Changes: Before the Storm (Skyrim)

Revision as of 12:43, 12 June 2020

Before the Storm

Alvor in the town of Riverwood.

Quest ID
MQ102

For other uses, see Before the Storm.

Before the Storm is a quest available in The Elder Scrolls V: Skyrim in which the Dragonborn is directed to the town of Riverwood and to then Whiterun to warn the Jarl of Whiterun about the dragon attack on Helgen. This quest serves to acquaint the Dragonborn with the open world of Skyrim and further equip them for the challenges ahead.

Background

Hadvar suggested that I head to the nearby town of Riverwood. His uncle is a blacksmith there and should be able to help me.

Ralof suggested that I head to the nearby town of Riverwood. His sister Gerdur is the mill owner there and should be able to help me.

Objectives

Talk to Alvor or Gerdur in Riverwood
Talk to the Jarl of Whiterun

Walkthrough

The Dragonborn emerges into the bright light of Falkreath Hold, due north of the still-smoldering ruin of Helgen. Ralof or Hadvar (depending on whom the Dragonborn followed) watch as the dragon responsible for disrupting the execution flies away to the north. After that occurs the Dragonborn must talk to whoever they followed, and then head to Riverwood. Following them down the hillside heading to the next town, it may be possible to lose him. Simply continue on and meet up with Hadvar's or Ralof's contact in Riverwood.

On the way to Riverwood there is the possibility of a chance encounter, but that is nothing that cannot be handled with the help of Hadvar or Ralof. Along the path taken are three Guardian Stones: The Warrior Stone, The Mage Stone, and The Thief Stone. Pick one according to the preferred playing style and continue following the path.

Riverwood

After arrival in the village, assuming the Dragonborn traveled the entire way with their companion, the hero is led to a house depending on who was followed in the opening quest—either Ralof's sister Gerdur and her husband, Hod, or Hadvar's uncle, Alvor. Following the quest markers, the Dragonborn will be offered a gift of supplies. All of the items offered can be taken without anyone complaining. The Riverwood contact will also recommend that a report be made to Jarl Balgruuf, in Whiterun, regarding all of the events that have transpired.

Whiterun

Heading straight to Whiterun can skip Riverwood altogether. The journal will still be updated as if they went there and spoke with the contact of their friend. Exiting Riverwood to the north and following the path with the waterfall rapids to the east will lead the Dragonborn to Whiterun. Head west on the road from the two bridges, on the opposite side of the stream, to Chillfurrow Farm, and pass the Honningbrew Meadery.

In the surrounding farmland, the Dragonborn may find members of the Companions engaged in a battle with a giant. The Dragonborn may choose to assist them if they want. If they do so, Aela and the others react positively, whereas not helping causes her to chastise the Dragonborn. After the combat, Aela will tell the Dragonborn to speak with Kodlak Whitemane in Whiterun if they are interested in joining the Companions. This will begin the quest Take Up Arms. If Whiterun is approached via a different route, it is possible to completely miss this fight and the resulting dialog with Aela.

Once the Dragonborn passes the Whiterun Stables that mark the outside entrance to the city, and continues up the hill and over the drawbridge, they will find the main gate. A guard bars access to the city as the city is closed with the news of dragons. The Dragonborn only needs to tell him that Riverwood calls for the Jarl's aid. Once inside, head through the town to Dragonsreach. The Jarl's Housecarl, Irileth, wants to know the Dragonborn's business, but regardless of the answer the Dragonborn will end up talking to Jarl Balgruuf. The conversation with him can be lead in any direction, but in the end the quest will be completed, and a reward will be received from the Jarl.

Rewards

A Heavy or Light cuirass that is dependent on the Dragonborn's Light Armor Skill and Heavy Armor skill levels. If the Light Armor skill is higher, they will receive a Leather Armor, while a higher Heavy Armor skill yields a Steel Armor. If both skills equal, the result will depend on a random pick between the two armors. These armors have a chance of a random enchantment.
Increased disposition from Alvor and Sigrid or Hod and Gerdur if visited after escaping Helgen, depending if the Dragonborn followed Hadvar or Ralof, respectively.
After the quest, Riverwood will be occupied by Whiterun Hold Guards.
After the quest, the pile of logs just outside of Riverwood is converted into a campfire, complete with 2 useable bed rolls and a useable cooking pot.

