Jorleif

Not to be confused with Jorckleif.

Jorlief is a Nord and the 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 , although he will accept 8,000 or more, and he also hands out the Windhelm Home Decorating Guide.

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 once Windhelm has fallen to Imperial control, but sometimes Jorleif still remains the steward.

Interactions

Blood on the Ice

Talking to Jorlief can start miscellaneous Bounty Quests. This can be done infinitely.

Conversations

Jorleif can be conversed with at any time by the Dragonborn.

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."

Thane of Eastmarch

Jorleif is the one who sells Hjerim to the Dragonborn. The following exchange will occur when he is asked about purchasing it:

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?"

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."

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)
"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."

Bugs

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

Please reload an old save to confirm if the bug is still happening.
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.
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.

360 PC 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 setstage MS11 40 fixes this issue.
PC Sometimes Jorleif can be found lying on the floor. He is still fully functional, but won't 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 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.

Appearances

The Elder Scrolls V: Skyrim