Hadvar

Hadvar is a Nord soldier from Riverwood in The Elder Scrolls V: Skyrim who serves in the Imperial Legion.

Background[]

"It's not easy to go from being executed by the Legion one day to joining up the next. But I think you'll see that the Legion is Skyrim's only hope for real peace right now. I know you'll make the right choice in the end."

―Hadvar^[src]

Hadvar was one of the soldiers on duty who escorted the Dragonborn to Helgen. If they choose to go with Hadvar when escaping Helgen, Hadvar's uncle Alvor gives them some free materials.

Personality[]

Hadvar thoroughly supports the Empire in regards to the civil war. He thus holds a strong resentment for the Stormcloaks, whom he sees as traitors, and often engages in combat with them.

Hadvar is shown to be a generally kind-hearted person, and shows sympathy for the Dragonborn during the execution. He reflects on the war and killing of Stormcloaks if the Dragonborn sides with the Empire expressing that he is haunted by the memory of the men he killed in war. Hadvar is one of the many Nords in Skyrim who have voluntarily joined the Imperial Legion, which even further proclaims his loyalty and fealty towards the Empire.^[source?] It is shown that Hadvar fights for what he believes is good for Skyrim, and firmly believes that it is part of the Empire. In addition, he has a very calm voice, and speaks in a respectful manner.

Interactions[]

Unbound[]

Hadvar is first seen calling the names of the captives alongside the Imperial Captain, lining them up to be beheaded. Among those he calls include Ulfric, Ralof, one of Ulfric's soldiers from Riverwood, and Lokir, a horse thief from Rorikstead. In the confusion ensuing from Alduin's attack on Helgen, he spots the Dragonborn trying to find cover and tells them to follow him if they want to survive. If Hadvar is chosen instead of Ralof, after escaping Helgen he will take the Dragonborn to his uncle's house in Riverwood, where he will stay afterwards.

Joining the Legion[]

If Hadvar was followed when escaping Helgen, an option to let General Tullius know Hadvar is safe can be chosen. Though the General is glad to hear that Hadvar is alright, he can't simply let the Dragonborn join the Legion on Hadvar's vouch without verifying his survival, and thus redirects them to Legate Rikke for how to join instead.

The Jagged Crown[]

If the Dragonborn sides with the Imperial Legion, during this quest to retrieve the Jagged Crown from Korvanjund, Hadvar will be with Legate Rikke and her troops that are about to enter the tomb to retrieve the crown before the Stormcloaks can for Galmar Stone-Fist, having been promoted as he now wears Imperial Heavy Armor in place of the Studded Imperial Armor he was wearing back in Helgen. After the quest is done, Hadvar will be found back in Riverwood, this time staying at the Sleeping Giant Inn, still wearing his Imperial Heavy Armor he was seen in during the quest.

Battle for Whiterun[]

Hadvar will be among the Imperial Legionnaires and Whiterun Hold Guards under Legate Rikke as they protect Whiterun from Stormcloak Soldiers and Generals until the Stormcloaks are routed and the city is saved from being taken. Hadvar will listen to Jarl Balgruuf's victory speech before heading back inside with Rikke, and the surviving Legionnaires and Hold Guards.

Compelling Tribute[]

In the Imperial Civil War quest-line the Dragonborn will meet Hadvar, who was recently promoted, and two Imperial Soldiers who are scouting a Stormcloak caravan carrying a shipment of coin and weapons. The group was sent by Legate Rikke in order to cut off the supplies of the Stormcloaks.

Rescue from Fort Kastav[]

Hadvar will be leading the Imperial Legionnaires sent to attack Fort Kastav, the main fort in Winterhold, which also is holding several Legionnaires inside its prison as Stormcloak prisoners-of-war (POWs). After the fort is cleared of rebel forces, Hadvar will remain behind with any surviving Legionnaires to secure the fort until a garrison arrives to place it under Imperial control, allowing the Legion to claim the hold.

