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Elder Scrolls

Not to be confused with Jorckleif.

Jorleif is the Nord steward of Jarl Ulfric Stormcloak of Windhelm, and can be found in the Palace of the Kings.

Background[]

He is proud to serve Ulfric, but if the Dragonborn sided with the Imperials in the Civil War, he mentions that he will never miss Ulfric's fiery temper. Once Fort Neugrad has been captured for the Stormcloaks in the Civil War, the Dragonborn can buy the house, Hjerim, for 12,000 Gold, although he will accept 8,000 Gold or more, and also hands out the Windhelm Home Decorating Guide upon purchase.

He is essential in the quest "Blood on the Ice," as the guards will only let the Dragonborn investigate if Jorleif permits it. According to the Skyrim Strategy Guide, Jorleif is supposed to be replaced by Captain Lonely-Gale as steward if Windhelm has fallen to Imperial control, but sometimes Jorleif still remains the steward.

Interactions[]

Blood on the Ice[]

Although the guards want the Dragonborn's help, they can go to Jorleif and receive official permission to do so. Throughout the quest, he can be returned to in order to obtain clues on what to do next. Eventually, Wuunferth the Unliving will become the prime suspect of the murders. The Dragonborn can report this to Jorleif, who will then order a guard to follow him and promptly arrest Wuunferth. Once the real killer has been killed, the Dragonborn returns to Jorleif a final time to end the quest. If Wuunferth was wronfully imprisoned as a result, he will then be released.

Bounty Quests[]

Talking to Jorlief can start miscellaneous Bounty Quests in the Hold of Eastmarch. Alternatively, innkeepers will begin these quests, although Jorleif must be reported to in order to claim the reward regardless. This can be done infinitely as long as he is steward.

Dialogue[]

"The Stormcloaks are finding victory across the land."

What do you do for the Jarl? "For Ulfric? Oh, nothing official. Known him for years. He seems to value my thoughts, and I'm grateful for that. I don't really have a mind for war, and I think he likes having an untrained opinion from time to time."
What can you tell me about Windhelm? "Grew up here. Colder as Atmora, but that just grows the beards thicker! Lot of history in these walls. We're trying to make some more. It's a lucky time to be alive."

"Travel safely. It's dangerous out there."

Blood on the Ice

"The Stormcloaks are finding victory across the land."

I've heard about these murders. "These are difficult times indeed, when men stalk their brethren like beasts. My men are stretched thin as it is. If you offer your aid, I gladly accept. The guards will be told to assist you as necessary. I'm happy to lend a hand as much as I can, as well."

After finding Hjerim:

How do I get into Hjerim? "Friga Shatter-Shield's old place? It's been abandoned ever since she was killed. I think her mother, Tova, has the key."

After investigating Hjerim:

Can you tell me anything about the "Butcher"? "Uf. Have you been talking to Viola Giardano? She posts those all over the city, and someone keeps taking them down. Ask her about it if you want an earful." Do you know what this amulet is? "I've never seen anything like it. I would take this to Calixto at the House of Curiosities. He has a good eye for strange trinkets. Might even give you a bit of gold for it."

After stopping the real Butcher:

Calixto Corrium was the Butcher. "Ysmir's beard! The man was always a bit odd, but I wouldn't have expected... You've done the city a mighty service, my friend. I believe you'll find the guards to be a bit more cordial with you in the future."

After talking to Viola:

I believe the killer is Wuunferth the Unliving. "That's quite an accusation. I assume you have proof?"

We have evidence of necromancy, and found his amulet. "I don't want to believe it. Wuunferth has been a trusted friend to Ulfric for many years. It pains me to see that the whispers had truth to them. Wuunferth shall be apprehended. I thank you for your diligence in getting to the bottom of this matter. The streets of Windhelm are now safe."

After finding the real killer:

Calixto Corrium was the real killer. "I'm glad you were able to correct your mistake. I'll release Wuunferth immediately. You've done this city a great service, friend. I believe you'll find the guards to be a bit more cordial with you in the future."

Thane of Eastmarch

I would like to purchase a house in the city. "Splendid! There's a house available right now." (Alternate dialogue: "The house I mentioned earlier is still available, if you want to buy it.")

I'll take it. "Wonderful! Here is the key to your new home."
On second thought, maybe I'll take a bit longer to decide. "Very well, just let me know when you're ready to purchase the house."

He can also be asked about decorating Hjerim:

I'd like to decorate my home. "I'll be glad to help you. There are many ways to improve your home, provided you have the coin. And of course, don't forget to consult your Home Decorating Guide for descriptions of the decorations you can buy. Now, what would you like to purchase?" (Alternate dialogue: "You've already purchased every available improvement. I'm afraid I have nothing else to offer you.")

Never mind. I don't want to purchase any decorations right now. "As you wish. Speak to me again if you decide to purchase some decorations for your home."
[All options] "Very well, I'll make the arrangements. The next time you visit your house, your new furnishings will be in place. Is there anything else you'd like to purchase?"

