Skyrim:Hadvar

The UESPWiki – Your source for The Elder Scrolls since 1995
Jump to: navigation, search
Hadvar
(RefID: 0002BFA2)
Home Town Riverwood
Location Helgen
Race Nord Gender Male
Level PC×1 (range=5-50) Class Warrior
RefID 0002BFA2 BaseID 0002BF9F
Other Information
Health 125+(PC-1)×11.7
Magicka 50
Stamina 50+(PC-1)×3.3
Primary Skills Heavy Armor, One-handed, Archery, Block
Class Details CombatWarrior1H
Morality No Crime Aggression Aggressive
Essential Yes
Voice Type Unique
Faction(s) CWDialogueSoldierFaction; CWImperialFactionNPC; CWImperialFaction; CrimeFactionImperial; Faction for not using casual idles; MQ101ImperialDialogueFaction
Hadvar

Hadvar is a Nord warrior, a soldier of the Imperial Legion, and an early companion. As one of the garrisoned troops defending Helgen, he tries to assist civilians, including Torolf's son Haming, while escaping the dragon raid.

Despite aiding in your execution, he is apologetic that you are to be executed. Shortly after noticing you running for shelter from the attack, he commands you to follow him to Helgen Keep. Once there, you must decide to either have him escort you through the keep, or to have a fellow prisoner, Ralof, rejoin you for your escape. If you follow him into the keep, you will engage in battle against Stormcloaks. After escaping from Helgen, he will take you to Riverwood, where his uncle, Alvor, lives. He will also invite you to join the Imperial Legion in Solitude. He will be present at the battle for Whiterun, and, after a promotion, lead the rescue mission at Fort Kastav and will participate in many of the Legion missions. Following the conclusion of the civil war, he can be found at the Sleeping Giant Inn in Riverwood, but cannot be engaged in conversation.

Hadvar is clad in a set of Imperial light armor. This includes a studded Imperial armor, a pair of Imperial light bracers, and a pair of Imperial light boots. He is equipped with an Imperial sword and an iron shield for close-range combat, and uses a long bow supplemented with twelve iron arrows when the need arises. He carries three potions of minor healing. After the escape from Helgen, he will change to a set of Imperial heavy armor, along with Imperial boots and bracers.

Related Quests[edit]

Radiant Quests[edit]

Quest-Related Events[edit]

SR-achievement-Unbound.png

Unbound[edit]

"Who are you?"

During your ride to Helgen, Hadvar can be seen just behind your cart, riding a horse and keeping watch from the rear. After you arrive at Helgen, he will dismount and keep track of the fellow prisoners on the cart you start on with his ledger and quill. As the prisoners in your cart alight the carriage, Hadvar will start by calling out names as shown below:

  1. "Ulfric Stormcloak. Jarl of Windhelm."
  2. "Ralof of Riverwood."
  3. "Lokir of Rorikstead."

He will call you differently though, as he will address you with, "Wait. You there. Step forward. Who are you?"

After you have created a character, Hadvar will fill out the ledger and comment on your race. He has a specific line of dialogue for each race.

Race Dialogue
Altmer You're not with the Thalmor Embassy, are you High Elf? No, that can't be right...
I'm sorry. We'll make sure your remains are returned to Summerset Isle.
Argonian Are you a relative of one of the Riften dock workers, Argonian?
I'm sorry. We'll make sure your remains are returned to Black Marsh.
Bosmer Not many Wood Elves would choose to come alone to Skyrim.
I'm sorry. We'll make sure your remains are returned to Valenwood.
Breton You from Daggerfall, Breton? Fleeing from some court intrigue?
I'm sorry. We'll make sure your remains are returned to High Rock.
Dunmer Another refugee? Gods really have abandoned your people, Dark Elf.
I'm sorry. We'll make sure your remains are returned to Morrowind.
Imperial You're a long way from the Imperial City. What're you doing in Skyrim?
I'm sorry. We'll make sure your remains are returned to Cyrodiil.
Khajiit You with one of the trade caravans, Khajiit? Your kind always seems to find trouble.
I'm sorry. We'll make sure your remains are returned to Elsweyr.
Nord You picked a bad time to come home to Skyrim, kinsman.
I'm sorry. At least you'll die here, in your homeland.
Orc You from one of the strongholds, Orc? How did you end up here?
I'm sorry. We'll make sure your remains are returned to Orsinium.
Redguard What're you doing here, Redguard? You a sellsword? A sailor from Stros M'kai?
I'm sorry. We'll make sure your remains are returned to Hammerfell.

