Every Hold in Skyrim has its own Guard. These Guards protect the capital cities of each Hold and any other villages or settlements within.
All hold guards wear very similar armor sets, differences are normally just the color of the sash and material of the undershirt used, either scaled or quilted. They also wear the same model of helmet, however the colors vary depending on the Hold.
Hold guards can be permanently replaced by either Imperial or Stormcloak soldiers during the Civil War , depending on which faction the Dragonborn joins. They will perform the same duties and have the same dialogue (although they may also have additional faction-based dialogue) as regular guards. Holds that are loyal to the victorious faction will keep their guards, however those that are not loyal will be replaced.
Hold guards also carry a round shield which varies in color, and typically displays the symbol of the hold across the front.
Only Stormcloak controlled Holds have female guards.
Hold Guards level with the Dragonborn until around level 50. This means that at level 50+, the Hold Guards are rather powerful, and have no problem fighting even a Dragon.
Notably, Hold Guards continue to level up to match the Dragonborn's level, while regular characters (including Followers) are locked at the level in which they are first spawned.
They wear the dark blue version of the guard armor. This armor is a leather scaled vest with a chainmail shirt underneath. In addition, they wear Fur Boots.
These guards carry a round, blue, wooden shield with a painted motif of a Stag's head on it.
During the course of the civil war, the Stormcloaks may occupy Falkreath and replace these guards.
They wear a pale green version of the guard armor. The armor is a quilted vest with a chainmail shirt underneath. In addition, they also wear Fur Boots.
The guards also carry a round, green and gray wooden shield with a painted spiral motif.
During the course of the civil war, the Stormcloaks may occupy Morthal and replace these guards.
They wear the green cloth version of the guard armor. The armor is a quilted vest with a bronze chainmail shirt underneath. In addition, they also wear Fur Gauntlets and Fur Boots.
The guards also carry a round, green, wooden shield with a painted motif of a stylized ram's head.
During the course of the civil war, the Stormcloaks may occupy Markarth and replace these guards, although the one guarding Soljund's Sinkhole will remain a Reach Hold Guard.
They wear a pale, cream cloth version of the guard armor. The armor is a scaled vest with a bronze chainmail shirt underneath. In addition, they also wear Fur Gauntlets and Fur Boots.
The guards also carry a round, gray, wooden shield with a painted motif of a four point star.
During the course of the civil war, the Imperial Legion or Stormcloaks may occupy Dawnstar and replace these guards, despite Dawnstar's Jarl Skald siding with the Stormcloaks.
They wear a purple cloth version of the guard armor. The armor is a scaled vest with a bronze chainmail shirt underneath. In addition, they also wear Fur Boots.
The guards also carry a round, lavender, wooden shield with a painted motif of two crossed swords.
Ivarstead and Shor's Stone are a part of The Rift, but their guards are slightly different and are named "Ivarstead Guard". The Armor, Helmet and Shield will still be considered as Riften Armor however.
During the course of the civil war, the Imperial Legion may occupy Riften and replace these guards.
They wear a red cloth version of the guard armor. The armor is a scaled vest with a chainmail shirt underneath. Also it should be noted that Haafingar Hold Guards' helmets are dark brown on the crown, rather than the bronze color that is on every other "guard" helmet in the game. In addition, as Solitude is the Capital of Skyrim and under Imperial Legion control, the guard also wear Imperial Bracers and Imperial Boots.
The guards also carry a round, red, wooden shield with a painted motif of a wolf.
The guards around Castle Dour are Imperial soldiers and will wear full Imperial Armor, though they are still named Solitude Guard.
During the course of the civil war, the Stormcloaks may occupy Solitude and replace these guards.
These guards patrol Whiterun Hold and Whiterun. Commander Caius serves as commander of the Whiterun Guard.
They wear a yellow cloth version of the guard armor. The armor is a scaled vest with a chainmail shirt underneath. In addition, they also wear Fur Boots, but most guards wear no gauntlets.