Dialogue[]

Show: Unbound
In Helgen Keep: "Looks like we're the only ones who made it. Was that really a dragon? The bringers of the End Times? We should keep moving. Come here. Let me see if I can get those bindings off." After getting unbound: "There you go. Take a look around, there should be plenty of gear to choose from. I'm going to see if I can find something for these burns." After getting some armor: "You better get that armor on. Give that sword a few swings, too. Let's keep moving, that thing is still out there." After getting close to the first Stormcloaks: "Hear that? Stormcloaks. Maybe we can reason with them." After killing the Stormcloaks: "Let me see if I can get that door open." In the storeroom: "An old storeroom. See if you can find some potions. Might come in handy. Done, then? This way!" When approaching the torture room: "The torture room. Gods, I wish we didn't need these..." After the bridge collapses: "Damn it. No going back that way. I guess we're lucky that didn't come down on top of us. We'd better push on. I'm sure the others will find another way out." When following the stream: "Hmm. That doesn't go anywhere. I guess we'd better try this way." After killing the spiders: "What next, giant snakes?" When approaching the bear: "Hold up. There's a bear just ahead. See her? I'd rather not tangle with her right now. We might be able to sneak by. Just take it nice and slow, and watch where you step. Or if you're feeling lucky, you can take this bow. Might take her by surprise. Go ahead. I'll follow your lead and watch your back." "Whew. That was close. (Or "Not the sneaking type, huh?")" Near the exit: "This looks like the way out! I was starting to wonder if we'd ever make it." "You'd better get out of that stormcloak gear. Today's not the day to go around dressed like a rebel." After escaping Helgen: "Wait! Looks like he's gone for good this time. But I don't think we should stick around to see if he comes back. Closest town from here is Riverwood. My uncle's the blacksmith there. I'm sure he'd help you out. It's probably best if we split up. Good luck. I wouldn't have made it without your help today. Listen. You should go to Solitude and join up with the Imperial Legion. We could really use someone like you. And if the rebels have themselves a dragon, General Tullius is the only one who can stop them. See that ruin up there? Bleak Falls Barrow. When I was a boy, that place always used to give me nightmares. Draugr creeping down the mountain to climb through my window at night, that kind of thing. I admit, I still don't much like the look of it." At the Guardian Stones: "These are the Guardian Stones, three of the thirteen ancient standing stones that dot Skyrim's landscape. Go ahead, see for yourself." "Warrior, good! I knew you shouldn't have been on that cart the minute I laid eyes on you. (Or "Thief, eh? It's never too late to take charge of your own fate, you know." Or "Mage, eh? Well, to each his own. It's not for me to judge.")" When on the road again: "Listen, as far as I'm concerned you've already earned your pardon. But until we get that confirmed by General Tullius, just stay clear of other Imperial Soldiers and avoid any complications, all right?" When close to Riverwood: "I'm glad you decided to come with me. We're almost to Riverwood." When in Riverwood: "Things look quiet enough here. Come on. There's my uncle."