After his comment regarding your race, he will ask the Captain:

Hadvar: "Captain. What should we do? He/she's not on the list."
Captain: "Forget the list. He/she goes to the block."
Hadvar: "By your orders, Captain."

Hadvar will promptly apologize to you, saying that they'll make sure your remains are returned to your respective region. He will further instruct you: "Follow the Captain, prisoner." as he stands by the executioner. After hearing a distant roar, he will comment on this by saying: "What was that?" General Tullius will be dismissive, however: "It's nothing. Carry on." Upon hearing the roar for the second time, Hadvar will say: "There it is again. Did you hear that?" This time the Captain will impatiently say: "I said, next prisoner!" Hadvar will then tell you: "To the block, prisoner. Nice and easy."

"Gunnar, take care of the boy."

When you put your head down, you will see a black dragon landing on a tower, creating a shockwave that knocks the executioner down. The dragon will then shout, killing the executioner in the progress. Hadvar is nowhere to be seen, but after your jump from the tower to the destroyed inn, he can be found getting Haming to safety: "Haming, you need to get over here. Now!" As he gets the child to come to him, he will say: "That a boy. You're doing great." Alduin will land and breathe fire at Torolf from behind him, killing him in the progress. If you run ahead quickly enough, Alduin might land behind Torolf then immediately fly off. If Haming's father, Torolf, didn't survive, Hadvar can be heard yelling: "Torolf!" and then "Gods... Everyone get back!" Shortly afterward, Hadvar will notice you and say: "Still alive, prisoner? Keep close to me if you want to stay that way." and ask Gunnar to keep an eye on Haming by saying: "Gunnar, take care of the boy. I have to find General Tullius and join the defense." Gunnar will stay put behind a burned down building and say: "Gods guide you, Hadvar."

You and Hadvar will soon reach a wall, and Hadvar will shout: "Stay close to the wall!", just before Alduin lands and breathes fire. After the dragon flies away, Hadvar will say: "Quickly, follow me!" As you go through the blazing ruins of Helgen, you and Hadvar will eventually meet Ralof. However, their interaction is not exactly friendly.

"I hope that dragon takes you all to Sovngarde."
Hadvar: "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."
"With me, prisoner. Let's go!"

Hadvar will then run to the barracks entrance and direct you, saying: "With me, prisoner. Let's go!" and "Quick, I can cut you loose inside the keep." You may now choose to go with him or Ralof. Choosing one will make the other disappear for good, unless you decide later to join their respective faction. Once you're inside the keep with him, he will comment: "Looks like we're the only ones who made it. Was that really a dragon? The bringers of the End Times?" and "We should keep moving. Come here. Let me see if I can get those bindings off." If you don't get close, he'll say either: "Those binds aren't going to cut themselves.", "Come on, you need your hands free.", or "Let's cut you loose." He will then free your hands and instruct you: "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.", "You better get some gear.", "Find yourself a weapon. You're going to need it.", "See if one of these chests has some armor for you.", and "You better get that armor on. Give that sword a few swings, too."

"Let's cut you loose."

