Hold Capital: Windhelm

Related Quests

• Main Quest: Season Unending
• Civil War Quests: Joining the Stormcloaks
• Civil War Quests: The Jagged Crown
• Civil War Quests: Message to Whiterun
• Civil War Quests: Liberation of Skyrim
• Civil War Quests: A False Front
• Civil War Quests: Rescue from Fort Neugrad
• Civil War Quests: Compelling Tribute
• Civil War Quests: The Battle for Fort Snowhawk
• Civil War Quests: The Battle for Fort Sungard
• Civil War Quests: Battle for Whiterun
• Civil War Quests: Reunification of Skyrim
• Civil War Quests: Battle for Windhelm
• Side Quests: Rise in the East
• Side Quests: Blood on the Ice
• Side Quests: The White Phial
• Side Quests: Repairing the Phial
• Dark Brotherhood Quests: Innocence Lost
• Dark Brotherhood Quests: Mourning Never Comes
• Dark Brotherhood Quests: Breaching Security
• Thieves Guild Radiant Quests: No Stone Unturned (x2)
• Thieves Guild City Influence Quests: Summerset Shadows
• Miscellaneous Objectives: Innkeeper Rumors (Candlehearth Hall)
• Miscellaneous Objectives: Crew Cut† (Kjar)
• Miscellaneous Objectives: Nightshade for the Unliving† (Hillevi Cruel-Sea)
• Miscellaneous Objectives: Malborn’s Long Shadow† (Malborn)
• Favor (Activity): A Drunk’s Drink† (Brond)
• Favor (Activity): A Drunk’s Drink† (Torbjorn Shatter-Shield)
• Favor (Activity): The Gift of Charity† (Angrenor Once-Honored)
• Favor (Activity): The Gift of Charity† (Silda the Unseen)
• Favor: Special Delivery† (Adonato Leotelli)
• Favor: A Good Talking To† (Scouts-Many-Marshes)
• Favor: Sparring Partners† (Rolff)
• Favor: A Little Light Thievery† (Stands-in-Shadows)
• Favor: A Little Light Burglary† (Revyn Sadri)
• Favor: The Bandit Slayer† (Brunwulf Free-Winter)
• Favor: Rare Item Hunt† (Torbjorn Shatter-Shield)
• Favor: Item Retrieval (Bandit Camp)† (Shahvee)
• Favor: Item Retrieval (Cave)† (Oengul War-Anvil)
• Thane Quests: Thane of Eastmarch†

Habitation Type: Hold Capital (Major)

Crafting

• Alchemy Lab (2)
• Arcane Enchanter
• Blacksmith Forge
• Grindstones (2)
• Smelter
• Tanning Racks (3)
• Workbench (2)

Services

• Follower: Adelaisa Vendicci [34/47]
• Follower: Stenvar [35/47]
• Follower: Calder [36/47]
• House for Sale: Hjerim [4/5]
• Marriage Prospect: Scouts-Many-Marshes [39/62]
• Marriage Prospect: Shahvee [40/62]
• Marriage Prospect: Angrenor Once-Honored [41/62]
• Marriage Prospect: Stenvar [42/62]
• Marriage Prospect: Viola Giordano [43/62]
• Marriage Prospect: Quintus Navale [44/62]
• Marriage Prospect: Revyn Sadri [45/62]
• Marriage Prospect: Calder [46/62]
• Trader (Apothecary): Nurelion [8/12]
• Trader (Bartender): Ambarys Rendar [2/5]
• Trader (Blacksmith): Oengul War-Anvil [22/33]
• Trader (Fence): Niranye [5/10]
• Trader (Ferryman): Gjalund Salt-Sage [DB7/16]
• Trader (Food Vendor): Hillevi Cruel-Sea [8/9]
• Trader (General Store Vendor): Aval Atheron [9/19]
• Trader (General Store Vendor): Niranye [10/19]
• Trader (General Store Vendor): Revyn Sadri [11/19]
• Trader (Innkeeper): Elda Early-Dawn [11/15]
• Trader (Spell Vendor): Wuunferth the Unliving [11/12]
• Trainer [Destruction: Journeyman]: Wuunferth the Unliving [3/3]
• Trainer [Heavy Armor: Journeyman]: Hermir Strong-Heart [3/3]
• Trainer [Light Armor: Journeyman]: Scouts-Many-Marshes [1/3]
• Trainer [Pickpocket: Expert]: Silda the Unseen [1/3]
• Trainer [Speech: Journeyman]: Revyn Sadri [3/4]
• Trainer [Two-Handed: Expert]: Torbjorn Shatter-Shield [2/2]

