Skyrim:Guard Dialogue

This page documents the dialogue for guards in Skyrim.

Passing Dialogue
 thumb|right|''No lollygaggin'.''

Reactions to Witnessed Events


Reactions to Player's Condition


Reactions to Player's Race
These dialogue lines are based entirely on the race of the player with some variation based on guard faction and race. There appear to be no unique dialogue lines for Bretons.


Reactions to Player's Equipment
Guards will react to various player equipment including most armor, some weapons and Daedric artifacts. Not all have dialogue though, notable exceptions include Elven Armor, Fur Armor, Glass Armor, and all masks.


Reactions to Player's Skill Level

  You must also have appropriate gear equipped.

Stormcloak / Imperial

  Referred to as 'sir' even if female.

Town-Specific


Dialogue added by Quests


Dawnguard Dialogue


Dragonborn Dialogue


Crime Dialogue
Caught by a guard right after the crime: 
"By order of the Jarl, stop right there!" 
"You have committed crimes against Skyrim and her people. What say you in your defense?"''
I'm with the Guild. Is this enough to clear my bounty? (Only available once you have joined the Thieves Guild)
:''"I can make all your problems with the guards go away. But it'll cost you. What do you say?"
:* Yes, clear my bounty.
::"Done. Now move along, before you get me in trouble."
:* Too rich for my blood.
::"Suit yourself, but you better decide what you want to do about this arrest. No one walks away for free."
How about I pay you some gold and you look the other way?
:"Everything here appears to be in order. You can move along now."
:"All right, all right. Just keep your voice down and don't let me catch you again."
:"Since you put it that way, I think we can overlook your crime for now."''
I'm the Jarl's Thane. I demand you let me go at once. (Must be Thane in that hold)
:''"Oh, forgive me, Thane. I didn't realize it was you. We'll look the other way this time, but even the Jarl's influence has its limits. Be more careful."
Any chance I could talk you into overlooking this? (Persuade)
:"All right, but you just watch yourself. Next time, I might not be so lenient."''
You caught me. I'll pay off my bounty.
:''"Good enough. I'll just confiscate any stolen goods you're carrying, then you're free to go."
:"Smart man/woman. Now come along with us. We'll take any stolen goods, and you'll be free to go. After you pay the fine, of course."
I submit. Take me to jail.
:"It's off to Cidhna Mine for you." (Markarth)
:"A stretch in the Castle Dour Dungeon will straighten you right out." (Solitude)
:"You're going to rot in the Dragonsreach Dungeon." (Whiterun)
:"Ha, enjoy the Chill." (Winterhold)
:"I guess you're smarter than you look."'' (General reply)
I'd rather die than go to prison!
:Turn hostile.
:"Time to cleanse the Empire of its filth."
:''"Then suffer the Emperor's wrath."
:"Skyrim has no use for your kind."
:"Then let me speed your passage to Sovngarde!"
:"Then pay with your blood."
:"That can be arranged."
:"So be it."
Recognized by a guard with a low bounty: 
"Wait... I know you."''
You're making a mistake...
:''"There's no mistake. You're a wanted man/woman... and it's time to pay for your crimes."
:"The only mistake was you showing your face. You've committed crimes against Skyrim and her people, and it's time to face the Jarl's justice."''
:* I don't have time for this. Do you?
::''"You know what? You're not worth the hassle. Go... be some other guard's problem."
::"Well, your bounty is low... All right, get out of my sight. But you're known to me now, scum. Remember that."
Guard discovers a corpse: 
"Alright now. Everyone back away. Let the law handle this." 
"If anyone saw anything, step forward. Otherwise, step away from the body."
:"You there! Wait a moment."
:"You there. What do you know about this?"''
I'm not sure what happened.
:"Then perhaps you care to explain why you are standing so close to a dead body with your weapon drawn?" (Weapon must be out)
:"Hmm... If you happen to recollect anything about the incident, you be sure to report to the captain of the guard." (End conversation, weapon not drawn)
:* Force of habit, I guess. (Weapon drawn)
::"I see... and this "force of habit", does it also compel you to murder?"
::* Don't know what else to say... I had nothing to do with this.
:::"Hmmm... You can go, but stay on your best behavior now."
::* I'm not answering any questions. 
::"Is that so? Well, perhaps a night in jail might loosen your tongue. Hmmm?"
:::* I'm not sure what happened.
:::"Hmm... If you happen to recollect anything about the incident, you be sure to report to the captain of the guard." (End conversation)
:::* Doesn't scare me.
:::"Alright, you are now under arrest." (Usual arrest dialogue follows)
I'm not answering any questions.
"Is that so? Well, perhaps a night in jail might loosen your tongue. Hmmm?"
:* I'm not sure what happened.
:''"Hmm... If you happen to recollect anything about the incident, you be sure to report to the captain of the guard. (End conversation)
:* Doesn't scare me.
:"Alright, you are now under arrest." 
Caught dropping a weapon:  
"You shouldn't leave weapons   around. Someone could get hurt. And if I see you do it again, that someone will be you. Have I made myself clear?"''
I'm sorry.
:''"See that it doesn't happen again."''  
You have.... But I don't care.
:"No? Do you care about rotting away for a month in a cell? Ah, but nobody wants that, right? Painful for you, annoying for me. So, you pay my fine... and you walk away." 
:* Fine. Take it. (Pay 50 gold)
::''" See, that wasn't so difficult, was it."'' (End conversation)
:* I'm not paying you a bribe.
::''"Is that so? Well then, I'll have to charge you with disturbing the Jarl's peace." (Bounty of 10 gold added, conversation ends)

Added by Dragonborn
Caught by a guard right after the crime: 
"In House Redoran's name, I order you to stop!" 
"You have committed crimes against the Dunmer people of Solstheim. What say you in your defense?" 
"What in the name of Azura...?"'' (Transforming into a werewolf or Vampire Lord  form)
I'm with the Guild. How about you look the other way? (Only available after you joined the Thieves Guild)
:"Well, I suppose I could forget that I saw you this time."
Any chance I could talk you into overlooking this? (Persuade)
:''"Very well, you're free to go. Next time you might not be so lucky."''
You caught me. I'll pay off my bounty.
:''"Good enough. I'll just remove any stolen goods on you, and then you're free to go."
:"Wise choice. Now come along with us. After we confiscate any stolen goods, you'll be free to go. After you pay the fine, of course."
I submit. Take me to jail.
:"Right then! Off to the Bulwark with you."''
I'd rather die than go to prison!
:Turn hostile.
Recognized by a guard with a low bounty: 
"One moment... you look familiar." 
"Stop right there... where have I seen you before?"
You're making a mistake...
:''"The only mistake here belongs to you. You're a wanted man/woman and there's no way I'm letting you walk away." (Your bounty ≤ 100) 
:"There's no mistake. You've committed crimes against the Dunmer people of Solstheim, and in the name of House Redoran it's time to face justice."'' (Your bounty > 100)
:* I don't have time for this. Do you?
::''"I suppose I can overlook it for now, but you better keep your hands clean or I'll come after you again... You got that?"
::"You're lucky the bounty on you is so low, otherwise I'd be hauling you to the Bulwark myself. Get out of my sight."

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