During your escape from Helgen, talking to Hadvar will have him say one of these repeating lines:

  • "Better down here than out there."
  • "Nothing for it but to keep moving."
  • "A dragon.... First in a thousand years...."
  • "Don't worry. We'll get out of here, somehow."
  • "I can't decide if things are about to get worse or better."
  • "At least we don't have a dragon to worry about, for the moment."

He will activate the pull-chain to open the portcullis, saying: "Let's keep moving. That thing is still out there." Once the portcullis is withdrawn, he'll command you: "Come on, this way!" Going farther to another portcullis, you can hear two Stormcloaks talking:

Stormcloak Soldier #1: "We need to get moving! That dragon is tearing up the whole keep!"
Stormcloak Soldier #2: "Just give me a minute... I'm out of breath..."

As he pulls the chain to open the way, Hadvar will whisper to you: "Hear that? Stormcloaks. Maybe we can reason with them." When he sees them draw their weapons, he will try to stop them: "Hold on, now, we only want to...", but then cave in: "If you want to die, so be it." After they're taken care of, Hadvar may say: "I guess that'll teach me to try to reason with a Stormcloak." He'll then get the door open, saying: "Let me see if I can get that door open."

Hadvar fighting off Stormcloaks

Going downstairs, Hadvar will see the corridor roof collapsing, exclaiming: "Look out!" It turns out he was right, so now the pathway is blocked, about which he will remark: "Damn, that dragon doesn't give up easy." You and Hadvar will be forced to enter the room beside the ruins, and find Stormcloaks within, trying to be urgent as you and Hadvar are:

Stormcloak Soldier #1: "What are you doing? We need to get out of Helgen. Now!"
Stormcloak Soldier #2: "These Imperials have potions in here. We're going to need them."

After they are taken care of, Hadvar will tell you: "An old storeroom. See if you can find some potions. Might come in handy." and "Look around. Grab anything that looks useful." After you take the potions as instructed, he will say: "Done, then? This way!"

Going lower, Hadvar will indicate where you are, saying: "The torture room. Gods, I wish we didn't need these...." He will still help the torturer and his assistant defeat the Stormcloaks, and will urge you to do so too: "Come on. Sounds like trouble."

"Come with us. We need to get out of here."
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!"
Assistant: "Forget the old man. I'll come with you."

Should you choose to kill the torturer and his assistant, Hadvar will not attack you back. He may even be found commenting on their deaths: "These bastards call themselves Imperial Legionnaires..."

Before going, Hadvar will notice a dead mage inside the middle cage: "Wait a second. Looks like there's something in this cage." The torturer will comment on how the mage ended up dead, saying: "Don't bother with that. Lost the key ages ago. Poor fellow screamed for weeks." but Hadvar will turn to you anyway and insist: "See if you can get it open with some picks. We'll need everything we can get." The torturer will not be pleased when you retrieve the dead mage's gear: "Sure, take all my things. Please." but Hadvar will still tell you to: "Grab what you can and let's go."

As his assistant comes with you and Hadvar to lend aid, the torturer will have one last comment as you exit the torture room: "There's no way out that way, you know..." He is proven wrong when you go farther and see the wall blown up, leading to a cave. Hadvar may comment on the torture room again: "I'm glad to be out of that place. I hope this leads somewhere." You'll see yet another group of Stormcloaks trying to find the way out:

Stormcloak Soldier #1: "Where in Oblivion are we supposed to go? Where's the way out?"
Stormcloak Soldier #2: "Just give me a minute. Let me think."

These are the last Stormcloaks that you will encounter for the rest of the quest. After they have been killed, Hadvar will say: "All right, let's see if we can find a way out." as he notices a lever and a bridge: "Let's see where this goes." He'll pull the lever, lowering the bridge.

As soon as you and Hadvar go through the bridge, Alduin's roar will be heard and the fort's ruins will rain on the bridge, destroying it with its weight. Hadvar will comment on this, saying: "Damn it. No going back that way.", "I guess we're lucky that didn't come down on top of us.", and "We'd better push on. I'm sure the others will find another way out." He can also be found saying: "Since nobody's trying to kill me just now, maybe we should rest for a minute.", and "Looks like we're on our own now."