Journal

Before the Storm – MQ102
ID	Journal Entry
10	Hadvar suggested that I head to the nearby town of Riverwood. His uncle is the blacksmith there and should be able to help me. Objective 10: Talk to <Alias=RiverwoodFriend> in Riverwood
10	Ralof suggested that I head to the nearby town of Riverwood. His sister owns a lumbermill there and should be able to help me. Objective 10: Talk to <Alias=RiverwoodFriend> in Riverwood
20	Hadvar suggested that we head to the nearby town of Riverwood. His uncle is the blacksmith there and should be able to help us.
20	Ralof suggested that we head to the nearby town of Riverwood. His sister owns a lumbermill there and should be able to help us.
30	Hadvar's uncle Alvor asked me to take word to the Jarl of Whiterun of the dragon attack on Helgen, and to ask the Jarl to send soldiers to protect Riverwood. Objective 30: Talk to the Jarl of Whiterun
30	Ralof's sister Gerdur asked me to take word to the Jarl of Whiterun of the dragon attack on Helgen, and to ask the Jarl to send soldiers to protect Riverwood. Objective 30: Talk to the Jarl of Whiterun
100	I've arrived in Whiterun. I should tell the Jarl about the dragon attack on Helgen.
110	When I arrived in Whiterun, I told the Jarl about the dragon attack on Helgen.
160	Hadvar's uncle Alvor asked me to take word to the Jarl of Whiterun of the dragon attack on Helgen, and to ask the Jarl to send soldiers to protect Riverwood. I delivered the news to Jarl Balgruuf in Whiterun, and he rewarded me for my help. Quest complete
	Ralof's sister Gerdur asked me to take word to the Jarl of Whiterun of the dragon attack on Helgen, and to ask the Jarl to send soldiers to protect Riverwood. I delivered the news to Jarl Balgruuf in Whiterun, and he rewarded me for my help. Quest complete
	When I arrived in Whiterun, I told the Jarl about the dragon attack on Helgen, and he rewarded me for my efforts. Quest complete

Trivia

Even with a Speech of 100, Whiterun guards cannot be intimidated during this quest.
While on the way to Whiterun, some of the Companions may be seen fighting a giant. Approaching the fight and helping the warriors kill the giant will cause Aela to approach and comment on the Dragonborn's fighting ability and suggest joining the Companions. If the fight is approached but no aid given, she will say that the battle was won no thanks to the Dragonborn.
If Ralof or Hadvar is nearby when choosing a Guardian Stone, they will comment on which one the Dragonborn picked.
Talking to Alvor or Gerdur is optional as not doing so does not prevent advancement in the quest.
It is possible to enter Whiterun without speaking to the guard at the gate by successfully pickpocketing the key from his inventory and using it to enter the city.
- Because the guard engages in forced dialogue with the Dragonborn when in close proximity, pickpocketing him is difficult. The best way is to pickpocket the guard from out-of-bounds behind the wall.

Bugs

This section contains bugs related to Before the Storm (Skyrim). Before adding a bug to this list, consider the following:

Please reload an old save to confirm if the bug is still happening.
If the bug is still occurring, please post the bug report with the appropriate system template 360 / XB1 , PS3 / PS4 , PC / MAC , NX / PS5 , XS , depending on which platform(s) the bug has been encountered on.
Be descriptive when listing the bug and fixes, but avoid having conversations in the description and/or using first-person anecdotes: such discussions belong on the appropriate forum board.