Show: Before the Storm
In Alvor and Sigrid's House: "It's nice to be back in a friendly spot, huh? Listen, I'm going to lay up here for a while. You can make your own way to Solitude from here. I'd recommend heading to Whiterun, just down the road from here. From there you can take a carriage to Solitude. I hope I'll see you in Solitude. Good luck." How do I get to Whiterun from here? "Just head north - you can't miss it. It's the capital of Whiterun Hold, the biggest and the best of the nine holds of Skyrim. But don't take my word for it." Who were those other prisoners? "You didn't know? That was Ulfric Stormcloak and his top lieutenants." He's a traitor of some kind? "Right, the leader of the Stormcloaks. They claim to be fighting for Skyrim's freedom, but the war is really all about Ulfric wanting to be High King of Skyrim." I don't pay much attention to current events. "Oh, right, you were caught trying to cross the border into Skyrim, weren't you? You're not kidding. Ulfric's the leader of the Stormcloaks - you know, the traitors trying to break Skyrim away from the Empire." Who are the Stormcloaks? "You haven't heard of the civil war in Skyrim? I guess down in Cyrodiil people have other things to worry about. It's pretty simple. Ulfric founded the Stormcloaks years ago, as a sort of private army to advance his ambitions. He's always used the ban on the worship of Talos to stir people up against the Empire. He never succeeded in getting much support, so a few months ago he murdered the High King! That got the Empire's attention." How did you capture Ulfric? "A masterstroke by General Tullius! He's only been in charge here for a few months, but he's turned things around for the Empire. We've been trying to catch Ulfric since the war started, but he always seemed to slip through our fingers... like he knew we were coming. This time, the General turned the tables on him. Ulfric rode right into our ambush with only a few bodyguards. He surrendered pretty meekly, too. So much for his death-or-glory reputation. I thought we were taking Ulfric back to Cyrodiil, but I guess the General changed his mind. You know the rest." I thought dragons were all dead long ago. "So did I! If the damn Stormcloaks somehow found one, or woke it up... the war might be about to take an ugly turn. Hard to believe it was just a coincidence, that the first dragon anyone's seen for centuries attacks just as Ulfric was about to be executed." You really think I should join the Imperial Legion? "Of course! I know, today wasn't the best introduction to the Legion, but I hope you'll give us another chance. The Legion could really use someone like you, especially now. And if the rebels have themselves a dragon, General Tullius is the only one who can stop them." You think General Tullius knows where that dragon came from? "No. Not yet. After all, a dragon... something out of old tales and legends... no one could have expected that. But you can bet he'll be trying to figure it out. This could shift the whole balance of the war. If you want to help stop that dragon, your best bet is to go to Solitude and join up with the Legion." General Tullius ordered my execution. Why would I want to help him? "I don't blame you for being angry about it. I would be, too, in your shoes. But it was all a mistake. You weren't supposed to be on that cart with those Stormcloak traitors. And the Imperial Legion needs your help, especially now, with that dragon out there somewhere, and Ulfric back on the loose." I'll have to think about it. "Sure, I understand. It's not easy to go from being executed by the Legion one day to joining up the next. But I think you'll see that the Legion is Skyrim's only hope for real peace right now. I know you'll make the right choice in the end." You make a good case. Maybe I will join up. "I hope so. The Legion is Skyrim's only hope right now. Come on, we'd better get moving. General Tullius has his headquarters in Castle Dour, in the city of Solitude, northwest of here. You'll want to talk to Legate Rikke. She deals with the new recruits. I'll be sure to put in a good word for you if I get back to Solitude first." How do I join the Imperial Legion? (Appears if spoken to again) "General Tullius has his headquarters in Castle Dour, in the city of Solitude, northwest of here. You'll want to talk to Legate Rikke. She deals with the new recruits. I'll be sure to put in a good word for you if I get back to Solitude first." Why is the worship of Talos banned? "I guess that wasn't such a big deal elsewhere in the Empire, but here it's caused a lot of resentment. Native son and all that. Even I'll admit it hasn't been the Empire's finest hour. But it wasn't like the Emperor had any choice, did he? If he hadn't signed the peace treaty with the Thalmor, they would have destroyed the Empire - then where would Skyrim be? That's the part that Ulfric's supporters always conveniently forget about. Unless the Empire stands together, the Thalmor will destroy us all." "Be careful on the way to Solitude. Damn Stormcloaks could be anywhere."

Show: The Jagged Crown
At Korvanjund: "Good to see you, my friend! I knew you'd make a proper Legionnaire. I'm glad you'll be with me in there. I don't like the looks of this place... and I'm not talking about the Stormcloaks." or "I remember you... You were with us at Helgen... I heard you came around and picked the right side. Welcome to the Legion! I'm glad you're with us. I don't like the looks of this place... and I'm not talking about the Stormcloaks." What are you talking about? "These old ruins... They don't want us here, the ancient ones. Better left alone. But never mind all that. We're the Emperor's soldiers. We'll do our duty no matter what stands in our way, right?" I know what you mean about these old ruins. "You, too, huh? I'd much rather a straight up fight than creeping around a place like this. But never mind all that. We're the Emperor's soldiers. We'll do our duty no matter what stands in our way, right?"