Helgen's buildings end here and the rest of your path will be a cave. As you try to find an exit, Hadvar will grumble: "Hmm. That doesn't go anywhere." and "I guess we'd better try this way." when he finds a dead end.

Eventually, you'll encounter frostbite spiders, and upon killing them, Hadvar will remark: "What next, giant snakes?" and "I hate those damn things. Too many eyes, you know?"

"I'd rather not tangle with her right now."

Farther down the cave you will see a bear sleeping. Hadvar will crouch, saying: "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." He will give you a long bow with twelve iron arrows and finish with: "Go ahead. I'll follow your lead and watch your back." As you sneak past the bear, he'll say either: "Easy does it now.", "Not now.", "I'll follow your lead.", "We must be near the entrance for that bear to have made its den here.", or "Let's take our time. I think we can sneak by her if we're careful." Once you are out of the bear's earshot, he'll be relieved as he starts running again: "Whew. That was close." If you fail to sneak, either by accident or on purpose, he'll comment: "Not the sneaking type, huh?"

"Looks like he's gone for good this time."

Past the bear, continue down the cave and you will see an exit. Hadvar will tell you: "This looks like the way out! I was starting to wonder if we'd ever make it." As you and Hadvar exit the cave, he will say: "Wait!" and hide beside a rock as Alduin flies over Bleak Falls Barrow and disappears. Hadvar will then say: "Looks like he's gone for good this time. But I don't think we should stick around to see if he comes back." and inform you of a nearby town, Riverwood: "Closest town from here is Riverwood. My uncle's the blacksmith there. I'm sure he'd help you out." He'll continue with: "It's probably best if we split up. Good luck. I wouldn't have made it without your help today.", recommend your next action: "Listen, you should go to Solitude and join up with the Imperial Legion. We could really use someone like you." and "And if the rebels have themselves a dragon, General Tullius is the only one who can stop them." He'll also warn you: "We'd better keep moving. I feel like that dragon might be up there watching us right now." and can be found saying things like: "I hope that dragon isn't still flying around there somewhere." Talking to him will net you the same dialogue lines.

Before the Storm[edit]

"When I was a boy, that place always used to give me nightmares."

Despite what he said, you may continue following him to Riverwood. If so, he will show you a few things on the way to Riverwood, the first of which is Bleak Falls Barrow, a large Nordic ruin northwest of Riverwood: "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."

"These are the Guardian Stones."

He'll also take you to the Guardian Stones, specifically the Thief, Mage, and Warrior standing stones: "These are the Guardian Stones, three of the thirteen ancient standing stones that dot Skyrim's landscape." and encourage you to activate one of them: "Go ahead, see for yourself." His comment will depend on what stone you choose:

Thief Mage Warrior
"Thief, eh? It's never too late to take charge of your own fate, you know." "Mage, eh? Well, to each his own. It's not for me to judge." "Warrior, good! I knew you shouldn't have been on that cart the minute I laid eyes on you."

When you're accompanying him to Riverwood, Hadvar may say: "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?" Talking to him will have him urge you to hurry. "Come on. I'll feel better once we're under cover in Riverwood." As you both are nearing Riverwood, he will say: "I'm glad you decided to come with me. We're almost to Riverwood." Upon seeing his uncle, he will comment on the village: "Things look quiet enough here. Come on. There's my uncle."

Hadvar talking with Alvor
Hadvar: "Uncle Alvor! Hello!"
Alvor: "Hadvar? What are you doing here? Are you on leave from..." OR "Hadvar, thank Talos! Your friend told me about Helgen..."
Alvor: "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? 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: "Come on inside. Sigrid will get you something to eat and you can tell us what happened."