PC 360 PS3 After following Ralof, taking all the gifts from Gerdur, and then not hearing the conversation between Ralof and Gerdur afterward, the task "Talk to Gerdur" may become glitched and may not be able to be completed. To fix this, head to Whiterun.
- PC 360 PS3 When Gerdur says "There is something you could do for us. For everyone here." The conversation is not forced, therefore many players think this irrelevant, when in fact this advances the quest.
PC 360 PS3 The guards standing in front of the doors into Whiterun will glitch and not spawn, leaving the doors locked and thus preventing the Dragonborn from entering Whiterun and advancing the quest. This can be solved by committing a crime and being put in jail. This bug can also be fixed by waiting.
360 If the Dragonborn enters Riverwood a while after Ralof, if he is followed, then the conversation between him and Gerdur may have already finished and the quest may glitch, with all normal dialogue options available as if they had already spoken to her. The quest and journal will also not update.

Template:Main Quest Skyrim

@@ Line 2: / Line 2: @@
 |name       = Before the Storm
 |image      = Alvor.png
+|caption    = Alvor in the town of Riverwood.
-|questgiver = [[Hadvar]] or [[Ralof]]
+|questgiver = [[Hadvar]]<br />[[Ralof]]
 |location   = [[Riverwood (Skyrim)|Riverwood]]<br />[[Whiterun (Skyrim)|Whiterun]]
 |prereq     = [[Unbound]]
 |next       = [[Bleak Falls Barrow (Quest)|Bleak Falls Barrow]]
-|reward     = Progress in storyline<br />Gifts from your contact in [[Riverwood (Skyrim)|Riverwood]]<br />Leveled [[Heavy Armor (Skyrim)|Heavy]]/[[Light Armor (Skyrim)|Light armor]]
+|reward     = Various items from [[Alvor]] or [[Gerdur]]<br />[[Leveled]] [[Heavy Armor (Skyrim)|Heavy]] or [[Light Armor (Skyrim)|Light armor]]
-|type       = [[Main Quest (Skyrim)|Main Quest]]
+|type       = [[Main Quest (Skyrim)|Main quest]]
 |QuestID    = MQ102
 }}
 {{For|2=Before the Storm}}
-'''Before the Storm''' is a [[Quests (Skyrim)|quest]] available in {{Skyrim}}. After escaping from the dragon attack at Helgen, it is necessary to follow the advice received that leads to Riverwood. It is possible to gather supplies and prepare for a trip to Whiterun to report the recent events to [[Jarl Balgruuf]].
+'''Before the Storm''' is a [[Quests (Skyrim)|quest]] available in {{Skyrim}} in which the [[Last Dragonborn|Dragonborn]] is directed to the town of [[Riverwood (Skyrim)|Riverwood]] and to then [[Whiterun (Skyrim)|Whiterun]] to warn the [[Balgruuf the Greater|Jarl of Whiterun]] about the dragon attack on Helgen. This quest serves to acquaint the Dragonborn with the open world of Skyrim and further equip them for the challenges ahead.
 ==Background==
@@ Line 17: / Line 18: @@
 <div class="blockquote-half">''Ralof suggested that I head to the nearby town of Riverwood. His sister Gerdur is the mill owner there and should be able to help me.''</div>
+==Objectives==
+#Talk to Alvor or Gerdur in Riverwood
+#Talk to the Jarl of Whiterun
 ==Walkthrough==
+The Dragonborn emerges into the bright light of [[Falkreath Hold (Skyrim)|Falkreath Hold]], due north of the still-smoldering ruin of [[Helgen]]. [[Ralof]] or [[Hadvar]] (depending on whom the Dragonborn followed) watch as the dragon responsible for disrupting the execution flies away to the north. After that occurs the Dragonborn must talk to whoever they followed, and then head to Riverwood. Following them down the hillside heading to the next town, it may be possible to lose him. Simply continue on and meet up with Hadvar's or Ralof's contact in Riverwood.
-===Heading to [[Riverwood (Skyrim)|Riverwood]]===
-The [[Dragonborn]] emerges into the bright light of [[Falkreath Hold (Skyrim)|Falkreath Hold]], due north of the still-smoldering ruin of [[Helgen]]. [[Ralof]] or [[Hadvar]] (depending on whom the Dragonborn followed) watch as the dragon responsible for disrupting the execution flies away to the north. After that occurs the Dragonborn must talk to whoever they followed, and then head to Riverwood. Following them down the hillside heading to the next town, it may be possible to lose him. Simply continue on and meet up with Hadvar's or Ralof's contact in [[Riverwood (Skyrim)|Riverwood]].