Show: Compelling Tribute
On the road near Shor's Watchtower: "Well, well. Look who it is! How have you been?" I'm all right, I guess. How are you? "Good to hear. I need this to go well. This is my first real command since they promoted me after Whiterun. You know, some nights when I close my eyes, I see the battle stretched out before me, like I'm still there... Do the men you've killed haunt you? Mine do..." I've been better, and you? "These are dark days. But at least we know we're doing our part to make things better, eh? I guess I'm doing all right. I need this to go well. This is my first real command since they promoted me after Whiterun. You know, some nights when I close my eyes, I see the battle stretched out before me, like I'm still there... Do the men you killed haunt you? Mine do..." Only a beast kills without feeling. "I suppose you're right... they say it gets easier... I'm not sure if that's a good thing... But never mind all that. We've got a job to do. Don't we? (Hadvar may also say "What brings you out this way?)" If you hadn't killed them, they would've killed you. "That's what I keep telling myself. But, never mind all that. We've got a job to do. Don't we? (Hadvar may also say "What brings you out this way?)" There's an enemy wagon loaded with coin and weapons. We need to capture it. "Really? It just so happens we've been tracking a wagon! For about a day now. So that's what's in there? Coins and weapons? How do you know that?" I blackmailed Aruniel for information. "That was crafty. I'm sure having a steward in the pocket will come in handy. Lucky for us, that the wagon recently had a little accident. They're stranded now. Just up the road! We're outnumbered, but I have a plan. You got here just in time." It doesn't matter. "Oh, fine. Keep your secrets. I see how it is. That wagon recently had a little accident. They're stranded now, just up the road. We're outnumbered, but I have a plan. You got here just in time." What's the plan? "First, we're going to take out their sentry, then we'll situate ourselves overlooking the camp. Next, you'll infiltrate their position and get their attention while we hit them with a barrage of arrows. With a bit of luck, we'll catch them completely off guard and even the odds a little." I have a better plan. You wait here, and I'll take care of it. "All right, if you insist. But we'll come running if it sounds like things have gotten out of hand." We should wait until dark. (Only between 6am and 6pm) or Let's wait a little longer. "Good idea. Let me know when you're ready." or "Let me know when you're ready." Ready. Let's go. "Good." When taking position near the camp: "Fire!" After clearing the camp: "We make quite a team, eh? I'll stay here and guard the shipment. You get back to camp with news. Have them send some men - with a new wagon. This one isn't going anywhere."

Show: Rescue from Fort Kastav
Near Fort Kastav: "Hey there! Can you believe this place? So cold my breath turns to icicles! What are we even doing up here? Guess Tullius wants to make sure everything's locked down before launching a serious campaign for Eastmarch. Anyway, I'm glad you're here. We're outnumbered again, more so than when we took that wagon. But if we work together, we can pull this off." What's the plan? "There's a grate outside the wall. Looks like it used to be buried in snow. I don't think they know it's there. From the look of it, I'd bet it leads straight into the prison. I need you to sneak in there, and free our men, killing anyone inside as you go. Once you've rescued the prisoners, head out to the courtyard. We'll stand guard out here and rush in as soon as we hear fighting." I'm not much for sneaking. "I have faith in you. But, if you find more trouble than you can handle, run out to the courtyard. We'll come as soon as we hear fighting." I'm on it. "You should wait until night fall before trying to sneak in. (Only between 4am and 4pm) Talos preserve you." After taking the fort: "Great work! Get back and report our success. I'll stay here and clean up the mess. (Or "You go report our success. I'll set up a garrison here. A shame none of the prisoners made it, but their names will be remembered." if none of the prisoners survived) Glad you were here. Couldn't have done it without you!" or (if only Hadvar and the player survived) "I can't believe we're the only ones who survived. Glad you were here. I guess... I'll hold down the fort by my lonesome. Hurry back and tell them to send a garrison. Quickly!"

Conversations[]