The guards also carry a round, yellow, wooden shield with a painted motif of a horse's head.
During the course of the civil war, the Stormcloaks may occupy Whiterun and replace these guards. Commander Caius will also be removed from his post and replaced with Sinmir. The detachment of guards that was sent to Riverwood during Dragon Rising will remain.
These guards patrol Eastmarch and Windhelm. They are Stormcloak soldiers and share their speech options.
They wear a blue cloth Stormcloak uniform. The armor is a quilted vest with a chainmail shirt underneath. In addition, they also wear Fur Gauntlets and Fur Boots.
The guards also carry a round, blue, wooden shield with a painted motif of a bear's head
During the course of the civil war, the Imperial Legion may occupy Windhelm and replace these guards.
Only two guards patrol the city of Winterhold at any one time, while a third is in the Jarl's Longhouse. Only one additional Winterhold Hold guard can be found elsewhere in the hold at the Whistling Mine, located to the south-east of Winterhold proper. This guard is the holder of the only known Winterhold guard shield.
They wear a white cloth version of the guard armor. The armor is a scaled vest with a chainmail shirt underneath. In addition, they also wear Fur Boots.
During the course of the civil war, the Imperial Legion may occupy Winterhold and replace these guards.
Bounties in each hold are treated separately. For example, the player can obtain a bounty in Whiterun, and Riften will not recognize it.
Normally all guards can be bribed if the Dragonborn is a member of the Thieves Guild with the exception of the guards of Markarth after the completion of The Forsworn Conspiracy and No One Escapes Cidhna Mine. These guards will not accept bribes and the Dragonborn has no choice but to fight. There is the option to go to jail, and after selecting that option the guard will have dialogue. Cancel out the conversation and the guard will ignore the player.
It is possible to kill guards without gaining a bounty, as long as one is sneaking. Slain guards will respawn three days after their death. They can also be killed if they are hit by an unrelenting force shout and pushed off a cliff, or sometimes even down the stairs. The Dragonborn does not get a bounty unless he/she has shouted at quite a few guards beforehand.
Guard dialogue
This article or section is not written in the formal tone expected of an encyclopedia entry, meaning it relies heavily on colloquialisms and unprofessional verbiage. The perspective may be written from a first- or second- person point of view, when third person indirect is required. See the style sheet and the writing guideline for suggestions.
Click for a full list of Guard dialogue
General
"I used to be an adventurer like you, then I took an arrow in the knee..."
"The guards have been talking about you."
"Let me guess, someone stole your sweetroll."
"Gotta keep my eyes open. Damn dragons could swoop down at any time."
"My cousin is out fighting dragons, and what do I get? Guard duty."
"I can handle the occasional drunk or bandit. I don't know about dragon."
"Disrespect the law, and you disrespect me."
"Watch the skies, traveler."
"No lollygaggin'."
"They say Ulfric Stormcloak murdered the High King... With his voice! Shouted him apart!"
"I'd be a lot warmer and a lot happier with a bellyful of mead."
"Got me thinking... Maybe I'm the Dragonborn! And I just don't know it yet!"
"I have to wonder, what does the Dragonborn do once he's been summoned by the Greybeards? Can the Thu'um be taught, like any skill?"
"Seen those warriors from Hammerfell? They've got curved swords. Curved. Swords."
"I mostly deal with petty thievery and drunken brawls. Been too long since we've had a good bandit raid."
"What is it?"
"Trouble?"
"What is it? Dragons?"
"Fancy yourself an alchemist, hmm?...never could get the hang of that."
A Dragon slaying is witnessed by a guard; "By the gods, I don't know what to say."
When armed with magic near a guard: "Go cast your fancy magic somewhere else."
When armed with fire-based magic or enchanted weapons near a guard: "Take care with those flames!" or "Careful with that fire!"
Charging a magic spell or shouting near a guard: "Woah, woah, woah, watch the magic!"