 On the way to Riverwood there is the possibility of a chance encounter, but that is nothing that cannot be handled with the help of Hadvar or Ralof. Along the path taken are three [[Guardian Stones]]: [[The Warrior Stone (Skyrim)|The Warrior Stone]], [[The Mage Stone (Skyrim)|The Mage Stone]], and [[The Thief Stone (Skyrim)|The Thief Stone]]. Pick one according to the preferred playing style and continue following the path.
+===Riverwood===
-After arrival in the village, assuming the Dragonborn traveled the entire way with their Helgen-met companion, the hero is led to a house depending on who was followed in the opening quest - either Ralof's sister [[Gerdur]] and her husband Hod, or Hadvar's uncle, [[Alvor]] . Following the quest markers, the Dragonborn will be offered a gift of supplies. All of the items offered can be taken without anyone complaining. The Riverwood contact will also recommend that a report be made to Jarl Balgruuf, in Whiterun, regarding all of the events that have transpired.
+After arrival in the village, assuming the Dragonborn traveled the entire way with their companion, the hero is led to a house depending on who was followed in the opening quest—either Ralof's sister [[Gerdur]] and her husband, [[Hod]], or Hadvar's uncle, [[Alvor]]. Following the quest markers, the Dragonborn will be offered a gift of supplies. All of the items offered can be taken without anyone complaining. The Riverwood contact will also recommend that a report be made to Jarl Balgruuf, in Whiterun, regarding all of the events that have transpired.
-===Heading to [[Whiterun (Skyrim)|Whiterun]]===
+===Whiterun===
 Heading straight to Whiterun can skip Riverwood altogether. The journal will still be updated as if they went there and spoke with the contact of their friend. Exiting Riverwood to the north and following the path with the waterfall rapids to the east will lead the Dragonborn to Whiterun. Head west on the road from the two bridges, on the opposite side of the stream, to [[Chillfurrow Farm]], and pass the [[Honningbrew Meadery]].
-In the surrounding farmland, the Dragonborn may find members of [[the Companions]] engaged in a battle with a giant. Passing the [[Whiterun Stables]] that mark the outside entrance to the city, and continuing up the hill and over the drawbridge, will lead them to the main gate. A guard bars access to the city; the city is closed with the news of dragons spreading fast. The Dragonborn only needs to tell him that Riverwood calls for the Jarl's aid. Once inside, head through the town to Dragonsreach. The Jarl's Housecarl, [[Irileth]], wants to know the Dragonborn's business, but regardless of the answer the Dragonborn will end up talking to Jarl Balgruuf. The conversation with him can be lead in any direction, but in the end the quest will be completed, and a reward will be received from the Jarl.
+In the surrounding farmland, the Dragonborn may find members of [[the Companions]] engaged in a battle with a giant. The Dragonborn may choose to assist them if they want. If they do so, Aela and the others react positively, whereas not helping causes her to chastise the Dragonborn. After the combat, [[Aela the Huntress (Skyrim)|Aela]] will tell the Dragonborn to speak with Kodlak Whitemane in Whiterun if they are interested in joining the Companions. This will begin the quest [[Take Up Arms]]. If Whiterun is approached via a different route, it is possible to completely miss this fight and the resulting dialog with Aela.
