Skyrim:Erikur

Erikur, a Nord warrior, is a thane of Solitude. He oversees the local businesses and imports low quality elven weapons from Black Marsh to sell to the Imperial army for a high price. However, his loyalty is flexible and can even be bought by the Stormcloaks. As an influential and wealthy citizen of Skyrim, he is one of the party guests at the Thalmor Embassy during Diplomatic Immunity, where he may serve as a distraction. He is also the older brother of Gisli, who despises him for his pompous and questionable tendencies.

He sleeps from midnight to 8am, then heads to the Blue Palace to attend court straight away. At 1pm, he enjoys a two-hour lunch at the palace. He then resumes his duties until 8pm, when he spends the night relaxing at his house before going to bed at midnight. However, during Diplomatic Immunity, he will be found at the Thalmor Embassy until the quest ends.

Erikur wears a set of fine clothes along with a pair of fine boots. He wields a steel dagger and carries the key to his house, a belted tunic, and a selection of upper-class items and gold. 

 
Related Quests


Dialogue
He will often talk about politics and business: 
:"The Imperials are good for business, and business is good for Skyrim."
:''"I understand what's best for Solitude... and Jarl Elisif knows it."
:"Half of the businesses in town owe me money, and I own most of the rest. I practically run Solitude already."
:"Bryling's obsession with honor and tradition is quaint, but politically irrelevant."

Should you speak to him directly you can ask him some questions:
:What's your place in the court?
::"I'm a Thane. In the future, you may want to gain that information before talking with someone. Risk of looking like an idiot, and all that."
:Do all the Thanes support Elisif?
::"Oh, most certainly. At least, when Elisif herself asks. If you're inquiring whether we have concerns about her age and inexperience, well, let me put it this way... The Thanes have every confidence in General Tullius's leadership." 

However, if the Stormcloaks capture Solitude, his answer will instead be:
:"I don't suppose it matters much anymore. As long as Ulfric wishes Elisif to remain Jarl, remain Jarl she will. And the Thanes will continue to follow her orders. As long as those orders came from Ulfric."''

Quest-Related Events
Diplomatic Immunity
Erikur will appear as a guest to Elenwen's party at the Thalmor Embassy. If approached, he'll remark on either the war or the festivities. You can tell him that he sounds like quite the businessman, striking up a conversation with the merchant. If you ask him who he is, he'll tell you just how important his contributions are. He'll continue sanctimoniously, and end in a more jovial tone; commenting that his work brings in loads of gold.
:"Elenwen always throws quite a party. I never miss one if I can help it."

:"For the man who knows how to make money, war can be a most profitable venture."

:''"The Great War is long past. It's time the Empire and the Aldmeri Dominion put aside their differences. Prosperity is good for everyone."
:You sound like quite the businessman.
:"Not every Nord is obsessed with strength, honor and skill at arms. A rare few are born with a gift for making money. My investments are my strength and my wealth is my weapon. As for honor, well, there are some luxuries even I can't afford." 
:What brings you to this party?
:"You must be new to Skyrim, or you'd already know who I am. I have a stake in most anything of importance in Solitude. I feel that it's time to put aside the grievances of the past, and let peace and prosperity flourish between the Empire and the Aldmeri Dominion. I try to do my little part. Besides, just between you and me, it's making me pots of money, hahaha." 

During the party, he may be seen with a Bosmer maid named Brelas.
:Erikur: "There's a likely-looking filly. Even if she is an elf. You there! Serving girl! What's your name, dear?"
:Brelas: "Uh, Brelas, sir. Did you need a drink? Something to eat?"
:Erikur: "No, no, that's not what I'm interested in right now. I just wanted to get a better look at you. I like what I see, my dear. And believe me, I don't say that to everyone. I'm very discriminating when it comes to the female form."
:Brelas: "Um, thank you. Sir. Was there anything else I can do for you?"'
:Erikur: ''"Oh... not at the moment. Maybe later. Don't go far."
:Brelas: "Yes, sir."

When he is approached, he may ask you:
:"Did you see that serving girl? I hear elf women are insatiable..."
:I saw you eyeing that serving girl.
:"Mmm, yes... Brelas, is that the one? I hope you're not thinking of cutting me out, are you? Haha. I'm warning you, when I get my heart set on something I'm not easily put off."
:Don't worry. She's all yours.
::"Ha. We'll see. I do have my eye on her, but she seemed a bit cold when I spoke to her earlier. Maybe just playing hard to get, eh?"
:Maybe I can talk to her for you. See if she's interested.
::"Really? Yes, maybe that would be just the thing. She seemed to be playing hard to get when I spoke to her earlier. Go on. See what she says. Now you've gone and gotten my hopes up again."''

