Who Becomes Jarl After the Civil War in Skyrim?
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The Civil War in Skyrim dramatically reshapes the political landscape of the province. The outcome of the war, whether an Imperial victory or a Stormcloak triumph, dictates who sits upon the thrones of Skyrim’s holds. In short, Jarls who supported the losing faction are ousted and replaced by individuals loyal to the winning side. Here’s a breakdown of who generally assumes the role of Jarl following the Civil War, depending on the victor:
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Imperial Victory: Jarls who originally supported the Empire, like Balgruuf of Whiterun, typically retain their positions. Jarls who sided with the Stormcloaks are removed. The replacements are as follows:
- Eastmarch (Windhelm): Brunwulf Free-Winter replaces Ulfric Stormcloak.
- The Rift (Riften): Laila Law-Giver is replaced by Maven Black-Briar.
- Winterhold: Kraldar replaces Korir.
- The Pale (Dawnstar): Brina Merilis replaces Skald the Elder.
- Hjaalmarch (Morthal): Sorli the Builder replaces Idgrod Ravencrone.
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Stormcloak Victory: Jarls loyal to the Empire are removed and replaced by Stormcloak sympathizers.
- Whiterun: Vignar Gray-Mane replaces Balgruuf the Greater.
- Haafingar (Solitude): Elisif the Fair is replaced by a Stormcloak supporter.
- Hjaalmarch (Morthal): Idgrod Ravencrone is replaced by a Stormcloak supporter.
It’s important to note that these replacements aren’t always explicitly shown in-game but are reflected in dialogue and the political alignment of each hold. The aftermath of the Civil War is a pivotal moment, illustrating the profound impact of conflict on leadership and governance.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) About Jarls and the Civil War
Here are 15 frequently asked questions to further clarify the intricacies of Jarls, the Civil War, and their repercussions within Skyrim.
Who replaces Elisif the Fair if the Stormcloaks win?
The game doesn’t explicitly name the individual who replaces Elisif the Fair as Jarl of Haafingar (Solitude) if the Stormcloaks win the war. What is known, is that a Stormcloak supporter takes her place. It’s generally understood that a character sympathetic to the Stormcloak cause would be appointed to the position. The game lacks the depth to go so far as to place the Stormcloak supporter in her palace after you return.
What happens to Jarl Balgruuf after the Civil War if the Stormcloaks win?
If the Stormcloaks are victorious, Jarl Balgruuf is removed from his position in Whiterun. He, along with other Jarls who supported the Empire, is relocated to the Blue Palace in Solitude, where they remain until the end of the game.
Will I still be Thane after a Civil War if my Jarl is replaced?
No. If the Jarl of a hold is replaced due to the Civil War, you will lose your title as Thane of that hold. Fortunately, regaining the title is usually as simple as speaking with the new Jarl and completing a new quest to prove your worth.
Can I marry Jarl Balgruuf?
No, you cannot marry Jarl Balgruuf. Despite his popularity and the respect he shows the Dragonborn, he is not a marriage candidate in the game.
Which Jarls are always replaced regardless of who wins the Civil War?
No Jarls are replaced regardless. Who is replaced always depends on which side wins the Civil War. The new Jarls that take over following the liberation of the Stormcloaks from each hold are the Jarl of The Pale, Brina Merilis; the Jarl of The Rift, Maven Black-Briar; the Jarl of Winterhold, Kraldar; and the Jarl of Eastmarch, Brunwulf Free-Winter.
Can you side with the Stormcloaks and keep Balgruuf as Jarl of Whiterun?
No, it is impossible to side with the Stormcloaks and maintain Balgruuf as the Jarl of Whiterun. Siding with the Stormcloaks will inevitably lead to the Battle of Whiterun, resulting in Balgruuf’s removal and replacement by Vignar Gray-Mane.
Is Jarl Balgruuf the most powerful Jarl in Skyrim?
While power is subjective, Balgruuf the Greater is often considered one of the most strategically important and respected Jarls due to Whiterun’s central location and his pragmatic leadership. “Most powerful” can be interpreted in different ways: influence, military strength, wealth, etc. He is in good company with other Jarls like Idgrod Ravencrone (Hjaalmarch) and Vignar Grey-Mane (Whiterun).
Can you become a Jarl in Skyrim without mods?
Without the use of mods, it is impossible to become a Jarl in Skyrim. The base game does not offer this functionality.
Can you become Jarl of Helgen?
While Helgen starts destroyed, mods provide an ability to rebuild Helgen and become Jarl of the city. Just like Hearthfire the player has a choice of a number of different assets they can place for its reconstruction and each has its own associated cost to build. Once you have your throne room built you are crowned as the Jarl of Helgen and at this point you are approached by people who want to live in your city.
Who becomes Jarl of Windhelm (Eastmarch) after Ulfric Stormcloak dies?
After the completion of the Civil War questline with the Empire, Brunwulf Free-Winter becomes the Jarl of Eastmarch, replacing Ulfric Stormcloak.
Does Whiterun ever get repaired after the Battle of Whiterun?
In vanilla Skyrim, the damage inflicted upon Whiterun during the Battle of Whiterun is never repaired. While it does not get repaired in the game, this is often fixed in different mods.
Where do the ousted Jarls go after being replaced?
Jarls that are removed from their positions because of the war are relocated to the Blue Palace in Solitude. You can find them there after the Civil War concludes.
Which side is considered “better” in the Skyrim Civil War?
There is no objectively “better” side in the Skyrim Civil War. Both the Imperials and the Stormcloaks have compelling arguments and flaws. The choice of which side to support ultimately depends on the player’s personal values and roleplaying preferences.
Is there a “third option” in the Skyrim Civil War?
No, there is no true third option in the Skyrim Civil War. While the main quest offers a temporary truce during the peace council at High Hrothgar, this is a temporary measure and doesn’t change the fundamental conflict between the Empire and the Stormcloaks.
Can I romance or marry Jarl Elisif the Fair?
In the base game, it is impossible to romance or marry Jarl Elisif the Fair. Mods provide an ability to romance and marry Elisif the Fair, but they can be buggy.
Exploring the complex political landscape of Skyrim and understanding the consequences of the Civil War enhances the overall gaming experience, offering a deeper appreciation for the world’s intricate lore and the impact of player choices. The way we learn through immersive video games is the key to a whole new approach to teaching.
To learn more about the intersection of games and education, check out the Games Learning Society at GamesLearningSociety.org.