How to Buy Hjerim in Skyrim Without Joining the Stormcloaks
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So, you’ve got your eye on Hjerim, that imposing and somewhat… bloodstained house in Windhelm? And you’re not exactly thrilled about pledging allegiance to Ulfric Stormcloak? Fear not, aspiring homeowner of Skyrim! Acquiring Hjerim without donning the bear pelt is entirely possible. The key lies in completing the “Blood on the Ice” quest. Once you’ve wrapped up that little murder mystery, choosing a suspect and receiving thanks for your efforts, the house becomes available for purchase from Jorleif, the steward of the Palace of the Kings. Political affiliations, in this instance, are refreshingly irrelevant.
Understanding the Path to Homeownership in Windhelm
Acquiring property in Skyrim, particularly in a strategically significant city like Windhelm, often involves navigating a complex web of quests, allegiances, and, in Hjerim’s case, a dash of the macabre. While many believe siding with either the Stormcloaks or Imperials is a prerequisite, the “Blood on the Ice” quest is the true gateway to unlocking this desirable residence. Let’s break down the necessary steps:
Completing “Blood on the Ice”
This quest is arguably the most crucial factor in obtaining Hjerim. Here’s how to trigger and complete it:
- Triggering the Quest: Head to Windhelm between 7 PM and 7 AM game time. Entering the city during these hours may prompt the quest to start automatically. Alternatively, walk through the stone district and look near the Hall of the Dead for guards investigating a crime scene. If the quest doesn’t trigger, try entering and exiting the city multiple times during these hours. Save before entering Windhelm so you can reload and try again.
- Investigating the Crime Scene: You’ll find a dead woman and several concerned citizens. Speak to the guard, and he’ll eventually ask you to assist in the investigation.
- Following the Clues: This involves examining the crime scene, speaking to witnesses, and gathering evidence. Key locations include the crime scene near the Hall of the Dead and, ultimately, Hjerim itself.
- Entering Hjerim: You’ll need to gain access to Hjerim to search for more clues. A guard might grant you access, or you may need to pickpocket the key from Tova Shatter-Shield or resort to lockpicking (requires an Adept lockpicking skill or higher).
- Gathering Evidence Inside Hjerim: Look for a strange amulet, a butcher journal, and other incriminating details within the house.
- Identifying the Suspect: Show the amulet to Calixto Corrium or Wuunferth the Unliving. This will advance the quest and lead you towards identifying the true killer.
- Confronting the Murderer: The quest culminates in confronting and dealing with the serial killer. It doesn’t matter whom you choose, as long as you complete the quest line.
- Reporting Back: Once the murderer is dealt with, report back to the guard/Jarl.
Buying Hjerim
With “Blood on the Ice” completed, the path to homeownership opens.
- Speak to Jorleif: Locate Jorleif in the Palace of the Kings. He’s Ulfric Stormcloak’s steward (or the Imperial Legate’s, if the Imperials have taken the city).
- Purchase the House: Provided you’ve completed “Blood on the Ice,” Jorleif will offer Hjerim for sale at the price of 8,000 gold.
- Furnishing the House: After purchasing Hjerim, you can speak to Jorleif again to buy various furnishings and upgrades for the house.
Becoming Thane of Eastmarch
While completing “Blood on the Ice” allows you to buy Hjerim, becoming Thane of Eastmarch requires additional steps.
- Helping the Citizens: As with becoming Thane in other holds, you’ll need to assist the citizens of Eastmarch by completing various tasks and favors for them.
- Buying Property: This is where owning Hjerim comes in!
- Being Granted Thaneship: Once you’ve met the criteria, speak to the Jarl (Ulfric Stormcloak or his Imperial replacement) to be granted the title of Thane.
Avoiding the Civil War Allegiance
The beauty of this method is its neutrality. You can remain aloof from the Imperial/Stormcloak conflict and still acquire Hjerim. Focusing on the “Blood on the Ice” quest streamlines the process and bypasses the need for political involvement.
Why Hjerim is a Worthwhile Purchase
Beyond its grand size and unique architecture, Hjerim holds several advantages:
- Size and Layout: Hjerim is one of the largest houses available to the player in Skyrim. It offers ample space for storage, crafting, and display.
- Alchemy and Enchanting Labs: The house includes dedicated spaces for both alchemy and enchanting, which can be upgraded.
- Children’s Bedroom: Hjerim is one of the few houses that allows adding a children’s bedroom without sacrificing other upgrades.
- Hidden Room: Hjerim has a hidden room that is relevant to the “Blood on the Ice” quest. While not usable for storage, it adds to the house’s mystique.
