Where is Ralof During the Jagged Crown Quest in Skyrim?
The location of Ralof during the Jagged Crown quest in The Elder Scrolls V: Skyrim is a bit nuanced and depends heavily on your choices within the game. Directly, Ralof remains in Korvanjund if you haven’t yet turned in the Jagged Crown to Ulfric Stormcloak. This location is consistent even if you chose to escape Helgen with him. The game does not remove him from the dungeon until you advance the civil war questline by presenting the crown. This sometimes overlooked detail has implications for players seeking to keep the Jagged Crown for themselves, or those just trying to understand where the characters end up.
Ralof’s Role in Skyrim and the Jagged Crown
Escaping Helgen and the Initial Choice
At the start of Skyrim, you’re given a pivotal choice during your escape from Helgen: follow Ralof, a Stormcloak, or Hadvar, an Imperial. This choice has some immediate impact. Following Ralof introduces you to Gerdur in Riverwood and gives a small advantage in the early quest line if you’re inclined to join the Stormcloaks. It does not, however, fundamentally alter the location of Ralof during the Jagged Crown quest later.
The Jagged Crown and Korvanjund
The Jagged Crown is a key artifact required by both the Imperial Legion and the Stormcloaks. It’s a symbol of power, and both sides believe it should be theirs. After retrieving the crown from the ruins of Korvanjund, you’re tasked with delivering it to either Ulfric Stormcloak in Windhelm or General Tullius in Solitude, depending on the side you have chosen for the civil war. This is where Ralof’s location becomes relevant. Whether you escape Helgen with him, or with Hadvar, if you haven’t given the crown to Ulfric, Ralof will be waiting for you in the final room of Korvanjund. He won’t leave until that moment.
Why This Matters
The fact that Ralof waits in Korvanjund is important for several reasons. First, it’s a point of contact with the character that players may have expected to leave the dungeon after it was first cleared. Second, it allows for a glitch: If you don’t complete the quest by speaking to Ulfric, then Ralof will remain in Korvanjund. Third, This provides a very easy way to pickpocket the crown back from Ralof if you used the reverse pickpocket exploit to hold onto it.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about Ralof and the Jagged Crown
1. Can I keep the Jagged Crown?
Yes, it’s possible to keep the Jagged Crown. Before completing the quest, reverse pickpocket the crown onto either Ralof or Hadvar (depending on who you followed in Helgen). Once the quest is complete, you can pickpocket it back from them. This is made easier if you did not finish the quest yet and Ralof is still in Korvanjund.
2. Do I ever meet Ralof again if I chose Hadvar?
Generally, no. If you chose to follow Hadvar in Helgen, you won’t see Ralof again unless you intentionally seek him out in Korvanjund before turning in the Jagged Crown. After the civil war questline is complete, and if you sided with the Imperials, he can be found in Riverwood, however he will not directly interact with the player.
3. Can I report back to Ralof after clearing Korvanjund?
This is where a potential glitch exists. After clearing the fort and freeing the prisoners, the quest should direct you to return to Ralof. If he only provides generic Stormcloak responses, preventing you from completing the quest, try killing all the other Stormcloaks in the immediate area. This can often fix this bug by giving Ralof the focus, thereby progressing the dialogue.
4. Why does Hadvar call Ralof a traitor?
Hadvar’s “traitor” remark towards Ralof is due to their opposing allegiances. They are both Nords, and each has chosen a different side in the civil war, hence Hadvar sees Ralof as a traitor to the Empire. This highlights the deep divisions caused by the conflict.
5. What happens if Ralof tries to take the Jagged Crown?
During the quest, you must acquire the crown. Neither Ralof nor Hadvar will attempt to take it from you, instead, each asks you to deliver it to their respective leaders, but in game terms, this is not a forced handover.
6. What happens if I save Ralof but join the Imperials?
If you side with the Imperials after escaping Helgen with Ralof, he will eventually move to Riverwood, and you won’t have to fight or kill him. He won’t be as familiar as Hadvar in the later quests.
7. What are the best questlines in Skyrim, and why?
Some popular questlines include the Dark Brotherhood, the Thieves Guild, and the College of Winterhold. These offer unique narratives and rewards, along with memorable characters, and many new locations to explore. Each is an adventure on it’s own.
8. Is it better to pick Hadvar or Ralof?
The choice between Hadvar and Ralof is a matter of preference, neither choice offers anything overwhelmingly different from the other. Following Hadvar gives you more items to sell early game. Following Ralof provides a quicker introduction to the Stormcloaks. The choice is more about which side you align with.
9. Is the Stormcloak or Imperial side better?
This is another choice based upon your preferences. The Imperial Legion is for those who wish to play characters who are not from Skyrim. Stormcloaks are for those who believe Skyrim should be free from the Empire, and tend to favor Nord characters. Both sides offer different perspectives on the conflict and provide unique quests.
10. Can you find Ralof again in Skyrim after the Civil War?
Yes. If you complete the Civil War questline on the side Ralof is fighting for, you’ll find him in the inn in Riverwood after the war is over. If you choose to join the opposing side, you can find Hadvar in the same location. Only one will appear.
11. Does Ralof survive Helgen?
Yes, Ralof survives Helgen. He accompanies you through the dungeon escape, implying that he got away safely regardless of the side you chose.
12. Can you marry Ralof in Skyrim?
Yes, Ralof is a marriageable option and can also become a follower if you desire.
13. Does Ulfric wear the Jagged Crown?
Yes, upon completion of the Jagged Crown questline, either Ulfric or Elisif (depending on your allegiance) will be wearing the crown.
14. Can you give the Jagged Crown to the opposite side?
Yes, even if you initially choose a side, you can betray it and give the crown to the opposing faction. For example, if you were meant to give the crown to Ulfric, you can give it to Tullius and continue with the Legion quests as if you had always started with them, or vice versa.
15. Is Ulfric a bad guy?
Ulfric is a complex character. He is seen as the antagonist if you side with the Imperial Legion, and as a hero if you join the Stormcloaks. He is a polarizing figure who’s goals are clear but methods are often questionable. His motivations stem from a desire for Skyrim’s independence.
Conclusion
Understanding where Ralof is during the Jagged Crown quest and how he interacts with the larger story provides a richer experience of Skyrim. His presence in Korvanjund, his potential as a follower and marriage partner, and the larger role of the civil war all contribute to the depth of the game’s design. Knowing these facts can help players in their quest to navigate the complicated world of Skyrim.