Approaching a guard with raised fists: "You come up to me, fists raised? You looking for a beating?"
Speaking to Stormcloak Guard: " The Imperials think us all lawless beasts. I'm proof of their ignorance.""The Imperials think we need their laws. Pfft."
Speaking to Guard while not sleeping for long time: "You look tired friend. The <Inn name> has beds for rent."
With Dawnguard installed; "They say that when a vampire scratches you, you turn into one. That better not be true."
If you approach with any weapon drawn; "Guard might get nervous, a man/woman approaches with his/her weapon drawn."
Skill
Alchemy is at a low level; "So you know alchemy? Maybe you could make me some mead."
Alchemy is at a high level; "Hey! You mix potions, right? Can you brew me an ale?"
Archery is at a low level; "Keep your arrows in their quiver, archer."
Archery is at a high level; "Favor the bow eh? I'm a sword man myself."
Conjuration is at a low level; "Hail summoner, conjure me up a warm bed, won't you?"
Destruction is at a low level; "So you can cast a few spells, am I supposed to be impressed?"
Destruction is at a high level; "Destruction magic's fine, just don't go burning down any buildings."
Enchanting is at a high level; Don't suppose you'd enchant my sword? Dull old blade can barely cut butter."
Illusion is at a high level; "You're the one who casts those illusions. Impressive."
Light Armor is at a low level; "Lightly armored means light on your feet. Smart."
Lockpicking is at a high level; "Go fiddling with any locks around here, and we're going to have a real problem."
One-Handed is at a high level; "You're like me, eh? don't fancy those clunky Two-Handed weapons."
Pickpocketing is at a high level; "I find your hand in my pocket, I'm going to cut it off."
Restoration is at a high level; "I've got a lot of respect for the Restoration School. Skyrim could use more healers."
Speech is at a low level; "Don't think you can barter with me like I'm one of those damned shopkeepers."
Speech is at a high level; "Heard about you and your honeyed words."
Sneak is at a high level; "Hands to yourself, sneak thief."
Sneak is at a high level; "I know your kind, always sneaking about."
Two-Handed is at a high level; "The Gods gave you two hands, and you use them both for your weapon... I can respect that."
Quest result
Upon completing the Missing in Action quest; "I wonder what it's like for those Thalmor, now that they've been taken down a notch." "From what I hear, you're the one who gave those Thalmor a black eye. You really know how to pick your enemies."
Upon completing Dragon Rising; "You couldn't possibly be the Dragonborn of legend, could you?"
After you first turned into Werewolf and returned; "Ugh, have you been tending your hounds? You smell like a wet dog."
After you become Werewolf; "I find your wolfish grin... unsettling."
After you become Werewolf; "Is that... fur? Coming out of your ears?"
After you become Werewolf and talk to Whiterun Guard; "I'm telling you I heard it, howling. Those werewolf tales are true."
After you joined Companions; "Now I remember... you're that new member of the companions. So you, what... fetch the mead?"
After you joined Companions; "Hail, Companion."
After you completed Dragon Rising; "If those Whiterun guards can take down a dragon, so can we."
Upon completing Under Saarthal quest; "What business do college mages have in Saarthal anyway? It's a place for Nord dead... not your weird experiments."
Upon completing Containment quest; "Imagine... blowing up an entire town. Damn college. Winterhold will never be the same."
After completing Under Saarthal; "One of the guards claimed he saw a mage appear out of thin air, said it was one of those psijjic monks. Man's been hitting the skooma I say."
Upon completing The Fallen quest; "Releasing a captured dragon? I don't think I'll ever understand that one."
Upon completing Innocence Lost quest; "If you ask me I think that those brats in the orphanage are better off now that Grelod is dead."
Upon completing Innocence Lost quest and meet Riften Guard; "The old lady who ran the orphanage has been murdered. Say, didn't I see you walking out of there?"
If you process The Fallen before released Odahviing; "I got a glimpse of that dragon. It's beautiful... in its own way."