The two will then get 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?" OR "Now, then, boy. Helgen was destroyed? How did you get away?"
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?" OR "When your friend told me, I didn't believe it at first either."
Sigrid: "Husband. Let him tell his story." OR "Mara's mercy! A dragon... in Helgen? Why, it could be here at any moment!"
Hadvar: "Not much more to tell. This 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 myself 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'm glad to help however I can."

Alvor will then turn to you and offer you some supplies, opening an inventory screen. After you're done, you can see that Alvor and Sigrid's daughter, Dorthe, has heard Hadvar's account and is quite curious about it:

Dorthe: "Hadvar, did you really see a dragon? What did it look like? Did it have big teeth?"
Sigrid: 'Hush, child. Don't pester your cousin."
Alvor: "Well, I'd better get back to work. You two make yourselves at home." OR "Well, I'd better get some sleep. Don't mind me, though. You two make yourselves at home."

At this point, Hadvar can also be found saying: "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." and tell you how to get there: "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." You can ask him how to get to Whiterun from there, and he'll explain: "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." Upon exiting conversation he'll also advise you to: "Be careful on the way to Solitude. Damn Stormcloaks could be anywhere."

After your escape, you may now inquire with Hadvar about the civil war and its causes. You can ask him about who the other prisoners were, to which he will answer: "You didn't know? That was Ulfric Stormcloak and his top lieutenants."

"I guess down in Cyrodiil people have other things to worry about."

You have two ways to reply to this:

"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."

You may ask him who the Stormcloaks are, and Hadvar will ask you back: "You haven't heard of the civil war in Skyrim? I guess down in Cyrodiil people have other things to worry about." before explaining: "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."

He will also tell you how they captured Ulfric, if asked: "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."

Hadvar will explain why the worship of Talos was 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."

Saying that you thought dragons were all dead long ago will have Hadvar agree: "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."

SR-achievement-Taking Sides.png

Joining the Legion[edit]

Hadvar believes you're able-bodied enough, given what you've shown him while escaping Helgen. He will express this, should you ask him if he really thinks you 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 can reply to him in two ways:

"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."

After his answer, you have two further dialogue options:

"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."

He will also tell you how to join the Legion: "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."

The Jagged Crown[edit]

"Is this the one we're looking for?"

During this quest, Hadvar will be found in Korvanjund, assisting Legate Rikke in retrieving the Jagged Crown. If you have talked to him and gone with him to his uncle, Hadvar will greet you with: "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." If not, he will instead recall: "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." You may ask him what he is talking about, to which he will reply: "These old ruins... They don't want us here, the ancient ones. Better left alone." If you say that you know what he means about these old ruins, he will reply, "You, too, huh? I'd much rather a straight up fight than creeping around a place like this." Either way he will digress, "But never mind all that. We're the Emperor's soldiers. We'll do our duty no matter what stands in our way, right?" When inside Korvanjund he might react to seeing the draugr inhabiting the place by saying: "Just what I was afraid of!"

Farther into the Nordic ruin, Legate Rikke will instruct your group to find the Jagged Crown. Hadvar may tell you: "Must be here somewhere. Keep looking." while he finds a draugr wearing the Jagged Crown and announce this discovery: "Hey, I found a crown over here on this corpse. Is this the one we're looking for?" Two draugr will emerge out of the coffins beside the crowned draugr, and Rikke will exclaim: "Hadvar... get away from there!", while Hadvar himself hollers in surprise: "By the nine [sic]!"

After you retrieve the Jagged Crown from the draugr's corpse, you may hear Hadvar congratulate you, "Good work! Lucky we had you with us today."

Battle for Whiterun[edit]

Hadvar preparing to loose an arrow at the Stormcloaks

Hadvar will be helping defend Whiterun during this quest, battle ready as always. He will stand by the gates, sword arm ready, as Legate Rikke gives her speech. Before the siege occurs, initiating dialogue with him will yield one of these lines:

  • "I wonder how many of us think we'll be the lucky ones and survive this?"
  • "So, do you get that weird taste in your mouth before battle, too? What is that?"
  • "Pleasant weather for a war, no?"
  • "Gah! Let's get on with it already!"

