Skyrim:Skald

Skald (RefID: 0001A6C0) (lore page)
Home City	Dawnstar
House	The White Hall
Race	Elder	Gender	Male
Level	PC×1 (range=10-25)	Class	Warrior
RefID	0001A6C0	BaseID	00013620
Other Information
Health	50+(PC-1)×11.7
Magicka	50
Stamina	50+(PC-1)×3.3
Primary Skills	Heavy Armor, One-handed, Archery, Block
Class Details	CombatWarrior1H
Morality	No Crime	Aggression	Unaggressive
Essential	Yes
Voice Type	MaleOldGrumpy
Faction(s)	CrimeFactionPale; Favor153QuestGiverFaction; Favor256QuestGiverFaction; JobJarlFaction; Ruling Government; Sons of Skyrim Government; TownDawnstarFaction

Jarl Skald on his throne

Skald arguing with Brina Merilis

Skald in exile in the Palace of the Kings

Skald is an elderly Nord and the initial Jarl of Dawnstar in the Pale. A militant supporter of the Stormcloak rebellion and fiercely loyal to its leader, Ulfric Stormcloak, he will be overthrown if the Imperial Legion prevails, and replaced by Brina Merilis.

He has been Jarl for 35 years and is generally regarded as too arrogant and overzealous to the Stormcloak cause for the position. The majority of the townsfolk find his political fanaticism foolish and his personality unpleasant, including members of his court. Many would much prefer Empire supporter Brina Merilis as jarl.

His attire reflects his status and personality and includes a full set of noble clothes with fur-lined boots and a silver and moonstone circlet. He carries a steel sword and a selection of upper-class items and gold.

Due to his political beliefs, Skald has surrounded himself with veterans from the Great War, including court wizard Madena and housecarl Jod, although both of them disagree with his stance. As a result, Skald spends the entire day—from when he wakes up at 8am until his bedtime at midnight—sitting on his throne and arguing with his staff about political matters, at times belittling his life-long servant Bulfrek. In the event that the Imperial Legion regains the Pale in the civil war, Jarl Skald will move to the Palace of the Kings and live in exile. The only exception to his daily routine in Dawnstar occurs when you visit the city for the first time; he will then be engaged in a heated debate with his rival Brina Merilis just outside the entrance to the White Hall.

Related Quests

Radiant Quests

• Delivery: Deliver an item to an associate.
• Kill the Giant: Do a favor for the Jarl of Dawnstar by killing a giant.
• Thane of the Pale: Gain the title of Thane of the Pale.
• A Jarl's Justice^DG: Kill a vampire masquerading as a Visiting Advisor.

• This NPC is one of many potential quest givers or quest targets for one or more of the Radiant quests.

Dialogue

His greetings:

"I've been in charge of Dawnstar for over 35 years."

"No Empire is going to take the Jarlship away from this Son of Skyrim."

"The Pale will throw those Imperial backbiters up against the wall when they come for us."

"Skyrim will not bow to a false king any longer. Ulfric is the true king."

When asked how Dawnstar stands in the civil war, he will be quite confident:

How is Dawnstar faring in the war?

"The Stormcloaks are destined to win this fight. Talos is with us, and when you fight under a Divine's blessing, victory is assured. Dawnstar has a history of being the site of battles that have crippled the fate of the Empire. I hope this remains true."

Is Dawnstar prepared for dragon attacks?

"The only reason dragons are attacking is because Talos is angry with us for turning our backs on him. As soon as we drive the Empire out of Skyrim, the dragons will vanish. Mark my words."

When spoken to in exile, he'll make it clear that he holds a grudge:

"Damn Imperials. They won't hold Dawnstar forever."

"Why are you speaking to me, Imperial?"

When exiting dialogue:

"Don't bother me again unless it's important."

Quest-Related Dialogue

Delivery

When you deliver an innocent note on behalf of the workers at Anga's Mill:

I have a delivery from Aeri.

"What's this? Oh, that's right, the timbers from Anga's Mill. I swear, that Aeri and her men would make fine Stormcloak recruits. Pity we can't spare the lumber to conscript them. Here. Take this. For your time and all that."

Waking Nightmare

If you have yet to start the quest Waking Nightmare, an annoyed Skald will greet you with:

"Unless you're here to solve this nightmare problem, I don't need you."

Nightmare problem?

"That's right. Dawnstar. My Dawnstar is plagued with nightmares. I haven't slept properly in days. That priest of Mara who came here before you says the Divines will cure us. Well, until they do, I don't have any business to discuss with outsiders."

Once the quest has been completed:

"The nightmares in Dawnstar have lifted, and I hear you helped that happen. You have my thanks."

He now has confidence enough to hand you a few smaller tasks.

Kill the Giant

I'm looking for work.

"Giants are a common problem in the Pale. The Empire always demanded I leave them be, but the Empire isn't here now. Go and slay one of the beasts. It should let them know that Dawnstar is not to be trifled with."

I don't have time for that.

"You don't have time? Fine."

It will be done.

"I'm counting on you"

His goodbye:

"Good luck with the giant. Don't get stepped on."

When you return with:

The giant in (Giant Camp) is dead.

"You've shown those monsters that they will no longer be tolerated in the Pale. Good work. Here, a reward from your Jarl."

After this favor, he will be ready to make you Thane of the Pale, provided you have helped his people three times. This ends Skald's small string of quests.