If you've agreed to talk to Brelas, you will see just how interested she is in him: ''"Ugh. Erikur, right? He was talking to me earlier. I could tell what he was after. I hate working these parties. Some of the guests are nice, but there's always a few like Erikur." She will end by pleading you, "Please tell him to leave me alone. Politely. I'm sure you'll have better luck getting through to him than I would."''

You can use this to cause a distraction at the party.

Return to Erikur, who will ask you if you've spoken to her. You have three possible replies to choose from.
:''"Have you talked to Brelas yet? I'm not a patient man, you know."
:Not yet. These things can't be rushed.
::"Ha. Don't toy with me. I may just have to seize my opportunity with both hands, ha ha ha. But we'll play it your way for now."
:Yes. She said she can sneak you up to her quarters right now.
::"Haha. I knew it! No woman yet born has been able to resist my charms for long. Thank you, my friend. I owe you one."
:Yes. She wants you to leave her alone.
::"What? That little tease! Leading me on and turning cold at the last minute. I don't think so."

Erikur will walk up to Brelas and proposition her again. Their conversation will depend on what you told him earlier:



Either way, it will end disastrously, creating a distraction at the party:
:Brelas: "No, I'm sorry, but I can't go anywhere with you. I won't. Please, I must get back to my duties."
:Erikur: "Don't you dare walk away from me, you slut! Do you know who I am?"
:Brelas: "Please, sir, leave me alone!"
:Erikur: "Now you're going to be sorry you crossed me. Elenwen! This servant girl has been throwing herself at me in a most disgusting manner."
:Elenwen: "Is that so, Erikur? And you with such delicate sensibilities. It must have been most upsetting."
:Erikur: "I demand that you have this wench removed from my presence at once!"
:Elenwen: "Well. Whatever the truth of it, I'm sure a few words with Master Rulindil will have a salutary effect. Take her downstairs."
:Brelas: "No!"
:Guard: "Yes, Madame Ambassador."
:Brelas: "Mistress Elenwen, it's not true! I did nothing! Sir, you must tell her! You don't know what they'll do to me! Please!"
:Erikur: "Well, I'm glad that little unpleasantness is over."''

Whether you lie to him or tell him the truth, you will increase Erikur's disposition towards you, even if you rescue Brelas later in the quest.

The Dainty Sload
If you have completed enough Thieves Guild jobs in Solitude, asking Delvin Mallory about a special job will have him tell you, ''"I need you to make your way to Solitude and talk to Erikur. He's lookin' to run some kind of a shill job. Now, he's not exactly goin' to welcome you with open arms, but keep your cool. Do this job right and we've just made an important friend out there."''

Now approach Erikur and tell him about how Delvin Mallory said he has work for you. If you claim Delvin sent you because you're the best, he'll air a hint of doubt, but if you get straight to the point, he'll be more enthusiastic. Regardless of how you answer him, Erikur will elaborate on his predicament.
:Delvin Mallory said you have work for me.
:''"It's about time you got here. I'm not accustomed to dealing with people who are unreliable. That's why I asked Delvin to send me his best."
:That's why he sent me.
::"Hmph. That remains to be seen."
:Let's just get to work.
::"That's more like it."
:"Nothing raises my ire more than having an agreement broken. It's bad for business and it wastes time. Captain Volf of the Dainty Sload has decided to test my patience on this matter by neglecting to honor a trade agreement we had established."
:I assume this is where I enter the picture.
:"I need you to help me show him the error of his ways by sneaking on board the Sload and planting some contraband."
:What sort of contraband?
:"You'll need to get your hands on some Balmora Blue from Sabine Nyette down by the docks. She's the first mate on another ship, the Red Wave. Once you get your hands on it, I want you to plant it in Captain Volf's footlocker. I'll take care of the rest."
:Consider it done.
:"Captain Volf is ashore right now and I want the authorities waiting for him when he gets back. Now get going... I don't want to see your face until the job's done."