Conversations[]

Wartime strategies

Ulfric: "Galmar thinks we should double our men in the Reach." Jorleif: "A reasonable strategy." Ulfric: "And you, Jorleif?" Jorleif: "Well, sir, the hold of Falkreath is fairly vulnerable, and blocks the only road from Cyrodiil." Ulfric: "A good point, old friend." Jorleif: "To be sure, my lord, I am not skilled in the arts of war or military tactics." Ulfric: "But you're able to see the whole in the parts, and for that I'm grateful." Jorleif: "As you wish, sir."

Unrest in the Gray Quarter

Jorleif: "Sir, there continues to be unrest in the Gray Quarter." Ulfric: "Blasted dark elves. I don't suppose you could tell them that I presently have larger concerns? Such as all of Skyrim?" Jorleif: "They don't seem to be very sympathetic to our cause, sir." Ulfric: "Let me know if you hear anything more substantial." Jorleif: "Of course, my lord."

Message to the Reach

Ulfric: "Jorleif, I want you to send a messenger to our western camps." Jorleif: "And the message, sir?" Ulfric: "I'm diverting Gar and Haddring's men to join him." Jorleif: "Is that wise, sir?" Ulfric: "It will work if we can pull Hran's men from the south. And find a bit of luck." Jorleif: "Of course. Something that seems to be in short supply these days." Ulfric: "I'm not seeking advice right now, friend. Just send the message."

Blood on the Ice

Jorleif: "You. You're coming with me. We're finally going to arrest the Butcher." Windhelm Guard: "Yes, sir."

Wuunferth the Butcher

Wuunferth: "What is the meaning of this?" Jorleif: "You're under the arrest [sic] [Do not change this to arrest. This misspelled word is how it appears in-game.], for the Murder of Susanna of Candlehearth Hall. And Friga Shatter-Shield. And all the rest. We're wise to your scheming, you coward." Wuunferth: "Has the whole city lost their brains? I've been scrying and auguring to find the murderer myself." Jorleif: "Make your excuses from the Bloodworks, wizard. Get him out of my sight." Windhelm Guard: "Yes, sir! I'm sorry, sir. But you'll have to come with me." Wuunferth: "This isn't over, Jorleif!"

Quotes[]

  • "Serving as Steward to Ulfric Stormcloak was a great honor, but I don't miss his temper." (If the Dragonborn killed Ulfric as part of the Imperial Legion side of the Civil War)
  • "I don't care that we lost, I'm just glad the war is over." (If Imperials won war)
  • "Terrible shame, what happened to those women."
  • "The Stormcloaks are finding victory across the land."
  • "I'm not much of a strategist, but Lord Ulfric listens to my counsel all the same."
  • "He seems to value my counsel, and I'm grateful for that."
  • "Travel safely. It's dangerous out there."
  • "I don't like talking to someone who holds their honor so cheaply."
  • "If you have any news of the western Holds, take it to Jarl Ulfric."

Gallery[]

Trivia[]

  • Even if the Dragonborn has sided with the Empire and have taken all but Eastmarch, Jorleif will still claim, "The Stormcloaks are finding victory across the land." Only upon Ulfric's death does this change.

Bugs[]

This section contains bugs related to Jorleif. Before adding a bug to this list, consider the following:

  1. Please reload an old save to confirm if the bug is still happening.
  2. If the bug is still occurring, please post the bug report with the appropriate system template  360  /  XB1  ,  PS3  /  PS4  ,  PC  /  MAC  ,  NX  /  PS5  ,  XS  , depending on which platform(s) the bug has been encountered on.
  3. Be descriptive when listing the bug and fixes, but avoid having conversations in the description and/or using first-person anecdotes: such discussions belong on the appropriate forum board.
  •  PC   360   Sometimes if he is talked to, all he will say is "If you're planning violence against me or mine, you'll regret it."
    •  PC (fix)   setstage MS11 40 fixes this issue.
  •  PC   Sometimes Jorleif can be found lying on the floor. He is still fully functional, but will not get up.
  •  PC   360   PS3   If Jorleif is talked to before completing the Blood On Ice quest, there will be no option to acquire the house.
  •  PC   360   PS3   The option to buy and upgrade the house may not be in the speech list. This only happens in the same sitting as killing Ulfric. Saving and resetting the game will fix this.
    •  360 (fix)   There may be a situation in which this does not immediately work but it has happened that after resetting the system cache and completing the Civil War Questline in the Empire's favor, one might be able to fix this by completing the "Kill the Dragon" quest at Northwind Summit and turning it into Anuriel.
  •  PS4   When purchasing upgrades for Hjerim, buying all upgrades except the bedroom furnishings may cause Jorleif to state that there are no more upgrades, meaning the bedroom furnishings cannot be bought. This can be fixed by loading a save where there are multiple upgrades to be purchased, then leaving a different upgrade for last.

Appearances[]

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