Collectibles

• Skill Book [Alchemy]: A Game at Dinner [A2/10]
• Skill Book [Block]: The Mirror [D2/10]
• Skill Book [Conjuration]: 2920, Frostfall, v10 [A1/10]
• Skill Book [Destruction]: A Hypothetical Treachery [A2/10]
• Skill Book [Heavy Armor]: The Knights of the Nine [E2/10]
• Skill Book [Illusion]: The Black Arts On Trail [E1/10]
• Skill Book [Light Armor]: Ice and Chitin [A2/10]
• Skill Book [Pickpocket]: Thief [D1/10]
• Skill Book [Sneak]: The Red Kitchen Reader [D2/10]
• Skill Book [Speech]: 2920, Second Seed, v5 [A2/10]
• Unique Item: Viola’s Gold Ring [60/112]
• Unique Item: Strange Amulet [61/112]
• Unique Item: Necromancer Amulet [62/112]
• Unusual Gem: [16/24]
• Unusual Gem: [17/24]

Special Objects

• Business Ledger
• Civil War: Map of Skyrim
• Shrine of Arkay [8/12]
• Shrine of Talos [11/17]
• Chest
• Potions aplenty
• Loose gear

Lore: City Overview

Windhelm sits on the northern bank of the White River and is an imposing sight, with its massive ice-covered stone walls. Travelers to the city are greeted by the majestic frozen bridge leading to the main gate, but it is the old Palace of Ysgramor (now known as the Palace of the Kings), towering over all other structures in the city, that truly takes the breath away. The city slopes slightly northward and has different levels of elevation, with the Palace located at the city’s highest point, making it even more visible and striking. The streets are packed with snow, giving the city something of a claustrophobic feel; the sky is always white or overcast, and fierce blizzards batter the city with alarming regularity.

It is within these snow-strewn streets and icy alleys that Windhelm’s inhabitants live, usually with an overriding sense of tension. There’s a lot on the minds of the city’s residents these days. Skyrim is now in the throes of Civil War, and Jarl Ulfric Stormcloak leads the rebellion against the Empire. The Dark Elves in the Gray Quarter have grown increasingly disillusioned. Dragons have returned to the world and threaten to destroy all of Skyrim. And as if all that weren’t bad enough, a mysterious killer has been stalking the snowy streets of Windhelm at night and has already claimed three victims.

Important Areas of Interest

Exterior and Dockside

The Docks, located just outside the city walls to the southeast, make up Windhelm’s secondary economy. Here, merchants receive raw materials and other goods from all over the Empire, and ship out processed goods and raw materials unique to Skyrim. The Windhelm Docks are also where the East Empire Company has its only office outside of Solitude. Most of the dockworkers are poor Argonians who live on the docks in a large, ramshackle residence known as the Argonian Assemblage. They are the lowest class in all of Windhelm, and the Docks district is their domain.

City Gates and Bridge

Windhelm’s large fortified main gate serves as the primary means of entry into the city. The bridge leading to the gate from the Stables has side parapets, mostly in disrepair, but offers a good view of the ominous main walls. Head into the belly of the bridge (there’s an interior barracks) to discover a Skill Book resting on a table. You can drop down to the dockside from the right edge of the bridge, by the gate.

