Joining the Stormcloaks

Before the Rebellion: Unending Brotherhood

After escaping from underneath the battlements of the burning town of Helgen and watching the dragon responsible for disrupting your execution, talk to Ralof. He tells you he’s headed to Riverwood and asks if you want to accompany him. As you progress down the hillside, he recommends you head to Windhelm and join the Stormcloaks.

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• MISCELLANEOUS OBJECTIVE: Join the Stormcloak Rebellion
• TARGET: Palace of the Kings, in Windhelm

Trek to the main fortification of the Stormcloaks in Skyrim—the stone city of Windhelm perched by a confluence of rivers. As you enter, racial tensions are bubbling under the surface, with Nords and Dark Elves living an uneasy existence close to each other. Continue into Windhelm, past the Candlehearth Hall, and step into the impressive courtyard. Beyond lies the Palace of the Kings, within Windhelm’s walls. Check the throne at the far end of the huge banqueting table, or head west into the strategy planning room, where Jarl Ulfric Stormcloak and Galmar Stone-Fist are shouting about the war effort. Galmar is telling Ulfric that the Empire is putting great pressure on the Hold City of Whiterun.

Ulfric grows weary of Jarl Balgruuf of Whiterun. The leader of this key strategic Hold City has not chosen a side in this war, and Ulfric wishes to send a stronger message. Tell Ulfric you were at Helgen; quicken his trust by saying Ralof said he’d vouch for you. Ulfric is always looking for able fighters, and Galmar has a test for you after you answer why you wish to fight for Skyrim. You’re to head to Serpentstone Island. Survive, and you pass this test. This quest officially begins now.

Confirming Metal and Mettle

Off the edge of Winterhold Hold, within the frigid waters of the Sea of Ghosts north of Windhelm and northwest of the Wreck of the Pride of Tel Vos, is the eerie calm of countless ice and rock formations. Among them is Serpentstone Isle. Wade to the north side for easier access up to the cluster of standing stones, guarded by an Ice Wraith. Engage this vicious beast in combat, killing it with your preferred weapon. Search it, as its essence is valuable. Then check the sign of the Serpent if you want its ranged paralyzing poison attribute in place of your current blessing (assuming you have one).

Quest Conclusion

Head back to the Palace of the Kings, where Galmar tells judges that you’re definitely Stormcloak material. He says that it is time to officially join the Stormcloak Rebellion. Tell Galmar you’re ready and agree to recite this oath:

“I do swear my blood and honor to the service of Ulfric Stormcloak, Jarl of Windhelm and true High King of Skyrim. As Talos is my witness, may this oath bind me to death and beyond, even to my lord as to my fellow brothers and sisters in arms. All hail the Stormcloaks, the true sons and daughters of Skyrim!”

Postquest Activities

You are now one of the Stormcloaks, given the title Unblooded, and are ready to prove your worth to Galmar and Ulfric. Galmar Stone-Fist hands you the proper attire, which you can wear, discard, or sell as you please. He also has your next assignment: Civil War Quests: The Jagged Crown.

• Footwraps
• Fur Boots
• Hide Helmet
• Stormcloak Cuirass
• Stormcloak Gauntlets