Skyrim:Skald

thumb|right|Skald arguing with Skyrim:Brina Merilis|Brina Merilis thumb|right|Skald in exile in the Skyrim:Palace of the Kings|Palace of the Kings
Skald is an elderly Nord and the initial Jarl of Dawnstar in the Pale. A militant supporter of the Stormcloak rebellion and fiercely loyal to its leader, Ulfric Stormcloak, he will be overthrown if the Imperial Legion prevails, and replaced by Brina Merilis. 

He has been Jarl for 35 years and is generally regarded as too arrogant and overzealous to the Stormcloak cause for the position. The majority of the townsfolk find his political fanaticism foolish and his personality unpleasant, including members of his court. Many would much prefer Empire supporter Brina Merilis as jarl. 

His attire reflects his status and personality and includes a full set of noble clothes with fur-lined boots and a silver and moonstone circlet. He carries a steel sword and a selection of upper-class items and gold. 

Due to his political beliefs, Skald has surrounded himself with veterans from the Great War, including court wizard Madena and housecarl Jod, although both of them disagree with his stance. As a result, Skald spends the entire day&mdash;from when he wakes up at 8am until his bedtime at midnight&mdash;sitting on his throne and arguing with his staff about political matters, at times belittling his life-long servant Bulfrek. In the event that the Imperial Legion regains the Pale in the civil war, Jarl Skald will move to the Palace of the Kings and live in exile. The only exception to his daily routine in Dawnstar occurs when you visit the city for the first time; he will then be engaged in a heated debate with his rival Brina Merilis just outside the entrance to the White Hall: 

Brina: ''"  sake, Skald. Who do you think we're threatening with our old war wounds? We're not soldiers, anymore." 
Skald: "Your man Horik is wearing his old Legion armor. What should I make of that?" 
Brina: "He's proud of his service, Skald. The Legion taught us loyalty. And we're loyal to Dawnstar." 
Skald: "This isn't over. I catch you sending one letter to General Tullius, I'll have you both executed."

When you get near him, he will immediately get going on his life-long commitment to the Pale and his political stance: "I've been in charge of Dawnstar for over 35 years", "No Empire is going to take the Jarlship away from this Son of Skyrim", "The Pale will throw those Imperial backbiters up against the wall when they come for us", and "Skyrim will not bow to a false king any longer. Ulfric is the true king." When asked how Dawnstar stands in the civil war, he will be quite confident: "The Stormcloaks are destined to win this fight. Talos is with us, and when you fight under a Divine's blessing, victory is assured. Dawnstar has a history of being the site of battles that have crippled the fate of the Empire. I hope this remains true." As for the unexpected dragon threat, he will be equally confident: "The only reason dragons are attacking is because Talos is angry with us for turning our backs on him. As soon as we drive the Empire out of Skyrim, the dragons will vanish. Mark my words."'' His political viewpoints and obsession with the war will be apparent in everything he says, even when you deliver an innocent note on behalf of the workers at  Anga's Mill: ''"What's this? Oh, that's right, the timbers from Anga's Mill. I swear, that Aeri and her men would make fine Stormcloak recruits. Pity we can't spare the lumber to conscript them. Here. Take this. For your time and all that."

When you arrive in Dawnstar for the first time, the entire population will be plagued by nightmares, including Skald. If you have yet to start the quest Waking Nightmare, an annoyed Skald will greet you with "Unless you're here to solve this nightmare problem, I don't need you." He will then proceed to explain the situation: "That's right. Dawnstar. My Dawnstar is plagued with nightmares. I haven't slept properly in days. That priest of Mara who came here before you says the Divines will cure us. Well, until they do, I don't have any business to discuss with outsiders." Once the quest has been completed, the curse upon Skald and his people will be lifted and he will thank you: "The nightmares in Dawnstar have lifted, and I hear you helped that happen. You have my thanks." He now has confidence enough to hand you a few smaller tasks; apparently, Skald hates giants and will ask you to set an example, starting the quest Kill the Giant: "Giants are a common problem in the Pale. The Empire always demanded I leave them be, but the Empire isn't here now. Go and slay one of the beasts. It should let them know that Dawnstar is not to be trifled with." If you deny to help, he will calmly say "You don't have time? Fine." If you accept, he will send you on your way with "I'm counting on you" and a piece of advice: "Good luck with the giant. Don't get stepped on." When you return with good news, he will be happy: "You've shown those monsters that they will no longer be tolerated in the Pale. Good work. Here, a reward from your Jarl."'' After this favor, he will be ready to make you Thane of the Pale, provided you have helped his people three times. This ends Skald's small string of quests. 

In Dawnstar, several citizens will tell you about the current Jarl. Mine owner Leigelf has the following to say about Dawnstar's jarl: ''"That would be Skald the Elder. He's been running Dawnstar ever since he was a boy, and he never lost that brat's attitude. Turned on the Empire first chance he got. Now we're all part of this rebellion." Beitild will also share her opinion: "That would be Jarl Skald the Elder. He's over in the White Hall, probably talking about Ulfric like he's the second coming of Talos." The aging Frida can remember Skald from way back, but still thinks him as a fool and prefers Brina Merilis: "Pfft. I'm the oldest woman in Dawnstar. Was here when the Skald the Elder was Skald the Younger. He's a fool, if you haven't met him already. Thinks Ulfric Stormcloak is invincible and spits dragon fire. The people here look to Brina Merilis when they need things settled. Real firebrand going up. Wasn't surprised when she joined the Legion." Lastly, Brina Merilis herself will comment briefly on the argument you visited in front of the White Hall: "The Jarl and I have our disagreements. Sorry if you had to overhear one of them" and "Skald supports Ulfric's rebellion, and he doesn't like having a couple of old Legionnaires living in his town. He's a fool. A dragon has attacked Helgen. Dawnstar needs the Empire now more than ever."
 