Navigating Potential Bugs and Issues
Like many quests in Skyrim, “Blood on the Ice” is known to be buggy. Here are a few common issues and potential solutions:
- Quest Not Triggering: If the quest refuses to start, try repeatedly entering and exiting Windhelm during the specified hours (7 PM to 7 AM). Fast traveling to other locations and returning can also help.
- Inability to Enter Hjerim: If the door is locked and no one will give you the key, try using console commands (if playing on PC) to unlock the door. Alternatively, level up your lockpicking skill.
- Quest Markers Disappearing: Use your quest log to ensure you’re following the correct steps. Consulting online walkthroughs can also be helpful.
By focusing on “Blood on the Ice” and addressing any potential bugs, you can become the proud owner of Hjerim without taking sides in Skyrim’s bloody civil war. It’s all about solving a murder, a bit of real estate savvy, and a whole lot of dragon shouts.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. Can I still buy Hjerim if I side with the Imperials?
Yes! Completing the “Blood on the Ice” quest is the primary requirement. Your allegiance in the Civil War is secondary. Whether Ulfric Stormcloak or an Imperial Legate sits on the throne, the property can be yours.
2. Why won’t it let me buy the house in Windhelm?
Most likely, you haven’t finished the “Blood on the Ice” quest. Double-check your quest log to see if it’s active. If it is, complete it. If you haven’t started it, try the steps listed earlier.
3. How to buy Hjerim without “Blood on the Ice”?
The Unofficial Skyrim Special Edition Patch (USSEP) has been known to allow purchase of Hjerim without “Blood on the Ice,” only by completing the Civil War questline. Without USSEP, completing “Blood on the Ice” is essential.
4. How do you trigger the Windhelm house quest?
Enter Windhelm between 7 PM and 7 AM game time, making sure you are there long enough for the quest to initiate.
5. How to buy Windhelm house after war?
If you finish the war, speak with the Jarl. You need to purchase property in Windhelm and help some people to become Thane of Eastmarch. Completing these steps should allow you to buy Hjerim, provided you’ve also completed “Blood on the Ice.”
6. Why can’t I become Thane of Windhelm?
Becoming Thane of Windhelm requires owning property (Hjerim), aiding the citizens of Eastmarch (completing favor quests), and gaining the Jarl’s favor. Just owning the house isn’t enough.
7. Is Hjerim a good house?
Absolutely! Hjerim is considered one of the best houses in Skyrim due to its size, features (alchemy and enchanting labs), and the option to add a children’s bedroom without removing other upgrades.
8. Can you become Thane of Windhelm without civil war?
Becoming Thane of Windhelm without picking a side in the Civil War is tricky. Completing “Blood on the Ice” and becoming Thane are separate processes. You can only become Thane when you’ve completed the Civil War quest line.
9. What is the easiest house to get in Skyrim?
The easiest house to acquire early in the game is Breezehome in Whiterun. It’s relatively inexpensive and requires only a few early quests to be completed. The Companion Quarters are also available by joining The Companions faction, and this is often a good starting point before moving to a house like Hjerim.
10. Can you buy house in Windhelm if you join Imperials?
Yes, as previously mentioned, your allegiance is secondary to completing “Blood on the Ice.” If you choose to support the Imperials, you must conquer Windhelm and install a new Jarl, which is more than happy to sell you the house at that point.
11. How do you gain access to Hjerim?
During the “Blood on the Ice” quest, you may be granted a key by a guard, or you might need to pickpocket Tova Shatter-Shield for the key. Lockpicking is also an option if your skill is high enough.
12. Why won’t “Blood on Ice” quest start?
Getting too far into other questlines (Dark Brotherhood, Thieves’ Guild, etc.) can sometimes prevent “Blood on the Ice” from starting. Try initiating the quest as early as possible in your playthrough. Try entering and exiting the Windhelm city gates while saving and reloading.
13. What to do after investigating Hjerim?
After finding the amulet and butcher journal in Hjerim, show the amulet to either Calixto Corrium or Wuunferth the Unliving. This progresses the quest and leads you closer to the killer’s identity.
14. How to buy a house from Jorleif?
Complete the “Blood on the Ice” quest. Then, speak to Jorleif in the Palace of the Kings, and the option to purchase Hjerim should be available.
15. Is Hjerim worth decorating?
Absolutely! Decorating Hjerim allows you to customize your living space, adding storage, crafting stations, and personal touches to make it a true home in the snowy city of Windhelm. Decorating also enhances the overall gameplay experience, allowing you to connect with the environment and craft a home you like. For more resources on gameplay, check out the Games Learning Society at GamesLearningSociety.org.