• Skill Book [Light Armor]: Ice and Chitin [A2/10]

East Empire Company

• Orthus Endario
• Adelaisa Vendicci (after Side Quests: Rise in the East has started)

The East Empire Company is the well-known Imperial Shipping organization and has spread its influence across Tamriel. A few years prior, the company made its first in-roads in Skyrim by establishing an office and shipping center in Windhelm. The organization enjoyed a brisk business here, in direct competition with that of Clan Shatter-Shield’s, but the office is now closed. It can be reopened as part of Side Quests: Rise in the East; if that happens, business will resume.

• Follower: Adelaisa Vendicci [34/47]
• Business Ledger
• Strongbox (Adept)

Clan Shatter-Shield Office

A small office building where Clan Shatter-Shield runs the business of their shipping operation. This has a front desk area where Suvaris Atheron meets clients, and a back area where records are kept, including a logbook noting the Clan’s decision to work clandestinely with pirates (Side Quests: Rise in the East).

• Suvaris Atheron’s Logbook
• Business Ledger
• Strongbox (Adept)

Argonian Assemblage

• Shahvee
• Stands-In-Shallows
• Scouts-Many-Marshes
• Neetrenaza

The Argonian Assemblage is a jail-like dwelling on the freezing Windhelm Docks that serves as communal housing for the city’s Argonian dockworkers. It is the worst building in all of Windhelm, outside the protection of the city’s giant stone walls.

• Marriage Prospect: Scouts-Many-Marshes [39/62]
• Marriage Prospect: Shahvee [40/62]
• Trainer (Light Armor: Journeyman): Scouts-Many-Marshes [1/3]
• Skill Book [Pickpocket]: Thief [D1/10]
• Knapsack

Warehouse

An old warehouse with nothing but slightly musty barrels and crates.

• Knapsack

Dock and the North Wind

• Kjar
• Dalan Merchad

The main dockside where the Argonian workers are ferrying wood and using the tanning rack is also where the North Wind is moored. Captain Kjar and first mate Dalan Merchad are sitting on this vessel, planning their next trip into the Sea of Ghosts. The steps between the Argonian Assemblage and the Warehouse leads to another Tanning Rack, and the city’s smaller, East Gate.

Gort (Ferryman) [3/3]

• Crafting: Grindstone, Tanning Rack, Workbench

[DB.01] Northern Maiden

Hold: Eastmarch

Related Quests

• Dragonborn Main Quest: Dragonborn

Habitation: Ferry

• Gjalund Salt-Sage
• Lygrleid
• Sogrlaf

Crafting

• Grindstone
• Workbench

The Northern Maiden is also moored at the Windhelm City Docks (Location 6).

Gjalund Salt-Sage

Gjalund’s surname is born from his love of the sea. He’s the proud captain of the Northern Maiden, well known in Raven Rock. Being one of their only lifelines to the mainland, he commands a great deal of respect. Gjalund’s passion for the sea is evidenced by his commitment to his ship, which (although small) he keeps in fine working order. Ferrying individuals and supplies to and from Windhelm has kept him occupied for a better part of the last 20 years, and he insists he’ll keep doing it until he dies.

Lygrleid

Sogrlaf

Only a single ship sails the waters between Skyrim and the port of Raven Rock on the isle of Solstheim. If you intend to visit the isle, speak to captain Gjalund aboard his ship, the Northern Maiden.

During Dragonborn Main Quest: Dragonborn, it transpires that Gjalund was befuddled for most of the trip, losing whole days of his memory after agreeing to bring the Cultists aboard. He has little desire to return to Solstheim, though. Unless you:

(500 gold) Agree to pay him double his usual rate, or

(Persuade) Tell him he owes you for bringing those killers to your doorstep, or

(Intimidate) Let him know you’re not taking no for an answer.