Related Quests
 
Radiant Quests
 
 
 
 

The White Hall
Madena, the court wizard, works reluctantly under Skald out of loyalty for the people of Dawnstar; she was heavily scarred by the brutality she experienced during the Great War and will comment "I had hoped life would be simpler here, but war seems to find a way of following me" and "I'll work my spells and potions for whoever is willing to leave Dawnstar in peace." Lastly, she will say "The Jarl can make all the demands in the world, I'm not setting one foot on the battlefield." However, she has to struggle with Skald each and every day: 

thumb|right|"I didn't sign up to kill."
Madena: "Skald, I've been meaning to ask you for a leave of absence. I wish to return to High Rock until this war is over." 
Skald: "You wish to leave now? In Skyrim's moment of triumph, just before we cast off the yoke of Imperial rule?" 
Madena: "Yes, that's exactly what I'm asking. I'm not a Nord, I'm a Breton, and I have no wish to fight this war." 
Skald: "I don't think so, Madena. There will be no deserters in this hold, and that's final." 

Skald: "Madena, can we count on your spells to assist us in this war? The Empire is bound to bring their battlemages against us." 
Madena: "I told you before, Skald, I have no interest in taking sides in this war. I've no desire to be killed." 
Skald: "What good is a court mage if she refuses to fight? Where's your sense of duty?" 
Madena: "When I came here, my only duties were to cure crop diseases and occasionally light a bonfire on holidays. I didn't sign up to kill." 
Skald: "Fine, but this isn't over Madena. We'll talk again."''

Bulfrek, Skald's life-long servant, is sick and tired of the patronizing old Jarl. He will reveal that Skald managed to turn him into a shell of a man: "Just a servant of Skald the Elder. Not worthy of time or consideration" and ''"There's no honor in being a Jarl's servant. No Sovngarde waits for dust cleaners."'' He will also reveal Skald's last name with ''"My family has served Skald Felgeif's family for generations" and proceed to ironize about Skald: "Oh, it's just wonderful being Skald's servant. He's not demanding in the least":

thumb|right|"By the Divines, I'm tired."
Bulfrek: "Skald, if you don't mind sir, I have a request." 
Skald: "You, have a request of me, Bulfrek? This should be interesting." 
Bulfrek: "Well, I was thinking sir, with the war going on and all. Maybe, I could enlist? Fight the Imperials?" 
Skald: "A servant? Enlisting in the Stormcloaks? Ah, Bulfrek, that's why I like having you about. You're always good for a laugh." 
Bulfrek: "Uh, yes sir. That's me. The oafish servant."

Skald: "Bulfrek, I have an order of swords and armor from the local blacksmith coming here. I need every piece polished to a fine shine." 
Bulfrek: "Yes, my Jarl. We could hardly waste anyone else's precious time on such a tedious task." 
Skald: "Exactly, Bulfrek. You always know your place."

Jod is the housecarl of Skald and fought in the Great War. These days, he remains loyal to his aging master, but would much rather see peace than anything else.  He will choose his words carefully when describing Skald: "The Jarl is... tired. Be mindful of that" and "Skald is very... vocal about his hatred of the Empire." He will then explain: "My only aim is to keep the peace." Additionally, he is head of the guard in Dawnstar and struggles quite a bit to keep the war-obsessed Skald from drafting all his guards:

thumb|right|"My only aim is to keep the peace."
Jod: "My Jarl, I have concerns about the safety of Dawnstar." 
Skald: "Safety? Don't I have you to handle the town's safety? What is this about, Jod?" 
Jod: "You keep pledging more and more of our guard to the frontlines. The way this is going, we won't be able to defend our own borders." 
Skald: "Nonsense. The best place for our men is driving the Imperials back. I will ensure that men from Dawnstar get every opportunity for glory." 
Jod: "Glory is meaningless if they have no home to return to. I urge you to lower our commitments to the front until I'm sure we're safe." 
Skald: "I won't have you rob our soldiers of their chance to drive out the Empire. I'm done discussing this, Jod."

Skald: "We are poised for glory, Jod. The Empire will never take Dawnstar while every last man, woman, and child here draws  !" 
Jod: "With respect, Jarl. You can't ask everyone to throw themselves against trained Legionnaires. Let's leave the fighting to the Stormcloaks." 
Skald: "You're right. Why dilute the glory with too many souls fighting over it? We'll drive out the Empire and be celebrated as heroes when we win." 
Jod: "If we win. This war is going to drag on for years. I can feel it. We need to prepare for a long struggle ahead." 
Skald: "Enough of your dire predictions! We will talk about this another time."''

Notes
Unlike most jarls in Skyrim, Skald doesn't have a steward in his court.
Skald doesn't use any title, despite mostly being referred to as Skald the Elder. Apparently, he also used the title the Younger in the past. In addition to these titles, he uses a more unconventional last name as well, this being Felgeif.