Show: At Helgen
At Helgen: Ralof: "Hey, you. You're finally awake. You were trying to cross the border, right? Walked right into that Imperial ambush, same as us, and that thief over there." Lokir: "Damn you Stormcloaks. Skyrim was fine until you came along. Empire was nice and lazy. If they hadn't been looking for you, I could've stolen that horse and been halfway to Hammerfell. You there... You and me, we shouldn't be here. It's these Stormcloaks the Empire wants." Ralof: "We're all brothers and sisters in binds now, thief." Imperial Soldier: "Shut up back there!" Lokir: "And what's wrong with him, huh?" Ralof: "Watch your tongue. You're speaking to Ulfric Stormcloak, the true High King." Lokir: "Ulfric? The Jarl of Windhelm? You're the leader of the rebellion. But if they've captured you... Oh gods, where are they taking us?" Ralof: "I don't know where we're going, but Sovngarde awaits." Lokir: "No, this can't be happening. This isn't happening." Ralof: "Hey, what village are you from, horse thief?" Lokir: "Why do you care?" Ralof: "A Nord's last thoughts should be of home." Lokir: "Rorikstead. I'm... I'm from Rorikstead." Imperial: "General Tullius, sir! The headsman is waiting!" Tullius: "Good. Let's get this over with." Lokir: "Shor, Mara, Dibella, Kynareth, Akatosh. Divines, please help me." Ralof: "Look at him, General Tullius, the Military Governor. And it looks like the Thalmor are with him. Damn elves. I bet they had something to do with this. This is Helgen. I used to be sweet on a girl from here. Wonder if Vilod is still making that mead with juniper berries mixed in. Funny, when I was a boy, Imperial walls and towers used to make me feel so safe." Haming: "Who are they, daddy? Where are they going?" Torolf: "You need to go inside, little cub." Haming: "Why? I want to watch the soldiers." Torolf: "Inside the house. Now." Haming: "Yes, papa." Imperial: "Whoa!" Captain: "Get these prisoners out of the carts. Move it!" Lokir: "Why are we stopping?" Ralof: "Why do you think? End of the line. Let's go. Shouldn't keep the gods waiting for us." Lokir: "No! Wait! We're not rebels!" Ralof: "Face your death with some courage, thief." Lokir: "You've got to tell them! We weren't with you! This is a mistake!" Imperial Captain: "Step towards the block when we call your name. One at a time." Ralof: "Empire loves their damn lists." Hadvar: "Ulfric Stormcloak. Jarl of Windhelm." Ralof: "It has been an honor, Jarl Ulfric!" Hadvar: "Ralof of Riverwood. Lokir of Rorikstead." Lokir: "No, I'm not a rebel. You can't do this!" [Lokir runs] Captain: "Halt!" Lokir: "You're not going to kill me!" Captain: "Archers!" [Lokir is shot dead] Captain: "Anyone else feel like running?" Hadvar: "Wait. You there. Step forward. Who are you?" Altmer – "You're not with the Thalmor Embassy, are you High Elf? No, that can't be right..." Argonian – "Are you a relative of one of the Riften dock workers, Argonian?" Bosmer – "Not many Wood Elves would choose to come alone to Skyrim." Breton – "You from Daggerfall, Breton? Fleeing from some court intrigue?" Dunmer – "Another refugee? Gods really have abandoned your people, Dark Elf." Imperial – "You're a long way from the Imperial City. What're you doing in Skyrim?" Khajiit – "You with one of the trade caravans, Khajiit? Your kind always seems to find trouble." Orsimer – "You from one of the strongholds, Orc? How did you end up here?" Redguard – "What're you doing here, Redguard? You a sellsword? A sailor from Stros M'Kai?" Nord – "You picked a bad time to come home to Skyrim, kinsman." Hadvar: "Captain. What should we do? He's (If the Dragonborn is female: "She's") not on the list." Captain: "Forget the list. He (If the Dragonborn is female: "She") goes to the block." Hadvar: "By your orders, Captain. I'm sorry. At least you'll die here, in your homeland (If the Dragonborn is not a Nord: "We'll make sure your remains are returned to Cyrodiil/Hammerfell/High Rock/The Summerset Isle/Morrowind/Valenwood/Orsinium/Elsweyr/Black Marsh"). Follow the Captain, prisoner." Tullius: "Ulfric Stormcloak. Some here in Helgen call you a hero. But a hero doesn't use a power like The Voice to murder his king and usurp his throne." Ulfric: "[muffled grunts]" Tullius: "You started this war, plunged Skyrim into chaos, and now the Empire is going to put you down, and restore the peace." After Alduin's first roar: Hadvar: "What was that?" Tullius: "It's nothing. Carry on." Captain: "Yes, General Tullius. Give them their last rites." Priestess of Arkay: "As we commend your souls to Aetherius, blessings of the Eight Divines upon you, for you are the salt and earth of Nirn, our beloved..." Stormcloak Soldier: "For the love of Talos, shut up and let's get this over with." Priestess of Arkay: "As you wish." Stormcloak Soldier: "Come on, I haven't got all morning. My ancestors are smiling at me, Imperials. Can you say the same?" [Executed] Stormcloak: "You Imperial bastards!" Vilod: "Justice!" Ingrid: "Death to the Stormcloaks!" Ralof: "As fearless in death as he was in life." Captain: "Next, the Nord in the rags (Other races: "renegade from Cyrodiil", "Redguard", "Breton", "High Elf", "Dark Elf", "Wood Elf", "Orc", "cat", "lizard")!" After Alduin's second roar: Hadvar: "There it is again. Did you hear that?" Captain: "I said, next prisoner!" Hadvar: "To the block, prisoner. Nice and easy." After Alduin's third roar: Tullius: "What in Oblivion is that?" Captain: "Sentries! What do you see?" Imperial: "It's in the clouds!" Stormcloak: "Dragon!" Alduin: [Meteor-shower shout] Headsman: "Hunh..." Tullius: "Don't just stand there! Kill that thing! Guards, get the townspeople to safety!" Ralof: "Hey, kinsman (Other races: "Imperial", "Redguard", "Breton", "High Elf", "Dark Elf", "Wood Elf", "Orc", "Khajiit", "Argonian")! Get up! Come on, the gods won't give us another chance!" After running through the inn: Hadvar: "Haming, you need to get over here. Now! Torolf!" [Torolf dies here] Gods... Everyone get back!" Alduin: "Yol... Toor... Shul!" Hadvar: "Still alive, prisoner? Keep close to me if you want to stay that way. Gunnar, take care of the boy. I have to find General Tullius and join their defense." Gunnar: "Gods guide you, Hadvar." Hadvar: "Stay close to the wall!" After Alduin lands on the wall: Alduin: "Yol... Toor... Shul" Hadvar: "Quickly, follow me!" Tullius: "Hadvar! Into the keep, soldier, we're leaving!" Hadvar: "It's you and me, prisoner. Stay close! Ralof! You damned traitor. Out of my way!" Ralof: "We're escaping, Hadvar. You're not stopping us this time." Hadvar: "Fine. I hope that dragon takes you all to Sovngarde." Ralof: "You! Come on, into the keep!" Entering the keep: Hadvar: "Quick, I can cut you loose inside the keep. (Or "Come on! We need to get inside!")" Hadvar: "Looks like we're the only ones who made it. Was that really a dragon? The bringers of the End Times? We should keep moving. Come here. Let me see if I can get those bindings off. (Or "Those binds aren't going to cut themselves.", "Come on, you need your hands free.", "Let's cut you loose.") There you go. Take a look around, there should be plenty of gear to choose from. I'm going to see if I can find something for these burns." After getting some gear: Stormcloak 1: "We need to get moving! That dragon is tearing up the whole keep!" Stormcloak 2: "Just give me a minute... I'm out of breath..." Hadvar: "Hear that? Stormcloaks. Maybe we can reason with them." Hadvar: "Hold on, now, we only want to..." Hadvar: "If you want to die, so be it." Stormcloak 1: "Freedom or Sovngarde!" Stormcloak 2: "For Ulfric and Skyrim!" Hadvar: "I guess that'll teach me to try to reason with a Stormcloak. Let me see if I can get that door open." After killing the assaulting Stormcloaks at the torturer's chamber: Torturer: "You fellows happened along just in time. These boys seemed a bit upset at how I've been entertaining their comrades." Hadvar: "Don't you even know what's going on? A dragon is attacking Helgen!" Torturer: "A dragon? Please. Don't make up nonsense. Although, come to think of it, I did hear some odd noises coming from over there." Hadvar: "Come with us. We need to get out of here." Torturer: "You have no authority over me, boy." Hadvar: "Didn't you hear me? I said the keep is under attack!" Torturer's Assistant: "Forget the old man. I'll come with you." Hadvar: "Wait a second. Looks like there's something in this cage." Torturer: "Don't bother with that. Lost the key ages ago. Poor fellow screamed for weeks." Hadvar: "See if you (Referring to the Last Dragonborn.) can get it open with some picks. We'll need everything we can get." Tortuer: "Sure, take all my things. Please." Hadvar: "Grab what you can and let's go." Torturer: "There's no way out that way, you know..."