If you joined Dark Brotherhood; "Psst... Hey. I know who you are. Hail Sithis."
If you joined the Dark Brotherhood: "Now, I know who you are. And...I know what you do. But please, we've got good people here. Mostly."
After completing Hail Sithis: "The Emperor of Skyrim. Dead. These are dark times my friend, dark times indeed."
If you chose and completed Destroy the Dark Brotherhood! quest; "You know, I could have gone into that Sanctuary, wiped out all those Dark Brotherhood types, but I was... sick that day."
Upon completing Blood's Honor quest; "Well if it isn't the slayer of Glenmoril Witches. How can I assist you, Companion?"
After completing Blood's Honor: "Kodlak Whitemane is in a better place now. For is there no better place than Sovngarde?"
If you killed Alduin, "Yes, Dovahkiin? How can I help you?"
If you killed Alduin, "Whatever you need Dragonborn, just say the word."
If you killed Alduin, "You have vanquished a great evil from Skyrim. You saved us all and our very souls."
After completing the main storyline, "No matter what else happens, guards will always be grateful for everything you've done."
If you chose to let Sinding live, "I know you had something to do with Sinding's escape, don't deny it."
If you join the Bard's College, "What do you need, Bard?"
Upon completing The Taste of Death, "Ugh, your breath smells foul! What have you been eating?"
Items
Carrying Black Star ; "By Shor, is that... is that Azura's Star? How did you come to possess such a rare treasure?"
Carrying Azura's Star; "You wield... Azura's Star? How... how can such a thing be possible?"
Carrying Spellbreaker; "That's a fine shield you have there. Dwarven isn't it?"
Carrying Spellbreaker; "Ah, now that's a fine shield. And not mere dwarven, is it?"
Wielding Mace of Molag Bal; "That mace... get it away from me! Get it away!"
Wielding Mace of Molag Bal; "No! Get that accursed mace away from me!"
Wielding Mehrunes' Razor; *whistles* "Who did you have to kill to get that blade?"
Wearing Iron Armor; "Iron armor, heh... now that's true nordish armor."
Wearing Banded Iron Armor; "You wear the armor of a mercenary. Now that's the life."
Wearing Dragonbone Armor; *whistles* "Is your armor...made of dragon bones? By the gods what I wouldn't do for a set of that."
Wearing Dwarven Armor; "That's some fine armor you have there. Dwarven made, am I right?"
Wearing Steel Armor; "Aye, now that some fine armor. Good old-fashioned steel."
Wearing Orcish Armor; "Orcish armor, huh. Had me a set of that once, ugly and strong like those that forged it.
Wearing Wolf Armor; "You wear the garb of a true nord. I salute you."
Wearing Ebony Armor; "Ebony armor, By Ysmir, it is a wonderous sight."
Wearing Thieves' Guild Armor; "I know Thieves' Guild armor when I see it. You're not fooling anyone."
Wearing Thieves' Guild Armor; "Try to hide it all you want. I know you're in the Thieves' Guild... and so do the other guards."
Wearing Ancient Nord Armor; "Ugh, that armor stinks of death. Have you been grave robbing?"
Wielding Volendrung; *whistles*"That is one big hammer."
Wielding Volendrung; "What do you plan to do with that hammer, knock down a house?"
Wielding The Rueful Axe; "'That is a wicked axe you wield there, friend. That blade looks sharp enough to cut through a god."
Wielding Aegisbane in Windhelm; "Ah, Aegisbane. Sigil of Clan Shatter-Shield. But didn't that get stolen awhile back? Hmph. Must be rememberin' wrong."
Wielding Aegisbane in Windhelm; "That hammer... Why that's Aegisbane, heirloom of Clan Shatter-Shield! Last I heard, it was stolen by a couple of swindlers. Alain and... Muiri. Yeah."
Wearing Stormcloak Officer Armor (Stormcloak guards only); "You wear the armor of a bear friend, a fine choice."