When successful, Gjalund agrees to set sail but leaves immediately. Ready yourself for the voyage to Solstheim. However, you can also visit the Northern Maiden without the forewarning of any Cultists or knowledge of Solstheim. If Dragonborn Main Quest: Dragonborn isn’t active, you must pay Gjalund 250 for the trip.

• Crafting: Grindstone, Workbench
• Trader (Ferryman): Gjalund Salt-Sage [DB7/16]

Interior

Stone Quarter

The Stone Quarter is Windhelm’s central district, the one visitors first enter when passing through the Main Gate into the city. It contains the marketplace and the most important shops and inn.

South Gate

• Rolff Stone-Fist
• Angrenor Once-Honored

Just inside the main gate are a number of stone steps and thoroughfares around the Candlehearth Hall. Rolff Stone-Fist is ranting his racism against Dark Elf Suvaris Atheron as his lackey Angrenor Once-Honored looks on. This ugly undercurrent of racial tension clashes with the spectacular and sturdy ancient Nord architecture of this wondrous walled city.

East Gate

This allows you quick access to and from Dockside, and allows you to enter close to the edge of the Gray Quarter.

Niranye’s House

Niranye Sofie

Niranye sets up her stall in the Stone Quarter Marketplace selling various goods, including Black-Briar Mead from Riften, fish from the docks, fruits and vegetables she must acquire from some outside contact, and various baubles. Her home is well appointed but not grand. Via a hidden panel, her house contains the locked (Expert) secret cellar headquarters of the Summerset Shadows. See Thieves Guild City Influence Quests: Summerset Shadows for more details.

• Niranye’s Safe (Expert)
• Knapsack

Candlehearth Hall

• Elda Early-Dawn
• Adonato Leotelli
• Susanna the Wicked
• Nils

Candlehearth Hall is the city’s inn, but to the people of Windhelm, it is much more than that. It is a place of warmth, comfort, and security, where all the troubles of the outside world are drowned away by cold mead. The inn gets its name from its giant fireplace, with a fire that is constantly attended. On the hearth above the great fire sits a lone candle that was lit 150 years earlier, when the inn was a smaller private residence, to mark the death of the great warrior Vundheim; since that day, the candle has never gone out.

• Follower: Stenvar [35/47]
• Marriage Prospect: Angrenor Once-Honored [41/62]
• Marriage Prospect: Stenvar [42/62]
• Marriage Prospect: Viola Giordano [43/62]
• Trader (Innkeeper): Elda Early-Dawn [11/15]
• Room for the night, Food
• Innkeeper Rumors
• Business Ledger
• Adonato’s Book
• Strongbox (Adept)
• Potions
• Loose gear

Calixto’s House of Curiosities

Calixto Corrium

Calixto’s House of Curiosities is like no other building in Skyrim. It is a private residence but has been set up as a collection of oddities, all of which have been gathered by the owner, Calixto Corrium, over a period of nearly 20 years. The items range from ingredients to the unique to the questionable (such as Ysgramor’s Spoon). Take the tour for two gold pieces. Calixto has a key that opens his chest on the upper cubbyhole.

• Calixto’s Chest (Requires Key)
• Calixto’s Key
• The Book of Fate
• The Dancer’s Flute
• Ysgramor’s Soup Spoon
• Knapsack
• Loose gear

Brunwulf Free-Winter’s House

Brunwulf Free-Winter

This well-kept house belongs to Brunwulf Free-Winter, Nord war hero. Aside from a few books, there’s some minor loot and a potion.

• Shadowmark: “Loot”
• Loose gear

Aretino Residence

Aventus Aretino

The Aretino Residence is where Aurelia Aretino lived with her young son Aventus, until her brutal murder in a Windhelm back alley a couple of weeks prior. Now, the home is locked up, but rumors around town (including talk from Idesa Sadri and Grimvar Cruel-Sea under the eaves of the house) are that young Aventus is inside—having escaped from the Honorhall Orphanage and returned home—and has gone mad with grief. That’s the only reasoning that could explain the strange noises coming from the house at odd hours. Consult the Dark Brotherhood Quests: Innocence Lost for more information. Inside the house, find a Skill Book hidden behind a shelf.