+Once the Dragonborn passes the [[Whiterun Stables]] that mark the outside entrance to the city, and continues up the hill and over the drawbridge, they will find the main gate. A guard bars access to the city as the city is closed with the news of dragons. The Dragonborn only needs to tell him that Riverwood calls for the Jarl's aid. Once inside, head through the town to Dragonsreach. The Jarl's Housecarl, [[Irileth]], wants to know the Dragonborn's business, but regardless of the answer the Dragonborn will end up talking to Jarl Balgruuf. The conversation with him can be lead in any direction, but in the end the quest will be completed, and a reward will be received from the Jarl.
 ==Rewards==
-*A [[Heavy Armor (Skyrim)|Heavy]] or [[Light Armor (Skyrim)|Light]] cuirass that is dependant on the Dragonborn's Light Armor Skill and Heavy Armor skill levels. If the Light Armor skill is higher, they will receive a Leather Armor, while a higher Heavy Armor skill yields a Steel Armor. If both skills equal, the result will depend on a random pick between the two armors.  These armors have a chance of a random enchantment.
+*A [[Heavy Armor (Skyrim)|Heavy]] or [[Light Armor (Skyrim)|Light]] cuirass that is dependent on the Dragonborn's Light Armor Skill and Heavy Armor skill levels. If the Light Armor skill is higher, they will receive a Leather Armor, while a higher Heavy Armor skill yields a Steel Armor. If both skills equal, the result will depend on a random pick between the two armors. These armors have a chance of a random enchantment.
-*Increased disposition from Alvor or Hod and Gerdur if visited after escaping Helgen, depending if the Dragonborn followed Hadvar or Ralof, respectively.
+*Increased disposition from Alvor and Sigrid or Hod and Gerdur if visited after escaping Helgen, depending if the Dragonborn followed Hadvar or Ralof, respectively.
-*Unlocks the next quest in the main questline.
 *After the quest, Riverwood will be occupied by Whiterun [[Hold Guard]]s.
+*After the quest, the pile of logs just outside of Riverwood is converted into a campfire, complete with 2 useable bed rolls and a useable cooking pot.
 ==Journal==
-{| class="skqtable"
+{|class="skqtable"
 ! colspan="2" |Before the Storm – MQ102
 |-
 !ID!!Journal Entry
 |-
-|rowspan="2"|&nbsp;10||''Hadvar suggested that I head to the nearby town of Riverwood. His uncle is the blacksmith there and should be able to help me.''
+|align="center" rowspan="2"|10||''Hadvar suggested that I head to the nearby town of Riverwood. His uncle is the blacksmith there and should be able to help me.''
 *'''Objective 10:''' Talk to <Alias=RiverwoodFriend> in Riverwood
 |-
@@ Line 49: / Line 56: @@
 *'''Objective 10:''' Talk to <Alias=RiverwoodFriend> in Riverwood
 |-
-| rowspan="2" |&nbsp;20||''Hadvar suggested that we head to the nearby town of Riverwood. His uncle is the blacksmith there and should be able to help us.''
+|align="center" rowspan="2"|20||''Hadvar suggested that we head to the nearby town of Riverwood. His uncle is the blacksmith there and should be able to help us.''
 |-
 |''Ralof suggested that we head to the nearby town of Riverwood. His sister owns a lumbermill there and should be able to help us.''
 |-
-| rowspan="2" |&nbsp;30||''Hadvar's uncle Alvor asked me to take word to the Jarl of Whiterun of the dragon attack on Helgen, and to ask the Jarl to send soldiers to protect Riverwood.''
+|align="center" rowspan="2"|30||''Hadvar's uncle Alvor asked me to take word to the Jarl of Whiterun of the dragon attack on Helgen, and to ask the Jarl to send soldiers to protect Riverwood.''
 *'''Objective 30:''' Talk to the Jarl of Whiterun
 |-
@@ Line 59: / Line 66: @@
 *'''Objective 30:''' Talk to the Jarl of Whiterun
 |-
-| align="center" |100||''I've arrived in Whiterun. I should tell the Jarl about the dragon attack on Helgen.''
+|align="center" align="center"|100||''I've arrived in Whiterun. I should tell the Jarl about the dragon attack on Helgen.''
 |-
-| align="center" |110||''When I arrived in Whiterun, I told the Jarl about the dragon attack on Helgen.''
+|align="center" align="center"|110||''When I arrived in Whiterun, I told the Jarl about the dragon attack on Helgen.''
 |-
