Message to Whiterun

Decisions at Whiterun

Immediately after congratulating you on locating the Bone Crown, Jarl Ulfric Stormcloak explains that he has a message he needs delivered to the Jarl of Whiterun. Inquire why he’s handing you an axe as the message, and Ulfric explains that if the Jarl keeps the axe, Ulfric will bide his time. If the axe is returned, it means war.

• Ulfric’s War Axe

Head past the Whiterun Stables and start the long, slow climb. Go over the drawbridge and to the main Whiterun gate. As you approach, a guard stops you; the city is closed with the news of the dragons spreading faster than you can travel. You can:

• Tell the guard that Riverwood calls for the Jarl’s aid. This is the optimal plan and is available only if Main Quest: Before the Storm is active.
• (Persuade) Or you can tell the guard you have news from Helgen about the dragon attack.
• (Bribe) Or bribe the guard with a proportion of your collected gold.
• (Intimidate) Or order the guard to stand aside.

Once you’re inside the walls of Whiterun, head north, to the hilltop on which the city sits. Go past the Gildergreen tree and the Shrine to Talos. Climb the stone steps to discover Dragonsreach, home of the Jarl. Walk toward the huge central fire on either side of the banqueting tables. You are met by Irileth, Jarl Balgruuf’s Housecarl. Explain to her that you have a message from Ulfric Stormcloak, and she immediately lets you past. You can converse with her at length if you wish, or offer other responses with the Main Quest active, but mentioning Ulfric’s name allows you to progress more quickly.

Approach the Jarl and inform him that you have a message from Ulfric Stormcloak. His responses are dictated by the current situation regarding the dragons returning to Skyrim, and how far through the Main Quest you have progressed.

At this point, you must have completed both Main Quest: Bleak Falls Barrow and Main Quest: Dragon Rising, then returned to the Jarl, heard the call of the Greybeards, and received your Housecarl, Lydia.

If these two quests have not yet been completed, you must do so. Refer to the Main Quest for all relevant information.

Once the excitement over the defeat of the dragon at the Western Watchtower has subsided, approach the Jarl and tell him that Jarl Ulfric Stormcloak asked you to deliver an axe to him. He asks for his steward, Proventus Avenicci, and his Housecarl, Irileth, to comment on these matters.

Avenicci recommends a wait-and-see approach to Ulfric’s threat. Irileth believes it is time to act, while the Jarl wishes to challenge Ulfric to face him as a man and declare his intentions. Avenicci favors a garrison of Imperials, while Irileth deems this to be cowardly. You can interrupt this back-and-forth, or let the Jarl conclude. The results are the same: The Jarl has the answer to your message. He returns the axe.

• Ulfric’s War Axe

This Means War

Journey back to Windhelm and seek Ulfric Stormcloak’s council. Tell him that the axe has been returned. Ulfric sees that he was wrong about the Jarl.

Quest Conclusion

Ulfric tells Galmar he was correct. Galmar informs him that he’s toured the Stormcloak camps, and his forces are ready for an attack on Whiterun. The decision to send so many men to their deaths weighs heavily on Ulfric. Galmar is certain the men and women of Skyrim want this insurrection, and there is no turning back now. Ulfric agrees; a new day is dawning and the sun rises over Whiterun. And the Sons of Skyrim will greet that dawn with teeth and swords flashing! Ulfric wants you on the front lines. Fight well or die well. Talos be with you!

Postquest Activities

The immediate commencement of Civil War Quests: Battle for Whiterun is now under way!