• Skill Book [Destruction]: A Hypothetical Treachery [A2/10]

Blacksmith Quarters

• Oengul War-Anvil
• Hermir Strong-Heart

Windhelm’s Blacksmiths consists of Oengul’s personal residence, with scattered weapons and books inside, and the smithing apparatus outside, close to the Marketplace. The alleyway back to the South Gate has a Wood Chopping Block.

• Shadowmark: “Loot”
• Crafting: Blacksmith Forge, Grindstone, Smelter, Tanning Rack, Workbench
• Trader (Blacksmith): Oengul War-Anvil [22/33]
• Weapons, Apparel, Misc
• Trainer (Heavy Armor: Journeyman): Hermir Strong-Heart [3/3]
• Loose gear

Marketplace

• Hillevi Cruel-Sea
• Aval Atheron

The marketplace consists of a group of stalls and shops close to the Blacksmiths and the White Phial. During the day, when the Marketplace is open, stalls sell various items, from armor to fresh fruits and vegetables.

• Trader (Food Vendor): Hillevi Cruel-Sea [8/9]
• Food
• Trader (General Store Vendor): Aval Atheron [9/19]
• Weapons, Apparel, Potions Food, Books, Misc
• Trader (Fence): Niranye [5/10]
• Trader (General Store Vendor): Niranye [10/19]
• Weapons, Apparel, Potions Food, Books, Misc

The White Phial

• Nurelion
• Quintus Navale

The White Phial is Windhelm’s apothecary and sells all manner of potions and alchemical reagents. It was named after an item of legend, the White Phial, a potion bottle made of magically infused snow, which was said to replenish any liquid placed into it, one day after that liquid was consumed or emptied. The truth is, the White Phial is quite real and is coveted greatly by the establishment’s owner and resident alchemist, Nurelion, who has recently learned of its location. In any case, search behind the counter to discover a Skill Book.

• Crafting: Alchemy Lab
• Marriage Prospect: Quintus Navale [44/62]
• Trader (Apothecary): Nurelion [8/12]
• Potions, Food, Ingredients, Books
• Skill Book [Illusion]: The Black Arts On Trail [E1/10]
• Business Ledger
• Strongbox (Adept)
• Potions aplenty
• Loose gear

Hall of the Dead

Helgird

The Windhelm Hall of the Dead is a large stone structure that serves as both mausoleum and Shrine to Arkay. The first chamber anyone enters is the shrine, and people do come to worship freely. But the rest of the building, and the lower catacombs, hold generations of Nord dead. The entire facility is overseen by Helgird, a Priestess of Arkay. Outside is a graveyard separated by the main thoroughfare; this is the scene of a gruesome murder that begins Side Quests: Blood on the Ice.

• Shrine to Arkay [8/12]
• Knapsack

Temple of Talos

• Lortheim
• Jora Wing-Wish

The Temple of Talos is immense and unique, and due to the current Civil War, it is the only full-fledged Temple of Talos in all of Skyrim. Here in Windhelm, a city held by the Stormcloaks, the people are free to worship Talos freely. You can get a Blessing at the altar, and the priests sleep behind in the alcove, which has a number of books you might wish to read.

• Shrine to Talos [11/17]

Gray Quarter

The Gray Quarter was so named because of the sheer number of Dark Elves who reside here. It was once named the “Snow Quarter,” but that was a long time ago. But to the elves, the name “Gray Quarter” is one of derision, cruelty, and discrimination. They believe the Nord people of Windhelm have always seen them as outsiders and hated them because of it.

