Liberation of Skyrim – Rescue from Fort Neugrad

The Brotherhood Rewards Risk-Takers

Return to the Palace of the Kings in Windhelm, and speak with Ulfric Stormcloak. Due in part to your actions at Whiterun, the Imperials have been driven out of that Hold, and Ulfric controls the middle of Skyrim. For your service, Ulfric has a new Nordic name for you: Ice-Veins, for the thick blood of his land has seeped into your heart. He also has an Imperial officer’s sword to give you, a fitting blade with which to kill the enemy. Ask what the next move is, and Ulfric tells you to head to a hidden camp within Falkreath Hold. Galmar Stone-Fist has important tasks for you there.

• Leveled Weapon

Journey to the Falkreath Stormcloak Camp east of Helgen, just above the snow line in the foothills of the Throat of the World.

Aside from a Quartermaster and a Grindstone to help augment your weaponry, there’s an alchemy table near the hospital tents and troops to speak to. However, Galmar’s tent is the place to visit, where the Nord is pouring over the current Civil War map. Report for duty, and he wants you to head to Fort Neugrad. You are to infiltrate the fort, as the Legion are holding some Stormcloaks prisoner there. He aims to use your cunning to find a way inside, free the men, and liberate the fort. This is an attack from the inside!

Trek down the rugged terrain to the main road west of the fort (Fast-Traveling from Helgen and then sprinting to meet your men is a quick option). As there are two roads in this area, if you head straight toward Fort Neugrad (without sneaking), the enemy soldiers recognize you as a Stormcloak and raise the alarm. You can fight on anyway, but until Ralof and his men figure out something is amiss and catch up with you, you’re alone against the entire Imperial garrison! This is not recommended.

Instead, walk or Fast-Travel to Helgen, and take the road south from there (the one you traveled during the opening moments of your adventure). This brings you to the rendezvous point without alerting the enemy.

You soon encounter a small team of four men. One of them is your old friend Ralof, who has already reconnoitered Fort Neugrad. It appears particularly large and well defended over the brow of the hill, partly due to the mountain slopes keeping raiders away from the walls. However, there is an underwater cave entrance in the lake behind the fort, and Ralof reckons it goes straight into the prison. The plan is to sneak in there, free the prisoners, and kill anyone you meet. Ralof will rush the fort when they hear fighting, and you’ll rendezvous in the courtyard. At this point, inform Ralof that you’ve agreed to the plan and begin the sneak.

Or, tell Ralof you aren’t interested in sneaking. At this point, you can take a direct (and far more dangerous) approach: assault the fort via the main entrance and battle down to the prisoners inside. This is possible but it’s significantly riskier, because you don’t have the aid of additional soldiers from the prison.

Lakeside Infiltration

Continue up the road until you see the fort. Wait for nightfall, when the guards change shifts and the patrols become lighter. Take advantage of any stealthy gear or spells you have (Muffle and Invisibility make this infiltration a breeze). Then crouch and move in. Head to the small jetty and lake to the fort’s east, and then dive into the murky lake. Turn left (west) and look for the underwater cave entrance. Swim into the underground flooded cave. You are now in Fort Neugrad Prison.

Climb out of the water, head north through the narrow tunnel and northwest through a barrel-storage cellar, and go up some steps. There are two guards in this area, a jailor and a soldier on patrol. Wait until the jailor is alone and seated on his chair. Then use a well-placed arrow to remove him quickly. Swiftly take the key from his body and release the prisoners before the other soldier can investigate. The jailbreak is on! The freed men quickly don their armor and follow your lead.

Sprint up the spiral stone steps to the fort’s entrance hall and fireplace. Move west to the exterior door, into the outside courtyard, and begin slaughtering the half-dozen soldiers guarding the outside of the fort. They usually stream in from all angles, but Ralof arrives with his men to help your team out. The numerous gaps in the walls allow you to hide and dart out if you’re engaging in longer-ranged attacks or needing to rest between Stamina exertions. Don’t forget the enemies by the wooden side building and campfire to the southwest.

Move with your men—they are tough in single combat, but if your whole group concentrates on one target at a time, you can take your foes down quickly. Methodically head to the fort’s front, where Ralof’s men are fighting their way in. With your combined forces, you have no trouble taking out the remaining defenders.

Once the courtyard is clear, the other soldiers remain outside to secure it. Your next step is to crush the remaining stragglers inside the keep. With Ralof’s help, head inside. The interior of Fort Neugrad is a circular path, allowing you to move quickly left or right (as the main chamber is open to attack from all sides) and begin a sweep of the keep. Your most dangerous adversary is the fort’s commander, who is in his room on the upper floor’s east side.

When everyone wearing red is dead, find Ralof and report back to him. You’re to report back to Ulfric while he remains here to tidy up the mess.

Civil War Quests: Rescue from Fort Neugrad may have finished, but the Liberation of Skyrim continues.

Quest Conclusion

Trek back to the Palace of the Kings and let Ulfric know of your victory. Falkreath’s main fortress is in Stormcloak hands, so the heart and soul of Skyrim is now the domain of the Nords. Ulfric Stormcloak has come to enjoy your ferocity and determination. Some brothers have taken to calling you Bone-Breaker. Ulfric calls you that too. Along with this, you receive a new weapon and the ability to purchase a home in Windhelm. Consult with Jorleif, Ulfric’s Steward. Ask what the next move is, and Ulfric tells you to report to Galmar at the Stormcloak camp in the Reach.

• Leveled Weapon

Postquest Activities

Civil War Quests: Liberation of Skyrim is still going. Civil War Quests: Compelling Tribute begins once you check in with Galmar. In addition, speak to Jorleif if you wish to purchase a dwelling inside Windhelm.