Rumors

In Dawnstar, several citizens will tell you about the current Jarl. Mine owner Leigelf has the following to say about Dawnstar's jarl: "That would be Skald the Elder. He's been running Dawnstar ever since he was a boy, and he never lost that brat's attitude. Turned on the Empire first chance he got. Now we're all part of this rebellion." Beitild will also share her opinion: "That would be Jarl Skald the Elder. He's over in the White Hall, probably talking about Ulfric like he's the second coming of Talos." The aging Frida can remember Skald from way back, but still thinks him as a fool and prefers Brina Merilis: "Pfft. I'm the oldest woman in Dawnstar. Was here when the Skald the Elder was Skald the Younger. He's a fool, if you haven't met him already. Thinks Ulfric Stormcloak is invincible and spits dragon fire. The people here look to Brina Merilis when they need things settled. Real firebrand going up. Wasn't surprised when she joined the Legion." Lastly, Brina Merilis herself will comment briefly on the argument you visited in front of the White Hall: "The Jarl and I have our disagreements. Sorry if you had to overhear one of them" and "Skald supports Ulfric's rebellion, and he doesn't like having a couple of old Legionnaires living in his town. He's a fool. A dragon has attacked Helgen. Dawnstar needs the Empire now more than ever."

Conversations

Outside

When you arrive in Dawnstar for the first time:

Brina: "Divines [sic] sake, Skald. Who do you think we're threatening with our old war wounds? We're not soldiers, anymore."

Skald: "Your man Horik is wearing his old Legion armor. What should I make of that?"

Brina: "He's proud of his service, Skald. The Legion taught us loyalty. And we're loyal to Dawnstar."

Skald: "This isn't over. I catch you sending one letter to General Tullius, I'll have you both executed."

The White Hall

"I didn't sign up to kill."

Madena, the court wizard, works reluctantly under Skald out of loyalty for the people of Dawnstar:

Madena: "Skald, I've been meaning to ask you for a leave of absence. I wish to return to High Rock until this war is over."

Skald: "You wish to leave now? In Skyrim's moment of triumph, just before we cast off the yoke of Imperial rule?"

Madena: "Yes, that's exactly what I'm asking. I'm not a Nord, I'm a Breton, and I have no wish to fight this war."

Skald: "I don't think so, Madena. There will be no deserters in this hold, and that's final."

Skald: "Madena, can we count on your spells to assist us in this war? The Empire is bound to bring their battlemages against us."

Madena: "I told you before, Skald, I have no interest in taking sides in this war. I've no desire to be killed."

Skald: "What good is a court mage if she refuses to fight? Where's your sense of duty?"

Madena: "When I came here, my only duties were to cure crop diseases and occasionally light a bonfire on holidays. I didn't sign up to kill."

Skald: "Fine, but this isn't over Madena. We'll talk again."

He can be overheard speaking to Bulfrek:

"By the Divines, I'm tired."

Bulfrek: "Skald, if you don't mind sir, I have a request."

Skald: "You, have a request of me, Bulfrek? This should be interesting."

Bulfrek: "Well, I was thinking sir, with the war going on and all. Maybe, I could enlist? Fight the Imperials?"

Skald: "A servant? Enlisting in the Stormcloaks? Ah, Bulfrek, that's why I like having you about. You're always good for a laugh."

Bulfrek: "Uh, yes sir. That's me. The oafish servant."

Skald: "Bulfrek, I have an order of swords and armor from the local blacksmith coming here. I need every piece polished to a fine shine."

Bulfrek: "Yes, my Jarl. We could hardly waste anyone else's precious time on such a tedious task."

Skald: "Exactly, Bulfrek. You always know your place."

Speaking to Jod:

"My only aim is to keep the peace."

Jod: "My Jarl, I have concerns about the safety of Dawnstar."

Skald: "Safety? Don't I have you to handle the town's safety? What is this about, Jod?"

Jod: "You keep pledging more and more of our guard to the frontlines. The way this is going, we won't be able to defend our own borders."

Skald: "Nonsense. The best place for our men is driving the Imperials back. I will ensure that men from Dawnstar get every opportunity for glory."

Jod: "Glory is meaningless if they have no home to return to. I urge you to lower our commitments to the front until I'm sure we're safe."

Skald: "I won't have you rob our soldiers of their chance to drive out the Empire. I'm done discussing this, Jod."

Skald: "We are poised for glory, Jod. The Empire will never take Dawnstar while every last man, woman, and child here draws breathe [sic]!"

Jod: "With respect, Jarl. You can't ask everyone to throw themselves against trained Legionnaires. Let's leave the fighting to the Stormcloaks."

Skald: "You're right. Why dilute the glory with too many souls fighting over it? We'll drive out the Empire and be celebrated as heroes when we win."

Jod: "If we win. This war is going to drag on for years. I can feel it. We need to prepare for a long struggle ahead."

Skald: "Enough of your dire predictions! We will talk about this another time."

Notes

• In the Prima Official Game Guide, the summary for him reads:

"Skald has ruled Dawnstar since his father's death on the battlefield 35 years ago. He came into his rule in his teenage years and has never really lost the arrogance and sense of invincibility that comes with that age. He is quick to judge and doesn't change his mind once he has decided something."

• The court of Dawnstar, whether under the control of Skald or Brina Merilis, is the only one that doesn't employ the services of a steward.
• Skald doesn't use any title, despite mostly being referred to as Skald the Elder. The Prima Official Game Guide, as well as internal data also refer to him under said name. Apparently, he also used the title the Younger in the past. In addition to these titles, Bulfrek refers to him as Skald Felgeif.
• Skald claims to have been in charge of Dawnstar for over 35 years. Therefore, he must have become Jarl by 4E 166.
• According to Frida, Skald had a son at one point in his life, but it is unknown what became of him or how his relationship with his father is, as he is never mentioned elsewhere.