Where does Jarl Balgruuf go after the Stormcloaks take over?
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Jarl Balgruuf goes to the basement of the Blue Palace in Solitude after the Stormcloaks take over Whiterun, where he will be joined by other replaced Jarls, Housecarls, and stewards. If you side with the Empire, he will continue ruling and stay in Whiterun, but if you side with the Stormcloaks, he will be replaced by Vignar Grey-Mane as the new Jarl of Whiterun.
Frequently Asked Questions
About Jarl Balgruuf and the Stormcloaks
- Is it possible for Jarl Balgruuf to join the Stormcloaks?: No, Jarl Balgruuf will join the opposite side you do, and the battle of Whiterun is necessary in the core game, so if you join the Imperials, he will join the Stormcloaks.
- What happens to Jarl Balgruuf after the Stormcloaks take over?: If you side with the Empire, he continues ruling and stays where he’s at, but if you side with the Stormcloaks, he gets replaced by Vignar Grey-Mane.
- Where did Jarl Balgruuf go after losing the city?: Jarl Balgruuf goes to the basement of the Blue Palace in Solitude after losing the city to the Stormcloaks.
About the Stormcloaks and the Empire
- What happens to Skyrim if the Stormcloaks win?: A Stormcloak victory in the civil war leads to Ulfric becoming High King of Skyrim and declaring the country’s independence.
- Do the Thalmor leave if the Stormcloaks win?: Losing the civil war does not end the interest of the Aldmeri Dominion in Skyrim, and Thalmor patrols will still be present, but they will be hostile.
- Is it better to side with the Stormcloaks or Imperials in Skyrim?: Pick Imperial if you want to play a character who is originally from a place aside from Skyrim, or pick Stormcloak if you believe the Empire has no right to say what Skyrim denizens can and can’t do, especially if you are a Nord.
About the Jarls and the Cities
- Who becomes the new Jarl of Whiterun?: With Balgruuf stepping down, Vignar takes the throne as the new Jarl of Whiterun.
- Who becomes Jarl after Ulfric dies?: After Ulfric is dead, Tullius and Rikke will head outside, and the Imperials will install a new Jarl, Brunwulf Free-Winter.
- Can you become Jarl in Skyrim?: No, it is impossible to become Jarl in Skyrim, unless you have a mod where you become Jarl of some town like Helgen.
- Can you become Thane of every hold?: In Skyrim, you can become Thane of every hold, except Eastmarch, which you can get the thanedom after the civil war is over.
About the Consequences of the War
- Will I lose my house in Whiterun if I join the Stormcloaks?: No, you still keep your house regardless of which side you take, and your follower will still be with you unless they get killed.
- Does Whiterun ever get repaired after the battle?: In vanilla Skyrim, no, but there are mods that will repair the cities affected by the civil war.
- What happens to Lydia after the battle for Whiterun?: When dismissed after completing the Civil War quest Battle for Whiterun for the Stormcloaks, Lydia will not appear at Dragonsreach again, unless you speak to the new Jarl about becoming a Thane before visiting your house for the first time after the quest.
About the Jarls and Their Power
- Who is the most powerful Jarl in Skyrim?: Ulfric Stormcloak is considered one of the most powerful Jarls in Skyrim, but the ranking may vary depending on the source.
- Why can’t I give Jarl Balgruuf the axe?: If you are on The World-Eater’s Eyrie quest and Odahviing is still in Dragonsreach, you will not be able to deliver the axe to Jarl Balgruuf, or if you have not completed Bleak Falls Barrow and Dragon Rising, you will not be able to deliver the axe to Jarl Balgruuf.