Show: Before the Storm
At Riverwood: Hadvar: "Uncle Alvor! Hello!" Alvor: "Hadvar? What are you doing here? Are you on leave from...Shor's bones, what happened to you, boy? Are you in some kind of trouble?" Hadvar: "Shh. Uncle, please. Keep your voice down. I'm fine. But we should go inside to talk." Alvor: "What's going on? [looks at player] And who's this?" Hadvar: "He's/She's a friend. Saved my life, in fact. Come on, I'll explain everything but we need to go inside." Alvor: "Okay, okay. Come inside, then. Sigrid will get you something to eat, and you can tell me all about it." After heading inside Alvor and Sigrid's House: Alvor: "Sigrid! We have company!" Sigrid: "Hadvar! We've been so worried about you! Come, you two must be hungry. Sit down and I'll get you something to eat." Alvor: "Now then, boy, what's the big mystery? What are you doing here looking like you lost an argument with a cave bear?" Hadvar: "I don't know where to start. You know I was assigned to General Tullius's guard. We were stopped in Helgen when we were attacked by...a dragon." Alvor: "A dragon? That's ridiculous. You aren't drunk, are you boy?" Sigrid: "Husband. Let him tell his story." Hadvar: "Not much more to tell. The dragon flew over and just wrecked the whole place. Mass confusion. I don't know if anyone else got out alive. I doubt I'd have made it out if not for my friend here. I need to get back to Solitude and let them know what's happened. I thought you could help us out. Food, supplies, a place to stay." Alvor: "Of course! Any friend of Hadvar's is a friend of mine. I'd be glad to help however I can. [to player]Like I said, I'm glad to help however I can. But I need you help. We need your help. [gift options open] The Jarl needs to know if there's a dragon on the loose. Riverwood is defenseless...You need to get word to Jarl Balgruuf to send whatever soldiers he can. If you do this for me, I'll be in your debt."