If an Ebony Sword is equipped "Aye, now thats a beautiful sword, like a sliver of midnight"
If an Elven Sword is equipped; "Why the Elven blade? Good old Nord steel not good enough for you?"
If an Iron Sword is equipped:
"That iron sword looks undependable. You should try steel."
"Iron sword, huh? What are you killing, butterflies?"
If Scale armor is worn; "That's some fine scale armor you got there. Shiny."
If Hide armor is worn; "Some advice, friend. That armor won't offer much protection in a real fight."
Bounty
If you were witnessed by Citizen; "You have committed crimes against Skyrim and her people, what say you in your defense?"
If you were witnessed by Guard; "By order of the Jarl, stop right there."
If you chose to pay; "Smart man/woman. Now come along with me. We'll take any stolen goods you're carrying and you'll be free to go. After you pay the fine, of course."
If you chose to go to jail; "You're going to rot in (closest named jail)."
If you chose to not do so; "Then pay with your blood!"
If the Guard liked you enough; "If you have the gold, I will make all your problems disappear."
If you're side with Thieves' Guild and bribed; "Done. Now move along, before you get me in trouble."
If you're still on bounty and bribed or come back to a city where you have a farily low bounty; "Wait... I know you."
If you comment that he/she is mistaken; "There's no mistake. You're a wanted man/woman and it's time to pay for your crimes."
If you persuaded him/her; "You know what? You're not worth the hassle. Go... be some other guard's problem."
If you persuaded him/her; "Well... Your bounty is low... Alright, get out of my sight. But you're known to me now, scum. Remember that."
If you are a Thane and persuaded; "Oh, forgive me, Thane. I didn't realize it was you. We'll look the other way this time, but even the Jarl's influence has its limits. Be more careful."
If you paid off the guard; "I'll look the other way, this time. You still have a bounty, so keep quiet or we'll have to go through this dance again."
Shouting near guard:
"It's the power of old! Voice of the Dragonborn!"
"The Thu'um, he/she summons the Thu'um."
"I need to ask you to stop. That... Shouting... it's making people nervous."
Choosing to agree - "Good, glad we straightened that out."
Choosing to disagree - '"Can't say I've heard any laws against... Whatever it is you're doing. But I'll lock you up if I have to."
Shout
Specific to certain town or city
Riften; Riften's under my protection. You watch yourself, now."?
Whiterun (after completing Dragon Rising); "I worry about the other settlements in the hold. Unwalled, lightly manned - prime targets for those damned dragons."
Whiterun (after completing Dragon Rising; "Be glad you're here in the city, and not out in Riverwood. Those poor sods don't even have a wall."
Whiterun (after completing Dragon Rising); "Rorikstead's a nice little hamlet, but a boring posting for a guard. If a dragon attacks, well... then it'll be a different story."
Whiterun (before purchasing Breezehome); "Thinking of settling in? There's a home for sale - Breezehome. You should talk to the steward up in the keep if you're interested."
Whiterun (after purchasing Breezehome); "You're that one lives in Breezehome, right? Fine place. Almost bought it myself."
Riften (when under Imperial control): "Why we bothered to capture Riften, I'll never understand. Just look at this place."
Riften (when under Imperial control): "Seems like capturing Riften is turning out to be more of a hassle than a benefit. But what do I know?"
Riften (when under Imperial control) "Now that we have Riften we can use it as a staging ground to reclaim Morrowind, just in case"
Speaking to a Windhelm Guard: "My heart goes out to Clan Shatter Shield....Kin murdered, family warhammer stolen...ain't no fairness in that."
Speaking to a Windhelm Guard: "We got a nickname for anyone who trifles with us guards here in Windhelm - Suicide.
Provides location
These dialogues are specific to certain areas. The world map will update upon hearing any of these.
Guards saying "Let me guess, someone stole your sweetroll" is a reference to several other Bethesda games where the theft of a sweetroll is treated as an ongoing joke.