• Unique Item: Viola’s Gold Ring [60/112]

Belyn Hlaalu’s House

Belyn Hlaalu

This is the house of Belyn Hlaalu, owner of the Hlaalu Farm, which is located just outside the city walls to the south. The house is well kept, and there’s a chest and Skill Book in a dark corner upstairs.

• Shadowmark: “Loot”
• Skill Book [Conjuration]: 2920, Frostfall, v10 [A1/10]
• Chest
• Knapsack
• Potion

Atheron Residence

Faryl Atheron

Suvaris Atheron

This large building serves as the home of the Dark Elf Atheron family, whose members have been hard-working laborers in Windhelm for nearly three generations. The Atherons are also tired of feeling like second-class citizens and are fairly strong leaders on the Dark Elf community of Windhelm.

• Potions

New Gnisis Cornerclub

• Ambarys Rendar
• Malthyr Elenil

The New Gnisis Cornerclub is the social center of the Dark Elves within Windhelm. Patrons can buy drinks and swap stories, but there are no rooms to rent. Ambarys, the proprietor, has no great love of the Nords (especially given the way they treat his fellow Dark Elves) and thus has allowed a back room to become a small headquarters for the Imperial faction in Skyrim. There are three floors; at the very top are the bedrooms and a business ledger. In the basement, a Skill Book is tucked between barrels beneath the stairs.

• Trader (Innkeeper): Ambarys Rendar [2/5]
• Food
• Innkeeper Rumors
• Skill Book [Alchemy]: A Game at Dinner [A2/10]
• Skill Book [Sneak]: The Red Kitchen Reader [D2/10]
• Business Ledger
• Potions
• Loose gear

Sadri’s Used Wares

Revyn Sadri

Sadri’s Used Wares is a large pawnshop, and the owner, Revyn Sadri, will buy and sell just about anything, with the exception of any goods he knows are stolen. Look on the counter shelves for a Skill Book.

• Marriage Prospect: Revyn Sadri [45/62]
• Trader (General Store Vendor): Revyn Sadri [11/19]
• Weapons, Apparel, Potions, Food, Books, Misc
• Trainer (Speech: Journeyman): Revyn Sadri [3/4]
• Skill Book [Speech]: 2920, Second Seed, v5 [A2/10]
• Business Ledger
• Potions aplenty
• Loose gear

Valunstrad

Translated from the ancient Nordic, Valunstrad means “Avenue of Valor.” It is the oldest section of Whiterun and has the largest buildings in the entire city, including the ancient and majestic Palace of the Kings.

House of Clan Shatter-Shield

• Torbjorn Shatter-Shield
• Tova Shatter-Shield
• Nilsine Shatter-Shield

Clan Shatter-Shield has lived in Windhelm for generations. They are from “old money,” garnered from the city’s shipping industry, and have not needed to do any kind of work for as long as anyone in the city can remember (much to the jealously and general derision of many citizens). They still control much of the shipping but leave the particulars up to their supervisor Suvaris Atheron and the workers at the Argonian Assemblage. Lately, the Shatter-Shields have become an object of pity, as one of the clan’s members, Friga, twin sister of Nilsine, was recently murdered by the unknown killer stalking Windhelm’s streets.

• Shadowmark: “Loot”
• Trainer (Two-Handed: Expert): Torbjorn Shatter-Shield [2/2]
• Unusual Gem: [16/24]
• Knapsack
• Loose gear

[HF.06] Hjerim

Related Quests

• Thane Task: Thane of Eastmarch
• Hearthfire Task: Adoption

Crafting

• Alchemy Lab
• Anvil
• Arcane Enchanter
• Cooking Pot

Miscellaneous

• Area is locked
• Chest
• Loose gear
• Potions aplenty

This dwelling is currently empty and has been unoccupied for some time. Translated from the Nord, the name means “Home of Frost.” Should you become the Thane of Windhelm (by completing Favors for the citizens and the Jarl), you can purchase this abode from Jarl Ulfric Stormcloak’s Steward, Jorleif. Consult the Thane Quests for more information.