After the siege, Whiterun's Jarl Balgruuf will make an appearance just outside the city gates, delivering a speech to congratulate the soldiers' victory. Hadvar will be there listening to the speech. Should you talk to Hadvar, he will say any of the following lines:

  • "You made it? I was sure I'd find you face down in the dirt."
  • "I'm pretty sure I killed more than you. I was counting."
  • "That was fun."
  • "That went pretty well, all things considered."
  • "Do colors seem brighter to you? Everything seems bigger, too. Strange..."
  • "Are your ears still ringing? I hope that goes away."

Compelling Tribute[edit]

Hadvar leading the scouts

When you blackmail Riften's steward, Anuriel, she will reveal to you information about a valuable Stormcloak wagon going to Eastmarch. Bring this information to Legate Rikke and she will send you to a scouting group, led by Hadvar, who happened to be tracking a wagon for about a day.

Hadvar will be pleased to greet you, saying: "Well, well. Look who it is! How have you been?" You can reply by saying that you're all right, along with asking how he is, and he'll reply: "Good to hear. I need this to go well. This is my first real command since they promoted me after Whiterun." If you instead tell him you've been better, Hadvar will comment: "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." Either option will have him end with: "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..."

You'll be presented with two dialogue options:

"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."
"If you hadn't killed them, they would have killed you."
"That's what I keep telling myself. But, never mind all that. We've got a job to do. Don't we?"

Another alternative is to state that there's an enemy wagon loaded with coin and weapons and that Hadvar's group needs to capture it, skipping the above dialogue altogether. Hadvar will tell you about a coincidence, saying: "Really? It just so happens we've been tracking a wagon! For about a day now." and "So that's what's in there? Coins and weapons? How do you know that?" You can either say you blackmailed the steward for the information, and he will be impressed, remarking: "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!" or you can try to dismiss the question by saying that it doesn't matter. Hadvar will joke about it, albeit to cover hurt feelings: "Oh, fine. Keep your secrets. I see how it is." He'll also explain the situation differently: "That wagon recently had a little accident. They're stranded now, just up the road." Either way, Hadvar will end with: "We're outnumbered, but I have a plan. You got here just in time."

You can now ask him what the plan is, and he'll elaborate with: "First, we're going to take out their sentry, then we'll situate ourselves overlooking the camp." and "Next, you'll infiltrate their position and get their attention while we hit them with a barrage of arrows.", then he'll express his hopes: "With a bit of luck, we'll catch them completely off guard and even the odds a little."

You may respond in three ways:

"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." 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."

After the job is done, Hadvar will triumphantly say: "We make quite a team, eh? I'll stay here and guard the shipment. You get back to camp with news." and jest about the state of the wagon: "Have them send some men - with a new wagon. This one isn't going anywhere."

Rescue from Fort Kastav[edit]

"Can you believe this place? So cold my breath turns to icicles!"

During this quest, Hadvar will be found in Fort Kastav, again commanding a few troops. He'll greet you with: "Hey there! Can you believe this place? So cold my breath turns to icicles! What are we even doing up here?" while he tries to guess General Tullius' motive for this mission: "Guess Tullius wants to make sure everything's locked down before launching a serious campaign for Eastmarch." He'll also explain the thin number of soldiers under his command: "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."

You can ask him what the plan is, and Hadvar will explain: "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." and instruct you: "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."

Two dialogue options will appear:

"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. Talos preserve you."

As you take your leave to do your job, Hadvar can be found saying, "Break our men out and head to the courtyard. We'll meet you there."