Before you get to work, you may inquire about the Red Wave and Balmora Blue.
:You have any information on the Red Wave?
::"There's pirates and then there's the crew of the Red Wave. They're in a class by themselves. They usually make runs along the coast shipping all sorts of contraband to and from Morrowind. Rumor has it they can get you anything for the right price."
:What exactly is Balmora Blue?
::"Not sure. I know that it starts with Moon Sugar, but all sorts of other ingredients are added to increase its potency. Used to be a lucrative underworld commodity when Balmora was still standing. Now the stuff is beyond valuable. It's also very illegal. Anyone caught with Balmora Blue looks forward to rotting in jail for a very long time."''

Once you've completed the dirty work for Erikur, give him the good news. He will reward you with a random spell tome.
:'''I've planted the contraband on the Dainty Sload.
:"Yes, I know. In fact, by now, Captain Volf should be on his way to the prisons. Our contract is complete. Here's a token of my gratitude for your efforts. Oh, convey my compliments to Delvin for me. Tell him I'll be happy to reopen whatever doors he needs in Solitude."

Return to Delvin, who will be pleased as well: "Erikur assures me that Captain Volf will spend pretty much the rest of his life clapped in irons. Best of all, he's also pledged to open doors for us in Solitude and to get things rollin' again."''

Conversations

As long as Viarmo is not at the Blue Palace to perform Olaf's Verse, you may hear Erikur speak with other court attendants:

Erikur: ''"I've heard the Empire plans to levy a tax on our trading ships. Falk, you've got to do something about this." 
Falk: "General Tullius needs more money for the war effort. We need the funds to arm and provision more troops." 
Erikur: "Then let's increase the taxes on the farms and merchants. We can't afford to lose the loyalty of the ship captains." 
Falk: "We know full well about your investment in shipping ventures, Erikur. I've also heard troubling rumors about dealings between you and the crew of that pirate ship, the Red Wave. Thankfully, Jarl Elisif cares far less about your lost profits than she does about winning the war!" 
Erikur: "The Jarl would be wise to remember that it is her thanes - and my profits - that are paying for this war."

Elisif: "Steward Falk, I have a task for you. I want to begin stockpiling food and water in the event we come under siege, and I would like you to oversee this work personally." 
Falk: "A wise course of action, my Jarl. However, we have little food or water to spare." 
Erikur: "General Tullius will never allow that. He's ordered all surplus food to be given over for the war effort." 
Falk: "General Tullius does not run this city, Thane Erikur. Or have you forgotten your oaths of fealty?" 
Erikur: "My apologies, Jarl Elisif. I was thinking only of the importance of the war effort." 
Elisif: "There's no need for an apology, and you're right about the war. Perhaps this is a matter best discussed with the general in person." 
Falk: "I will make the arrangements, my Jarl."

Elisif: "As you know, Solitude's coffers are much depleted by the war efforts. Thane Erikur, you have a strong head for business. What do you suggest?" 
Erikur: "This is an unfortunate but unavoidable ebb in revenue. But as long as we continue to support the Empire, our sacrifices will be well rewarded." 
Bryling: "Listen to you, speaking of sacrifice. You've never gone hungry a day in your life, Erikur!" 
Elisif: "And what would my impetuous Thane Bryling suggest, instead?" 
Bryling: "Simple. Let the Empire fight its own war, with its own funds, and without hijacking our supplies and soldiers. Let Haafingar rebuild." 
Erikur: "My lady... Surely you're not that naive. Such foolishness would only leave us defenseless. The rebels would storm the palace in an afternoon." 
Bryling: "The Stormcloaks only rebel because the Empire uses Skyrim as its personal larder. The more they take, the more support the rebels gain!" 
Elisif: "That is quite enough. Perhaps I will raise these issues when I have an audience with General Tullius."

Elisif: "Thane Bryling, what do you have to report about the state of Haafingar's defenses?" 
Bryling: "The news is the same as it's been for the rest of the war, your grace. Our borders are secure, but at the cost of the guards for our towns and roads." 
Erikur: "I don't see any reason why we'd need them. As long as those dogs stay outside of our borders, we're fine." 
Bryling: "The Stormcloaks are far from the only threat to the hold. The roads are beset by bandits and beasts... and now there's even talk of bloody dragons." 
Erikur: "My dear Bryling. Barring any... fancy and folly... the good people of Haafingar are surely capable of dealing with the odd highwayman or stray dog." 
Bryling: "Trouble on the roads and cities means less commerce. Less commerce means less money and more starving people. And that means more crime." 
Erikur: "Humph. That's only a problem for people who can't afford to hire their own security." 
Elisif: "That may well be our only answer. I will empower my Steward to seek out capable individuals to secure Haafingar. Thank you, my Thanes."