• Follower: Calder (Housecarl) [36/47]
• House for Sale [4/5]
• Marriage Prospect: Calder [46/62]

Purchase Price: 12,000 gold

Jarl: Jarl Ulfric Stormcloak or Jarl Brunwulf Free-Winter

Steward: Jorleif or Captain Lonely-Gale

Available Decorations

• Alchemy Laboratory (1,500 gold)
• Armory (2,000 gold)
• Bedroom (1,000 gold)
• Children’s Bedroom (1,250 gold)
• Enchanting Laboratory (1,500 gold)
• Kitchen (1,000 gold)
• Living Room (1,500 gold)
• Clean up that murderer’s mess (500 gold)

Total cost: 22,250 gold

House of Clan Cruel-Sea

• Torsten Cruel-Sea
• Grimvar Cruel-Sea
• Sings-of-Dreams

This is the house of Clan Cruel-Sea, a well-liked and respected Nord family. Husband and wife Torsten and Hillevi run the Hollyfrost Farm, and now that they have a young son, they’re raising him to take over the family business someday. As expected for the location, the house is grand and spotlessly clean.

• Shadowmark: “Protected”
• Knapsack
• Potions
• Loose gear

Viola Giordano’s House

Viola Giordano

This large house is the residence of Viola Giordano, an elderly Imperial noblewoman who came to Skyrim several years prior with her (now deceased) husband, a captain in the Imperial Legion. Her dwelling is stocked with food and books.

• Shadowmark: “Loot”
• Chest (2)
• Potions

Palace of the Kings

The following people of Windhelm are the leaders of the Stormcloaks at the start of the Civil War:

Ulfric Stormcloak (Jarl)

Ulfric Stormcloak is the leader of the Stormcloaks, who are attempting to make Skyrim independent of the Empire. He fought in the Imperial Legions during the Great War against the Aldmeri Dominion, 20 years ago, distinguishing himself in the battle at the Imperial City, which ended the war in the White-Gold Concordat. In 176, he was one of the key figures in the Markarth Incident. Soon after, he founded the Stormcloaks (initially as an underground group centered around the now-proscribed worship of Talos). He became Jarl of Windhelm after the death of his father Hoag in 183.

In 201, he killed the High King of Skyrim in the throne room of the Blue Palace in Solitude, declaring him a lackey of the Empire and no true Nord (the slaying was based on the High King’s support for the Empire’s policy of suppression of Talos worship). A surprisingly swift and effective response by the Empire (possibly secretly aided by Thalmor informants) led to his arrest along with those of his associates. After escaping death in Helgen, he returned to his throne. Fiery and impetuous, he is a born leader but lacks the cool head of a military strategist. He passionately believes in his cause, though; he is not an opportunist—although the chance to become King of Skyrim certainly does appeal to his substantial ego.

Galmar Stone-Fist (Housecarl)

Galmar is old but still hale, a very experienced Nord warrior and Ulfric’s right-hand man. He served Ulfric’s father and is more concerned with winning the war than the politics behind it. He is one of Ulfric’s most trusted allies and acts as the main field commander for the Civil War.

Jorleif (Steward)

Jorleif is an excellent advisor, especially in this time of war. Ulfric greatly values Jorleif’s council and especially appreciates the man’s honesty and realistic assessments of the ongoing conflict.

Captain Lonely-Gale

One of Skyrim’s most respected citizens, Captain Lonely-Gale made his fortune as a trading ship captain working the rivers and coastlines of Skyrim. Those adventurous days are behind him now, but his authoritative, commanding nature remains and the people of Windhelm have a great respect for his fair and evenhanded views of the war. It is these qualities that cause Brunwulf Free-Winter to choose him as a Steward when he takes over as Jarl following a successful invasion of Windhelm by the Imperial forces during the Civil War.