Quotes[]

"'Dragonborn huh? Was it your ma or your pa that was the dragon?"
"I don't think Rikke even knows my name. Probably because I'm not the Dragonborn.'"
"Ever get the impression Rikke's not always sure what side she's on? I'm not doubting her loyalty. Just, she seems rather sympathetic to the rebels."
"I can't decide if things are about to get worse or better."
"Don't worry. We'll get out of here, somehow."
"At least we don't have a dragon to worry about, for the moment."
"A dragon... first in a thousand years..."
"Better down here than out there."
"Nothing for it but to keep moving."
"Ever wonder if maybe we should call a truce with the Stormcloaks, join forces for just a little while, and take care of some of these dragons?"
"Ha! You're still alive?"
"This way. Come on!"
"Ralof, you damned traitor! Out of my way!"
"Who do you think killed more Rebels? You or me?"
"What next, giant snakes?"
"Huh. I had heard you died."
"Still alive prisoner? Stay close to me if you want to stay that way."
"Do colors seem brighter to you? Everything seems bigger, too... strange."
"Haming! You need to get over here. Now!"
"I'm pretty sure I killed more than you, I was counting." (After the battle of Whiterun)
"There's more of them somewhere around here."
"Fine! I hope that dragon takes you all to Sovngarde!"

Sound Quotes[]

Quote	Topic	Audio
"Dragonborn, huh? Was it your ma or your pa that was the dragon?"	General

Unique interpersonal dialogue[]

If Hadvar and Ralof are near each other, they will engage in some dialogue. However, this dialogue is glitched, as it is random dialogue that occurs between two Stormcloak soldiers, followed by dialogue between two Imperial Soldiers.

Hadvar: "How'd you end up here?" Ralof: "My cousin disappeared one night. Some say the Thalmor grabbed him. It wasn't long before I found myself under Ulfric's banner." Hadvar: "So why did you join the Stormcloaks?" Ralof: "I'm a true Nord. Simple as that." Ralof: "So why'd you join the Legion?" Hadvar: "My father was a Legionnaire, and his before him. I guess I never considered doing anything else."