At the end of the mission, Hadvar will order you to report back, albeit in different ways, depending on the conditions:

If none of the rescued prisoners are alive, he will say, "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." Otherwise, he'll congratulate you, "Great work! Get back and report our success. I'll stay here and clean up the mess." Either way, he will end with, "Glad you were here. Couldn't have done it without you!"

If only you and Hadvar survive, he will say: "I can't believe we're the only ones who survived.", "Glad you were here.", and "I guess... I'll hold down the fort by my lonesome. Hurry back and tell them to send a garrison. Quickly!"

Aftermath[edit]

Hadvar enjoying a drink after the war

After the Imperial Legion wins the war, Hadvar will be found at the Sleeping Giant Inn. He will only greet you with generic Imperial soldier dialogue, along with his own lines (see the section below), and cannot be interacted with further.

Civil War Greetings[edit]

Aside from the generic Imperial soldier lines, Hadvar will greet you with lines unique to him:

"Hello friend." "I can't remember the last time I visited home. Think I've forgotten what a proper bed looks like, let alone feels like."
"Glad you're here." "'Dragonborn' huh? Was it your ma or your pa that was the dragon?"
"You're still alive?" "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."
"Huh. I had heard you died." "Ever wonder if maybe we should a call a truce with the Stormcloaks, join forces for just a little while, and take care of some of these dragons?"
"I have to admit. This is more fun that I thought it'd be." "I don't think Rikke even knows my name. Probably because I'm not 'The Dragonborn.'"
"Who do you think killed more rebels? You? Or me?"

Notes[edit]

  • He is voiced by Jonas Fisch.
  • In game data, after exiting Helgen, there are two dialogue options to reply to Hadvar saying: "It's probably best if we split up. Good luck. I wouldn't have made it without your help today." These options are not normally available in game though.
    • The first of the options is for you to say: "Sounds good. Let's go.", to which Hadvar will reply: "Stick close. Damn rebels could be anywhere. Don't worry, though. General Tullius will have them on the run soon enough."
    • The second is to say: "I think I'll make my own way from here." and Hadvar will tell you: "If I make it back to Solitude, I'll put in a good word for you with General Tullius. The Legion could sure use someone like you. Good luck."
  • Hadvar had lines recorded for either of his civil war missions: "Focus on the mission.", "What? Now's not the time to chat.", and "This should be fun.", but his Imperial soldier greetings will always take precedence, so these lines cannot be normally heard in-game.
  • If you followed Ralof out of Helgen, but you joined the Imperials, Hadvar will not be present during the Civil War guests. Instead, he is disabled from the game.
    • On PC You can reactivate Hadvar using these console commands: player.moveto 0002BFA2, prid 0002BFA2,enable. You will not only find yourself in the interior of Helgen Keep near the door that leads outside, Hadvar will reappear. However, this doesn't mean he will participate in the Civil War quests if those haven't been completed. Additionally, if you bring Hadvar to the Sleeping Giant Inn using the console and Ralof is present, they will not be hostile to each other and will engage in friendly conversation with generic dialogue.
  • Although he initially wears light armor, he is actually more proficient in the Heavy Armor skill.

Bugs[edit]

  • Hadvar can get stuck following you after Battle for Windhelm, The Battle for Whiterun, or another late Imperial quest. (He appears whenever you enter Whiterun but seems not to follow you outside of the city and Dragonsreach.) When you talk to him he says various things, such as "Glad you're here."
  • When he is following in Whiterun, and you enter and leave a house, he may attack you. The reason is unknown.
    • On PC You can also use the console to disable Hadvar.
  • After escaping Helgen and following Hadvar to Riverwood, Hadvar may become stuck at the Riverwood gate or stuck pathfinding inside the Riverwood Trader. ?
    • On PC If you enter Alvor and Sigrid's House, use the player.placeatme console command and teleport Hadvar to you. This seems to resume his AI.
Retrieved from "https://en.uesp.net/w/index.php?title=Skyrim:Hadvar&oldid=3142691"