He will discuss business with Melaran:

Erikur: "Melaran, you lazy milk drinker, have you finished studying the imports from Black Marsh?" 
Melaran: "Indeed I have, sir. Elven weapons for their armies, sir. Elven material, but poor workmanship, like most of what we get from them." 
Erikur: "Scary, thinking of those boots with an army of Elven weapons at their command. Let's be thankful they're half a world away, eh?" 
Melaran: "Even a fine weapon is only as good as its wielder, sir. But they should fetch a high price from the Imperial army." 
Erikur: "Right you are, elf! Or even from the rebels, if they've got enough money to make a competitive offer." 
Melaran: "As always, lord, your loyalty is a shining example to us all."

At other times, he will talk with Gisli:

Erikur: "Sister, how is my fortune coming along?" 
Gisli: "Profits continue to rise. The warehouse continues to bring in good revenues, and rent on your stores in the Well is acceptable." 
Erikur: "I'm afraid 'acceptable' just isn't acceptable anymore. I'm sure they can spare a few more coins in monthly rent." 
Gisli: "Yes, brother. I'm sure they'll agree it's a fair price to pay in order to avoid interacting with you on a daily basis." 
Erikur: "Fair or not, they'll pay it, and that's all I need to care about. Bear that in mind, sister."

Erikur: "That clumsy maid at the palace spilled wine on my best suit. Sister, I believe it's time for a replacement." 
Gisli: "I can commission one from the Radiant Raiment. It won't be cheap, but if you want the best, they're the only choice." 
Erikur: "I swear, those scheming elves charge us twice what anyone else would pay." 
Gisli: "Of course they do, brother. You keep raising their rent."''

Notes
During the dialogue for the quest The Dainty Sload, his voice changes.
He is under the protection of the Thieves Guild. His house is marked several times with the "protected" shadowmark. Despite this, he may still be the target of a Thieves Guild special jobs quest, even if the reputation quest The Dainty Sload has been completed.
An unfinished quest, Boethiah's Bidding, featured Elisif the Fair as the target of an assassination. Unused dialogue indicates that Erikur would have taken her place as Jarl of Solitude:
He could have been asked, "Are you doing well, serving as Jarl?" and he would have slyly replied, ''"Ahhh. Quite fine my friend. Quite fine. So sad what happened to young Elisif. Tragic really. Such a young and pretty girl. Was in over her head, I'm afraid. But we should be done with murders in the Blue Palace. I've stepped up security around here." The dialogue notes strongly imply that he was involved with her murder.
You could have told him, "I'm having some difficulties with the guards. Can you take care of that?", and he would have answered, "Hmm... Yes, I've heard about all that fuss. I myself know it's all a terrible, terrible misunderstanding. I'm quite sure you're innocent in all this. This one time only, I'll grant you special immunity for any past transgressions, real or perceived. But going forward, I'm sure you realize that your fate is in your own hands. And the law can not be bent for personal friendships."''
Ulfric Stormcloak would have answered the Stormcloaks' calling up on Erikur: "Yes, what about Jarl Erikur? Will he cast aside the Imperial coin falling into his coffers? Will he acknowledge that we Nords deserve to determine our own future? Will he swear fealty to me, that all may know we are at peace, and a new day has dawned?"
If Elisif is dead, Bryling would have said to Falk, ''"I'm serious. If Erikur knew about us, he'd force you to resign from your position. And without you helping the Jarl, Solitude would be weaker."
A scene about the Jagged Crown would have had General Tullius say, "We're backing Erikur. When the Moot meets, they'll do the sensible thing." and "And we gave it to Erikur?"'' if Elisif is dead.
Imperial Solitude guards will worry about Erikur's safety as jarl: ''"First Torygg and now Elisif. Damn those Stormcloaks. Let's hope that Erikur fares better than they did." and "We'll protect Erikur as best we're able, but I fear the throne of Solitude is cursed."''
Erikur has the same face as Nord Bandit Outlaws. His face also seems to be the default for male Nords in the Creation Kit.

Bugs
 
If this bug occurs, Erikur can be found underneath Solitude at the location of the map marker.
Erikur can be moved from the middle of the ocean during The Dainty Sload if you use the following console commands:   and   .