Sometimes if Guards see a dead body and the player happens to be next to it, they will ask if you know about it. A bad choice of dialogue options can lead the Guards to throw you in jail if you refuse to cooperate.
Sometimes if you eat consumable items in a barrel and a guard happens to be nearby, they will wonder why you are digging through it, but no bounty will be placed.
Guards are not fooled by the invisiblity spell when attempting an arrest.
Guards are not fooled by non-guards wearing guard armor, regardless of reputation, skills, or armor faction.
Guards are not affected by either Calm, Fury or Fear spells even if they are master-leveled.
During The Forsworn Conspiracy, a Reach Hold Guard may warn the Dragonborn to stop asking questions to the residents.
When the Dragonborn has a small bounty, a guard may say "Wait, I know you...". Instead of replying "You're making a mistake." the conversation can be backed out of and he will not pursue the matter any further.
Sometimes, if you shout in front of a Hold Guard, you might have the option "Hello".
Guards will recognize the Dragonborn's race even if his/her face is concealed.
If you decapitate a guard wearing the Hold Guard helmet (that conceals their face) their head will be invisible until you loot the helmet off them - all you will see fly off their neck is the red interior of the guards face.
The guards say "guard might get nervous if a man approaches him with his weapon drawn" even if you're using your fists.
If you use shouts near a guard, they will come to you and ask you to stop, because you're "making people nervous". They won't do anything if you refuse.
Sometimes, the guard might say "Favor the bow eh? I'm a sword man myself.", even if you don't have a bow equipped and if you don't have high Archery skill.
Guards will sometimes say they favor one handed weapons over two handed even if they're carrying a two handed weapon.
Bugs
Click to see the list of bugs encountered
If all Solitude Guards are slain at once there is a possible bug where guards will not respawn.This also happens to the the Imperial / Stormcloaks in Riverwood. If you have a large fine you want to pay, and there's no guards to arrest you, you could enter castle dour and find the commander.
There is a bug when the guards arrest the player, and the player says that he/she is the Thane of the Hold, the bounty will get cleared but the guards will still attack the player, without any choice but to fight, getting the player another bounty which makes the Thane dialogue useless.
360 PS3 There is a possible bug when getting caught and having to pay bounty in Solitude, the game might glitch and put you under the city. This can be avoided simply by walking to the exit doors.
360 There is a bug where if you pickpocket someone in the Whiterun hold, tell the guard you'd rather die than fight, and return to Whiterun and enter Breezehome, the guards will attack you once you come out and will not let you surrender. This can be fixed by running away from the city to Riverwood and sheathing your weapon in front of a guard.
In Whiterun everytime you enter the city the guard at the main gate may start attacking for an unknown reason. You just have to sheathe your weapon, or if you don't have a weapon out: take a weapon out then sheathe it.
In the Whiterun Dungeon the guards may become invisible
360 Currently, even if you have gone through the Purity questline, curing your own lycanthropy, guards will still make remarks as if you were a werewolf, such as, "Is that fur... coming out of your ears?"
Even after you've become the Harbinger, the guards still say that you're the "new member of the Companions."
In Winterhold, if guards are killed by enemies or by the Dragonborn, they won't respawn even if they were in the city.
If the player fast travels to Sarethi Farm there may be a chance that there will be a Riften guard fighting a Imperial soldier. The guard will still be there even if Riften was taken over by Imperials.
360 There is a rare bug in Solitude where five guards leave Castle Dour naked except for their sword. The guards begin to walk the streets, however once the player enters any building, they either equip clothing or vanish. This is the only known way to see a guard's face without killing them, with the exception of pickpocketing.
360 PS3 When you decapitate a guard their head will stay on their body, until you take their helmet off.
A Whiterun Guard may sudenly appear when you fast travel. He will stand then and say the normal Guard Dialogue. To fix this, carry on with your game as normal, as he will eventually disappear.
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