If the Dragonborn followed Hadvar during the mission Unbound and did not start the Imperial Legion quests, he will have the same dialogue as other Imperials:

"Damn Stormcloak rebels."
"Keep an eye out for trouble, it's only a matter of time."

Civil War[]

If Hadvar survives Helgen and the Dragonborn later joins the Imperial Legion, then Hadvar can be encountered multiple times in the civil war questline. He first appears in the quest The Jagged Crown, where he, along with Legate Rikke and other Legion soldiers, meet the Dragonborn outside Korvanjund where they then initiate an attack; eventually, they get past the Stormcloaks inside and retrieve the The Jagged Crown.

He then appears again at the Battle for Whiterun, where he is among those who fight out the rebels and save Whiterun. After the battle, Hadvar is promoted to the rank of Captain. In the quest "Compelling Tribute," the Dragonborn must meet Hadvar, along with two other imperials, and they then must attack a small wagon of gold and weapons which is heavily guarded by Stormcloaks, after defeating the men Hadvar and the other two legionaries stay with the wagon while the Dragonborn reports back to Legate Rikke.

Later, in Rescue from Fort Kastav, Hadvar sends the Dragonborn into Fort Kastav through a drain leading into the prison, where they will need to rescue the imperial prisoners before coming out into the courtyard and attacking the Stormcloaks within. Afterwards, Hadvar sets up camp while the Dragonborn reports back to General Tullius.

Although Hadvar is not present at the Battle for Windhelm, he can be found back in Riverwood with the rest of his family.

Trivia[]

Hadvar will appear to have been promoted to a higher rank once the Dragonborn advances in the Civil War questline, as he will be seen wearing a different set of armor.
Hadvar is the only character to be voiced by Jonas Fisch.
- In an earlier build, he was voiced by Jason Marsden.
Hadvar admits he had nightmares about Bleak Falls Barrow when he was a child, saying that he was afraid of the Draugr coming down the mountain and climbing through his window while he was sleeping.
Although he and Ralof share most dialogue concerning the Guardian Stones, Hadvar has different dialogue for The Warrior Stone.
It is possible to infinitely level combat skills, as Hadvar is invincible in the beginning of the game. After obtaining a weapon or using a spell, continuously attacking Hadvar will provide experience. In Whiterun, he can be attacked in the middle of town, as no guards will attempt to arrest the Dragonborn. Additionally, Hadvar's "Quest NPC" downed recovery time is almost instant.

Bugs[]

This section contains bugs related to Hadvar. 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 NX After taking Windhelm for the Legion, Hadvar may follow the Dragonborn in Whiterun with his sword drawn. He will occasionally say things, such as, "Ha! You're still alive?" or, "Who do you think killed more rebels? You or me?" Fast traveling to Riverwood can fix this. Another method to fix this problem: Walk up to him, press right up against him, save, then restart the game. Hadvar will wander off to the main gate and disappear after a few moments.
- PC Afterwards, the Dragonborn may be unable to obtain followers. To fix this, type into the console set playerfollowercount to 0.
PC During "The Jagged Crown," Hadvar's dialogue regarding the Dragonborn's status may still play, even if they have not started "Dragon Rising."
PC During the opening quest "Unbound," when interacting with Hadvar, his Dialogue may be restricted to saying only the same few lines, such as "Nothing for it but to keep moving"; "A dragon... first in a thousand years..."; and "Better down here than out there." Whereas, normally when interacting with him after certain situations in the quest, he should respond contextually. For example, after fighting the first two Stormcloak soldiers, and then interacting with him, he should say "I guess that'll teach me to try to reason with a Stormcloak."
PS3 Once the Dragonborn exits the caves from "Unbound" and nears the Guardian Stones with whoever they decided to follow (Hadvar or Ralof), they may travel off of the path and never initialize the conversation regarding the stones.
- PS3 A possible solution for this is to run into them so that they stop at the road corner. They will then take the correct path (to the left) and initialize with the stones.
PS3 Very rarely in indoor combat, Hadvar may be seen using the Staff of Magnus. It is unknown why.

Appearances[]

The Elder Scrolls V: Skyrim

Notes[]

↑ Might be promoted during civil war questline.

[1] Might be promoted during civil war questline.

[note 1]