Ulfric Stormcloak (Skyrim)

"Is any man ready to give the order that will mean the deaths of many?"

- Ulfric Stormcloak

Ulfric Stormcloak is the Jarl of Windhelm during the events of The Elder Scrolls V: Skyrim. He is the Nord chiefly responsible for the Stormcloak rebellion, while believing that the Nords should not belong to the Empire.

Early life
According to Legate Rikke, he was once an Imperial Army soldier who fought against the Dominion; however, Ulfric killed the High King of Skyrim, Torygg of Solitude, by first disabling him with a Thu'um and stabbing him with a blade. The act landed Ulfric in the Imperial Prison. His father, the Jarl of Windhelm, known simply as "the Bear", died during his incarceration. Leaving prison, Ulfric took claim to the High King's throne due to an ancient Nordic custom and controlled Windhelm as its Jarl by succession. Nationalistic and wary of foreign influence, Ulfric sequesters the Dunmer population in Windhelm to the Gray Quarter (formerly called the White Quarter) and the Argonians to the assemblage off the docks.

Interactions
At Helgen, Ulfric is among the prisoners awaiting execution along with the Dragonborn. He was scheduled to be executed when a dragon attacks the town. Ulfric escapes his execution, with the help of his men who prompts the Dragonborn to jump onto the roof of the nearby tavern through the window of a crumbling tower. Ulfric survives Helgen's dragon attack and returns to Windhelm to resume his office of Jarl. When the Dovahkiin meets him again they discover that he and his Stormcloaks plot to usurp the throne, opposed by the Imperial Legion.

Thane of Eastmarch
Upon completing a personal task for Jarl Ulfric Stormcloak, the Dragonborn is offered a place in his court as Thane of Eastmarch. But a Thane needs to be known by the Jarl's subjects and therefore the Dragonborn must complete a series of task for the people of Eastmarch. After becoming Thane, the Dragonborn can purchase Hjerim, a previously condemned estate in Windhelm.

Behind the Scenes

 * Ulfric Stormcloak is voiced By Vladimir Kulich.

Bugs

 * If attacked for any reason after finishing the Whiterun Quest, any other save the player reverts to causes the Jarl to be hostile toward the Dragonborn, while his palace guards do not.