-| rowspan="3" |160||''Hadvar's uncle Alvor asked me to take word to the Jarl of Whiterun of the dragon attack on Helgen, and to ask the Jarl to send soldiers to protect Riverwood. I delivered the news to Jarl Balgruuf in Whiterun, and he rewarded me for my help.''
+|align="center" rowspan="3"|160||''Hadvar's uncle Alvor asked me to take word to the Jarl of Whiterun of the dragon attack on Helgen, and to ask the Jarl to send soldiers to protect Riverwood. I delivered the news to Jarl Balgruuf in Whiterun, and he rewarded me for my help.''
 *<u>Quest complete</u>
 |-
@@ Line 75: / Line 82: @@
 ==Trivia==
 *Even with a [[Speech]] of 100, [[Whiterun (Skyrim)|Whiterun]] guards cannot be intimidated during this quest.
-*Alternately, the Dragonborn can commit a small crime, such as hitting a guard, killing a chicken, or stealing something in front of a guard. Then a small fine needs to be paid, and the Dragonborn is escorted (instantly moved) to the front of [[Dragonsreach Dungeon|Dragonsreach]], like normally. Of course, in doing so, some of the interaction that is normally enjoyed when first walking into Whiterun will be missed.
 *While on the way to Whiterun, some of [[the Companions]] may be seen fighting a giant. Approaching the fight and helping the warriors kill the giant will cause Aela to approach and comment on the Dragonborn's fighting ability and suggest joining the Companions. If the fight is approached but no aid given, she will say that the battle was won no thanks to the Dragonborn.
 *If Ralof or Hadvar is nearby when choosing a [[Guardian Stones|Guardian Stone]], they will comment on which one the Dragonborn picked.
 *Talking to Alvor or Gerdur is optional as not doing so does not prevent advancement in the quest.
+*It is possible to enter Whiterun without speaking to the guard at the gate by successfully pickpocketing the key from his inventory and using it to enter the city.
+**Because the guard engages in forced dialogue with the Dragonborn when in close proximity, pickpocketing him is difficult. The best way is to pickpocket the guard from out-of-bounds behind the wall.
 ==Bugs==
 {{Bugs}}
+*{{ALLPLAT}} After following Ralof, taking all the gifts from Gerdur, and then not hearing the conversation between Ralof and Gerdur afterward, the task "Talk to Gerdur" may become glitched and may not be able to be completed. To fix this, head to Whiterun.
-{| class="wikitable mw-collapsible mw-collapsed" width="100%" data-expandtext="show" data-collapsetext="hide"
+**{{ALLPLAT}} When Gerdur says "There is something you could do for us. For everyone here." The conversation is not forced, therefore many players think this irrelevant, when in fact this advances the quest.
-!Click to show
-|-
-|
-*{{ALLPLAT}} After following Ralof, taking all the gifts from Gerdur, and then not hearing the conversation between Ralof and Gerdur afterward, the task "Talk to Gerdur" may become glitched and may not be able to be completed.
-**{{ALLPLAT}} When Gerdur says "There is something you could do for us. For everyone here." The conversation is not forced, therefore many players thinking this irrelevant, when in fact this advances the quest.
 *{{ALLPLAT}} The guards standing in front of the doors into Whiterun will glitch and not spawn, leaving the doors locked and thus preventing the Dragonborn from entering Whiterun and advancing the quest. This can be solved by committing a crime and being put in jail. This bug can also be fixed by waiting.
 *{{XBOX360}} If the Dragonborn enters Riverwood a while after Ralof, if he is followed, then the conversation between him and Gerdur may have already finished and the quest may glitch, with all normal dialogue options available as if they had already spoken to her. The quest and journal will also not update.
-|}
 {{Main Quest Skyrim}}
@@ Line 97: / Line 100: @@
 [[de:Vor dem Sturm]]
 [[es:Antes de la tormenta]]
-[[ru:Перед бурей]]
-[[nl:Voor de Storm]]
-[[it:Prima della Tempesta]]
 [[fr:Avant la tempête (Skyrim)]]
+[[it:Prima della Tempesta]]
+[[nl:Voor de Storm]]
+[[ru:Перед бурей]]
+[[uk:Перед бурею]]
+[[cs:Předzvěst bouře (Quest)]]