Prerequisites: Complete Civil War Quest: The Jagged Crown

Intersecting Quests: Civil War Quest: The Jagged Crown, Main Quest: Bleak Falls Barrow, Main Quest: Dragon Rising, Civil War Quest: Battle for Whiterun

Locations: Whiterun , Dragonsreach, Windhelm, Palace of the Kings

Characters: Galmar Stone-Fist, Hrongar , Irileth, Jarl Balgruuf the Greater, Jarl Ulfric Stormcloak, Lydia, Proventus Avenicci

Objectives: Get new orders, Deliver axe to the Jarl of Whiterun, Assist Jarl Balgruuf with the dragon threat, Wait for the Jarl’s response, Deliver axe to Jarl Ulfric, Wait for orders from Jarl Ulfric

Decisions at Whiterun

Objective: Get new orders

Immediately after congratulating you on locating the Bone Crown, Jarl Ulfric Stormcloak explains that he has a message he needs delivered to the Jarl of Whiterun. Inquire why he’s handing you an axe as the message, and Ulfric explains that if the Jarl keeps the axe, Ulfric will bide his time. If the axe is returned, it means war.

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Items gained:
Ulfric’s War Axe

Objective: Deliver axe to the Jarl of Whiterun
Target: Jarl Balgruuf of Whiterun, in Dragonsreach

Head past the Whiterun Stables and start the long, slow climb. Go over the drawbridge and to the main Whiterun gate. As you approach, a guard stops you; the city is closed with the news of the dragons spreading faster than you can travel. You can:

Tell the guard that Riverwood calls for the Jarl’s aid. This is the optimal plan and is available only if Main Quest: Before the Storm is active.

(Persuade) Or you can tell the guard you have news from Helgen about the dragon attack.

(Bribe) Or bribe the guard with a proportion of your collected gold.

(Intimidate) Or order the guard to stand aside.

Once you’re inside the walls of Whiterun, head north, to the hilltop on which the city sits. Go past the Gildergreen tree and the Shrine to Talos. Climb the stone steps to discover Dragonsreach, home of the Jarl. Walk toward the huge central fire on either side of the banqueting tables. You are met by Irileth, Jarl Balgruuf’s Housecarl...