Wuunferth the Unliving (Court Wizard)

An ancient and frail Court Wizard, Wuunferth is also an immensely powerful magic user and is obsessed with becoming even more powerful. The people of Windhelm are convinced the man has sold his soul to some Daedra or is only part human, and that’s how he earned the title “the Unliving.” For his part, Ulfric doesn’t necessarily like Wuunferth and distrusts his sorcery, but he respects the great power the man holds and his possible use in the Civil War.

• Unique Item: Necromancer Amulet [62/112]

Sifnar Ironkettle

Silda the Unseen

• Trainer (Pickpocket: Expert): Silda the Unseen [1/3]

The following residents of Windhelm take control of Windhelm once this Hold falls during the Civil War.

Jarl Brunwulf Free-Winter

Brunwulf’s reputation and natural leadership would be enough to make him the Empire’s choice to replace Ulfric as Jarl of the city, but the fact that its people both love and respect him cements the choice. Brunwulf has no patience for those who exhibit prejudice, and this fits well with the Empire’s cosmopolitan views. Notably, Brunwulf will forgo the naming of a Housecarl because he believes that he can defend himself capably enough, and he does not want anyone else to risk their life on his behalf.

Captain Lonely-Gale (Steward)

When Brunwulf ascends to the position of Jarl, he calls upon Captain Lonely-Gale to join him as Steward. In his days as a ship’s master, the good captain earned his success by running a tight ship and managing his resources wisely. Brunwulf is counting on those same qualities as he works to heal his city and his Hold from the scars of war.

Palace of the Kings: Ground Floor

The Palace of the Kings is an ancient stone fortress that now serves as the city’s main keep. These days, the palace serves as the headquarters of the Stormcloaks, under the leadership of Jarl Ulfric Stormcloak, who sits upon the ancient Throne of Ysgramor. And so the Palace of the Kings is the center of the pro-Nord war effort in the Civil War.

Door to Windhelm

The two massive front doors are built to withstand an army.

Great Hall

Once a place of great merriment, this banquet and throne of Ysgramor is a place of planning and argument. There is much of the feast still left on the table to steal.

Door to Palace of the Kings Upstairs

War Room

Inside the Palace Keep, Ulfric and his advisors discuss their Civil War strategies.

• Civil War: Map of Skyrim
• Loose gear

Door to Palace of the Kings Upstairs

Kitchens

Food preparation for the castle occurs here.

Door to Windhelm Barracks

Palace of the Kings: Upstairs

Door to Palace of the Kings

Private Chambers

These four upstairs chambers are for guests of the Jarl. The northeastern chamber has a couple of books of interest.

• Skill Book [Heavy Armor]: The Knights of the Nine [E2/10]

Wuunferth the Unliving’s Chamber

The Court Wizard resides here and has a supply of scrolls and books for you to purchase and ingredients to steal.

• Crafting: Alchemy Lab, Arcane Enchanter
• Trader (Spell Vendor): Wuunferth the Unliving [11/12]
• Apparel, Scrolls, Books, Misc
• Trainer (Destruction: Journeyman): Wuunferth the Unliving [3/3]
• Unusual Gem: [17/24]
• Loose gear

Palace of the Kings Upstairs II

Door to Palace of the Kings Upstairs

This separate area is accessed from the War Room.

Private Chambers

These four upstairs chambers are for guests of the Jarl.

Jarl Ulfric Stormcloak’s Bed Chamber

The largest bed in all of Windhelm greets you, as well as some musty tomes to read. A Skill Book rests on a table here, partially covered by another book.

• Skill Book [Block]: The Mirror [D2/10]

Door to Windhelm Barracks (aka Bloodworks)

Windhelm Barracks

The sleeping quarters for the city’s guards. Note the chests in one corner.

• Evidence Chest
• Prisoner Belongings Chest

Windhelm Jail

Unlike some other capital cities, there are no secret exits when you’re caught in Windhelm. Pick the lock (Adept) to face a guard’s wrath, or serve out your sentence.