oriented by their feathered headdresses and the way they poke their foes with their spear rather than chuck 'em. They won't become your pet until you enter the dialogue to do so ("come with me, Tribe-Kin"), however.